Seeing that Liu Yu had not knelt and kowtowed, Li Changkong frowned almost imperceptibly, feeling a trace of displeasure.
But he was only taking a disciple because of the patriarch's instructions and sect custom, not to pass down his knowledge, so he did not act on it.
"Mm, rise."
Li Changkong raised a hand slightly and spoke indifferently.
With his head lowered, Liu Yu felt a gentle force settle over his body, making him straighten involuntarily.
Liu Yu suppressed his body's instinctive resistance and obediently straightened.
"Master, this disciple has prepared a small gift to mark my acceptance as your disciple."
"My abilities are limited, but please accept this humble token of my sincerity!"
Taking out an exquisite jade box made from superior spirit jade, Liu Yu held it in both hands, stepped forward, and respectfully placed it on the wooden table before returning to his original position.
Those taken as disciples partway through their cultivation generally prepared a gift for their new master. Its value did not necessarily have to be high; what mattered was showing the right attitude.
Failing to prepare such a gift would inevitably give others something to criticize and might leave the master with the impression that the disciple knew nothing of worldly affairs, creating a rift in their relationship from the very beginning.
Considering that he might borrow this elder's name when handling matters within the sect, Liu Yu had prepared something slightly more valuable.
He would keep their relationship neither too close nor too distant, while observing every necessary courtesy.
That was his approach.
At least he isn't some rigid fool.
Li Changkong nodded slightly, then raised his right hand and opened the exquisite jade box a crack, revealing a ginseng root lying quietly inside.
A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes,