If Yun Yubai had a tail, it would be wagging proudly right now. He raised his chin and said, "It’s just a small skill, nothing impressive, nothing impressive."
Nanli sized him up and down. "Few in this world can use incantations and spells with such ease. No need to be modest, sir."
Most practitioners relied on talismans and hand seals. Many lacked the capability to activate advanced talismans due to their limited abilities.
Yun Yubai’s lips curled into a smile. "Would you like to learn?"
Nanli suddenly realized, "So, the master wants to take a disciple."
Zhi Mi was astonished. He had never seen a master come personally to accept a disciple. However, since it was his sister, he felt it made perfect sense.
Yun Yubai clapped his hands and laughed, "Indeed! Though I am not exceptionally talented, I do have some insights into cultivation and Daoist arts. Now, I seek a worthy disciple to inherit my legacy."
Nanli raised an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued. The man before her was the most formidable she had encountered in two lifetimes. Her own Daoist skills had hit a bottleneck, and guidance from someone of his caliber could elevate her abilities. If that faceless woman attacked again, at least she could put up a fight.
"What are your conditions?" Nanli asked.
Yun Yubai, surprised at her straightforwardness, quickly replied, "Your talent and character are commendable. If you become my disciple, you must sever ties with the mortal world."
He planned to take her back to the celestial realm, meaning she would have to cut all earthly connections.
Nanli’s eyes darkened as she refused outright, "Then, we are not destined to be master and disciple."
"What?!" Yun Yubai moved swiftly, appearing before Nanli in an instant, leaving her momentarily stunned.
"Why don’t you understand? Cultivation is about more than accumulating merit. It’s about attaining immortality and eternal life. If you are entangled in worldly emotions, your progress will be hindered," Yun Yubai said earnestly.
Nanli responded, "Immortality and eternal life may not bring happiness. My progress is my concern, not yours."
"You..." Yun Yubai was taken aback by her blunt refusal, feeling a bit resentful. He continued, "Your husband is quite handsome. No wonder you’re infatuated and unwilling to sever ties."
Nanli couldn’t help but laugh, "Since you understand, there’s no need to waste more words."
Seeing her admission, Yun Yubai’s face darkened. "You’re wasting your talent on mundane emotions!"
Nanli sighed, "Sir, do you live by the sea?"
"I’m not..." Yun Yubai paused, glaring at her. "Why does it sound like you’re insulting me?"
"You’re smart," Nanli replied.
Yun Yubai huffed, annoyed but unwilling to ask for clarification to save face. He muttered, "If you refuse today, you won’t get another chance."
"Thank you for your kindness, sir. Life without any emotional ties would be too dull," Nanli said, bowing to show her respect and admiration.
Yun Yubai looked at her fair and delicate face, his anger dissipating. He sighed, feeling he was letting down his former master. With a wave of his sleeve, he released Zhi Mi from the immobilization spell.
Zhi Mi remained motionless, staring at Nanli. "Sir? We have business to attend to."
"Even if you won’t become my disciple, can I at least stay here and earn my meals?" Yun Yubai coughed lightly, masking his embarrassment. "I spent my last coins on this new outfit to meet you."
Nanli’s mouth twitched. If she did become his disciple, she’d likely have to support her master financially. His eager eyes left her unable to refuse. Since she was overwhelmed, Nanli decided to let him stay.
Drawing talismans to ward off evil spirits was an easy task for Yun Yubai. Though she had refused him, he still had a chance. With a gesture, he effortlessly inscribed talismans on a stack of papers.
"Impressive, right?" Yun Yubai thought, hoping she would reconsider and become his disciple.
Nanli nodded, "Impressive."
But instead of the words he wanted to hear, she told Zhi Mi, "With such a skilled master here, we can finally relax. Bring all the talisman papers for him to draw."
Such talent should not go to waste! Yun Yubai fumed, "Doesn’t it bother your conscience to exploit someone ?"
He had been highly esteemed by his senior brothers, and this treatment from Nanli was hard to adjust to.
"Sorry," Nanli said, then turned to Zhi Mi, "Half the talisman papers should be on my desk. I’ll draw them."
Yun Yubai rolled his eyes, knowing she was provoking him, but couldn’t stand her words. Calling his abilities limited was an insult he couldn’t bear. "I’ll do it. Drawing ten thousand of these simple talismans won’t tire me."
Nanli smiled, "Thank you, sir!"
With Yun Yubai’s help, she not only felt more relaxed but also served customers more efficiently. Zhi Mi watched Yun Yubai in awe, his eyes filled with admiration.
During a break, Zhi Mi pulled Nanli aside, "Sister, I’ve never seen anyone draw talismans . His skills are unparalleled, right?"
"I’ve never seen it either," Nanli replied, narrowing her eyes. "From what he said, it seems he has already ascended."
Zhi Mi was startled, grabbing her hand, "I thought he was exaggerating. Sister, why didn’t you accept? For the sake of your family and the prince, are you sure it’s worth giving up such a rare opportunity?"
He feared she might regret it later.
Nanli remained calm, "Why wouldn’t it be worth it? I can advance my abilities without making such sacrifices."
Seeing her firm decision, Zhi Mi sighed and didn’t press further.
By noon, it was usually Rainbow who delivered the food. Today, however, Ye Siheng came himself. The servants set the dishes on the table, steam still rising from them.
"Smells great!" Yun Yubai said, already seated at the table. "Add an extra set of chopsticks. Let’s eat together."
The servants hesitated, while Qing Feng’s face darkened, his hand moving to his sword, "How dare you!"