Only now did everyone recover from their shock, turning their gazes toward Qin Tian.
This Sacred Scripture of Confucianism had actually come from the hand of a mere seventeen- or eighteen-year-old youth.
Though it was hard to believe, it was undeniably true.
The Great Elder gulped, seemingly still unable to fully calm down from the shock. “Reporting to the Grand Elder, the Sacred Scripture was written by this young man. It was his answer to the third-stage Character Test.”
He no longer mentioned how Qin Tian had just been shouting about teaching Li Longfei a lesson.
Someone capable of writing a Sacred Scripture must possess a deeper understanding of the Confucian path than himself.
In other words, Qin Tian now held the right to interpret the Confucian Dao.
The Grand Elder’s eyes were filled with astonishment. He never expected such a handsome and delicate young man to have such profound insight and comprehension. The future of the Absolute Righteous Sect looked promising—perhaps it could even restore the glory of their ancestors.
Wait—he remembered that Qin Tian was someone who had written a text capable of triggering the descent of Sacred Words. His understanding of the Confucian Dao likely surpassed even that of their forebears.
Qin Tian becoming the future Confucian Sage of the Eastern Wasteland was practically a certainty.
“Every generation produces new talents. In all my years, this is the first time I’ve met someone so gifted.”
“Young brother, you’re worthy of being called a juvenile Sage of Confucianism. While my own insight into the Dao is far beneath yours, perhaps I could offer you some guidance in cultivation.” The Grand Elder was in high spirits. Having received the Scripture today, he now owed Qin Tian a great favor.
“Could it be that the Grand Elder wants to take a disciple?” The Great Elder was stunned. The Grand Elder’s strength was exceptional—in the Absolute Righteous Sect, only the founder surpassed him in talent.
“If he becomes the Grand Elder’s disciple, wouldn’t that put his status on par with the Sect Master?”
Many were filled with envy. Qin Tian already had supreme talent that they didn’t dare provoke. Now that he might enter the Grand Elder’s tutelage, nothing would change—they still wouldn’t be able to afford to offend him.
Only Li Longfei looked ashen. Given Qin Tian’s vengeful nature, he now had to remain on constant alert, lest Qin Tian retaliate.
“What does Senior mean?” Qin Tian’s lips curled into a smile. Having such a powerful master wouldn’t be bad at all.
“I wish to become sworn brothers with you. I’ll teach you how to cultivate, and you’ll explain the Confucian Dao to me.” The Grand Elder’s gaze was sincere.
He had already gained so much from Qin Tian, and Qin Tian’s understanding of the Dao far exceeded that of their ancestors. If he tried to take Qin Tian as a disciple, how would he even teach him?
Rather than forcing a master-disciple relationship, it was better to pass on cultivation methods before Qin Tian truly began his path and thus form a strong bond.
“What? Grand Elder, this seems inappropriate! Look how old you are, and how young he is!” An elder couldn’t help but speak up.
Wouldn’t that make Qin Tian’s seniority even higher than theirs? A newly admitted disciple suddenly standing on equal footing with them—it was too much to accept.
“I’ll follow big brother in everything.” Qin Tian cupped his fists and bowed. Recognizing a big brother the moment he joined the sect—this was perfect. From now on, he could walk sideways with confidence.
“Haha! Little brother, you’re a straightforward one. Since I owe you a great favor today, tell me if there’s anything you want. If it’s within my ability, I’ll make it happen.”
What he had comprehended today after centuries of struggle had brought him immense benefits. His cultivation would certainly rise after this, making this encounter as valuable as a rare opportunity.
“Qin…” The Sect Master was momentarily stunned, unsure how to address him.
The Grand Elder was an old ancestor still alive, many generations above them. And this was his sworn brother… “Young Ancestor Qin, I too received your grace today. If you have any requests, feel free to say them.”
“That’s right. If the Young Ancestor has any requests, feel free to mention them.” The other elders all echoed the sentiment.
Qin Tian wasn’t only the Grand Elder’s benefactor—he was also theirs.
In the cultivation world, the one who imparts the Dao holds the greatest kindness, one that must be repaid with one’s life.
He was now a benefactor to the entire Absolute Righteous Sect. With this Sacred Scripture, countless Confucian experts—or even true Confucian Sages—might emerge from the sect in the future.
“Can I become the Great Elder?” Qin Tian recalled his goal of becoming the Great Elder of the Absolute Righteous Sect. He didn’t expect to get the chance so soon.
The current Great Elder’s face turned pale. This brat really held grudges—he immediately set his sights on his position.
He’d only scolded him a little, was that so serious?
Was this truly the person who wrote that Sacred Scripture?
“That… won’t do.” The Sect Master looked helpless.
“Our ancestor set the rule that all are equal. In this sect, status is not determined by talent. Anyone wishing to advance must complete sect missions first.”
This rule had been established since the sect’s founding.
So many rules… oh well, it wasn’t a big deal. Qin Tian had only spoken on a whim; he hadn’t really intended to become Great Elder so soon.
“Never mind, I’ll keep that request for later.” Qin Tian didn’t know enough about this world yet, so even if he wanted to make a request, it would be limited by his lack of understanding. Better to hold off for now.
“Little brother, have you given a name to this Sacred Scripture?” the Grand Elder asked.
A scripture that shook the land naturally had to be named.
“Discourses.”
“Discourses? What a strange name,” the Grand Elder muttered softly but said no more—after all, he wasn’t the author.
From this moment forward, the Analects became the Absolute Righteous Scripture. Get faster updates on g.com.
And Qin Tian formally joined the Absolute Righteous Sect.
He became an outer sect disciple.
All four hundred disciples—whether they were taken in by elders or deacons—were all placed in the outer sect.
This puzzled Qin Tian. Shouldn’t there be divisions based on talent—outer sect, inner sect, even direct disciples?
He had supreme talent, after all.
How frustrating. He’d finally crossed over and gained supreme talent, but wasn’t enjoying any of its benefits.
Under the guidance of a senior sister with a round face, a cute expression, and her hair tied into a bun, Qin Tian arrived at the outer sect disciple residences.
He hadn’t formally taken a master. Since the Grand Elder had already promised to help him cultivate, no one else would dare take him as a disciple.
But that old man disappeared, saying he needed to deepen his understanding of the Sacred Scripture. Qin Tian suddenly had the odd feeling of someone pulling up his pants and pretending not to know him anymore.
“Junior… brother… Young Ancestor, this is the outer sect disciples’ living quarters.” The female disciple guiding him pointed to a row of three-story individual houses but continued walking deeper inside.
The newcomers’ accommodations were located at the very back.
Calling a new disciple “Young Ancestor” gave the girl quite the headache—her round face looked even rounder.
No one had wanted to escort this young yet senior newcomer. It was too awkward. Senior disciples were usually admired by fresh arrivals and enjoyed full obedience. But here she was, still being treated like a newbie herself—completely deferential to Qin Tian.
She hadn’t wanted to come either. Among those tasked with receiving newcomers this year, she was the weakest. Unable to compete with the others, she was forced to take the job.
Qin Tian, however, looked calm and composed, using the tone of an elder as he said, “Mm, well done, little Ne. Your old ancestor is very pleased.”
Qin Tian had also learned that this girl was from the previous batch of disciples and still an outer sect member. Her name was Chen Ne.
Her expression was helpless. A boy younger than her was calling her “little Ne” and even calling himself “Old Ancestor.”
“Old Ancestor, I’m a bit short on money right now. I’ll make up your reward later.”
“Young Ancestor, you must be joking. It’s only proper for me to lead new disciples.” She smiled and didn’t mind his words about a reward.
Senior disciples would usually help new ones get familiar with the sect, and in return, receive a reward from the sect.
The outer sect residential area began 3,000 meters beyond the Mountain Gate and was designated for outer sect disciples.
“By the way, little Ne, what are the stages of cultivation, and how is the sect structured internally?” Qin Tian asked.
His understanding of the Absolute Righteous Sect came only from the casual chatter he’d heard on the road.
As for cultivation, he only knew the basics—that one had to first open the Immortal Markings.