Chapter 162: Returning to Shushan as a Direct Disciple of the Headmaster - Ah? The Wives I Abandoned Turned Out to Be Real

Chapter 162: Returning to Shushan as a Direct Disciple of the Headmaster (600 Monthly Ticket Bonus Update) Mao Fang's eyes were filled with resentment, forced to expel the primordial spirit of Fire Dragon Zhenren from within the Poison Dragon Sword. The primordial spirit of Fire Dragon Zhenren manifested as a radiant, glowing figure, embodying the ultimate yang energy upon reaching Bing Fire Primordial Spirit—a spirit of utmost radiance and intensity, akin to the noonday sun. As for the Poison Dragon Sword, it had taken him many years to gather the materials for its creation, making it something he absolutely could not relinquish lightly. Yue Longcheng approached to reclaim his master's primordial spirit, intending to find it a new life to reincarnate into. Seeing no advantage, Mao Fang and his companions departed in a gust of ghostly wind and fog. With the affairs at Yuejiazhuang concluded, Bai Ningshuang conversed with you. "Brother Su, when will you be able to return?" "Elder Yichen misses you." Upon hearing her words, you replied: "I plan to return home for a visit. As for Shushan, I'm uncertain whether I should go back." "After all, it was I who willingly acknowledged Baiyang Zhenren as my master in those years." Hearing this, Zhang Cangfeng began to persuade you: "You were young and unaware of right and wrong at the time." "Baiyang Zhenren took advantage of that to deceive and lure you." "The headmaster had already stated before: should you be found, regardless of whether you've learned other sects' techniques, you can rejoin Shushan." "This speaks volumes about the headmaster's regard for you." His words stirred your heart. "Truly?" "Indeed, it is true." Zhang Cangfeng confirmed resolutely: "I intended to return to Yuhua State this time as well." "Next, let Sister Bai take you." Despite feeling apprehensive, you nodded in agreement. "Mm... that's a good idea." "So it's settled." With that, Zhang Cangfeng departed, flying westward on his sword. Bai Ningshuang was elated, as this meant she would have ample time alone with you. After bidding farewell to Yue Longcheng, you and Bai Ningshuang flew towards Tianzhu Mountain. Along the journey, Bai Ningshuang chattered away, recounting her experiences over the years. She informed you that she had now mastered the "Essentials of True Elixirs" and could concoct its various medicinal pills, such as the Spirit Foundation Pill, the Yellow Court Pill, the Yellow Bud Pill, the Qi Regulation Pill, the Five-Element Injury Healing Pill, the Returning Origin Powder, Blood Dragon Powder, and the All-Spirit Powder. She also mentioned that Zhang Cangfeng was engaged to a princess from Yuhua State, but he was devoted to his cultivation. If not for his father visiting Shushan personally, he wouldn't have returned. This time, his trip home was for the wedding. Bai Ningshuang's incessant chatter gave you a headache. Even when practicing meditation while resting under a tree, you preferred not to stay near her. Bai Ningshuang sensed your attitude but remained undiscouraged, knowing that you treated all women similarly, so there was no reason for her to be sad. Ten days later, you arrived at Tianzhu Mountain. Despite your fast travel, the distance to Tianzhu Mountain was considerable. Your parents, now silver-haired, were given two Yellow Court Pills by Bai Ningshuang to prolong their life and nurture their vitality. Immediately, their hair changed from gray to black. Seeing such a considerate young girl, your parents urged you to seize the opportunity and cherish Bai Ningshuang. Yet, you remained indifferent to matters between men and women, not understanding why you should cherish Bai Ningshuang. After staying home for a few days and visiting your three sisters, you departed Tianzhu Mountain with Bai Ningshuang. What was once the insurmountable peak of Tianzhu Mountain during your childhood was now easy to traverse. Three days later, you arrived at Shushan. Gazing at the majestic, sprawling mountains of Shushan from afar, you hesitated, feeling a mix of anxiety and nostalgia. Seeing this, Bai Ningshuang spoke up: "Brother Su, come with me." "Everyone will be happy to welcome you back." Hearing her words, you nodded. Following Bai Ningshuang, you flew forward. Some passing Shushan disciples recognized Bai Ningshuang but not you, thus speculating about which sect you belonged to. Arriving at the Qian Kun Hall, you realized that the Shushan elders had all gathered there. Bai Ningshuang apologized: "Brother Su, I'm sorry. I told the elders ahead of time about your return." "It's fine." The last time you faced a scene like this was thirteen years ago, and you felt increasingly anxious. Following Bai Ningshuang into the grand hall, everyone turned their gaze toward you, making it impossible to deny your nervousness. A slender elder quickly approached, examining you closely. Despite the years that had passed, you recognized him instantly as Yichen Zhenren, who had first brought you to Shushan. Instinctively, you knelt down. "Yichen Zhenren." Yichen immediately helped you up. "Good child, it's good to have you back." "Come, meet the headmaster with me." As he spoke, Yichen led you by the hand to the others. The Shushan headmaster spoke: "Su Mo, now that you have returned, I officially announce your passing of the miscellaneous courtyard examination." "Are you willing to join Shushan?" His words left you conflicted, for you had already recognized Baiyang Zhenren as your master. What would become of Baiyang Zhenren if you now joined Shushan? Seeing your dilemma, the Shushan headmaster and Yichen Zhenren understood your concerns. Thus, they did not rush you, allowing you to deliberate. Amidst your internal struggle, a voice whispered in your ear. "Dear disciple, my secondary primordial spirit's dedication to you over the years has not been in vain." "Don't worry about me; you should join Shushan." It was Baiyang Zhenren's voice. His words warmed your heart. Surprised, you realized that the old man had been silently protecting you all along instead of abandoning you. Since he was unconcerned, your hesitation vanished, and you knelt resolutely on the ground. "Disciple Su Mo, wishes to join Shushan!" Seeing your willingness to join Shushan, everyone was delighted. Yichen turned to his senior brother. "Yisheng Shixiong, given that I am unsuitable to take on disciples, why not have you take him?" "You've always wanted a direct disciple, haven't you?" Those present were taken by surprise. They understood the significance of being the direct disciple of the headmaster. It signified being the heir apparent of the next headmaster. Realizing that Yichen intended for his headmaster brother to take you as a disciple, you understood his well-meaning intentions. Yet, the position of Shushan headmaster did not interest you. To you, the responsibilities entailed controlling people, lacking the freedom of a free-spirited immortal. After some contemplation, Yisheng Zhenren nodded in agreement, recognizing the rarity of finding a talented protégé like you. "Very well." "I shall take him." Turning to you, Yisheng Zhenren spoke: "Su Mo, are you willing to be my disciple?" Without further hesitation, you replied: "I am willing!" "Master, please accept this disciple's bow." With that, you knelt and performed the three bows and nine kowtows. Yisheng Zhenren was visibly pleased. After all, no previous headmaster had accepted a disciple of your caliber. In his joy, Shushan headmaster Yisheng Zhenren summoned seven flying swords emitting white luminescence into the air. The seven swords were of uniform length, measuring four feet long and three inches wide. Initially, their brilliance was blinding, but a closer look revealed a mysterious glow that grew deeper the more one observed. "Disciple, these seven swords are the Taiyi Gold Essence Swords, lost to Shushan by Baiyang Zhenren five hundred years ago." "I believe Baiyang Zhenren must have mentioned them to you." "I now bestow them upon you for self-defense." Upon finishing, the seven Taiyi Gold Essence Swords floated before you. Seeing this, the crowd collectively gasped. The reason was simple: the Taiyi Gold Essence Swords were incomparable in value. The materials for a single Taiyi Gold Essence Sword could create dozens of top-tier flying swords. Even among ancient relics, such extravagance was rare. It was impossible for the crowd to remain unfazed. Gratefully, you offered your thanks: "Thank you, Master!" Having bowed, you then turned to Yichen. "Thank you, Uncle Yichen!" Yichen burst into laughter. "Good, good! Congratulations to our headmaster for gaining a remarkable disciple!" After becoming the disciple of Yisheng Zhenren, he personally began to guide you in your cultivation. It must be said that the teaching methods of a renowned sect like Shushan far surpassed the second primordial spirit of Baiyang Zhenren. One was a rigid way of imparting knowledge, while the other was insightful and concise, teaching in a way that points out errors in cultivation. Watching yourself learning in this scenario, Su Mo was like a sponge continuously absorbing knowledge about cultivation. Su Mo's current thought was this: Whether or not he could understand it now, he would first commit it to memory. ... Time flew by, and before you knew it, three years had passed at Shushan. During these three years, Yisheng did not teach you the Taiqing Purple Palace Immortal Canon exclusive to the headmaster. Instead, he continuously corrected your cultivation mistakes and taught you faster methods for progress. Your foundation became incredibly solid, making Yisheng Zhenren quite satisfied. He often marveled, praising the "True Explanation of Baiyang" as an unparalleled foundation establishment method. Only after your foundation was firmly set did Yisheng Zhenren impart the "Taiqing Purple Palace Immortal Canon" to you, an honor reserved for the Shushan headmaster. The Taiqing Purple Palace Immortal Canon was vast and profound, with realms beyond more cryptic and incomprehensible than the Baiyang True Explanation. This left you unsure whether to continue with the Baiyang True Explanation or proceed with the new Taiqing Purple Palace Immortal Canon. When you shared this dilemma with Yisheng Zhenren, he simply told you to choose your own path. Even Yisheng had not managed to begin cultivating the Taiqing Purple Palace Immortal Canon; he practiced other Shushan disciplines instead. He passed it on to you because the Taiqing Purple Palace Immortal Canon could not be recorded on any physical medium; it could only reside in memory. Should you find it unmanageable, it was fine. You could focus on the Baiyang True Explanation and, upon becoming headmaster, pass the Taiqing Purple Palace Immortal Canon to the next headmaster. Amused by Yisheng's words, you continued to diligently cultivate the Baiyang True Explanation daily and pondered over the Taiqing Purple Palace Immortal Canon in your spare time. This also showed that Baiyang Zhenren's defeat wasn't undeserved. Only Zihong Zhenren, among Shushan's lineage over the millennia, managed to fully grasp this method. Another year of tranquil life passed by. By this year, you were twenty-five, but your appearance was forever etched at twenty-one. And during this year, A mysterious stele emerged at Red Chain Gorge covered in celestial script, undecipherable to anyone. Countless cultivators, from righteous paths to demonic, monstrous, and Asura paths, sent their young elites. You, Bai Ningshuang, Zhang Cangfeng, along with a few third-generation disciples, received the task: Head to Red Chain Gorge and decipher the celestial script of the stele! (End of Chapter)