Chapter 4: Apprenticeship and Bestowing of Names

Two little girls timidly walked in hand in hand, their heads lowered, afraid to look up, fearing they might see something terrifying

The larger girl also knelt down and said: "Greetings, Master!"

Qing Xue's expression changed, and she hurriedly admonished, "Er Ni, do not shout randomly, this is a temple"

Li Ping'an first showed a look of joy, as there were rewards for accepting disciples, but then his expression darkened again, blaming me ~ Haven't I been waiting for your task all along? After completing the guidance task, you disappeared without a trace, I thought you had perished!

I got up and walked to the kitchen in the backyard, rinsed the rice, set up the steamer, chopped the meat, and stir-fried the vegetables. In no time, steaming hot dishes were ready.

The larger girl raised her head and said awkwardly, "I... we did not have a master apprenticeship ceremony, nor did my parents."

Qing Yu looked forward with anticipation at Li Ping'an, who nodded in response

The two little girls exclaimed happily, "Thank you, Master!"

Li Ping'an stood in front of the two girls on their left, and looking at them, he said: "The Daoist sect is the supreme great teaching, which saves countless beings with a heart of compassion. It contains four major precepts, so you all listen carefully.

Li Ping'an pondered for a moment, then suddenly said while sizing them up: "Are you willing to take me as your master?"

One can only learn from what is shown on television, improvising on one's own, as there are no rules in this world and no one to point out the mistakes

The two little girls suddenly raised their heads, their shiny little mouths slightly open, looking bewildered with wide eyes

Abstain from lust and evil; one may have affection, but must not indulge in promiscuity or chaos

Mm-hmm ~ '' Qing Yu also nodded repeatedly

The larger girl raised her head and said, "My name is Danni!"

Qing Xue疑惑地说道: "After the young men in our village become apprentices, their masters provide them with weapons, but they all have to exchange something for them"

Qing Yu slightly opened her mouth in surprise and exclaimed, "Wow! Master is so impressive"

The four prohibitions against harming fellow disciples and being disobedient to teachers and elders

Qing Yu bit her lower lip, her eyes dimmed, and she looked at Li Ping'an with some unease, wondering if the master would be angry if we didn't make a purchase

The closer they got to the Sanqing Hall, the slower the two little girls walked, their smiles fading and their faces turning pale, as the terrifying impression the temple left in their hearts surged once again.

Li Ping'an coughed and said: "Since you have entered my sect, you shall have a title. I bestow upon you the titles of Qingxue and Qingyu. The elder sister shall be Qingxue, and the younger sister shall be Qingyu"

Li Ping'an spoke, "This is the robe and the sword bestowed upon you by the master, take them!" He slightly bent down to place the tray in front of them

The little girl honestly said, "My name is Erni."

The first rule is to refrain from indiscriminate killing, to avoid oppressing the weak with the strong, and to not kill the innocent

Li Ping'an stood up with a hearty laugh and said, "You all rise and follow me"

Two little girls stood up and curiously followed Li Ping'an as they walked outside

However, this is truly too difficult for Li Ping'an, he really cannot do it!

Abstain from indulgence and laziness, avoid greed and insatiability, and refrain from luxurious enjoyment

Truly, it is the Taoist system; the Taoist school advocates non-action. Your system also embodies non-action, as it has even ceased to issue tasks. Are you unaware of your own identity?

The two little girls nodded repeatedly, their eyes filled with confusion, wondering what is lewd, what is evil, and what is the disdain for hard work? They do not understand!

Li Ping'an nodded with a smile

Two little girls walked up to the mat, knelt down with a thud, and did not dare to raise their heads

Li Ping'an gently rubbed their heads and said with a smile: "We are from the Daoist sect, where the relationship between master and disciple is akin to that of father and son, incomparable to the apprenticeship in your village. A gift from the elder is not to be declined, take it!"

The little girl excitedly jumped down from the chair, knelt on the ground, and repeatedly knocked her head, saying: "Greetings, Master, greetings, Master"

Qing Xue looked at the clean Daoist robe and the patterned magic sword, a glimmer of joy flashing in her eyes, but then the joy faded as she shook her head and said: "Thank you, Master, but we, we cannot afford it"

Li Ping'an pondered for a long time, until the sun was high in the sky, and only then did he come to his senses. He scratched his head and muttered, "Forget it, those matters are just too complicated; I can't make sense of them with my little brain! For now, I should prepare lunch!"

Qing Yu excitedly reached out to grab the robe in front of her, hugging it tightly and exclaiming: "Sister, new clothes, new clothes! It feels so good to touch."

Li Ping'an smiled and shook his head, saying: "There is no need for a formal apprenticeship; what I value in selecting disciples is fate, and you all have a connection with me."

Li Ping'an extended his hand, silently reciting the incantation to receive the reward. He extracted the Daoist robe and the magical sword, and a tray appeared in a flash of light in his hand. On the tray were neatly arranged two sets of Daoist robes and two slender long swords in their scabbards.

These were all taught by my history teacher during school, and it is likely that the world is somewhat similar.

The little girl excitedly asked, "Can I learn to fly too? Just like Uncle does"

The initiation of disciples in the Daoist tradition is indeed a significant matter, requiring the presence of fellow practitioners to witness the ceremony. It is also necessary to burn incense and present a formal declaration, recite scriptures, and perform acts of repentance. The disciple must read the apprenticeship notice before the ancestral altar, and once the oath is made, heaven and earth shall be aware, and all spirits shall hear it. Should there be any deviation from this path, one will face retribution. The master is also required to present a declaration and inscribe a talisman, which is to be submitted to the Three Officials.

Li Ping'an was taken aback for a moment, then smiled gently and said, "You don't need to buy it; it is given to you by your teacher."

Li Ping'an turned to the Three Pure Ones statue, bowed respectfully, and said: "Three Pure Ones, I, your disciple Li Ping'an, have been commanded by the Dao Ancestor to step into the mortal world, establish the Dao sect, and promote the righteous teachings. Today, seeing these two women have a connection with my Dao sect, I specially accept them as disciples of the Dao sect. I ask the Dao Ancestor for your clear judgment"

In a hall in the backyard, Li Ping'an and two little girls sat at the table eating. Although the wild boar meat, prepared with Li Ping'an's clumsy cooking skills, was not particularly tasty and had a gamey flavor, it was evident that the two little girls were enjoying their meal.

Can you all understand these four prohibitions

Li Ping'an pointed to the two cushions in front of the statue and said: "Go kneel down!"

Li Ping'an secretly complained for a moment, then straightened up to look at the two little girls. "These are my first disciples," he said with a grin, "What are your names?"

Li Ping'an watched them eat heartily, secretly contemplating his arrangements for them. Sending them back would surely lead to their demise, and sending them to the academy would only make them servants. They were just two young girls, and if they grew up to be somewhat beautiful, their fate would likely not be favorable. It was common for noble families to exchange daughters for concubines, especially among scholars who prided themselves on their romantic exploits.

The smaller girl had excitement in her eyes, while the older girl also had joy in hers. I have a master now, just like Da Shi and Tie Zhu. I have a master now, and no one will look down on us anymore

The two little girls also lowered their heads, feeling anxious and fearful. Is a deity about to appear?

Li Ping'an said gently: "Get up!"

Li Ping'an entered the grand hall, turned his head, waved his hand, and said with a smile: "Come in to pay respects to the ancestral master"

Evaluation: Level D, it took three months to receive a disciple, are you a pig

Qing Xue and Qing Yu stood up, looking at Li Ping An

A voice echoed in Li Ping'an's mind: "Ding! The host has received an excellent disciple, inheriting the teachings of the Dao. Rewards include two sets of the Robe of Good Fortune, two magic swords, and the ability to summon and command spirits with Daoist techniques.