Liu Mang Teaches Xuan Du, One Dares to Teach and One Dares to Learn

Liu Mang looked like he was just missing a bag of sunflower seeds to complete the image of a nosy auntie watching a spectacle at the village entrance.

He was certain Taishang still cared about his reputation and wouldn't act against a junior like him, unlike the Two Sages of the West.

Therefore, Liu Mang didn't take Taishang's words too seriously. Instead, he continued his serious, nonsensical conversation with Xuan Du.

"Big Brother, I'm telling you, you have to watch out for those old men in Hong Huang. The ones who look the most kind and benevolent are actually the most dangerous."

Upon hearing Liu Mang's words, Jieyin and Zhunti's expressions faltered. They had been enjoying the show, but suddenly felt like they were being subtly insulted.

Xuan Du, experiencing humanity for the first time, clearly lacked experience and asked with confusion, "Second Brother, why do you say that?"

Liu Mang said earnestly, "If you were walking outside and saw an old man fall to the ground, would you help him up?"

"This..." Xuan Du thought for a moment. "Of course, I would help!"

Liu Mang anticipated Xuan Du's answer and continued, "Even if you help him up, if he asks you to take him home, you wouldn't refuse, right?"

"Yeah! That's just a small favor~" Xuan Du scratched his head awkwardly, realizing he probably wouldn't refuse.

Liu Mang smirked disdainfully, wearing an expression that said, "Just as I expected."

This tactic was called the "foot-in-the-door" technique in psychology.

Once someone agrees to the first request, they are often less likely to refuse the second.

It was like going from "I just want a hug" to "I just want to rub a little..."—easy as pie.

Liu Mang couldn't help but recall those days when his hands were always in his pockets, and he didn't know what a "rival" was.

Now, he could only hold his head in his hands, unable to fight back even when beaten!

"Young people are too honest these days!"

Liu Mang sighed deeply and said to Xuan Du, "How do you know he wasn't doing it on purpose? What if he had already set up five hundred swordsmen at home? As soon as you step inside, he'll give the signal, and they'll chop off your head."

After speaking, Liu Mang made a chopping motion towards Xuan Du's neck, startling him.

"Hiss, that's terrifying! Then I won't send him home!"

"Heh, not sending him?" Liu Mang sneered. "If you don't send him, he'll just lie back down on the ground. He'll claim you hit him, demand you compensate him with an Innate Spiritual Treasure, and if you refuse, he'll cut out your kidneys!"

"Nephew, I don't cut out kidneys!" Taishang couldn't stand it anymore!

He had a feeling there was some karma between Xuan Du and him, but in Liu Mang's mouth, it turned into him wanting to cut out kidneys?

If Liu Mang continued spinning his tales, not only would he fail to take on a disciple, but his reputation would also be ruined.

Compared to the speechless Taishang, Jieyin and Zhunti's eyes lit up after listening.

"Brother, this method is practically tailor-made for us." Zhunti felt his mind open up, his thoughts becoming much clearer.

"My junior brother speaks the truth! I also feel like I've been enlightened, it's more exhilarating than increasing my cultivation."

Liu Mang never expected that his words would result in Hong Huang gaining a pair of old men who specialized in faking accidents to extort people, threatening to cut out kidneys if they refused.

Suddenly, Hong Huang was thrown into a panic, and everyone avoided old men on sight.

Speaking of which...

Jieyin looked at Liu Mang and sincerely invited him again, "Nephew, it's truly a waste of your talent not to come to the West. If you're willing to come, my brother and I will treat you as our junior disciple!"

It had to be said that Jieyin and Zhunti were doing everything they could for the West, even going so far as to elevate Liu Mang's seniority.

Liu Mang was momentarily stunned.

What about him and his mother then? They would each have their own terms. He would call her Mother, and she would call him Junior Brother.

Although the two were shameless, it was clear that others would not agree.

Before Liu Mang could speak, Taishang rebuked, "You two shut your mouths, this is outrageous!!"

Taishang took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. Just as he was about to speak, he heard Liu Mang say.

"Eldest Martial Uncle, I didn't mean that you would cut out kidneys! But if you want to think that way, then I can't help it!"

These words were the epitome of a scumbag!

After all, Liu Mang had personally created the "Fifty-Two Truths of a Scumbag" in modern times:

"Eaten yet? Sleep early. This thing is a bit expensive; Just had a meeting. How could I? Tired after a long day; I love you. Don't misunderstand. That girl is my sister; You're great. I'm not worthy. OK, baby, next one."

His words were guaranteed to captivate both men and women, always drawing blood.

Taishang had never encountered such a situation before and almost had a stroke from anger.

Liu Mang: What stroke! That's called a Primordial Spirit! jpg

Taishang knew he couldn't win a verbal argument with Liu Mang.

Without beating around the bush, he stated his intention directly. "I simply feel that I have a master-disciple connection with this human named Xuan Du and wish to take him as my disciple. That's all."

After speaking, he inexplicably added, "There's absolutely none of that... sordid stuff you mentioned."

Liu Mang scanned their faces and pretended to have a sudden realization. "Oh~~ I see, I see~!"

"You understand nothing, you understand nothing! I shouldn't have explained that extra sentence."

Liu Mang saw that the situation was about to settle and couldn't be bothered to disgust Taishang any further.

"Taking in a disciple! You should have said so earlier. As long as Big Brother agrees, I have no objections."

As soon as Liu Mang finished speaking, he turned and pulled Xuan Du over.

The two walked to the side and began whispering to each other.

"Big Brother, do you want to cultivate with him?"

Because of Liu Mang's actions, Xuan Du became the First Ancestor of the Human Race. However, Liu Mang felt that accepting a master was something Xuan Du had to agree to willingly.

He didn't think that just because Taishang was certain to Prove Dao, Xuan Du should be forced to become Taishang's disciple.

Liu Mang hoped that Xuan Du would first be Xuan Du, and then have other identities. He didn't want Xuan Du to be like before, always wandering outside of Hong Huang, like a master disciple of the Xuan Sect who was like a lonely ghost.

Xuan Du secretly glanced at Taishang and said with a hint of worry, "But I feel like the old man isn't good! Before, his gaze felt like it saw right through me, leaving no secrets."

Liu Mang knew as soon as he heard this that Taishang had definitely examined Xuan Du with his divine sense.

"Hah, is that all? What a big deal! Ever since the Ten Great Demon Gods appeared, I've had this feeling of being stripped bare at least 30 times!"

Liu Mang said proudly, "Later on, when more people showed up, I stopped counting!"

Xuan Du seemed a bit speechless. He had been completely seen through, and he really didn't know what Liu Mang was so proud of!

Liu Mang felt that Taishang looking at Xuan Du, and so thoroughly, must mean that the other party had sensed something.

He naturally wouldn't let Xuan Du give up on becoming a disciple over such a small matter and continued to instigate him, "Besides, what's so bad about the old man? The old man not only has a basic living allowance, but you can also find him after he's gone!"

Xuan Du: "Huh? Is something wrong with that?"

Taishang: "Hmm? This scoundrel, is he instigating Xuan Du to betray me after I die?"

Seeing Xuan Du's confused expression, Liu Mang realized, "Pfft, no, I'm going off-script! I've wandered into the matchmaking corner!"

"What I mean is, although he's a bit old, a bit ugly, a bit weaker than my mother, his treasures are a bit less appealing, and he has a few less subordinates..."

Taishang: Please, stop talking. The more you talk, the more I start to doubt myself!

Liu Mang's tone suddenly shifted, "But, he is, after all, the first disciple of the Dao Ancestor, the head of the Three Pure Ones, and my mother's senior brother. In Hong Huang, he's considered a top-tier powerful being. Becoming his disciple is an extremely rare and good thing, both for you and for the Human Race!"

Taishang: Thank you, you've helped me regain a sliver of my dignity.

"Besides, what's the big deal if a grown man is seen through? We're not afraid even if we are."

Liu Mang said, hands on his hips, chest puffed out, his gaze sweeping around, smugly saying, "We have strong foundations, enough to make them envious to death!"

Xuan Du deliberately ignored the phrase "strong foundations." He only needed to consider it for a moment and felt that it was indeed as Liu Mang said. Becoming Taishang's disciple offered more than just a few benefits.

Moreover, Xuan Du also wished to be like Liu Mang, the center of attention wherever he went. This required not only strength but also background, both of which Taishang possessed.

Xuan Du nodded, "Alright! I agree!"

Seeing Xuan Du agree, Liu Mang continued to caution him, "However, you don't need to agree too quickly. You know, the easier something is obtained, the less it's cherished. At the very least, ask the questions in your heart clearly before agreeing."

As Liu Mang spoke, he rubbed the tips of his thumb and index finger back and forth, "Besides, once this opportunity is gone, it won't come again!"

Taishang heard Liu Mang and Xuan Du's conversation clearly.

In fact, Liu Mang had never intended to hide it from those present. The memory of him being slapped for complaining about Jieyin and Zhunti was still vivid.

Taishang hadn't expected that his impulsive act of scanning Xuan Du with his divine sense would actually cause Xuan Du to feel repulsed.

"It seems my disciple has a strong sense of self-respect!" Taishang was already considering how to guide Xuan Du.

As for Liu Mang's behavior, in Taishang's eyes, although it was undignified, the intention was good, all for Xuan Du's sake.

This not only didn't make Taishang feel displeased, but rather, he felt a little comforted.

It wasn't because he was a masochist, but because in Liu Mang and Xuan Du, he saw the shadow of his three brothers.

Back when the three of them had just taken form and started venturing into Hong Huang together.

His temperament was similar to Xuan Du's; he was indifferent to most things and disliked conflict, which caused him to miss many opportunities.

His second and third brothers, fearing he would suffer losses, always rushed ahead of him in any situation, much like Liu Mang and Xuan Du.

Although the three of them were now top-tier powerful beings in Hong Huang, the days of mutual support and encouragement were gone.

For a moment, Taishang thought of many things until Xuan Du turned back and spoke, interrupting his thoughts.

"If I become your disciple, will I be seen through every day?" Xuan Du asked timidly.

"I'm not some pervert." Taishang couldn't help but inwardly retort, "Without your permission, I won't actively scan you with my divine sense again!"

As Taishang spoke, he took out a jade pendant, pointed his finger, and the pendant turned into a stream of light, attaching itself to Xuan Du's belt.

"This jade pendant can block the divine sense of Grand Unity Golden Immortals. Consider it an apology for my previous actions."

Xuan Du happily took the jade pendant and examined it for a long time before reluctantly putting it down. He said thank you and continued to ask.

"Then, can I become a Saint if I become your disciple?"

After asking, Xuan Du looked at Taishang with a face full of longing.

The reason Xuan Du asked this was mainly because he didn't know about other realms. He only knew that he was created by Nu Wa.

And Nu Wa became a Saint, which was very powerful. So many people were watching, and he also wanted to become very powerful one day!

"This, I..."

Taishang was momentarily speechless, unsure of what to say.

Fortunately, Liu Mang rescued him in time.

With a loud "Slap!", Liu Mang smacked Xuan Du on the head.

"Are you stupid? He hasn't even become a Saint yet, how can he answer a question like that? Don't you know to ask about the important things?"

Taishang: I'm so grateful! Can you even talk?!

"Oh!"

Xuan Du looked disappointed. Thinking about it, what Liu Mang said made sense, so he looked at Taishang with a solemn expression.

Taishang also seemed startled by Xuan Du's expression. He tucked his hands into his sleeves, straightening his previously hunched posture. He thought, Please don't ask me about becoming a Saint again.

The next moment, Xuan Du did as Taishang wished.

Xuan Du: "Are you providing meals?"

Taishang: "Ah, ah?"

Was the scope of the question that broad? He was caught off guard and Taishang couldn't react in time.

Xuan Du said haughtily, "If you're not providing meals, I'm not going!"

Liu Mang smacked him in the face, turning his head away. "I shouldn't have mentioned 'major life events, eating' in front of you!"

You sure learned to use what you learned quickly.

Liu Mang saw Xuan Du's smug expression as he kept raising his eyebrows at him, looking for praise. Helplessly, he gave Xuan Du a thumbs-up.

Taishang looked at Liu Mang's darkened expression. What on earth have you taught Xuan Du?

Is this taking on a disciple, or driving away a beggar?

Damn it, I've lived for several epochs, and finally found a disciple I liked, how did it go so wrong?

Can I still go back on my word and not take him as a disciple? Is it too late?

It's all your fault, you damn Liu Mang!

Fortunately, Taishang had developed some immunity to the stimulation from Liu Mang and Xuan Du. After trying to calm himself, he stammered, "I... I'll provide meals!"

"As long as you provide meals!"

Hearing Xuan Du's words, Taishang finally let out a long sigh. It was settled. "Fellow Daoist Nu Wa is the Saint Mother of the Human Race. After she successfully Proves Dao, we'll seek her opinion, and then you can formally become my disciple."

Xuan Du nodded, exchanged a glance with Liu Mang, and obediently stood behind Taishang.

Yuanshi and Tongtian had witnessed Taishang's actions. Although they didn't understand the reason behind Taishang's actions, they didn't interrupt him midway.

Only after everything had settled did they voice their doubts.

Yuanshi said with dissatisfaction, "Big Brother, why are you taking a human as a disciple? Although he has an Innate Dao Body, there are countless individuals in the Hong Huang who are more outstanding and wish to join our ranks. Moreover, we are manifestations of Father God Pangu's Primordial Spirit. Why would you do this!"

Taishang was slightly displeased by Yuanshi's words but, considering Yuanshi's feelings, did not point it out publicly.

Tongtian, however, did not consider it so much and said with slight anger, "Second Brother! You've gone too far!"

Yuanshi didn't believe he had done anything wrong and glared at Tongtian before falling silent.

Taishang looked at Yuanshi and slowly asked, "Second Brother, you must think I'm taking Xuan Du as a disciple because Nu Wa is Proving Dao, wanting to establish a karmic connection, right?"

Yuanshi did not answer but turned his head to the side, implicitly admitting it.

Taishang was not angry. He smiled and patted Xuan Du, who looked slightly disappointed, then turned to Yuanshi and patiently explained, "My statement about having a connection with Xuan Du was not empty words. And I only intend to take Xuan Du as my disciple!"

Xuan Du looked up at Taishang, bewildered.

He had initially listened to Yuanshi's words and thought he was just a pawn for Taishang, but he never expected Taishang to be serious.

One must know that at their level of cultivation, any false statement could lead to a blockage in their Dao Heart, preventing further progress.

Since Taishang dared to say it, it meant he had truly made such plans.

"Big Brother, this..." Hearing Taishang's words, Tongtian became anxious, and Yuanshi forgot his anger and wanted to interject.

Taishang raised his hand slightly, interrupting them. "Listen to me first. Our three brothers have different personalities. You two know I prefer tranquility and inaction. One disciple is just right for me, so there's no need to persuade me further."

Yuanshi and Tongtian saw that Taishang's mind was made up and said nothing more.

They both knew that once Taishang decided something, there was almost no possibility of him going back on his word.

However, they couldn't help but worry. After all, everyone in the Hong Huang took many disciples. If they only took one and he perished midway, there would be no successor.

Taishang knew their thoughts but did not want to hide it from his brothers. He sighed helplessly and transmitted his voice, "I have already sensed the opportunity for my Dao Proving! It lies with Xuan Du, or rather, with the Human Race."