After Accidentally Entering the Forbidden Land and Forming a Bond with the Grandmaster - Chapter 26

The first lesson after officially becoming Master and Disciple.

This period of rest lasted for several days. Chu Lanci did not do much productive work; without Wei Daoping to guide him, he did not dare to wander aimlessly. Since he was idle, he cleared the field behind the house, thinking he might plant something. It was a large area of spiritual soil that had been uncultivated for a long time, so Chu Lanci spent quite a bit of effort on it.

Two days later, acting on Xie Zhuo’s instructions, Wei Daoping brought him a manual of cultivation techniques. He also explained some basic breathing and meditation methods, telling Chu Lanci to memorize them first. The manual was delivered, but Chu Lanci found that he could not understand a single word. When he asked Wei Daoping, the latter simply said he did not know either.

So, Chu Lanci waited for Xie Zhuo.

Since the night of their wedding, the two had not seen much of each other. He did not dare to disturb him. However, he would soon see Xie Zhuo again at the monthly master-disciple meeting. It was not just him, of course; his other senior siblings would be there as well.

This kind of meeting was quite suffocating. Chu Lanci felt that Xie Zhuo was a bit of a martinet; the disciples had to stand there one by one and report on their progress. Apparently, this style of conduct could be traced back to their Master’s own ancestors. Each test was a trial; passing was fine, but failing meant punishment.

Today, Xie Zhuo’s temper seemed particularly short. He started by scolding the First Senior Brother, Lin Jingchi, for not being serious in his cultivation. Then he criticized Second Senior Sister Zhang Minmin’s questions for being too childish. The most unfortunate, however, was Wei Daoping.

The scolding could be heard clearly from inside the hall. “I ordered you to wipe out the remnants of the Hidden Dragon Sect. Did you not understand?”

Wei Daoping stammered, “But Master, Elder Yuhua said…”

“Is he the one in charge of Qianshan now, or am I? Am I your Master, or is he?” Xie Zhuo’s voice was low, suppressed with suppressed rage.

Wei Daoping did not dare to utter a word and trembled in fear.

“Go receive thirty Bone-Eroding lashes yourself, and then go to the Cliff of Reflection for punishment.”

Wei Daoping’s face turned deathly pale. He kowtowed repeatedly. “Master, have mercy! Master, this disciple was wrong!”

“Go.”

Everyone listening outside shuddered. The Bone-Eroding lashes were one thing, but the Cliff of Reflection was another entirely. It was a place similar to the Forbidden Land in the back mountains; no matter how high one’s cultivation was, they became as vulnerable as a mortal there.

After Wei Daoping left, the others remained trembling. Next was the Fifth Senior Sister, Wan Biaoli. He went in weeping and came out weeping, looking incredibly aggrieved. Though he cried quite pitifully, the other disciples were too busy worrying about themselves to pay him any mind.

Only Chu Lanci offered a kind word of comfort. “Fifth Senior Sister, please do not cry.”

Chu Lanci did not understand why such a charming beauty was crying without anyone to comfort her. Wei Daoping had not explained it clearly, and Wan Biaoli did not like people talking about it, but Wan Biaoli was actually a man who dressed as a woman, even convincing himself of the role. Naturally, Wan Biaoli’s intention was to gain everyone’s favor, but unfortunately, no one bought it.

Master Xie Zhuo did not buy it because he preferred real men. As for Fourth Senior Brother Feng Yu and the Second Senior Sister, they were an established couple. First Senior Brother Lin Jingchi had a secret crush on the Sect Leader. Wei Daoping also admired the Sect Leader but preferred women and did not like someone as ambiguous as Wan Biaoli. Thus, although Wan Biaoli considered himself “charming and delicate,” few in the sect acknowledged it.

He had not expected that the first person to show him kindness would be the little Junior Brother, Chu Lanci. Once comforted, Wan Biaoli cried even harder. As long as someone was willing to soothe him, he did not care about their cultivation level. Besides, while Chu Lanci’s cultivation was nonexistent, his appearance was exceptionally beautiful. It was no wonder the Sect Leader had claimed him as a partner. Anyone would be a bit dazed by such a beauty offering comfort.

Chu Lanci was honest and a bit at a loss. “Why don’t you tell me what happened? Maybe I can ask the Sect Leader for you?”

Hearing that there might be a solution, Wan Biaoli’s eyes darted around. He had played a part in the Hidden Dragon Sect matter, which meant he was also headed for the Cliff of Reflection. He did not want to go. “Actually, it is not a big deal, it is just… I have to go to the Cliff of Reflection.”

Before he could finish, Xie Zhuo summoned Chu Lanci inside. Chu Lanci apologized and entered the hall.

Wei Daoping, having overheard the conversation, said to Wan Biaoli, “You are crazy. You surely aren’t thinking of letting Chu Lanci go to the Cliff of Reflection in your place?” His underlying point was that even setting aside whether Chu Lanci’s body could survive it, he was the Sect Leader’s partner.

Wan Biaoli dismissed him with a huff. “What are you afraid of? If he is willing to go himself, no one can stop him.” He did not care; after all, Chu Lanci was just a mortal.

Wei Daoping felt a chill. The Inner Sect of Qianshan was a cutthroat environment. Chu Lanci was favored by the Sect Leader, which would surely draw a lot of jealousy. Even if the Sect Leader wanted to protect him, it was uncertain if Chu Lanci could survive there. Especially with a personality like his, which was ill-suited for such intrigue. There was no peace or ease here; it was all polite surfaces masking internal strife. Many people would be looking for a chance to undermine him.

Inside the inner hall, Chu Lanci held the Manual of Defying Fate and walked toward Xie Zhuo with trepidation. Xie Zhuo, who had been in a foul mood, saw Chu Lanci’s timid and cute appearance—huddled there like a little white rabbit—and could not help but smile again. “Have you read the manual?”

Chu Lanci was less concerned with the manual and more worried about his Master’s state of mind. “What happened to them? Master, why were you so angry? You made Fifth Senior Sister cry.”

“…” Xie Zhuo paused. “Fifth Senior Sister?”

“Yes, Fifth Senior Sister Wan Biaoli. He told me so himself,” Chu Lanci answered patiently, fearing Xie Zhuo might not know.

Xie Zhuo gestured for Chu Lanci to come and sit down. “I scolded him, and you come here to lecture me?”

Chu Lanci sat down obediently. “But I am not lecturing you.”

“You are lecturing me right now.”

“I am not.”

“You are.”

Chu Lanci gave in softly. “Alright, Master, if you say so. If he made you angry, he must have done something wrong.”

Hearing this, Xie Zhuo’s mood improved slightly. “Of course. I am always right.”

Chu Lanci nodded. “Master is always right.”

Xie Zhuo corrected him, “And your husband.”

This time, Chu Lanci did not echo him. Instead, he held up the manual. “Please teach me, Master. I do not understand it at all.”

“The breathing and meditation methods I had Wei Daoping tell you—have you mastered them yet?” Learning those was necessary to understand the manual.

Chu Lanci looked up curiously. “What breathing methods?” After asking, he realized what Xie Zhuo was referring to. But for a complete novice like him, Wei Daoping had spoken far too quickly. Chu Lanci was also quite shy, so the result was that he had not understood a single word. Even now, he did not understand the concept of drawing in and exhaling qi.

Xie Zhuo said, “I will teach you in detail tonight.” He manifested a slip of paper with notes and handed it to Chu Lanci. “These are some annotations. Use them as a reference for now.”

Chu Lanci took it quickly. “Alright, Master!”

The matter was settled. When Chu Lanci walked out of the hall, he had a smile on his face. The other senior brothers felt a sense of imbalance in their hearts. Why did the Sect Leader only scold them, yet toward the little Junior Brother…

“Master is truly good to Junior Brother,” the Fourth Senior Brother, Feng Yu, could not help but remark. Zhang Minmin echoed her partner’s sentiment.

Wan Biaoli said sourly, “Of course he is. He is the ‘Mistress.’ What are we? Just useless disciples.” Disciples were treated like beasts of burden, not pampered pets.

Wei Daoping was frightened and quickly advised, “Fifth Junior Brother, watch your words.”

Chu Lanci, unaware of the tension, walked over to the five of them. “Senior Brothers, why are you still standing here?” It had been so long that he thought they would have dispersed.

Wei Daoping replied, “Master did not dismiss us, so we do not dare move.”

“Oh,” Chu Lanci said. “But I saw Master leave on his sword just now. He even told me to tell you that you are dismissed.” The original words had been much less gentle, perhaps even harsh.

The several of them exchanged glances and left with their own thoughts. Only Wan Biaoli remained with a smile. It would be a waste not to cozy up to this chosen, foolish little Junior Brother. If Wei Daoping was doing it, Wan Biaoli certainly would as well.

He smiled and asked, “Lanci, are you heading back? Let’s go together.”

Chu Lanci hesitated. “But…” He thought of the propriety between men and women, but then he realized cultivators probably did not care about such things. He should not treat him like a woman. “Alright.”

Wan Biaoli was quite a talker and very enthusiastic. Compared to a bottomless schemer like Wei Daoping, he seemed a bit more sincere. Chu Lanci actually got along quite well with him. As they chatted, Wan Biaoli said, “Junior Brother, if you need anything, just let me know. For example, things Master has instructed you to do.”

“Things Master instructed?” Chu Lanci thought for a moment. “Oh, there is one thing—this.” He took out the spiritual slip containing the breathing points Xie Zhuo had just written for him. Xie Zhuo had already explained it once and said he would come by tonight to continue the lesson. Truthfully, Chu Lanci still did not understand. Although Xie Zhuo would explain it again, there was no harm in doing some early homework.

Wan Biaoli leaned over to look. The spiritual slip contained the core inner mental cultivation methods for Qianshan’s breathing techniques. To Chu Lanci, it might be difficult to grasp, but to those with a foundation, it was pure essence. If Xie Zhuo gave even a little more guidance, would breaking through to the next realm be far off?

Heaven above, how could the difference between people be so vast? Why could he not be the “Mistress”? What charm did this Chu Lanci possess? He seemed quite ordinary. Granted, he was a handsome young man, but it was not enough to justify this.

Wan Biaoli was consumed with envy. However, to stay in the good graces of the Sect Leader’s favorite, he could only patiently explain the points to Chu Lanci one by one. But from Qi Refining to Foundation Establishment, the knowledge was vast. Just the meridians alone were divided into the twelve primary meridians, the twelve divergent meridians, the eight extraordinary vessels, and the twelve cutaneous regions. Chu Lanci lacked practical knowledge and had a poor foundation; his reaction speed was much slower than others. Furthermore, although what Xie Zhuo wrote was the essence, Wan Biaoli’s own cultivation was insufficient, and his explanations grew more confused as he went on.

Finally, Wan Biaoli lost his patience. He made an excuse, saying, “I have to go to the Artifact Refining Room to pick up something. Next time, Junior Brother, I will teach you then.”

Chu Lanci was still full of gratitude. “Alright, I will ask you next time! Thank you, Senior Sister Wan.”

Wan Biaoli was annoyed internally but maintained his facade, smiling. “No problem, no problem. You can come to me with any questions.”

The two had established a somewhat solid “friendship.” As they were talking, there was a sound at the door. Wan Biaoli immediately said, “Junior Brother, is there anything else you do not understand? Should I explain it again? It is fine, let me go over it once more.”

Chu Lanci was slow to react and did not understand why Wan Biaoli, who had just refused to teach more, was suddenly so eager. He looked up and saw Xie Zhuo entering the room.

Wan Biaoli quickly turned around and knelt on one knee, bowing respectfully with a forced smile. “Master, I pay my respects! Master, why are you here? I was explaining the mental cultivation methods you gave to Junior Brother.”

Xie Zhuo’s face showed little emotion as he replied coldly, “I will take it from here. You may go.”

Wan Biaoli knew this would happen, but it still felt unbelievable every time he heard it. A Great Power at the Mahayana stage teaching a mortal—it was such a waste of talent! How good it would be if he taught him instead; he was already at the Soul Transformation stage!

He froze for a moment. Xie Zhuo frowned slightly. “Did you not hear me?”

Wan Biaoli quickly stood up. “Yes, yes, yes.” They had assumed Xie Zhuo was too busy to teach them, but it turned out he would teach in person. He left the room full of envy.

After the door closed, Chu Lanci was still looking toward the exit. Xie Zhuo walked over to him. Chu Lanci turned around with a bright smile. “Master.”

Xie Zhuo smiled as well. “Sit down.”

Chu Lanci sat down obediently. An oil lamp was lit on the table, casting a warm glow in the night, creating an atmosphere of late-night study—at least on Chu Lanci’s part.

Xie Zhuo began, “I believe I already explained this during the day. If we count Wei Daoping’s explanation as the first, mine as the second, and this one tonight as the third—do I really need to explain it a fourth time? Is it truly that difficult to understand?”

Chu Lanci said pitifully, “Yes, it is. Master, please do not be so fierce.”

“This counts as being fierce?” Xie Zhuo thought to himself that the boy had clearly never seen him when he was actually fierce. He was being exceptionally patient. “I will explain it one more time.”

After teaching for the entire night, Xie Zhuo felt a strange sense of returning to the Foundation Establishment stage. When had he ever studied so seriously to break through? For him, it had always been a matter of a single thought to shatter bottlenecks, his advancement relying entirely on innate talent. He did not actually have much patience, but now that he was a Master, he perhaps had a bit more, though he had never taught a disciple like this.

He looked at the neat calligraphy; the handwriting was quite good. However, a good hand was of no use to a cultivator.

Xie Zhuo watched Chu Lanci’s serious expression as he wrote, noticing the pale skin exposed at his collar. He continued, “For now, try to circulate your qi and feel the changes in the true qi within your body. You are taking the Spirit Grain Pills, right?”

Chu Lanci replied obediently, “I am.”

“If you cannot activate your spiritual roots, try using this method of pill cultivation. This technique will help you directly convert medicinal pills into spiritual power. Over time, as you consume more pills, you will be able to refine the medicinal power automatically.”

The logic was simple. Ordinary cultivators absorbed heaven and earth spiritual energy into their inner cores, whereas Chu Lanci would take what he needed. The amount of spiritual energy he had would depend on the number of pills he consumed. He had plenty of pills and did not need to worry; before his two fathers left for the upper realm, they had left him enough pills to last three hundred years. He was essentially a “pill-rich second generation.” But the prerequisite for this frantic pill-taking was that Chu Lanci’s constitution could handle it. He would try it for a while and see.

“Do you understand?” Xie Zhuo asked again, still worried after explaining so much.

“I understand,” Chu Lanci nodded.

In truth, he only half-understood, but after his Master had said so much, he did not want to disturb him further. He felt he had gained a lot tonight—first from Wan Biaoli and then from his Master. His Master was indeed more skilled; he always got straight to the point, making difficult concepts easy to understand.

“I will study hard. Should I go practice now?” As a talentless person, all he could do was make up for his lack of skill with diligence. Dawn was approaching; if he did not practice now, his Master would soon leave.

Xie Zhuo pressed down on Chu Lanci’s hand as he tried to stand. “Do not practice anymore.”

“Eh?” Chu Lanci looked up blankly. “No practice?”

“No,” Xie Zhuo said. “We still have a little time. Let’s do something else.”

Support