Disciple? Dao Companion?

Witnessing the lifeless form of the human-faced spider monster, Gan Tang blinked, her gaze instinctively rising to meet Ning Lang's.

Bathed in moonlight, his features appeared even paler, resembling the pristine glow of the moon itself—pure and flawless. Gan Tang couldn't resist the urge to reach out and touch the crimson mark on his forehead.

Pursing her lips lightly, Gan Tang's jade-like hands encircled Ning Lang's waist. Sensing the contours of his abdominal muscles, she held him tighter, seeking solace in the secure embrace.

"Why are you still holding on so tightly now that the spider monster is dead?" Ning Lang inquired, lowering his head.

Returning to her senses, Gan Tang reluctantly let go.

Curious about her, Ning Lang asked, "What's your name?"

"Gan Tang."

"How old are you?"

"Eighteen."

It was indeed her, the character tied to him.

Concealing his excitement, Ning Lang calmly asked, "Do you still have family at home?"

Gan Tang shook her head, her eyes reflecting a pitiful history. "My father abandoned me and my mother at my birth. My mother passed away when I was fourteen."

Observing her extraordinary talent, Ning Lang proposed, "Are you willing to be my disciple and follow me to Mount Taihua for cultivation?"

Frowning slightly, Gan Tang gently shook her head.

As Ning Lang pondered his next words, Gan Tang bit her lip and spoke with a pitiful expression, "Don't be my master, how about being my husband?"

Ning Lang trembled at the suggestion, wrestling with internal conflicts.

No, bringing her back as a Dao companion might lead to disastrous consequences. The Haohui Sect could shatter his backbone, and the sect master might strip him of his position as an elder.

Having spent a decade on Miao Peak, Ning Lang had grown attached and didn't wish to leave. Moreover, the system had tasked him with taking her as a disciple.

Shaking his head slightly, he gently advised, "You are still young; don't rush into matters of the heart. We can talk about it later."

Although Gan Tang felt a bit disappointed, she reconsidered, recognizing the merits of becoming a disciple. They could be together every day, and familiarity could breed affection.

"Okay," Gan Tang replied softly.

"You agreed?"

"Yeah."

Ning Lang raised his hand, pinched the veil on her face, and slowly lifted it.

When he saw Gan Tang's full face, his internal breath instantly became chaotic.

Her beauty was unparalleled—a face resembling a peach blossom, eyes brimming with affection, willow leaf-like eyebrows, a slender figure, and delicate shoulders. No wonder the system gave her a score of nine. If she didn't wear a veil, she could cause considerable trouble.

Taking a deep breath, Ning Lang placed the veil back on.

Gan Tang frowned slightly, considering the lecherous looks men had given her. She wondered why he remained indifferent. Could it be...

"Am I not good-looking?" Gan Tang asked.

"No."

"Then why..."

Before she could finish, Ning Lang interrupted, "Someone is coming."

As people from the city rushed over, drawn by the commotion, they were greeted by the sight of the huge human-faced spider monster cut in half. The onlookers were stunned, and more gathered.

Finally, someone inquired, "This human-faced spider monster has already reached the fourth stage. Who killed it?"

"It was me," asserted Ning Lang.

The crowd's envy, admiration, and the covert admiration of female cultivators all focused on Ning Lang. The county magistrate, who arrived promptly, thanked him on behalf of the city's 100,000 residents.

Eager to continue his journey, Ning Lang turned to leave with Gan Tang.

The county magistrate hurriedly asked, "Immortal, what about the five hundred taels of silver?"

Ning Lang, realizing he had forgotten about the money, stopped. "Two hundred taels of silver will be sent to the broken temple later, and the remaining three hundred taels will be distributed to the parents who lost their children. As for the monster's body, keep ordinary people away for three hours. The demonic energy has not dissipated and may cause trouble if it is contaminated."

Acknowledging the instructions, the county magistrate bowed deeply as Ning Lang led Gan Tang away.

In the quiet aftermath, the county magistrate instructed, "Quickly, do as the immortal said."

...

"Gan Tang."

"Yeah?"

"Call me master."

Baffled, Gan Tang complied. She ran to Ning Lang's front, clasped her hands together, and bowed, "Gan Tang pays respects to master."

[Task completed, reward obtained: five spirit crystals, Ice Soul Divine Needle (set)]

[Friendly reminder: Ice Soul Divine Needle is recommended for the tied character Gan Tang.]

Ning Lang smiled, subconsciously touched his chest, confirming the presence of all five spirit crystals and the wrapped Ice Soul Divine Needle.

"Alright, let's rest for the night. Tomorrow at dawn, follow me back to Mount Taihua."

"Yeah," Gan Tang nodded heavily, taking the initiative to hold Ning Lang's right hand again, and followed him back to the broken temple.

Soon after, two catchers arrived, carrying two hundred taels of silver.

After accepting the money, Ning Lang watched them leave in a hurry.

Aware that it was almost daybreak, Ning Lang retrieved the Ice Soul Divine Needle from his chest and handed it to Gan Tang.

"For me?"

"Consider it a gift for your apprenticeship," Ning Lang smiled. "Open it and take a look; you'll like it."

Gan Tang slowly unfolded the cloth, revealing three transparent long needles.

She was stunned.

"How did the master know that I am skilled with needles?" she wondered.

"Do you like it?" Ning Lang asked.

"I like it, thank you, master." Gan Tang hugged Ning Lang's hand, expressing her gratitude.

Perhaps due to their tied relationship, Ning Lang felt a familiar connection upon meeting Gan Tang, akin to his connection with Jiang Chen, but even more intense.

[Tied character: Gan Tang]

[Loyalty refreshed, current loyalty: 90]

Ning Lang looked down at Gan Tang, who hugged his arm without letting go, pondering, "Is it because I saved her?"

No one answered.

Without dwelling on it, Ning Lang said, "Rest early," before settling down.

Gan Tang laid her head on Ning Lang's shoulder, falling asleep without any precautions.

This night seemed interminable.

...