บท 38: Chapter 38: Accepting a Disciple
The Sect Master smiled wryly and could only give up. "This child is quite similar to me when I was young—equally stubborn, once determined, never changes his mind."
He turned to Lu An, seeing that his descendant was insistent on becoming his disciple, and felt he should help.
Lu An was also surprised by Bai Sheng's attitude. He had no intention of taking on a disciple but, out of respect for the Sect Master, found it difficult to refuse.
He pondered for a moment and then said slowly, "Bai Sheng, you know I didn't want to take on a disciple. But considering the Sect Master's request, I'll give you this opportunity."
"I will accept you as a registered disciple for now. After you achieve some accomplishments in talisman techniques, we will consider whether to officially accept you as a true disciple. Are you willing?"
Bai Sheng was overjoyed and quickly performed the kowtow. "Disciple is willing. Disciple greets Master!"
Lu An accepted this calmly. As the saying goes, one should not disregard proper etiquette. Since they had established a master-disciple relationship, they must follow the rules of such a relationship.
"Get up. I will set aside time each day to teach you individually."
"If you have any questions about talismans, you may come to ask me."
"However, you must understand that talismans are just a part of the path. The core of cultivation lies in your own abilities, and you must not neglect it."
Bai Sheng bowed deeply, acknowledging his words.
The Sect Master also nodded with satisfaction. "Lu Xiaoyou is young but has exceptional insight. There are many who become obsessed with talismans, focusing solely on them and neglecting their cultivation, ultimately becoming nothing but dust."
"There are also some prodigious talents among them, which is truly lamentable."
He sighed and instructed Lu An, "I leave Sheng'er in your care. When you come to discuss talisman techniques with me in the future, feel free to bring him along. I believe it will be beneficial for him."
"Now that we have discussed all night, you must be tired. Why not rest here for a while? I will send someone to inform you when it is time to begin the transmission of teachings."
With that, he waved his hand, and a streak of light shot out, taking him and Bai Sheng away.
Lu An did not pay them any more attention. It was clear that they had just reunited and likely had many things to discuss, which was not suitable for an outsider to overhear.
He closed his eyes to rest, reflecting on the insights gained from the overnight discussion and planning his future development.
"I have just crafted a minor Gathering Qi Talisman. There is no need to rush the second-tier Gathering Qi Talisman."
"Even if I manage to create it, with the current intensity of spiritual energy, my cultivation level might not be able to withstand it."
"It would be better to learn another second-tier talisman, gain insight from its spiritual light, and improve my talisman technique."
With this thought, his mind settled on the ancient book in his sea of consciousness.
The book now includes twelve types of second-tier talismans and only one type of third-tier talisman, called the Invisibility Talisman. However, Lu An had attempted to draw this talisman before but found himself completely unable to get started. With his level of understanding in talisman techniques, he couldn't even get through the basics and had to abandon the attempt.
As for the second-tier talismans, they vary widely. Some are oriented towards attack, while others are primarily defensive.
Lu An scanned through the options and finally fixed his gaze on an auxiliary talisman: the Calming Heart Talisman.
This talisman is an advanced version of the Calming Mind Talisman. When Gu Chuanfei had asked him to help draw the Calming Mind Talisman, Lu An had inquired about this Calming Heart Talisman. However, according to Gu Chuanfei, while the Calming Heart Talisman is quite effective, it is rarely put up for sale, making it very rare. Lu An had no choice but to settle for the Calming Mind Talisman as a substitute.
"This is it," Lu An decided, and immediately began to draw the talisman in his sea of consciousness.
An hour later, Shen Mi hurried over. "Mr. Lu, the transmission of teachings is about to start. Please follow me."
Lu An nodded, and the two made their way to the Transmission Platform. They were allowed to pass without obstruction, even the Second Elder did not come out to stop them.
The Transmission Platform is a massive stone platform, typically used by the elders to resolve doubts for the sect's disciples. The Sect Master also occasionally comes here to discuss talisman techniques.
Lu An brushed off his clothes and was about to step onto the platform when a graceful figure blocked his path.
Lu An frowned. The person in front of him was also wearing the standard white robe of the Spirit Talisman Society, but her loose robes did not conceal her impressive figure. Her high ponytail was tied with a red ribbon, and her strikingly beautiful face radiated an aura of confidence and authority.
"This person is my Senior Sister, Lu Xuan, from the Spirit Talisman Sect. Her understanding of talisman techniques surpasses mine. In the entire sect, only the Senior Brother can overshadow her," Shen Mi whispered in Lu An's ear.
Lu An was slightly surprised. She shares the same surname, Lu? He hadn't expected a family connection. However, with so many people named Lu, he wasn't going to make an issue of it.
"Fellow Daoist, what is the meaning of blocking my way?" Lu An asked.
Lu Xuan slightly lifted her head, her tone icy. "Only elders are allowed on this platform. Please know your place. If you wish to discuss talisman techniques, do so from below."
Lu An's frown deepened. This woman seemed quite confrontational. He didn't recall having offended her.
Shen Mi explained further, "Senior Sister Xuan is usually very proud and stern. Please don't take it personally."
Before Lu An could respond, Lu Xuan cast a disdainful glance at Shen Mi and said sharply, "Noisy. He is someone you invited, isn't he? When has our Spirit Talisman Sect allowed outsiders on the Transmission Platform? How could you be so shameless?"
Shen Mi's face turned red with embarrassment. He wanted to argue but didn't know where to start.
At this moment, Lu An waved his hand calmly and said, "I was invited by the Sect Master, so there's no fault of Brother Shen."
He then took out an item from his storage bag and presented it to Lu Xuan. "Besides, even if only elders are allowed on the platform, I have this qualification."
Lu Xuan's eyes widened as she saw the token. Her expression changed dramatically. "An Elder Token! How did you come by this? Did you steal it from somewhere?"
Lu An's expression also grew serious. This woman really was unreasonable. How did she even become a Senior Sister with such a demeanor?
He looked around and saw that the Sect Master had already arrived at some point and was observing him with great interest, not intending to intervene. The Second Elder stood next to the Sect Master, his expression a bit gloomy, possibly because the Sect Master had mentioned something to him.
"It looks like I have to handle this myself," Lu An muttered and stepped forward, coming close to Lu Xuan. He said, "What do you want?"
The breath from Lu An's words brushed against Lu Xuan's face, making her uncomfortable. She took two steps back and said harshly, "You impudent person! Do you dare to compete with me in talisman techniques?"
"If you win, I will allow you to step onto the platform."
Lu An sneered. Another competition? It seemed the disciples of the Spirit Talisman Sect liked this approach.
He glanced at Shen Mi, who had already lowered his head, too embarrassed to look at him.
"What if you lose?" Lu An asked.
Lu Xuan seemed to find this question extremely amusing. She replied, "If I lose, you can do as you please. But that's not going to happen."
Seeing this, Lu An decided to teach her a lesson. He took two steps closer, flashing a wicked smile. "Really, anything goes?"
Lu Xuan's anger flared. She raised her hand to strike him, feeling that he had insulted her repeatedly and implied lewd matters. She could no longer tolerate it.
At that moment, the Sect Master spoke slowly, "Lu Xuan, our Spirit Talisman Sect should use talismans to resolve disputes, not act recklessly."
Lu Xuan stomped her foot in frustration, her chest heaving, as she looked stunned at the spectators below.
"Since the challenge was proposed by me, I will let you set the rules. How would you like to compete?"
Lu An had no desire to compete. He said, "I am too lazy to draw talismans. Here is a talisman I prepared earlier. If you can surpass its grade, I will admit defeat."
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