Chapter 249 To Request or Not Cultivating a Batch of Golden Cores

“Yu Xian.”

Standing atop the drifting cloud that Elder Fu Ning’an was riding, Yu Xian suddenly heard his voice in his ear.

Looking at Fu Ning’an, who stood ahead with hands behind his back, robes fluttering, Yu Xian respectfully bowed. “Disciple is present.”

“This expedition into the Xuantian Secret Realm may have been denied by the demonic sect, but the great merit you’ve rendered is undeniable. Naturally, I must keep my word. Upon our return, I will accept you as my personal disciple—becoming the Fifth Holy Son of the Haotian Sect.”

After saying this, Fu Ning’an turned his head slightly and smiled faintly at Yu Xian. “From now on, you must cultivate diligently. Though your innate spiritual root isn’t outstanding, your perseverance, comprehension, and determination are all top-tier. I believe your future achievements will not be inferior to those so-called ‘genius’ cultivators born with natural advantages.”

Yu Xian’s expression grew complex. He looked at Fu Ning’an, momentarily unsure of how to respond.

Seeing his hesitation, Fu Ning’an’s smile faded slightly, and his tone grew calm. “What is it? You don’t want to take me as your master? Though I have thirteen registered disciples, I’ve never taken a single personal disciple.”

“Elder,”

Yu Xian thought for a moment, then earnestly replied, “I dare not deceive you. I once had a master. He treated me with great kindness. In my heart, he is the only one I will ever acknowledge as my master. So, please forgive me—I cannot take you as my teacher.”

“Oh?”

Fu Ning’an’s brow twitched slightly as he looked at Yu Xian’s sincere face, free of falsehood. He couldn’t help but feel a bit surprised.

“Where is this master of yours now?”

After a brief pause, Fu Ning’an asked again.

“Due to the Blood River Cult’s chaos, my master and I have been separated for over a decade.”

Yu Xian’s expression showed a trace of sorrow before he firmly added, “But I believe he is still alive. I will definitely find him again!”

“I see…”

Fu Ning’an stroked his beard, lost in thought. After a while, he sighed. “You’re quite a genuine one. If it were someone else, they’d have long since taken a new master. What should I say about you…”

Yu Xian bowed. “Elder’s great kindness, this disciple will never forget. But I dare not lie to you, nor can I deceive my own heart. That too… is part of my Dao.”

“Not deceiving your heart… Your Dao…”

Fu Ning’an’s brows slightly lifted. His hand paused mid-stroke of his beard before he turned his body back.

“Yu Xian.”

After a long silence, his voice returned. “If I were to take you as a registered disciple instead, would you still refuse?”

A personal disciple and a registered disciple—though both call someone “Master,” the difference is significant.

A personal disciple is like a child to their master. In Haotian Sect, that means near-absolute protection, unrestricted access to resources.

A registered disciple, while still under a master’s name, holds less significance—just one among many, with fewer privileges.

Yu Xian was silent for a moment, then bowed again. “I dare not lie. I once swore in my heart that I would never call another person ‘Master.'”

“So be it…”

Fu Ning’an calmly said, “You have your convictions. That’s good. If you ever encounter confusion in your cultivation, you may come to Cloud Cliff Peak and seek my guidance. Even if I haven’t taken you as a disciple, I will still teach you a thing or two.”

“Thank you, Elder!”

Yu Xian bowed once more with deep respect.

“No need for thanks.”

Fu Ning’an raised a hand, then unexpectedly chuckled. “To think I actually feel a bit of disappointment… Yu Xian, oh Yu Xian. You’re honest—too honest. But it’s that very honesty that often offends people.”

Yu Xian rose, his eyes calm.

Offend people? Perhaps.

But if agreeing falsely is the alternative—that’s even more disgraceful.

That was a line in his heart he would never cross.

If honesty is a mistake, then let him make that mistake forever.

…

Soon, Fu Ning’an and six Golden Core elders escorted a group of Peak Foundation Establishment disciples back to the Haotian Sect.

Although the Blood River Cult elder refused to admit defeat, causing the Secret Realm competition to be invalidated, the matter spread quickly among other Nascent Soul elders.

Other than cursing the shamelessness of the cult, there wasn’t much else they could do.

Everything was back to square one: bloody conflict and mortal risk. The winner would be whoever had more Golden Core experts.

At least the Haotian Sect’s leadership now saw the cult’s true nature—any so-called “fair duel” with them was a joke.

Even though the results were nullified, the disciples still went in. Especially Yu Xian, who slew six foes and greatly elevated the sect’s reputation. The promised rewards, naturally, could not be omitted.

“I would like… a top-tier sixth-rank healing beast pill.”

Gulp—

At those words, the entire hall went silent.

The twelve other Peak Foundation Establishment disciples all stared wide-eyed, disbelieving what they had just heard.

Even the ten Golden Core elders looked at Yu Xian as if he were a madman.

Even Li Shengjiang’s usual smile froze, his hand mid-stroke of his beard.

Only Fu Ning’an remained calm—his eyes, however, held a complicated light.

He knew what Yu Xian wanted the pill for.

That cloud heron, which burned its blood essence to save him, was surely now gravely injured—perhaps on the brink of death. Only a sixth-rank healing pill could fully restore it.

After all, the heron had exhausted its essence. Even a fifth-rank pill wouldn’t be enough.

Yet Yu Xian, without hesitation, was willing to trade such a high-value reward for that low-ranked beast?

It was laughable.

And yet… admirable.

If he treats a mere beast so well, how would he treat a friend? A master?

Would he even risk his life?

This absurd act—was also a noble one.

“You want a sixth-rank healing beast pill?”

Li Shengjiang finally spoke, frowning. “Are you sure? Yu Xian, think carefully.”

Yu Xian bowed. “I’m sure. I only want one top-tier sixth-rank healing beast pill—nothing else.”

“In that case, I shall grant it to you.”

Fu Ning’an spoke simply. With a wave of his hand, a soft purple light flew toward Yu Xian.

Yu Xian caught it. It was a purple jade bottle. Inside—was exactly what he asked for.

With joy in his heart, Yu Xian bowed again. “Thank you, Elder!”

Now, the cloud heron would live.

Li Shengjiang squinted at him, then sighed and shook his head.

Such a grand opportunity wasted… He had only himself to blame.

Fu Ning’an chuckled. “It’s a small matter. You’ve rendered great service to the sect. Go cultivate well. Strive to reach the Golden Core soon.”

“I won’t disappoint, Elder.”

Fu Ning’an laughed again. “You’re not cultivating for me. Li Ce Xuan.”

“Disciple is here.”

Li Ce Xuan stepped forward.

“Distribute the rest of the rewards.”

“Yes, Elder.”

…

The rewards were quickly distributed. Although the other twelve disciples didn’t fight, they had entered the secret realm. To not reward them would damage sect morale.

Afterward, Fu Ning’an addressed them all.

“You’ve fought for the sect. You deserve rest. For the next year, you are exempt from sect duties. Use this time to cultivate well—strive to reach Golden Core.”

“Thank you, Elders!”

…

Back in his quarters, Yu Xian focused his mind into the beast pouch.

“Xiao Lu’er, wake up.”

Smiling, he opened the jade bottle and revealed the glowing sixth-rank healing pill.

The phoenix cat beside the heron went wide-eyed with desire—but didn’t move.

It wanted that pill—but knew it wasn’t for it.

So it quietly stayed in place.

Without waiting for a response, Yu Xian gently guided the pill into the heron’s beak.

“You’ll be okay now…”

Two hours later, at the Inner Sect Martial Hall—

Yu Xian stood in line with twelve other Peak Foundation Establishment disciples.

Above sat Fu Ning’an and Li Shengjiang, along with ten Golden Core elders, including Li Ce Xuan.

Seeing Yu Xian’s cultivation aura had reached peak Foundation Establishment, Li Ce Xuan’s eyes darkened.

That brat… in two and a half years inside the realm… broke through two realms?

He really was a monster.

No wonder he wouldn’t take him as a master—he probably looked down on him!

“Although the result of this Secret Realm competition was nullified,” Fu Ning’an began, “your service remains. Especially Yu Xian, who slew six evil cultivators. He deserves the top merit. Do any of you object?”

“We have no objections! Senior Brother Yu deserves it!”

The others all answered in unison.

Even without fighting him directly, they had heard of Yu Xian’s fearsome record.

Slaying enemy disciples within moments.

Turning the tide of morale.

Making the enemy shiver.

Yu Xian’s strength, in their hearts, rivaled even the Holy Sons.

Fu Ning’an nodded. “As the top contributor, Yu Xian will receive one additional request. As long as it isn’t excessive, we Nascent Soul Elders shall fulfill it.”

Astonishment filled the room—even the Golden Core elders looked envious.

Li Shengjiang smiled, stroking his beard. “Yu Xian, you should take this chance well—it might allow you to soar instantly.”

Everyone understood what he meant.

A personal disciple to a Nascent Soul Elder—that was the best possible request!

Everyone looked toward Yu Xian.

Li Ce Xuan’s eyes burned with regret.

He’d hoped to send Yu Xian to die—and had instead handed him a great fortune.

If Yu Xian became a personal disciple now, he’d surely reach Golden Core… and perhaps in a few decades, even rival him.

Yu Xian, under everyone’s expectant gaze, finally spoke:

“Indeed, this disciple has one request…”

The entire room held its breath.

He was going to ask to be accepted as a disciple!