Chapter 19: Summons from the Sect Leader
Li Su had expended many resources to set up the Li family’s mountain protection array. The following day, he departed once again for the Flying Immortal Sect. Over the past few years, Li Su had visited the sect several times, mainly to enroll his 12-year-old descendants for training at the Flying Immortal Sect. The progress of these offspring in their cultivation would also indirectly benefit Li Su. Currently, the feedback he received was not significant, but if the number of descendants increased in the future, it could potentially contribute to his own growth.
Soon, Li Su arrived at the Flying Immortal Sect. The disciples on duty at the mountain gate greeted him with heightened enthusiasm.
“Brother Li, it’s been a while,” they exclaimed.
This time, the disciple guarding the mountain gate was a new member of the foundation-building stage, as these disciples were rotated every few years. Given that immortals spent most of their time in cultivation, Li Su’s reputation underwent a significant transformation after reaching the later stage of foundation establishment. The attitudes of the Flying Immortal Sect disciples towards him had changed considerably. Many of them engaged in discussions about Li Su during their spare time.
Li Su proceeded to the Foreign Affairs Hall. His first objective was to acquire spiritual stones. Since reaching the peak of foundation establishment, his monthly allocation of spiritual stones increased by 200, amounting to 600 in total.
“Li Su, have you reached the peak of foundation establishment?” inquired Elder Xue from the Foreign Affairs Hall, his seemingly dozing appearance belying his true strength as an early-stage Golden Core cultivator.
Li Su nodded and replied, “Yes, Elder Xue.”
Elder Xue stared at Li Su in astonishment. Ten years ago, Li Su had only reached the seventh level of foundation establishment. However, within a decade, he had ascended to the tenth level—a remarkable feat. Although Elder Xue would not be surprised if Li Su possessed a sixth-grade spiritual root or higher, such spiritual roots were exceedingly rare. Even a fifth-grade spiritual root would have been commendable for such progress from the seventh to the tenth level of foundation establishment. How did Li Su manage to achieve this with his spiritual roots?
“Elder Xue, is there something on my face?” Li Su inquired, feeling uneasy under the elder’s scrutiny.
“Haha, Li Su, you’re fine! Here are 1,800 spiritual stones. Since you’ve reached the peak of foundation establishment, you can obtain a Gathering Pill when you’re ready to break through to the Golden Core stage. It will aid you in your advancement,” Elder Xue explained.
“Thank you, Elder,” Li Su expressed his gratitude.
“Obtain the pill when you’re prepared for the breakthrough. Don’t procure it too early, as Gathering Pills are highly valuable. Acquiring it prematurely may attract unwanted attention,” Elder Xue cautioned.
“Thank you for the advice, Elder,” Li Su acknowledged.
Li Su was well aware of the potential dangers in the cultivation world. While disciples of the three great immortal sects were generally left undisturbed, the realm of wandering cultivators was abundant with betrayal and conflict. While it was unlikely that anyone would provoke the disciples of the Flying Immortal Sect, it was wise to remain cautious.
Having received the spiritual stones, Li Su departed from the Foreign Affairs Hall intending to visit the Artifact Refining Pavilion. He hoped to exchange some of his spiritual stones for materials, as he lacked the contribution points required for such transactions within the sect. However, as he arrived at the Artifact Refining Pavilion, a female cultivator approached and informed him of the Sect Leader’s desire to meet him.
Curiosity piqued, Li Su followed the female cultivator, who led him to the main hall where the Sect Leader awaited. It had been over 20 years since Li Su established his foundation at the age of 100, and he hadn’t seen her since then. Surprisingly, she appeared unchanged, and if anything, she exuded a stronger aura. Li Su wondered when she would achieve a breakthrough and reach the Nascent Soul stage.
Engrossed in her reading, the Sect Leader looked up upon seeing Li Su. Her bright eyes appraised his countenance before she spoke.
“I never expected you to reach the peak of foundation establishment so quickly. Your spiritual roots are shocking, and as an outer disciple, promoting you to a core disciple would invite discontent among others,” the Sect Leader remarked.
“Sect Leader, I understand,” Li Su replied.
“However, given your recent progress in cultivation, I am willing to make an exception. I will accept you as my personal disciple, granting you the privileges of a core disciple,” the Sect Leader offered.
A personal disciple? In other words, the Sect Leader intended to avoid certain rules of the Flying Immortal Sect by accepting Li Su directly. For instance, he wouldn’t qualify as a core disciple due to his poor spiritual roots. In the past, the Sect Leader might have forced him to become one despite the consequences. Although core disciples enjoyed excellent treatment, establishing the foundation at a hundred years would likely result in alienation from the other disciples and make Li Su an outcast within the sect.
The privileges of a core disciple were undeniably attractive, but they also entailed additional responsibilities and restricted freedom compared to Li Su’s current situation. His mind swirled with thoughts, contemplating the implications of accepting the offer.
Being accepted as the Sect Leader’s personal disciple meant he would become her direct disciple, but what would this mean for their personal relationship? Could he still have a child with her?