My sect name was Wujin Bianhua Sect. I gathered hundreds of thousands of followers. However, I made the mistake of taking on a personal disciple. Naively, I believed he was a devoted disciple, but instead, he turned out to be a treacherous individual, a venomous betrayer. While I endeavored to advance to the next realm in my cultivation, he launched a cowardly attack.
Fortunately, I possessed a life-saving treasure, allowing me to survive, albeit with severe injuries that led me to descend to this lower realm. Seeking seclusion on this remote mountain to recover, I crossed paths with you. Initially hesitant to accept you as my disciple, witnessing your earnest pursuit of the Dao compelled me to take you under my wing. However, don't betray the trust I've placed in you. Dedicate yourself to cultivation, for that deceitful individual may also target you."
"Master, the sway you held over higher realms, compelling their reverence... it's truly unfathomable. Rest assured, I'll redouble my efforts and exact vengeance upon that betrayer," Long Aotian vowed, his tone a blend of admiration and indignation.
The thought of that man almost killing his Master made him seethe with anger.
If I ever encounter him, I swear, regardless of his hiding place or protective measures... I'll end him, shatter his soul, obliterate his lineage, and erase every remnant of his existence!
"That's all water under the bridge now. There is no sense in holding onto anger for past events. If you're seeking strength, I'll impart swordsmanship lessons."
Meanwhile, Ming Xuan still entertained the idea of covertly gaining his disciple's insights. While his disciple might not reveal his true Dao comprehension, he contemplated teaching him a fabricated technique under the guise of guidance, intending to pilfer his disciple's newfound knowledge.
"If you were to grasp this sword technique, you'd ascend to invincibility, reigning at the pinnacle of the world," Ming Xuan mused, secretly plotting to exploit Long Aotian's potential.
Worried that his disciple wouldn't fall prey to his scheme again, he hastily added, "Perhaps my words weren't clear. I can assert confidently that comprehending this sword technique would compel even sword gods to acknowledge their inferiority when facing you."
"Are you open to learning the sword technique?"
Facing his stubborn disciple's continual rejection of guidance, Ming Xuan reluctantly activated his deceptive mode, confident in his ability to manipulate. He prided himself on being adept at crafting persuasive and commanding phrases.
Surely, Long Aotian would succumb to his proposal this time. It was practically a certainty.
What if his disciple still refused? That was inconceivable. Only a fool would reject such an offer, right?
If, by some unfathomable chance, his offer faced rejection, he vowed to consume all the dirt and grass on the mountain.
However, his expression underwent a swift transformation upon hearing Long Aotian's words.
"Master! Your benevolence is beyond measure. Even in the next life, I'd still want to be your disciple. While your technique is formidable, it may not align with my path. I am determined to cultivate my own Sword Dao."
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Before Ming Xuan could utter a word, a voice resonated from outside.
"Master! Senior Brother!"
It was Ye Chen, filled with overwhelming excitement. Having overheard the entire conversation between his Master and Senior Brother, Ye Chen couldn't believe what he had heard from his Master.
"Even if you were to fight against sword gods, they would still have to accept their own inferiority."
Those words exuded an aura of majesty and coolness, showcasing his Master's unparalleled cultivation. Ye Chen eagerly anticipated seeking his Master's guidance on a cultivation method suitable for him.
What Ming Xuan hadn't foreseen was that, despite failing to deceive Long Aotian, he had managed to hoodwink his new disciple, Ye Chen.
Ye Chen approached the hall where Ming Xuan and Long Aotian were engaged. Spotting Ye Chen's arrival, Ming Xuan swiftly reverted to his usual impassive demeanor. Gazing at Ye Chen, he queried softly, "Chen'er, have you surveyed the entirety of Skyview Mountain?"
Ye Chen respectfully nodded and gracefully clasped his fists. "Yes, Master. I've thoroughly explored the whole mountain. I've come seeking your guidance in cultivation techniques."
Teach a cultivation technique. All he wants is for me to employ my hoodwinking tactics again. But if I can't gain anything from Long Aotian, perhaps I can deceive Ye Chen and extract rewards from the system.
With a dismissive wave of his hand, Ming Xuan spoke slowly, "Let's take a stroll. I'll impart a suitable cultivation technique for you. Ao'er, focus on cultivating the Greater Dao-Karma. If you have any queries, feel free to ask me."
Having said that, he led Ye Chen on a stroll on Skyview Mountain.
...
Ming Xuan observed Ye Chen walking alongside him during their leisurely stroll, preparing to initiate his hoodwinking tactics.
Adopting a grave expression, Ming Xuan inquired, "Chen'er, tell me which of the 3000 Dao's you wish to cultivate? I possess knowledge of every existing Dao."
Every existing Dao? What a joke! He didn't even comprehend the "D" in Dao. If there was expertise, it was in the Dao of Hoodwinking, if one dared to consider it a Dao.
After a brief contemplation, Ye Chen responded gently, "Master, since my childhood, I've harbored a deep interest in alchemy. I aspire to become an exalted alchemist under the heavens. However, my spiritual roots have been destroyed. Master, please guide me on the method to restore my spiritual roots."
A surge of lightning had obliterated Ye Chen's spiritual roots, rendering him incapable of further cultivation and relegating him to the status of a cultivator deemed worthless.
Upon hearing Ye Chen's plea, Ming Xuan replied, "Chen'er, mending your spiritual roots is within my capability. But remember, appearances can be deceiving. You'll realize that the thing you consider useless might be a treasure. Before that, you must contemplate a Dao. Look at your Senior Brother; he delved into a Dao within just half a year and has grown significantly stronger."
Speaking softly, Ming Xuan gestured toward where Long Aotian was engrossed in cultivation. Ming Xuan recognized a potential use for his gullible disciple—a prime example for future attempts at hoodwinking others. If Ye Chen failed to comprehend a Dao under his guidance, it would be deemed Ye Chen's own failing, absolving Ming Xuan of responsibility.
Considering the protagonist template, it seemed implausible for Ye Chen to remain with his destroyed spiritual roots. As the Son of Destiny, he might gain another spiritual root. Ming Xuan was convinced there was a hidden aspect.
Ye Chen was astonished to learn that his Senior Brother had grasped a Dao under their Master's tutelage within half a year. While his understanding of Dao was limited, he knew that comprehending a Dao was the realm of powerful cultivators.
Realizing this, Ye Chen smacked his forehead. It was obvious why his Senior Brother comprehended a Dao – their Master guided him.
"Alright, Master, I choose to cultivate the Dao of Alchemy," Ye Chen responded promptly.
"Although I possess knowledge about the Dao of Alchemy, it's not easily taught. How about this: if you can answer my question correctly, I'll teach you the Dao of Alchemy?" Ming Xuan proposed.
Creating the right ambiance was crucial for Ming Xuan to effectively hoodwink Ye Chen. If he jumped straight into explaining the Dao of Alchemy, Ye Chen might suspect Ming Xuan was misleading him.
Ye Chen's eyes sparkled with anticipation after hearing his Master's proposal. A question about the Dao of Alchemy? Despite his current crippled state, Ye Chen possessed theoretical knowledge about alchemy. He felt confident in providing answers that would satisfy his Master.
Cupping his hands respectfully, Ye Chen requested, "Master, please ask your question."
Ming Xuan casually placed his hand behind his back, and a gentle breeze tousled his robes, enhancing his aura significantly.
"In your opinion, what defines a powerful alchemist?" Ming Xuan queried.
Pondering the question, Ye Chen responded, "Master, I believe a supreme alchemist is one whose single pill can drive countless powerhouses into madness. They possess the ability to alter fate and challenge the heavens with a single pill."
Ye Chen's reply stemmed from his personal understanding. Throughout his life, he recognized the elevated status of alchemists in the world. Their refined medicinal herbs could increase in value up to a hundredfold.
Alchemists were considered the cash cows of the cultivation realm since their pills amplified cultivation, garnering respect from even the mightiest cultivators.
The prowess of powerful alchemists transcended the laws of heaven by extending cultivators' lifespans to hundreds of thousands of years.