Chapter 468: 314, Not everyone can be my student_2
“Should I send more over to Sir, to ensure a daily supply and avoid any disruption?”
Also, regarding the trees to be replaced next to Autumn Leaf Courtyard, should I just switch them for the winter peach variety? They’d look pretty in bloom come springtime…”
But wouldn’t that attract unwanted peach blossom admirers to Sir?
Li Ke was completely oblivious to what others might think of this scene; he simply did what he wanted and needed to do, without any distracting thoughts.
Yet this scene meant something different for Li Su and the others; they knew that the old patriarch favoured Li Ke, who had even represented the main branch at the ancestral hall last year.
That such a treasured scion of the Li Family was actually serving others tea and water.
It did, however, somewhat pacify Li Su and his peers, as they realized there must be a reason behind it.
At that moment, Li Yunshou took a long look at his son, then turned to address the crowd behind him: “Disperse, those who should come in, do so; those who should leave, go on; close the door behind you.”
With these words, only the twenty-two who were to become disciples remained in Autumn Leaf Courtyard, along with Li Changshou himself.
Li Yunshou turned to Qing Chen: “Though I’m older, after they become your disciples, we will be equals. I won’t stand on ceremony then, please have a seat.”
Qing Chen glanced at the lounge chair beside him.
At that moment, Li Ke unexpectedly came out of the kitchen with a cleaning rag and meticulously wiped down the lounge chair.
Then he stood to the side: “Master, please sit.”
Looking at this scene, Li Yunshou seemed contemplative and, after a moment, said, “According to the Li Family’s mentorship tradition, from now on, you will be invited to attend all significant family meetings. You can offer your suggestions, and the Secretariat will duly consider them. Also, as per the old customs, all disciples must perform three prostrations and nine bows before you as part of the tea-serving ceremony.”
When the subject of three prostrations and nine bows came up, Li Ke’s fellow students didn’t react much, but Li Su and his peers exchanged another silent glance.
Nan Gengchen, hiding in the back, thought to himself that he was completely disoriented by Qing Chen’s blast of a seniority-boosting combo; if everyone was going to kneel, wouldn’t he have to as well…
But it wasn’t they who found this the hardest to accept—it was Qing Yi…
Deep down, Qing Yi had no desire to cultivate, knowing well that an ancestor of Qing’s Family possessed unparalleled intelligence and disdained the notion of becoming an Awakener.
As an Ordinary Person, this ancestor had taken part in the rise and fall of humanity’s second civilization epoch, contributing tremendously.
Qing Yi revered this ancestor, named Qing Zhen, and wished to emulate his achievements.
The problem now was that ever since he arrived at the estate, not only was he coerced into learning to fight, but now he was apparently expected to bow in discipleship.
Of course, he could choose not to, but thinking of the increase in Combat Power Li Ke would gain through cultivation, Qing Yi couldn’t help feeling anxious about his future.
However, at that moment, Qing Chen, with a smile, said, “Let’s not kneel just yet. I know some of you are reluctant, and that’s fine. I can start teaching first, and we can discuss discipleship once you’re convinced.”
The Li’s prospective disciples looked at one another, but it was Li Su who first spoke up: “Sir, we have no objections. The rites of discipleship are our obligation to perform.”
Saying this, Li Su picked up a ceremonial letter from the side and stepped forward.
Li Yunshou explained from the side, “By accepting their ceremonial letters and their prostrations and bows, you agree to teach them true skills, and they are to treat you like their own father. If one day they disobey, the Secretariat will issue punishments; this is the fundamental order of the Li Clan, so you needn’t worry.”
Qing Chen chuckled, “Li Ke, burn the discipleship pledges as well. I am here merely to impart knowledge on behalf of another, no need for rules to bind everyone. Again, if one day you feel I am worthy of being your master, it won’t be too late to bow then.”
Qing Chen was very aware that these young people sought him out with purpose, yet, he was far too young, too young to easily command respect.
Li Su and the others knew the rules and were intelligent; the Li Clan had also promised that in future battles, these students would keep their distance.
But to Qing Chen, neither a pledge of discipleship nor the nominal title of master and disciple could truly offer protection.
The last person who mentioned ‘keeping a respectful distance’ on the battlefield was Duke Wen of Jin.
This Duke retreated thrice when facing the state of Chu, only to subjugate Chu shortly after, taking their grain, killing their people, and seizing their land…
So, where does the battlefield truly allow for keeping a respectful distance? If the sides differ, destiny and life or death must be decided.
Qing Chen wasn’t bothered by this; in his view, the old master entrusted him with knowledge to cultivate, and he would simply help the old master teach some of Li Clan’s own orthodox Cultivators. It was merely that simple.
This was a transaction.
“And one more thing,” Qing Chen added, “not just anyone can become my disciple.”
Now, Li Su and the others were bewildered again. It wasn’t a question of whether they wanted to bow anymore, but now the other party didn’t want to take them!
They were rising stars of the Li Clan, and likely no one across the Federation would dare say such a thing.
The last person in the Li Clan who made such a statement, refusing countless talented individuals’ requests to become disciples, appeared to be their Uncle Li Dong.
What kind of confidence did this young man have?
Li Yunshou regarded Qing Chen thoughtfully.
Having twelve elite members of the Li Clan Army, along with the outstanding students from Li’s School, becoming disciples, what did that imply? In twenty years, not only would Qing Chen have a high standing within the Li Clan, but even across the Federation, as long as he didn’t oppose the Clan, he could certainly make bold moves.