Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 71

The Heavenly Mountain Sect was not far from where they were. Bai Lingzhi led him along several winding paths before they arrived at a stone staircase leading up the mountain, covered with tightly arranged stone steps that climbed to the peak.

As they ascended, they reached a natural gate between two peaks where a strong wind blew, carrying clouds and mist. On a stone plaque above the gate were the powerful characters “Heavenly Mountain.”

As they stepped inside, dozens of young disciples stood neatly by the gate, with a middle-aged man dressed more elaborately than the young disciples, wearing deeper patterns on his clothing. He appeared to be a senior or leader of some sort.

These experienced individuals quickly noticed the arrival of Bai Lingzhi and the guest. They greeted them with smiles, and upon seeing He Lang, their eyes widened slightly, and they respectfully bowed, saying, “Welcome, Supreme Master.”

Bai Lingzhi froze, jumping back three feet and stammering, “T-this, this, Uncle Master?! Did you make a mistake, Senior?” She looked helplessly at the middle-aged man.

“Ah, so you are a disciple of the Supreme Master’s junior. Didn’t recognize him? Although I am older, my eyes are still sharp. But, considering the Supreme Master has been in seclusion for a hundred years and immediately went on a journey after coming out, it is normal that you haven’t seen him in your few decades here.”

The senior, being kind-hearted, patiently explained and reminded her to pay respects to the Supreme Master.

Bai Lingzhi gasped, her demeanor shifting from confident to shy and nervous as she awkwardly bowed and apologized to He Lang.

Even though she had been at the sect for less than a hundred years, the deeds of the Supreme Master were well known among her generation. He had entered with less-than-excellent dual spirit roots and had become the highest-ranked among his peers, respected as a master at a young age, inspiring many young disciples.

Since no one had seen the Supreme Master’s true appearance, rumors had exaggerated his mysteriousness, claiming he had consumed rare herbal elixirs or encountered high-level experts in secret realms, adding much to his legendary status.

Seeing the real Supreme Master, and having conversed with him, Bai Lingzhi was both panicked and excited, stammering a few words before standing timidly behind the senior.

Under her admiring gaze, He Lang felt a bit awkward. The senior’s words shocked him; the senior was said to have been in seclusion for a hundred years, yet appeared to still be in his youth. Bai Lingzhi, seemingly a young woman, was actually in her several decades. 

The casual tone between them shattered He Lang’s understanding, revealing many unknowns in this peculiar world.

He Lang, deep in thought, was asked by the senior if he was tired and whether he would like to be shown to his quarters. He Lang nodded slightly in response.

They then mounted a crane-like steed and ascended through the mist to a mountain summit.

Before leaving, the senior presented He Lang with a finely crafted silk bag, respectfully saying it contained monthly resources and items from the sect. Inside were a thousand spirit stones, as well as ten bottles each of various elixirs like the Spirit-Returning Pill, Four Directions True Courage Pill, Lotus Sky Water, Rejuvenation Pill, and Bone-Mending Powder, along with some alchemical stones, crystals, and spirit fires that He Lang was unfamiliar with.

He Lang received the small bag, suppressing his surprise at how such a small bag could contain so many items.

After bidding farewell to the senior, He Lang mounted the crane-like steed, which ascended gracefully into the clouds.

Coming out of his amazement, He Lang examined the small bag and, finding it impossible to open, used spirit power to retrieve its contents. 

Holding a top-grade spirit stone between his fingers, he felt the spirit energy seeping into him. Experiencing the wonders of this world, he gradually adapted, calming himself and immersing in cultivation.

Unexpectedly, when he awoke from his meditation, more than a month had passed. During this time, he had neither eaten nor drunk, yet felt no fatigue; instead, he was full of energy. Despite his preference for solitude, he decided to step outside for some fresh air.

He did not go near the busy central area or the large halls but walked along the mountain path, occasionally encountering disciples on errands.

Coincidentally, the senior was accompanied by several junior disciples carrying items for other masters. He Lang greeted them.

The senior, stopping briefly, greeted him with a smile and a pleasant surprise, “Just in time!”

The senior then produced an invitation letter from the items carried by the disciples and presented it to He Lang. He Lang nodded and used his spirit power to quickly read the contents.

The senior explained, “With the return of spring, it’s a good time for the sect to recruit new members. It symbolizes the flourishing and longevity of the Heavenly Mountain Sect. Soon, there will be a recruitment event outside the sect to test the spirit roots of potential disciples and select promising candidates. The masters of the sect will be present, and if you find anyone suitable, you may take them under your wing. What do you think?”

The senior bowed slightly in respect, eagerly awaiting his response.

Naturally, the senior hoped the Supreme Master would attend. Generally, other masters had several disciples, but the Supreme Master had only taken one disciple, a rare prodigy who had amazed the sect. This had attracted many eager disciples who wanted to join the Supreme Master’s ranks.

The senior was delighted when He Lang agreed, with a slight smile and understanding nod, saying, “For the important matters of the sect, I will definitely attend.”

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