C16 The Official Disciple

The impression Wai Peng left on Han Binn was one of sheer disappointment.

Han Binn had assumed that, while immortals might not champion the weak, they would at least embody the essence of immortality. Yet, the elder before him, when speaking of wine, bore no resemblance to an immortal but rather resembled a common drunkard. It would have been one thing if he were merely a drunkard, but he went so far as to approach the outer disciples, offering cultivation spells in exchange for wine.

For a Foundation Stage cultivator to seek wine here suggested a single, troubling fact: he dared not drink among the inner sect nor venture down the mountain to purchase it himself. Han Binn might not have known the exact consequences of being caught drinking, but he was certain the punishment would be severe. No other reason could drive a cultivator to such lengths, trading precious cultivation spells for mere gourds of wine. Naturally, there was an ulterior motive for trading spells—since the exchange of secret manuals was a clandestine affair, success meant the transaction would remain unspoken of.

Upon hearing Wai Peng's proposition, Han Binn remained unflinching, his expression resolute. "Elder, he may have gained a secret manual for his wine, but you won't take him as a disciple. Why then should I follow his example?"

Wai Peng paused, his tone grave as he asked, "What are you implying?" He was genuinely perplexed. Was the promise of a cultivation secret manual not enough to sway the outer disciple before him?

Han Binn inhaled deeply, maintaining his serious demeanor. "I aim to become a formal disciple."

Wai Peng was taken aback, then chuckled, "You wish for me to accept you as my disciple?" As an elder, he restrained his laughter, mindful of his dignity. Yet, the corners of his mouth betrayed him, twitching as if he'd heard the most ludicrous proposition.

Han Binn shook his head, countering, "It's not a matter of what I want—it's that you must accept me as your disciple." In that moment, the usual divide between elder and disciple vanished, leaving them conversing as equals.

Detecting the firm resolve in Han Binn's voice, Wai Peng's laughter ceased abruptly. With a stern voice, he demanded, "And why, pray tell, should I take you as my disciple?"

"Because of your earlier remarks," Han Binn stated with confidence, "Elder, if I'm not mistaken, the sect's disciples are forbidden from drinking alcohol."

Wai Peng's expression soured before he vanished, responding coolly, "And what of it? I haven't had a drink yet, have I?"

"Elder, you've already crossed a line. What do you think would happen if I were to reveal what just transpired?" Han Binn pressed, driven by his need to advance his cultivation. He realized this might be his sole opportunity to interact with the elder one-on-one. If he failed to secure his position as an official disciple now, he would face a wait of three years or possibly even longer.

Wai Peng's face twisted with anger at Han Binn's veiled threat. "You're not afraid I might kill you?" he snapped.

Unfazed, Han Binn met Wai Peng's gaze squarely. "Elder, you won't kill me. You don't have the nerve," he declared. Seeing that he had the elder's attention, he continued, "You came here to investigate the unusually strong spiritual energy in this room. If I were to die, what would the sect think? They'd surely suspect you uncovered a significant secret and killed to keep it hidden."

Wai Peng inhaled sharply, taken aback by Han Binn's astute reasoning. The young man's ability to see the situation so clearly was unsettling. Wai Peng also realized that Han Binn's true aim was to become his disciple. Mulling it over, he finally asked, "How can you be so sure I wouldn't risk the sect's punishment and refuse to take you as my disciple?"

Han Binn internally breathed a sigh of relief. "Taking me as a disciple costs you nothing. Why wouldn't you agree?" he countered. Wai Peng's words suggested he was considering the proposition. Despite his outward calm, Han Binn had been far from certain, especially since the workings of the inner sect were unknown to him.

Wai Peng let out a sigh and remarked, "You're quite intelligent, but unfortunately, your aptitude is lacking, making you unsuitable for the path of cultivation." With those words, he turned to leave.

A sense of panic gripped Han Binn as he watched Wai Peng approach the door. In a moment of desperation, he clenched his teeth and called out, "A poor aptitude can be compensated with time. As an elder, surely you wouldn't hold a disciple's earlier words against him?" He was all in; if Wai Peng refused to take him on as a disciple, he would have no choice but to watch a golden opportunity slip through his fingers.

Wai Peng had reached the door when Han Binn's plea made him pause, a shiver running through him. Those words stirred memories of his own past. Once an outer circle disciple with no better aptitude than Han Binn, he too was deemed unsuitable for cultivation. Yet, his master had seen something in him and, against all odds, accepted him as a disciple. It was only years later, after his master's ascension, that he understood his master had also been a cultivator of modest talent who reached the Foundation Stage through sheer willpower and effort.

Wai Peng turned back and gazed deeply into Han Binn's eyes. In that steadfast gaze, he saw a reflection of his younger self. Recalling his master's parting words, Wai Peng sighed and slowly approached Han Binn, speaking with gravity, "It wasn't just your words that convinced me to take you as my disciple—it was your unwavering conviction." His master had left him with a single directive: "Choose disciples only from the outer circle, and only those whose conviction is extraordinary, surpassing that of ordinary people. Remember, never let our lineage come to an end."

Unlike other elders, Wai Peng didn't boast profound cultivation or a retinue of disciples. Since his master's ascension, he had considered taking on disciples, but despite searching among the outer disciples for years, none had met his standards. His boasts were a test of selection, a challenge to see who would remain unshaken and true to their convictions. Although Han Binn had shown little reaction to his words, Wai Peng had sensed the deep yearning for cultivation in the young man's heart, even if the light of belief in his eyes seemed faint. Had it not been for Han Binn's last-ditch expression of determination, Wai Peng might not have been reminded of his own journey, nor would he have decided to accept Han Binn as his disciple.

Memories of the past were as clear as if they had occurred just yesterday. Wai Peng felt a profound sense of gratitude toward his master; without him, he would have been nothing more than a first-level Qi Cultivating Stage disciple. It was with this in mind that he took his master's words to heart. Time was drawing near for his ascension to the Immortal Realm, and indeed, it was time to take on a disciple. Han Binn's earlier look had met the necessary criteria.

Upon hearing Wai Peng's declaration, Han Binn was hesitant to believe it, quickly asking, "Elder, are you truly willing to accept me as your disciple?"

Wai Peng, seeing the disbelief on Han Binn's face, smiled gently and replied, "Yes, I have taken you as my disciple. But from now on, you must not speak to your master with such informality." He recalled his own initiation; his expression had mirrored Han Binn's, full of incredulity, as if the whole experience were a dream.

With a deep bow, Han Binn said earnestly, "Master, please accept your disciple's deepest respects." He then knelt and fervently kowtowed nine times, each bow filled with intense reverence. By the ninth, his forehead was streaked with blood, and upon closer inspection, scars could be seen amidst the crimson lines.

After Han Binn's display of devotion, Wai Peng chuckled, "You're quite sincere, aren't you? When I knelt before your Martial Ancestor, I never exerted myself to that extent." With a wave of his hand, he beckoned Han Binn to rise and added with a note of reflection, "The master used to say, the louder the kowtow, the deeper the faith. I hope you maintain your dedication to your practice and honor the teachings of our lineage."

"I will heed Master's guidance and diligently pursue my cultivation," Han Binn affirmed, his words echoing the resolve in his heart. Previously, his training had been clandestine, but now, with a master's guidance and as an official disciple, he was determined to reach the first level of the Qi Cultivating Stage within one year.

"Good, understanding this is crucial," Wai Peng said with a nod. "I'll report this development to the Sect Master. Prepare your belongings; you'll join the inner sect tomorrow."

As Wai Peng prepared to depart, Han Binn gritted his teeth and ventured, "Master, could you grant your disciple one request...?"

Wai Peng, seemingly anticipating Han Binn's thoughts, cut him off, "A master can take only one disciple. He and I are not destined to walk the same path." His voice lingered in the room as his form transformed into a streak of light and shot into the sky.

Gazing at the horizon, Han Binn's fists were clenched with fervor. He had long awaited this day. At last, he wouldn't have to grope his way through cultivation or stealthily trek to the mountains at dawn. He could now devote his entire being to his practice, just like his fellow disciples.

Moments later, a voice called out to him. Han Binn turned to see Xie Hu approaching swiftly, several wine gourds in hand.

As he neared, Xie Hu inquired, "Han Binn, what brings you out here? Isn't the elder..." He choked back the rest of his sentence.

Confronted by Xie Hu, Han Binn was awash with a sense of indebtedness, struggling to find the right words.

Xie Hu, noticing Han Binn's distraction, waved a hand before his eyes and chuckled, "What's up? You seem out of it."

"It's nothing," Han Binn murmured, a note of remorse coloring his voice.

Oblivious, Xie Hu grinned and urged, "No need to wait here for me. Let's go meet the elder!" He started toward the storage room.

"Xie Hu, there's no need," Han Binn called out, halting him in his tracks.

Xie Hu's stride faltered, and he glanced at the open doorway before turning back to Han Binn with confusion. "Why not?" From his vantage point, he could only see the door, not the room's interior, and was unaware of Wai Peng's absence.

The weight of guilt heavier on his shoulders, Han Binn knew he couldn't hide the truth any longer. "Xie Hu, the truth is, I..." He had rehearsed his confession, but now, words failed him.

Xie Hu maintained his guileless expression, playfully thumping Han Binn on the chest with a chuckle, "Stop acting like a damsel in distress. What's going on?"

"The Elder...," Han Binn inhaled sharply before blurting out, "The Elder has taken me on as his disciple."

"What!?" Xie Hu froze, and the wine gourd slipped from his grasp, hitting the ground with a thud. Wine splashed, releasing a subtle aroma into the air.

It took a moment for Xie Hu to compose himself. Then, with a grin, he teased Han Binn, "Why the long face, like you're in debt to me? This is fantastic news! You ought to be thrilled."

At those words, Han Binn's discomfort deepened. "Xie Hu, I failed to be of help to you."

With a hearty laugh, Xie Hu picked up an unbroken wine gourd and passed it to Han Binn. "You're not at fault here. That Elder—no, your Master—has some truly unique ideas. I'm still trying to figure out what he's after. You're the clever one, more educated, well-read. It makes sense for him to pick you." He lifted the gourd, taking a generous swig, and declared with gusto, "Now I, Xie Hu, can proudly say I have a brother who's an immortal. Just remember me when you make it big, brother." He extended his hand toward Han Binn.

Han Binn reached out, gripping his hand firmly, and said with conviction, "My good brother, I'll never forget what we've been through."