The other seven peak elders nodded in agreement. They all knew how capable Li Nanting was, and given Li Guanqi’s talent, it was only natural for him to take the boy in—despite having gone so long without accepting a disciple.
No one wanted to live in vain; they all wished to pass on their knowledge to the next generation.
Li Nanting led Li Guanqi back to his courtyard, where they performed a simple initiation ritual: a kowtow and a tea ceremony. With that, it was done.
Li Nanting said gently, “Guanqi, fate has let us become master and disciple. I don’t have much to give, but I shall give you this pill.”
A flash of light flickered from the ring on his left hand, and a jade box appeared in his palm.
Li Guanqi accepted it with care. When he opened it, he saw a round, shiny pill. It was even flickering with a soft glow.
Li Nanting smiled. “It’s a top-tier Foundation Building Pill.”
Li Guanqi froze. He closed the box gently and pushed it back to Li Nanting. “No, no. Master, this is too valuable. You should keep it.”
Li Nanting chuckled. “I’ve already given it to you, so keep it. This is the only thing I have that’s truly worth something. The sect master had also intended to give you one, but these pills attract too much attention. He feared it would cause trouble for you and decided to wait. He’ll give it to you once you’ve refined ten layers of qi.”
He continued, “But I am different. Since I have it now, I’ll give it to you now!”
But Li Guanqi insisted, “Master, I don’t think I could even sleep with something so precious by my side. What if I leave it with you for now? You can give it to me when I need it.”
Li Nanting did not say much, seeing as Li Guanqi remained adamant. He put the jade box away and nodded. “Very well, I’ll hold onto it for you.”
“Hmm... I can see that you have a strong physique, and your Body Tempering Realm foundations are excellent!” Li Nanting said. “Did you have a senior teaching you at home?”
Li Guanqi scratched his head as he recalled his grandfather’s strict teachings. “I've been taking medicinal baths since childhood thanks to my grandfather. He told me to go up and down the mountain with heavy weights every day. He also had me practice my punching routine. Over time, I became .”
Li Nanting’s eyes twinkled. No wonder he’d sensed a fresh, herbal fragrance from Li Guanqi when they first met.
“Did your grandfather also give you the thing you’re carrying on your back? Is it a sword box? But it doesn’t seem like it... It’s far too large, and it’s also made of stone.”
Li Guanqi scratched his head again. “My grandfather gave it to me before he left. But he said this is a sword coffin, not a sword box.”
With a wave of his hand, the wooden doors of the main pavilion slammed shut. Then, he formed a barrier around them with vital force.
Li Guanqi blinked, confused by the sudden cautiousness.
Li Nanting stood up, his expression solemn. “From now on, if anyone asks, always say it’s a sword box!”
“Why...?” Li Nanting let out a heavy breath. “Because people may covet it! They may kill you for it! It’s a sword coffin! Only magical or ancient treasure swords need to be sealed !
“Items are categorized from low to high : mundane, magical, spirit, magical treasure, ancient treasure, spirit treasure, and heavenly spirit treasure!”
Li Guanqi finally understood just how valuable his sword coffin was.
Li Nanting continued, “Even a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator would struggle to obtain an ancient treasure sword! Many Nascent Soul Realm cultivators still use magical treasure items. Never reveal your valuables. You must be cautious.”
Li Guanqi nodded, committing his master’s words to memory.
Then, Li Nanting retracted the vital force shield and studied him thoughtfully. “It looks like your grandfather is a cultivator too. And his cultivation level is surely quite high... He let you carry an ancient treasure sword so generously.”
Li Guanqi rubbed his nose awkwardly. He did not know how high his grandfather’s cultivation level was.
Li Nanting sat on a chair, gesturing for Li Guanqi to sit on the chair before him. He took a second to gather his thoughts, then said, “Why do you want to be an immortal?”
Li Guanqi was silent for a long time before answering.
“To live a long life, fly everywhere on a sword, become an excellent swordsman, and achieve freedom in my heart.”
Li Nanting smiled warmly. He pointed at Li Guanqi. “It’s not easy to have such an understanding at your age. But... some people say that immortals live a carefree life.
“They say that immortals are virtuous, peaceful, and kind.
“That they drive out evil and help the heavens enforce the Dao.
“That they enjoy the world's wonders and live their long lives peacefully.
“That they observe the changes of ten thousand generations while they sit and drink wine, never changing themselves.
“That is indeed an immortal, but it is not the complete picture.”
Li Guanqi listened intently, absorbed in his master’s description of immortals.
But then, Li Nanting’s tone sharpened. His voice rose with passion. “I have a different picture of an immortal!”
Li Guanqi asked curiously, “Why?”
Li Nanting’s eyes shone. He stood up and looked up at the sky. “The journey of cultivation is long. There is endless manipulation and trickery along the way!
“Of course, you cannot avoid bloodshed. When an important treasure appears, everyone scrambles after it, even fighting to the death. Once you reach the Nascent Soul Realm, you even need to endure a small Heavenly Tribulation once every three hundred years.”
He suddenly turned to look at Li Guanqi. “That’s why, to me, the journey to immortality is as vast as the ocean—once you step in, there is no turning back. To be immortal is to fight!”
Li Guanqi looked confused. “Fight?”
Li Nanting replied, “That’s right! You fight other people! You fight the earth! You fight the heavens!
“You fight for spirit qi! For luck! For opportunities!
“Life is complicated. It will bring you both joy and sorrow. You’ll meet good people, but you’ll also meet demons.
“To cultivate is to defy the will of the heavens themselves! You’re taking the Spirit Qi of Heaven and Earth, forging an impenetrable body to soar across the skies.
“The road ahead is paved with thorns. If a mountain stands in your way, carve a tunnel through it. If a river blocks your path, build a bridge and cross. Wield the sword in your hand and carve out your own path to greatness!”
Li Nanting spoke fervently, pouring his wisdom of centuries into his words.
He hoped this short lesson would make the boy understand some concepts earlier than he did. These learnings had come from the countless hardships he endured in his lifetime.
He did not want Li Guanqi to become evil and hardened, nor did he want him to be excessively soft or kind.
Li Guanqi’s once-innocent gaze now carried something more. He bowed respectfully. “Master, I can’t fully understand yet, but I will remember your words.”
Li Nanting looked at Li Guanqi. He did not offer reassurances like, “You don’t need to understand now.”
After all, his words were meant to prepare Li Guanqi for the brutal reality of cultivation.
He waved Li Guanqi off and said, “Go back and rest. Tomorrow at seven, head to Heavenly Water Peak for your class. Elder Lan will be your teacher, and she will conduct your first cultivation class. Do not be late.”
Li Guanqi bowed and excused himself.