Chapter 104: Teach You? No Time

Chapter 104: Chapter 104: Teach You? No Time

Behind a desk sat a disciple dressed in the dark blue robes of a Steward, his head bowed as he flipped through a thick book.

"Senior Brother Liu." Wang Feng stepped forward and greeted him in a low voice, simultaneously signaling for Chen Yue to take out the outer disciple Token he had just received.

The man, Senior Brother Liu, looked up. His gaze swept over Wang Feng and Chen Yue before landing on the Token Chen Yue was offering.

He took the Token and lightly swiped a finger across the words for "Dan Peak" on the back, as if performing some kind of verification. Afterward, he nodded, pulled a booklet out from under the desk, and handed it to Chen Yue.

"A new outer disciple, here to receive one transcribed copy of the first three layers of the Foundation Establishment Technique, the Panshi Skill. The Cultivation Technique is for personal study only. Unauthorized circulation is strictly forbidden, and violators will be severely punished. The copy must be returned within one month."

Senior Brother Liu’s voice was flat, yet it carried an unquestionable seriousness as he recited the rules.

"This disciple understands and will abide by the rules." Chen Yue accepted the booklet, which still carried the faint scent of fresh ink, with both hands and carefully put it away.

Wang Feng thanked Senior Brother Liu, then turned and led Chen Yue out of the Hidden Skills Pavilion.

On the way back toward Dan Peak, Wang Feng spoke to Chen Yue as they walked:

"This Panshi Skill is one of the fundamentals of our Panshi Sect. It focuses on externally training the muscles, bones, and skin, and internally training one’s breath, laying a solid foundation for combined internal and external cultivation later on.

The Cultivation Technique also comes with a basic, complementary Body Technique called Panshi Stepping. It isn’t flashy, but its strength lies in its stability and solidness. It complements the skill, allowing you to maintain your form while moving, which aids in both exerting force and defending."

He glanced at Chen Yue and smiled.

"Of course, if you have a preference for Body Techniques, or if you feel Panshi Stepping isn’t enough, you can save up some Contribution Points later and come to the Hidden Skills Pavilion to exchange for other, more refined Body Techniques.

The Contribution Points required for these kinds of Basic Techniques aren’t too high. With your status as a Dan Peak disciple, it shouldn’t be difficult to save up by completing Alchemy tasks. As for the specific catalog of available techniques and their costs, you can come browse the Hidden Skills Pavilion yourself when you have time."

Chen Yue nodded, indicating he understood. He now had a general idea of how to acquire more Cultivation Techniques and Martial Techniques.

Next, Wang Feng didn’t take Chen Yue directly back to Dan Peak. Instead, he led him on a general tour of the Panshi Sect to familiarize him with the surroundings.

He pointed to the various peaks, halls, and courtyards, introducing them in a low voice:

"That’s the main peak’s grand hall, where the Sect Leader and the Elders hold their meetings. Ordinary disciples are not allowed to approach."

"That’s Martial Arts Peak, a common place for disciples from all peaks to spar, compete, and settle grudges. Try to stay away to avoid getting accidentally injured."

"The back mountain is a restricted area. Entry without permission is strictly forbidden. Violators will be severely punished."

Continuing his tour and explanations, about half an hour later, Wang Feng brought Chen Yue to Panshi Peak, the main area where outer disciples gathered and lived.

Compared to the main peak and Dan Peak, this peak’s terrain was gentler, and the buildings were much more densely packed and simple. They were mostly rows of courtyard residences, and the air was filled with a thicker scent of daily life and the shouts of people practicing their skills.

"There are a great number of outer disciples, so the Sect can’t just let them run wild."

Wang Feng pointed at the residences and said, "So, the outer disciples also have instructors, usually some of the martial uncles from within the sect. If you run into any problems while cultivating the Panshi Skill, you can go and ask them for guidance."

Wang Feng paused, his tone becoming cautionary.

"However, Junior Brother Chen, you must understand that these martial uncles in charge of the outer disciples are typically responsible for dozens of students each. They also have their own cultivation to attend to, so they don’t have much time to spare for guidance.

Most of the time, disciples have to rely on their own understanding and discussions with their peers."

Chen Yue immediately understood Wang Feng’s underlying meaning. Outer disciples were essentially left to fend for themselves. There might be a group Q&A session once a month, but getting frequent, individual guidance was practically impossible.

Asking for help too often might just end up annoying them.

Wang Feng led Chen Yue through the labyrinthine paths of Panshi Peak for a while, finally arriving at an elegant residence in a secluded spot on the mountainside.

The courtyard walls weren’t high, and a few clumps of green bamboo could be seen growing inside, creating a rather tranquil environment.

"This is the place."

Wang Feng stopped and pointed to the courtyard gate, whispering to Chen Yue, "The person who lives inside is Meng Yu Jin, Martial Uncle Meng. From now on, she’ll be your nominal outer sect master. Martial Uncle Meng’s cultivation is profound and she values her peace and quiet, so be mindful in a moment."

With that, Wang Feng stepped forward, respectfully raised his hand, and knocked three times on the gate, neither too lightly nor too heavily.

KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.

A moment later, the gate creaked open from the inside.

The one who opened the door was a woman of about thirty, dressed in a simple yet elegant, light-blue long dress.

Her posture was ramrod straight, her demeanor cool and detached. Her calm gaze swept over Wang Feng and Chen Yue outside the gate.

A flash of surprise crossed Chen Yue’s eyes. When he heard Wang Feng say the name Meng Yu Jin, he had subconsciously assumed it was a male Martial Artist. He never expected it would be a woman.

Furthermore, with the sharp perception he’d gained from cultivating the Heart Nourishing Technique, he could faintly sense the aura coming from this Martial Uncle Meng. It was as deep as an abyss, profound and inscrutable, far surpassing the likes of Chen Xuanli, who was at the Marrow Refining Realm. Her cultivation was at least at the Refining Organ Realm or higher!

"What is it?" Meng Yu Jin spoke, her voice clear but devoid of any emotional inflection. Her gaze fell upon Wang Feng.

Wang Feng quickly cupped his hands in a salute, his attitude deferential.

"Martial Uncle Meng, apologies for disturbing your quiet cultivation. This is a newly initiated disciple, Chen Yue, an outer disciple of Dan Peak. According to the arrangements from the Affairs Hall, if Chen Yue has any questions regarding his Basic Martial Dao cultivation in the future, we must trouble you to provide him with guidance."

As he spoke, he stepped aside to reveal Chen Yue.

Chen Yue took a step forward and bowed according to etiquette. "Disciple Chen Yue greets Martial Uncle Meng."

Meng Yu Jin’s gaze fell upon Chen Yue. She looked him over calmly, her eyes as placid as still water.

She nodded, her tone flat. "Since you are to be taught by me, you will abide by the rules and cultivate diligently without pause.

My time is limited. If you have any cultivation difficulties, you may come to the front of this courtyard at noon on the fifth day of each month for a group inquiry. I will answer as I see fit. The next session is in nine days. At all other times, do not disturb me unless summoned."

After saying this, she stopped looking at Chen Yue and turned back to Wang Feng. "Is there anything else?"

Wang Feng quickly shook his head and bowed. "We’ve disturbed you enough, Martial Uncle Meng. There is nothing else."

Meng Yu Jin said no more. She just gave a slight nod, then turned and closed the courtyard gate, cutting off the view from outside.

From start to finish, her words were concise and her attitude was distant. She showed no extra interest or concern for the new disciple.

Wang Feng seemed to let out a breath of relief, raising a hand to wipe nonexistent sweat from his forehead. He whispered to Chen Yue:

"Martial Uncle Meng has a cold personality and doesn’t like to talk much. But her cultivation is profound. Being able to receive her guidance once a month is a rare opportunity for you outer disciples. Make sure you remember the time."

"Yes, thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother Wang," Chen Yue replied.

"Alright, you know the general situation within the sect, you’ve received the Sect Rules, and you’ve met your master. I won’t accompany you back to Dan Peak. I have to hurry back to the main gate to continue my watch," Wang Feng said.

Hearing this, Chen Yue thought for a moment before speaking.

"Senior Brother Wang, I was wondering if I could accompany you to the main gate? I need to speak with my brother who is waiting outside, to let him know the outcome so he can rest easy and head back to the city to make arrangements."

"Oh, that? Of course, you can. You’re a fellow disciple now. You just need to show your Token to enter or leave the main gate. Come on, I’ll take you there," Wang Feng readily agreed.

The two of them turned back and headed toward the main gate.

Before long, they once again arrived before the magnificent main gate.

Shen Dujiang was sitting on a large rock by the side of the road, looking up the mountain path from time to time. When he saw Chen Yue returning with Wang Feng, his eyes lit up, and he quickly stood up to greet them.

"How did it go?" Shen Dujiang asked in a low voice, his eyes searching Chen Yue’s face.

A smile appeared on Chen Yue’s face as he nodded at Shen Dujiang. "Everything went smoothly. I have joined the Panshi Sect and am now an outer disciple of Dan Peak. From now on, I’ll be cultivating here."

Wang Feng glanced at Shen Dujiang, then said to Chen Yue, "Junior Brother Chen, you go talk with your brother. I’m going to my post. In the future, if there’s anything you don’t understand within the sect, you can come find me at the main gate."

"Thank you, Senior Brother Wang," Chen Yue said again.

Wang Feng waved his hand and turned to walk toward his post.

After Wang Feng had walked some distance away, the worry on Shen Dujiang’s face finally vanished completely, replaced by a smile of irrepressible joy.

He clapped Chen Yue firmly on the shoulder and said in a low voice, "This is great! Chen, now that you’ve joined the Panshi Sect, we finally have a foothold in Celestial State Prefecture! We’re no longer like helpless duckweed drifting on the water!"

Chen Yue could feel Shen Dujiang’s heartfelt joy and expectation. He smiled and nodded.

"Boss Shen, since things are settled here, you should head back to the city first and meet up with Hu and Master Lin. Rent the courtyard and get everything set up.

I need some time to get familiar with things in the sect. Once everything is in order, I’ll find time to come back to the city and meet with you all. From now on, I’ll need you all to look after things on the outside."

"Don’t worry! Leave the matters in the city to me and Old Hu. You just focus on your cultivation inside the sect," Shen Dujiang said, patting his chest.

The two exchanged a few more simple instructions, and then Shen Dujiang, his face wreathed in smiles, turned and strode off in the direction of Celestial State Prefecture City.

Chen Yue stood beneath the towering main gate of the Panshi Sect, watching Shen Dujiang’s receding back. He then turned and once again cupped his hands in thanks to Wang Feng, who was still on duty.

Wang Feng just waved his hand casually, signaling that there was no need for such formalities.

Alone, Chen Yue followed the path Wang Feng had shown him earlier and returned to the Hundred Herbs Pavilion on Dan Peak.

The medicinal fragrance inside the hall was still present, but it was a bit quieter than before. He found Zhao Weiyuan still handling affairs behind the same desk and approached with a respectful bow.

Zhao Weiyuan looked up, saw it was Chen Yue, and put down the scroll in his hand.

"You’re back? Did you get a general tour of the sect? Do you understand the rules and the situation now?"

Chen Yue nodded, responding respectfully, "Replying to Martial Zhao, Senior Brother Wang has already shown this disciple the important places. This disciple now has a general understanding of the rules for outer disciples."

"Mm, good."

Zhao Weiyuan nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

"Since you’ve entered my Dan Peak, there are some things I need to make clear to you. Dan Peak is different from the other peaks. We won’t teach you how to temper your muscles and bones or cultivate Martial Techniques here. That is the responsibility of your outer sect master.

What Dan Peak teaches is the path of the Alchemy Dao, and nothing else. However, Alchemy is not accomplished in a single day and requires gradual progress, so we’ll set that aside for now. First, let’s talk about the specific matters regarding Alchemy for you here on Dan Peak."

"Yes, please instruct me, Martial Uncle," Chen Yue said, his expression turning serious as he listened intently.