Trash Master and Trash Disciple

The next morning, discussions buzzed throughout the Haohui Sect.

"Have you heard? Seventh Elder has taken an outer disciple as his apprentice."

"Seventh Elder is taking an apprentice?"

"Yes, I heard that the outer disciple was only at the Mortal Realm, just a cook and a firewood chopper."

"Hahaha, that's too pitiful."

"But seriously, the other six elders have disciples at least in the Qi Refining Realm. He took in a Mortal Realm disciple; it's like accepting trash."

"Don't blame him. He's been stuck in the same place for ten years. In the end, it's just a trash master taking in a trash disciple."

"Keep your voice down; don't let others hear."

"Why bother? Everyone in the Haohui Sect knows he's done for. Losing the elder position is just a matter of time."

The news of Ning Lang accepting the outer disciple Jiang Chen spread throughout the entire Haohui Sect overnight. Early in the morning, inner disciples were already discussing it on the training ground.

On the other side, upon hearing the news that Ning Lang was taking an apprentice, two elders were already on their way to Miao Peak.

The Grand Elder, Qiu Yunze, had a solemn expression and a stern demeanor. The Fifth Elder, Zhao Jian, wore an unhappy expression.

As for the other four elders, they did not come, probably because they looked down on Ning Lang.

Outside Miao Peak, hundreds of inner disciples had gathered to witness the event, eager to see this spectacle. For them, it was more entertaining than falling into a dung pit.

In the world of the Haohui Sect, strength determined everything!

"Greetings, Grand Elder, Fifth Elder!" A cry rang out from the crowd, and the disciples quickly lowered their heads in respect.

Qiu Yunze scolded, "What are you all doing here? Go practice."

"Yes!" The group quickly dispersed.

There were rumors that the Grand Elder had already reached the Crystallization realm, making him second only to the sect master in the Haohui Sect's hierarchy.

Ning Lang heard the sound, stood up, and went to greet them. "Thank you both for coming."

Qiu Yunze coldly said, "At this point, is it necessary to take in disciples?"

Ning Lang replied seriously, "Grand Elder, according to the rules, as long as the sect master doesn't revoke my elder position, I still have the right to accept direct disciples, right?"

Qiu Yunze snorted and walked past Ning Lang.

Zhao Jian stepped forward, sneered, and said in a low voice, "Do you know how the outer disciples are talking about you? They say a waste master took in a waste disciple. I hear that every day. I can't believe you haven't heard it."

Ning Lang, unfazed, replied, "So what if I've heard it?"

Zhao Jian said with a stern face, "If I were you, I would have already gone to the sect master and voluntarily resigned from the elder position to save face."

After saying that, Zhao Jian left angrily.

Ten years ago, Zhao Jian and Ning Lang were disciples at the same time. Back then, Zhao Jian's position was like what Xiao Ran is now. He was among the top disciples, one of the most promising talents to break through to the Foundation Realm before the age of twenty. However, Ning Lang suddenly emerged and stole his thunder.

Zhao Jian would never forget that day.

Originally just at the Mortal Realm, for some reason, Ning Lang's cultivation broke through rapidly within a day. When he finally reached the Foundation Realm, it even caused a rare celestial phenomenon.

A seemingly insignificant outer disciple stole everything from him.

Although Ning Lang's cultivation had stagnated later, and Zhao Jian became the Fifth Elder, he held a grudge against Ning Lang to this day.

Watching Zhao Jian's departing figure, Ning Lang's emotions didn't change. He turned back to the bamboo house, where Qiu Yunze had already sat down. Ning Lang approached and said to the standing Jiang Chen, "Let's begin."

"Yes."

Jiang Chen respectfully performed the ceremony. Finally, he turned and bowed to the Grand Elder, "Disciple Jiang Chen pays respects to Grand Elder."

Qiu Yunze remained silent, and it was Ning Lang who said, "You may rise."

"Thank you, Master, Grand Elder."

Ning Lang took out the [Wu Wei Heart Sutra] that he copied all night and handed it to Jiang Chen. "From today on, practice diligently by my side. Take a good look at this internal cultivation method. If there's anything you don't understand, think about it yourself."

"Thank you, Master."

Seeing this, Qiu Yunze couldn't help feeling somewhat surprised because, as far as he knew, there was no such internal cultivation method in the Haohui Sect's treasure trove.

However, Qiu Yunze didn't dare to be certain. If it did exist, he would be discrediting himself.

He didn't ask.

Ning Lang turned to Qiu Yunze and said, "Grand Elder, now that Jiang Chen has paid his respects, as a direct disciple, he shouldn't be short of spirit stones each month, right?"

"Heh, does a Mortal Realm disciple need that many spirit stones?"

"But according to the rules..."

"Don't talk to me about rules. You're not worthy!" Qiu Yunze left angrily.

Unlike other direct disciples, who would receive various rewards during the initiation ceremony, Jiang Chen received nothing but the [Wu Wei Heart Sutra] from Ning Lang. Ning Lang looked back at the bewildered Jiang Chen and felt a tinge of regret.

Jiang Chen consoled, "Master, it's okay. Everything will get better."

"Right."

Ning Lang smiled with relief, patted his shoulder, and said, "Practice well. I've said your talent is not inferior to those inner disciples."

Hearing this, Jiang Chen felt warm inside.

[Loyalty Refreshed]

[Current Loyalty: 84]

"Go and rest, practice well."

"Yes."

Jiang Chen quickly left the bamboo house and sat on a rock near the cliff on Miao Peak. Holding the [Wu Wei Heart Sutra], he started reading. However, the content was obscure, and before half an hour had passed, he fell asleep on the large rock.

Ning Lang stood at the door, watching all this, his eyes gradually widening.

"This..."

The spiritual energy between heaven and earth actively surrounded Jiang Chen's body as he slept, visibly raising his cultivation level.

How is this possible!

Jiang Chen slept until the sun set. At the moment he opened his eyes, he felt much more refreshed.

Jiang Chen sensed his body's condition, then held the [Wu Wei Heart Sutra] and quickly ran back to the bamboo house, excitedly saying, "Master, this internal cultivation method is amazing. The contents of the book appear in my dreams when I sleep, and I can practice in my dreams too."

"What...!"

Realizing that he might have reacted too strongly, Ning Lang hurriedly coughed twice, pretending to be casual, and said, "Don't spread this news. A tree standing out in the forest invites the wind; you should understand this principle."

A tree standing out in the forest invites the wind. Master's words make a lot of sense. Could it be that Master hasn't made progress in ten years because of this?

"Disciple will remember!"

"Alright, go to sleep."

"Yes." Jiang Chen quickly entered the room, which was originally used for storing miscellaneous items. Although it was simple, it was much better than the environment in Infinite Peak. He slept soundly that night.

Next door, Ning Lang sat cross-legged on the bed.

Silently chanting the mantra of the Great Yellow Court Scripture, the speed of absorbing spiritual energy was like covering a thousand miles in a day. The size of the Foundation Soul in his dantian had already reached saturation, and breaking through to the Crystallization Realm was only a matter of wanting or not.

Ning Lang really wanted to know what the expressions of the other six elders would be if he told them about his imminent breakthrough to the Crystallization Realm.

Thinking of this, a smile appeared at the corner of Ning Lang's mouth.

...