Naruto smiled at Sect Master Zhong's words. He naturally knew how the process worked.
But Sect Master Zhong only asked this of cultivators with decent aptitude and the potential to reach the core formation stage.
That was essentially how the few core formation elders in Yellow Maple Valley had acquired their disciples.
Otherwise, those elders spent year after year cultivating in seclusion in their cave dwellings and never visited Yellow Maple Valley without a reason.
That was how Hinata and Karin had each been accepted as a disciple by a core formation elder.
It was similar to applying for graduate school on Earth, where advisers selected their students from those recommended to them.
"No, thank you, Senior Brother Zhong. I have no plans to take a master for now."
Naruto turned down Sect Master Zhong's kindness outright. He had no desire to take a master at all.
He did not think becoming a core formation elder's disciple would benefit him much as he was now.
He had no shortage of cultivation techniques or magical artifacts, and Qi Yunxiao could forge more for him.
He would have spirit pills too, whether he stole them or had Hinata refine them.
Taking a master, on the other hand, would merely give him another elder to answer to, someone whose orders he would have to obey.
Sect Master Zhong's expression froze at Naruto's response. He had already been considering which core formation elder might accept Naruto, only to discover that Naruto did not intend to take a master at all.
Countless cultivators dreamed of becoming a core formation elder's disciple!
Sect Master Zhong wanted to try persuading him, but seeing how firm Naruto was, he could only sigh, looking deeply regretful.
Naruto smiled unconcernedly, exchanged a few more words, and politely prepared to leave.