Chapter 1: How Exhausting to Take on Disciples...
"System, check in for today."
[Check-in successful. Reward: 500 years of cultivation.]
Lu Changsheng rubbed his head in frustration. "It's been over twenty years. Every day it’s just 'check in' and 'reward for cultivation.' Does this system have no other functions?"
When he first arrived in this world and discovered he had awakened a system, Lu Changsheng had been excited, believing he could ascend to the pinnacle of the immortal path and suppress the ages. However, for over two decades, the system had done nothing but allow him to check in daily, and every reward was simply cultivation. Day after day, year after year, he had become numb to it. He wasn't even sure what realm his own strength had reached.
As if sensing his frustration, the system offered an explanation.
[Main storyline not yet triggered. No other functions available at this time.]
"Can't you at least give me a hint on how to trigger the main storyline?"
[Heavenly secrets cannot be leaked.]
"..."
Helpless, Lu Changsheng picked up his brush and sketched a picture of a Sword Immortal dancing with a sword on his desk. This had become his daily routine; since he received cultivation rewards every day, he had no need to practice himself. With nothing else to do, he could only plant willow trees, raise grass chickens, paint a few pictures, or write a few scrolls... If he was really bored, he would brew some pills or study formations.
As Lu Changsheng finished the final stroke, a bell tolled throughout the space.
Lu Changsheng looked up. "It seems today is the day Cangdao Academy accepts new students..."
Thinking about it, he had nothing else to do, so he decided to go out for a walk and take a look. With that, Lu Changsheng set down his brush and vanished into a wisp of azure smoke.
A short while after he left, the Little Bird in the garden flapped its flame-red wings and approached the painting, its eyes locked onto the dancing Sword Immortal. The figure in the painting seemed to move, and suddenly, strands of sword intent shot out from the Sword Immortal!
Instantly, sword energy crisscrossed the garden, tearing through space itself! The Little Bird’s eyes widened in alarm. It flapped its wings, retreating while igniting them in flames, attempting to block this heaven-shaking sword intent.
In a flash, the flames were sliced through by the sword intent, which continued unabated toward the bird. Suddenly, a willow branch reached out from the nearby tree, blocking the energy entirely.
"Little Bird, don't be so reckless in the future. Though this painting was done on a whim, you cannot yet withstand the intent within it."
The willow tree fell silent again. The bird looked dejected, seemingly agreeing with the willow, and after casting one final, deep glance at the painting, it retreated.
...
Cangdao Academy. Countless experts walked through its halls. It was the universally recognized place for preaching the Dao in the Southern Domain, remaining aloof from the world, avoiding all conflicts between sects and families, and seeking no profit from imperial dynasties or holy lands. Whether it was the heirs of emperors and dukes or the descendants of noble families, all who entered Cangdao Academy were treated equally. Here, only strength mattered. That was why the Academy could stand so transcendent.
At the mountain gate, dozens of young people stood—those who had passed the entrance exams and were now to be admitted. Next, the Elders would choose their disciples. To be chosen by an Elder meant a boundless future; these were the very prodigies fought over by dynasties and noble families. Each of the youths looked on with excitement, hoping to be selected.
"Quite a few good seeds this year."
"Indeed. I hear the direct descendants of the four great families from Tianyuan City have arrived as well."
"Heh, then we must choose carefully. Perhaps our legacy will be passed on today."
"It's not that easy. Even if the talent is sufficient, one must look at their character. We can't just pass on our legacy to anyone."
"True."
Just then, the Elders looked toward the back, where a young man in azure robes was walking slowly toward them. One Elder frowned. "Why is he out?"
Several deacons looked on, confused, clearly not recognizing the youth. "Elder, is this person from the Academy?"
One Elder with a complex expression replied, "Yes and no. He is from the Grass Cottage."
"The Grass Cottage?!" A ripple of astonishment spread through the crowd. Of course, some still looked bewildered, knowing nothing of this place.
Cangdao Academy was divided into the Martial Hall and the Confucian Hall. However, aside from these, there was one other force: the Grass Cottage. It could be said that the Grass Cottage was not under the Academy's jurisdiction, yet it enjoyed the Academy’s resources. This baffled everyone, but under the suppression of the Dean, no one dared to speak of it openly.
For decades, the Grass Cottage had not taken in any new disciples. The entire Cottage consisted only of Lu Changsheng. Because he was incredibly low-key and rarely left his residence, people had forgotten about him. It was natural that some were unaware of the Grass Cottage's existence.
Lu Changsheng walked before the Elders, bowed slightly, and smiled. "Changsheng greets the Elders."
"Lu Changsheng, what brings you here today?"
"We haven't seen you here on recruitment days before."
Lu Changsheng shook his head. "I was just bored, so I came out to see the recruitment. I have no intention of taking on any disciples, so please, don't mind me."
*Bored...* The Elders shook their heads helplessly. This boy occupied the Academy’s resources yet refused to teach. It was... well, as part of the Academy, which took pride in preaching the Dao, they were frustrated by his attitude.
An elderly Elder said with a sense of "spare the rod and spoil the child," "As a member of the Academy, preaching to the world is your duty. Why won't you take disciples or bring fresh blood into the Grass Cottage?"
Lu Changsheng spread his hands. "I can barely figure out my own path to immortality, so why delay others? Besides, teaching disciples is so exhausting. I’m quite happy playing on my own; why look for trouble?"
"But you occupy the Academy's resources! How can you not pass on the Dao?"
"As the master of the Grass Cottage, even if you don't think of yourself, you must think of the future of the Cottage!"
Seeing the Elders beginning their earnest persuasion, Lu Changsheng felt a headache coming on. Just as he was about to speak, a voice rang out in his mind.
[Host has triggered a mission. Please proceed to Tianyuan City to accept a disciple.]
[Name: Ye Qiubai]
[Talent: SSS-level]
[Aptitude: Sword Heart Clarity, Hunyuan Sword Physique, the bearing of an Emperor.]
Hearing this, Lu Changsheng vanished on the spot, leaving behind only a single sentence: "Elders, I’m off to Tianyuan City to pick up a disciple. Carry on!"
The group of Elders stood there, stunned. Didn't this kid say he couldn't even figure out his own cultivation? Didn't he say teaching was exhausting? *I don't believe a word of it!* And why go all the way to Tianyuan City when there were plenty of great candidates right here?
...
Chapter 2: A Former Genius, Fallen in a Day
Tianyuan City, the capital of the Tianyuan Dynasty, was home to countless noble families and sects. The Ye Family was one of the four great families of the city, and their power was immense.
"Today is the day of the Ye Family's talent test, isn't it?"
"Yes. By the way, will Ye Qiubai be participating?"
"It’s such a pity for Ye Qiubai. He broke into the forbidden grounds of the Sword Saint and suffered the attack of supreme sword energy. Though he saved his life, his cultivation was lost, his meridians destroyed, and his talent plummeted."
"Ye Qiubai, once the number one genius of Tianyuan City, now reduced to this. It’s sigh-worthy."
"Indeed... Ye Qiubai's personality was too blunt; he offended many powerful people. Now that his cultivation is gone and the Ye Family has abandoned him, I wonder if he can survive after this test..."
...
Ye Family, before the ancestral hall.
Many were gathered below a high platform. On the platform sat a "Heavenly Stone" capable of testing talent and strength.
"Next, Ye Qiubai!"
In the corner, Ye Qiubai, who had been clutching a sword to his chest, stood up silently and walked toward the Heavenly Stone. Those around him looked at him; some sighed with pity, while others wore mocking expressions. After all, the higher one stands, the harder one falls.
Three people sat on the platform. The leader was Ye Qing, the head of the Ye Family and Ye Qiubai's father. Looking at his son, who clutched his sword in silence, Ye Qing sighed quietly. Why was his son's fate so rocky? Beside him stood a gorgeously dressed woman with a cold face, watching with indifference.
Reaching the stone, an Elder said coldly, "Ye Qiubai, put your hand on the Heavenly Stone."
Ye Qiubai glanced at the Elder who used to smile at him, then looked up at the cold woman, a hint of realization flashing in his eyes. When they were children, they were sweethearts—training, exploring, and eating together. As they grew, a marriage contract was signed. Now that his cultivation was gone, the contract was annulled and the papers burned. The little girl from his past felt like a stranger.
Withdrawing his gaze, he placed his hand on the stone. A faint glimmer appeared.
The Elder sneered, "Ye Qiubai: Qi Condensation Third Layer. Talent: Low."
"Just as expected. Ye Qiubai must have known; why come here to humiliate himself?"
"Perhaps he's used to being a genius and refuses to be a mortal."
"Regardless, there is no place for Ye Qiubai in the Ye Family—or in all of Tianyuan City—anymore."
Ye Qing, watching from above, looked grim. The woman didn't say a word; she turned and left. She had only come to verify if he had truly lost his cultivation.
Listening to the mockery, Ye Qiubai gave a bitter laugh. He was right; there was no place for him. The Ye Family was a top-tier noble house; how could they accept a piece of waste who had lost all his cultivation? It was a disgrace.
Looking at the sword in his arms and the back of the woman leaving, he seemed to come to a decision. He raised his voice toward the platform: "Father, I will leave the Ye Family today to travel on my own. I hope you will agree!"
Remaining in the family would only bring more humiliation and trouble for his father. It was better to go out and struggle; perhaps he would find an opportunity.
Ye Qing knew his son's thoughts and sighed. "Have you... thought this through?"
Ye Qiubai’s eyes were firm. He nodded. Only by going out and seeking opportunities was there a slim chance of restoring his cultivation.
Seeing this, Ye Qing nodded. He had no choice. It was better for his son to roam than to be insulted at home.
Ye Qiubai bowed and walked out of the Ye Family estate.
...
After leaving the city, he entered a dense forest. He stopped suddenly, looking at the three men in black before him. He seemed to have expected this, his face calm as he laughed: "You've followed me for so long; you couldn't hold back anymore, could you?"
The grudges from the past were finally erupting. One of them laughed: "Ye Qiubai, why did you have to offend people back then?"
Ye Qiubai smiled. "Even if time could turn back, I would still do the same."
As he spoke, he gripped a jade pendant in his hand. He knew someone would come to hunt him, but that didn't mean he hadn't prepared.
"However, I do want to ask: who is so impatient to get rid of me?"
Having barely left the city, he was already being hunted. It showed how much they hated him.
The man in black sneered. "What if you knew? You won't have a chance for revenge anyway. Besides, you've offended so many people, what does it matter now?"
"That’s not necessarily true..." Ye Qiubai tightened his grip on the pendant. It was the only item he had brought back from the Sword Saint’s inheritance, containing a formation that, once released, the three could not withstand. However, with his current strength, he likely wouldn't survive the backlash. But he had no other choice.
"In that case..." The leader raised his sword and slashed at Ye Qiubai! Sword light flickered, the power sweeping toward him. They were going for an instant kill.
Ye Qiubai’s face tightened. Just as he prepared to throw the pendant, an azure-robed figure appeared in front of him. With a single finger, the sword was stopped at the man's fingertip, unable to move an inch! The sword light struck the finger, yet it was as if it had vanished into the ocean—without a ripple.
"I can't let you kill him. If he dies, where will I find a disciple?"
"Who are you?" The men in black were shocked and immediately drew back!
"Me?" The man in blue shook his head and flicked his fingers repeatedly. Two bloody holes appeared between the brows of two of the men. The last one was frozen in place.
The man in blue looked at Ye Qiubai and smiled. "Do you want to ask the last one who wants you dead?"
...
Chapter 3: Just a System Mission...
Lu Changsheng had known Ye Qiubai's location long ago and had sensed that people were trying to kill him. Since the system had finally issued a task, how could he let these little punks ruin it?
Hearing this, Ye Qiubai immediately cupped his hands. "Thank you, Senior!"
Lu Changsheng nodded and looked at the man in black. To the man's horror, Lu Changsheng placed his palm on his crown. In Ye Qiubai's terrified sight, a transparent spiritual soul was pulled out from the man's head!
"This... the Soul Search technique?"
Lu Changsheng nodded slightly, his palm turning, and streams of information flooded his mind. The soul let out a painful cry. Before long, Lu Changsheng stopped, and the soul vanished completely.
Looking at Ye Qiubai, he asked softly, "Do you want to know now?"
Ye Qiubai paused, then nodded, his eyes filled with determination. Seeing this, Lu Changsheng didn't intend to hide it. "Jiang Chan."
*Boom!*
Hearing the name, Ye Qiubai was struck as if by lightning. He stood frozen for a long while before finally recovering with a bitter laugh, his eyes filled with sorrow. He had pondered over and over who wanted him dead so badly, but he never imagined it would be his childhood sweetheart, Jiang Chan, the girl who once promised they would do everything together.
"Do you want me to help you deal with her?"
Ye Qiubai raised his brow, then shook his head. "I won't trouble you, Senior. I will handle this matter myself."
Seeing this, Lu Changsheng’s eyes showed appreciation. To not retreat when dejected, but to forge ahead—this was how one grew quickly.
Ye Qiubai asked, "I will surely repay your great kindness, Senior. May I have your name..."
Lu Changsheng looked at him and smiled. "I am Lu Changsheng. I am here because I want to take you as my disciple."
Ye Qiubai was stunned. He gave a wry smile. "Senior, please don't joke. I have lost my cultivation and my talent is gone. How could I possibly qualify to be your disciple?"
Seeing Lu Changsheng’s transcendent aura and his method of killing, he knew this man was extraordinary. Why would such a person want someone like him?
Lu Changsheng didn't speak. He tapped Ye Qiubai’s forehead to examine his body.
[Meridians are filled with sword energy, foundation damaged. With the right technique and pills, he can break and then rebuild.]
*Oh? The system has this function too?*
"Then what technique and pills do I need to combine?"
[They will be gifted after you accept Ye Qiubai as a disciple.]
"Senior?"
Lu Changsheng came to his senses and smiled. "If I told you I could return you to your peak, and even allow your talent to reach its absolute limit, surpassing what it once was, would you come with me?"
Ye Qiubai’s eyes lit up instantly. *Return to the peak? Surpass the past?* Was this not exactly what he wanted? Moreover, seeing the Senior so confident, he figured he wouldn't be lied to—he had nothing of value to steal anyway.
Without hesitation, Ye Qiubai dropped to his knees and bowed deeply.
"Disciple Ye Qiubai greets his Master!"
Lu Changsheng smiled. "It’s just an apprenticeship; why the grand bow?"
Ye Qiubai looked solemn. "A master for one day is a father for life. This bow is only natural."