Alright." Shi Qingchuan nodded obediently and walked out.
"Old beggar, what couldn't you say openly that needed..." Shi Chuan said helplessly.
The old beggar's face suddenly turned serious, completely different from his usual joking manner. "This matter can't be explained in just a few words. But listen carefully - this will only benefit you, not harm you."
The old beggar took a deep breath. "These past years, haven't you been practicing breathing exercises? After each session, don't you feel comfortable with all fatigue gone, and your strength increasing?"
"How do you know that?" Shi Chuan's face showed surprise. This had always been his secret, something he hadn't even told Qingchuan. For some reason, he'd always kept it hidden.
"Let me explain. Your breathing technique is called breath regulation - the most basic cultivation method. But you must have noticed it works much better in the mountain temple than anywhere else."
Shi Chuan nodded, looking even more astonished. How did this old beggar know so much about him?
"Don't be surprised. It's because the mountain temple contains a treasure that aids cultivation." The old man pointed to the altar, where a palm-sized yellowish stone now rested, emitting a soft warm glow.
"Take it. Remember - this stone is an extremely rare treasure in the cultivation world. Never tell anyone about it, or you'll face mortal danger. No one can know - understand?"
Shi Chuan thoughtfully tucked the stone close to his body, though his mind still struggled to understand. How did the beggar know all this?
"Are you the Mountain God?" Shi Chuan blurted out.
The old beggar paused, then laughed. "You've got good eyes, kid. Now hurry up and go."
As he laughed, a trace of bitterness flashed across his face.
Just as Shi Chuan stepped out, the old beggar transformed into a streak of yellow light and disappeared into Shi Chuan's clothes.
To think I, a true cultivator, would pretend to be mortals' imaginary Mountain God. What a joke. But whether it's the Five Spirits Sect or not, this is my last chance. I can't wait any longer.
Shi Chuan held Qingchuan's hand as they walked down the mountain. When he glanced back, the temple stood empty - the beggar had vanished. Shi Chuan grew even more certain he'd met the Mountain God.
Delayed by the beggar, they arrived at the village to find the chosen children already lined up, dressed in their best clothes like it was New Year. Parents and neighbors beamed with pride - having an immortal in the family was extraordinary. In ten years, maybe they'd bring back longevity elixirs.
"Little Melon, don't forget Uncle's roasted sweet potatoes..."
"Dog Leftover, come visit in ten years..."
"Enough!" Seeing Shi Chuan and Qingchuan return, Huang Shulang said, "We're leaving now."
He took talismans from his sleeve and carefully attached them to each child. The other young disciples did the same.
"Everyone follow me. If you fall behind, you're on your own." Huang Shulang shot Shi Chuan a venomous look. He'd have loved to abandon Shi Chuan to the wolves - those five earth spiritual roots were a thorn in his side. But with witnesses, he couldn't hide the truth.
Qingchuan was different - four water spiritual roots guaranteed her a position as an elder's direct disciple. If he could become her cultivation partner...
"Miss, you're Shi Qingchuan? I'm Huang Shulang - call me Senior Brother Huang. If you tire during the journey, tell me. Helping each other is our sect's tradition."
"No need. I'll stay with Brother Shi," Qingchuan said, hiding behind Shi Chuan. "Since they weren't my real parents, just call me Qingchuan now."
Huang Shulang's eyes flashed with malice toward Shi Chuan before he composed himself.
"Move out!"
At his command, the group shot forward like arrows, soon disappearing from view. The villagers stood stunned.
Shi Chuan's steps felt light, as if something lifted him gently, making travel effortless. Normally he could match this speed briefly, but not sustain it.
Such power from just one talisman...
The other children grinned excitedly. Without Huang Shulang present, they'd probably be climbing trees.
"Swiftwind Talismans don't last," Huang Shulang snapped. "Speed up or you'll be walking the rest of the way."
The children sobered immediately.
After three exhausting days of travel, they finally reached a misty mountain range at dusk. The air smelled fresh and damp, rich with plant life.
A hundred-zhang stone staircase led up to an imposing gate carved with clouds and flowing water, inscribed "Water Spirit Sect."
"Senior Brother Huang, we're back! Tiring trip, but the spirit stone reward will be worth it," a disciple said.
"Take them to rest. I'll report to the elders," Huang Shulang replied. These weren't ordinary recruits - with Shi Chuan and Qingchuan's talents, the elders might reward him personally.
At the elders' quarters, a guard blocked him.
"Elder business," Huang Shulang said respectfully.
"From Shi Family Village?" The guard laughed. "What could that backwater possibly—"
"Who's making noise?" The door swung open, revealing a white-bearded elder whose aura pressed down on them.
Huang Shulang kowtowed. "Forgive me, Elder! I've returned with a four-water-spiritual-root disciple!"
Inside, five powerful elders sat in meditation. Huang Shulang had only ever seen three before.
"Four pure water roots?" A female elder stood abruptly. "No impurities?"
"Verified by the Spirit Root Mirror, Elder Yan."
"Heaven blesses our sect!" she laughed.
Elder Sun frowned. "She hasn't chosen a master yet. We all have equal claim."
"My techniques require a female disciple. You already have two!"
"Both inferior. My methods are the sect's true heritage!"
The presiding elder sighed. "Huang Shulang."
"Yes, Elder?"
"One hundred low-grade spirit stones. And one entry to the Scripture Pavilion."
Huang Shulang bowed, hiding his satisfaction.