An outer disciple with four spiritual roots, only slightly stronger than a pseudo-spiritual root like a five-spiritual root, would never receive the care and attention of the inner disciples’ children. Instead, they would only receive a monthly stipend and be forced to do odd jobs, left to fend for themselves.
But Mu Zirun, through sheer willpower and self-discipline, progressed from outer to inner sect, ultimately reaching the Nascent Soul stage, which finally attracted considerable attention.
Later, he was recruited into the inner sect and became a relatively unimportant Nascent Soul cultivator in the sect leader’s faction. However, his lack of powerful connections and family ties meant he was occasionally used as a confidant.
Yu Tianze then vaguely recalled that it seemed Chen Yiheng was the one who recruited Mu Zirun.
Indeed, Chen Yiheng, in his pursuit of the sect leader’s position, always presented a gentle demeanor; naturally, he would try to befriend such an unattached Nascent Soul cultivator. Later, to ensure he could completely seize the Immortal Palace, he must have borrowed manpower from the sect leader. He also had several Nascent Soul cultivators he had recruited, and Mu Zirun was naturally a valuable asset.
Having figured this out, Yu Tianze frowned slightly.
He had come over on a whim, but how should he treat this “benefactor” now? Logically, in his past life, he had given the Immortal Palace, which could be considered repaying the other party’s kindness… but regardless, the other party was the only person in his past life who had shown him such kindness, and he didn’t want to pretend he didn’t know him at all.
In fact, he had a rather good impression of Mu Zirun.
It was fine when he hadn’t noticed him, but now that he had… putting aside everything else, to advance to the Nascent Soul stage with only four spiritual roots and no one’s support, even if he must have had some extraordinary encounters, was still incredibly capable. And to have such ability without losing his true nature, not being swayed by treasures like the Immortal Palace, clearly showed a very strong will.
Yu Tianze suddenly had an idea. How about taking him as a disciple? Once this thought took hold, Yu Tianze’s subsequent ideas spiraled out of control. Talent is an inexplicable thing; ultimately, willpower is more important. Ming Yuan relied on him to use countless rare and precious materials to reach the Nascent Soul stage, while this person achieved it through his own efforts. The difference was stark.
Moreover, no matter how arrogant and eccentric Yu Tianze was, he didn’t want to be completely isolated; otherwise, he wouldn’t have treated Ming Yuan that way in his past life. But since the outcome was bad, it was clear that his judgment might not have been very good either. Mu Zirun, however, was different. He had soared to great heights despite hardship, his mentality hadn’t become twisted, and his character was extraordinary. If he nurtured him properly, surely he wouldn’t lose everything in the end?
Furthermore, if Mu Zirun had struggled to reach that level in his past life due to a lack of resources, a little help in this life might allow Mu Zirun to reach the Nascent Soul stage faster… perhaps even achieve immortality together. Thinking of this, Yu Tianze’s gaze dimmed for a moment.
At least, given his inability to trust anyone right now, Mu Zirun was at least trustworthy. If he missed this opportunity, it would be too tragic to have no one left to trust. Yu Tianze quickly made his decision. He looked at Mu Zirun again, his gaze now thoughtful. The boy had a very upright demeanor, was already quite composed for his age, treated his seniors with neither servility nor arrogance, was efficient, knew how to read people, and spoke politely… Thinking about it, he seemed to have many strengths. Hewas indeed much more pleasing to the eye than Ming Yuan. He was just a bit thin, probably not doing well… but that didn’t matter; he would take good care of him.
So, Yu Tianze turned his head and said, “Would you be willing to come with me and do odd jobs?”
Mu Zirun was startled again: “Senior means to take me under your wing?”
Yu Tianze nodded: “That’s right.”
Mu Zirun immediately smiled: “This is my good fortune, I couldn’t be more willing.”
Then, Yu Tianze also slightly curled the corners of his mouth.
He hadn’t truly laughed in a long time, but at this moment, he felt a sense of pleasure. He said, “Hurry up and fill your stomach; I’ll go with you to fetch the supplies.”
Mu Zirun smiled as well, “Yes, as the Peak Master commands.”
Half an hour later, Mu Zirun ate rabbit meat to fill his stomach, then extinguished the fire and tidied up.
After he finished, he looked up and saw a hand reaching out in front of him.
Mu Zirun looked over in surprise and saw Yu Tianze with a somewhat impatient expression.
”Let’s go.”
Mu Zirun’s smile deepened, “Yes, Peak Master.”
After he finished speaking, he placed his palm on Yu Tianze’s hand, and the next moment, he felt a strong force pulling him away, and a pair of arms awkwardly wrapped around his shoulders. Then, his body felt light, and the wind whistled in his ears; he had been carried by Yu Tianze into the air towards the outer gate.
The strong wind made Yu Tianze’s long hair crackle. He pressed on Mu Zirun’s shoulder, and his state of mind seemed to have relaxed a lot. Yes, this little brat’s aptitude is currently poor, and his comprehension is lacking, so it’s impossible to directly accept him as a personal disciple… But that’s alright. Although he can only nominally serve as a menial servant for now, the specifics are entirely up to him, aren’t they? As long as the little brat successfully establishes his foundation, it will be natural to accept him as a disciple directly. At that time, no one will have any objections.
OuterSect, Menial Servants’ Residence.
Just as inner sect disciples are divided into different ranks, outer sect disciples are the same. This division is based on three factors: aptitude, age, and cultivation level.
For example, cultivators with three spiritual roots who are over ten years old can only stay in the outer sect when they come to seek a master, serving as outer sect disciples. Once their cultivation reaches the eighth level of Qi Refining or above, they can enter the inner sect. Those who haven’t reached that level can still be admitted to the inner sect through the disciple selection conference, with the top three receiving early training. If a cultivator with three spiritual roots is under ten years old, they will be sent directly to the border between the inner and outer sects, where they will be cared for by disciples specifically responsible for this area within the inner sect.
It could be said that having three spiritual roots was a watershed moment. Cultivators with two or more spiritual roots, regardless of age, directly entered the inner sect. Cultivators with four spiritual roots could be accepted into the outer sect, but regardless of age, they could only serve as menial disciples, and no one was expected to take care of them.
As for those with five spiritual roots… unless they had exceptionally good luck, even slightly better sects wouldn’t accept them. Mu Zirun had four spiritual roots, and all his personal belongings were kept in the menial servants’ quarters. His original self was a nobody, an insignificant figure, and given his young age, anyone could easily squeeze money out of him, and after his arrival, things should have continued that way.
However, things were different now. That afternoon, a streak of purple lightning suddenly flew across the sky, tearing through the air and attracting the attention of countless outer sect disciples. Whether they were diligently cultivating to enter the inner sect or toiling under pressure, all their eyes were fixed on this spot. To their astonishment, a noble and imposing young man, dressed in a deep purple robe, stood on the open hillside outside the servants’ quarters.
In an instant, an overwhelming pressure descended. Everyone saw lightning crackling around the handsome young man, as if the slightest displeasure could unleash a thunderous rage! Yet this important figure, who should have been high above, commanding the utmost respect from all the outer disciples, held a small child in his right hand—a very thin child, whose clothes were relatively clean, and who bore no resemblance to the young man, let alone possessing any handsome features. Yet, he appeared in this peculiar manner.
Some of the lower-ranking servant disciples immediately recognized him. Wasn’t this the withdrawn, cowardly little bastard? How could he have gotten on the good side of such a person!
The purple-robed youth clearly had no intention of greeting these outer disciples. He simply asked, “Where do you live?”
Mu Zirun’s gaze swept quickly over the insignificant figures he usually had to feign politeness towards, and he sighed inwardly, yet it was all expected. He was now, in a sense, a fox borrowing the tiger’s power, wasn’t he? But it was fine; having lived two lives, he had long since understood many things.
For example, why not take advantage of an opportunity when there’s one?
Of course, Mu Zirun wouldn’t neglect someone who was kind to him, so he raised his voice slightly and said, “It’s in the back courtyard.”
Yu Tianze nodded: “Go ahead.”
Seeing that Yu Tianze didn’t let go, Mu Zirun didn’t say anything, but instead led him to a dilapidated little courtyard in the back.
This little courtyard was the worst, even among the servants’ quarters. And because Mu Zirun was young, his room in this worst courtyard was the most dilapidated. As soon as Yu Tianze entered, he felt a wave of dust hit him. He brushed his sleeves and frowned. Although he had already anticipated that his living conditions as a lowly servant wouldn’t be good, he hadn’t expected it to be this bad.
Then, Yu Tianze followed the composed Mu Zirun into the dilapidated little house where even the latch was half missing. He saw the broken wooden bed, the thin quilt with almost no cotton wadding, the mostly broken wooden cabinet and cabinet doors… his brows furrowed even more.
Instead, Mu Zirun quickly retrieved a small package from the wardrobe. Inside were some dried, low-grade spirit herbs, half a bag of inferior spirit rice, and some dull, low-grade spirit stones. He then went to the bedside to gather the blankets.
Yu Tianze took a deep breath, suppressing his irritation.
He then said, “Forget the blankets, take your bundle and come with me.”
Mu Zirun wasn’t surprised. He turned back, smiled, and said, “Alright. Thank you, Peak Master.”
Yu Tianze immediately lost his temper. He grabbed Mu Zirun, tucked him under his arm, and strode out.
Mu Zirun was already used to Yu Tianze’s ways and quickly relaxed.
After they left, Yu Tianze glanced around and tossed a man who looked like a steward who had rushed over, “This boy will be my servant from now on, no longer belonging to the outer sect.”
With that, purple light surged beneath his feet, and he transformed into a bolt of lightning, disappearing into the horizon once more.
Yu Tianze’s move caused a huge uproar both within and outside the sect.
