The Second Demonic Lineage

Become an apprentice?

Lü Yuan's first reaction to this question was bewilderment, after all, wasn't Chen Sheng his mentor?

How could he ask such a question?

But soon he realized the difference between the two.

Because the first teacher truly only provides initial guidance.

Although Chen Sheng taught me knowledge and common sense, he also broadened my understanding and knowledge of immortals and mortals.

But that's all.

Even though they all knew this, Chen Sheng still said such things, wanting to become his disciple.

Therefore, the "master" he refers to is probably not a "teacher," but a true "master."

A master who will impart their own teachings!

Furthermore, his later statement that he would take new courses if he agreed, and leave if he refused, almost confirms this point.

So, is Liu Bang finally coming back?

Ahem, let's get back to the main topic.

Although it has been confirmed that this was Chen Sheng's intention.

But because it was so sudden and without warning, Lü Yuan was completely unprepared.

So, despite having some suspicions, he still asked in order to be certain, "Why would you ask that? Aren't you my teacher?"

Chen Sheng's answer then confirmed Lü Yuan's suspicions.

He shook his head and, under Lü Yuan's gaze, said earnestly, "You should already have some guesses about this—"

"That's right, I wasn't referring to my first teacher."

"But it is the true master who will pass on his mantle, teachings, relics, and even the entire lineage to you in the future."

Or should I ask it this way—?

Chen Sheng countered, "What do you think of my teachings these past few days?"

Lü Yuan spoke frankly, "I have never seen a better teacher than you. Thanks to your teachings, I have learned about the culture and history of immortals and mortals, as well as the origins and distribution of the various Daoist lineages in the world."

"They not only gained a basic understanding of the world, but also shed their former ignorance and delusion."

Chen Sheng nodded, then spread his arms to take in the panoramic view of the Swan Palace and Great Marsh Mountain, and asked, "Do you like this Swan Palace?"

Undeniably, [Swan Palace] was the most beautiful place Lü Yuan had ever seen, so he nodded honestly as always.

"Then, if you agree to become my disciple..."

"I will formally begin to teach you everything I know, not just limited to basic knowledge and common sense."

"From now on, everything here, whether it's [Swan Palace] or anything I've left behind, will belong entirely to you." (59)

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"So----"

Chen Sheng's gaze lingered on Lü Yuan, whose brows were furrowed in confusion, completely bewildered as to how things had turned out this way.

He asked, "Are you willing?"

This----

If I had to say something, it's because of the lessons I've learned these past few days that Lü Yuan no longer rejects this idea from the bottom of his heart.

Even if that guy from the neighboring capital-driven immortal cultivation sect came instead...

They probably already know how much all those spiritual items piled up in [Swan Palace] are worth.

However, although he didn't reject the idea, Lü Yuan didn't give a direct answer.

It wasn't that he was unwilling; having Golden Core True Lord to guide him would be entirely beneficial to his future.

The reason he didn't respond directly was because he genuinely didn't understand why Chen Sheng would suddenly act this way.

Yes, he has great talent, and to put it narcissistically, perhaps his personality is also very good in his own eyes.

But is it really necessary to ask Chen Sheng, who hadn't accepted any disciples for years, making the [Swan Palace] seem like a family on the verge of extermination, to start accepting apprentices?

"Why?" Lü Yuan was puzzled, but instead of making unfounded speculations, he asked directly.

Given Chen Sheng's personality, this method would be much simpler, and he wouldn't have to suffer internal strife.

"Why did you suddenly want to take me as your apprentice, teacher?"

"Is it because of talent?" Lü Yuan asked himself, then answered, "It must be more than just talent."

"Otherwise, given your straightforward personality, you wouldn't have waited until today to ask this question."

Very smart, this is truly a very smart child.

In reality, there are many people in the world who do not like to think, and even among spiritual practitioners, there are quite a few such people.

Especially at this age----

Therefore, Chen Sheng did not conceal anything, and moreover, it concerned the orthodox tradition, so these things should not have been concealed in the first place.

"Because after observing you these past few days, I believe your nature and talents align with the principles of my lineage."

"We also have the ability to pass it on to future generations."

"And this is precisely the problem that has troubled me all along, and the reason why I have stopped taking on apprentices."

"After all, the conditions for passing on my lineage are extremely demanding," the most important of which is the need for the appearance of Golden Core.

"But your appearance solves all of the above problems."

"It is precisely because you can do these things that I want to take you as my apprentice."

Despite considering himself to be thick-skinned, Lü Yuan felt a little embarrassed by what he said.

"Are you sure? I can't even guarantee that I can do what you say."

Don't underestimate yourself, child.

Chen Sheng, even more confident than him, said, "You are very special—it can be said that among all the geniuses in the world today, there are probably very few who can compare to you."

"And you possess an innate empathy that extends to all people, making you perfectly aligned with my principles." Therefore, it could be said that meeting you at this time is my good fortune.

"In the matter of accepting disciples, I am the one who will truly benefit from ensuring the continuation of the lineage in the future."

Whether it was a misperception or not, Lü Yuan seemed to hear a sense of equality in Chen Sheng's tone.

He was somewhat surprised. "Teacher, you are Golden Core True Lord who has attained the Fruit Position of enlightenment, while I am only a Qi Refinement?"

"Even if I might have some talent, as you said, and could potentially achieve the Golden Core stage in the future, is it really appropriate for you to belittle yourself like this just to praise me?"

But Chen Sheng was now extremely serious. "Self-degradation, is that what you were thinking?"

He laughed, "I'm not praising you, I'm just stating a fact."

This attitude forced Lü Yuan to take it seriously, but it wasn't enough to make him truly understand what it meant.

So Chen Sheng continued, "You still don't understand why I said those things just now, and why I thought meeting you was my good fortune, right?"

Lü Yuan nodded.

Because even Liu Bang, who seems to be his biological father, never seemed to have said that.

So why did Chen Sheng do this?

However, Chen Sheng then offered his explanation. "Actually, the answer is very simple. Ultimately, it all comes down to your lack of understanding of what the Golden Core is."

"You've been reading quite a few history books lately."

"They must have noticed something amiss, since the descriptions of those above the Golden Core are all rather vague."

"There's only talk of victory and defeat, but no mention of the consequences after the battle, is that right?"

Indeed, these things have never been mentioned in history books, but—why?

This time, before Lü Yuan could even think about it, Chen Sheng gave him the answer.

"The world is divided into Nine Provinces, as stated at the very beginning of the book, but have you ever seen any detailed descriptions of the other eight provinces besides the Middle Earth?"

Based on the above words, Lü Yuan roughly understood what he meant.

"That's right." Looking directly into Lü Yuan's eyes, Chen Sheng said to him, "The other eight states were completely destroyed by cultivators at the Golden Core and above."

"And it didn't take long—"

"I've seen that scene before, and I can't forget it." Meeting Lü Yuan's gaze, he sighed softly and continued, "So, this is what the Golden Core is."

"Golden Core True Lord."

"And because you will be one in the future, no, you will be soon."

"Moreover, you not only possess power, but also a nature that aligns with my lineage, so you will certainly be able to pass it down." Therefore, I say that meeting you is my good fortune, and taking you as my disciple will ultimately benefit me.

Having explained everything, Chen Sheng bent down and extended his hand to Lü Yuan: "At this moment, I have answered all your questions and doubts."

Know."

"Then, Lü Yuan— "

What's your decision?

Such a scene, such honesty, such treatment—it's truly hard to refuse.

For a moment, Lü Yuan almost forgot that he had a biological father, and subconsciously reached out his hand.

However, he suddenly heard a mocking laugh.

"I never imagined you'd stoop so low—scamming and cheating the child while the parents were out."

How could I entrust him to you so easily?

"And to have my child help you inherit the Second Demonic Lineage —I can't believe you even thought of that!"