The interior of the cave was very simply furnished, even rudimentary, but the stone table was laden with exquisite dishes and wine, their aroma filling the air, clearly indicating careful preparation.
After the two were seated, Wu Huan poured Lu Qingshan a cup of fine wine before saying, " Xue You, please try this. It's Moon Chill Frost that I bought from the Food Fragrance Pavilion in Heavenly Fire City. It's very famous throughout Heavenly Fire Chaos Prefecture."
The Heavenly Fire Chaos Prefecture is the Chaos Prefecture where the Flame Ruins Sect is located, and Heavenly Fire City is the largest city near their sect.
The Heavenly Fire Chaos Prefecture is under the jurisdiction of their Flame Ruins Sect.
Lu Qingshan picked up his wine glass and took a small sip. Even he could feel a cool, moonlit sensation nourishing his soul.
If this is the case for him—if it were Void True God, the effect would certainly be quite remarkable.
If it were True God, he would probably be intoxicated by just one sip.
The food and wines Origin Continent are basically derived from Culinary Dao traditions. Every famous dish and wine, in addition to its taste, comes with some special effects, and many even have very important benefits for cultivation.
This is precisely why, in an environment where almost everyone in the area doesn't need to eat or drink, restaurants can still thrive. The function of restaurants here has long since ceased to be simply to satisfy basic needs, but rather to serve as places for enjoyment and consumption.
"Good!"
Lu Qingshan put down his wine glass and smiled slightly, "This wine isn't cheap, is it?"
"That's alright, this pot only needs three grains of Cosmic Sand."
Wu Huan humbly shook his head.
Three grains of Cosmic Sand may not amount to much for Eternal True God, but for Void True God, they represent a considerable fortune. The Void True God of the Flame Ruins Sect, who guards the mountain gate, only earns three contribution points per era.
In other words, the Wu Huan guards at the mountain gate could only afford to buy this one bottle of fine wine in a single year, which was already considered a very hospitable gesture.
That's thoughtful of you.
Lu Qingshan picked up his wine glass and drank the rest of the Moon Chill Frost in one gulp, then began to savor the dishes.
During his time on the Origin Continent, neither his main body nor his Xue You Clone had eaten; this was the first time they had enjoyed food.
The food tasted very good.
It tasted much better than what he got from the Black Butcher. Of course, it's not that the Black Butcher's skills were bad, but rather that the resources in the Universe Ocean were too scarce, and the avatar's abilities were not as good as the original body.
Some dishes require a chef's utmost effort to prepare well, something Black Butcher cannot achieve.
Lu Qingshan and Wu Huan chatted while eating.
The Wu Huan deliberately avoided inquiring about Lu Qingshan's past, instead focusing their discussions on the sect's situation.
Lu Qingshan also mentioned the tasks he had just seen.
The Wu Huan knew more about the sect, and they would explain in detail what Lu Qingshan didn't know.
"Gathering tasks may seem simple, but they are actually quite dangerous and involve a gamble. Many disciples only take them out of necessity, when they can't get better tasks. For example, after this era ends and I complete the task of guarding the mountain gate, I will need to choose other tasks. I will most likely choose a safer place to do gathering."
Which type of resource gathering mission offers the best reward?
Lu Qingshan asked.
"If we're talking about the best reward, it's definitely collecting Flame Heart Stone. Collectors can get a 30% return. This thing is the most perfect body-refining material for Eternal True God, and even some Chaos Great Sage need it. Its value is extremely high. But does Senior Brother know why there has always been a shortage of manpower for collecting Flame Heart Stone?"
"Why? Is it too dangerous?" Lu Qingshan asked with a smile.
Wu Huan shook his head. "It's not too dangerous. The place where we collect Flame Heart Stone is a treasure trove controlled by our Flame Ruins Sect. Most of the dangers there have been eliminated, so the actual level of danger isn't high. It's just that the Flame Heart Stone have been almost completely collected over the years. If you're lucky enough to get Flame Heart Stone on this mission, the reward will be quite good, but most of the time it will be a wasted effort."
Perhaps fearing Lu Qingshan might not understand, Wu Huan explained, "An inner disciple I know took on this mission but came up empty-handed. That senior brother was a ruthless one; he stayed in that treasure land for three thousand eons, and still couldn't find even a single Flame Heart Stone. After that incident, very few disciples in the sect took on this mission, even when the sect increased the commission to thirty percent."
"So difficult? Has the supply run out?"
Lu Qingshan asked in surprise.
The inner disciples are all considered the elite of the Flame Ruins Sect, so it is indeed a bit of an exaggeration that they have gained nothing in three thousand years.
Other gathering tasks are still rewarded based on effort, while this one is purely based on luck.
No wonder the Flame Heart Stone was so expensive when he bought it himself.
"It's not that they're completely depleted, but the quantity has definitely decreased. The richest areas have long been mined out, leaving only scattered spots. Although there are still plenty of Flame Heart Stone, there are even more abandoned mines, making it like searching for a needle in a haystack. It will definitely be very difficult to find them."
"Moreover, that precious land has an extremely harsh environment, making it practically impossible to cultivate there, which is why very few people go there."
"I see."
Lu Qingshan nodded slightly.
However, he secretly calculated in his heart that this kind of mineral exploration task might be difficult for others, but it was nothing to him.
The Eye of Wisdom can see everything; even the slightest change in the environment is perceived by it.
It's fair to say that his current treasure-hunting abilities are far superior to those of the former Mirror King.
If he could enter that treasure land, he would surely be able to find a considerable number of Flame Heart Stone.
However, even if we're looking for those things, we can't collect too many; it wouldn't be good if they were too conspicuous.
He has only just joined the Flame Ruins Sect, his foundation is unstable, and his only acquaintance Master of Fire Saint, is still a debtor.
This Wu Huan is merely a minor Void True God; expecting his protection is futile. Once he establishes himself within the Flame Ruins Sect, such worries will cease.
"Thank you for clearing up my doubts, junior brother."
Lu Qingshan raised his glass.
"Senior brother, you're too kind."
The Wu Huan also raised their wine cups in return.
The two chatted for a long time until they finished all the food, at which point Lu Qingshan got up to leave.
However, before leaving, he also left behind a weapon he had crafted himself, a weapon of the Void True God Level.
"This weapon is something I made as practice. Junior brother, please accept it as a gift from your senior brother."
The Wu Huan glanced at the spear-like weapon, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes.
"Senior brother can also forge weapons?"
I know a little bit about it.
Lu Qingshan smiled and said modestly.
"Senior brother is truly a hidden master. With such abilities, coming to our Flame Ruins Sect is absolutely the right decision. The most profitable place in our Flame Ruins Sect is the Weapon Refining Pavilion. If you want to do missions, you can choose the missions at the Flame Mountain Weapon Refining Pavilion. You might even meet a senior uncle who is proficient in weapon refining at the Chaos Realm. If you could be accepted as a disciple, your status in the Flame Ruins Sect would rise significantly."
The Wu Huan looked at the exquisite weapon with an envious expression.
If he knew these skills, he wouldn't be guarding the mountain gate. Even being a weapon-refining Apprentice or a maid would earn him far more than guarding the mountain gate.
Missions in Flame Mountain are highly sought after, but unfortunately, the requirements are too high, and the vast majority of outer disciples, and even inner disciples, cannot meet the minimum standards.
"Oh, junior brother, would you like to learn?"
Lu Qingshan asked tentatively.
"Study?"
The Wu Huan wore expressions of disbelief.
Weapon crafting is a well-paid profession that many outer disciples can only dream of. It's not that the techniques are not easily passed on; outer disciples can exchange basic weapon crafting skills from the sect if they make enough contributions. He himself had previously exchanged for a beginner's manual on weapon crafting.
But is simply having a tradition enough?
The answer is no.
In the profession of weapon crafting, inheritance is only the most basic. Without guidance, even the best inheritance is useless. Moreover, in the early stages of weapon crafting, a lot of materials are required, which are beyond the capacity of an outer disciple, especially without guidance.
That manual on weapon crafting had been placed deep within the storage room of Wu Huan's cave dwelling, and he would likely never take it out again. Unexpectedly, today, his inner sect senior brother, whom he had only known for a short time, asked him if he wanted to learn it.
"Senior brother is probably just being polite. If I were to say I wanted to, I'm afraid it would displease him. After all, our relationship is just so-so, and I'm not worth his Heartforce to guide me. But if what you said is true, then—"
The Wu Huan's expression changed, his face showing struggle, but he remained silent for a long time.
"Don't overthink it. I wasn't just saying that casually. I'm new here and don't know many people in the Flame Ruins Sect. Actually, you're the person I know best. I'm very satisfied with your hospitality today, so guiding you in weapon crafting is nothing special. However, my weapon crafting skills are something I've honed myself little by little. If you want to learn, I can give you pointers in my spare time, no problem. But if you want me to give you my full guidance and take care of the resources you need to get started, then you'll have to become my disciple—"
After speaking, Lu Qingshan looked at Wu Huan's expression.
Most of those who wanted to be friends with Lu Qingshan eventually became his disciples: Zhen Yan, Bug Chasing, Purple Rain —and it seems unlikely that anything will happen with the Wu Huan before them.
"Senior brother, are you serious?"
Wu Huan took a deep breath, as if to make sure he wasn't dreaming.
"Of course it's true, don't beat around the bush, I like to be direct," Lu Qingshan urged.
"Bang!"
Without saying a word, the Wu Huan knelt down beside the stone table.
"Disciple Wu Huan greets Master."
Wu Huan had no psychological barriers to becoming a disciple, only some disbelief. He had spent a fortune entertaining his senior brother Xue You, hoping to cultivate a good relationship with this promising senior brother and receive some favors in the future. But now—
He has a better option.
The relationship between a master and apprentice can be more solid than that between friends.
Friends may drift apart because of a large gap between them, but the relationship between master and apprentice always exists and will not be affected by a large gap between them.
Moreover, the master-disciple relationship on the Origin Continent is an absolutely solid one. Masters and disciples are bound together, with teachers taking care of their disciples and disciples not allowed to betray their teachers. This is a universally acknowledged rule, and anyone who violates it can be punished by death, with a price that is beyond imagination.
Moreover, his senior brother is Eternal True God, while he is only Void True God, which is a whole level higher. Even without considering the inheritance of weapon crafting, becoming an apprentice of an Eternal True God is a good opportunity for him.
He is a disciple of the Flame Ruins Sect. In the outside world, in cities or tribes, it would be a pipe dream for Void True God to want to become an Eternal True God's disciple.
"Get up."
Lu Qingshan stepped forward and helped Wu Huan to his feet.
The moment Wu Huan became his disciple, their master-disciple relationship was already bound together, gaining the approval of the cheat system.
Wu Huan was his first disciple on the Origin Continent. Although he was only Third-Class Genius, he was the beginning of Lu Qingshan's snowballing success.
It's better to join a powerful force. Even the outer disciples guarding the mountain gate are Third-Class Genius. Such geniuses Chi You, even in the vast wilderness.
The city has searched for so long, but hasn't found even a single one.
Helping Wu Huan up, Lu Qingshan took out a memory stone and said, "Here are some basic knowledge of weapon crafting that I have summarized. You should learn these first. After you are familiar with them, I will buy materials for you and guide you in your practice. Putting aside everything else—learning these will at least allow you to make a living back at Flame Mountain."
Thank you, teacher.
The Wu Huan were extremely grateful.
He already possessed a weapon-refining inheritance, but he naturally wouldn't refuse the inheritance his teacher offered, since his teacher's future guidance would likely be based primarily on this inheritance.
Wu Huan separated a wisp of his consciousness to examine the Memory Stone.
I only looked at it for a moment.
He looked surprised.
"This----"
He hadn't expected that the contents of this Memory Stone would be so simple and easy to understand, and so comprehensive, completely unlike the inheritance he had previously exchanged.
Can weapon crafting be described so simply?
This is actually a secret weapon-refining technique created by the teacher himself?
Just how skilled is the teacher in crafting artifacts to create such a profound and simple introductory teaching?
Moreover, despite being described as an introductory inheritance, this inheritance actually includes methods for creating Mechanical Flow Treasure and the weapon-refining techniques of Void True God.
Putting everything else aside, as long as he can thoroughly study this inheritance, his status within the Flame Ruins Sect will inevitably rise, and he will be able to find stable and highly profitable missions even in the Flame Mountain region.
"Teacher, this lineage is perfect for me."
"The Wu Huan sighed."
"If it suits you, then study it on your own for a while. If you have any questions, you can send me a message anytime. Even if I'm in seclusion, I will still spare a wisp of my consciousness to answer them for you. After you've studied these things, I will guide you in weapon crafting. As my disciple, I will naturally not treat you unfairly."
Thank you, teacher.
The Wu Huan were deeply moved.
"Okay, you can look into it first. Contact me if anything comes up."
Lu Qingshan got up and left the Wu Huan's cave.
[You have bestowed the " Xue You's Artifact Refining Manual, Basic Edition " upon your disciple Wu Huan and received a ten-thousand-fold return; you have also received the " Xue You's Artifact Refining Manual, Advanced Edition ".]
Lu Qingshan only glanced at the contents of the advanced manual and found that it was in line with the basic version, but it also involved more profound knowledge, such as the creation of the secret treasures of the Eternal True God, Mechanical Flow Treasure at the Eternal Level, and even the creation of weapon embryos at the Chaos Realm - all of which were things he had never explored before.
This time, Lu Qingshan not only gained a lot from taking on apprentices, but also acquired some knowledge of "golden finger" techniques.
Cashback is good.
Unfortunately, the interval between these cashback rewards is still a bit long. It seems I should take on more disciples if I have the chance.
In the Universe Ocean dimension, the Golden Finger returns once a year, but on the Origin Continent, it returns once every epoch.
An era in the Origin Continent is one billion days.
On the Origin Continent, the lifespan of True God is 30,000 epochs. These 30,000 epochs are equivalent to three Reincarnation Era of the Universe Ocean dimension. Only by breaking through to the Void True God can one attain an infinite lifespan.
Such an interval wouldn't be much for other Void True God or Eternal True God, who might spend many epochs in a single seclusion, but for Lu Qingshan, who wanted to snowball his power quickly, it was still a bit too long.
It seems that with so few disciples, future bestowals cannot be so arbitrary; careful selection is required.