C10 The Road of Cultivation

Ye Xiao was certainly puzzled. He was aware that beyond King Yuan was the Yuan Sect's elite, but the rank of Yuan Emperor was beyond his knowledge.

Wu Kun cleared his throat, concealing any hint of embarrassment, and proceeded to elucidate the hierarchy of cultivation levels for Ye Xiao.

In Ye Xiao's memory, the ranks progressed from the Primitive to King Yuan, and up to the Yuan Sect. It was only through Wu Kun's explanation that he learned above the Yuan Sect stood the Yuan Huang, followed by the Yuan Emperor. And towering above the Yuan Emperor were three even more exalted realms: Elemental Saint, Yuan Shen, and Elementary.

The Elemental Saint was the pinnacle of combat power still present on the continent. Yet, the Great Experts of the Elemental Saint Realm were exceedingly rare in Zhongyuan State, serving as formidable deterrents. They devoted themselves to relentless cultivation, intervening only when their own faction faced existential threats.

Beneath this echelon was the realm of the Yuan Emperor. This level represented the apex of power within any faction, with each Yuan Emperor being a force capable of deterring adversaries across a region.

Ye Xiao was astounded by Wu Kun's briefing. A high-level Yuan Emperor was tantamount to the sixth level of the Heaven's Path Divine Art. Despite guidance from the Qian Yuan Sword, Ye Chen harbored no illusions about his ability to ascend to the Yuan Emperor rank.

"Stop dawdling and take me as your master already, you fool! What's there to hesitate about?" the Qian Yuan Sword prodded. To miss out on a Yuan Emperor-level master was a regret one would carry for a lifetime.

Prompted by the Qian Yuan Sword, Ye Xiao steadied his resolve, no longer wavering. He knelt and declared, "Disciple Ye Xiao pays homage to Master."

Witnessing Ye Xiao's respectful gesture, Wu Kun burst into hearty laughter, with a flick of his sleeve, he lifted Ye Xiao to his feet. It wasn't just Ye Xiao's fortune that impressed him; it was his unwavering will. Over centuries, he had encountered numerous prodigies, yet few possessed such resolute determination. With a steadfast will and destiny on his side, his disciple's potential was boundless.

"Though you've taken me as your master, let me be clear," Wu Kun stated, "Currently, you are merely a nominal disciple. Only once your cultivation surpasses King Yuan will you be considered a true disciple of mine."

"Furthermore, unless you encounter an insurmountable foe, I won't intervene. Remember, the journey of the mighty is never smooth sailing; only by forging through a sea of bloodshed can one carve out a legendary tale! When I observed your recent breakthrough attempt, I saw that both your cultivation technique and willpower were exceptional. Yet, you didn't succeed. Do you know why?"

"Why?" Ye Xiao was puzzled. He had assumed his cultivation level was simply insufficient. Could there be another reason?

Wu Kun, seeing Ye Xiao's befuddled expression, clarified, "A breakthrough isn't just about advancing in cultivation; it's equally about a breakthrough in mindset and the refinement of your abilities. True refinement comes through combat, even life-and-death struggles. If I'm not mistaken, you've yet to engage in such battles."

Wu Kun's profound advice struck a chord with Ye Xiao, sparking a realization. In his past life, hadn't his ascent to the pinnacle of assassins been due to the very same reason?

"Thank you for your wisdom, Master," Ye Xiao said, bowing deeply in gratitude.

Wu Kun chuckled, "As your master, I cannot overlook the traditional formalities of our bond." He paused thoughtfully, then stretched out his hand, revealing a silver-white ring.

"This is the spatial ring, capable of storing various items. Envelop it with your Essence to imprint it as your own, and it will be ready for use. But heed this warning: do not flaunt this treasure. Even the mightiest, from King Yuan to Yuan Sect experts, would go to great lengths to seize it." With that, he handed the ring to Ye Chen.

Ye Xiao accepted the silver-white ring, his hands trembling slightly. He had read about such storage rings in tales of fantasy and never imagined they were real. Holding the spatial ring, a surge of excitement washed over him.

"My disciple, there's one more crucial matter you must commit to memory," Wu Kun said, his tone taking on a grave seriousness.

Ye Xiao listened with rapt attention.

"The cultivation technique you practice is unknown to me, but its uniqueness is undeniable and must remain a secret. The likelihood of others discerning its level is slim, but should its extraordinary nature be revealed, I fear that even the Yuan Emperor or those in the Elemental Saint Realm would not hesitate to claim it for themselves."

Ye Xiao was aware that the Qian Yuan Arts were extraordinary, but he hadn't realized just how invaluable they were. He firmly committed his master's advice to memory, feeling incredibly fortunate. It was a stroke of luck that he had encountered his master today, who not only refrained from seizing his cultivation technique but also accepted him as a disciple. Had it been anyone else, the outcome would have been beyond Ye Xiao's worst nightmares.

Wu Kun produced a purple jade token and handed it to Ye Xiao. "This is a Sound Transmission Jade, imprinted with your master's consciousness. However, you're not yet able to use it. Only once you've attained the rank of Essence Master and can harness a portion of your consciousness's power will it become accessible to you."

"What plans do you have going forward, my disciple?" inquired Wu Kun.

"I intend to devote the next two months to cultivation before making my way to the Tian Ji Sect," Ye Xiao replied, opting for transparency.

"Tian Ji Sect?" Wu Kun's face took on a peculiar look. "You wish to join their ranks as a disciple?"

Ye Xiao shook his head. "I seek their aid in procuring medicine." He then detailed the plight of the Ye Family and his father's injuries. "However, I've heard that only those with extraordinary talent can secure their Pills, and I'm not sure I measure up. Master, might you know any Apothecaries of the sixth grade or higher?"

The corners of Wu Kun's mouth twitched involuntarily, his expression growing odd. His disciple's lack of confidence aside, Ye Xiao's talent was undeniable, and his willpower and character were exceedingly rare.

Learning more about the Ye Family's circumstances only increased Wu Kun's satisfaction with his disciple. Perhaps it was the family's trials that had shaped Ye Xiao's exceptional character. After all, the royal and noble disciples, with their vastly superior cultivation resources, still fell short of Ye Xiao's determination and integrity. And the young man's quest to obtain medicine for his father spoke volumes of his loyalty and filial devotion.

Upon hearing Ye Xiao's query, Wu Kun pondered for a moment. Despite the hopeful look in his disciple's eyes, he shook his head. "I spend my days immersed in cultivation and haven't become acquainted with any Apothecaries. But go ahead with your quest for medicine. If you encounter any difficulties, invoke my name; they should afford me some courtesy. Should I find myself free, I will personally assist you."

Ye Xiao's spirits soared at his master's words. Though he harbored doubts about his own prospects, with his master being a high-ranking Yuan Emperor, obtaining a Yuan Dan should be well within reach.

"Thank you, Master." The worry that had lingered for so long finally gave way to hope.

"Hehe, but you must still dedicate yourself to your cultivation. Should you advance to Yuan Master, the Tian Ji Sect might just recognize your natural talent. On your own merits, you may even secure a pill." Wu Kun was well aware that ascending from the sixth level of Provener to Yuan Master in just two months wasn't just difficult—it was virtually impossible. Yet, this challenge would surely spur Ye Xiao to train relentlessly in the coming weeks.

Ye Xiao, however, didn't dismiss his master's words as mere jest. A Yuan Master? "Disciple will not disappoint your teachings, Master," he said, his gaze filled with unwavering determination.

"Very well, I have urgent matters to attend to. If all goes smoothly, we shall reconvene at the Tian Ji Sect!" Wu Kun felt no need to dawdle with his newly inducted disciple. In an instant, he vanished, leaving Ye Xiao's field of vision.