Dao Companion

[The loyalty of Jiang Keran refreshes.]

[Current loyalty: 80.]

Upon seeing this prompt, Ning Lang was pleasantly surprised.

To his unexpected delight, driving away those three old men had directly elevated Jiang Keran's loyalty from 74 to 78. 

After a few tranquil days passed, the mountain transitioned from late autumn to early winter, with temperatures plummeting.

Fortunately, after Ning Lang's prestige was re-established, his treatment improved steadily. Enduring the winter became more bearable. Initially, the bamboo house couldn't block the wind and lacked insulation, causing Ning Lang to wake up feeling cold in the middle of the night.

Now, disciples proactively sent winter supplies such as quilts and charcoal even before the first snowfall.

Under the moon's bright glow and the rustling wind, Ning Lang, meditating on his bed, discerned the sound of the door opening. Without opening his eyes, he recognized Gan Tang's presence. This girl persistently visited in the middle of the night, disregarding Ning Lang's reminders about maintaining propriety. Her words seemed to enter through one ear and exit through the other.

"Why are you here again?"

Wrapped in a thin robe and clutching a pillow, Gan Tang stood at the doorway, feigning coyness. "Master, I feel cold sleeping alone."

Although Ning Lang was ten years older than Gan Tang, considering the age from his previous life widened the gap even further. However, in the world of cultivation, age was not a constraint. Stepping into the threshold of cultivation increased lifespan with the improvement of realm and cultivation base. Not only was a ten-year difference inconsequential, but even a hundred-year difference between Dao companions was not uncommon.

In the distant northern region, there was a place called Yunmeng Mountain, where a female cultivator over a hundred years old resided. This cultivator had profound cultivation but a peculiar habit. Annually, she allowed her female disciples to descend the mountain, seek highly talented young men, bring them up the mountain, and engage in dual cultivation.

Dual cultivation, being mutually beneficial, attracted young men voluntarily each year. This illustrated that in the world of cultivation, age was not a limiting factor when choosing Dao companions.

Ning Lang opened his eyes, glancing at Gan Tang standing at the doorway. He said helplessly, "It's cold outside; don't stand there. Come up and sleep."

"Thank you, Master." Gan Tang, holding the pillow, joyfully lay down on the bed.

Ning Lang took a glance and, after extinguishing the candle, reflected to himself...

It's fortunate I frequented bathhouses and leisure centers in my previous life; otherwise, resisting might be challenging.

Ning Lang, restrain yourself.

She is still young.

If this continues, it will be endless. In my last life, I regretted not showing restraint in my youth.

Now, with a second chance at life, I mustn't jeopardize it for trivial matters.

Ning Lang lay down, and a jade-like hand tightly encircled his waist.

In the night, Ning Lang frowned. "Don't touch me anymore!"

"Oh..."

Gan Tang looked slightly aggrieved and refrained from moving again.

...

The following morning.

Winter's first snow finally descended.

Initially, it was a gentle snowfall. After two hours, it transformed into a heavy flurry, covering the entire Miao Peak in white.

Ning Lang stood in front of the window, observing for a while, then walked out of the bamboo house and called, "Jiang Chen, Jiang Keran."

Before long, Jiang Chen and Jiang Keran approached Ning Lang.

Gan Tang brought a cloak and draped it over Ning Lang's shoulders.

"You both have been on the mountain for some time. Today, show me what you've learned."

"Yes!"

Jiang Chen scratched his head and grinned. "Junior Brother, you go first."

"Okay."

Jiang Keran had been on the mountain for half a month. Although the time wasn't long, after the departure of Gao Qiu, Gao Hua, and Gao Sheng, Jiang Keran spent most of his time practicing martial arts outside and secretly cultivating and studying the martial art technique 'Cloud-Soaring Art' that Ning Lang gave him. Therefore, he was quite confident in himself.

"Master, I'll start now."

"Yes."

Jiang Keran concentrated, and the 'Cloud-Soaring Art' technique unfolded. In an instant, he traversed the snowy ground, his body like a shadow, and the shadow like the wind. The movements under his feet were unpredictable, sometimes standing on one foot in the air, sometimes leaning parallel to the ground, and the quick movements were like the wind, steps like arrows. If combined with other martial arts, the power would naturally be much stronger than using it alone.

After a cup of tea, Jiang Keran finally stopped.

The first thing he did was to look at Ning Lang. After more than ten days of getting along, Jiang Keran increasingly regarded Ning Lang as his master. Therefore, he really wanted to gain Ning Lang's approval now.

Ning Lang knew that he should "teach according to the aptitude" to his disciples rather than using a fixed method to teach them.

For the eldest disciple, Jiang Chen, who was honest and diligent, praising him a bit wouldn't hurt. It could even stimulate his progress.

As for the second disciple, Gan Tang, who was clever, regardless of what I said, it was probably praising her in her ears. So, it was better to go along with her. After all, spoiling a girl like her wouldn't matter much.

As for the third disciple, Jiang Keran, who was originally a noble son and a proud genius, if I praised him again, his tail would probably rise to the sky. There's a saying: "A new official burns three fires upon taking office." I've only been his master for a few days. If I want him to acknowledge me, I need to show him some colors first.

So...

Ning Lang said with a stern face, "Is this the result of your hard work for so many days?"

Jiang Keran was stunned, looking at Ning Lang in confusion. He didn't understand why Ning Lang was angry. Wasn't his performance good enough?

Ning Lang didn't say much and just said to Jiang Chen, "Jiang Chen, demonstrate the 'Cloud-Soaring Art' again for your junior brother."

"Yes!"

Jiang Chen replaced Jiang Keran.

The same martial art, the same movements, but Jiang Chen's demonstration took almost a third less time than Jiang Keran.

Jiang Keran stood there in shock.

Incredible...

Ning Lang's mouth slightly curled.

Good kid, you didn't embarrass me.

Seeing Jiang Keran standing there dumbfounded, Ning Lang coughed twice after putting his fist to his mouth and said, "Now do you understand the difference between you and your senior brother?"

Jiang Keran sighed with a touch of melancholy, "I understand..."

"I told you long ago that from the moment you became my disciple, you should forget your identity. I don't care what you were in others' eyes before, but here on Miao Peak, you are the weakest. So!"

Ning Lang's voice resonated in Jiang Keran's ears.

"So, if you don't want to disappoint me and want to seek revenge as soon as possible, you must put in ten times, even a hundred times, the effort compared to before."

"Jiang Keran, do you understand what I mean by saying these things?"

Jiang Keran turned around, displaying a trace of reluctance and stubbornness, respectfully bowing. "Disciple understands."

[The bond character Jiang Keran's loyalty refreshes.]

[Current loyalty: 80]

[Task completed, rewards: Three years of cultivation, ten small rejuvenation pills.]

Upon hearing the prompt, Ning Lang instantly felt a warmth spreading within him, a comforting sensation.

Only three years of cultivation allowed me to break through to the Crystallization Realm Peak. It seems that as the realm improves, the required cultivation time increases.

Ning Lang smiled inwardly and took out a bunch of spirit stones from his pocket, handing them to Jiang Chen. "These are the monthly spirit stones given by the sect. They have been replenished. From now on, each of you can receive five spirit stones every month. As I said before, whatever others have, you will have too."

"Thank you, Master."

"Thank you, Master."

"Master is the best~"

Ning Lang patted Jiang Keran's shoulder and said with a smile, "Actually, your performance is not bad compared to others, considering that you have only practiced for about ten days."

"Master, you don't need to comfort me. Give me another half a month, and I will definitely practice the 'Cloud-Soaring Art' to the level of Senior Brother."

"Good, go practice."

"Yes!"

In the heavy snow, Jiang Keran practiced again and again until he was exhausted, collapsing in the snowy field.

Seeing this, Jiang Chen quickly approached and helped Jiang Keran up to the bamboo house.

Ning Lang stood at the door, watching the snow.

Gan Tang stood at the door, watching him.

...