Chapter 688 - 4: Master Imparts the Martial Path
Chapter 688: Chapter 4: Master Imparts the Martial Path
What kind of treatment will you give?
Du Xiaofeng and his apprentice Lin Chen exchanged a glance, exploring the deeper meaning behind the Sect Leader’s words.
In Lin Chen’s view, after passing the assessment as a Direct Disciple and taking a master, he should indeed enjoy the treatment accorded to a Direct Disciple of the elders of Canglan Sect.
As for anything beyond that, he was unclear.
This matter should be left to his master to worry about. Having just joined the sect, it wouldn’t be appropriate to appear too greedy.
Du Xiaofeng’s old eyes turned, and he smiled, "Sect Leader, considering Lin Chen’s circumstances, it wouldn’t be too much for the sect to give him the treatment of a Direct Disciple."
Ji Cangtian was somewhat speechless, "Elder Du, let’s not play games. Let me tell you the truth, any Direct Disciple who scores over 200 during the assessment will receive additional rewards from the sect."
"Is there such a thing? Why wasn’t I aware?"
Du Xiaofeng was puzzled. He had been an elder of the sect for nearly thirty years and had never heard of additional rewards for Direct Disciples from the sect.
"Very few people know about this, as we fear disciples might overextend their potential for high assessment scores."
Overextend their potential?
Upon hearing this explanation, Du Xiaofeng’s mind became clear, like a mirror. It wasn’t about disciples overextending their Martial Path potential; it was to prevent elders like them from using methods to artificially boost the disciples’ strength and potential to acquire more resources from the sect.
Within the Flame Dynasty, such special methods exist but come with side effects for the Martial Artists, making it extremely difficult to advance on their Martial Path if used carelessly.
Elders with disciples who scored over 200 were likely instructed by the Sect Leader not to divulge this secret.
"For those who score over 200 in the assessment, aside from the typical Direct Disciple treatment, the sect offers two additional benefits, the first of which is to help you achieve the Innate Realm within three months."
Ji Cangtian turned his gaze to Lin Chen, "The sect assisting you in reaching the Innate Realm will not be a case of forcing growth, and it will not negatively affect your future Martial Arts Cultivation."
Du Xiaofeng’s eyes shone, "A Flawless Innate Pill?"
"Yes."
Seeing Ji Cangtian nod, Du Xiaofeng turned to Lin Chen, "Apprentice, this Flawless Innate Pill is an extremely precious item. Even if I were to prepare it for you, it might not be possible. Consuming this pill can allow a First-Grade Martial Artist to directly step into the Innate Realm, whereas, if you try to breakthrough by yourself, even if you gather the Five Elements Energy, you might fail."
Fail to breakthrough?
Lin Chen silently responded in his heart, "A disciple absolutely cannot fail to breakthrough."
With the [Natural Progress] Life Chart’s enhancement, as long as he absorbs the Five Elements Energy, he can smoothly enter the Innate Realm.
"Sect Leader, what is the second benefit?"
Ji Cangtian smiled upon hearing Lin Chen ask about the second benefit, having anticipated that Lin Chen would choose the second option.
A young genius emerging from a desolate land must possess enough confidence in the Martial Path to believe he can independently reach the Innate Realm.
"The second benefit is granting you a slot for the Canglan Secret Realm."
"I’ll choose the second one!"
With a determined expression, Du Xiaofeng appeared certain. Seeing his master’s expression, Lin Chen knew the Canglan Secret Realm had to be a valuable place. He didn’t wait for the Sect Leader to ask, directly stating, "The disciple chooses the Canglan Secret Realm slot."
Ji Cangtian wasn’t surprised by Elder Du’s reaction but didn’t expect Lin Chen, having just accepted Elder Du as a master, to trust him so much. Lin Chen chose without even knowing what the Canglan Secret Realm was.
"Very well, as the Sect Leader, I will give you a slot for the Canglan Secret Realm, but entering it will depend on your own abilities."
Seeing the doubt on Lin Chen’s face, Ji Cangtian didn’t explain further, believing Elder Du would clarify things for Lin Chen.
Having said everything necessary, Lin Chen followed his master out of the great hall.
"Let’s discuss more back at my residence."
Du Xiaofeng knew his disciple had many questions but chose to wait until they returned to their courtyard before speaking, "Are you curious about the Canglan Secret Realm? Why did the Sect Leader promise you a slot, yet you still need to earn it?"
"Yes, the disciple does have some confusion."
Lin Chen nodded, facing his master directly, "I feel that the Sect Leader didn’t fully explain things today."
"It’s because he cannot explain everything. In any case... once you reach my realm, you will understand."
Upon hearing his master’s words, Lin Chen’s pupils constricted. It seemed there were secrets within the Flame Dynasty that only those at a certain realm could learn.
Even the Sect Leader and his master seemed to be wary of these secrets.
"The Canglan Secret Realm is a secret realm our Canglan Sect opens to Innate First Realm Martial Artists. There are only six months left until it opens, which means if you wish to enter, you must breakthrough to the Innate Realm within that time, or you’ll have to wait five years for the next opening."
Lin Chen understood now that the so-called earning meant achieving the Innate Realm within six months; otherwise, even with the Sect Leader’s slot, he wouldn’t qualify to enter.
"Master, what’s inside the Canglan Secret Realm?"
"How much do you know about Innate Martial Artists?"
Instead of answering directly, Du Xiaofeng questioned Lin Chen.
"Disciple only knows that Innate Martial Artists must absorb and refine five types of Innate Energy before entering this realm, and that the Innate Realm is divided into six stages. Beyond that, I don’t know much."