Logically speaking, being accepted as a disciple by a Core Formation cultivator would be an unimaginable stroke of fortune for any low-level cultivator, something they could only dream of. However, when Han Li heard these words, aside from being stunned, he instinctively sensed that something was amiss.
Given his innate talent and cultivation method, such a stroke of luck would never fall upon him. As for the claim that he had rendered great service to the Yellow Maple Valley and deserved a grand reward, Han Li did not believe a word of it. If this Patriarch had won the bet and, in a moment of excitement, decided to take him in as a disciple out of genuine appreciation, it might have made some sense. But having lost so miserably and still wanting to accept him as a disciple—this was indeed thought-provoking!
While countless thoughts raced through Han Li’s mind, Patriarch Li grew displeased.
After expressing his intention to take Han Li as his disciple, he had expected the latter to be overjoyed and immediately agree. Yet, Han Li just stood there dumbfounded, his face full of astonishment, without giving an immediate response. This slight delay irritated Patriarch Li.
However, on the surface, Patriarch Li naturally had to maintain the demeanor of a senior figure. He spoke again in a light tone, “Han Li, if you are unwilling to become my disciple, just say so plainly. I will not force you. Instead, I can bestow a few magical artifacts upon you as compensation.”
Upon hearing this, Han Li knew that although the words sounded gracious, the Patriarch was undoubtedly displeased. Han Li did not need to think deeply to understand the consequences of offending this Patriarch. Moreover, for a Qi Condensation disciple like himself to refuse a Core Formation cultivator’s offer to take him as a disciple was highly irregular. If he refused, it would likely invite even greater trouble.
Thinking this, he gritted his teeth. Regardless of what ulterior motives the other party might have, he would deal with the immediate crisis first. Given the circumstances, refusing would undoubtedly bring him no good outcome.
“Of course, I am delighted to become your disciple, Patriarch. It is my great honor! I was just so overjoyed that I forgot to speak. Please forgive my rudeness!” Han Li’s face flushed red as he pretended to have just snapped out of his excitement, speaking in an eager tone.
Then, Han Li wisely kowtowed to Patriarch Li several times, promptly performing the formal rites of becoming a disciple.
“Excellent! From today onward, you are my disciple, Li Huayuan. This Green Light Blade shall serve as my gift to you.” Li Huayuan’s face beamed with a smile as he helped Han Li up and handed him an emerald-green long blade. Glowing with spiritual light, it was undoubtedly a top-tier magical artifact.
Han Li solemnly accepted the blade with both hands and kowtowed once more to show respect before standing up, appearing utterly overjoyed.
The other disciples watching nearby were dumbstruck, their eyes burning with envy as they stared at Han Li. They wished they were the ones receiving the magical artifact instead of Han Li, whom they had long disliked.
Although Han Li did not know what they were thinking, the scorching gazes fixed on him gave him a rough idea. He could not help but feel both amused and exasperated.
If possible, he would have much preferred if the Patriarch had taken a liking to someone else rather than him, the unlucky one! He still vividly remembered the lessons from his previous master, Doctor Mo. And now, here was another master, even more powerful and with his own hidden agenda. Han Li was truly at a loss for words!
“Once you successfully reach Foundation Establishment, I will bring you to my residence and formally accept you as my disciple. If you fail to establish your foundation, it does not matter—I will still offer some guidance in your cultivation,” Patriarch Li instructed Han Li.
“Yes, Master!” Han Li naturally had no objections and obediently agreed.
“Alright, it is getting late. Let us return to Yellow Maple Valley,” Patriarch Li said, glancing at the sky.
Afterward, everyone mounted Patriarch Li’s Silver-Armored Horned Flood Dragon once more. After several days of flight, they returned to Yellow Maple Valley.
Upon entering the valley, Patriarch Li Huayuan headed to the council hall with two stewards. The others dispersed, returning to their residences to await their rewards in a few days.
…
In a thatched cottage within the Hundred Herbs Garden of Yellow Maple Valley, Elder Ma, a short old man, stared wide-eyed at Han Li as if he had seen a ghost, muttering incessantly, “Impossible! Not only did you not die, but you also managed to gather over twenty spiritual herbs in the forbidden area and even became Patriarch Li’s nominal disciple!”
“Indeed, Elder Ma! Would you say I am incredibly fortunate and blessed by destiny?” Han Li sat opposite the old man, a faint smile on his face as if he were quite pleased with himself.
Hearing this, the old man’s expression returned to normal, but he fixed Han Li with a peculiar gaze, making Han Li uneasy and uncertain of his intentions.
“Kid Han, your trip to the forbidden area has indeed yielded far more than I expected!” the old man sighed.
“I didn’t expect it either,” Han Li replied casually.
“But do you know the real reason why Patriarch Li took you as his nominal disciple?” The old man’s next words, tinged with pity, stunned Han Li, but then filled him with joy. Still, he suppressed his excitement and feigned ignorance, asking in surprise, “Elder Ma, could there be another reason for Patriarch Li accepting me as his disciple?”
“Elder? Heh! Since you’ve become Patriarch Li’s disciple, you should call me Brother Ma from now on. I dare not respond to ‘Elder’ anymore,” the old man shook his head slowly and said deliberately.
“Cough! Elder Ma, why must you mock me? Everyone knows that seniority in the cultivation world is determined by cultivation level. As long as I haven’t reached Foundation Establishment, you will always be my elder,” Han Li said very sincerely, promptly pouring a cup of medicinal flower tea for the old man and handing it to him.
“Good, good! You are teachable! It seems you haven’t been blinded by these events. Then I will tell you in advance. Actually, even if I didn’t, you would have found out in three or four days,” the old man nodded with satisfaction and spoke lightly.
Han Li was slightly taken aback but listened intently to what followed. After all, he had been on edge about Patriarch Li suddenly taking him as a disciple. Any chance to learn the inside story earlier was not to be missed.
“What reward do you think you will get for handing over so many spiritual herbs?” the old man suddenly changed the subject and asked.
“Probably two Foundation Establishment Pills! I inquired beforehand—those who hand in around ten spiritual herbs can exchange for one Foundation Establishment Pill,” Han Li replied honestly, sensing there was a purpose behind the question.
“Hmph! When the rewards are distributed in a few days, you will only get one Foundation Establishment Pill. Don’t dream about two!” the old man said with a hint of sarcasm.
“What? How can that be? Is someone embezzling the rewards?” Han Li nearly jumped up, his face filled with disbelief.
“No one is embezzling, and no one would dare! You are the only one whose reward will be reduced. Everyone else will receive their full share. Otherwise, who would participate in the Blood Trial next time?” the old man curled his lip and said.
“Is it because of Patriarch Li?” Han Li tilted his head thoughtfully before speaking seriously.
“You’re not too slow—you caught on quickly. Indeed, it is because Patriarch Li took you as his disciple that this is happening!” The old man’s eyes flashed with approval as he nodded.
“Our sect has an unwritten rule: when there is a clear master-disciple relationship, the master has the right to claim half of the disciple’s contributions to the sect as a token of gratitude. This applies only once and is not repeated. The spiritual herbs you gathered in the forbidden area are considered a contribution to the sect. So, I suspect that Patriarch Li’s enthusiasm in taking you as a disciple is largely because he has his eyes on those ten or so spiritual herbs as his token of gratitude. Since only half of the herbs will be credited to the sect, your reward will also be halved. So, don’t expect two Foundation Establishment Pills,” the old man explained carefully to Han Li.
Han Li frowned but showed no signs of anger or dissatisfaction, merely lowering his head in silence. This surprised the old man, who had not expected such a reaction. Little did he know that Han Li was not angry at all but instead breathed a sigh of relief, finally setting his mind at ease.
So, his new master had taken a fancy to his spiritual herbs—this was indeed unexpected but also put Han Li at ease. One Foundation Establishment Pill meant nothing to him, especially since he was about to start pill refining. If he succeeded in refining pills, a single Foundation Establishment Pill would be insignificant.
Unaware of Han Li’s thoughts, the old man assumed Han Li was suppressing his frustration and merely skilled at controlling his emotions. He chuckled lightly and comforted Han Li, “Although you’ve lost one Foundation Establishment Pill, becoming Patriarch Li’s nominal disciple is not a bad deal. It’s not exactly a loss. Given your innate talent, even with two Foundation Establishment Pills, your chances of successful Foundation Establishment are slim. It’s better to exchange one pill for a powerful backer like Patriarch Li. Even if you remain at Qi Condensation, no one in the sect would dare bully you easily. Although Patriarch Li may not have taken you as a disciple sincerely, you still carry his name. Ordinary disciples and stewards would think twice before causing you trouble. Moreover, from what I know, Patriarch Li is very protective of his own!”
Han Li was touched. From the moment the old man had given him two bottles of pills before his trip to the forbidden area, he had sensed that the old man was warm-hearted beneath his cold exterior—a truly good person. These words now made Han Li value him even more. It seemed this person was worth befriending.
Though Han Li thought this, on the surface, he pretended to be reluctantly persuaded by the old man. He forced a bitter smile and finally spoke, exchanging a few casual words with him.
Seeing that Han Li seemed to have recovered from the blow, the old man was pleased and soon took his leave. The Hundred Herbs Garden was once again entrusted to Han Li.
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