Zhang Shanyun always felt that none of the many cultivation methods could compare to the exquisite "Xiantian Gong" taught by the nameless Taoist priest.
However, times have changed, spiritual energy in the world has become increasingly scarce, and the path of cultivation has become increasingly difficult.
Zhang Shanyun had to cultivate diligently for a hundred years before he could barely cross from the "Sensing Stage" to the "Qi Induction Stage". Now, he has gone to great lengths to finally step into the "Qi Refining Stage".
Although he appeared to be in good health, the years had taken their toll, and his physical functions were beginning to decline, with little time left to live.
Zhang Shanyun knew that his path of cultivation had come to an end, and it would be difficult to make any further breakthroughs.
Therefore, his greatest wish was to find a disciple with outstanding talent to pass on all his life's learning and Taoist practices.
However, in this degenerate age of worldly affairs, the number of cultivators is dwindling, and good disciples are hard to find. Many sects have lost their lineage, and Zhang Shanyun has given up the idea of taking on disciples.
However, life is always full of surprises and unexpected events.
Just when Zhang Shanyun was in despair about taking on a disciple, Liu Feng's appearance was like a blessing from heaven.
He gazed at Liu Feng, his heart overflowing with joy and anticipation, words could not express it.
The person destined to be with him was this child.
Isn't this the seed of spiritual cultivation that he has longed for and dreamed of?
As for the hidden ailments that Liu Feng might have, they were of no concern to Zhang Shanyun. Such a seed of cultivation was truly something that could only be encountered by chance.
Thinking of this, Zhang Shanyun couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Master Zhang, do you have a cure for my son's illness?" Liu Changqing could no longer contain his anxiety and asked urgently.
"Haha, it's nothing!" Zhang Shanyun stroked his beard and replied with a smile.
"That's wonderful! The Taoist priest's medical skills are truly superb; he deserves to be called a medical master!" He Jun exclaimed sincerely.
"But I have a condition, and I hope you can agree to it." Zhang Shanyun's expression turned serious.
"We're willing to agree to any conditions as long as this child can be cured," Liu Changqing replied without hesitation. His only concern was his child's health; everything else was secondary.
"To be honest, Brother Liu, this young man is destined to be with me." Zhang Shanyun couldn't hide his excitement and spoke frankly.
"Ah! What do you mean by that, Taoist Master?" He Jun asked, puzzled, but he knew that Zhang Shanyun was not an unreasonable person and must have a deeper meaning.
"This child is born with a rare innate physique—the Nine Yang Physique! This physique is extremely rare, possessing powerful vitality and regenerative ability, making it an exceptional talent for cultivating immortality."
After careful diagnosis and investigation, Zhang Shanyun finally discovered the secret hidden within Liu Feng's body.
Then, Zhang Shanyun looked at the two of them and said, "This child is no ordinary being, but he has suffered from a physical affliction. He must become my disciple and follow me in cultivation in order to cure his ailments and transcend the mundane world!"
This sudden change caught Liu Changqing and He Jun off guard.
They originally came to the clinic with the intention of seeking medical treatment, but unexpectedly, things developed to the point where they wanted to become the apprentices of the doctor.
"Gentlemen, what do you think about this matter?" Seeing the hesitation on their faces, Zhang Shanyun asked again. Now that he knew Liu Feng was a promising talent for cultivation, with such aptitude being one in a billion, he really couldn't let him go.
"I do!" Just as Liu Changqing was about to speak, a childish voice rang out in the hall.
Liu Feng broke free from Liu Changqing's embrace, his small body kneeling straight down on the ground, and respectfully kowtowed three times to Zhang Shanyun.
He no longer wanted to live a life of mediocrity like in his previous life, and his desire to change his fate burned like a raging fire in his young heart.
He wants to become stronger and take control of his own destiny.
Observing the old Taoist priest, Liu Feng noticed his extraordinary demeanor and otherworldly air. Recalling He Jun's praise of the old Taoist priest, Liu Feng made up his mind and immediately became his disciple.
Liu Feng's action amazed everyone present.
It is truly remarkable that a child of only two years old can display such a resolute and courageous character.
Looking at his son, Liu Changqing felt a pang of reluctance, but mostly a sense of relief.
He no longer hesitated and agreed.
As long as Liu Feng is willing, he can go home and give his wife, He Qunfang, an explanation.
So Liu Changqing stepped forward and bowed deeply to Zhang Shanyun: "Daoist Master, since Feng'er has made this decision, as his father, I will naturally give him my full support. I will trouble you to guide him in the future."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Shanyun laughed heartily, helped Liu Changqing up, and said, "Brother Liu, rest assured, I will teach you everything I know to live up to this young man's talent."
He turned his head, his kind gaze falling on Liu Feng, his eyes full of appreciation and satisfaction.
This child is not only intelligent and quick-witted, but also incredibly spiritual. He understands everything he says immediately. Such a rare seed for spiritual cultivation is truly exceptional.
Zhang Shanyun nodded gently, a kind smile on his face, and helped Liu Feng up with both hands, saying, "We are destined to be master and disciple. From this day forward, I will be your master. I will do my best to teach you the way of cultivation."
"As for the apprenticeship ceremony, it will be held in three days."
"Yes, Master!" Liu Feng answered earnestly, his face tense, his expression endearing.
"This disciple will listen to Master's words, cultivate diligently, and not disappoint Master!"
“Yes, your hidden ailment stems from your unique constitution. Staying at the Taoist temple and cultivating under your master will surely help you get rid of this ailment and increase your blessings and wisdom,” Zhang Shanyun said slowly.
“After ten years, you can leave the Taoist temple and return to the mortal world to continue your cultivation. If you can cultivate to the Qi Refining stage, you can also leave the mountain earlier,” he added.
He Jun and Liu Changqing had no objection to this and expressed their gratitude to Zhang Shanyun.
As for the Qi Refining stage, they knew that it was a realm that even Daoist Zhang Shanyun had not reached, so they did not have high expectations for whether Liu Feng could achieve it.
Their only wish is for their son to recover soon.
Over the next two days, Zhang Shanyun and He Jun enjoyed tea and discussed philosophy.
The young Taoist priest Tong Miao held Liu Feng in his arms and introduced him to every plant and tree in the Taoist temple.
Liu Feng quickly adapted to his new living environment.
Three days later, a simple yet solemn apprenticeship ceremony was held at Qingfeng Temple.
The hall was filled with the smoke of incense, creating a solemn atmosphere.
Among the guests was Shi Hong, the head of the Wudang Taoist sect. He was Zhang Shanyun's nephew and also Tong Miao's master.
The other was Zhang Kaitai, who was Zhang Shanyun's steward and in charge of Qingfeng Temple's external businesses, providing Zhang Shanyun with the supplies he needed for his cultivation.
Liu Feng called him Uncle Zhang.
In the presence of Shi Hong, Uncle Zhang, He Jun, Liu Changqing and others, Liu Feng formally became Zhang Shanyun's apprentice.
Although it was not a grand affair, the entire process was filled with solemnity and reverence.
Zhang Shanyun bestowed upon Liu Feng the Taoist name "Shiyu," implying that his path of cultivation would be like wings gradually growing stronger, eventually allowing him to soar to the heavens.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
