"The Eternal Green Dao Sutra is ranked first," Xu Xing began, after bowing respectfully to the middle-aged Taoist priest. "There must be a reason for its popularity... I wonder if the Deacon could give me some advice?"
Deep down, he had already set his sights on The Eternal Green Dao Sutra, but he needed the middle-aged Taoist priest to clarify a few points before he could make his choice. Otherwise, if he hastily made a decision based solely on the number of cultivators who chose this Dao Sutra, he might end up at a disadvantage.
Besides, from observing Zhou Mingcang’s affair today, he knew that after entering the Sect, assessments awaited him at every turn. When it came to Cultivation, one must not be overly arrogant. This point was crucial. Moreover, respecting one’s teacher and observing proprieties were things that would earn him extra points. As for whether or not his efforts would prove useful, he didn’t know. But as the saying goes, ’Do good deeds, and ask not about the future.’ Sometimes, it is such casual actions that determine one’s destiny.
"Hmm..." The middle-aged Taoist priest stroked his beard, a faint smile on his face as he saw Xu Xing’s sincere bow. "The reason The Eternal Green Dao Sutra is selected by many is that its nature is moderate, not leaning too far in any direction. Furthermore, compared to ordinary Cultivation Methods, cultivating it can increase one’s Lifespan by ten percent."
"Although this technique, after Cultivation, doesn’t allow one to condense Weak Water for combat like the Weak Water Scripture, after entering the Immortal Base, one can still condense Evergreen Qi to nourish the body. Beyond the Immortal Base, this technique can be followed by one hundred thirty-two Sect techniques, ensuring an unobstructed and bright path forward."
"As for the Weak Water Scripture and the Eight-Armed Bright King Body, they connect to far fewer subsequent techniques. The Weak Water Scripture only connects to seven, while the Eight-Armed Bright King Sutra connects to three."
He meticulously explained every detail, not neglecting any aspect. A Human King physique entering the Sect, even as an Outer Sect disciple, would at least be considered a prospective True lineage disciple, worthy of a Red Tassel Coiling Dragon Jade Pendant. Compared to the Sea Moon Body, which appears once every one hundred fifty years, the Human King physique was far rarer; among the many physiques listed by the Flying Feather Immortal Palace, it appeared only once every three hundred ninety years. He explained the Eight-Armed Bright King Sutra because he had noticed Xu Xing’s gaze lingering on it for a fraction longer—not even half a breath, yet he had still perceived it.
"Disciple thanks the Deacon for the explanation." Xu Xing bowed once again to the middle-aged Taoist priest. "I am willing to follow the Deacon’s counsel and choose The Eternal Green Dao Sutra as my main Cultivation Method."
Even though he wasn’t from a prominent Family Line, it didn’t mean he had to become one of those ’Immortals, detached from the world, subsisting on no earthly fare.’ Connections weren’t necessarily built solely through Relatives by marriage. It was just that... ties through marriage were the simplest kind.
Just now, the middle-aged Taoist priest had only explained things casually and hadn’t actually suggested which Cultivation Method he should choose. However, Xu Xing’s reply clearly indicated his choice to accept the middle-aged Taoist priest’s implied guidance as a favor. It might seem like he was taking a small loss, but personal connections were gradually established through such exchanges of mutual benefit. Today, he had accepted a favor from the middle-aged Taoist priest, allowing the priest to feel he had gained something from this interaction. In the future, if Xu Xing asked for a small, not insignificant, favor, it would be difficult for the Taoist priest to refuse. Sacrifice small gains to win the world. Lend with a large measure, collect with a small measure... Xu Xing believed the methods of Tian Hengzi and Tian Xizi were worth studying. He had also observed the middle-aged Taoist priest’s earlier shift from arrogance to respect and understood his disposition. Different people required different approaches. With someone else, he might not have acted this way.
"This..." The middle-aged Taoist priest looked at Xu Xing, surprised.
He had seen many disciples who tried to curry favor. However, a disciple like Xu Xing, who began maneuvering so adeptly right after entering the Sect, and did so without causing the slightest resentment, was a rare sight. It was reasonable to say Xu Xing was accepting his favor. After all... ’imparting the Dao, teaching skills, and resolving doubts’ was the grace of a teacher.
Of course, a large part of why he felt no resentment was due to Xu Xing’s prospects. Befriending an ordinary Sect disciple would be a loss, as any benefits he offered would be hard to recoup. However, offering a small favor to a True disciple, despite the temporary cost, felt very much worth it; he was confident he could earn it back in the future.
After handing Xu Xing the thin booklet containing The Eternal Green Dao Sutra, the middle-aged Taoist priest took another palm-sized Yellow Cloth Bag from his sleeve, identical to the one he had given Xu Xing earlier.
"This is from the Lu Shi Pavilion... the annual salary for guard duty, totaling three hundred seventy Spiritual Shells."
"There are also some Huangliang Pills inside for meditation and Cultivation. One pill can alleviate hunger and thirst for a month. There are about ten or so pills here, a year’s supply."
After saying this, the middle-aged Taoist priest smiled. "Junior Brother Xu... if you have time, coming to the Lu Shi Pavilion to perform guard duty a few times will suffice for this assignment. By the way, I am Jiang Yan, a Cultivator at the Late Immortal Foundation Stage. If Junior Brother Xu has time in the future, you can get together with your Senior Brother here; I can introduce you to a few friends."
Seeing that Xu Xing lacked neither good character nor aptitude, Jiang Yan decided to take the opportunity to befriend him.
Currently, Xu Xing might only appear to be an Outer Sect disciple at the Innate Realm. However, he knew that the two hurdles—Building the Immortal Foundation and achieving the Jade Liquid Rebirth Pill—would not stop Xu Xing. Sooner or later, Xu Xing would become his peer, and in the not-too-distant future, he would even surpass him.
"Junior Brother thanks Senior Brother Jiang for his consideration."
Xu Xing didn’t refuse and graciously accepted the benefits Jiang Yan offered. He tied both Yellow Cloth Bags to his belt and then bowed solemnly to Jiang Yan once more.
It was quite common for Jiang Yan, who managed disciple duties at the Lu Shi Pavilion, to use his position for personal gain. This small "benefit" wouldn’t be a deliberate trap. If the Deacons of the Lu Shi Pavilion were openly "fishing" , then everyone in the entire Immortal Sect would live in constant fear.