In the heart of bustling Maple Leaf City, within the walls of the lively Drunken Immortal Inn...
Spread out before Ming Xuan was a lavish table adorned with an array of tantalizing dishes and exquisite wines. Standing at his side, the rotund shopkeeper appeared frozen, attempting a respectful smile that belied his evident unease.
"Sir, if I had any inkling of your cultivation at Mahayana Realm earlier, I wouldn't have dared to cross you!" The shopkeeper blurted out, his tone a mix of apprehension and remorse.
Although the fat shopkeeper lacked precise knowledge of the Mahayana Realm's hierarchy, its mention hinted at a stature surpassing even that of Maple Leaf City's esteemed City Lord. This revelation had reduced the once-confident shopkeeper to a state of anxious repentance, acknowledging a power differential that exceeded the city's highest authority.
"Regarding my earlier words, they were all said in good spirit. I sincerely ask for your forgiveness, esteemed guest. Could someone kindly place a portrait of this distinguished guest at our inn's entrance, signifying an eternal welcome to our humble establishment? Additionally, inscribe that the person depicted shall receive a lifetime of hospitality here, with every service and amenity provided completely free of charge!"
Upon realizing Ming Xuan's elevated status, the shopkeeper hurried to rectify the situation, seeking to appease any potential discord.
Efficiently clearing the inn, he prepared every available dish, laying out a feast fit for Ming Xuan's pleasure. This gesture aimed to prevent any dissatisfaction that might provoke the Mahayana Realm cultivator to reduce the inn to dust with a mere fart.
Meanwhile, Ming Xuan playfully patted the shopkeeper's round shoulder and teased, "You see? I had a feeling. Our connection spans lifetimes; I knew hostility wasn't in your nature."
While the shopkeeper maintained a forced smile and nodded, affirming, "Absolutely, our bond is truly profound. Profound indeed."
Behind the mask of camaraderie, however, the shopkeeper's inner discontent simmered.
Would our friendship withstand the test if our positions were reversed? If I held the immense power of a Mahayana Realm and you were in my shoes as a humble shopkeeper, would you still claim such profound camaraderie?
Unaware of the shopkeeper's silent dissatisfaction, Ming Xuan grinned and indulged in a sip of wine. "Alright, my friend, no more secrets. I happen to be the Sect Leader of a renowned sect. I've descended from the mountain to seek new disciples, and given your vast connections, I thought to seek your advice."
"A Sect Leader?" The shopkeeper's astonishment was palpable as he pondered the existence of a Mahayana realm cultivator's sect near Maple Leaf City. A careful reflection yielded no knowledge of such a sect; the nearby ones were all modest establishments at the Foundation Establishment level.
In the vicinity of Maple Leaf City, only small grade 9 and grade 8 sects existed. Typically, Foundation Establishment cultivators held leadership roles, and Golden Core realm cultivators were considered rare, making the presence of a cultivator surpassing Golden Core realm seem highly implausible.
Grasping the hierarchical structure of sects, the shopkeeper contemplated the criteria for each grade. A grade 9 sect necessitated ten disciples at the Qi Refining stage, with a Foundation Establishment cultivator overseeing sect affairs. Advancing, a grade-8 sect required 30 disciples at the Qi Refinement stage, ten Foundation Establishment elders, and the Sect Leader had to attain the Golden Core cultivation.
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With each higher grade came increasingly stringent criteria. A Mahayana Realm figure surpassing the Golden Core Realm would likely position the sect at least at grade 6 or even grade 5—a revelation that left the rotund shopkeeper stunned.
Scolding a Sect Leader from such a prestigious sect amounted to inviting imminent peril.
In an attempt to salvage the situation, he responded cautiously, "Ah, I understand. Your choice is truly astute, esteemed guest. I boast unparalleled connections in this city. As you recruit disciples, I can introduce you to promising individuals. Take Jin Ming, the acclaimed prodigy of Maple Leaf City, for instance; he possesses an exceedingly rare Fire Spirit Root."
However, Ming Xuan merely rolled his eyes at the mention of prodigies. A prodigy was not what he sought.
His need lay with trash cultivators. Drawing from his knowledge of past life, these mediocre cultivators often emerged as the true protagonists of the world. Once endowed with a cheat, these mediocre individuals ascended like shooting stars through the skies.
The so-called geniuses renowned in low-level cities like Maple Leaf City were often mere cannon fodder, destined to grace the novel for a brief three chapters. Their sole purpose was to provide experience points for the protagonists.
Recalling the grim image of protagonists brutally killing cannon fodder, Ming Xuan involuntarily shivered. Eager to clarify, he hastened to express, "No, no! I'm not interested in those geniuses. I seek information on cultivators labeled as 'trash'—super trash. Those who've had their cultivation abolished and faced ridicule from close family members after becoming trash."
The rotund shopkeeper, utterly perplexed, thought, "You're not interested in geniuses? You specifically want 'trash' cultivators? What kind of logic is that? Do you have some sort of fetish with trash cultivators?" He scrutinized Ming Xuan's earnest expression with curiosity.
After thoughtful consideration, the shopkeeper clapped his hands in sudden realization and exclaimed, "Trash cultivators! Boss, I remember hearing some rumors about that. In Sunrise City, adjacent to Maple Leaf City, there's an extraordinary individual with an unparalleled understanding of alchemy. Astonishingly, he concocted mortal-grade pills at the tender age of nine."
In a solemn tone, he continued, "This alchemy prodigy initially possessed a rare Lightning Spirit Root. Sadly, tragedy befell him at the tender age of ten. Ironically, a lightning strike obliterated his Lightning Spirit Root, leaving him unable to pursue cultivation. He became what society would dub 'trash.'"
The shopkeeper sighed, contemplating the tragic turn of events for this gifted alchemist. A cultivator bestowed with a Lightning Spirit Root had the potential to ascend to the Golden Core or even the Nascent Soul stage.
Ming Xuan's eyes sparkled with eagerness, his heart racing with anticipation. He struggled to contain his joy, almost slamming the table in excitement.
This was precisely what he sought! A former prodigy, his cultivation was mysteriously abolished and reduced to ordinary trash status, enduring ridicule from relatives. This was the quintessential template of a xianxia novel protagonist. He appeared to be the perfect disciple candidate!
"Marvelous! What's the name of this prodigy, and where can I locate him?" Ming Xuan's excitement was tangible; another opportunity to take in what appeared to be a seemingly worthless disciple held the promise of potentially advancing his cultivation.
Respectfully, the corpulent shopkeeper provided the necessary information: "Boss, his name is Ye Chen. Presently residing in Sunrise City, he dwells at the Ye family's estate. However, his standing isn't esteemed, given his designation as a worthless individual."
Without delay, Ming Xuan swiftly departed from the inn, set on making his way to Sunrise City.
Before leaving, he left a message for the somewhat perturbed shopkeeper: "Our connection is exceptional, my friend. Yet, let's not tarnish it with discussions of payment. Since you graciously declared that everything in this inn is at my disposal, I must reciprocate. Though I may not frequent this place, I cannot disregard such a generous offer. Here's a proposition: in the future, when disciples from my sect visit Maple Leaf City, they'll make it a point to patronize this inn. Extend to them the same courtesies you've extended to me. Farewell, my dear friend. Until we meet again!"
Ming Xuan's departure left the corpulent shopkeeper seething with indignation. He had never encountered such audacity—a cultivator shamelessly exploiting the inn's hospitality and now intending to bring an entire sect along!
Was this cultivator even human? The shopkeeper pondered, his face shifting through various shades of disbelief and frustration.
Under the shimmering night sky, Ming Xuan soared toward Sunrise City, effortlessly locating the Ye family mansion using his divine sense.
Gazing at the imposing estate, he silently strategized his next steps.
Familiar tactics came to mind. Ming Xuan formulated a plan: instigate chaos within the Ye family by engaging a Foundation Establishment or possibly even a Golden Core cultivator. As discord rattled the household, he would emerge as their unexpected savior, attributing his intervention to a destined connection with Ye Chen. This calculated maneuver aimed to impress Ye Chen, compelling him to readily accept the role of disciple.
Heh! The brilliance of my plan eclipses even wisdom of sages. Sun Tzu's art of war? Child's play in the face of my strategic mastery!