Chapter 1: Apprenticeship in the Azure Clouds

The young man was very polite and respectfully addressed the plump Daoist.

Such a little beggar, and there is a barbarian serving as a maid

The plump man clicked his tongue in wonder, gazing at the charming appearance of the barbarian maid, seemingly drooling with desire

Such a bloodline is a rare lineage that various sects in the world vie for.

Is there a rare constitution?

In the Nandan Prefecture, under the Taihang Mountain Range, one of the nine great spiritual veins of the Chufeng Dynasty, hundreds of young people were lined up in front of the gate of the Qingyun Daoist sect, waiting to inquire with a plump Daoist priest. At the front of the line, a boy of about ten years old was crying with tear-streaked cheeks, his face dirty but his eyes remarkably bright, his lamentations filled with sorrow, evoking sympathy.

However, upon hearing this, many people waiting to register rushed forward to apprehend him. These individuals were all waiting to sign up, but unfortunately, a narrow mountain path was crowded with no fewer than several thousand people wanting to register. After standing in line for most of the day, the queue showed no signs of moving forward. Hearing the words of the plump Taoist, they naturally could not resist the temptation and, without hesitation, decided to help capture this little trickster, thus sparing themselves the hardship of waiting in line.

In this life, I despise the demonic and the barbaric the most, which must surely be a source of amusement for my senior brother

The barbarian maid was kicked by the young man with the surname Hou and flew over ten zhang, crashing into a tree. Although the young man did not kick with lethal intent, she still fell with blood streaming from her head, lying motionless on the ground. The onlookers were astonished into silence, yet no one stepped forward to voice any criticism. After all, she was merely a lowly demon, and even in the secular world, her life was as insignificant as that of an ant, with no one caring whether she lived or died

It is precisely because of this matter that the Qingyun Sect has gained increasing influence and reputation among the common people in the Chu region during this period. Now, coinciding with the sect's once-in-a-decade disciple recruitment ceremony, countless dignitaries and nobles spare no expense to send their children into the sect for cultivation. For this purpose, some seek connections, while others offer treasures, exhausting all their efforts yet still unable to gain entry.

The person who was originally secretly blaming the little boy for being ungrateful suddenly realized, thinking to himself that this little fellow was actually waiting here

The Wood Spirit Bloodline is one of the extraordinary bloodlines in the world, possessing remarkable efficacy in promoting the growth of plants.

The small boy was surprisingly slippery; four or five young men tried to catch him but failed. As he darted this way and that, it seemed he was about to escape the encirclement of the crowd. Suddenly, a pale, thin young man with a cold gaze emerged from the crowd, sneering, "You actually have some skills, but unfortunately, it's not enough to be worth seeing!" As he spoke, he reached out and grabbed the boy by the back of his collar, lifting him up.

Esteemed Daoist, I humbly beseech you to accept me into your mountain gate. I come from a family that once enjoyed prosperity, yet we were tragically slaughtered by vile men. All three hundred members of my family perished under the sword, leaving only me and a younger sister, who are now left in utter destitution. Wandering the rivers and lakes, I have come to your mountain gate, driven by the desire to seek a master and pursue the Dao. I wish to cultivate my skills in the Daoist arts. If you would graciously take me under your wing, I assure you that I will...

As he spoke, he waved his hand and unexpectedly tossed over a small piece of jade porcelain, which was purple in color and exquisitely delicate

Either you have a letter of recommendation, which is provided by someone associated with the Daoist sect, or you can seek to become an apprentice.

Sister Lingyun was slightly taken aback and asked expressionlessly, "Who is Young Master Fang Xing?"

Little brat, how did you get out? Weren't you told to stay hidden?

Some people believe that even if it means avoiding the hardship of queuing, it is of little consequence; what truly matters is to establish a good relationship with the disciples of this gate in advance

She is as dirty as the little boy, appearing to be only seven or eight years old, with a slender build. Her features are exceptionally delicate, and her pair of eyes is very lively. Most astonishingly, her ears are somewhat pointed, resembling those of a fox. Her eyes also faintly reveal a greenish hue, giving her an otherworldly appearance. It seems she is not a pure-blood human, but rather a mixed-blood barbarian

Sister Lingyun glanced at him and said lightly: "From today onwards, she is no longer your maid!"

Are there any treasures to present

The stout man was taken aback for a moment and bowed to respond

You bastard, dare to bully my little girl, I will definitely take you down

The little boy was taken aback for a moment, then immediately raised his hand and exclaimed: "I... I am Young Master Fang Xing, return my maid to me..."

Sister Lingyun turned her gaze back, and the chilling intent to kill made him suddenly close his mouth

Uh... no worries... no worries...

Ah, I am Yu Sanliang, a disciple from the outer sect, and I have met Senior Sister Lingyun

Suddenly, someone called out softly, and everyone turned to look, only to see the little demoness with blood flowing from her forehead, staining the surrounding wild grasses. To their astonishment, they discovered that the few wild grasses, which had already turned yellow due to the harshness of autumn and winter, were slowly coming back to life, with new leaves gradually sprouting, lush and dripping with green, almost as if they were made of jade, seemingly ready to drip with water, leaving them utterly amazed

Suddenly, a little girl emerged from the crowd beside her, blocking the path in front of the stout man.

Hmm?

Although she is merely a wild girl, once Senior Sister Lingyun has spoken, she undoubtedly qualifies as an official disciple of the Qingyun Sect

The little boy, still being held up in the air by someone, immediately began to shout and scold upon seeing this

The young boy was kicked but remained silent, quietly walking to a distance of ten zhang. Suddenly, he began to jump and curse: "You, with your head covered in sores and your feet oozing pus, fat pig with a cow's nose, how dare you insult your grandfather as poor and shabby, I came to your Qingyun Sect to pay my respects because of you. Today, you failed to recognize a great mountain, and one day, I will set your broken temple ablaze..."

In order to help a mischievous little maid escape her status as a servant, one actually resorted to using such a spiritual elixir

In an instant, the crowd was bustling, with endless discussions; some expressed astonishment, some showed disdain, and others felt envy

Either you are immensely wealthy, acquiring treasures to present to the sect, and thus able to take on a master

I... I do not want the elixir

The dialogue between the plump Taoist and the young boy reveals the different aspects that the Taoist sect values in its disciples.

The onlookers who came to pay their respects to the master displayed a fervent gleam in their eyes, seemingly eager to swallow the young boy whole.

The stout man asked, and the boy answered. In the blink of an eye, three questions had passed. The stout man glared, kicked the boy, sending him rolling for two circles, and scolded, "Without a recommendation, you are nothing but a lowly person; without treasures, you are merely a poor wretch; without a rare constitution, you are just a useless being. You, a beggar-like pauper, dare to come to our Qingyun Sect to seek a master? Open your eyes and take a good look; this is not a charity house!"

With a leap, they came forward, rubbing their fists in anticipation, their laughter filled with malice

It is ... ... it is ... ... Senior Sister Lingyun, Junior Brother understands ... ...

A talent like me coming to your Qingyun Sect to seek apprenticeship is a sign of your good fortune. It would be best for you to obediently accept me into your sect; otherwise, if I go to another sect and attain unparalleled powers, I will surely make you all cry out for your mothers in despair...

Add this quota among the disciples who are apprenticing this time

The stout man glanced impatiently at the little boy and asked with a sidelong glance, "Do you have any book recommendations?"

Sister Lingyun was about to step onto the crane's back and fly away while holding the little maid in her arms, when suddenly the little maid stirred and softly called out: "Don't hit the young master... Don't hit... Young Master Fang Xing..."

Sister Lingyun picked up the little maid, stood up, and without even looking at the plump Taoist, instructed him.

The little boy screamed as if he had gone mad, kicking and punching, flailing his arms and showing his teeth.

In just about half an hour, a cold-faced woman in white was seen riding a gigantic white crane soaring through the sky. This white crane was at least over 10 zhang in length, and with a flap of its wings, it nearly stirred up a tremendous whirlwind in front of the mountain gate, clearly a tamed demonic bird. On the back of the white crane behind her, there were also two young girls with drooping horns standing.

This little boy, lacking in all three aspects, became the subject of a great joke among the crowd

The stout man, upon seeing this, hurriedly knelt down and performed a grand bow of respect

The little boy is making a fuss, which makes people want to laugh at him. Although his abilities are not great, his attitude is quite bold.

Either one possesses a rare constitution, in which case, even if one is penniless, it does not matter; one can still receive the esteem of the Daoist sect

The Wood Spirit Bloodline ... ... This little girl is actually a rare Wood Spirit Bloodline ... ...

The stout man was furious, brandishing a long sword at hand as he charged forward. The young boy, sensing the danger, fled, weaving through the crowd with agility. The stout man was unable to catch up to him, standing in place in anger, brandishing his sword and cursing loudly.

"There is no ... ... " the boy replied awkwardly

There is no ... ...

And the little boy struggling in Hou Qing's hands, despite the incessant scolding, was no longer paid any attention by anyone.

In this world, such individuals are referred to as "barbarians," considered the most despicable race. The demon race does not acknowledge them, and the human race looks down upon them even more. Even if one were to raise one or two, they would either be a favored concubine or a lowly servant. However, even as lowly servants, they are not something an ordinary family can afford. This little boy, resembling a beggar, possesses a barbarian servant, which is indeed a rarity

The stout man was instantly furious, his anger boiling over, and he wanted to chase after him. However, there were simply too many people around, and his corpulent figure made it difficult for him to break through. Suddenly, an idea struck him, and he shouted loudly: "Whoever helps me take down this little brat, let him register first..."

Hmph, filthy and despicable race of people

However, after all, as a disciple of the Daoist sect, he naturally cannot harm others indiscriminately, even if the other party is just a little beggar. At most, he could give him a couple of slaps to teach him a lesson.

Holding the little boy, Hou Qingling let out a cold laugh, his gaze turning icy as he kicked the little girl away with a swift motion.

The young people waiting to pay their respects beside her, although they did not know this woman, hurriedly bowed down and referred to her as Senior Sister

Xiantian Ziqi Pill

But who could have imagined that this little boy's mischievous maidservant actually possesses such a peculiar wood spirit bloodline

The plump man ran over, panting heavily. Upon seeing this, he was overjoyed and hurriedly thanked the young man.

The Innate Purple Qi Pill, a remarkable item for strengthening muscles and tendons, how could it be so easily given to a little beggar

Do not ... do not hurt my young master ...

Among those who seek a master, there are either the wealthy or the noble, and most possess some level of insight, prompting someone to call out softly immediately.

Sister Lingyun was also slightly taken aback, but then she smiled and said to the plump Daoist with a hint of disdain: "Count him in, but I think his aptitude is just average, and his temperament is a bit wild. Let's just put him in the medicinal field to hone his skills for a while"

The woman named Lingyun, however, seemed to be oblivious to them. With a glance, she spotted the little demon maid lying in the grass by the roadside. She signaled for Baihe to descend and approached the little maid. Picking up some grass nearby, she examined it, then touched a drop of the maid's blood with her fingertip, bringing it to her nose for a gentle sniff. Nodding slightly, a smile appeared on her face, as if she had confirmed something.

"Young Master, if I do not come out, he will hit you..."

The young boy gazed at the innate purple qi pill, unable to suppress a large gulp of saliva. However, upon seeing the woman named Ling Yun holding Xiao Man and about to leave, he suddenly reacted, shouting: "You can't go! Who agreed to exchange my little girl for this worthless pill? I won't trade! You can take the pill, but leave the person here..."

Ah, thank you very much, kind sir. May I ask how to address you?

Everyone finds this boy truly laughable, being penniless and yet wanting to join the Qingyun Sect as a disciple

The stout man, upon seeing this, exclaimed in shock and could not help but swallow hard.

It is unknown how many people, at this moment, have the thought of taking action to seize.

Ah, as per the esteemed command of my junior brother

The long queue behind burst into laughter upon witnessing this scene

It must be known that the Qingyun Dao Sect is a Daoist sect of the State of Chu, with a legacy spanning three thousand years, holding a prestigious position and possessing profound depth. Any disciple within the sect is a top-tier expert. Take, for instance, a recent event: in the northwest of Chu, there was a band of robbers who were rampant and tyrannical, causing havoc in the region, to the extent that even the authorities were powerless against them. Upon learning of this, the true disciple of the Qingyun Dao Sect, Xiao Jianming, took up his sword and charged into the bandits' lair in the Ghost Smoke Valley. He single-handedly defeated nine of the ten most notorious bandits in the Chu region with just one sword each, with only one escaping, instantly earning him fame throughout the Chu region.

Everyone cast envious glances, marveling at the transformation from a wild and unruly individual to a legitimate disciple of the Qingyun Sect, a true ascent to the heavens

Young master, I am quite capable on my own, do I need you to stand up for me? Hurry and get out of the way

Greetings, Senior Brother. I am Hou Qing. I merely caught a small monkey for you; it was a trivial effort, not worth mentioning

The little boy still mustered his courage and stammered, "Unless... unless you take me into the mountain gate..."

"Alright, alright, I will first teach this little rascal a lesson, then I will take you to the front to register..."

The young boy struggled desperately, yet he had nowhere to escape from the hands of this young man, as if he were a small snake caught by its vital point.

Before long, the discussions among the crowd had already stirred the internal affairs of the sect, and soon it attracted the attention of a significant figure within the sect

The originally solemn and dignified ceremony for the Qingyun Sect's disciple recruitment suddenly witnessed such a scene, instantly provoking hearty laughter from the crowd

Upon hearing these words, the little boy was greatly astonished and turned to flee.

The stout man said awkwardly, deep down he also felt that Hou Qing was a ruthless person, but it was just inconvenient to say so

And this child, with empty hands, resembles a beggar, yet wishes to come and seek a master, which is truly a fanciful notion

There is no ... ...

The barbarian maid said with a hint of grievance, still stubbornly extending her small hands to block the plump Taoist priest

The little boy, seeing that the plump man could not catch up with him, immediately became smug and shouted boastfully at the plump man

You little bastard, do you dare to insult me

Even the little boy in Hou Qing's hands stared blankly at this scene, his mouth agape in astonishment

Ah, how could it be that the blood of that little mischievous girl...

Hou Qing also felt that he had been a bit too harsh, and he smiled apologetically

The stout man said with a smile, then turned his gaze to the little boy, revealing a hint of malice: "I am a disciple of the Qingyun Sect, and you, a lowly little beggar, dare to insult me? Today, I shall spare your life, but you will receive a lesson!"