Ji Chengjing did not react at first.
He turned to Consort Nian. Only when his mother gave him another meaningful look did he finally realize what those long-awaited words meant.
The humiliation he had felt over his repeated fruitless visits and being forced to kneel was instantly swept away by wild delight.
Ji Chengjing lifted the front of his commandery prince's robe and dropped heavily to both knees.
"Disciple Ji Chengjing pays his respects to Master!"
With that, he respectfully knocked his forehead against the floor three times.
Qing Chen calmly accepted his obeisance. Only after Ji Chengjing raised his head did he suddenly grin.
"Heh, the boy isn't stupid."
Ji Chengjing looked slightly embarrassed but dared not argue.
"A teacher is like a father. Since you have kowtowed three times, you are my personal disciple from this day forward."
Qing Chen stood with his hands behind his back and said slowly:
"Before you, I took two personal disciples."
"My eldest disciple, Lin Changsheng, is now the Demon Lotus Sect's vice sect leader. His cultivation has reached minor achievement in the Nascent Soul early stage. My second disciple, Hua Tieshou, is currently in the pseudo-Nascent Soul realm. After opening the Three Great Brahma Apertures, his foundation became very solid, and he comprehended the power of Blood Path rules. He is passable."
"You joined last, so you are my third disciple."
Consort Nian stood quietly to one side, a trace of the coldness in her eyes dissipating.
"This disciple understands," Ji Chengjing answered meekly.
Only then did Qing Chen nod in satisfaction.
"You have already reached peak Golden Core. I imagine you have no great shortage of Nascent-Soul-Formation Spirit Items, medicinal pills for Nascent Soul condensation, or treasures to protect you through the tribulation. The Great Jin Imperial House lacks none