Hearing this, Lu Changsheng couldn't help nodding in satisfaction.
Good talent, sound character.
Taking on such a disciple wasn't a bad idea.
[Apprentice-recruitment task completed. Received apprentice-recruitment gift package.]
[Top-grade Saint Artifact — Qingyun Sword]
[Taichu Sword Classic]
[Creation Pill]
[At the same time, the Disciple Nurturing Task will now be unlocked.]
Hearing the system's words, Lu Changsheng nodded inwardly, looked at Ye Qiubai, and said, "Alright then, come with me."
...
On the flying sword, Ye Qiubai asked, "Master, where are we going now?"
Lu Changsheng replied, "Cangdao Academy."
Cangdao Academy?!
Ye Qiubai's heart skipped a beat.
Although this Cangdao Academy was not located within the Tianyuan Dynasty, who in the Southern Domain didn't know of Cangdao Academy?
This was recognized across the Southern Domain as a sacred ground for imparting the Dao!
"Is Master an Elder of Cangdao Academy?"
Lu Changsheng shook his head and said, "Our faction can be said to belong to the Academy, yet it is not subject to the Academy's jurisdiction. It's called Grass Cottage. I wonder if you've heard of it."
Ye Qiubai shook his head.
Which was only natural; after all, Grass Cottage had never done anything earth-shattering, and ever since Lu Changsheng took over the place, he hadn't taken on a single disciple.
Ye Qiubai actually wanted to ask what realm his Master's cultivation was at, but figuring it was impolite to pry too much, he had to suppress his curiosity.
...
At Cangdao Academy, the various Elders were still in the midst of selecting disciples.
Though most had already been chosen.
Those remaining would simply enter the Outer Court to study.
Only...
Right in front of all the Elders, a girl in red stood there with stubborn determination.
"I want to join Grass Cottage."
This was the only sentence she had spoken so far.
After saying it, she stood in place, her face as cold as frost.
Moreover, whether in terms of background, talent, or strength, this person was the most outstanding candidate among this batch of students—no, scratch that, the most outstanding in several generations.
This left the Elders utterly helpless.
After all, since she didn't want to apprentice under them, they couldn't exactly force her!
At that moment, two figures arrived on flying swords.
"Oh? Is the recruitment not over yet?"
The Elders looked at the man on the sword, their expressions complex.
Lu Changsheng was taken aback and asked, "Is there... something on my face?"
One of the Elders pointed toward the girl in the open space and said helplessly, "Lu Changsheng, she wants to join Grass Cottage."
Her?
Lu Changsheng looked at the girl in red by the entrance.
He heard the girl say, "I want to join Grass Cottage."
Yet Lu Changsheng refused, smiling as he said, "Go apprentice under one of the Elders instead. I don't take disciples."
With that, he led Ye Qiubai and walked toward the interior of the Academy.
"Why?"
The girl was unwilling to accept this.
Back in her family, she had been told to enter Grass Cottage, and they had even recounted Grass Cottage's past deeds to her.
That was why she had come all the way to Cangdao Academy.
Lu Changsheng thought for a moment and said, "I'm lazy, and I like peace and quiet. I'd rather not mislead a promising youth."
The Elder nearby noticed Ye Qiubai and asked, "Changsheng, who is this?"
"My disciple."
Having said that, Lu Changsheng led Ye Qiubai into the Academy.
"..."
Weren't you lazy, liked peace and quiet, and feared misleading youth?
Didn't you say you don't take disciples?
The Elders looked at each other in dismay, offering wry smiles one after another before turning back to the girl. "Xin Hongyi, how about choosing another Elder?"
Xin Hongyi shook her head, cupped her fists, and said, "If I cannot enter Grass Cottage, I shall cultivate on my own."
Though it sounded arrogant, given her family background and foundation, she truly didn't need an Elder's guidance.
Xin Hongyi looked in the direction where Lu Changsheng had left and muttered softly, "I will prove myself."
Clearly, Xin Hongyi believed Lu Changsheng had rejected her because he looked down on her talent and strength.
Little did she know, Lu Changsheng was simply lazy!
As for taking in Ye Qiubai?
It was just a system quest.
Chapter 4: Comprehending Sword Intent, Nurturing Task Completed
Grass Cottage.
Lu Changsheng casually pointed at the rows of bamboo houses and said, "Pick any house you like."
Ye Qiubai nodded, and after settling in, he came before Lu Changsheng.
He saw Lu Changsheng sitting in a recliner, flicking his wrist.
A sword and a medicinal pill appeared right in front of Ye Qiubai.
"Since you've taken me as your master, and I don't have much to give you, I'll hand this Qingyun Sword to you, and send you soaring straight into the blue clouds."
When Ye Qiubai saw the Qingyun Sword, his expression changed in shock.
Even while concealed within its scabbard, the Qingyun Sword emitted a faint, piercing sword intent that kept swirling around it.
The moment he grasped it with his hand, he could sense a profound Great Dao of the Sword, and faint insights began to well up within him!
Could any manual or weapon connected to the Dao be a mortal object?
If this sword were to be unsheathed, what kind of sight would that be?
At this thought, Ye Qiubai felt an urge to draw the sword.
"I advise you not to pull it out. In your current state, you cannot withstand this sword's intent."
Hearing this, Ye Qiubai immediately dismissed the thought.
"Master, this is too precious. I cannot accept it."
Ye Qiubai wore a solemn expression as he held the sword out.
Lu Changsheng glanced at Ye Qiubai and said, "Since I gave it to you, keep it. And that pill will resolve the problems in your body. Paired with this cultivation manual, both your strength and talent will undoubtedly surpass what they were in the past."
With that, Lu Changsheng extended a finger and tapped the center of Ye Qiubai's brow.
Streams of cultivation manual information poured into Ye Qiubai's mind.
The Taichu Sword Classic.
Forging the sword into a dantian, turning swords into meridians.
Achieving the supreme Sword Body.
The profundities contained within were rarely seen in Ye Qiubai's entire life.
Neither the manuals of his family nor those he had witnessed while traveling on training journeys could compare to even a ten-thousandth of this Taichu Sword Classic.
Waves churned in Ye Qiubai's heart. He then nodded, ceased his refusals, put the Creation Pill into his mouth, crossed his legs, and began comprehending the manual!
Seeing this, Lu Changsheng nodded and walked into the wooden cabin.
"System, what is the Disciple Nurturing Task?"
[Disciple Nurturing Task unlocked: Within three days, have Ye Qiubai comprehend sword intent and cultivate at least to the Golden Core Stage. Rewards will be given to the host based on the completion rate upon reaching these goals.]
Sword intent?
While such a thing was nothing to him—after all, he hadn't just wasted his time eating and sleeping for the past twenty years—how was a novice like Ye Qiubai supposed to comprehend sword intent in three days?
And as for the Golden Core, taking Ye Qiubai from zero to the Golden Core Realm in three days...
What the hell, is this making things difficult for me on purpose?
Yet, since he had finally triggered a task, how could Lu Changsheng give up so easily?
With that thought, he began devising a hellish training regimen.
Sword intent relied on comprehension.
Realm?
Even if he had to cram pills down the kid's throat, he would blast him straight up there!
With that, Lu Changsheng took out an alchemy furnace, waved his hand, and ignited the flame.
Herbs with restrained medicinal fragrances were tossed one by one into the cauldron...
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
Outside, Ye Qiubai, who had been sitting cross-legged, abruptly opened his eyes. A spiritual energy vortex materialized around him, using Ye Qiubai as its center as it continuously sucked in energy!
At that moment, Lu Changsheng also walked out of the grass hut. He flicked his fingers casually, sending several array flags flying in all directions, and an array immediately enveloped the entire Grass Cottage!
"Array, rise!"
The moment his voice fell, the surrounding spiritual energy surged frantically into Grass Cottage.
The spiritual energy vortex around Ye Qiubai grew even denser.
His cultivation realm climbed relentlessly at that very moment!
Qi Condensation Third Layer!
Sixth Layer!
Ninth Layer!
...
Foundation Establishment Stage!
Yet the aura showed no signs of stopping. After surpassing the Foundation Establishment Stage, it continued to climb until it reached the peak of the Foundation Establishment Stage before finally halting!
Just a single step away from entering the Golden Core Stage!
Ye Qiubai opened his eyes, casually picked up a tree branch, and executed a series of sword techniques.
They were precisely the sword techniques from the Taichu Sword Classic.
When Ye Qiubai stopped, he could feel that both his talent and strength far surpassed anything from his past.
It was no exaggeration to say that Lu Changsheng had given him a new lease on life.
Dropping the branch, Ye Qiubai sank heavily to his knees and spoke solemnly to Lu Changsheng, "Once I have taken my revenge, Qiubai will surely serve by Master's side for the rest of my days!"
Lu Changsheng extended a hand, using an invisible force to lift Ye Qiubai up.
"Alright, continue your cultivation. Here are a few pills; strive to break through to the Golden Core Stage and comprehend sword intent within the next two days."
Looking at the few medicinal pills in Lu Changsheng's palm, shock flashed in Ye Qiubai's eyes once again.
Pure Yang Crimson Blood Pill, Spirit-Condensing Pill, Foundation-Nourishing Pill.
These three types of pills were practically impossible to find anywhere in the Southern Domain.
Alchemists capable of refining these three pills could be counted on one hand.
They were truly treasures of a lifetime.
"Master, these are far too precious!"
Yet Lu Changsheng casually tossed the three pills to Ye Qiubai as if they were nothing. "What's so precious about them? I brewed a whole batch of them—if they're not enough, just come back for more."
A whole batch...
Since when were medicinal pills as worthless as sugar beans?
Still, recalling the demand Lu Changsheng had given him earlier, a wry smile escaped him.
Reaching the Golden Core Stage was one thing, but how was one supposed to comprehend sword intent just by wanting to?
Some people pondered for a lifetime without ever grasping sword intent.
However, dwelling on it was useless. Ye Qiubai hardened his gaze and resumed his cultivation.
Swallowing those pills one by one, his strength began to soar rapidly.
At the same time, wisps of sword Qi began to revolve around his body.
Within his body, the roaring sound of swords echoed!
On the cliffside, a willow tree watched this scene, its branches rustling in the wind.
"This kid has good talent... To meet the cultivation conditions of the Taichu Sword Classic, it can only be the Primordial Sword Body..."
On a branch nearby, a small bird with fiery red wings watched the scene, a hint of solemnity in its gaze.
Another day passed.
Ye Qiubai sat atop a large boulder.
Suddenly, an aura erupted outward.
Sword Qi roared all around Ye Qiubai.
Before long, the aura restrained itself inward.
Golden Core Realm!
Ye Qiubai stood up.
Even though he had now reached the Golden Core Realm, how on earth was one supposed to comprehend such an elusive state as sword intent?
His gaze drifted and fell upon a scroll resting on a wooden table. Curious, he walked over.
It was none other than the painting of the Sword Immortal dancing with a sword.
Standing before that scroll, Ye Qiubai remained motionless for an entire night.
Throughout that night, sword Qi encircled Ye Qiubai.
The sword Qi grew increasingly solid, and even the Qingyun Sword in his hand began to manifest a faint, sharp gleam.
Lu Changsheng walked out of the grass hut, stretched lazily, and caught sight of this scene.
Oh?
He's touched the threshold of sword intent?
Lu Changsheng couldn't help nodding and chanted, "Silver saddle and white horse, dashing like a shooting star."
Hearing it as if addressed to him, Ye Qiubai's sword Qi suddenly began to howl through the space!
"Killing a man every ten steps, leaving no trace for a thousand miles. Once the deed is done, he brushes off his robes and departs, hiding his merit and fame."
As the last word fell, Ye Qiubai snapped his eyes open, and the Qingyun Sword in his hand blazed with a brilliant radiance.
An overpowering intent of the Dao of the Sword surged from within Ye Qiubai's body straight into the heavens!
The commotion was so massive it startled the entire Cangdao Academy!
"This is... sword intent!"
"Has another swordsman been born?"
In the Martial Court's Sword Hall, a girl in red was meditating when she suddenly opened her eyes, looking toward the direction where the sword intent roared.
"Cangdao Academy truly lives up to its reputation..."
Immediately afterward, she recalled how she had been turned away by Lu Changsheng earlier, while an utterly ordinary young man had been taken in as a disciple instead.
"I will make you regret not taking me as your disciple."
With those words, she closed her eyes again to continue comprehending the blood-red sword before her.
...
Only by comprehending sword intent does one become a true swordsman.
And at that very moment, a series of sounds echoed in Lu Changsheng's mind.
[Nurturing task completed.]
[Host receives the Nine Nether Springs Array, Dao Rule of the Sword, and a millennium of cultivation.]
Chapter 5: He Gave Way Too Much...
On the cliffside, Ye Qiubai sat cross-legged beside the willow tree, the Qingyun Sword resting across his lap.
He was currently comprehending the sword intent contained within the Qingyun Sword.
Sword Qi howled inside his body, and sword intent slowly permeated this patch of heaven and earth, growing increasingly solid!
Watching from the side, the willow tree inwardly muttered, "The Primordial Sword Body never fails to produce a generation's Sword Emperor. It seems those words were not spoken without reason..."
On the other side, Lu Changsheng had arrived high above Grass Cottage.
"The power of this Nine Nether Springs Array is far superior to any array in the Academy's treasury...
Though it is rather complicated; it took me a full incense stick of time just to figure it out completely."
Array grades were classified into Heaven, Earth, Mysterious, and Yellow.
Presently, Cangdao Academy's protective guardian array was a Earth-grade array.
Compared to it, the grade of the Nine Nether Springs Array far exceeded even the Heaven grade.
The array was formidable indeed, but the materials posed quite a headache.
It required lightning-struck wood, red-wood heavenly gold, mysterious yellow soil, and phoenix parasol wood as the array foundation, and had to draw upon the water of the Nether Springs as the array spirit in order to form successfully.
Lightning-struck wood, mysterious yellow soil, and phoenix parasol wood were easy enough; Grass Cottage had them in stock.
However, it lacked this single component: red-wood heavenly gold.
After all, over all these years, Lu Changsheng had hardly ever stepped foot outside the Academy!
"Looks like I'll have to take a trip to the Academy's treasury..."
With that thought, he turned and vanished on the spot.
...
Cangdao Academy.
The Martial Court housed four halls: the Sword Hall, Array Hall, Alchemical Hall, and Martial Hall.
The Confucian Court stood alone as the Confucian Court.
At this moment, inside the Confucian Court's council hall, the Academy Dean, Qin Tiannan, and the Elders of various halls were gathered to discuss important matters.
"I heard Grass Cottage took in a disciple?"
Qin Tiannan looked around at the others and smiled. "I'm quite curious myself what kind of person could make that lazy brat Changsheng develop the desire to take an apprentice. He even left the Academy specifically for that person and went all the way to Tianyuan City himself."
One had to know that in recent years, Lu Changsheng lived in seclusion; leave alone the Academy, he rarely even stepped out of the doors of Grass Cottage.
The Elder of the Confucian Court also smiled. "Perhaps he has grown up and matured."
"Let's hope so. Alright, let's first discuss the matter of the Academy Grand Tournament. After all, this concerns our exchanges with the academies of the other three domains in the Southern Domain."
The Elder of the Martial Hall snorted coldly. "Our Southern Domain Academy has ranked last for four consecutive generations. If we don't produce some good talents this time, I'm afraid we'll be at the bottom again."
Qin Tiannan let out a soft sigh and said, "Such matters cannot be forced... However, didn't someone in our Academy comprehend sword intent earlier?"
Everyone turned to look at the Elder of the Sword Hall, but the Sword Hall Elder shook his head, sighed, and said, "It wasn't from our side."
"Then who could it have been?"
Earlier, when the sword intent had soared into the sky and filled Cangdao Academy, Qin Tiannan had wanted to trace the aura, but in just an instant, that sword intent was concealed by a special barrier, leaving no trace to follow.
"Then all of you should keep an eye out for this person. If they happen to be a student of our Academy, our ranking this time might just climb a bit higher."
Just as his voice fell, a voice came from outside the door.
"Hey, hey, hey, is anyone in?"
Hearing this tone, Qin Tiannan broke out in a full head of dark veins and waved his hand to dissolve the barrier.
"Come in."
Lu Changsheng pushed the door open, looked at the assembled Elders, smiled, and cupped his fists. "Changsheng pays his respects to the Dean and all the Elders."
Qin Tiannan rubbed his temples, looking at Lu Changsheng with a headache. "What is it?"
Lu Changsheng stated his purpose. "Dean, I'd like to make a trip to the treasury."
"The treasury?"
Qin Tiannan was stunned and asked, "What do you need the treasury for?"
The treasury was a restricted area of the Academy, and entering it required Qin Tiannan's personal consent.
"I'm setting up an array here, and I'm still missing a piece of red-wood heavenly gold..."
Red-wood heavenly gold?
The expressions of all the Elders changed.
This was an extremely scarce array foundation material, something that could only be chanced upon by luck.
Once it appeared, it would trigger a scramble among various factions, and it wouldn't even be impossible for a war to erupt over red-wood heavenly gold.
The Array Hall Elder frowned and asked, "Lu Changsheng, what do you need that thing for? I've never heard of you knowing array formations, and array foundation materials of red-wood heavenly gold's caliber are not something you could possibly deploy anyway!"
Qin Tiannan, however, waved his hand to cut him off. "Changsheng, I won't question what you intend to do with the red-wood heavenly gold, and I can give it to you. However, you must agree to one condition."
"Dean!"
"Even our Cangdao Academy doesn't have much of that red-wood heavenly gold left!"
Ignoring the objections of the Elders, Qin Tiannan kept his eyes fixed on Lu Changsheng.
Lu Changsheng felt rather helpless, but acquiring red-wood heavenly gold outside would probably be troublesome, so he had no choice but to nod. "Please name it, Dean."
Qin Tiannan nodded. "Very simple. Didn't you personally make a trip to Tianyuan City a few days ago to take in a disciple? A week from now, the Academy Grand Tournament will begin, and I need your disciple to participate."
"An Academy Grand Tournament? I'll have to ask if he's willing..."
"Then as for that red-wood heavenly gold..."
"It's fine, he's my disciple. Would he dare say no if I tell him to?"
Qin Tiannan: "..."
Lu Changsheng sighed inwardly.
My dear disciple, it's not that Master lacks loyalty, but he simply offered way too much.
With matters settled, Lu Changsheng returned to Grass Cottage.
At this moment, Ye Qiubai was practicing his sword in front of the grass hut.
Sword Qi ran rampant, and sword radiance flickered wildly.
Lu Changsheng glanced at it and said, "Sword Qi needs to be restrained. What's the use of being flashy? It's all show and no substance."
Hearing this, Ye Qiubai seemed to gain some insight and executed his sword moves once again.
After the sun had set, the sword techniques Ye Qiubai displayed no longer possessed that sharp, exposed edge; instead, the power was restrained within.
After putting away his sword, Lu Changsheng also walked out of the grass hut.
Ye Qiubai immediately cupped his fists and said, "Master."
"Mhm. During these days, focus on your cultivation. Seven days from now, there will be an Academy Grand Tournament. You will participate in it then."
An Academy Grand Tournament?
A fighting spirit flashed in Ye Qiubai's eyes.
"Understood, disciple will obey."
...
Meanwhile, at the Ye Family in Tianyuan City.
First Elder Ye Ling looked at his son and smiled, "Yan'er, now that you've been taken in as a disciple by an Elder of Cangdao Academy, you must perform well and not shame our Ye Family."
With that, he cast a disdainful glance at Ye Qing standing nearby.