C1 Accepting a Disciple

[Ding! The Eternal Master System installation is in progress...]

[Unpacking the Eternal Master System, 10%...]

[30%...]

[100%, installation complete! Welcome to the Eternal Master System. Don't forget to leave us a five-star review!]

Chen Ming was utterly baffled as he listened to the sweet voice of a young woman echoing in his mind.

What in the world is happening? Did I just transmigrate?

Chen Ming felt a sense of resignation wash over him. In his previous life, he was an orphan who, after graduation, had settled into a mundane job. He was an avid reader of novels, and he vaguely recalled spilling water on an electrical outlet and getting electrocuted right before hearing the system's voice.

Memories flooded into Chen Ming's mind. He was twenty-three, at the second level of the Great Stage of cultivation, and one of the four esteemed elders of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect. His status was only eclipsed by the Sect Master himself. His parents were alive and well, and his grandfather was none other than the Prince Regent, a man of immense wealth and power in the mortal realm. His grandfather doted on him greatly! With his youthful charm, he had reached the Level Two of the Dao Entering Stage at a young age. As an elder of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect, he possessed the Ancient Sword Body, had mastered the Kingly Sword Heart, and wielded the Prince Su Sword with unparalleled skill. He was hailed as a living legend in the Yan Kingdom, his extraordinary talent the envy of all.

Cultivation was divided into four major realms: Dao Enlightening Stage, Dao Entering Stage, Dao Realizing Stage, and Divinity Stage.

But why on earth was I at Level Two of the Dao Entering Stage right after transmigrating? This is ridiculous! Wasn't I supposed to have some kind of golden touch, facing adversaries who foolishly challenge me despite knowing they can't win? And wasn't the protagonist supposed to rise through the ranks, fueled by rage and vengeance, collecting treasures along the way? Who ever heard of a protagonist starting off at the second level of the Big Stage without even completing the first? And what about those bizarre, overpowered techniques the protagonist is supposed to cultivate? All I've got are the basics!

Plus, my parents are alive! With a background like this, I hardly fit the tragic hero mold!

This script is all wrong!

Once Grandpa dies, I'll either become the next Sect Master of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect or a prince in the mortal realm. Heck, I might even slay the emperor and take the throne myself. The civil and military officials wouldn't dare utter a word against me; they'd probably be so touched they'd cry rivers.

If I'm not strong enough, I'll just end up as collateral damage in a war sparked by the protagonist's enmity! But if I am strong, I could spit from the sky while sword flying and accidentally kill the protagonist's parents, only to be slain by the protagonist in return! (This hyperbolic rhetoric indicates that Chen Ming might provoke the protagonist's wrath and be pursued in some bizarre way.)

Kill the protagonist while he's still weak? Don't be ridiculous. Ever heard of the Main Character Aura? Sure, I've got the Ancient Sword Body, the Kingly Sword Heart, and the Prince Su Sword, which all sound impressive, but going up against a protagonist with cheat-like powers is suicide. Do you think the protagonist's combat strength operates on logic? And even if the protagonist can't win, he can always run away. Who knows what kind of tricks he has up his sleeve that could blind me!

Based on Chen Ming's years of experience reading novels, there's only one way to survive in this world fraught with danger and the constant threat of being offed by the protagonist: cling to the protagonist's coattails for dear life.

But being the protagonist's sidekick is a bit stifling. And if this turns out to be a BL novel, with my looks, wouldn't I just be offering myself up on a silver platter?

"Ding! System activation confirmed. The host has an available disciple slot, hence the first mission: accept a disciple! Reward: 10 points of Teacher's Virtue."

Chen Ming wondered internally, "What's the use of Teacher's Virtue?"

"Ding! Teacher's Virtue can be used to gain sudden insight into cultivation techniques and magical abilities. Since the host is linked to the Eternal Master System, your body has transformed into the Infinite Dao Body, enabling you to practice all techniques in existence. Each time a disciple breaks through a major stage, you'll earn a chance to draw a lottery!"

Chen Ming mulled it over. The term 'sudden enlightenment' caught his attention—it meant that with enough Teacher's Virtue, he could instantly master any cultivation technique or magical ability!

Furthermore, it seems I can take on a few disciples akin to a protagonist. I must say, I'm quite impressed with my own cleverness!

Who could possibly hold a higher status than the mentor of a protagonist? Who indeed!

Deep within the mountains, shrouded in mist, lies a colossal stone platform, a thousand feet in length and width, perfectly square.

Upon this platform, thousands of eager youths gaze upward at an elevated stage where more than ten Immortal Masters are seated. These are the cultivators whom they aspire to apprentice under, to learn the grand Dao of immortality.

The youths' eyes sparkle with excitement, for being chosen by the Immortal Masters above would elevate them to divine beings, transcending the mortal coil.

This place is none other than the Ten Thousand Swords Sect, and Chen Ming is one of the Immortal Masters presiding over the gathering.

Having made his decision, Chen Ming's interest in the youths below is piqued. Lee Changgeng, noticing this, asks with curiosity, “Elder Chen, are you considering taking on disciples this time?”

Chen Ming, traditionally solely devoted to his own cultivation, had never before entertained the idea of disciples, as it would detract from his practice. Thus, his newfound interest comes as a surprise.

Chen Ming offers a sheepish smile and replies, “Well, I'm not getting any younger. It's about time I took on a disciple. Otherwise, it would be quite embarrassing to pass away without anyone to carry on my legacy. And should I find a truly exceptional talent, it would certainly make for a splendid tale.”

The venerable Lee Changgeng, his hair white as snow, looks at the youthful and striking Chen Ming, with his lush green hair and delicate skin. At the Dao Entering Stage, one's lifespan stretches to three hundred years. At twenty-three, you're practically a child by those standards. You refer to yourself as an elder, but what does that make me, a man of over two hundred years? Should I consider myself halfway to the grave?

Lee Changgeng chuckles at the thought and concedes, “Indeed, Elder Chen. As one of the four esteemed elders of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect, it's quite unusual for you to be without disciples. Let's see which of these young men are destined to study under you.”

Upon hearing of Chen Ming's intent to accept a disciple, the presiding elder's demeanor shifts. He amplifies his Dao-infused voice and proclaims, “Young men, fortune smiles upon you today! The most youthful of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect's Great Elders, the grandson of the Prince Regent of Yan Kingdom, Elder Chen, is now seeking an apprentice!”

Upon hearing that Chen Ming was seeking a disciple, the young men's faces beamed with excitement. They had been raised on tales of Chen Ming's exploits. To be chosen as his disciple would be like taking flight, skyrocketing to success!

Chen Ming observed the hopefuls below the grandstand with a detached air. After an entire day, he had finally completed his assessment of their talents, strengths, and family histories.

Lee Changgeng presented the roster to Chen Ming, saying, "Elder Chen, this is the list of young candidates eligible to train with our Ten Thousand Swords Sect. Since you've never taken on a disciple, I'll let you have the first pick."

Chen Ming accepted the list, noting that the top ten were either from prestigious families or possessed exceptional talent. The one at the very top was even blessed with a Firmament Sword Body.

Lee Changgeng had expected Chen Ming to choose from among these elite top ten. To his surprise, Chen Ming flipped straight to the last page, curious about the underdogs who had barely made the cut. He knew all too well that the protagonist of any story was hardly ever among the top ranks. The first place? Unlikely. If that were the case, where would the drama and challenges of the sect life come from? The individual with the Firmament Sword Body seemed more like the first minor boss the protagonist would have to overcome. No, the top ten were out. The true protagonist's spot was surely among those at the bottom of the list.

Chen Ming's gaze landed on the last page. Zhuo Qingyao, thirteen, at the Dao Enlightening Stage Level One, was noted for her subpar talent. Orphaned and impoverished, she had traversed a hundred thousand mountains to seek a teacher. Her determination and arduous journey earned her a place.

Chen Ming's interest was piqued. This child was extraordinary!

In the hundred thousand mountains, where demonic creatures were legion, this mere Dao Enlightening Stage Level One youngster had survived. Such a feat could only be attributed to some extraordinary advantage!

What's that? You think she just got lucky and didn't have any special edge? If she had traversed those perilous mountains and evaded hundreds of thousands of demons without perishing, then her luck alone was so outlandishly good that it would be ludicrous to deny her the role of the main character!

Zhuo Qingyao stood quietly behind the other disciples, her eyes fixed on Chen Ming as he perused the register. The top ten youths edged forward, eager to catch his eye, their cultivation on full display, each one hoping to be the one selected by Chen Ming.

Zhuo Qingyao had never imagined she would be the one chosen. Her aptitude for cultivation seemed too weak; although she could draw Qi into her body far better than most, very little remained to temper her meridians. She also had a younger brother, taken to serve as a slave in the City Lord’s Mansion. She was determined to master cultivation and save him.

She doubted any Immortal Master would ever notice her, yet she clung to the belief that if she could just practice the cultivation techniques, there was still hope.

Atop the grandstand, the venerable Chen Ming surveyed the young faces below. His piercing gaze swept over the crowd before he spoke in a measured tone, “Where is Zhuo Qingyao?”

The youths exchanged puzzled glances, each wondering who the fortunate Zhuo Qingyao could be. Zhuo Qingyao herself stared up at the distinguished and striking Chen Ming. Could it be that this living legend was calling for her?

With a gentle smile, Chen Ming repeated, “Where is Zhuo Qingyao?” His demeanor was as refined as a gentleman of jade.

A flicker of hope sparked in Zhuo Qingyao's chest as she stepped forward, bowing slightly to Chen Ming. “I am Zhuo Qingyao,” she announced.

Descending gracefully from the platform, Chen Ming approached Zhuo Qingyao, offering her a reassuring smile. His voice left no room for doubt as he proclaimed, “From this day forward, you are my foremost disciple.”