Protect Our Clan Leader

Only those who have reached the level of core disciples can be considered true disciples of the Master and have the right to call him ‘Teacher’.

“Thank you, Senior Brother.”

Wang Shouzhe expressed his thanks, presented a small gift, and then started observing the thatched cottage in front of him carefully.

Compared to the surrounding spiritual plants radiating divine light, this thatched cottage looked ordinary. However, Wang Shouzhe did not dare belittle it.

Because the owner of this thatched cottage was none other than the prestigious Master Changchun.

After adjusting his robe, he respectfully bowed to the cottage and said, “Student Wang Shouzhe of the outside Dao seeks an audience with Master Changchun.”

“Creak~”

The humble wooden door opened slowly by itself, with no wind to push it.

A gentle voice came from the thatched cottage: “Come in.”

Wang Shouzhe entered as instructed and found the inside of the hut to be quite simple. Aside from a few wooden chairs and tables, there was only a meditation cushion.

Master Changchun still dressed like a rustic old farmer, but there was a scent of vibrant life emanating from him now. His gentle and profound presence naturally made one feel affectionate towards him.

“Shouzhe pays respect to the Master.”

Wang Shouzhe immediately stepped forward, showing respect and courtesy.

“Sit~”

Master Changchun nodded at him, his attitude amiable.

Wang Shouzhe sat down as he was told.

“At the critical moment, why did you stand up for Changchun Valley? Don’t tell me it has anything to do with honoring the Valley. Are you trying to curry favor with me, Shouzhe?” said Master Changchun. After speaking, he glanced at Wang Shouzhe with a seeming tease, as if trying to read him.

This glance made Wang Shouzhe feel exposed.

An ordinary person would have been suppressed by this kind of power, making it extremely difficult to speak.

But Wang Shouzhe was no ordinary person. He wouldn’t say he calculated every step, nor every action he took held some deep meaning.

Yet this time, his intervention was definitely not as simple as it seemed on the surface.

He had also considered his summons this time.

Immediately, he calmly stated, “Honoring the Master, Shouzhe stepped in at the last moment for two reasons. First, to repay your grace for guiding me before, and second, to curry favor with you so that my Wang family can have a backing in the Academic Palace.” He was completely honest.

This brutal honesty left Master Changchun a bit startled. Couldn’t decide whether to describe this boy as cunning or straightforward.

“I have always disliked fights and won’t intervene in worldly affairs. What I despise the most are those like Shouzhe who calculate their deeds,” Master Changchun’s face took an unhappy turn, “but I also don’t like owing people favors. So, take this piece of Ancient Tree Armor and two leaves from the Longevity Tree as a reward for this time.”

After speaking, he took out a palm-sized piece of tree bark and two tender green leaves radiating life force. Wang Shouzhe had seen both these items on Li Yuzhe before, so he knew they were valuable items.

Clearly, Master Changchun wanted to make clear that their accounts were settled.

Wang Shouzhe promptly accepted the Ancient Tree Armor and Longevity Tree leaves, then stood up, expressing his gratitude, “Shouzhe thanks the Master for his generosity. If there are no other matters, I’ll take my leave.”

“Hmm?”

Master Changchun raised his eyebrows, “After I’ve spoken so harshly towards you, you don’t want to explain yourself?”

“The Master has spoken the truth. Shouzhe is indeed someone adept at schemes and calculations. What is there to argue about?” Wang Shouzhe replied with a calm smile, “Master, I will take my leave.”

With that, he prepared to leave.

“Wait.”

Master Changchun suddenly stopped him.

Looking at Wang Shouzhe, his expression was complicated, and he felt a bit frustrated.

Undoubtedly, he still appreciated this boy very much.

He had scolded him, hoping that he would realize his mistake and find his way back to the path of righteousness.

If he demonstrated remorse, how could I, being the master, refuse to give him another chance to make amends?

Don’t you want to grab onto a reliable leg? Why don’t you quickly kneel and beg me to be your teacher?

To his surprise, this boy just casually said “this is who I am” and was ready to walk away!

How is a master like me to react to such a situation?

“Master, is there anything else?” Wang Shouzhe’s attitude was polite and respectful, yet there was a sense of keeping his distance.

What do you mean ‘anything else’?

Didn’t I summon you from afar because I had something to say? Am I just wasting time here?

Young man, can’t you just go along with the script?

Even though Master Changchun was muttering discontentedly in his heart, he could only continue to feign a concerned face, “Shouzhe, you have a top-grade bloodline talent, right? It appears to be a Yimu bloodline, but it also seems a bit different.”

“Honoring the Master,” Wang Shouzhe replied respectfully, “I have indeed awakened the threefold bloodline talent, but as to what kind of talent it is, I do not know myself.”

Nonsense!

I, the master, already saw that clearly! Moreover, your bloodline is indeed special.

Besides, if you didn’t have a threefold bloodline awakening, how could you beat a core disciple of the Carefree Sect?

Master Changchun’s expression stiffened slightly; isn’t this just descending into awkward small talk again?

Kid, you keep saying you want a mentor, why can’t you just kowtow and apprentice to me?

Master Changchun was splenetically muttering in his heart. Having already been rejected once by a prospective core disciple, should he, the venerable master, be begging you to be his disciple?

However, this boy has achieved threefold Bloodline Awakening at his Spiritual Platform Realm, which could be regarded as a Purple Abode seed.

Such a Purple Abode seed is certain to reach the Heavenly Human Realm in the future, and there’s a feasible chance to even reach the Purple Abode Realm.