"You once told me to learn the Qi Refining Skill, but you never mentioned such a huge pitfall; otherwise, I definitely wouldn’t have agreed..."
At this moment, the two Immortals had already discussed and reached a conclusion.
Tianxuan True Man said, "Hehe, young man, I’m afraid we cannot agree to this. There is a distinction between Immortals and mortals; how could we, as Immortals, easily meddle in mortal affairs? Moreover, the Red Dust Taoist is, after all, an old acquaintance. Although he lacks in comprehension and diligence, failing to grasp the True Scriptures and ascend the path to immortality, since he is only half a step away, it wouldn’t be right for us to intervene.
If we were to get involved, it might bring about unsightly consequences.
As for causing trouble for us after becoming an Immortal... Hahaha, Immortals are also ranked, you know. We have been Immortals for thousands of years, comprehending heaven and earth, and what we’ve learned and utilized is incomparable to such a scholar. Even if Red Dust becomes an Immortal, he will just be a junior Independent Immortal, not worth our concern at all."
Xiao Jie sighed inwardly; asking for help from Immortals was indeed not so easy. It would have been perfect if the two Immortals could resolve the issue.
It would be like getting a free Immortal Transformation Gourd, taking shortcuts in skills without any risks.
It seems that confronting Master Hongchen, the BOSS, is unavoidable now.
At this moment, Kaiyang Star Lord added, "However, it’s our oversight on this matter; let us help you a bit more."
As he spoke, Kaiyang Star Lord suddenly pointed at Xiao Jie.
A flash of golden light appeared, and suddenly, a mark of a sun manifested above Xiao Jie’s head.
[Kaiyang Gold Seal: A layer of Kaiyang Gold Seal has been applied to you. When you are under sunlight, all Basic Attributes increase by 5 points—duration seven days.]
"This is my Magic Seal. Go seek Master Xiao Yue. These three volumes of the Heavenly Book cannot be learned by others, but with my seal, he will surely teach you."
Joy instantly surged in Xiao Jie’s heart; he had been worried about how to persuade Master Xiao Yue to let him obtain the three volumes of the Heavenly Book. According to Ling Hu Ping, it seems that the item wasn’t circulated outside the ’Demon’ community.
Now he felt reassured.
"Then, thank you, Star Lord. As for Red Dust..."
"The matter of Red Dust still needs to be resolved by you yourself. You must realize that cultivating immortality and refining Qi is no trivial matter; it inevitably requires undergoing numerous trials. Since you have accepted such fate, what’s the difference with one more trial?"
Xiao Jie mentally conceded; the Immortals had the final say.
Respectfully, he bowed, "This humble one has been instructed."
Seeing him accept the outcome, Kaiyang Star Lord also seemed relieved, "If there’s nothing else, we will take our leave."
"Wait; actually, this matter is just incidental. The primary issue concerns this elder."
At this, Kaiyang Star Lord suddenly regained a solemn demeanor, "Bao Shaqing, what do you seek from me?"
Bao Shaqing finally had the opportunity to speak.
He first performed a great bow.
"Honored Immortals, a Returnee wishes to join our Five Immortals Sect. According to tradition, our sect needs the approval of the Immortals to accept new disciples, thus I burned incense and respectfully solicited your permission, and the prospective disciple is this individual—please grant your approval."
Haoye Xinghe immediately stepped forward and knelt.
Kaiyang Star Lord glanced at him, then turned to Xiao Jie.
"Is this young man brought by you?"
"Yes, he is a friend of mine."
"His foundation seems good—I approve. What rank of disciple will you assign him?"
Bao Shaqing respectfully said, "An Outer Disciple."
"Outer Disciple is not enough; I see that this youth has exceptional talent and great spiritual aptitude. Make him an Inner Sect Disciple."
"Ah—As commanded by the Immortal!"
Kaiyang Star Lord winked at Xiao Jie, "Young man, our fate with each other is now completely fulfilled; don’t come seeking me again."
Xiao Jie understood. These Immortals seemed very wary of involving themselves in causal affairs. Upgrading Haoye Xinghe to an Inner Sect Disciple was probably a little extra compensation for his own issue, fearing he might pester them relentlessly.
He knew better; when Immortals give you face, it’s a courtesy. If he were to pester them stubbornly, that would be out of line.
What consequences involving causal affairs might bring, he didn’t know, but what troubles involving Immortals could bring, he was well aware of.
"Immortal’s teachings, I shall remember them in my heart."
As they spoke, the incense had burned completely, and the two specters vanished without a trace.
Bao Shaqing exhales deeply, looking at Xiao Jie with changed eyes.
"This Returning Villager is indeed blessed, having the chance to meet Immortals and even connect with them?"
"It was just a chance to help the two Immortals with a small favor."
"Wow, being able to help an Immortal, you must be a master yourself."
[System Prompt: Your reputation in the Five Immortals Sect has increased by 2000 points, your reputation in the Five Immortals Sect has reached ’Revered.’]
Xiao Jie was surprised; this was an unexpected blessing.
Bao Shaqing then said warmly to Haoye Xinghe, "Haoye Xinghe, from today onwards, you are an Inner Sect Disciple of our Five Immortals Sect. You must abide by the sect rules. Although your status is set by the Immortals, you must not act recklessly. Do you understand?"
"Then you may leave. Our sect does not have strict laws; you are free to move around during ordinary days, but you must not miss the morning Summoning assembly. Besides, our sect will also assign Tasks to disciples, which you can choose to undertake. Even though you can choose not to, the more you complete, the more contributions you make, and naturally, you will also receive more teachings and benefits from the sect.
Well, that’s all I have to say. If there’s nothing else, you may leave; I still need to report today’s events to the sect leader, so I won’t accompany you any longer."