"Become an apprentice?!"
Xiao Yan's words were like a thunderclap, exploding in the ears of the two people in front of him. Cai'er's pretty face couldn't help but show a look of being flattered, while Zhu Qiang was even more incredulous. He never thought that Xiao Yan would actually want to take Cai'er as his disciple!
Although Xiao Yan is young, his cultivation level is already comparable to that of some ancestral figures in Old Gu forces. If he were to accept Cai'er as his disciple, it would undoubtedly be of great benefit to the latter's future. At the very least, it would be much better than staying in this small mountain village.
But the only thing that Zhu Qiang found hard to bear was that once he became Cai'er's apprentice, it would mean that Cai'er would leave his side...
Despite his reluctance, Zhu Qiang understood that this was ultimately for Cai'er's good. After all, if Cai'er remained in Zhu Family Village, not only would she be unable to embark on the path of cultivation, but she would also have to live in constant fear of being spied on by powerful Cai'er. This was not a sustainable solution in the long run.
"Senior, if I were to become your disciple, could you... not take me with you?"
Although naive and inexperienced in worldly affairs, Cai'er understood some of the rules of the continent. Generally speaking, when powerful seniors take on disciples along the way, they usually take them with them to prevent the disciples from becoming lazy in their cultivation. This is also to provide the disciples with a good cultivation environment and to facilitate their protection. However, Cai'er also couldn't bear to leave her brother Zhu Qiang. The two had depended on each other since childhood, and neither could live without the other. She really couldn't bear to leave with Xiao Yan like this.
Upon hearing Cai'er's words, Zhu Qiang's expression changed drastically. He knew why Cai'er said that, but this matter concerned Cai'er's life and destiny. He couldn't let her do this. If he angered Xiao Yan and the matter of taking her as a disciple was dropped, wouldn't that be a waste of such a good opportunity?
"Senior, Cai'er is still young and naive, and there are many things she doesn't understand. What she just said..."
"Hehe, alright, you don't need to say anything more..."
Before Zhu Qiang could finish speaking, Xiao Yan chuckled and spoke, but his words instantly sent Zhu Qiang's heart sinking. Although the laughter remained amiable, the words clearly implied that he was making excuses. Did this mean that Xiao Yan didn't want to take Cai'er as his disciple?
Upon hearing Xiao Yan's words, Cai'er, standing beside him, also lowered her head apologetically, looking completely at a loss. She appeared pitiful and endearing, which was quite captivating.
"Actually, I was thinking the same thing. Due to some personal reasons, I can't bring Cai'er along on this trip. Bringing her would only cause her trouble. So, I think it's best for Cai'er to stay here. Besides, with you by her side for protection, I can rest assured."
However, Xiao Yan's next words surprised the two of them. Even Zhu Qiang was surprised that Xiao Yan had never intended to take Cai'er away from the beginning.
"Thank you for your kindness, senior!"
Coming to her senses, Cai'er was overjoyed and quickly bowed to Xiao Yan. The latter, however, looked at her strangely and didn't respond. It was Zhu Qiang, standing nearby, who quickly prompted Cai'er, after which the little girl hurriedly changed her words, saying:
"Thank you, Master, for granting my request!"
"Thank you so much, senior!"
Nodding in satisfaction, Xiao Yan then changed the subject and spoke again:
"Although you are now my disciple, you are only a nominal disciple. I have very high standards for my disciples. If you want to truly become my first disciple, you must show me enough strength. Do you understand, Cai'er?"
Upon hearing this, Cai'er's expression changed slightly, and she couldn't help but feel a little nervous. She hadn't even stepped into the threshold of cultivation, so how could she possibly possess any strength?
Zhu Qiang, however, wore an admiring smile, his eyes fixed on Xiao Yan, a feeling of respect welling up inside him.
To Cai'er, Xiao Yan's words sounded like a pressure, but to her, they were an encouragement. As a disciple, which one didn't want their master to be proud of them? To achieve this, one had to put in the effort. However, Xiao Yan added another element to this premise of pride: becoming an entry-level disciple.
Becoming the pride of one's master is a path fraught with immense difficulty, and some will inevitably give up halfway. However, the requirement to become an entry-level disciple is much smaller, which inadvertently increases Cai'er's own desire to work harder.
"Master, what level of cultivation is required to become your disciple?"
A hint of anticipation appeared on the girl's pretty face. She only hoped that Xiao Yan's demands wouldn't be too high, otherwise she would still worry about whether she could actually meet them.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan smiled and said:
"Well, keep up the good work, Cai'er. I'll come back to see you again when you meet the requirements to become my disciple."
Immediately afterward, before Cai'er could ask any questions, Xiao Yan flipped his hand, and an ancient scroll appeared in his palm.
"This is for you."
He reached out and handed the scroll to Cai'er, who thanked him. Only then did Xiao Yan continue speaking:
"I see your element is wood, so this Wood Evolution Method should be most suitable for you. Also, let me tell you, its previous owner was a powerful expert at the Yuan Zong level."
Xiao Yan smiled, his words referring to Hei Mu. This scroll of Wood Evolution Method was the cultivation method that Hei Mu had practiced. It was High Spirit Class cultivation method, and its mastery was comparable to the Intent Grade. Since it was a wood-type cultivation method that the Ginseng Spirit Clan could use for cultivation, it was naturally a top-tier choice among wood-type cultivation methods.
Upon hearing Xiao Yan's words, not only Cai'er but also Zhu Qiang, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but show a look of shock. The fact that this technique could create a powerhouse at the Yuan Zong level was proof of its formidable strength.
Afterwards, Xiao Yan flicked his wrist and handed another Storage Ring to Cai'er. Inside were many wood-type Dou Technique, ranging from Heaven Class to Spirit Class, totaling more than ten kinds. In addition, there were also many Spirit Stone for her to use in cultivation. Moreover, Xiao Yan even took out another High-Grade Spirit Stone from his own four to help Cai'er cultivate.
After giving some more instructions, Xiao Yan led the two men out of the depths of the cave as if nothing had happened. The villagers inside the cave watched them leave with respectful eyes.
After the three of them left the cave, Cai'er glanced back at the two old men who hadn't yet emerged, then looked up at Xiao Yan with curiosity and asked in a low voice;
"Master, this disciple does not yet know your name?"
Xiao Yan.