Chapter Fifty-Six: Empty

  "No need for formalities, you may rise!" Song Ning waved his long sleeve and a stream of spiritual energy lifted Luo Yu up. "I have not yet formed my elixir, so the matter of taking on an apprentice is not to be discussed."

  "Master Uncle, you will definitely be able to achieve enlightenment within ten years, you can take me in first - "

  Song Ning hooked his lips and smiled: "To condense the elixir within ten years? I don't have such grand ambitions. Besides, my spiritual roots are different from yours, so I won't be able to guide you in your cultivation. The only thing I can teach you is the art of talisman crafting. From now on, come to this backyard on the first day of every month, and I'll instruct you in the knowledge of talismans."

  Luoyu suddenly realized that the root of the problem lay in the two words "Ling Gen". In his opinion, his own Ling Gen talent was mediocre, and he did not want to accept a disciple who might never be able to build a foundation in this lifetime. This was just human nature, even if it meant giving up on a nominal disciple. Indeed, Luoyu had been too demanding of himself, he thought to himself with a sigh.

  "Thank you, Master Song! Although Master cannot accept me as a formal disciple, he is willing to teach me the knowledge of talismans, which is already doing his duty as a master. I kowtowed three times to Master, just to show my respect! Please also ask Master not to stop me, otherwise I will feel guilty in my heart!"

  Luo Yu knelt down again, bowed her head and knocked it against the bluestone ground, also knocking on Song Ning's heart, a kind of awkward feeling spreading throughout his chest.

  He understood in his heart that Luo Yu was probably aware that he didn't want to accept her as a disciple, not because she hadn't yet formed a dan or her spiritual root wasn't compatible, but simply because her spiritual root's talent was too poor! Even if he were willing, his master Liu Changqing wouldn't want such an untalented disciple. He sighed in his heart, what a pity to waste such a rare, once-in-a-century talisman-making talent.

  He had originally thought that the sect leader would assign a master to her, and she would enter the inner sect. With the help of the spiritual elixir, she could be promoted to the foundation period. If she could even obtain a Golden Lotus Pill, she might be able to form a core and become a 5th rank symbol master by then. In the sect, there were only three 4th rank symbol masters and one 5th rank master. If another 5th rank symbol master could emerge, it would be of great importance to the sect!

  Of course, he understood that the Golden Lotus Pill, which could only be refined after a hundred years, was precious. The big shots in the sect were all eyeing it covetously. If one of the Golden Lotus Pills were to be given to a Foundation Establishment cultivator, her control over the spell would reach the third level at most. If the Golden Core masters of the sect were to find out about this matter, wouldn't they go crazy? It was unthinkable! —— Luo Yu didn't want to enter the inner sect, so he didn't force it. He also didn't ask much about the inside story, but instead handed over this book that listed the sect's secret spell texts and promised to teach her spell knowledge, hoping she could use these to go further and not wither away prematurely on the path of cultivation.

  "Get up!" Song Ning struck out a burst of spiritual light, supporting the forehead of Luo Yu who was beet red. "Since you've kowtowed to me, I will naturally teach you with all my heart. You can slowly study the Symbol Scripture, there's no need to rush to return it, until you fully grasp it."

  "Thank you, Master!" Luo Yu happily agreed, it didn't matter if he wasn't her master, as long as she respected him in her heart.

  "Alright, you're all so boring. Look, Little Xiao's forehead is about to bleed, Song Ning, you really are heartless." Chu Yang opened his mouth and completely broke the solemn atmosphere.

  "Hmm, little girl, why don't you also kowtow to me and I'll teach you how to refine the elixir," Chu Yang said with a flourish of his fan. "You don't have to use too much force, just make a sound will do."

  Song Ning was speechless; Luo Yu secretly gritted her teeth, twisted her small body, and finally cupped her hands and said: "Thank you, Master Chu. I'm afraid my talent is too poor, so I won't be able to build a foundation, and it's hard for me to achieve anything in the path of alchemy. It's really disappointing your kindness, Master."

  "Hahaha——" Chu Yang threw his head back and laughed loudly, "I'm telling you, little girl, aren't you tired of pretending to be clever every day?! In the future, you'll come here to learn the art of talismans, where there's Song Ning, there's me, Chu Yang. Do you want to keep pretending forever?! Aren't you afraid of becoming a turtle for ten thousand years?!"

  "Go to hell, you turtle! Luoyu secretly hated him, put away her humble and obedient expression, sat down on the stone bench with a plop, and glared at Chuyang with a slanted eye: "I just don't want to kowtow to you, what can you do about it!"

  "Hmm, this is the real you, little girl!" Chu Yang said with a mischievous grin. "I like it! Hehe, I'm in a good mood today, let's go eat at Yun Tian Ge."

  What a masochist, Luo Yu thought to herself in disdain. Yun Tian Ge was indeed the best wine tower in the city, with countless delicious dishes and exquisite flavors that made one's mouth water just thinking about it. However...

  "Chu Shi Shu, are you sure you're not taking revenge on me? Having lunch with the two of you, wouldn't I be hunted down by all the female cultivators?" Luo Yu's eyes widened, staring at Chu Yang as if she had seen a murderer.

  "I've never seen anyone as foolish as you, with this mask on, otherwise do you think we could have arrived at the Qingning teahouse so safely?" Chu Yang was unhappy now, and a streak of spiritual light shot out to hit Luo Yu's forehead.

  Luoyu didn't mind, snatched the transparent film from Chuyang's hand, and put it on her face. It fit perfectly, breathable, without any abnormalities. Luoyu conjured up a water mirror, seeing a whiteboard-like face.

  "This mask can only change the shape of one's face, but not their body type. However, it can block the detection of cultivators below the Golden Elixir stage. For our trip to the market, this should be sufficient." Song Ning spoke up and took out a mask, sticking it on his face. With a few quick pinches, he instantly transformed into an ordinary-looking cultivator with a clear and elegant appearance, completely different from his previous extraordinary demeanor.

  "Hey, little girl, return my mask to me. You should know that Song Ning and I are inseparable, like Meng Po and Jiao. If this handsome face of mine appears, wouldn't it expose Song Ning? As for you..." Chu Yang sneered twice, "You're still wet behind the ears, without any charm or elegance, no wonder nobody has taken a liking to you!"

  Luoyu silently knew that although Chuyang's words were venomous, they weren't entirely unreasonable. She tore off her mask and handed it over.

  Chu Yang put on a mask, transforming his demonic face into that of a handsome young man, whose looks surpassed Song Ning's by several levels.

  "Alright, little girl, let's go—" Chu Yang pulled out a white jade fan from his bosom and took one step at a time, fanning himself with an elegant motion, still displaying his usual style.

  Chu Shi Shu, are you sure that just by changing this face, others won't be able to recognize you? Luo Yu suddenly felt a bleak future.

  "You little scamp, how can you be so slow again!" Chu Yangling's powerful hand reached out and scooped up Luo Yu, striding two steps into the backyard.