Registered Disciple

"Yin energy itself has no intelligence. It is formed when the lingering aura left behind after certain living beings die gathers in cold, shadowy places. However, if left unchecked, it may also form the lowest-grade evil spirits. As for what you mentioned—your whole body turning blue during an episode, your strength becoming enormous, and even being unable to remember what happened afterward—that is merely yin energy periodically surging back into your skull. Your body was already too frail to begin with. If it had been a strong, healthy man, the yin energy would have been directly suppressed the moment it entered his body, leaving him no different from an ordinary person. As for the power I previously infused into your body, it was a strand of Minor Transforming Yang Art power that I had cultivated over many years. It is especially effective at restraining things of a cold, yin nature," Daoist Luo explained.

"So that was it. I truly have Daoist to thank for helping me this time." Though Shen Luo only half understood, he still respectfully expressed his gratitude.

"Since you had the token and offered a substantial sum, it was only proper for me to lend some effort. Unfortunately, after being tormented by that yin energy, I fear you do not have much time left," Daoist Luo said after nodding.

Shen Luo's expression darkened at those words, but he immediately recalled something and bowed once more to the red-faced Daoist.

"Daoist is a true master of the Way, so you must surely possess methods to extend one's lifespan. Leaving aside anything else, that strand of Yang Hardness Force Daoist used earlier seemed greatly beneficial to the body."

"Yes, yes! Please show Compassion, Daoist, and save Luo'er. As long as my eldest son's life can be prolonged, any condition may be discussed. The Shen family may lack many things, but money is not one of them." Shen Yuange suddenly understood and repeatedly cupped his hands toward the Daoist.

"Heh heh. I do not possess such great abilities as to cure him completely. But as for improving Young Master Shen's constitution and extending his life somewhat, Spring Autumn Temple truly does have a few methods." Daoist Luo chuckled, replying with a faintly amused smile.

"Please enlighten me, Daoist!" Shen Luo said joyfully, bowing again.

Shen Yuange also looked at the Daoist with hopeful eyes.

"First, our temple possesses a secret medicine called Red Snow Powder, which has the effect of cleansing the marrow. If taken over a long period, it should gradually improve your constitution. However, its ingredients are rare and its preparation even more difficult. It is certainly not something an ordinary household can afford. Second, as Young Master Shen said, the Minor Transforming Yang Art is indeed beneficial to the body. If you cultivate it to great success, I cannot promise anything else, but living another twenty or thirty years would not be a problem. Which one would Young Master Shen choose?" The red-faced Daoist looked at Shen Luo and asked slowly.

"Naturally, I want both. I hope Daoist will grant my wish!" Shen Luo replied without the slightest hesitation.

Shen Yuange, standing beside him, repeatedly nodded.

"Haha... Red Snow Powder is not a problem. As long as your family can afford it, selling you some is nothing much. But the Minor Transforming Yang Art is a secret art passed down within our temple. How could it be casually taught to an outsider? Master Shen, you should have your honored son purchase some Red Snow Powder instead. It can likewise extend his lifespan somewhat." Daoist Luo burst into laughter.

Shen Yuange's expression became somewhat unpleasant. He repeatedly promised a great many conditions, but Daoist Luo continued shaking his head.

After listening from the side for quite a while, Shen Luo suddenly said,

"Since your temple's secret arts are not passed on to outsiders, then if I were a disciple of your temple, I should be able to learn the Minor Transforming Yang Art openly and properly, correct?"

Shen Yuange's expression shifted slightly at this, and he seemed to want to speak but stopped himself.

"Young Master Shen is not joking, are you? You are willing to abandon your present wealth and splendor to become an ordinary disciple at our temple?" Daoist Luo's laughter abruptly stopped. After sweeping his gaze across Shen Luo's face, he became serious for the first time.

"If I lose my life, what use would any amount of wealth and splendor be? I only wish to ask Luo Daoist whether you are willing to accept an untalented disciple like me. I trust that the ceremony of apprenticeship will not disappoint Daoist." Shen Luo smiled at him.

"You wish to take me directly as your master?" Daoist Luo seemed even more surprised.

"That is correct. I know nothing of the other masters within Spring Autumn Temple, and have no certainty that they would accept me. Naturally, becoming Daoist's disciple now is the most appropriate choice. Besides, I witnessed Daoist's skills with my own eyes just now, so I am certain I have not chosen the wrong master. Daoist should be qualified to take disciples as well, correct?" Shen Luo said earnestly.

Daoist Luo fell silent after hearing this, though his expression suggested that he was somewhat tempted.

Shen Yuange's expression changed repeatedly, but he did not speak to stop him.

"Young Master Shen, there are several matters I must make clear first. Only if you can agree to all of them might I accept you as my disciple. Although Spring Autumn Temple cannot be called a great immortal sect, it is not a place just anyone can enter," Daoist Luo finally said, as though having made up his mind after studying Shen Luo for a long while.

"Please speak, Daoist." Shen Luo answered decisively.

"First, given your physical condition, I need not explain that you do not meet our temple's entry requirements at all. Thus, upon entering the temple, you can only become a Registered Disciple and cannot receive the secret teachings or treatment given to true disciples of our temple. However, regarding the Minor Transforming Yang Art, I can ask my senior brother, the temple master, to make an exception and teach it to you."

"That is acceptable. Thank you, Master!" Shen Luo was overjoyed and even changed his form of address immediately.

"Do not rush to call me that. There is more. Listen carefully. As the price for my making an exception to bring you into the temple, I require the Shen family to offer me two hundred taels of gold at once. Afterward, you must provide the temple with one thousand taels of silver every year in order to remain there. If sufficient silver is not paid in any given year, you must leave Spring Autumn Temple. In addition, I will apply for Red Snow Powder on your behalf. One dose will likely cost around one hundred taels of silver."

Though Shen Luo had been mentally prepared, he was still startled by the Daoist's outrageous demand. After weighing matters in his heart, he was about to say something more when Shen Yuange beside him spoke first. His words made delight flash across the Daoist's face.

"Daoist need not worry about money. The Shen family will pay ten years' worth of expenses in full at once. I only hope Daoist can ensure that Luo'er will not suffer too much injustice at the temple."

"Father, why must you do this? Such a large sum..." Shen Luo said in alarm.

"The Shen family's estate was yours by rights to begin with. As long as it can extend your life, what do such worldly possessions matter?" Shen Yuange waved his hands repeatedly.

Shen Luo could not help falling silent.

"Good, good, good! Since the Shen family is willing to pay such a price, I shall make the decision to accept Young Master Shen as my Registered Disciple." Daoist Luo clapped his hands and laughed, saying "good" three times in succession.

"Shen Luo pays respects to Master."

Shen Luo invited the Daoist to the seat of honor. After kowtowing three times, he respectfully presented him with a cup of tea using both hands.

"Disciple, from now on, you are a disciple under my branch. You have one senior brother, and I will introduce you to him once you arrive at the temple. You already know the location of Spring Autumn Temple. You need only bring the token and arrive at the temple within one month to undergo the formal ceremony of entering the temple. Remember, you may only go alone and need bring only simple clothing. Also, since I have drunk your apprenticeship tea, I cannot leave you with nothing. I happen to have a dose of Red Snow Powder here. Take it first and see how it works."

After drinking the tea, Daoist Luo took a small pale-green box from his person. After giving several instructions on how to use it, he drifted out of the main hall and left the Shen family.

Shen Luo escorted him all the way to the front gate.