Chapter 2: Becoming a Disciple and Ascending to the Celestial Heights

The Master Mingxin laughed heartily and said: "Of course it is a good thing. Our Lingxiao Sect is renowned in the cultivation world for sword cultivation, so flying swords are particularly important to us. Stardust is formed from the celestial gold that absorbs the power of the universe's stars; it not only has high hardness and strong toughness, but more importantly, it has excellent conductivity for sword essence. By adding just a little to a flying sword, its quality can be raised by at least one grade. I came out this time specifically to search for sword refining materials, and among all the materials, only this stardust remains. Although it is possible to proceed without it, the quality of the flying sword will undoubtedly be affected."

Goodness, a whole bucket of clear water was turned into black water by him. If it weren't for the reward, the fellow would have probably lost his temper. After changing the water, Lin Xiao washed up again and then happily put on the prepared clothes. The feeling of being clean and refreshed is simply wonderful. After eating something, Lin Xiao was called to the room by Master Mingxin in the evening

Master Mingxin waited until Lin Xiaole was almost done before asking: "Lin Xia, where did you obtain this stardust?"

He was kowtowing to pay his respects to his master, while on the other side, the Real Man Mingxin nearly fell over. Looking at Lin Xiao, he was at a loss for words. He had originally been searching for materials to forge a sword; most of the materials were gathered, but he was still short of some stardust. Stardust is formed from the celestial gold that absorbs the power of the stars, making it extremely rare and precious

Lin Xiao is a well-behaved child, nodding repeatedly: "Thank you, Master, for your teachings. I will certainly not disappoint your expectations." Master Mingxin smiled with satisfaction.

It is not surprising that Lin Xiao would react this way; anyone who sees someone floating in the air, dressed in a Daoist robe and exuding an ethereal aura, would have similar thoughts. This is a middle-aged Daoist priest, with a face as pale as jade, three strands of beard cascading down his chest, one hand resting behind his back and the other hanging down, appearing as if an immortal has descended to the mortal realm

However, he did not expect to see it here, and moreover, to be obtained by a beggar. Originally, he intended to trade some worldly gold and silver with this little beggar, but unexpectedly, the little beggar actually bowed and sought to become his disciple. He was about to refuse, but Lin Xiao, observing the situation, saw that it was not good and immediately rushed forward, hugging the legs of Master Mingxin, crying with snot and tears, utterly heartbroken. This made Master Mingxin feel that if he did not agree, it would be an enormous sin.

The novels he had read before were not in vain; Lin Xiao knew that this was definitely a cultivator. A thought flashed through his mind, and he immediately knelt down, repeatedly bowing to the *book*: "I have seen the immortal, esteemed immortal, please take me as your disciple. I have seen my master!" Whether it was forceful or shameless, Lin Xiao was willing to go all out for the sake of cultivation. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him; if he seized it, becoming stronger would not be a problem. However, if he failed to grasp it, he would surely regret it for the rest of his life.

In Lin Xiao's ears, this was the most wonderful sound. His joyful heart felt as if it were about to burst, and he repeatedly bowed, saying: "Disciple Lin Xiao, pays respects to the Master"

The Master Mingxin nodded in satisfaction and smiled, saying: "It is good that you have this intention, and I am very pleased. However, I do not need so much; just a little is enough. The rest you should keep for your own future use." After saying this, he picked up three smaller pieces of stardust and put them away. At the same time, he took out a bracelet and said: "Having accepted your apprenticeship gift, I naturally cannot neglect to give you a welcoming gift. This is a storage bracelet. Although its capacity is not as large as the storage ring I use, it is still a high-quality item among similar products, sufficient for your needs."

Lin Xiao recounted the matter and finally asked, "Master, is this stardust a good thing? What is its use?"

The face of Master Mingxin revealed a smile; this little beggar's aptitude was surprisingly good, not at all inferior to the five disciples he had previously accepted. He nodded and said with a smile: "Very well, seeing that you have the heart to pursue the Dao and that we share a teacher-student bond, I shall take you as my disciple."

Lin Xiao immediately presented the stardust before Master Mingxin, saying: "Since it is of great use to the Master, please accept it as my apprentice's tribute to you."

However, before practicing the "Sword Qi Ascending Technique," you must first cultivate the foundational mental methods "Calm Heart Technique" and "Body Refinement Technique." As a sword cultivator of the Lingxiao Sect, my primary means of attack is through sword control, which necessitates a powerful divine consciousness to wield the flying sword. The "Calm Heart Technique" is the method for cultivating this divine consciousness. Furthermore, after practicing the "Sword Qi Ascending Technique," what forms within the body is not true essence power, but rather a more domineering sword essence power. Therefore, it is essential to possess meridians and a body capable of withstanding the operation of sword essence power before undertaking this practice, which requires you to diligently cultivate the "Body Refinement Technique."

The Real Person Mingxin is indeed a kind individual, his expression revealing a sense of compassion. In that case, let us see if there is a master-disciple bond with this little beggar. He reached out, touching and pinching Lin Xiao's body. Lin Xiao immediately felt a chill run through him; could it be that he had encountered an old glass in the realm of cultivation

Lin Xiao looked at his tattered clothes, with a thick layer of dirt on his skin, emanating an unpleasant odor, and couldn't help but blush. Accompanied by Master Mingxin, he entered the town and found an inn to stay at. Master Mingxin requested a large bath tub, had the attendant fill it with warm water, brought fragrant bathing herbs, and purchased several sets of suitable clothing for him

The Master Mingxin found his disciple to be quite amusing; today he laughed more times than he had in the entire previous year. He said to Lin Xiao: "I will teach you a technique that allows you to conceal your storage bracelet beneath your skin, so it won't fall off and will also prevent other cultivators from coveting it. However, since you currently lack sword essence, I will assist you." After saying this, he stored the remaining stardust into the storage bracelet and had Lin Xiao wear it. After a few incantations, the storage bracelet magically disappeared into Lin Xiao's wrist.

Lin Xiaohua drooled as he took the storage bracelet, internally screaming, "Finally, I have the legendary item!" However, when he put it on his wrist, he was dumbfounded. His wrist was too thin; as soon as he let his hand drop, the bracelet fell off. He immediately looked at Master Mingxin with a pitiful expression.

One must not be overly ambitious in their cultivation; instead, one should progress steadily and solidly, step by step, especially when it comes to studying. Otherwise, the one who ultimately suffers will surely be yourself, do you understand

Having acquired her own storage artifact, Lin Xiao found herself unable to use it. Feeling a bit frustrated, she caught the attention of Master Mingxin, who smiled and said, "Alright, let me first take you to a place to freshen up and change your clothes, and then I will teach you the methods of cultivation."

The Master Mingxin smiled as he accepted his grand gift, then helped him up and said, "I am Master Mingxin, a disciple of the Lingxiao Sect, one of the five major sects in the realm of cultivation, and a junior brother to the current sect leader. From now on, you will be a disciple of the Lingxiao Sect." Lin Xiao, disregarding the injury on his forehead, simply smiled foolishly with joy at having achieved his goal, which made Master Mingxin chuckle in amusement.

After setting up a soundproof formation, Master Mingxin said: "We will depart for the Lingxiao Sect tomorrow. I see your eagerness to seek the Dao, so I will impart to you the methods of cultivation now." Lin Xiao quickly calmed his excited heart and began to listen attentively. Master Mingxin nodded in satisfaction and continued: "Our Lingxiao Sect is renowned for sword cultivation, and the method we practice is the 'Sword Qi of Lingxiao' passed down from our founding ancestor, Master Lingxiao. This includes not only the cultivation techniques but also the methods for forging flying swords, formations, sword techniques, and introductions to various heavenly materials and earthly treasures, particularly focusing on materials for sword forging." Master Mingxin nodded in satisfaction and continued: "Our Lingxiao Sect is renowned for sword cultivation, and the method we practice is the 'Sword Qi of Lingxiao' passed down from our founding ancestor, Master Lingxiao. This includes not only the cultivation techniques but also the methods for forging flying swords, formations, sword techniques, and introductions to various heavenly materials and earthly treasures, particularly focusing on materials for sword forging."