Cultivation System: Elder Edition

Chapter 20

Vast-Body Dantian (III)

I didn't see what my dear disciple did, but whatever it was, it couldn't have been easy. After all, he was an immortal with a wealth of memories, and even he seemed completely drained and like he'd need a week to recover. If he struggled that much, I gather there was nobody else in the sect who could actually save the boy's life.

Though the differences were subtle, they were there; the boy's breathing stabilized, his pulse was rather normal, and he seemed... relaxed. It'd still take some time to recover fully, but it seemed his life had been saved.

I couldn't help but sigh; I fully expected the monster not to care. After all, don't all immortals eventually sever their bonds with human emotions in pursuit of something grander? Furthermore, there was a ready-made excuse for him: he didn't know what to do.

Of course he didn't. What other kid in myriad worlds would know? But he went out of his way to save the boy just because... well, I honestly don't know. Maybe he felt pity? Maybe he did it for me? Maybe, maybe, maybe...

Dai Xiu had immediately jumped on the bed, hugged the boy, and... fell asleep. She was snoring rather loudly, looking quite carefree. I smiled for a moment before leaving them alone.

Besides, I had to go back down yet again and purchase the tea... as well as a gift for my disciple. No, wait--maybe it's better to just give it to him directly?

"Long Tao."

"Hm?" He opened his eyes and yawned.

"Here," I tossed him five mid-quality Spirit Stones. I'd toss him more, honest, but I don't know if I'd need them in the coming days. If not, I'll just give them all.

"What's this?" he asked, catching them skillfully.

"A reward, a stipend, a gift... whatever you want it to be," I said. "Thank you."

"If you want to thank me, give me the rest," he said, though more so in jest and with a grin. I barely held back from rolling my eyes; this guy... really knew no borders.

"Another time, maybe."

"Ah. Where are you going?"

"To get some Mildew Qi leaves," I said.

"Hm? Why? You don't strike me as a tea drinker."

"... you know, you don't have to say every single word that pops into your head."

"I know," he nodded. "But the world is better for it."

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"My mind isn't, however."

"Why?" he smiled and asked.

"The girl needs it," I said. "Like you, I sensed a strange poison on her. Mildew Qi Tea has anti-poison properties, and, most importantly, it's the cheapest."

"..."

"Khm, I mean, as a bonus, it's also cheap."

"Of course."

"Do you want to go?"

"I--"

"--Forget I asked," I quickly interrupted. There's no way in hell I want to send this kid down the mountain. Who knows if somebody pisses him off and he decides to nuke the entire sect in the future? Not on my watch! "Keep an eye on them. If they wake up, cook them some rice if you don't mind."

"If she wakes up, you mean. If that boy wakes up today, I'll kowtow three times and call you a Master."

"You're already supposed to do that, you know?"

"I just love how you're not a stickler for such outdated traditions."

"..." I could feel my patience snapping, so, instead, I snapped myself out of this conversation. "I'm going."

"Good luck, Master! Don't listen to a word they say! You're not a diabolical devourer!"

I stumbled.

I legitimately, hand-to-heart, stumbled and nearly fell. That guy... if his fists don't kill me, his words just might.

Honestly, though, I don't get his personality; from the onset, I thought he would be distant and disinterested. After all, the system felt compelled to list 'Apathy' and 'Arrogant' as two of his traits among insane shit like 'Reincarnator' and 'Heavenly Chosen', so I figured they were there for a reason.

And though, yes, there exists a level of apathy and detachment toward the world that is as visible as a sunrise, and even some arrogance that underlies his every action, they're not... that bad? Honestly, if I didn't know any better, I'd have thought he was just a slightly arrogant teenager with surprisingly good hygiene and a bad attitude.

Regardless, it's good for me, no? The more human he is, the more likely it is that he's gonna let me ride his bus.

The thoughts were even enough to (mostly) bar the whispers that erupted as soon as I entered the sect's central area; the word that I took two kids up the mountain must have spread because, boy, was I ever the center of attention. Ordinarily, I'd bask in the glory, but I most certainly do not want to bask in this glory.

So, I hurried as much as I could, went to the shop that sells tea leaves, purchased about fifty low-quality Spirit Stones' worth, which should last about half a month, and hurried uphill like a Loon-Toon character.

I have thick skin, but man... that was rough. Even knowing they were just lies, it was hardly any easier. Maybe I'm finally starting to figure out why all those celebrities used to lose it over tabloids. Sheesh, and it's only like sixty people, tops, for me.

I'm really ready-made to be low-key.

By the time I returned, Dai Xiu was up... and she was sweeping. There's no way Long Tao told her to, so she must have decided to make herself 'useful'.

"Elder, welcome back!" She hurried over quickly when she saw me and bowed deeply.

"Hm," Long Tao did, at least, make her a meal... right? "Did you eat?"

"Yes!" she exclaimed, even smiling. "Senior Brother Tao made me three bowls of rice!"

"Wow, three? Good."

"Hm!"

"So, now you're sweeping?"

"He he. I may look unreliable, but other disciples used to hire me to clean their caves, so I have some experience!"

"... very well. Come inside for now," I said and stepped in and past Long Tao, who, as always, was cultivating. Though he hasn't broken into the fifth stage yet, I feel he isn't that far from it...

Dai Xiu left the broom outside, leaning against the wall by the door, and followed me in, standing while I sat. Taking another look, there were still things to... do. First off, a bath. Second, new clothes. And shoes. And definitely a haircut. But, for now, I have to stop her from cultivating.

"Dai Xiu," I called out. "From now on, you will be a Disciple of Lonesome Peak."

"Ah! T-thank you, Master!" She quickly bowed.

"That means that you have to listen to everything I say."

"Yes, of course, Master!"

"For the next two months, you are forbidden from trying to cultivate."

"A-ah?" Please, please, please be one of those obedient kids who just listens to whatever adults tell her to do... please!