Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Rong Yu’s peak stood at the highest point of the Taixu Mountain Range, completely veiled by a concealment array, rendering it invisible to mortal eyes.

As the two approached the mountain’s base, the expected peak was replaced by an abrupt, barren expanse, utterly empty save for a colossal stone stele.

Under a fine drizzle, the stele bore a few vivid crimson characters, etched with bold, elegant strokes: "Peak Breaker."

Rong Yu:…

The book offered scant details about this Taiqing Elder and never named his peak. This was Rong Yu’s first encounter with it.

"Brilliant! What a genius at naming!"

After his silent grumbling, Rong Yu, recalling the body’s memories, traced an array on the stele. In an instant, they were both transported to the mountain estate at the summit.

The estate before them was a grand palace-like structure, with white walls and black tiles, adorned with rockeries, flowing water, and lush, blossoming trees. Having spent two days here previously, Rong Yu was already familiar with its layout. He entered, carrying Lu Shitu directly to a side room.

Along the way, he had channeled his spiritual energy to dry their clothes and emanate warmth, hoping to comfort the child.

When Rong Yu looked down, he noticed the child had fallen asleep, a small, quiet bundle nestled in his arms.

The child’s emaciated bones pressed uncomfortably against Rong Yu’s arm, making him hesitant to hold too tightly. Carrying him felt less like holding a ten-year-old and more like cradling a kitten or puppy—alarmingly light.

In the book, Lu Shitu had initially been the scion of an aristocratic family, the darling of the entire sect, raised in luxury, with a stature and appearance that surpassed his peers.

How could he have become so gaunt in such a short time?

Rong Yu’s heart ached even more. The tragic events described in the book were mere lines of text, but to endure such suffering firsthand—how agonizing it must be.

Amidst these scattered thoughts, they reached the side room. Rong Yu entered, intending to lay the child on the bed before fetching medicine. But as he tried to set him down, he found Lu Shitu’s small hand gripping his clothes tightly, refusing to let go even in sleep.

Rong Yu attempted to gently pry the hand open, but Lu Shitu, who had been sleeping peacefully, suddenly furrowed his brow and let out a soft whimper, like a puppy afraid of abandonment.

Rong Yu:…

Wait, the original novel never mentioned him being this clingy.

With resignation, Rong Yu sat by the bedside and gently touched the wound at Lu Shitu’s temple with his long fingers.

This body belonged to a sword cultivator, not skilled in healing, but he possessed some knowledge of related techniques. Without medicinal herbs, Rong Yu relied on intuition to perform a technique, which at least improved the wound’s appearance and stopped the bleeding.

As for the internal injuries and the shattered spiritual root, those would require long-term recuperation.

This world had no precedent for restoring a destroyed spiritual root. In the original story, Lu Shitu had sought help from the sect leader—the so-called head of the world’s greatest sect and one of its most powerful figures—only to receive a fake spiritual root in return.

But Rong Yu, having read the novel and possessing foreknowledge, had already devised a special method and meticulously planned every step of Lu Shitu’s path.

Since the destroyed spiritual root could not be repaired, the solution was simple—reforge it.

Rong Yu kept watch over Lu Shitu until midnight before returning to his own room.

The next morning, Rong Yu arrived in the central hall to find Lu Shitu already there, standing and waiting for him.

The night before, Rong Yu had removed the child’s soiled outer garments. With no spare clothes available, Lu Shitu wore only his inner garments, looking thin and vulnerable. The small figure stood silently and bowed deeply in greeting upon Rong Yu’s entrance.

Rong Yu’s heart softened. He stepped forward, helped the child up, and led him to a seat, saying, “Sit down first.”

Having accepted the role of master, Rong Yu paid little attention to formalities and didn’t notice how the child stiffened slightly at his touch.

Typically, after accepting a disciple, a master would explain sect rules and offer a welcoming gift. As he walked further inside, Rong Yu first asked, “How is the wound on your head?”

Lu Shitu replied politely, his voice soft and youthful but clear: “Replying to Taiqing Elder, thanks to your concern, the wound has improved greatly.”

Hearing himself addressed as “Elder,” Rong Yu paused. Turning around, he noticed the child hadn’t taken a seat but stood quietly, watching him cautiously, as if afraid to sit.

After a moment’s thought, Rong Yu understood and sighed inwardly. The child, scarred by past betrayals, likely didn’t trust him.

Since what the child wanted most was to restore his spiritual root, Rong Yu decided to use that as an incentive.

He walked over to Lu Shitu, gently guided him into the seat, and coaxed, “I said yesterday I would take you as my disciple, and I won’t go back on my word. As my disciple, I can help you reforge your spiritual root, restore you to your peak, and make everyone who ever insulted you look up to you.”

Rong Yu lifted Lu Shitu’s chin with his long fingers, meeting his gaze, and said, “But the choice is yours. If you don’t wish to be my disciple, I won’t force you. I ask you now: are you willing?”

Internally, he grumbled: Still, this sounds way too much like an MLM scheme…

Lu Shitu’s eyes widened slightly. As if entranced, he stared back at Rong Yu, unable to look away.

After calming down and reasoning things through, Lu Shitu had been waiting. Though he felt an inexplicable closeness to Taiqing Elder, he knew rationally that unconditional love didn’t exist.

He had nothing left to lose—except perhaps his life.

But he never expected Rong Yu to offer to take him as a disciple and ask so gently if he was willing.

Lu Shitu felt his heartbeat quicken uncontrollably. They were so close; the faint scent from Rong Yu reminded him of yesterday’s embrace in the storm—cold yet firm, deeply reassuring.

He breathed in the scent almost greedily, a clear thought emerging in his heart: I want… I want to stay. I want to remain by his side.

Seeing the child remain silent, Rong Yu grew uneasy. Was the incentive not working? Aside from helping him achieve a reversal, he had no other way to keep him…

Regardless, he should give him the gift first.

Rong Yu made up his mind, lowered his eyes, and took out the Cosmic Bag. “Even if you refuse, take this for now—”

“I… I’m willing,” Lu Shitu interrupted, his voice trembling slightly.

After a pause, with finality, Lu Shitu suddenly picked up a teacup and knelt. “Disciple Lu Shitu pays respects to Master!”

Rong Yu was startled and hurried to help him up, but Lu Shitu refused to rise, holding the tea with eyes that rendered Rong Yu speechless.

Rong Yu had no choice but to take the cup and sip from it. Only then did Lu Shitu stand.

With that, they were officially master and disciple.

Rong Yu breathed a sigh of relief, praising himself: He was indeed swayed by my offer! I knew he’d be desperate to restore his spiritual root! Well done, me—so clever!

He handed the Cosmic Bag to Lu Shitu and began instructing: “Inside is a plumed robe—it repels dust and offers defensive properties. Take it out and wear it. There’s also a cultivation method; read it over the next few days, and I’ll guide you personally afterward.”

“Your internal injuries aren’t healed yet. You’ve likely taken the sect’s alchemy classes—remember to take the medicinal pills inside daily.”

“The mountain estate has a meditation room for you to practice cultivation. The other rooms have no restrictions; you may go anywhere. Take things step by step; there’s no rush. If you have questions, come find me.”

Lu Shitu held the bag reverently but didn’t glance at it, his gaze fixed on Rong Yu’s profile. After listening quietly, he nodded almost imperceptibly, as if afraid a stronger movement would shatter a dream.

Even if it meant giving up his life…

With instructions given and gifts presented, Rong Yu was about to let Lu Shitu go explore when a distinct rumble echoed: “Grr—”

Rong Yu:…

Lu Shitu's ears turned red as he lowered his head, his expression looking flustered for the first time.

I forgot about this—the kid hasn’t begun fasting cultivation yet, so he still needs to eat.

Rong Yu silently scolded himself for being careless and immediately called for a novice disciple to bring breakfast.

Even most cultivators who practice fasting still choose to consume spiritual provisions. When Rong Yu first arrived, he had once eaten a meal at Broken Peak, only to find the table filled with nothing but plain congee and simple side dishes.

As a modern person, Rong Yu was used to takeout and had an exceptionally strong palate—preferring heavy oil, spicy flavors, and meat with every meal, with a particular fondness for all kinds of fried foods.

Back then, Rong Yu had eaten that meal with visible distaste and calmly instructed them not to send food anymore.

Since it couldn't be obtained, it was better to just go without.

Before long, the kitchen staff delivered the meal, and as expected, it was the familiar plain congee and side dishes.

Lu Shitu had already gone back to change into his clothes and tidied himself before returning to the main hall.

Rong Yu sat idly at the table, waiting. When the kid walked in, his eyes lit up.

The feather robe the kid wore was the same black style as his own, and it automatically adjusted to fit his figure. It looked far more elegant than the red-and-green disciple robes, complementing his refined, handsome demeanor, restoring some of the charisma described in the book.

Rong Yu nodded, signaling for him to come over and sit. This was much more pleasing to the eye.

None of the dishes on the table appealed to Rong Yu, so he merely picked up the congee and sipped it slowly, to avoid making Lu Shitu self-conscious.

The dishes in this world were also quite different from those in the real world. Among the entire array of dishes, Rong Yu only recognized one dish, which seemed to be made of carrots.

Thinking of carrots reminded him of improving vision. And thinking of improving vision reminded him of how, in the original story, Lu Shitu had worked tirelessly for the sect leader, even willing to tear out his own heart.

Rong Yu choked slightly and felt a surge of irritation. Pointing at the carrots, he said to Lu Shitu, "Eat more of this—it’s good for your health."

Lu Shitu didn’t say anything but nodded. After that, he barely touched any other dishes and focused solely on eating the carrots. As he ate, he subtly tugged at his sleeves, covering his entire hand.

Rong Yu thought to himself: This kid is so driven! The moment he heard it’s good for his health, he’s devouring it. It seems he really wants to recover.

Looks like… I’ll be able to mentor him in cultivation techniques soon.