Chapter 20: He Comes to Harvest Immortals Again
“Master, what should I do once I become a core disciple?” Li Su didn’t rush to answer but instead asked his own question.
The sect leader pondered for a moment before responding, “As a core disciple, your main focus should be on cultivation. When there are no immediate tasks, core disciples are expected to return to the sect and dedicate themselves to practice. I will assign you the best cave, and you’ll be free to choose your own cultivation techniques. Your treatment will be superior to that of regular core disciples.”
It seemed that the sect leader had noticed Li Su’s rapid progress and was impressed by his talent. Hence she offered to become a direct disciple and enjoyed the privileges of a core disciple in the Flying Immortal Sect. Perhaps, the sect leader believed that by accepting him, Li Su could sever his worldly ties, especially considering his extensive involvement with concubines in the mortal world, potentially hindering his cultivation.
This approach might work for other cultivators, but it wouldn’t be effective for Li Su. Merely practicing in seclusion for years or even decades wouldn’t yield significant results for him. Despite his cultivation progressing by leaps and bounds, it was due to his unconventional behavior that seemed unorthodox to other immortal cultivators.
Li Su appreciated the sect leader’s intentions but knew it wouldn’t work for him. Secluding himself in a cave for an extended period wouldn’t be productive. The cultivation progress he could achieve in a thousand years was not comparable to what others could achieve in just a few decades. Furthermore, his newfound “golden finger” allowed him to take shortcuts in his cultivation, making independent practice redundant.
“I am grateful for your care and consideration, Sect Leader. However, I have always been accustomed to a free and unconstrained lifestyle, and I don’t believe becoming a core disciple would be suitable for me. I wouldn’t want to burden the Sect Leader,” Li Su respectfully declined, bowing his head.
The sect leader’s gaze fixated on Li Su’s face, visibly surprised by his refusal. In the Flying Immortal Sect, countless individuals aspired to become her direct disciples or core disciples to enjoy their associated benefits. So why did Li Su decline? The disappointment in the sect leader’s eyes was evident.
She likely thought that Li Su’s infatuation with women and his attachments to the mortal realm influenced his decision. If the sect leader didn’t believe his explanation, Li Su couldn’t disclose the truth about his “golden finger.” The sect leader then handed Li Su a token and said, “Since you have made your decision, take this token. As my direct disciple, it grants you the freedom to travel outside and entitles you to additional resources every year.”
Li Su accepted the token this time without hesitation and expressed his gratitude to the sect leader. He then took his leave, realizing that the sect leader was disappointed. However, Li Su had no other choice. It would be sufficient if he could simply be recognized as the sect leader’s direct disciple. Revealing his special ability was not an option.
With the token in hand, Li Su easily obtained the desired resources. The token represented authority and provided him with necessary materials for crafting formation flags and an Earth Fire Pill, which would be helpful during refining processes, albeit with a time limit.
Having received everything, Li Su left the Flying Immortal Sect and headed back to the Immortal Desolate Peak. The annual casual practice gathering was about to commence, and Li Su intended to participate once again. Soon, he approached Immortal Desolate Peak.
“Senior Li!” Along the way, wandering cultivators would emerge from various locations, greeting Li Su. Some accomplished loose cultivators also joined him, albeit maintaining a respectful distance.
“It has been ten years, but Senior Li still possesses his heroic aura.”
“Indeed, when I first met Senior Li thirty years ago, I was astounded by his talent. Little did I expect that thirty years later, he not only retains his youth but appears even younger!”
As Li Su journeyed alongside these wandering cultivators, compliments were frequently thrown his way. With their company, they didn’t take long to arrive at Immortal Desolate Peak.
This time, the number of female cultivators seemed noticeably higher. Whenever they caught sight of Li Su, their eyes would light up.
Some wandering cultivators couldn’t help but think, Here comes Senior Li again. Another round of him charming the ladies!
One particular wandering cultivator, aware of his own age and lack of potential for advancement, had resigned himself to finding a female cultivator to start a family. However, in the past thirty years, Li Su’s appearance had eliminated any chance he might have had. Now, with even more female cultivators present, he knew his hopes were dashed once again.
This year, it seemed that many female cultivators had come specifically for Li Su.