Taking a Master

Seeing that Zhao Hong was fairly satisfied, Liu Yuanchen hurriedly said, "It's no trouble. This disciple simply failed to consider things carefully enough.

With the war ongoing, spirit grain was hard to buy, which nearly left Junior Brother starving."

Zhao Hong sensed Liu Yuanchen and Meng Tieshan's cultivation levels, and a smile appeared on his face.

"Not bad. Both of you have improved considerably.

Tie Shan's qi and blood strength has nearly doubled from before.

Yuan Chen, however, has truly surprised me. I was gone for less than three months, yet you cultivated such pure Astral Force.

It seems I still underestimated your talent before.

Though your physical body is not particularly outstanding, your comprehension surpasses even mine.

By the way, how long did it take you to condense an Astral Force Seed?"

Liu Yuanchen cupped his hands. "Reporting to Deputy Hall Master Zhao, this disciple took around ten days.

The Astral Force of the Earth Immortal Path truly is far stronger than Blood Astral Force.

With the Ape King Fist and Mountain-Splitting Staff Art as well, this disciple is confident he can contend with cultivators at the Ninth Qi-Nourishing Layer."

Back then, even punching Chen Changming in the face had failed to seriously injure him.

If he struck now, one punch would send Chen Changming's head flying.

Zhao Hong beamed. "Earth Immortal Path Astral Force was improved from the Blood Astral Force arts.

To say it is much stronger than Blood Astral Force would be an exaggeration. It is merely more suited to the current world.

You have cultivated your Astral Force well. Attack me with your full strength, and let me see how well you have cultivated your techniques."

Liu Yuanchen did not decline. He merely cupped his hands in salute. "This disciple begs your pardon."

Before his words had faded, a layer of bluish-black energy enveloped his entire body.

He pushed off with his feet and leaped like an ape, swinging his fist at Zhao Hong's flank.

Zhao Hong's lips curved slightly as he closed his eyes.

With a casual grab of his left hand, he caught Liu Yuanchen's wrist directly.

With a light flick, Liu Yuanchen was sent flying backward.

After flying more than thirty yards, he casually grabbed a tree branch and steadied himself.

Then, he vanished in an instant.

When he reappeared, he was already behind Zhao Hong.

He swung his fist at Zhao Hong's nape, but Zhao Hong's ape-like arm reached backward to grab him.

Liu Yuanchen hurriedly withdrew his fist, adjusted his posture in midair, and attacked Zhao Hong's lower back.

Zhao Hong flashed away, and Liu Yuanchen struck empty air.

Just as he was about to adjust his posture, a force seized him.

Zhao Hong had grabbed his Daoist robe and lifted him into the air.

Unable to break free, Liu Yuanchen said, "This disciple admits defeat."

Zhao Hong set him down. "Not bad. Wood-Shadow Evasion for concealment, Forest-Piercing Escape Art for attack.

The two escape arts use spiritual power and Astral Force respectively, yet you used them consecutively without the slightest hindrance.

With your current strength, you can be considered an expert below the Sea of Qi Realm.

Though your physical body is not particularly strong, your talent in techniques surpasses mine."

Liu Yuanchen cupped his hands. "You closed your eyes and did not use Divine Sense, yet you easily dissolved this disciple's attacks through instinct alone. This disciple still has far to go."

Zhao Hong waved a hand. "No need to be so modest. Everything I have learned was also tempered through countless life-and-death battles.

When the Earth Immortal Path first arose, it coincided with the fiercest period of the war between the Human Race and Demon Race.

Thus, the Astral Force inheritance is best cultivated through slaughter."

"Perfect timing. The sect will soon issue another conscription order, and you can go gain some experience."

Liu Yuanchen's heart tightened. "The second conscription order was only issued two months ago.

Could it be that the disciples at Golden Ao Mountain have suffered severe losses again?"

Zhao Hong shook his head. "No. No great battles have taken place at Golden Ao Mountain these past two months, and the disciples have not suffered many losses.

It is simply that the Demoncloud Sect has gone mad and directly dispatched wicked cultivators to sweep through the Qingshui River region.

Even Qinghe Town was attacked by wicked cultivators.

Had the sect disciples stationed there not been quite capable, Qinghe Town would likely have been completely looted."

Hearing this, Liu Yuanchen grew somewhat worried. "My family's Ancestral Grounds are also in the Qingshui River region. I wonder whether they were attacked."

Zhao Hong nodded. "Every family in the Qingshui River region was attacked. However, the Liu Family and Zhang Clan seemed to have been prepared, so they did not suffer any losses."

At this, Liu Yuanchen was somewhat relieved.

Zhao Hong continued, "This conscription order is meant to gather disciples and send them to the Qingshui River region.

They are to intercept and kill wicked cultivators who enter the territory, preventing them from obtaining supplies within the sect's lands.

Though this mission will inevitably involve combat, it is far less dangerous than defending Golden Ao Mountain, and it offers more freedom."

Hearing this, Liu Yuanchen was also tempted.

The Qingshui River region lay at the edge of the sect's territory. Even if wicked cultivators came to attack, they would only be seeking wealth.

As long as he did not act too arrogantly, the danger would not be too great.

Moreover, the Bluestone Mountain Spirit Realm was only a little over a hundred li from the upper reaches of the Qingshui River.

If he went there to fight, he could often visit the Bluestone Mountain Spirit Realm.

Of course, there would still be danger.

The Chen Household was also in the Qingshui River region and possessed some businesses near Qinghe Town.

They bore him deep resentment. If he went there, they might very well plot against him.

"This disciple has remained within the mountain gate for too long and would like to go out for a walk.

However, the Chen Household's grudge against me is considerable.

Even within the mountain gate, they dared to use Azure Spirit Bees to kill me. Far from the mountain gate, they would be even bolder.

On this trip, this disciple may face mortal danger at any moment."

Zhao Hong did not take it seriously. "Since I am sending you, I will naturally ensure your safety.

When I entrusted Tie Shan to you, I said that if you could achieve something with the Azure Ape Forest-Piercing Technique, I would take both of you as disciples.

Now, you have cultivated Astral Force, and it is exceptionally pure.

You have also mastered all three techniques. You can be said to have achieved something.

I will uphold my previous promise and accept you as my disciple."

Liu Yuanchen was overjoyed.

Zhao Hong came from beyond the Red Wasteland and possessed astonishing strength. Even the sect's upper ranks were deeply wary of him.

Becoming his disciple, even merely a registered disciple, would be enough to deter petty villains.

After becoming his disciple, even if the Chen Household were lent several hundred times more courage, they would not dare attack him.

As soon as Zhao Hong finished speaking, Liu Yuanchen performed a grand salute. "Disciple Liu Yuanchen greets Master."

Zhao Hong was all smiles as he helped him up.

"Good, good! I can be considered to have opened my school and accepted a disciple.

According to my sect's rules, when accepting one's founding chief disciple, one must report it to one's elders.

Only after the elders examine the disciple's talent and character can he formally enter the school.

Your grandmaster is not in the Red Wasteland, and I cannot report this matter to him.

Therefore, I cannot yet accept you as a personal disciple. I can only accept you as a registered disciple."

Though both were disciples, personal disciples and registered disciples were entirely different.

A personal disciple was like a biological son. If the master died, the personal disciple would be entitled to a share of the inheritance.

The chief personal disciple in particular could inherit the master's legacy.

A registered disciple, meanwhile, was like an adopted son. If favored by the master, his status would not be low.

If he did not receive the master's attention, he would be little different from a servant.

Yet even a registered disciple possessed the bond of master and disciple.

Using the title of Deputy Hall Master Zhao's registered disciple to intimidate the Chen Household would be more than enough.

"To be accepted beneath Master's tutelage is already this disciple's great fortune. I would not dare harbor any further hopes."

Zhao Hong nodded in satisfaction. "You are my first disciple. Even if you are not yet a personal disciple, I will still teach you everything I know."

"Once I have completed my affairs in the Red Wasteland, I will take you to meet your grandmaster.

At that time, you will be my founding chief disciple.

The eldest disciple bears the responsibility of inheriting the lineage and teaching on the master's behalf. You must work hard in the future."

With that, a fiery-red cloud appeared beneath his feet and slowly rose.

Before long, he had flown a thousand zhang into the sky.

He shouted loudly, "Today, I, Zhao Hong, accept Liu Yuanchen as my registered disciple.

Those who hold grudges against my disciple may send juniors of comparable cultivation to challenge him openly and fairly.

Whoever secretly plots against my disciple should prepare for their entire clan to be buried with them.

I do not care about evidence. Mere suspicion is enough for death."

Empowered by his formidable strength, his voice swept in every direction.

Within the Azure Elixir Sect, even ordinary mortals without cultivation could hear him clearly.

Afterward, he descended on his cloud again.

The three entered the cave abode, and Zhao Hong said with a smile, "Accepting a registered disciple requires no ceremony. You have already performed the grand salute, so you are now my disciple.

If there is anything you do not understand in cultivation, feel free to ask me."

Liu Yuanchen had previously cultivated the Azure Ape Forest-Piercing Technique almost entirely through his own exploration, and there were indeed many things he did not understand.

"This disciple previously cultivated the Bloodsteel Secret Art and condensed a Blood Astral Force Seed.

Now that it is no longer useful, how should I deal with it?"

Zhao Hong answered without hesitation. "That is simple. A Blood Astral Force Seed is also Astral Force, and it does not conflict with the Azure Ape Forest-Piercing Technique you now cultivate.

You can have your Azure Ape Astral Force Seed devour that Blood Astral Force Seed.

Once the two merge, your Azure Ape Astral Force Seed will improve somewhat."

Liu Yuanchen cupped his hands in salute. "Thank you for Master's guidance. This disciple has another question.

This disciple now possesses both Astral Force and spiritual power. When breaking through to the Sea of Qi Realm in the future, how should I choose between them?"

Zhao Hong chuckled. "You have asked the crucial question. Astral Force and spiritual power do not conflict.

If you are not afraid of Heavenly Tribulation descending upon you and have sufficient resources, you can cultivate both paths simultaneously. There would be no problem even if you cultivated to the Immortal Ascension Realm.

As for breaking through to the Sea of Qi Realm, you can cultivate both paths as well.

However, relying solely on Astral Force to break through to the Sea of Qi Realm would consume an extremely terrifying amount of qi and blood, and it would require a long period of tempering."

"You do not possess Tie Shan's special physique, so it would be best for you to focus on breaking through with spiritual power, using Astral Force as support.

After breaking through to the Sea of Qi Realm, you can make Astral Force your main path and spiritual power your secondary path, and there will be no adverse effects.

This will save both qi and blood and resources, while also allowing faster cultivation."

"When I first met you, I gave you a secret art.

When making your breakthrough, simply use that secret art to drive your Astral Force in place of qi and blood."

Liu Yuanchen nodded slightly, then asked again, "What is the difference between this disciple's Astral Force and Origin Astral Force?"

Zhao Hong glanced at him. "The Azure Ape Forest-Piercing Technique is already sufficient for you to cultivate to the Peak Sea of Qi Realm. As for Origin Astral Force, do not aim too high and disrupt your state of mind."

Liu Yuanchen wore a humble expression as though accepting instruction. "This disciple knows his error. Spiritual power has different attributes; does Astral Force have different attributes as well?"

Zhao Hong nodded. "It can, or it can lack them.

The Astral Force your master cultivates is fire-attributed, with extremely powerful offensive force, but it is unsuitable for low-level cultivators.

The Azure Ape Astral Force you now cultivate is balanced and peaceful, with no attribute distinction. It is exceptionally effective at nurturing the physical body and is most suitable for building a foundation.

When you condense Origin Astral Force in the future, it will be best to divide its attributes then."

Liu Yuanchen asked again, "Master, this disciple is rather curious about the Grotto-Heaven and Blessed Land you mentioned before. Could you explain it in greater detail?"

At this, Zhao Hong repeatedly waved his hands. "Back when I was at the Academy, I hated teaching disciples without the slightest foundation.

They asked about everything, and I had to answer each one individually. It was endlessly irritating."

With that, he tossed out two beast-hide books. "These are basic texts regarding Grotto-Heaven and Blessed Land. They record how a Grotto-Heaven and Blessed Land should grow. Read them slowly.

The conscription order will take a few more days to arrive.

If there is anything you do not understand, you can ask me at any time."

"Your cave abode is not bad. Though its spiritual energy is somewhat thin, it is backed by mountains and beside water, and you can open up quite a few Spirit Fields. It is much better than my cave abode on Azure Pill Peak.

I will stay here for a few days. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me."

Liu Yuanchen smiled. "If Master does not find this cave abode too crude, please stay as long as you wish."

Zhao Hong looked over the furnishings in the cave abode. "A little crudeness is no concern. Back when we fought the Demon Race, we were always exposed to wind and rain. Having a place to shelter from them was already good enough."

Before his words had faded, he suddenly remembered something.

He slapped his forehead. "This is my first time accepting a disciple, and no one reminded me. I forgot about the greeting gift and the sect token."

With that, he casually took out a Yellow Jade Token, forced out a drop of essence blood, traced intricate Inscription Runes, and merged them into the token.

"This is the sect token. You only need to use an ordinary Master-Recognition Inscription to claim it.

Anyone with some ability who sees this token will know that you are my disciple."

Liu Yuanchen accepted the token and inspected it carefully.

He saw three large characters written on the token in extremely twisted strokes. With his knowledge, he could only recognize that the first character was "Eight."

Seeing his confusion, Zhao Hong smiled. "Our school is called the Eight Desolations Pavilion. You know too little.

Once you leave the Red Wasteland in the future and reach the vast world outside, you will understand the weight carried by the words 'Eight Desolations Pavilion.'

So long as you mention the name Zhao Hong of the Eight Desolations Pavilion, even the ruler of a nation must tremble three times."

Then, he took out a dark azure-black staff. "I see that you have cultivated the Mountain-Splitting Staff Art quite well, yet you do not have a handy artifact in your possession.

This staff is called the Wind-Thunder Staff. When I first entered the school, your grandmaster gave it to me."

Though it bore Wind-Thunder attributes, it was unsuitable for long-range attacks.

When using it, Astral Force could be infused into it. The more Astral Force infused, the heavier the Wind-Thunder Staff became.

Coupled with the extreme strength of its material, it would remain fully usable even in the Condensed Origin Realm."

"The Wind-Thunder attribute granted this staff two special abilities. First, it could be swung extremely fast, without making any sound of cutting through the air.

Second, as long as the Wind-Thunder Staff struck an opponent, the power of thunder would be infused into them.

Even if it could not kill the opponent, it could still leave them unable to fight back."

Hearing this, Liu Yuanchen was extremely satisfied with the staff.

He had always wanted an artifact with Wind-Thunder attributes, and now he had finally obtained one.

Moreover, the Wind-Thunder Staff had enough weight, struck quickly, and could render an opponent unable to resist with a single blow. It truly was the perfect weapon for knocking people out from behind!

Seeing Liu Yuanchen gain both an inheritance and an artifact after taking a master, Meng Tieshan looked utterly envious.

Zhao Hong chuckled. "Tie Shan, there is no need for you to envy Yuan Chen.

Once you condense an Astral Force Seed, I will take you as my disciple."