"Teaching on my behalf?" Zhao Xing caught onto the key phrase in Gu Luohou's words and couldn't help but pause.
Gu Luohou was already a Demi-God. Based on Zhao Xing's own understanding, a Demi-God was an Emperor on the path to breaking into Godhood Realm.
The Reincarnation Emperors were still strengthening their True Spirit, searching for a way to break through. Since they had yet to find their path, they continued cultivating by reinforcing their True Spirit.
But a Demi-God was different—they had found their path. Though it was uncertain whether that path would lead them to Godhood Realm, they were already progressing, whereas Emperors were still going in circles.
"My final assessment performance was good, but there were plenty of geniuses who performed even better. The chances of Gu Luohou personally accepting me as a disciple were very low. This must be because of Qing Yuzi's influence."
If Meng Wu could retain his memories, then Gu Luohou, a Demi-God, certainly had the right to know what was going on.
It was likely that guiding him was part of some deal between Qing Yuzi and the Empire.
"I accept." Zhao Xing responded without hesitation.
Originally, Gu Luohou hadn't been among his choices for a master, but since Qing Yuzi had made arrangements, Gu Luohou was definitely the best option.
The only downside was that Gu Luohou was merely acting as a teacher, not formally accepting him as a disciple. This meant that Gu Luohou wouldn't have a deep connection with him.
In other words, he was repaying a favor to Qing Yuzi, not Zhao Xing himself.
"Follow me."
Gu Luohou's expression was calm and indifferent, his voice devoid of any emotional fluctuations.
As Zhao Xing had expected, Gu Luohou viewed teaching as mere work, with no personal investment involved.
The apprenticeship process didn't take long. In Haizao City, the other geniuses quickly found their own masters and began preparing for the next stage of their cultivation.
However, once the apprenticeship ceremony ended, a piece of news caused an uproar among the gathered geniuses.
"Damn, a Demi-God actually took in a disciple this time?"
"Gu Luohou—the strongest Demi-God—actually accepted a disciple?"
"Godhood Realm figures rarely meddle in worldly affairs. Even during something as massive as an Ancient Kingdom War, they don't necessarily appear—usually, only in full-scale race wars do they intervene. For most of us, a Demi-God is the strongest existence we'll ever encounter in our lifetime."
"Demi-Gods are incredibly rare. In the past 250,000 years, the Primordial Realm has never seen a Demi-God take in a disciple. The biggest event so far was 72 Emperors accepting disciples."
"Who did Gu Luohou take in? Tuosen?"
"No, I heard it was a Shennong named Zhao Xing from the Northern River Star System."
"Oh? So it wasn't Tuosen, one of the 'Six Holy Sons,' but someone else?"
"What 'Six Holy Sons'? That's just an outside term—the Primordial Realm doesn't recognize that label."
"I wonder what's behind this. That guy sure is lucky."
"So envious."
As the news of Gu Luohou taking in a disciple spread, Zhao Xing's reputation skyrocketed.
Previously, he was merely a renowned genius among Shennongs, but now, every single genius in the Primordial Tournament had heard his name.
After all, Gu Luohou only accepted one person—Zhao Xing.
Of course, Gu Luohou had complete freedom to choose his disciple, and the Primordial Realm only opened once every 3,000 years. Many geniuses came and went, but only in very special cases would a Demi-God personally take in a disciple.
Otherwise, it was usually the Reincarnation Emperors, who had more time and energy, who took in disciples.
Meanwhile, in the Northern River Star System, within the Lord's Mansion—
"What?! Zhao Xing became Gu Luohou's disciple?!"
Northern River Lord Yang Lin was stunned when he heard the report from his advisor Qiao Song.
"Are you joking?"
Zhao Xing had only made it to the second round of the finals, ranking somewhere in the top 80.
But Gu Luohou was the strongest Demi-God.
Even for Yang Lin, an elite Reincarnation Realm cultivator, Gu Luohou was someone he could only look up to.
Yet, somehow, Zhao Xing had become his disciple?!
"Lord, this is absolutely true. The Primordial Tournament has officially concluded, and the announcement has already been sent to all major administrative regions of the Empire."
Yang Lin immediately checked the official report.
After verifying the news, he burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! So it's true!"
When he first saw Zhao Xing in the third round, he had only thought, "This kid has a good chance of entering the Primordial Realm."
If Zhao Xing grew stronger, he might one day repay his home star system and return the favor to Yang Lin, but that would take a long time.
After all, Zhao Xing was only at the Divine Ability Realm. He would only truly become valuable when he reached the Rule Domain Stage, and only then would Yang Lin come to cash in the favor.
But now that Gu Luohou had accepted him, everything had changed.
It wouldn't be long before Zhao Xing could bring direct benefits to the Northern River Star System.
A long-term investment had suddenly become a short-term gain—how could Yang Lin not be thrilled?
"Soon, the Northern River Star System will experience rapid development, and I will benefit as well."
Yang Lin was in an extremely good mood, so he waved his hand and ordered—
"Prepare a grand banquet!"
"Invite all the key figures of Fengdu Realm Star and the Great Zhou Dynasty."
"Zhao Xing's territory, Tianlan Star, is still under construction. Allocate additional funds to raise the development standards and improve its facilities."
"Also..."
That day, Northern River Lord issued numerous orders, most of which revolved around Zhao Xing.
The core principle was simple: Although Zhao Xing couldn't return, they had to make sure that whenever he asked, he would feel the care and support of his homeland.
Northern River Star System, Wuye Constellation, Fengdu Realm Star
At this moment, news had spread throughout the Great Zhou Dynasty—the official confirmation had been received: Zhao Xing had successfully passed the Primordial Realm assessment and had even been accepted as a disciple by a Demi-God.
"I thought King Taihe, Liu Tianning, was already impressive for becoming the disciple of Lord Qianhua. But who would have guessed that the Grand Shennong would be even more incredible—he actually managed to get a Demi-God as his master!"
"Hahaha! That's why Zhao Xing is the Grand Shennong!"
"Just how powerful is a Demi-God? Even the Northern River Lord is hosting a personal banquet, and even we officials are invited?"
"Brother Ye, you don't understand. The Reincarnation Realm is divided into Ordinary, Veteran, Elite, and Emperor, and above Emperor is Demi-God. The Northern River Lord is only at the Elite Reincarnation Realm, not even an Emperor yet."
"There are at least 8,000 to 10,000 Empire Lords like him, while Gu Luohou is hailed as the strongest Demi-God. There's simply no comparison."
"I see..." Ye Yukong nodded as if he understood. "So Gu Luohou uses a Primordial Divine Hoe to till the earth, while the Northern River Lord has to use a wooden hoe?"
Everyone: "...."
The entire Great Zhou Dynasty was in an uproar, celebrating on a grand scale.
Zhao Xing's clone, which had remained in the Empire, had already dissipated automatically during the final assessment of the Primordial Tournament.
He had no idea that the Northern River Lord had organized a 30-star-year-long celebration in his honor.
Inside Gu Luohou's Internal World
After being taken away from Haizao City by Gu Luohou, Zhao Xing entered Gu Luohou's Internal World.
The stars shifted, the universe twisted, and in the next instant, Zhao Xing felt a soft touch beneath his feet.
Looking down, he saw that he was standing on an enormous leaf.
"Huh? This is... Tough Vine? And it's of Emperor-grade quality?" Zhao Xing was shocked.
It wasn't that this vine species was particularly rare—on the contrary, Tough Vine was the most basic and cheapest type of vine-based combat species.
Its growth limit only reached Ascension Stage, making it the equivalent of a mere weed in terms of plant classifications.
Yet, here it was, at Emperor-grade quality, in peak condition.
More importantly, when Zhao Xing checked its information panel, there was no indicator that this Tough Vine was a mutated or hybrid variant.
Meaning—this was a purebred native species, not a genetically modified or grafted plant.
"It naturally broke through its own growth limit without altering its fundamental life essence?"
Zhao Xing could enhance something like Illusion Star Mushroom, pushing it beyond its natural growth cap.
However, once modified, it would no longer be an Illusion Star Mushroom—it would become something else, like Diamond Mushroom, Green Venom Empress, or Void Mushroom.
But this Tough Vine was still Tough Vine.
He surveyed his surroundings. He was standing on a small asteroid, roughly one-tenth the size of a Low-Grade Realm Star.
The entire planet was covered in lush green grasslands, with only a single massive vine growing at its center.
Taking a few steps back, Zhao Xing estimated that this Tough Vine was about 100,000 meters tall.
Normally, an Emperor-grade plant, at peak condition, would be equivalent to a Reincarnation Realm cultivator.
Yet, this Tough Vine was only 100,000 meters tall—something about it completely shattered Zhao Xing's understanding of plant life.
Even in his previous life, he had never seen anything like this.
And this was his first time entering Gu Luohou's Internal World.
"What do you think?"
"Incredible. Perfect." Zhao Xing sincerely praised what he saw.
To a Shennong, especially one from the Self School, a Tough Vine of this caliber was an absolute treasure.
No amount of wealth, gold, or beauty could compare.
Every leaf, every vein of this plant was so naturally structured—it was as if the vine was always meant to grow to this size.
And the most unbelievable part?
The spiritual energy concentration of this asteroid within Gu Luohou's Internal World was only 5.
Yet, even in such a low-spiritual-energy environment, an Emperor-grade Tough Vine was thriving.
It was unbelievable.
"Whoosh~"
Gu Luohou's spiritual projection appeared within his Internal World, walking alongside Zhao Xing on the asteroid's surface.
"Once you enter the Primordial Realm, you will receive cultivation resources allocated by the Primordial Realm. These will later be delivered to you in Haizao City."
"I won't provide you with additional resources, but if you encounter difficulties in cultivation, you may enter my Internal World at any time for training. You may also ask me questions, but only regarding cultivation."
Zhao Xing immediately understood—Gu Luohou was making it clear that their relationship was strictly professional, without any personal involvement.
If Zhao Xing had questions about cultivation, he could ask. But for personal matters, he shouldn't expect anything.
If Zhao Xing were to get into a dispute with someone, Gu Luohou wouldn't stand behind him as support.
If Zhao Xing faced a life-threatening situation, Gu Luohou wouldn't intervene.
Seeing that Zhao Xing had understood, Gu Luohou wasted no further words and got straight to the point.
"In my Internal World, I have prepared twelve cultivation sites for you. Each is based on the Great Dao of Life."
"The first training ground involves comprehending this Tough Vine."
"Take this; it allows you to enter and leave freely. If you have questions, you may ask me."
Gu Luohou tossed a jade talisman to Zhao Xing, with the characters "Gu Luohou" inscribed on it.
"Teacher, I have a question." Zhao Xing took the jade talisman and immediately took the opportunity to ask.
"Given my current situation, how should I arrange my cultivation after receiving the initial resources from the Primordial Realm?"
Gu Luohou looked at him briefly before replying:
"You follow the Mass Troop Cultivation Path, and there are three areas you must focus on."
1. Origin Space
"Your Origin Space is not large enough and not strong enough."
"The resources granted by the Primordial Realm include Five Elements Source Stones and Yin-Yang Source Stones. You will also receive a certain amount of initial points, which you can use to purchase these treasures."
2. Dao Field
"You currently have a Lunar Ninth-Tier Dao Field, but evolving it into a Solar Dao Field will be extremely difficult."
"Ordinary comprehension methods will no longer work. At the Grand Divine Ability Realm, expanding the Dao Field is incredibly difficult. I recommend that you exchange for an opportunity to meditate within the "Primordial Ocean.""
3. Mental Will
"No matter what cultivation path a Shennong follows, no matter what spells they wish to cast on their plant-based troops, if their mental willpower isn't strong enough, they won't even be able to command their troops, let alone advance further."
"Therefore, mental willpower is especially crucial, particularly for those following the Mass Troop Cultivation Path."
"The Primordial Realm provides various ways to enhance mental willpower and soul strength—you can look them up yourself."
"Thank you, Teacher. I won't disturb you further."
Understanding his position, Zhao Xing wisely chose to excuse himself.
He had yet to receive the initial resources from the Primordial Realm—he hadn't obtained any new techniques or secret methods.
Asking more questions at this point would be meaningless.
He needed to first digest the initial resources granted by the Primordial Realm before doing anything else.
Returning to Haizao City
When Zhao Xing reappeared in Haizao City, he realized that an entire month had passed.
"Gu Luohou's Internal World has a different time flow than the outside world. He must have mastered the Dao of Time."
"Unfortunately, this 'teacher' isn't the type to be relied on."
At that moment, Zhao Xing couldn't help but reminisce about his time in Xuanhuang Realm—his teachers back then: Tian Hou, Liu Tianning, Li Boqian, True Monarch Tianyang, Xu Xing, Meng Kun...
In the cosmic era, Zhao Xing had only two mentors—Qing Yuzi and Gu Luohou.
One never taught him a single thing but took him through life-and-death battles.
The other was completely distant and detached.
Back in Xuanhuang Realm, his teachers didn't care about "professional boundaries"—as long as it was Zhao Xing's issue, they would step in without hesitation.
Still, when he put himself in Gu Luohou's shoes, he could understand his attitude.
Gu Luohou had no desire to take on disciples. His sole focus was breaking through to the Godhood Realm.
Teaching Zhao Xing was just part of his deal with Qing Yuzi.
"However, he still prepared twelve training grounds, all centered around the Great Dao of Life—this is already an extremely generous 'apprenticeship gift package'."
No matter what cultivation path one followed, comprehending the Great Dao of Life was the foundation for all Self-School Shennong cultivation.
Gu Luohou was a Demi-God.
Even if he prepared these training grounds casually, they were one-of-a-kind cultivation resources.
"He may be cold now, but that doesn't mean he'll always be cold."
"Gu Luohou possesses countless divine techniques—if I stick around long enough, does he really think I won't eventually learn them?"
At the moment, Zhao Xing's system panel couldn't scan Gu Luohou's skills, but in his previous life, he had seen them firsthand.
Sooner or later, he would dig out all the treasures Gu Luohou had hidden.
And when that day came, even if Gu Luohou didn't want to acknowledge him as a true disciple, Zhao Xing would already be his successor!
"First, I need to collect my initial points from the Primordial Realm."
Zhao Xing flew toward the Treasure Vault in Haizao City's Eastern District—the place where geniuses claimed their initial cultivation resources.