Nanyun City, a Grade A cave dwelling area.
Two figures emerged from inside the cave. One was Yan Shuo, Lu Qingshan's servant, and the other was a man in a black trench coat whose aura was at the Eternal True God Level.
" Divine Lord Li Qi, my master has just arrived in Nanyun City and is unfamiliar with the various forces here, so he has no plans to join any other forces for the time being. Please forgive him."
"It's alright—your master even declined the city lord's invitation, so it's normal that he won't join our Shadow Alliance. As long as your master doesn't misunderstand our Shadow Alliance, that's fine."
Li Qi walked ahead, completely unconcerned.
"Of course not."
Yan Shuo shook his head.
He understood the implication in Li Qi's words and said, "My master treats the dark forces and other forces equally, without distinction."
"Now I can rest assured!"
Li Qi nodded.
With that statement, his purpose for this trip could be considered accomplished, even though he hadn't managed to invite this newly arrived god-king into the Shadow Realm.
They formed an alliance, but at least they figured out the other party's attitude.
He had already probed the other party during their previous conversations, and now he was simply confirming it again.
Even though he is merely a servant, a servant will not disobey his master's will, much less misinterpret it.
A flash of white light.
The two then arrived outside the cave.
At that very moment, a woman dressed in a light blue dress, with delicate and graceful features, also arrived at the scene.
Upon seeing the newcomer, the Shadow Alliance's Divine Lord Li Qi revealed a slight smile.
"Isn't this Miss Xia from the Divine Weapon Pavilion? What, does your Divine Weapon Pavilion also want to invite Divine Lord Fang Yuan? Why isn't it the Eternal True God coming? Instead, it's you, little girl—"
Despite facing the Eternal True God, Xia Mingyue's expression remained unchanged. She smiled slightly and said, "Vice Alliance Leader Li, I am not representing the Divine Weapon Pavilion this time, but only my Xia Family lineage. My grandfather is not in Nanyun City for the time being, so it is natural for me to come. I have no intention of neglecting Divine Lord Fang Yuan."
"Oh, Master Xia hasn't returned yet? I was planning to ask him to forge a divine weapon for me; it seems I'll have to wait a while longer."
Li Qi asked the question knowing the answer already.
"Thank you very much, Vice Alliance Leader Li, for patronizing the business. I will definitely tell my grandfather as soon as he returns."
Xia Mingyue's expression remained unchanged.
Li Qi originally wanted to test the waters, but seeing that the other party was unmoved, he didn't say much. He simply scrutinized Xia Mingyue for a moment, then turned and left.
However, the arrival of Xia Mingyue gave him some more to speculate about.
"That old Xia Yeheng hasn't returned for so long; I'm afraid he's really in grave danger. The Xia Family wants to invite Fang Yuan, this Eternal True God, to reside here? Is it to preserve their Xia Family? Heh—what wishful thinking! Everyone knows that if that old fellow Xia Yeheng is gone, the Xia Family will definitely be in big trouble. Given Divine Lord Fang Yuan's personality, I'm afraid he won't get involved."
Outside the cave.
Only after Li Qi left did Xia Mingyue present her visiting card.
"Young man, I am Xia Mingyue from the Divine Weapon Pavilion, here to pay my respects to Divine Lord Fang Yuan ----"
"Miss Xia, please wait a moment. I will go and inform my master immediately."
Yan Shuo accepted the visiting card and immediately sent a message to his master. In recent days, many forces had come to pay their respects to his master. When he first started receiving these Eternal True God Eternal True God forces, he was somewhat apprehensive, but now he had completely adapted.
Just a moment later.
Yan Shuo received a reply.
"Miss Xia, please come in. My master already knows the news."
Thank you.
Xia Mingyue raised her hand in return and stepped into the cave. Although she knew that the chances of the other party agreeing to the invitation were very slim, she had no choice but to take the risk.
Hopefully, the gifts she prepared will move Fang Yuan, this Eternal True God.
The Xia Family now needs an Eternal True God to maintain its position within the Divine Weapon Pavilion. As for the strength of the Eternal True God, it is not a big requirement. After all, as long as the Xia Family is still part of the Divine Weapon Pavilion, other Eternal True God will not dare to cause trouble for the Xia Family.
" The Yanfeng Guild Hall speculates that this Divine Lord may have just broken through. If that's the case, the gift I prepared should be enough to move him."
Before long, Xia Mingyue followed Yan Shuo to the inner chamber of the cave.
It was here that she saw Lu Qingshan for the first time.
"Greetings, Divine Lord Fang Yuan."
Xia Mingyue stepped forward and bowed, her attitude neither humble nor arrogant.
" Xia Mingyue, the Xia Family's weapon-refining genius, you're quite famous in Nanyun City. Have you come today to invite me to join the Divine Weapon Pavilion?"
Lu Qingshan's gaze fell on Xia Mingyue, a smile flashing across his lips.
"Yes, Mingyue has come today to invite Divine Lord Fang Yuan to join the Divine Weapon Pavilion, and not only to join the Divine Weapon Pavilion, but also to become a guest elder of our Xia Family lineage."
Xia Mingyue didn't beat around the bush and directly stated his purpose. Then he took out a brocade box, placed it aside, and said...
"These are some gifts prepared by our Xia Family, including three high-grade Flame Heart Stone, the best treasures for refining the body of Eternal True God."
Xia Mingyue's gaze fell on Lu Qingshan, and she continued, "This gift is a token of our Xia Family's appreciation to the Divine Lord. Regardless of whether the Divine Lord accepts it or not, the gift will not be taken back."
" The Divine Weapon Pavilion is indeed much more generous than other forces."
Lu Qingshan merely glanced at the brocade box and smiled.
Three top-grade Flame Heart Stone would be enough for an ordinary Eternal True God to perfect their divine body; for Eternal True God, this would be a considerable fortune.
If Lu Qingshan had only just broken through to become Eternal True God and his divine body had not yet reached its limit, then this treasure would be like a gift tailor-made for him. Even if he didn't need it, he could sell it. This thing was a hard currency no less valuable than Cosmic Sand.
The key point is that this treasure will not be taken back regardless of whether he joins the Divine Weapon Pavilion or not.
Lu Qingshan glanced at the brocade box but didn't put it away. His gaze fell on Xia Mingyue.
Compared to the treasures inside the brocade box, Xia Mingyue's genius actually piqued his interest even more.
Name: Xia Mingyue
"Evaluation: Third-Class Genius (can take on apprentices), base reward 10,000 times."
The precious daughter of the Xia Family, who had come to their doorstep, turned out to be Third-Class Genius disciple, just like the Wu Huan from the Flame Ruins Sect.
Why did Lu Qingshan come from Lanhuang City to the much larger city of Nanyun City? Wasn't it to find one or two disciples who met the requirements of a "golden finger" (a powerful cheat ability)?
Now that qualified disciples are coming to him, he naturally won't refuse.
He put down his wine glass and said in a calm tone, "Miss Xia, you should know that I have already rejected the requests from the City Lord's Mansion and other forces. I actually have no interest in joining a major power."
" Mingyue has heard of it."
Xia Mingyue's expression changed slightly. Although she knew the chances were slim, she still chose to try. Now it seemed there was no hope.
However, what followed was a completely unexpected turn of events.
"While I have no interest in Nanyun City, I do have some interest in weapon crafting."
Upon hearing this, a glimmer of hope rekindled in Xia Mingyue's eyes, and she immediately added, "If Divine Lord Fang Yuan is willing to join our Xia Family lineage in the Divine Weapon Pavilion and become a guest elder, I am willing to offer a portion of the Xia Family's weapon-refining heritage as a reward—"
She would never have revealed the Xia Family's inheritance unless she was forced into a corner, not even the most basic part.
However, now, the Xia Family has reached a critical moment of life and death. If their lineage is swallowed up, not only will their lineage be lost, but her parents, relatives, and everything else will also be lost.
Lu Qingshan shook his head and said, "I already have a weapon-refining inheritance, which is enough for me, so I'm not interested in your Xia Family's inheritance, but—"
"But what----"
Xia Mingyue was a little confused. If she wasn't interested in the Xia Family's heritage, then why bring it up?
"I'm not interested in the Xia Family's legacy, but I am somewhat interested in you, Miss Xia."
Lu Qingshan continued.
Xia Mingyue's face turned pale.
" Divine Lord Fang Yuan —although I have invited you to the Xia Family, I cannot use myself as a bargaining chip."
You've misunderstood—
Seeing her say this, Lu Qingshan naturally knew she was mistaken. He said, "I've heard that you are a famous genius in the Divine Weapon Pavilion, but you haven't become my disciple—if you're willing to become my disciple, what's wrong with joining your Xia Family?"
"To become an apprentice."
Xia Mingyue blushed slightly, realizing she had been overthinking things. She hadn't expected that Divine Lord Fang Yuan would want to take her as his disciple!
Compared to exchanging one's body for something, having an Eternal True God as a teacher is indeed a much easier thing to accept.
Given her status in the Divine Weapon Pavilion and her grandfather, a master weapon refiner, there shouldn't be any problems with her having previously become an apprentice of an Eternal True God. However, even if she becomes an apprentice, the other party is unlikely to join their Xia Family. At most, he can protect her, but he is unlikely to get involved in the internal strife of the Divine Weapon Pavilion or protect their Xia Family lineage.
"Your grandfather has been out of contact for a long time, hasn't he? I know about the difficulties your Xia Family is facing. Only by becoming my disciple can your troubles be resolved."
Lu Qingshan raised his glass again, slowly savoring the wine, awaiting Xia Mingyue's reply.
He knew.
This intelligent and perceptive woman naturally knew how to make the right choice.
Xia Mingyue didn't hesitate for long; after only a moment, she said, " Mingyue is willing. Mingyue pays her respects to the teacher."
While they were talking.
She knelt on the ground, which was considered a simple procedure.
She couldn't think of a reason to refuse the idea that having an Eternal True God as a teacher would solve the Xia Family's troubles.
The only thing she couldn't understand was why the other party wanted to take her as a disciple.
Could it be that the other party has high hopes for the Divine Weapon Pavilion and wants to develop Divine Weapon Pavilion long-term, taking him as a disciple simply to firmly bind themselves to the Divine Weapon Pavilion?
If that's the case, then the other party isn't as unambitious as they seem now. But regardless, it's the best-case scenario for the Xia Family; it's better than being completely taken advantage of.
If her grandfather could return, there would be no problem. But if something really happened to him, then this Eternal True God, her teacher, would be the Xia Family's backer in the Divine Weapon Pavilion.
With a master-disciple relationship as a bond, at least the Xia Family can be protected.
Lu Qingshan looked at Xia Mingyue and nodded slightly.
The moment Xia Mingyue became an apprentice, the master-disciple relationship was already established.
In every future era, he will receive a cashback from Xia Mingyue.
He helped his disciple to his feet and said, "From this day forward, you are my Fang Yuan. You need not worry about the Divine Weapon Pavilion."
Thank you, teacher.
Xia Mingyue slowly stood up.
With an Eternal True God as her protector, the pressure on her shoulders was greatly reduced.
"Since you've become my disciple, I'll also give you a gift. However, I didn't prepare one beforehand, so please accept this for now. I'll prepare something else for you later. You should go back to the Xia Family first, and after you've settled everything, I'll also Xia Family for a few days."
Lu Qingshan casually picked up a plant.
This is the Star Samsara Grass he collected on his way to Lanhuang City when he first entered the cycle of reincarnation. This treasure is of great help to the Void True God and is very valuable. Back then, Lu Qingshan sold the other rare treasures he collected and kept only this one.
The items in the Wu Kingdom Inheritance are too high-end, and they're still with the Xue You Clone. The things we obtained from killing Baili Rentu and from the Blood Drop Society are all stolen goods and cannot be taken out.
This is currently the only thing suitable to be given to a disciple.
Thank you, teacher.
Xia Mingyue glanced at the Star Samsara Grass, showed no disgust, and carefully put it away.
This thing is a rare treasure for other Void True God, but it's nothing special to her.
If her soul can withstand it, the Xia Family's assets are enough for her to eat this stuff every day.
"It seems that the teacher hasn't been Eternal True God for long and is short of funds, so he can only offer treasures of this level."
Xia Mingyue thought to herself that when the teacher came to their Xia Family, her father would need to prepare more gifts for the teacher's formal apprenticeship.
The teacher protected the Xia Family lineage and took on the risks, so they couldn't let the teacher's efforts go to waste.
After accepting the gift, Xia Mingyue got up to take her leave.
Lu Qingshan escorted Xia Mingyue outside the cave and watched her leave from there.
"It seems my disciple is quite wealthy."
Lu Qingshan smiled slightly.
He knew that the Star Samsara Grass meant nothing to this disciple.
Of course, Lu Qingshan could put in some effort to choose other treasures to bestow, but it would be meaningless.
The Void True God is too weak, and the maximum number of treasures he can bestow is too low. He can only bestow one hundred grains of Cosmic Sand. So no matter what he chooses, the difference is not significant. Moreover, this Star Samsara Grass is a treasure that helps with the cultivation of secret techniques, which is exactly what Lu Qingshan needs now.
He studied the Ghost Annihilation Eighteen Blades and created his own secret attack technique. His attack power was flawless, reaching the pinnacle of Eternal True God. However, there were still some issues in other aspects.
These still require treasures to make up for them.
As for his willpower, his Xue You Clone has been consuming the Nine Nether Soul-Cleansing Dew left behind by the Wu Kingdom, and his willpower is steadily improving, so he doesn't need any other treasures to assist him for the time being.
Lu Qingshan's consciousness entered the Golden Finger Space to check the returned treasures.
[You bestowed upon your disciple Xia Mingyue a Star Samsara Grass, receiving a ten-thousand-fold return; you also receive a Purple Empyrean Hornless Dragon Pearl Flower.]
"Nice one!"
Upon seeing the name and appearance, a hint of excitement flashed across Lu Qingshan's face.
The Purple Empyrean Hornless Dragon Pearl Flower is a valuable item, an extremely precious treasure for Eternal True God. He had previously seen it on the exchange list in the Flame Ruins Sect's treasury; exchanging for this Purple Empyrean Hornless Dragon Pearl Flower required 300,000 contribution points, which is equivalent to 300,000 Cosmic Sand.
It should be noted that most Eternal True God possess assets of only around ten thousand Cosmic Sand. Three hundred thousand Cosmic Sand is an astronomical figure for most Eternal True God.
Most importantly, he can use this himself!