Chapter 209: Awakening

Logically, being accepted as a disciple by a Core Formation cultivator would be an unimaginable stroke of luck, an incredible blessing for any low-level immortal cultivator. However, upon hearing these words, Han Li, despite his astonishment, instinctively sensed that something was amiss.

Given his talent and cultivation techniques, he couldn't possibly be so fortunate. As for the claim that he had performed a great service for Huangfeng Valley and deserved a generous reward, Han Li didn't believe a word of it. If this Grandmaster had won the bet and, in a moment of exhilaration, decided to take him on as a disciple, there might have been some sincerity in it. But to be utterly defeated and still offer to take him as a disciple – that was truly puzzling!

As countless thoughts raced through Han Li's mind, Grandmaster Li grew displeased.

After offering to take Han Li as a disciple, he had expected the other party to be overjoyed and accept immediately. To his surprise, Han Li just stood there, stunned and astonished, not responding right away. This annoyed him slightly.

Outwardly, however, Grandmaster Li naturally maintained his dignified demeanor and spoke calmly again:

“Han Li, if you are unwilling to become my disciple, you only need to say so. I will not force you! I can grant you several other magical artifacts as compensation!”

Upon hearing this, Han Li knew that while the words sounded polite, the Grandmaster was certainly displeased. Han Li didn't need to think hard to understand the consequences of offending this Grandmaster! Furthermore, for a Qi Condensation disciple like himself to refuse a Core Formation cultivator's offer of discipleship was simply illogical. He feared that refusing would only invite greater trouble.

With this thought, he gritted his teeth. Regardless of the Grandmaster's true intentions, he first needed to navigate the current situation. Given the circumstances, he knew that if he didn't agree, he would certainly face dire consequences.

“Of course, I am willing to become your disciple, Grandmaster! It is my honor! I was simply too overwhelmed with joy just now and forgot to speak. Please forgive me, Grandmaster!” A deep blush spread across Han Li’s face as he feigned snapping out of an excited daze. He spoke with a seemingly eager tone.

Then, Han Li, understanding the situation, bowed several times to Grandmaster Li, immediately performing the formal disciple acceptance ritual.

“Excellent! From today onward, you are my disciple, Li Huayuan. This Jade Radiance Blade magical artifact shall be my welcoming gift to you.” Li Huayuan’s face beamed with a smile as he reached out to help Han Li up, presenting him with a long, green blade that shimmered with spiritual light, clearly a top-tier magical artifact.

Han Li respectfully took the long blade with both hands, then bowed again as a sign of reverence. Only then did he appear to stand up, seemingly overcome with joy.

The other disciples nearby, who had watched dumbfounded, now had fire in their eyes. Their gazes at Han Li were intensely envious, wishing they were the ones receiving the artifact instead of the Han Li they already disliked.

Although Han Li didn't know their exact thoughts, the intense, fiery gazes fixed on him allowed him to guess most of it, leaving him feeling both amused and helpless!

If it were possible, he would have preferred this Grandmaster to favor someone else, not him, the unlucky one! After all, he still vividly remembered the lessons learned from his previous master, Doctor Mo! Now, another master had appeared, even more capable and with multiple schemes—Han Li was truly speechless!

“If you successfully establish your foundation after some time, I will naturally bring you to my abode and accept you as a formal disciple. If you don't succeed, it doesn't matter; I will still provide some guidance on your cultivation techniques.” Grandmaster Li instructed Han Li.

“Yes, Master!” Han Li naturally had no other objections. He honestly assented.

“Alright, it's getting late. Let's return to Huangfeng Valley!” Grandmaster Li said, looking at the sky.

Following this, everyone once again mounted Grandmaster Li's Silver-Armored Horned Serpent and, after several days of flight, returned to Huangfeng Valley.

Upon entering the valley, Grandmaster Li Huayuan immediately proceeded to the Council Hall with two stewards. The others dispersed, returning to their residences to await their rewards in a few days.

Inside a thatched hut within the Hundred Herb Garden of Huangfeng Valley, the elder Martial Uncle Ma stared wide-eyed at Han Li as if he had seen a ghost, continuously mumbling:

“This is impossible! Not only are you not dead, but you also stumbled upon a great find in the forbidden area, turning in over twenty spiritual herbs, and were even accepted as a registered disciple by Martial Uncle Li!”

“Indeed, Martial Uncle Ma! Wouldn't you say I have profound good fortune and astonishing destiny?” Han Li said with a half-smile, sitting across from the elder, seemingly quite pleased with himself.

Hearing Han Li's words, the elder's expression returned to normal, but he fixed Han Li with a strange gaze that made Han Li feel uneasy, unsure of the other's intent.

“Han, my boy, your trip to the forbidden area certainly yielded a lot, far more than I expected!” the elder sighed, saying.

“I didn't expect it myself!” Han Li replied casually.

“But, do you know Martial Uncle Li’s true intention in taking you as a registered disciple?”

The elder's next sentence, spoken with a hint of regret, made Han Li freeze for a moment, then he became overjoyed. Still, he forcibly suppressed his inner excitement and feigned ignorance, saying:

“Martial Uncle Ma, could there be another reason why Grandmaster Li accepted a disciple?”

“Martial Uncle? Hehe! Since Junior Brother Han has now become Martial Uncle Li’s disciple, you can just call me Senior Brother Ma from now on. I wouldn’t dare respond to 'Martial Uncle' anymore!” The elder lightly shook his head and said slowly.

“Ahem! Martial Uncle Ma, why do you tease your junior nephew? Everyone knows that in the cultivation world, seniority is determined by cultivation level. As long as I haven't entered the Foundation Establishment stage, Martial Uncle Ma will naturally remain my elder.” Han Li said very sincerely, and immediately poured a cup of medicinal floral tea for the elder, offering it to him.

“Good, good! You are indeed teachable! It seems you haven't been completely overwhelmed by these events. In that case, I'll tell you ahead of time. Even if I didn't say anything, you would find out in three or four days anyway.” The elder nodded with satisfaction and said calmly.

Han Li paused slightly upon hearing this but then listened intently to the elder's next words. He had been constantly on edge about Grandmaster Li's sudden decision to take him as a disciple, so naturally, he wouldn't miss a chance to learn the inside story sooner.

“What reward do you think you'll receive for turning in so many spiritual herbs this time?” the elder suddenly asked, changing the subject.

“I should be able to exchange them for two Foundation Establishment Pills! I inquired beforehand, and anyone who turns in around ten spiritual herbs can exchange them for one Foundation Establishment Pill.” Han Li knew that since the elder asked this, he must have a purpose, so he answered honestly.

“Hmph! When the rewards are distributed in a few days, you'll only receive one Foundation Establishment Pill. Don't dream of getting two!” the elder said with a hint of sarcasm.

“What? How could this be? Is someone withholding my reward?” Han Li almost jumped up, his face filled with disbelief.

“No one is withholding anything, and no one would dare! You are the only one whose reward will be reduced; everyone else should receive the full amount. Otherwise, who would participate in the Blood-Colored Trial next time?” The elder pursed his lips and said.

“Is it because of Grandmaster Li?” Han Li tilted his head, thought for a moment, then said with a serious expression.

“You're not too slow-witted; you hit the nail on the head quickly. It is indeed because Martial Uncle Li accepted you as his disciple!” A flicker of approval passed through the elder's eyes as he nodded.

“Our sect has an unwritten rule: for masters and disciples with a clear relationship, the master has the right to claim half of the tribute submitted by the disciple to the sect as a 'thank you' gift. Of course, this only applies once and sets no precedent. The spiritual herbs you collected in the forbidden area are also considered a form of tribute to the sect. So, I estimate that Martial Uncle Li’s enthusiasm in taking you as a disciple is largely because he's eyeing your ten-odd spiritual herbs as his 'thank you' gift. Since only half of the spiritual herbs will reach the higher authorities, your reward will naturally also be halved. Therefore, you shouldn't hope for two Foundation Establishment Pills anymore.” The elder meticulously explained to Han Li.

Han Li furrowed his brow but showed no sign of annoyance or displeasure. He merely lowered his head and remained silent, which somewhat surprised the elder, who found it quite unexpected. Naturally, he didn't know that Han Li was not only not angry but had actually let out a long sigh of relief, finally putting his uneasy mind at ease.

So, this new master was after his spiritual herbs. This indeed surprised him, but it also put Han Li's mind at ease. One Foundation Establishment Pill was truly insignificant to him, especially since he was about to begin refining pills himself! As long as he could successfully refine pills, a mere single pill would naturally not be worth considering.

The elder didn't know Han Li's true state of mind. Seeing Han Li remain silent, he assumed Han Li was suppressing a great deal of frustration, merely skilled at controlling his emotions and not revealing them. He chuckled lightly twice and began to comfort Han Li:

“Although you'll miss out on one Foundation Establishment Pill, being accepted as a registered disciple by Martial Uncle Li is not bad at all; it’s hardly a loss. You must understand that your aptitude isn't particularly good. Even if you took two Foundation Establishment Pills, your chances of successfully establishing your foundation would still be slim. It’s better to exchange one pill for Martial Uncle Li as a powerful backer. This way, even if you remain in the Qi Condensation stage in the future, virtually no one in the sect will dare to bully you. You see, even though Martial Uncle Li didn't truly want to take you as a disciple, you are still under his name. Which ordinary disciple or steward would easily trouble you? And from what I know, Martial Uncle Li is quite protective of his own!”

Han Li felt a touch of emotion upon hearing this. Ever since the elder gave him two bottles of pills when he went to the forbidden area, he had realized that the man was outwardly cold but warm-hearted, genuinely a good person! But these latest words made an even deeper impression on Han Li; the other party seemed worth getting close to!

Han Li thought this to himself, but on the surface, he still put on a hesitant expression, as if grudgingly swayed by the elder's words. He let out a few bitter laughs before finally speaking, exchanging a few casual remarks with him.

Martial Uncle Ma, seeing that Han Li seemed to have recovered from the blow, was very pleased and soon took his leave. The Hundred Herb Garden was naturally entrusted back to Han Li.