I, Ye Ping, had already made my own decision.
I realized that I must have encountered one of those hidden sects. From the outside, they looked ordinary, but in reality, every member was an unrivaled expert.
People like them must have grown tired of worldly life. After reaching the pinnacle, ordinary life feels boring, so they disguise themselves as ordinary people just to seek a little excitement.
Of course, this was just my guess; whether it was true or not, I had to pay close attention.
But that eldest senior… he was clearly a high-level expert.
If he wasn't a master, then who else could be?
Seeing the enthusiasm I couldn't hide, Su Changyu already knew that the plan had worked.
"All right, Ye Ping, come with me into the sect, and don't disturb your senior's meditation," said Daoist Taihua.
I immediately nodded, then paid my respects to Su Changyu before following Daoist Taihua toward the mountain gate.
After I left, Su Changyu let out a long sigh, finally calming his own nerves.
He muttered, "Even three million celestial sword practitioners would bow to me… hehe, quite amusing."
He laughed, and the aura of a serious immortal scholar vanished instantly.
---
Dao Qingyun Sect
I followed Daoist Taihua as we walked.
The dilapidated mountain gate and a single incense stick were enough to reflect the simplicity of this sect. Even Daoist Taihua seemed slightly embarrassed.
However, when I looked around the Dao Qingyun Sect, I did not feel disgust. On the contrary, I felt pleased.
Daoist Taihua looked puzzled.
"You're happy with this place? Haven't you trained before?"
He had even prepared for the possibility that I might turn back and leave, but surprisingly, I truly looked pleased. Are there still young practitioners with a pure heart nowadays? This kid had great potential.
The reason for my joy was simple.
This was indeed the style of a hidden sect.
As a transmigrator, I had read many online novels. The description of hidden sects could always be summed up in one word: unique.
Yes, unique.
Other sects like to show off their wealth and glory, wanting to leave a trace of magnificence at their gates. But a truly powerful hidden sect chooses humility.
The simpler, the better. From the outside, it might look like a weak sect.
But in reality, it's a test—a test for new disciples.
Like in myths, the gods often trick humans in similar ways. For example, Guanyin exchanged her robe for Tang Xuanzang's wealth and honor. Stories like these were countless.
Thinking about this, how could I not understand?
I became even more certain: this was a hidden sect.
"Ye Ping, follow the Master," said Daoist Taihua.
I nodded immediately and followed him into the main hall.
Although the Dao Qingyun Sect appeared old and worn, I noticed something strange: the place was clean and orderly.
Yes, clean.
If this sect had truly fallen, how could it remain so well-kept?
Even though the sect leader had emphasized before our arrival that the Dao Qingyun Sect was insignificant, it made me realize that the sect was far more than it appeared.
Of course, even the best disguises have flaws. Though they tried to hide it, they couldn't escape my keen observation.
I couldn't help but praise my own sharp eye.
As we entered the main hall, Daoist Taihua spoke again.
"Ye Ping, now that you've arrived at the Dao Sect, I need to tell you a few things. You don't have to answer now; just listen first."
He didn't call himself 'Master,' but spoke humbly, emphasizing seriousness.
I responded seriously, focusing on listening.
"Cultivating immortality is harder than reaching heaven. The cultivation path seems broad and smooth, but it's actually full of thorns. Not to mention the dangers, cultivation is measured in decades. If you truly want to walk this path, you must keep your heart pure.
"Don't be too ambitious beyond your ability, and don't give up midway because progress is slow. Without perseverance, you will not achieve greatness. Think carefully about this."
Daoist Taihua spoke sincerely, his words carrying a sense of solitude.
He said this to prepare my mindset. Seeing my ordinary talent, what if I couldn't sense spiritual energy after a few months and left? It was better to warn me first.
"I understand. The path of cultivation is indeed lonely. The gods sometimes seclude themselves to train for decades or even centuries. Since I've chosen this path, I will stay focused, not be swayed by idle thoughts, nor deviate from the right way."
I agreed wholeheartedly.
After reading so many novels, even though I hadn't experienced it myself, I knew enough from the stories. Cultivation is never easy; if it were, everyone would become immortal.
"All right."
Daoist Taihua nodded in approval. Although my talent was ordinary, my mindset was excellent. Unlike other disciples hoping to advance quickly—forming qi in a few days, building foundations the next— I had patience.
"Because you can endure loneliness, Master doesn't need to add anything. However, Ye Ping, I must emphasize: during the probation period, the sect will not provide allowances. Only after formal acceptance will you receive them. Can you accept this?"
Daoist Taihua asked more seriously, a hint of nervousness in his eyes.
I didn't notice it.
"Don't worry, Sect Master. Wealth is an external matter. The sect has already given me a great gift by teaching me cultivation. How dare I ask for material benefits? Don't always think about what the sect gives you, but what you can contribute to the sect."
I answered enthusiastically.
For a transmigrator, being taught cultivation was an extraordinary blessing; thinking about money was trivial.
"Good!"
Daoist Taihua felt pleased. My words touched him immediately. Don't think about what you can get; think about what you can give. Very good.
After calming down, Daoist Taihua looked at me.
"All right, I will accept you as my disciple. For now, you are a registered disciple. After formal acceptance, we will hold the official ceremony."
"Thank you, Master. I will not disappoint your trust."
Hearing that I was accepted, I bowed respectfully, my eyes full of joy.
"Now, Master will take you to your room. Use the next few days to get familiar with the sect. In a few days, the eldest senior will teach you cultivation. Remember: rushing only brings harm. Cultivation is a step-by-step journey; don't
be hasty. Understand?"
"Yes! I understand, Master."
I nodded seriously, full of anticipation for the future.
[TO BE CONTINUED]