Chapter 3: Reluctantly Taking on a Master

His skin on the hands is also free of wrinkles, exceptionally dark and smooth, with well-developed and strong muscles. His body appears to be in the prime of life, certainly not the condition one would expect of a man in his fifties

Ding Hao is willing to take his senior as his teacher, vowing to remain loyal for life. Should he break this oath, may heaven and earth punish him! Although Ding Hao grew up in the mountains, he attended a private school in the village for a few days and learned to read. He spoke these words quite fluently, but whether he is sincere is known only to him.

In the dead of night, amidst desolate mountains and wilderness, Your Excellency appears here, moving with an air of mystery, shrouded in black mist. Who can tell whether you are human or ghost? If you are indeed a specter, how could I allow myself to fall into your clutches? Naturally, I must strike first!" Ding Hao said calmly, yet his eyes remained fixed on the old man, wary of any further actions from him.

The atmosphere was unusually solemn. As he approached, an immense pressure surged forth, causing Ding Hao to feel as if the surrounding space had suddenly solidified, rendering the flow of air almost imperceptible. It was the breath of death. At that moment, Ding Hao felt like a lamb awaiting slaughter, with no chance of resistance.

Master, what exactly brings you here? Surely it is not merely out of boredom to gather the spiritual energy of heaven and earth in this serpent cave

Effortlessly placing chunks of the eight-winged purple python meat into the storage bag, I then realized that this small storage bag was actually three to four times larger than the space of this cave. I couldn't help but marvel at the wonders of cultivators, which further strengthened my resolve to pursue my path of cultivation

After a moment, the old man seemed to have made a decision after some contemplation. He stood up from his cross-legged position, and his stature was remarkably tall; he was only slightly shorter than Ding Hao. As he walked, he exuded an imposing presence, completely devoid of the typical unsteadiness expected at his age.

When he reached five feet in front of Ding Hao, this person fixed his gaze on Ding Hao and asked, "Are you willing to take me as your master?"

"Young man, we are strangers to each other, with no grievances or enmities. Why do you take such ruthless action against me? At such a young age, how can you be so cruel!" The old man stared at Ding Hao with a gloomy expression, and beneath the soft glow of the pearls, his pair of emerald green eyes appeared inexplicably eerie.

The storage bag is the most fundamental item for a practitioner. The method of use has just been explained by Chen Ling; as long as one picks up the item and concentrates on imagining it, one can place the item inside.

What a cunning little fellow, but what can you do if I let you go? It is rather laughable that a mere mortal like you could harm me!" As he spoke, he released his grip, his green eyes fixated on Ding Hao, darting around as if pondering something.

I am a hunter from the vicinity, having lost my way while pursuing my prey. I merely came to see what the noise in the cave was about. What brings you here, my lord? Might you release your hands? Since I know you are human and not a ghost, I will naturally not harm you again

After nearly half an hour, Ding Hao finally removed the items instructed by Chen Ling from the body of the Eight-Winged Purple Python. At that moment, he realized that Chen Ling's words were not false; this flying sword was undoubtedly the best weapon he had ever used!

As he has begun to become familiar with him, and knowing that he will be spending every day with him in the future, Ding Hao's tone is no longer as indifferent and cold as it was at the beginning. Ding Hao has always hunted in the forest for a living, which has left him with blood on his hands, but he has only hunted animals. Although Ding Hao is usually aloof and rarely engages in idle chatter, appearing more mature than his peers, he is still just an eighteen-year-old boy, unable to change certain youthful traits.

Before long, Chen Ling had tidied up the spoils of war. At this point, Ding Gao was already aware that cultivators had so-called storage bags and storage rings for keeping items. The storage bag used by Chen Ling was relatively common in the cultivation world, while storage rings were quite rare. Generally, those who wore storage rings either had a high level of cultivation or strong backing; not every cultivator had the opportunity to obtain one

The old man did not get angry but instead smiled, and the strength in his hands increased significantly. Ding Hao felt as if his wrists were caught by two iron hooks, as if the circulation of blood had been completely cut off.

Ding Hao laughed heartily without a trace of embarrassment

"Farting, who has the time to gather the spiritual energy of heaven and earth here? I discovered the Eight-Winged Purple Python here more than a year ago. Although this Eight-Winged Purple Python only has two wings, it is not something I can handle. However, at that time, the Eight-Winged Purple Python was about to give birth, and its abilities would be greatly weakened after giving birth. I could seize the opportunity to take the young Eight-Winged Purple Python. For more than a year, I have been waiting for the right moment. I found that this Eight-Winged Purple Python often fought with a giant statue, which is also a different species but seems to be domesticated by someone. Although the Eight-Winged Purple Python has only evolved to two wings, it was not at a disadvantage in the fight against this giant statue. However, some time ago, the Eight-Winged Purple Python stopped fighting with the giant statue because it was about to give birth. Seven days ago, I discovered that the Eight-Winged Purple Python went into a cave and did not come out to hunt for food, confirming that it was hiding inside to give birth. When it comes out to hunt for food again after giving birth, its body will be weak and it will definitely not be a match for the giant statue. I could take the opportunity to seize the young Eight-Winged Purple Python. Little did I know that when I was about to leave, the young Eight-Winged Purple Python let out a sharp scream, drawing the Eight-Winged Purple Python into the cave. Fortunately, it was already severely injured at that time, allowing me to kill it. However, I was also poisoned by its venom. Luckily, I was prepared and, relying on the detoxification pill, it took me an hour to expel the poison. I never expected that after a year of hard work, it would benefit you, kid, allowing you to eat the inner core of the Eight-Winged Purple Python. Just after expelling the poison, I found that you, kid, had the audacity to try to take my life. This is truly outrageous!" Chen Ling scolded.

The pressure on him suddenly vanished, as if everything that had just occurred was merely a figment of Ding Hao's imagination. However, Ding Hao was certain that it was definitely not an illusion; at this moment, his heartbeat had not yet fully returned to normal.

At this moment, Ding Hao noticed that the old man's eyes had returned to their normal dark brown color, and he suddenly felt that the dangerous aura surrounding the old man had weakened significantly

As soon as the decision was made in their hearts, they immediately took action, thud! Ding Hao and the book knelt before the old man, bang! bang! bang! They bowed three times with great reverence.

What can you teach me? What do I need to do?" Ding Hao's response was relatively calm.

This is a fear that comes from the soul, the heartbeat has quickened significantly, the sound of it is distinctly audible

What kind of power is this, completely beyond Ding Hao's imagination

Holding the flying sword in his hand, Ding Hao could not help but play with it affectionately. The flying sword was nearly twice as heavy as a hunting knife, emanating a faint platinum glow throughout. The sword handle was made of an unknown type of wood, a deep black material that released a subtle scent of sandalwood, suggesting it was also quite valuable. It seems that cultivators are indeed well-off; the cost of just this flying sword must be no less than a thousand gold coins, Ding Hao couldn't help but exclaim.

Chen Ling handed a smaller storage bag to Ding Hao and instructed, "I have just explained the usage of the storage bag. I have also applied a mystical ice talisman to the Eight-Winged Purple Python meat, ensuring it will not rot. You will need to place the Eight-Winged Purple Python meat into the storage bag and feed the young Eight-Winged Purple Python daily. Since the inner core of the Eight-Winged Purple Python has been consumed by you, the young python will instinctively regard you as its kin. It is best for you to take care of it. Remember, never let the young Eight-Winged Purple Python be seen by cultivators. Human nature is greedy, and if this extraordinary creature is discovered by cultivators, they will surely attempt to seize it. You might not even know how you met your end!"

"A joke! According to your words, why are you wandering here in the dead of night? Is my movement so mysterious? Aren't you the same, shrouded in black mist, categorizing me as a ghost? That seems rather arbitrary."

At first, the old man's words stirred up a surge of emotions in Ding Hao, but as the conversation progressed, he felt increasingly cold. Although he could not discern the truth of the old man's claims, the old man's expression and the fluency of his narration made Ding Hao wary of risking his own life.

Although Ding Hao's hands were captured and he was in excruciating pain, his expression remained completely composed, and his gaze was exceptionally cold.

Ding Hao moved a short distance away from the old man, slowly massaging his wrist to stimulate blood flow, his eyes fixed on the exit, yet his attention remained focused on the old man, prepared for any unforeseen circumstances

I can make you soar through the skies and traverse the earth. Although I cannot guarantee you eternal life, I can extend your lifespan to more than ten times what it is now, granting you unimaginable power! This world holds many things beyond your imagination. It is a pity that you, despite your youth, are so cold and ruthless, with a heart of stone. You truly do not belong to our demonic path. You are inherently strong, with a robust physique and superior bones. Moreover, what you just consumed was the two-thousand-year inner elixir of the Eight-Winged Purple Python. The Eight-Winged Purple Python is a top-tier spiritual creature in this world, an ancient and extraordinary species from primordial times. Even we cultivators find it difficult to encounter one. This creature is known for its violent nature, extreme bloodlust, and is entirely toxic. Even we cultivators would retreat if we were not top-tier experts. The abilities of a mature Eight-Winged Purple Python are terrifying; it can soar through the skies and delve into the depths of the underworld with ease. Although this Eight-Winged Purple Python has only two thousand years of cultivation, its inner elixir is not something an ordinary person can withstand. The Eight-Winged Purple Python is extremely toxic and hot, but its inner elixir is merely extremely hot and non-toxic. It has already manifested once; you have tasted its effects yourself. A normal person would have long since perished from blood depletion, yet you have managed to endure, which is truly extraordinary. However, do not think this is the end. It will manifest every three days, each time more intense than the last, until the eighty-first occurrence, at which point it will cease. With each endurance, your body will gain slight benefits. If you can withstand up to the eighty-first time, the benefits you will receive will be immeasurable. Without my assistance, the next manifestation will be your demise. Having said all this, whether you choose to become my disciple is up to you.

Alright, you may rise. Since you have taken me as your master, there are certain matters you must be made aware of. Our sect is called the Wuji Demon Sect, specializing in the cultivation of demonic arts. There are four generations of disciples in our sect, with the sect leader Li Nantian and the four elders being the first generation. The four elders are Zhang Heng, Li Zhengfei, Wang Quande, and Ma Feng. I am a disciple of Ma Feng, my surname is Chen and my given name is Ling, making me a second-generation disciple. I will not elaborate on the third and fourth generations for now; we will discuss them in detail once we reach the mountain gate. In the world, cultivators are divided into righteous and demonic paths, both aiming for ascension. Righteous cultivators enter the celestial realm, while demonic cultivators enter the demonic realm. Regardless of whether one cultivates the righteous or demonic path, it is an act against the heavens. Ultimately, one must ascend after reaching the pinnacle of cultivation, and before ascension, there is always a tribulation. Surviving this tribulation allows one to ascend to the celestial or demonic realms; failing it results in the scattering of the soul! The essence of cultivating the righteous or demonic path is fundamentally the same; only the methods differ. Both paths are divided into thirteen stages: Qi Refinement Stage, Fetal Breath Stage, Rotating Illumination Stage, Valley Breaking Stage, Light Opening Stage, Fusion Stage, Heart Movement Stage, Nascent Soul Stage, Out-of-Body Stage, Spirit Division Stage, Body Integration Stage, Tribulation Crossing Stage, and Great Ascension Stage. The Qi Refinement Stage, Fetal Breath Stage, and Rotating Illumination Stage are considered the first stage in the cultivation world, serving as the foundation for truly advancing into the realm of cultivation. After the Valley Breaking Stage, each stage can be further divided into early, middle, and late phases. Upon hearing this, you should understand the lengthy process of cultivation. Do not think that cultivators only face the danger of heavenly tribulations; each stage is fraught with peril. A single misstep can lead to light consequences, such as falling into demonic deviation and failing in one's efforts, or severe consequences, including immediate death or even the scattering of the soul.

Alright, the matter here is settled. Let's tidy up and prepare to return to the mountain. This flying sword is for you, and you can keep that hunting knife. Although this flying sword is of inferior quality, it is still made from a mixture of gold essence refined from gold and crafted from black iron, far sharper than your broken knife. Use it to strip the two horns, the two eyes, the teeth, and the scales from the head of the eight-winged purple python for me

It was only after the sky outside had begun to brighten slightly that Chen Ling realized he had been speaking for three or four hours. Cultivators possess nearly infinite lifespans, leading to a relatively vague concept of time. Ding Hao, however, was just an ordinary person. Yet, Chen Ling noticed that Ding Hao listened attentively for a long time without showing any signs of impatience; on the contrary, he frequently asked questions with great interest. Chen Ling silently nodded in approval, quite satisfied with Ding Hao's performance