But in fact, experience still holds its weight.
Lingfeng obediently approached the corner and effortlessly performed a handstand against the wall.
The other students were not surprised; instead, they shook their heads as if a certain hero was about to make a sacrifice.
Lingfeng made a face at Monkey Head, who also showed a worried expression.
The first class ended, and Lame Li limped over to Lingfeng. With a smirk, he asked, "So, do you realize your mistake now?"
Here, a class lasts about half an hour, which is equivalent to one period. Back in the mortal realm, Lingfeng often practiced handstands, so this duration wasn't much of a challenge. He replied, "It's fine; I can hold on!"
Lame Li grinned mischievously and glanced at the sun, which was nearing noon. He genuinely wanted to see what Lingfeng would look like at that time and said, "Alright then, since you're so capable, wait until noon. I really want to see you all sweaty!"
Lingfeng didn't expect Lame Li to be so ruthless and immediately felt somewhat powerless. In school before, even if he made mistakes, he wouldn't face severe punishment. But here, everything had changed; what was once impossible had become possible.
Sure enough, by noon, the scorching sun generously poured its heat onto the ground. The parched earth seemed to shimmer with steam.
Lingfeng was already feeling unbearably thirsty and weak in his arms. Now he could only lean against the wall to maintain his balance and reduce the strain on his arms.
As soon as the door opened, Lame Li indeed came out.
Seeing that Lingfeng was still holding on surprised him a bit.
"Good job! Your perseverance is impressive!" This was Lame Li's honest opinion; he rarely praised anyone. "You can stop now!"
Lingfeng felt a sense of relief, like a collapsed wall, as he fell to the ground and couldn't get up.
“Lingfeng,” Monkey Head and the other students hurried over to help him.
Lame Li slowly took out a black Porcelain Bottle from his pocket and poured out a red pill. “Take this, it will restore your energy. Don't leave after school; I have something to discuss with you!” Lame Li said, then walked away with his hands behind his back.
The students exchanged glances; this was quite unusual.
Lingfeng had no idea what Lame Li was planning, while Monkey Head speculated that it couldn't be anything good. In any case, the confusion left Lingfeng feeling overwhelmed. After thinking it over, he realized that good or bad, he couldn't escape what was coming; whatever was meant to happen would happen.
One by one, the apprentices left, and Lingfeng sat quietly in his seat.
“Brother, pray to Amitabha more!” Monkey Head said with a smirk as he left.
Lame Li changed into a different outfit and slowly walked out from the back room. At this point, Lame Li was wearing an old-looking Robe, which seemed somewhat out of place.
“You come with me!” Lame Li called out and then turned to walk inside.
Feeling anxious, Lingfeng followed behind, unsure of what this old man was up to.
Inside the room were several bookshelves filled with various books. Next to the shelves stood a prominent iron Red-Crowned Crane.
Grasping the head of the Red-Crowned Crane, Lame Li applied slight pressure with his left hand, turning its head to one side. Suddenly, with a creaking sound that sent chills down their spines, the bookshelf split open in the middle, revealing a hidden chamber inside.
“Master, what is this?” Lingfeng asked nervously. It seemed like just a prank; surely it wouldn't lead to anything sinister, he thought.
Lame Li smiled mysteriously, revealing his yellowed teeth as if he hadn't brushed them in years. "Don't worry, I won't eat you!" Lame Li said.
Lingfeng was skeptical, thinking that since he was alone and facing death anyway, he might as well go along with it. With a righteous demeanor, he followed Lame Li.
"Creek~~~!" The bookshelf closed automatically.
The secret room did not seem so simple. Entering through the bookshelf, they had to descend a staircase. On both sides of the stairs was a passageway; although it was pitch dark, the walls were embedded with Night Pearls the size of a baby's fist, making it exceptionally bright.
"There's electricity here, and light bulbs?!" Lingfeng exclaimed in astonishment, unaware that these were treasures.
Lame Li let out a creepy chuckle, perhaps mocking Lingfeng.
After walking down for about ten meters, the passage suddenly made a ninety-degree turn. However, after rounding the corner, they found themselves in a dead end.
Lame Li calmly felt along the wall at the corner, and suddenly his right hand pressed against a brick that sank in. Then there was a rumbling sound as the ground beneath Lingfeng and Lame Li began to sink.
Lingfeng did not move because Lame Li stood still without budging.
"Does he have some invisible secret? Why is this secret room so hidden? It feels like an ancient tomb!" Lingfeng thought to himself.
Lame Li cleared his throat twice and said in a mournful tone, "Don't be surprised; this is where I cultivate. Even your Master Qing doesn't know about this secret room."
"Our master? Aren't you part of this sect?" Lingfeng asked curiously.
"Of course," Lame Li replied in his hoarse voice, "and I am Shixu of Qing's sect!"
"What?" Lingfeng exclaimed in surprise. This mysterious old man turned out to be the Shixu of the Qing Sect Leader. Lingfeng hurriedly asked, "Is it true? Then why are you just here as a teacher?"
"Children these days have many thoughts," Lame Li replied with dissatisfaction but continued to explain, "I teach here while also cultivating and looking for outstanding students. Then, I will pass on the superior methods of cultivation! Many years ago, I used the Disguise Technique, which is why I look like this now. In fact, my disciples all think I am cultivating far away; they do not know that I have returned. Moreover, during this long time, I haven't found a single person worthy of teaching the methods of cultivation."
"What level of superior cultivation have you reached?" Although Lingfeng did not understand what levels meant, he would in the future.
Lame Li smiled mysteriously, merely snorting coldly and saying nothing more.
Lingfeng suddenly paused as they reached the bottom.
As Lingfeng stepped out of the earthen "elevator," he was stunned by the sight before him.
The space here was about the same size as his school grounds. To the left were various weapons displayed: axes, swords, knives, and forks. To the right were various books, neatly arranged for over ten meters.
"Is this where you cultivate?" Lingfeng asked in astonishment.
"Yes!" Lame Li nodded slightly.
"But why did you bring me here?" Lingfeng asked in confusion.
"Your performance today surprised me greatly, so I want to take you as my disciple," Lame Li said with some anticipation and excitement, as if he had discovered a long-awaited treasure.
Lingfeng was taken aback but also felt a bit of joy. Lame Li's level of cultivation must be quite high; if he became his disciple, his abilities would likely improve significantly. However, Lingfeng still pretended to be calm and asked, "Are there any conditions?"
"Yes," Lame Li said solemnly. "I need you to keep a low profile and follow me to cultivate!"
"Hide your name and go cultivate!" Lingfeng thought, feeling a bit conflicted about this condition. "If that's the case, I might have to leave Brother!" Lingfeng hesitated; although this opportunity was great, the ten-year-old Lingfeng still couldn't bear to part from his loved ones.
"What do you think?" Lame Li asked.
Lingfeng shook his head. "Can I have some time to think about it?"
Lame Li was taken aback but calmly replied, "Do you know that such opportunities are something most people can only dream of?"
Lingfeng continued to shake his head. Although he was eager to pursue immortality, he wasn't at the point where he could leave his family behind.
That night, Lingfeng lay in bed, tossing and turning, recalling Lame Li's words from their farewell: "My time is limited; I could go cultivate at any moment. So, you don't have much time to think about it. Also, don't tell anyone about my matters!"
Lingfeng had no intention of being a gossip; such things could remain hidden in his heart.
In fact, there was another reason for Lingfeng's hesitation: Lame Li had not left a good first impression on him. Coupled with his gloomy demeanor, Lingfeng felt he couldn't be a good person. Perhaps there was a reason why such a pie fell into his lap.
For the next month, Lingfeng did not attend school.
Azure Vine finally appeared again after two days and found Lingfeng's reluctance to go to school somewhat strange.
Lingfeng simply felt unwell and wanted to rest; in reality, he wanted to avoid Lame Li. Little did he expect that this rest would last an entire month.
During this time, with Azure Vine's help, Lingfeng translated the book given to him by the Qing Sect Leader into simplified characters.
Sure enough, Azure Vine's first expression upon seeing the book was one of surprise.
"I didn't expect he would give you this book!"
Lingfeng did not understand; could it be a very valuable book? So he asked, "Brother, what kind of book is this?"
Azure Vine's eyes lit up as he licked his lips. "This is Cultivation Essentials, an essential book for cultivating immortality. In our sect, only disciples with above-average talent or the personal disciples of the sect leader can obtain this book."
"But what is its use?" Lingfeng asked again.
Azure Vine nodded seriously. "This book is equivalent to a textbook; it is the foundation of all knowledge. Although the content inside is simple, it is incredibly profound. As long as you learn the basic cultivation principles within, your cultivation can directly advance to Foundation Establishment. However..." Azure Vine paused for three seconds, "but if he gave you this book, does that mean he wants to take you as his personal disciple?"
Lingfeng felt a sense of pride; it seemed he truly had stumbled upon good fortune. Just arriving here, he did not expect that two experts from the Demon Suppression Sect wanted to take him as their disciple.
"What do you plan to do?" Azure Vine turned to ask Lingfeng.
Lingfeng thought for a moment and decisively said, "I want to follow Brother!" This was indeed the truth, a heartfelt truth from Lingfeng.
Azure Vine nodded in approval. "Alright, I will do my best to help you master this book and then teach you the Cultivation Method. However, I want to ask you how you plan to cultivate."
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