I Tame Beasts by Feeding

Upon hearing this, Lu Ruikai took the teacup with a complex expression and passed it to Yu Changsheng. Then, he spoke. "Hold out both your hands."

Yu Changsheng understood and spread his hands open, palms up. The teacup was slowly placed into them.

A stream of Magical Power emanated from Lu Ruikai. As his gaze intensified, the Magical Power seemed to connect with the very Daoist Skills of heaven and earth, releasing a pressure so immense that the disciples could no longer lift their heads.

Lu Ruikai released the teacup. With a solemn and dignified expression, he declared:

"The Dao is profound and distant, subtle and immeasurable. One who seeks it alone is like a single pillar unable to support a great structure; it is difficult to find the Great Dao. Therefore, one needs an enlightened master—one who understands fate and reason—to personally offer their guidance."

"Today, one has climbed eight thousand steps of the Celestial Ladder, engraved a Dao Mark, and carries the fortune of our Wanxiang Sect. A disciple named Changsheng, possessed of great natural talent and wisdom, now humbly seeks tutelage. He shall enter the sect of Wei Zhiping—a descendant of Wei Zhenggui, the founder of our Beast Taming Peak—and be accepted as his disciple, becoming a candidate to carry on the legacy of the Beast Taming Peak."

"He shall receive the transmission of the Dao and be taught its arts. This is declared to the Azure Heavens above and communicated to the Yellow Earth below!"

The voice was solemn and majestic, like a hymn or a sacrificial chant, and it echoed across the heavens. It seemed to trigger something—an formless aura descended, enveloping Yu Changsheng and Elder Wei.

"The rite is complete. Present the tea."

Having spoken, Lu Ruikai withdrew his hand and stepped aside.

Yu Changsheng understood. Cupping the tea with both hands, he slowly walked before Elder Wei and presented it to him.

"Master, please drink this tea."

This was the tea of discipleship.

Elder Wei drained the cup in one gulp, the smile on his face broadening.

Accepting a master is a momentous occasion that cannot be overlooked in any world. This is especially true in the Cultivation Realm, which places immense value on the transmission of legacies. Here, the bond between master and disciple is considered even more sacred than that between parent and child!

And now, as Elder Wei finished the tea of discipleship, he gave a gentle wave of his arm. A soft, gentle force lifted Yu Changsheng to his feet.

Yu Changsheng’s expression was solemn. He clasped his fists, one thumb over the other, raised them to eye level, and bent deeply at the waist, performing an exceptionally formal Daoist salute toward Elder Wei.

"I, your disciple, Yu Changsheng, accept your grace and pay my respects, Honored Master!"

Yu Changsheng chanted the words, then prostrated himself once more. He first kowtowed toward the heavens, then toward the earth, and finally, he turned and kowtowed to Elder Wei.

A master for a day is a father for a lifetime. Three kowtows for the master: one for the heavens, one for the earth, and the last for the master himself.

"Good."

Elder Wei nodded, beaming as he helped Yu Changsheng up. "I accept this disciple. With the Celestial Ladder as our witness, this calls for a celebration!"

"Congratulations, Elder Wei, on gaining a cherished disciple!"

Lu Ruikai was the first to offer his congratulations with a cupped-fist salute, followed by Yang Wenhao and Mo Pengchen. Finally, all the Elders present saluted the pair in unison, their resonant voices echoing through the clouds.

"Congratulations, Elder Wei, on gaining a cherished disciple!"

At that moment, countless people were stunned, and the disciples all stared at Yu Changsheng with undisguised envy.

No other Peak Master had ever received such treatment when accepting a disciple. This meant that from this day forward, Yu Changsheng’s status within the Wanxiang Sect was destined to soar.

As for the other Golden Core Elders and Dharma Protectors who didn’t recognize Elder Wei, they soon learned of his identity from Lu Ruikai.

’Wei Zhiping, a descendant of Wei Zhenggui, the founder of the Beast Taming Peak. That seniority is terrifying!’

’He’s the descendant of a Purple Mansion True Monarch from a thousand years ago! Besides the few remaining Purple Mansion True Monarchs, a couple of Golden Core Peak cultivators, and the Supreme Elders, who could possibly compare to his seniority?’

"Master," Yu Changsheng said softly.

Elder Wei, his face wreathed in smiles, straightened Yu Changsheng’s coronet. "We are now master and disciple. As my disciple, so long as you do not leave me, I shall not forsake you."

With that, the discipleship ceremony concluded. Though it had been somewhat hasty, no one felt it was done carelessly. Lu Ruikai smiled faintly, and Yun Hejing’s eyes shone brightly. In the crowd, however, Miao Wenlun and Gu Zhen had complex expressions, while Sun Shihan seemed lost in thought...

Once the ceremony was over, Elder Wei quickly led Yu Changsheng away. As for the others, the Inner Sect trials had not yet concluded, but for Yu Changsheng, they were already over.

"Sigh... To think he would become Elder Wei’s cherished disciple."

"The Beast Taming Peak has been in decline for so long, yet he still clings to his fantasies. But with Yu Changsheng’s talent, perhaps there truly is a chance."

"But it is far easier said than done."

Lu Ruikai shook his head as he watched their retreating figures.

As the Vice Sect Leader, he was naturally privy to certain matters within the Wanxiang Sect. He knew of the Profound Turtle Ancestor’s existence, as well as Elder Wei’s special status.

Yang Wenhao gave a wry smile. Though he felt a pang of regret, it wasn’t a big deal. He shot a look at Lu Ruikai and said, "What’s the matter? You’ve already accepted a genius disciple. Are you really worried about having no one to inherit your legacy?"

"Your Shen Xingchen is already monstrously talented. If you’d taken Yu Changsheng as well, would there be any hope left for the rest of our peaks?"

Lu Ruikai didn’t comment, simply shaking his head as he walked away. The other Golden Core Elders also began to disperse.

This entire affair began and ended with Yu Changsheng. If he hadn’t climbed eight thousand steps and triggered the grand phenomenon, they never would have appeared with the intention of taking a disciple.

As for the others, like Gu Zhen, while impressive, they hadn’t yet reached the level of expectation these Elders held. They would have to wait until they were in the Inner Sect before their situations could be re-evaluated.

’The status of Golden Core Guardian Elders is a world apart from that of the Foundation Establishment Steward Elders, and their standards for disciples are completely different!’

Gu Zhen’s expression darkened for a moment. After a long pause, he clenched his fists, his gaze once again filled with determination.

...

Meanwhile, Elder Wei led Yu Changsheng toward Beast Taming Peak, and they soon arrived at his familiar small courtyard.

"Have a seat."

Elder Wei smiled gently. Yu Changsheng’s formal demeanor vanished, and he reverted to his usual comfortable self around Elder Wei. With a cheerful chuckle, he stood up and brewed a pot of tea for him.

Elder Wei glanced at Yu Changsheng and nodded in satisfaction. After a moment, he said, "You did very well today. Your battle with Huang Suyu, and your climb on the Celestial Ladder... I saw it all."

In truth, he had been secretly watching Yu Changsheng throughout the entire Inner Sect trial. He had even been tempted to intervene a few times during the battle with Huang Suyu.

But time and again, the situation turned around. Yu Changsheng’s performance had left him utterly stunned, especially that final display of Divine Sense, which was comparable to a Golden Core cultivator’s... It had sent monstrous waves crashing through his heart.

He hadn’t planned to reveal himself so soon. But when Yu Changsheng climbed eight thousand steps and drew the attention of the Peak Masters from the Five Peaks, Elder Wei could no longer remain seated. If he didn’t show up then, he was afraid Yu Changsheng would be snatched away.

"Today, you rejected the other Golden Core Elders. I was very surprised, and also very pleased."

Elder Wei paused, then continued with a smile. His expression was one of gratification, but also held a hint of pride. This was the most important reason he had decided to step forward.

"I just felt that you were the most suitable master for me, Master," Yu Changsheng replied honestly with a sheepish grin.

"Good judgment! As expected of the disciple I’ve set my sights on. I had originally planned to wait until after you reached Foundation Establishment to formally accept you as my disciple. Who knew you’d go and cause such a huge stir, you rascal."

Elder Wei shot Yu Changsheng a mock glare, and the latter ducked his head. "Isn’t that just a testament to your good teaching, Master? I can’t help but stand out."

Elder Wei just shook his head and laughed. He fell into a contemplative silence, his gaze fixed on Yu Changsheng. Then, he took out a Jade Tube and handed it to him.

"From this day on, you are not only an Inner Sect Disciple, but also my personal disciple. With this Jade Tube, you may go anywhere you please within the Wanxiang Sect, with the exception of a few forbidden grounds."

"You will receive a stipend of one thousand Spirit Stones each month. Furthermore, you may learn any Technique in the Beast Taming Peak’s Scripture Pavilion—save for those with special requirements—for half the normal Sect Contribution price. However, you must not teach them to outsiders."

Elder Wei continued to list the benefits of being his disciple, leaving Yu Changsheng utterly stunned.