Half an hour later.
Gu Changsheng, guided by Su Mingyue and Ning Rongrong, entered one of the elder’s dwellings.
It was hundreds of times more spacious and accommodating than the one he was living in. Calling it a luxurious villa wasn’t an exaggeration at all.
They entered the hall, where, at the far end, was a throne made of gold. On it was sitting an obese middle-aged man, currently scolding another obese but young man.
"You r*scal! How many times have I warned you not to go there?! You dare defy your old man!?!"
The young man being scolded was none other than the sweeper from yesterday, and it seemed like he was this elder’s son.
But then why did it look like he was getting bullied? By his own father at that?!
Child abuse??
Though questions filled his head, he didn’t point them out. Now was certainly not the time.
"Elder Ye, this is the youngster I was talking about."
Su Mingyue, as if not seeing the drama ahead, bowed slightly and introduced Gu Changsheng.
The elder, surnamed Ye, naturally turned his head, his gaze falling on Gu Changsheng, and nodded slightly.
"Hmm, you really are a talented young man. Well done. Here’s your reward for bringing him."
As he said that, Elder Ye retrieved two bags out of thin air and tossed them towards Su Mingyue and Ning Rongrong respectively.
"We thank Elder Ye for your grace!" ×2
As both replied, they bowed and then left, not before giving Gu Changsheng an encouraging look.
Now alone with the father-son duo, he felt a bit nervous, but not much. After all, he neither had any secrets nor had any conflicts.
"You must be wondering what it is in you that this old man took interest in, right?"
Seeing Gu Changsheng deep in thought, Elder Ye asked calmly, not at all like before.
Getting his nod, Elder Ye answered.
"Actually, the Realm you are at now, Body Refinement Realm, isn’t a common step of cultivation."
"Because it is very hard to do Body Refinement without spiritual energy, most cultivators skip that and begin from the Qi Refinement Realm, just like those two sisters you met."
"But Body Refinement Realm is a cultivation realm after all. Skipping it may not seem like much, but when breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Realm or higher, cultivators who passed through the Body Refinement Realm have a 50–70% higher chance than those who don’t."
As the last part slipped out of his mouth, silence reigned. Elder Ye gave the youngster a little time to digest the information.
Gu Changsheng also quickly understood the ins and outs. Unlike nations and kingdoms, which need huge manpower, sects focus more on cultivating higher-end power.
So it’s obvious that they will pay special attention to someone like him, who has a better chance of becoming a reliable powerhouse.
Seeing that the time was right, Elder Ye casually intoned.
"Now, are you willing to be my disciple and receive tutelage under my supervision?"
"Disciple is honoured!"
Gu Changsheng exclaimed. This elder was at least a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator or even higher. Becoming his disciple would give him a huge sense of security.
Although the elder was abusing his son, there may be some story to it, so he couldn’t judge.
"Haha, good. You little r*scal, why are you standing here like a fool? Go greet your junior brother."
Elder Ye laughed in satisfaction, but seeing his son, who, throughout this whole ordeal, had just stood aside silently, boiled his anger as he started cursing.
The young man felt aggrieved but still came forward, shaking hands with Gu Changsheng as he said with a cheesy grin.
"Hello, Junior Brother. I am Ye Che, a senior disciple. If you have any trouble, just say my name."
Gu Changsheng nodded politely, though inwardly, he felt that calling out Ye Che’s name in need might result in further aggro.
This senior... Doesn’t seem much reliable.
___
『Name』: Ye Che
『Title』: Child of Fortune
『Cultivation』: 8th Stage of Qi Refinement Realm
『Talent』: Devourer Physique
『Innate Ability』: Devour, Physical Enhancing, Mental Enhancing, Energy Absorption,...
『Fate』: Silver
『Fortuitous Encounters』:
1. When adventuring inside a secret realm, he finds a Spatial Ring filled with treasure. (3–Star power level required)
2. Deep in the Cloud Piercing Mountain, he discovers a 5–Star Artifact guarded by a 4–Star Three-Headed Snake. (4–Star power level required)
...
5. Influenced by an aphrodisiac he bought at a stall, he accidentally mated with a sow.
...
___
As the system panel appeared suddenly, the ’mated with a sow’ was the first thing he saw, and with that, all of his instincts screamed at him.
Get the f*ck away from this damf*cker!!
Gu Changsheng, using all his strength, broke free from the handshake and retreated five steps. His face was livid, like he’d just survived a certain death event.
But as the saying goes, you don’t slap a smiley face.
Ye Che’s face darkened, so did his father’s.
Even though Elder Ye didn’t care about these formalities, he was sitting right here! What, did you feel good slapping someone in the face?!
Knowing his wrongdoing, he hurriedly apologized, explaining while bowing ninety degrees as he did so.
"Sorry, Elder Ye, Senior Brother Ye. I-i am a little too sensitive, so I instinctively respond sometimes. I am ashamed of my actions. Please punish me."
Elder Ye’s expression eased a little upon hearing the explanation. Ye Che, though skeptical, still chose to believe in his junior brother’s bullsh*t.
"No need, no need. Go, you are dismissed."
Hearing Elder Ye’s voice felt like an angel’s, instantly relieving Gu Changsheng of all agony. Bowing once again, he quickly left the crime scene.
...
"Youngsters these days."
Watching Gu Changsheng leave, Elder Ye gave out a chuckle. Then he saw the aggrieved expression on Ye Che’s face, instantly bringing out his wrath.
"You D*mned b*stard!! How many times have I told you not to visit br*thels and use those cheap aphrodisiacs!?! Are you deaf, or do you think I am mute?!?"