“Big Yellow, how about we join this sect? There are few people, it's quiet, and there's little competition. We won't even have to participate in any sect tournaments or anything like that...”
Lu Ming stroked his chin as he pointed out the benefits of joining the Qingshan Sect to Big Yellow.
“Woof!”
Big Yellow barked in agreement. In any case, it listened to Lu Ming in everything now.
It had noticed that ever since Lu Ming was kicked by that donkey, he had become significantly smarter.
It had even secretly sought out a donkey to kick itself. However, other than being sent flying, there was no change whatsoever.
In the end, it concluded that because it had actively sought out the kick while Lu Ming's had been passive, it hadn't worked.
The reason Lu Ming wanted to bring Big Yellow into a sect was simple.
Over the past two years of traveling, they hadn't learned any useful knowledge about cultivating immortality at all.
Up until now, the man and the dog hadn't learned a single spell, possessing nothing but the cultivation technique from the scroll.
Thus, Lu Ming decided to find a sect to join. It had to be much safer than wandering as rogue cultivators.
Most importantly, they could find a powerful backer to lean on.
If anyone tried to pick a fight with him, he could just call for his elders.
Shortly after, Lu Ming carefully led Big Yellow over to the Qingshan Sect's recruitment booth.
Compared to the bustling crowds at the other sects, the Qingshan Sect's booth was beyond desolate.
Not even a single mosquito was flying around it.
The reason for this, aside from the Qingshan Sect's shabby setup, was their representative.
He was a middle-aged cultivator dressed entirely in black, with a stern expression and an aura that practically screamed 'stay away.'
Clutching a sword to his chest, he sat expressionlessly behind a battered table.
The freezing, unapproachable aura radiating from him made the surrounding temperature feel several degrees colder.
Taking in the man's appearance, Lu Ming did not hesitate to lead Big Yellow over, stopping a short distance from the battered table.
As they drew closer to the cultivator, the biting chill in the air grew even more intense.
Lu Ming felt a sudden thrill. He really is an expert. What a powerful presence!
Ordinary people wouldn't be able to handle this. Fortunately, I'm no ordinary person.
Lu Ming cupped his hands in greeting.
“Senior, we wish to join the Qingshan Sect. We want to become a part of the sect and contribute our strength to its cause...”
“Woof!”
Big Yellow nodded vigorously beside him.
“???”
Even after a long silence following Lu Ming's words, the other party did not offer any response.
What was going on?
Since there was no rejection, did that mean he accepted?
As expected of a high-class sect, they don't even test our spiritual roots.
Only a sect like this is worthy of my status as a protagonist.
“Thank you, Senior, for allowing this disciple to join the Qingshan Sect...” Lu Ming bowed deeply to express his gratitude.
“Woof!”
Big Yellow also barked excitedly to show its thanks. This is great! We finally belong to a sect!
Seeing that the man still didn't reject them, Lu Ming rejoiced inwardly. It was a done deal.
He then sat down cross-legged not far from the cultivator.
Seeing Lu Ming's posture, Big Yellow also straightened its back and sat tall beside him.
It made sure to pull its tongue back in.
I'm a sect disciple now. I have to maintain my elegant bearing.
The moment Lu Ming sat down, a flash of bewilderment crossed the middle-aged man's icy gaze, though it reverted to cold indifference a split second later.
In truth, the moment Hanyan saw Lu Ming and the dog walking toward the Qingshan Sect's recruitment booth, the spiritual energy inside his body began to tremble. Why is someone coming over?!
What should I do? I don't dare talk to strangers!
Oh no... Oh no... He's coming over. He's coming over with a dog.
What do I do? What do I do?... Should I just run away?
But the Grand Elder told me to recruit disciples...
What?
He actually wants to join the sect! What do I do? What do I say?
Should I tell him to test his spiritual roots? But how do I even open my mouth?
Open my mouth... Yes, open my mouth. But why won't it open?!
Just as Hanyan was agonizing over how to start speaking, he saw Lu Ming's eyes suddenly light up as he thanked him for letting them join.
Did I agree?
Whatever, it doesn't matter. As long as I don't have to speak, it's fine.
As for spiritual roots... well, since he didn't even need me to speak, he must have them.
Besides, I can feel spiritual energy fluctuating inside that dog.
If even a dog can cultivate, then this human definitely can too...
Lu Ming and Big Yellow sat there from afternoon until dusk.
Seeing that it was getting dark, it was time for dinner!
“Big Yellow, is it time for dinner?”
“Woof!”
Big Yellow nodded happily. Its absolute favorite was Lu Ming's roast meat, especially the big bones.
At the thought of it, Big Yellow couldn't help but lick its chops.
Keeping its tongue tucked inside its mouth for so long had been truly uncomfortable.
Lu Ming then pulled a large piece of wild beef from his storage bag.
Next, he set up a simple grill, pots, pans, bowls, chopsticks, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, water, and small stools...
Within moments, a rich, mouthwatering aroma drifted across the Qingshan Sect's recruitment area.
In the clay pot, the beef bone broth was simmered to a milky white, while the roasting beef turned a glistening, golden brown.
Not far away, several cultivators from smaller sects near the Qingshan Sect's booth were utterly speechless.
“Everyone is trying to recruit disciples here. Is this really appropriate?”
“Is this even a proper sect?”
“Sigh... No wonder nobody wants to join them. This is way too casual...”
Although they themselves had only recruited a few small fry, it didn't stop them from complaining.
Still, they had to admit, that roast meat smelled incredibly good.
“Senior, this is for you.”
Lu Ming placed the beef bone broth and some roast meat directly in front of Hanyan.
Afterward, Lu Ming tactfully retreated. He figured Hanyan probably wouldn't eat it.
After all, the man was a senior with profound cultivation.
He had likely achieved inedia long ago. Even if he did eat, it would be spirit fruits or spirit beasts; he surely wouldn't care for such ordinary food.
Still, one had to show the proper attitude. This was a little trick of the trade.
The boss might not need it, but you still had to offer.
Hanyan stared at the fragrant, sizzling roast meat in front of him. It looked delicious. Should I eat some?
Would doing so damage my image as the Third Elder of the sect?
But this is a filial offering from a disciple. If I don't eat it, will I hurt his feelings?
But if I eat it, what if he tries to talk to me?
Oh, whatever...
Moving with elegance, Hanyan picked up the roast meat and took a light bite.
The taste was remarkably unique. Although it lacked spiritual energy, it possessed a distinct, savory flavor.
The spicy kick in his mouth was truly special...
Hanyan didn't seem to be moving particularly fast, yet the food on the table was rapidly vanishing.
By the time Lu Ming and Big Yellow finished their meal and began packing up, they realized that the food on Hanyan's table had actually been eaten.
Lu Ming was taken aback. He truly hadn't expected Hanyan to show him so much face by actually eating it.
Big Yellow's eyes also shone with excitement. See that? Even a big shot of the sect loves Boss's roast meat!
Seeing Lu Ming approach to clear the table, Hanyan, who was pretending to rest with his eyes closed, felt the spiritual energy in his body freeze.
He sees that my eyes are closed, so he probably won't talk to me, right?
Sigh... I shouldn't have eaten his food!
Seeing that Lu Ming did not attempt to speak to him even after clearing everything away, Hanyan couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Fantastic. He's a very perceptive disciple.
After packing up, Lu Ming gave Hanyan a polite nod of farewell, then crawled into the simple tent he had set up with Big Yellow to sleep.
Rate on N.U.
