In fact, the etiquette on Douluo Continent required only bows for apprenticeship, not three kowtows. But where did these two traversers learn such details? They acted as their hearts desired.
Subei smiled—a triumphant and satisfied smile—proof that his careful teaching of Tang San over a month ago at Notting College was not in vain. Yet facing a person the same age kowtowing thrice felt strange, almost like being worshipped.
Helping Tang San up, Subei said, "No need for that, Xiao San. We're the same age. Soon, you'll be like Xiao Wu; just call me brother."
Subei's thoughts were simple: since Tang San wanted to be close, why not? How strong Tang San might become was no threat. Only the weak minded much about such things, and Subei had his goddess invincible system to rely on.
Unexpectedly, Tang San shook his head respectfully: "I don't mind the age difference. Though you're my peer, you know far more than I do. As the saying goes, knowledge isn't bound by age. As long as you guide my spirit master cultivation, I accept you as teacher."
Feeling warmth from Subei's palm, Tang San's resolve deepened. "Teacher, I beg you to accept me as your disciple. I've given up my status as a working student at Notting College to follow you. If I fail, I'll be ashamed of Grandpa Jack."
With tears in his eyes, still dressed in a woman's outfit, he looked so pitiful it was hard to refuse.
"Well, if you join my Sumen, you must abide by its rules."
Subei glanced at Tang San and began outlining the sect's laws.
"Sumen?"
Tang San's eyes flickered with hesitation. He had revered the Tang Sect in his past life and preserved its rules. Now, worshiping this peerless youth as master, how could he reconcile possible rule conflicts?
But Xindao advised: "Such a graceful young man likely upholds strict yet fair laws. You may as well obey."
"Teacher, please advise!" Tang San said earnestly.
Subei knew Tang San's concerns but reassured him the sect's rules would not harm him.
"The first rule: Do not covet the teacher's talents; never deceive or harm the teacher or ancestors; keep a respectful distance from women close to the teacher."
Tang San nodded firmly, "I will obey."
"The second rule: Do not harm the nature or justice of the sect. In crisis, prioritize the safety and interests of the teacher and disciples. Do not harm sect members without permission."
Tang San reflected—he must always put his sect's interests first, no different from the Tang Sect.
"Understood."
"The third rule: Respect all masters; never disobey their orders."
"Tang San will treat his teacher as his belief for life."
Subei exhaled with relief.
"Tang San, understand this well."
"If you break my rules in Sumen, you'll suffer unbearable pain, lose descendants, and bleed from all seven orifices."
His face grew solemn, like a master inducting a disciple.
"Now, stretch out your hand and summon your Blue Silver Grass Martial Spirit."
Tang San complied, silvery-blue grass blossoming from his palm.
Subei took out a bottle bearing a light logo: a blue skull entwined by grass, with three characters—Baicaosheng.
He sprayed the potion onto Tang San's Blue Silver Grass.
"This is my first disciple. I don't know the proper procedure, but this herbal tonic is my gift. It nourishes and strengthens your Blue Silver Grass Martial Spirit."
Ping! The silver glow intensified; the vines grew tougher and fuller.
Tang San's eyes brightened and asked, "Teacher, what does this potion do? Each time I spray it, my spirit control improves and my Blue Silver Grass changes drastically. Now it can function as a spear!"
He condensed the grass into a straight spike and thrust it into a nearby tree trunk.
As the saying goes, even a single blade of grass can harm.
Rare for a 'waste' martial spirit like Blue Silver Grass to become a spirit master, let alone mutate into lethal attack grade.
Tang San had read countless books at Notting College and consulted teachers, doubting Blue Silver Grass could be aggressive.
But undeniable facts stood before him—his admired peer possessed unmatched knowledge.
This was why Tang San was determined to apprentice under him.