Chapter 208: Named Disciple
Xiang Yuanqiu did not threaten Sun Zhe; he simply analyzed Sun Zhe's current situation very clearly. Sun Zhe's identity would definitely be exposed, and the Great Yuan Sect would undoubtedly pursue him at all costs. Among the entire Thunder Continent, only the Thunder Temple could guarantee his safety, even the other three major sects could not.
Joining the Thunder Temple was Sun Zhe's only option; he had no other choice!
Time passed second by second as he stood quietly in the Eastern Hall of the Thunder Temple. The slanting rays of the setting sun illuminated him, and his white robe was tinged with spots of gold. Yet, Sun Zhe remained silent, rapidly analyzing the pros and cons in his mind.
The news Xiang Yuanqiu gave him was too shocking. Soon, those powerful beings could also enter the Thunder Continent. This meant that he had to change his original plans.
"Are you asking me to join your East Hall?"
After a while, Sun Zhe finally spoke slowly. Since Xiang Yuanqiu was so invested in this matter, it was natural that he had some ulterior motives. Based on Sun Zhe's estimation, a major force like the Thunder Temple must also have its share of factional struggles. Xiang Yuanqiu must have seen potential in him and wanted to recruit him to strengthen his own faction.
"Hehe, actually I have thought about this, and after watching your competition with Tulin, I was already prepared. Otherwise, why would I specifically investigate your background?"
Xiang Yuanqiu did not hide anything and directly admitted his intentions.
"Then..." Sun Zhe was confused by Xiang Yuanqiu's words. Could it be that even if he joined the Thunder Temple, Xiang Yuanqiu wouldn't have the final say?
After taking another look at Sun Zhe, a hint of helplessness appeared in Xiang Yuanqiu's eyes. He slowly walked down from the hall and approached Sun Zhe. Sighing softly, he said,
"You are quite lucky; you have caught Elder Hai's attention. He is willing to take you as a named disciple."
Elder Hai? The one who guards the Thunder Tower? Sun Zhe was momentarily stunned, completely taken aback by this news from Xiang Yuanqiu. He never expected that the one who wanted to take him as a disciple would be that super strong being who had always guarded the Thunder Tower.
Without looking down on the shock in Sun Zhe's eyes, when it came to Elder Hai, even Xiang Yuanqiu couldn't help but show obvious respect and said,
"Elder Hai is one of the top powerhouses of our Thunder Temple. Back when I was not yet born, he was already one of the pillars of Thunder Temple. However, he prefers not to involve himself in the mundane affairs of the temple, so he has been in seclusion for a long time. Yet, his status has not diminished in the slightest; he remains one of the major figures in the temple, and there is no one within the temple who does not hold him in high regard."
"Do not underestimate the registered disciples here. Being a registered disciple of Elder Hai means your status has already surpassed that of an ordinary core disciple within the temple. If you can take another step forward in your lifetime and become Elder Hai's direct disciple, you could stand shoulder to shoulder with the leader of the Six Halls."
"Do not be surprised. As far as I know, Elder Hai has only accepted three direct disciples in his lifetime. The First Person has followed him since ancient times but later went missing. The second person fell in an accident over a thousand years ago. As for the third person, he was accepted by Elder Hai hundreds of years ago and is now the leader of the Right Hall in the Temple of the Six Halls. His strength is undoubtedly recognized as The First Person within our Six Halls."
Hearing Xiang Yuanqiu's detailed introduction, the shock in Sun Zhe's eyes grew stronger. He initially thought Elder Hai was just an ordinary Super Strong Being, but he didn't expect that Elder Hai held such a high position in Thunder Temple, almost making him one of the strongest beings in the entire Thunder Continent.
"Although you are merely a registered disciple, as long as Elder Hai offers you some guidance, you will undoubtedly benefit greatly. However, he does not like to force anyone, so let me ask about your own willingness: are you willing?"
Although Xiang Yuanqiu asked this way, he understood that as long as Sun Zhe wasn't a fool, he would know what choice to make.
"If Elder Hai truly has this intention, Sun Zhe would not dare to refuse."
Sun Zhe was certainly no fool; with such a great opportunity before him, if he didn't cherish it, he would truly be beyond saving. Even if he wasn't afraid of Great Yuan Sect, he had to consider his family and friends. If Great Yuan Sect really captured his loved ones to threaten him and forced him into a corner, what could he do?
Upon hearing Sun Zhe's response, Xiang Yuanqiu immediately showed a joyful expression. Although he did not bring Sun Zhe into East Hall, he had fulfilled Elder Hai's request and earned a favor from Elder Hai, which was also a gain for him.
"Since that's settled, let's go!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Xiang Yuanqiu took Sun Zhe and walked out of the main hall, continuing until they exited Linwu City and flew eastward from Linwu City. Although Xiang Yuanqiu had previously stated that none of the two hundred people who passed through Selection Trial were allowed to leave Linwu City, how could he dare to stop them when Elder Hai wanted to see Sun Zhe?
“Isn't Elder Hai at the Thunder Tower? How can the Vice Master take me outside the city?”
Flying alongside Xiang Yuanqiu in the half-Void, Sun Zhe furrowed his brows and asked with some confusion, a hint of subtle vigilance flashing in his expression.
“Hehe, don't misunderstand. Elder Hai has always lived by Qianyuan Lake in the east of the city. The one guarding the Thunder Tower is merely his clone. This Shadow Clone Technique is one of the three Supreme Techniques that he is famous for. All three Supreme Techniques are renowned across the Thunder Continent. If you can learn one of them, you will surely be among the top powerhouses of the continent.”
Xiang Yuanqiu smiled faintly and explained to Sun Zhe. With his status, he would not deceive someone of Sun Zhe's generation.
“Shadow Clone Technique?”
Sun Zhe immediately recalled his Ninefold Shadow and Nangong Wan'er's Nine Transformations Clone.
“Indeed, it is the Shadow Clone Technique. However, Elder Hai's Shadow Clone Technique is not just an ordinary clone for combat; it is a true separation into another body. This clone possesses independent consciousness, can cultivate, and can fight, essentially allowing one person to become two. You can imagine the countless benefits that come with it.”
Seeing the astonishment in Sun Zhe's eyes, Xiang Yuanqiu couldn't help but smile. He remembered how he had reacted when he first heard about this peculiar Divine Ability; he had been even more distraught than Sun Zhe, even crying and wanting to become a disciple. In the end, it came to nothing. He understood that with his qualifications, Elder Hai probably wouldn't look at him either. Thinking of this made him somewhat envious of Sun Zhe.
Although Qianyuan Lake was a bit far from Linwu City, both of their flying speeds were not slow. After a short while, Qianyuan Lake appeared before them.
Looking around, they saw mountains stretching for hundreds of miles. In between four or five towering peaks lay a tranquil blue lake. Under the sunlight, the lake shimmered with dazzling brilliance, occasionally interrupted by birds flying overhead and fish leaping out of the water. Coupled with the lush greenery of flowers and trees surrounding them, the entire scene appeared incredibly serene and natural.
“This... is Qianyuan Lake?”
Gently landing on the ground, Sun Zhe looked around but found no signs of habitation. From what he could see, it didn't seem like anyone lived here at all.
"Do not judge by appearances."
Xiang Yuanqiu smiled calmly, stepped forward, and respectfully called out to the surface of the lake,
"East Hall Master Xiang Yuanqiu and Sun Zhe pay their respects to Elder Hai!"
The melodious voice immediately echoed across the lake. This place was surrounded, making it difficult for sounds to travel, yet the entire Mountain Valley resonated with these words.
"Boom..."
As soon as Xiang Yuanqiu's voice rang out, the massive lake trembled. A dazzling blue light suddenly flickered in the space, and the waters of Qianyuan Lake slowly parted, revealing a stone staircase that extended down to the bottom of Qianyuan Lake.
"Come in..."
The voice of Elder Hai was distant and full of vicissitudes, unmistakably the same voice that Sun Zhe had heard before. Upon hearing Elder Hai's voice, Sun Zhe's initial wariness instantly relaxed.
"A concealed formation... So Elder Hai resides at the bottom of Qianyuan Lake." Seeing the changes before him, Sun Zhe understood where Elder Hai lived.
"Indeed, Qianyuan Lake was originally constructed by Elder Hai. He set up all the formations within it himself. Unless he permits it, even hundreds or thousands of top-tier experts cannot step into Qianyuan Lake. Alright, enough of that. We shouldn't keep Elder Hai waiting. Let's go." With that, Xiang Yuanqiu led the way down the staircase.
Before long, the two arrived at the bottom of Qianyuan Lake. The barrier above closed with a loud "boom," and Qianyuan Lake returned to its original appearance while Sun Zhe and Xiang Yuanqiu stood in a cave at the lake's bottom.
"Xiang Yuanqiu pays respects to Elder Hai."
"Sun Zhe greets Elder Hai."
Looking at the old man sitting cross-legged like a statue in front of him, Sun Zhe couldn't help but feel a slight excitement. He never expected to be favored by this Super Strong Being before him. Although he might not fully understand it yet, at this moment, he realized that this old man was indeed a true peak powerhouse, capable of shaking the entire Thunder Continent with just a stamp of his foot.
"Xiang Yuanqiu, you did very well this time. If there are any matters in the future, you can come to Qianyuan Lake to find me." Slowly opening his eyes, he spoke to Xiang Yuanqiu in front of him.
"Elder Hai is too kind. It is Yuan Qiu's honor to serve Elder Hai."
Although Xiang Yuanqiu also appeared as an old man, if it came to age, he couldn't even compare to Elder Hai's younger years. In terms of strength, he was even further behind. Usually, it was difficult for him to even meet Elder Hai once, so it's no wonder he was so excited to receive Elder Hai's promise this time.
"Sun Zhe, I am willing to take you as my named disciple. Are you willing?"
Slowly turning towards Sun Zhe, the calm gaze held a depth far more profound than the sky itself. Meeting his eyes, Sun Zhe felt as if he was facing the earth itself.
"Disciple Sun Zhe greets Master."
Without hesitation, Sun Zhe bowed deeply and respectfully called out.
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