Chapter 177: Golden Core Disciple

The barrier transformed into a wall of golden light, sealing off the forbidden ground.

Bang! Bang!

Under the impact of Earth Malevolent Qi, the barrier shook violently, emitting loud, continuous sounds.

However, the Earth Malevolent Qi was nearly exhausted by the time it reached this point, and soon its force noticeably weakened.

Seeing the qi outside begin to recede, Yu Dayue’s expression lit up with a hint of relief. Then, recalling something, he turned to Qin Sang and instructed, "Junior Brother Qin, once the malevolent qi has dissipated, let’s each search the cave separately. Junior Brother Li is the personal disciple of Senior Uncle Fengming, and he was given a protective artifact by Senior Uncle Fengming. If he didn’t fall into a chasm, he might still have a chance to survive. It would be best if we could rescue him; otherwise, we’d have a hard time explaining things to Senior Uncle Fengming."

Qin Sang had already intended to find an opportunity to throw Wu Yuesheng’s remains into a chasm, so he readily agreed and asked further, "Daoist Baiyun was a rogue cultivator, so it’s hard to say. I remember that Senior Brother Wu was a disciple of Senior Uncle Che Yutao, so perhaps he also has a chance of survival?"

"Doubtful."

Yu Dayue shook his head, with a hint of bitterness in his tone. "Junior Brother Qin, you might not know this, but Golden Core masters, in their pursuit of the Spiritual Infant Realm, focus on cultivating the Dao wholeheartedly, just like us. Few of them are willing to be distracted by taking on disciples."

"To ensure a legacy, Shaohua Mountain mandates that Golden Core cultivators take on a sufficient number of disciples and guide them in cultivation. Because of this rule, many disciples fall under the tutelage of Golden Core Masters, but only a handful, the exceptionally talented, receive genuine attention."

"Junior Brother Wu can’t compare to Junior Brother Li. Junior Brother Li is exceptionally gifted, and Senior Uncle Fengming regards him highly. That’s why, right after reaching the Foundation Building Realm, he received an artifact from Senior Uncle Fengming. It’s said that Senior Uncle Fengming even handpicked his cultivation art. He’s a true direct disciple."

"In my case, I only saw my master on the day I became his disciple and received a few pointers. Afterward, I was left to rely on myself. My master probably doesn’t even remember I exist, unless I manage to break through to the late stage of Foundation Building Realm, where I might gain his recognition."

"Still, we’re better off than rogue cultivators since we have a sect to depend on. But even with this support, I’ve spent decades stagnating at the early stage of Foundation Building Realm with no sign of progress. Otherwise, why else would I venture into the Red Dust Gourd?"

"Junior Brother Wu’s situation is even worse. On the day he became a disciple, Senior Uncle Che, supposedly sensing something, retreated for secluded cultivation. Junior Brother Wu didn’t even get to enter the cave dwelling and was dismissed right away—no chance of receiving any artifact."

In the world of immortal cultivation, be it righteous or demonic, the master-disciple relationship was greatly valued. Once a master accepted a disciple, the bond went beyond the typical hierarchical relationships within the sect.

Before formally becoming a disciple, when one listened to the lectures at Dao Peak, they’re essentially exchanging spiritual stones earned through menial work for knowledge—a fair transaction with no lasting obligation.

However, once one became a disciple, the master would impart teachings, guidance, and wisdom. This bond was even closer than that with a partner; the master respected the disciple, and the disciple honored the master. This was the natural order.

This relationship remained unchangeable, even if heaven and earth turned upside down.

In time, even if a disciple surpassed their master in cultivation, they must still show utmost respect when meeting their master. Any slight disregard would lead to universal contempt.

Apart from Senior Brother Wen, Qin Sang had limited interactions with other Foundation Building cultivators. Such private matters were difficult to inquire about, so hearing this from Yu Dayue helped him understand the hidden dynamics, erasing his last traces of regret.

With his dismal talent, even if he somehow became the disciple of a Golden Core master, he wouldn’t receive any more attention than he does now. He would be better off wandering freely on his own.

Qin Sang had initially worried that Wu Yuesheng might possess artifacts with marks left by Senior Uncle Che, though he didn’t know which ones, so he’d intended to discard them all.

Since none of the artifacts were bestowed by Senior Uncle Che, and Wu Yuesheng was neither loved by his master nor considered important, it was unlikely that Senior Uncle Che would investigate his death. Therefore, there was no harm in keeping the artifacts.

The Crimson Flame Sword was Wu Yuesheng’s life-bound spiritual sword, fused with his aura. Erasing its traces would take time, so he only needed to destroy the Crimson Flame Sword along with a few related items.

After waiting a while longer, the rumbling outside gradually faded, and the golden light of the barrier stopped wavering.

Qin Sang and Yu Dayue exchanged a glance and, together, activated the array tools to open the barrier. In front of them, the great hall remained filled with traces of Earth Malevolent Qi, lingering in thin, chilling wisps.

This amount of Earth Malevolent Qi posed no threat to them, so they immediately split up as agreed.

Qin Sang headed straight out of the cave, moving swiftly. Near the entrance, he used his Falling Cloud Wings to conceal himself.

Returning to the chasm, he saw that the once-soaring Earth Malevolent Qi had subsided. The barrier of yin wind in the sky now had a massive opening, and even the cliffs above were pierced by a large, round hole, through which blue sky was visible.

It was noon, and the blazing sun was high, casting sunlight into the chasm and creating a striking scene.

Yet the fierce sun couldn’t dispel the bone-chilling cold. Deep within the chasm, dark qi billowed like a black dragon rolling inside, looking ominous.

Cautiously protecting himself, Qin Sang approached the Earth Malevolent Qi, discreetly tossing the Crimson Flame Sword and other items into it. He watched as the qi swallowed them, then returned to the cave to continue searching carefully.

Finally, the two met above the chasm. They had scoured every part of the Heavenly Corpse Sect’s branch but found no trace of Li Zai—not even any remains. It seemed likely that Li Zai hadn’t escaped into the cave and was instead consumed by the Earth Malevolent Qi.

Yu Dayue gave a wry smile and said, "Junior Brother Qin, we need to think of an excuse before reporting back to the sect. If Senior Uncle Fengming flies into a rage, I’ll be in trouble."

Qin Sang nodded. Three fellow disciples had died on this mission, and the sect wouldn’t let it slide. Fortunately, he hadn’t been the one to propose this mission, so the pressure was more on Yu Dayue than on him.

The yin wind barrier was slowly reforming, and the two hurriedly flew out of the chasm on their swords. Looking at the surrounding peaks, they couldn’t help but feel uneasy. The Earth Malevolent Qi had withered the vegetation, wiped out all life, and turned the ground pitch-black, like a land of death.

𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

The commotion here was enormous; it might attract unwanted attention. The two didn’t dare linger. Choosing the direction of their sect, they sped away.

Flying on their swords, which was faster than flying with artifacts, they reached Shaohua Mountain in a month. Qin Sang found an excuse to part ways with Yu Dayue and hid some items he couldn’t reveal. Shortly after reaching Huilong Temple, he saw an elder in a white Daoist robe float toward him.

"Greetings, Senior Brother Chu."

Qin Sang recognized Senior Brother Chu, the head of the Hall of Discipline. It seemed Yu Dayue had already reported the events.

"Junior Brother Qin."

Senior Brother Chu didn’t speak harshly. "You should know why I’m here. If there’s no pressing matter, please come with me back to the sect. I heard that Junior Sister Qingting entrusted her final affairs to you?"