bookbashuk Chapter 78 Want to be my disciple? Don't rush to drop out of school.
Chapter 78 Want to be my disciple? Don't rush to drop out of school.
Zhao Mengmeng swallowed the smooth rice noodle roll in small bites, finally unable to suppress her curiosity. She turned her head, her bright eyes looking at Chen Anran, "Master Chen, you just mentioned your senior sister and junior nephew... So, is your sect like the ones described in novels, hidden deep in the mountains and forests, shrouded in mist, where disciples fly on swords and cultivate immortality?"
Chen Anran had just picked up a piece of rice noodle roll when she heard this, paused, put the food in her mouth, chewed it slowly, and then smiled.
"It's true that it's shrouded in mist. The Cloud Hidden Sect, as the name suggests, is indeed located on Cloud Hidden Mountain." He spoke casually, as if discussing the weather. "However, flying on a sword, cultivating immortality..." He shook his head, his tone slightly teasing. "At least I've never seen anyone fly on a sword. Most people travel on foot, or like now, by car."
Upon hearing this, Wang Rui, Zhang Hao, and the others couldn't help but laugh. Their original image of the "Immortal Sect" as something aloof and detached from worldly affairs was instantly brought back to reality, making it seem much more approachable.
Wang Rui said with a longing look, "I really want to drop out of school and go to the Cloud Hidden Sect to become an apprentice! I'm willing to do anything, even sweeping floors or doing odd jobs!"
Zhang Hao nodded in agreement: "If one can come into contact with true spiritual practice, worldly studies do indeed seem... less important."
Although Li Ming and Sun Wei didn't speak, their eyes revealed the same longing.
Chen Anran was well aware of their little schemes; they had witnessed extraordinary power and wanted to embark on the path of cultivation.
The Cloud Hidden Sect has few members. Apart from Chen Anran, the most senior disciple, and his three senior sisters, the only disciple of the next generation is Xiao Ling'er.
Lin Xiaoman was there to be "reformed," so she could barely be considered a half-disciple. As for Fatty Li, in the ancient times of cultivation, he would have been just an outer sect servant disciple.
So Chen Anran was quite pleased that Zhao Mengmeng and the other four had this idea, but the recruitment of sect disciples was not that simple.
In the Dharma-ending Age, the standards for recruiting members by sects will only rise, not fall.
Because cultivation resources are extremely scarce!
Therefore, we either need to recruit children like Xiao Ling'er and nurture them from a young age, or we need to conduct long-term observation and assessment before we can recruit them.
Loyalty is the sole criterion for hiring in this era. Talent is no longer even the most important factor.
It's like Chen Anran poured a lot of cultivation resources into a disciple, but after the disciple became successful, he turned around and joined another sect or aristocratic family.
If such a situation were to occur, even if Chen Anran possessed the Museum of Evolution, his health would instantly turn red.
"Cultivation requires both temperament and opportunity." Chen Anran put down his chopsticks, his gaze sweeping over the five people. "Not everyone is suited for this path. Moreover..."
He paused, his tone carrying a hint of practical consideration: "The spiritual energy has only just begun to recover, resources are limited, and sects are extremely cautious in accepting disciples. Your current impulsive decision may not necessarily indicate that you are truly prepared."
Upon hearing this, the excitement on their faces faded slightly, replaced by thoughtful expressions.
Zhao Mengmeng pressed on, "Then... what kind of mindset is suitable? And how should we prove ourselves?"
Chen Anran glanced at her; this girl was indeed persistent. He pondered for a moment and said, "Be calm and composed, fearless and greedless, uphold righteousness, and be resolute in the face of adversity. As for proof..." He smiled, "Focus on completing your studies and handling worldly affairs. If the time is right, the sect will consider it."
Chen Anran's words neither completely shut the door nor made any easy promises. Instead, they acted like a gentle breeze, dispelling the fervor that had arisen from their momentary impulses. The group exchanged glances, each seeing a calm reflection in the other's eyes.
Wang Rui scratched his head first, then smiled somewhat embarrassedly: "Master Chen is right, we've been thinking too simply. Cultivation is definitely much harder than taking the college entrance exam, how can we just give up like that, or start like that?" He took out his phone and skillfully opened the course schedule app, "I still have three major courses to study this semester, if I fail them my dad will skin me alive."
Zhang Hao adjusted his glasses, resuming his usual rational and analytical demeanor: "Indeed. To achieve anything in any field, a solid foundation and continuous investment are essential. We haven't even mastered our current studies, so how can we pursue anything higher? Taking it step by step and building a strong foundation is the right path."
Li Ming and Sun Wei nodded in agreement, indicating that they would focus on completing their studies and obtaining their graduation certificates from Guangzhou Polytechnic University.
Upon hearing this, Chen Anran was slightly taken aback.
It seems that my second senior sister also attended Guangzhou Polytechnic University...
After regaining her senses, Chen Anran looked at the four people and asked, "You guys haven't started your holiday yet, have you?"
Wang Rui explained, "We asked our instructor for leave."
"Is your instructor the same person?"
In fact, Chen Anran knew in his heart that it was not too easy for second-generation people like them to ask for leave.
Finally, without waiting for their reply, Chen Anran changed the subject.
Zhao Mengmeng blinked. She really wanted to ask Chen Anran, "So how should someone like me, who has already graduated, prove myself? How do I handle worldly affairs... Should I go to my dad's company, or continue to prove myself through this live-streaming job?"
However, just as she was about to speak, Zhao Mengmeng held back, because she quickly figured out what she should do!
That means she'll just stay by Chen Anran's side! If all else fails, she'll stay on Cloud Hidden Mountain! Anyway, she's rich. Not to mention her father, she's earned quite a bit through live streaming in the past two years. Enough to live comfortably on the mountain.
Zhao Mengmeng became more and more excited as she thought about it, her eyes crinkling into crescent moons with laughter.
Sooner or later, I will be able to become his disciple!
…………
Leaving the breakfast shop, the sun was already shining brightly on the streets. Chen Anran checked the time and said, "There's nothing to do during the day, so you can do whatever you want or go back to the hotel to rest. Meet at the hotel entrance at 8 PM."
Wang Rui asked curiously, "And what about you, Master Chen?"
Chen Anran said, "I'm in Lincheng taking care of some personal matters."
He planned to take advantage of the daytime to visit the local antique market and see if he could find some useful materials.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Mengmeng's eyes lit up and she immediately said, "You're not familiar with Lincheng, are you? How about I be your guide? I know best where to go and what to eat in Lincheng!" Afraid that Chen Anran would refuse, she quickly added, "Although I'm not a local, I've been to Lincheng many times."
Wang Rui, Zhang Hao, and the others immediately realized what was going on and volunteered.
"Yes, yes, Master Chen, we'll be your followers!"
"We're experts at running errands and doing odd jobs!"
Chen Anran looked at the group of young people who had suddenly become incredibly enthusiastic, and felt a little amused and exasperated. He had originally intended to stroll around in peace and quiet by himself, but seeing Zhao Mengmeng's bright, expectant eyes, he swallowed back the words of refusal that were on the tip of his tongue.
"Okay." He finally nodded. "But the place I'm going to might be a bit boring."
"Not boring at all!" Zhao Mengmeng immediately shook her head, a bright smile blooming on her face.