Becoming Liu Yuanming's Disciple

Upon hearing this, Wang Mengde's mind raced.

He then spoke gently, "Senior Liu, my dao companion and I cultivate the Luan-Phoenix Harmony Formula, and naturally I have made Soul Oath to my dao companion."

I swear, as long as they don't betray me, I will never abandon them; otherwise, I will be utterly destroyed, body and soul.

Liu Yuanming's gaze remained fixed on Wang Mengde's face, never wavering for a moment.

Those long, narrow eyes, carrying the unique aura of Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator, were like two bright lamps, illuminating every subtle change in Wang Mengde's expression.

"Wang Mengde, your eyes were darting around just now; you're lying." Liu Yuanming's voice was soft. "You didn't swear an oath to your dao companion."

Wang Mengde's pupils suddenly contracted.

Liu Yuanming raised his right hand.

The movements were casual, like casually brushing dust off a table.

But this casually raised hand instantly stirred up the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi within a radius of a hundred feet.

The air in the reception room suddenly jolted.

Spiritual Qi surged in from all directions, like rivers flowing into the sea or birds returning to the forest, carrying an irresistible, overwhelming force that frantically condensed, compressed, and collapsed in front of Liu Yuanming.

It formed a giant palm of spiritual energy.

The slap, carrying the full pressure of Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator and the violent power of the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi, was like a giant god's hand descending from the sky, grabbing towards Wang Mengde.

Wang Mengde's pupils contracted sharply.

The feeling was like being crushed by a mountain, or being submerged by a sea.

In an instant, he lost all control of his body. His spiritual power was suppressed in his Dantian and he could not move. His limbs were as if they were bound by invisible chains, and he could not even lift a finger.

The enormous palm of spiritual energy, with its five fingers closed, held his entire body in its grasp.

The five fingers, formed from spiritual energy, were cold and hard, like five iron pillars, tightly binding his body.

His ribs creaked under the pressure, his lungs were squeezed dry, and his feet left the ground.

He was lifted up by that hand and suspended in mid-air, like a sparrow caught by an eagle.

Liu Yuanming waved his hand, and a Flying Sword drew a graceful arc in the air, stopping steadily beside Wang Mengde's neck.

The tip of the sword was pressed against Wang Mengde's Adam's apple.

Cold.

The chill from the sword tip penetrated his skin, passed through his muscles, and reached his throat, causing Wang Mengde's throat to involuntarily contract.

With just a thought from Liu Yuanming, this Flying Sword would pierce his throat and sever his head.

A strong sense of powerlessness welled up in Wang Mengde's heart; he had originally thought he was quite capable.

However, they were completely powerless to resist a cultivator in the Foundation Establishment Late Stage.

But he quickly calmed down. Liu Yuanming's goal was not to kill him, but to force him to swear that he would only be good to Liu Yiyi.

Liu Yuanming's voice rang out again. "Wang Mengde, you only have two choices."

"First, Soul Oath to sever all ties with your other dao companion, and I'll give you a low-level Cultivation Method."

"Secondly, I'll kill you."

Wang Mengde took a deep breath and said, "Senior Liu, you're forcing me to make an oath simply because you want to bring happiness to Liu Yiyi. I already made Soul Oath to Yiyi before, promising to treat her well."

Liu Yuanming did not deny it.

Wang Mengde continued, "But do you think that now that I've been forced to give up my dao companion, I will still treat Liu Yiyi with sincerity?"

Liu Yuanming frowned slightly.

Wang Mengde looked directly at Liu Yuanming: "You forced me to give them up, but I will always remember them in my heart, remember that it was you who forced me to give them up."

Every time I see Liu Yiyi, I think of today.

Can someone like me bring happiness to Liu Yiyi?

The reception room fell silent.

Liu Yuanming fell silent.

He looked at Wang Mengde, at this young man whom he held in his palm and could crush at any moment, and something inside him began to waver.

Liu Yuanming remained silent.

Wang Mengde continued, his voice still calm. "I truly love Liu Yiyi, but I also truly love my other dao companion."

Liu Yuanming remained silent.

His eyes narrowed slightly, and a sharp glint flashed in those small eyes, staring directly at Wang Mengde's face.

Wang Mengde met his gaze for a moment, then looked away.

He looked down at his body, which was bound by a giant palm of spiritual energy, at the Flying Sword pressed against his neck, and at his feet, which were suspended in mid-air with nowhere to put their weight on.

Then he raised his right hand.

Three fingers raised to the sky.

His voice was forced out of his throat, muffled by the tight constriction making it difficult to breathe, but every word was clear. "I, Wang Mengde, hereby swear."

Liu Yuanming's eyelids twitched slightly.

"In the future, as long as Liu Yiyi does not betray me, I will treat her as before. If I break this vow, may my soul and body perish."

Liu Yuanming looked at Wang Mengde, his eyes slightly narrowed.

The sharp glint in those eyes dimmed, replaced by something more dangerous—a calm, heavy, and oppressive feeling, like the calm before a storm.

"You didn't swear according to my requirements, and the oath came with conditions."

Liu Yuanming's voice was very soft, as soft as a feather falling on silk, but its weight was like a mountain pressing down on Wang Mengde's chest. "You're so sure I won't kill you, aren't you?"

The moment the last word was uttered, Liu Yuanming's aura changed.

It wasn't the overwhelming pressure of before, but a deeper, colder, and more terrifying change.

His eyes were still the same eyes, his face was still the same face, and even his posture hadn't changed.

But the temperature in the entire reception room plummeted to freezing point in an instant.

Wang Mengde's hair stood on end in an instant.

His pupils contracted sharply, and his heart felt as if it were being gripped by an invisible hand, making it difficult to even beat.

Liu Yiyi's face turned deathly pale in an instant.

She rushed forward.

The moment she took her first step, an invisible force surged from all directions, firmly fixing her in place.

That was Liu Yuanming's spiritual power.

The spiritual power of the Foundation Establishment Late Stage was like an invisible chain, binding her body, her limbs, and every inch of her joints.

She struggled desperately, her spiritual energy surging wildly within her body. She used all her strength—arms, legs, waist—but she couldn't move even a single finger.

Her mouth opened, as if she wanted to shout, to yell, to say something.

But it felt like an invisible hand was gripping her throat; her vocal cords vibrated, but she couldn't make a sound.

With great difficulty, Liu Yiyi channeled her spiritual energy into Liu Yuanming's voice. "Father, if Wang Mengde dies, I will definitely commit suicide."

Liu Yuanming's body stiffened slightly.

Liu Yuanming's brows furrowed sharply.

His gaze shifted from Wang Mengde to Liu Yiyi's face.

Liu Yiyi's face was ashen, tears streaming down her face, but there was not a trace of hesitation or wavering in her eyes.

He had seen that look before.

I saw it on another woman's face many years ago.

That woman was Liu Yiyi's mother.

The last look she gave him when she decided to stay behind and let him take Liu Yiyi and leave first was this kind of look.

The same resolute determination.

The same approach: leaving no way out.

A surge of immense anger welled up in Liu Yuanming's chest.

He was furious at his daughter's stubbornness.

He was furious that the rogue Rogue Cultivator with Five-Element Spirit Root had bewitched his daughter into this state.

The anger erupted like a volcano, burning him to the core and causing his spiritual pressure to spread uncontrollably outwards.

The tables and chairs in the entire reception room were creaking, the ice crystals on the walls were cracking and shattering, and the teacup on the table shattered with a "crack," shards flying everywhere.

But his Flying Sword was still pressed against Wang Mengde's neck.

It wasn't sent forward.

They didn't get it back either.

Liu Yiyi's telepathic message came again, this time longer and more urgent than before, as if she wanted to pour out all her words before her father could act. "Father, although Wang Mengde has other dao companion, as long as he treats me well, that's enough."

Her voice echoed in Liu Yuanming's mind, tinged with sobs, pleading, and a heartbreaking humility.

"Father, I beg you."

"Don't kill Wang Mengde."

"I don't mind if he has other women."

Liu Yiyi thought for a moment, then continued telepathically, "I know that my daughter and I are worthless in your eyes, less valuable than your face, but I'm begging you this time, please grant us your wish. We will absolutely not disgrace you."

Liu Yiyi's words struck a chord with Liu Yuanming.

Liu Yuanming opened his eyes and looked at Liu Yiyi.

He looked at that pale, tear-streaked face.

That face looked exactly like her mother's.

Same eyebrows and eyes, same nose, same lips, same stubbornness.

He owes that woman too much.

The key issue is that I'll never have the chance to repay it in this lifetime.

He can't owe Liu Yiyi any more.

The tension that had been taut in Liu Yuanming's heart suddenly eased.

That's enough.

He sighed inwardly.

That's enough.

He let go of her hand.

The giant spiritual energy hand that had bound Wang Mengde vanished in an instant, transforming into countless tiny sparks of light that danced in the air like fireflies for a moment before merging into the air and disappearing.

The Flying Sword that had been pressed against Wang Mengde's neck was also withdrawn, drawing a silver arc in the air before accurately flying back into the Storage Bag at Liu Yuanming's waist.

Wang Mengde's body suddenly relaxed.

The immense pressure vanished abruptly, and he fell from mid-air, his feet landing on the ground. His knees buckled, and he nearly collapsed to his knees.

He reached out and braced himself against the table next to him, regaining his balance.

His back was covered in cold sweat; his robes were soaked and clung to his skin, feeling icy cold.

Wang Mengde took a deep breath, slowly exhaling the stale air from his chest to calm himself down.

With his eyes closed, Liu Yuanming transmitted his voice to Yang Qiming on Rosy Cloud Island to learn more about Wang Mengde.

Soon, Liu Yuanming opened his eyes.

Wang Mengde.

Liu Yuanming's voice was different from before.

The voice had gained a touch more warmth and gentleness.

Wang Mengde raised his head and looked at Liu Yuanming.

Liu Yuanming leaned back in his chair, crossed his arms in front of him, and smiled.

"I was just testing you," Liu Yuanming said, his tone as casual as if he were chatting about everyday things. "If you were to give up your other dao companion, I would look down on you."

Looking at the smile on Liu Yuanming's face and listening to the words he spoke, Wang Mengde felt no emotion whatsoever.

There is only a kind of clarity that comes from surviving a catastrophe.

Damn it.

Wang Mengde cursed inwardly.

Testing?

That's a lie.

Liu Yuanming was really forcing him to swear an oath just now.

That palm of spiritual energy was real; it gripped him so tightly it almost broke his ribs.

That murderous intent was real, overwhelming, like the sky collapsing, making it hard for him to breathe.

If it weren't for Liu Yiyi sending a telepathic message to Liu Yuanming...

Liu Yuanming would never let go so easily.

He would absolutely force Wang Mengde to swear Soul Oath and force him to sever ties with his other dao companion.

If Wang Mengde doesn't give in.

Liu Yuanming will definitely not let him off easily.

Wang Mengde was perfectly clear about this.

But he showed no emotion whatsoever on his face.

His expression was calm, his eyes were open, and the corners of his mouth were even slightly upturned, carrying a just-right, neither humble nor arrogant smile.

He clasped his hands in a fist salute and bowed.

The movements were respectful and solemn. The hands were folded together, with the left hand pressing down on the right, the thumbs touching, and raised to the eyebrows. Then, the person slowly bent over, arching their back into a respectful arc, lowering their head, and looking at the ground.

"Thank you for your kindness, Senior Liu."

His voice was calm and steady, carrying the relief of surviving a disaster and heartfelt respect.

At least it sounds like it comes from the heart.

The spiritual energy binding Liu Yiyi was released the moment Liu Yuanming withdrew his spiritual energy slap.

As soon as she regained her freedom, she ran two steps forward.

"Thank you for your understanding, Father."

Liu Yuanming's gaze swept back and forth between his daughter and Wang Mengde, finally settling on Wang Mengde.

His expression turned serious, as if he were making an important decision.

His gaze lingered on Wang Mengde for a long time, from top to bottom and from left to right, as if he were re-examining the young man.

Then he spoke.

Wang Mengde.

His voice regained its previous composure, but it had lost some of its coldness and gained more solemnity.

"This junior is here." Wang Mengde straightened up, his hands hanging at his sides, standing ramrod straight.

Liu Yuanming looked at Wang Mengde and said, word by word, "Your talent for drawing talismans is remarkable. Would you be willing to become my disciple and a disciple of the Evergreen Sect's outer sect?"

Wang Mengde's body stiffened slightly.

A disciple of Liu Yuanming, and an outer disciple of the Evergreen Sect.

Outer disciples, although they are only the lowest-ranking disciples of the Evergreen Sect, are still formal disciple who have the sect's protection, resources, and guidance from their masters.

There are many benefits.

First, there are elixirs.

The Evergreen Sect has its own alchemy hall with a group of experienced Alchemist who can produce a large number of pills for their disciples every year.

Outer disciples are qualified to purchase elixirs Seven-Pattern Spirit-Nurturing Pill, the Origin-Restoring Pill, the Nine-Turn Soul-Returning Pill, and the Spirit-Treasure Pill.

Next is the spirit fruit.

Vermilion Fruit, Jade Spirit Fruit, Jade Marrow Fruit —these spiritual fruits, which are almost never seen outside, grow one after another in the spiritual garden on the back mountain of the Evergreen Sect.

Outer disciples can exchange for it using sect contribution points.

Thirdly, there are Cultivation Method and Law Technique.

Only human-level Law Technique are available on the market.

Earth-rank Law Technique are almost never sold on the market; the only way to acquire them is by joining a sect or Aristocratic Clan cultivators.

Also, there are Law Artifact and robes.

Disciples of the Evergreen Sect can purchase Law Artifact and robes at much lower prices than outside the sect.

Most importantly, background and powerful backers.

With Liu Yuanming and Evergreen Sect as their backing and support, perhaps it's possible to get started and acquire a high-quality spirit beast cub.

Joining the Evergreen Sect also has its downsides, namely, the increasingly intense friction between the Evergreen Sect and the Golden Sun Sect, which may lead to a major war in the future.

In major battles between sects like this, the decisive factor is the outcome between Golden Core True Lord.

However, most Golden Core True Lord cherish their lives and would never fight to the death or risk their lives.

Moreover, this sea area is not only home to the Evergreen Sect and the Golden Sun Sect; further afield, there are several other Golden Core cultivators.

In other words, a major war between the two is unlikely to break out in the short term.

Another drawback is the lack of freedom to Rogue Cultivator.

Is there Rogue Cultivator?

On the surface, Rogue Cultivator seem to be free and unrestrained, able to go wherever they want and do whatever they want, without having to obey the orders of their sect.

But what is the reality?

The freedom of Rogue Cultivator is a false freedom.

Because they lack power, they lack true freedom.

Wherever they go, they are oppressed, exploited, and bullied.

Setting up a stall in the market requires paying protection money.

When hunting Demon Beast in the wild, be wary of being double-crossed.

If you rent a cave abode on the island to cultivate, the landlord will deduct your Spirit Stone.

What kind of freedom is this?

This is called being a homeless person.

This is called wandering.

This is called rootless duckweed.

In the world of cultivation, without a powerful background, it's impossible to get anywhere.

Wang Mengde had long wanted to join the Evergreen Sect, but the minimum requirement for the Evergreen Sect to recruit disciples was that they possessed Four-Attribute Spirit Root.

He had originally planned to join the Evergreen Sect and become an Evergreen Sect elder after he reached the Foundation Establishment.

Now that he has the opportunity to join the Evergreen Sect ahead of schedule, he naturally won't miss it.

Wang Mengde took a deep breath and stepped forward.

With hands clasped in a respectful gesture, he bowed and said, "Disciple Wang Mengde greets Master."

Liu Yiyi stood aside, watching this scene.

Tears still clung to her eyes, but a radiant smile had already blossomed on her youthful face.

"Thank you, Father, for your understanding."

Looking at the smile on his daughter's face, Liu Yuanming finally felt a weight lifted from his heart.

He nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on Wang Mengde for a moment.

Get up.

Liu Yuanming's voice carried a subtle, almost imperceptible gentleness.

Wang Mengde straightened up and stood ramrod straight.

Liu Yuanming stood up from the seat of honor.

He stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping back and forth between Wang Mengde and Liu Yiyi, a rare hint of gentleness appearing on his square and stern face.

"Once we get to Azure Cliff Island, I'll officiate at a formal wedding banquet to mark your union dao companion."

"Thank you, Senior Liu." Wang Mengde clasped his hands and bowed, his voice steady.

Liu Yiyi stood to the side, stunned for a moment, then a smile even brighter than before bloomed on her youthful face.

That smile was like a field of flowers blooming all at once, so bright that it was impossible to look away.

Tears still clung to her eyes, but her almond-shaped eyes curved into two crescent moons, her eyelashes fluttering, and the corners of her mouth turned up high, revealing two shallow dimples.

"Really, Father?" Her voice was nasal, still a little hoarse from crying, but the joy and gratitude in it were as sweet as honey. "You really want to host for us?"

"When have I ever lied?" Liu Yuanming glanced at his daughter, his tone indifferent, but a hint of doting was hidden deep in his eyes.

Liu Yiyi nodded vigorously, and tears welled up in her eyes again, but this time they were tears of joy.

She stole a glance at Wang Mengde, then quickly lowered her head, unable to suppress the smile on her lips.

Looking at his daughter's appearance, Liu Yuanming sighed softly, then turned his gaze to Wang Mengde.

His expression turned serious again, his eyes filled with the solemnity one would show when a teacher scrutinizes a disciple.

Wang Mengde.

"Disciple is here."

"Wang Mengde, your talent in Law Technique and Talisman is quite good."

He paused, then emphasized, "However, right now, you need to improve your cultivation level as soon as possible, and reach the Peak of the Ninth Layer of Qi Refinement."

He paused, then emphasized, "Don't waste time on Law Technique and Talisman- drawing techniques."

"Disciple understands." Wang Mengde clasped his hands in response, "Disciple will certainly prioritize cultivation."

Liu Yuanming nodded, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

"You possess remarkable skill in drawing Spirit Shield Talisman." He paused for a moment, then continued, "With my guarantee, you can use this Talisman- drawing technique to borrow a large quantity of spirit pills and spirit fruits from the sect."

Wang Mengde's brow twitched slightly.

Loans and loans.

When Rogue Cultivator lack resources, it is common for them to seek loans from chambers of commerce, sects, or wealthy individuals.

However, loans require collateral, guarantors, and substantial interest payments.

Unaffiliated Rogue Cultivator without connections don't even qualify for loans, because if you borrow and can't repay, they'll at most use your body as material.

But how many Spirit Stone is a body worth?

But with Liu Yuanming as guarantor, things are different.

The sixth elder of the Evergreen Sect, Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator, is a figure whose influence is enough to make the outer sect deacons of the sect's Pill Hall and Spirit Garden nod in approval to grant the loan.

If one can borrow enough elixirs and fruits, the time required to Foundation Establishment can be significantly reduced.

After Foundation Establishment, his speed at which he earns Spirit Stone will increase significantly, thanks to his Law Technique and Talisman.

Debts can be easily repaid.

Wang Mengde took a deep breath and suppressed the surging thoughts in his mind.

He raised his head, his gaze steady as he looked at Liu Yuanming, his voice carrying an barely suppressed expectation. "Thank you for your guidance, Master. This disciple will certainly cultivate diligently and live up to your high expectations."

Liu Yuanming nodded, then his expression became even more serious.

"The friction between the Evergreen Sect and the Golden Sun Sect is becoming increasingly tense." His voice was deep, carrying a solemnity that only someone in a high position could feel. "But the most crucial issue is not the friction between the two sects, but rather that some Bandit Cultivator advantage of the situation to plunder and commit evil deeds."

These people have no bottom line, no principles; they'll do anything for Spirit Stone.

His gaze swept across their faces.

"You two, finish dealing with things here as soon as possible, and return to the Evergreen Sect with me tomorrow."

Wang Mengde and Liu Yiyi exchanged a glance and nodded in agreement.

Liu Yuanming waved his hand. "Go ahead, take care of what needs to be taken care of. I'll be waiting for you at the dock early tomorrow morning."