After returning to the Qingxu Sect, Wang Hong mingled with the fellow cultivators he knew. Then, he went to collect the Spirit Stones he was owed for the past few years. He received only two thousand Spirit Stones per year.
In addition to that, he had accumulated some Spirit Stones as rewards for completing various cultivation tasks over the years, totaling around twenty thousand Spirit Stones. He also earned five thousand contribution points.
As Wang Hong was about to return to his cave mansion after receiving the Spirit Stones, he received a Transmission Talisman. Upon checking it, he was surprised to find that it was from Gu Qingyang, instructing him to visit his cave mansion.
Wang Hong found it peculiar because Gu Qingyang had never actively sought him out after taking him as a disciple. He wondered what important matter could have prompted Gu Qingyang to contact him now.
Wang Hong straightened his robes and made his way towards the peak. Although he had been living on Kaiyang Peak for several years, he had never visited the summit. The entire summit was filled with cave mansions belonging to Golden Core Elders. He couldn't afford to offend anyone there.
As Wang Hong ascended the mountain, the Spirit Qi became denser. When he reached the summit, even with his mediocre aptitude, he could feel his cultivation level improving with just a slight effort.
Soon, he found Gu Qingyang's cave mansion, which was covered by a protective formation. From the outside, a thin mist obscured the view, making it impossible to see what was inside.
Wang Hong didn't dare to enter recklessly. He had no idea what dangers might be lurking inside a Golden Core cultivator's cave mansion, and he didn't want to meet an unfortunate end.
He sent a Transmission Talisman inside, and after a brief moment, the mist surrounding the cave mansion began to churn, revealing a passage that extended all the way to Wang Hong's feet.
"Are you Senior Brother Wang?" he asked. Without waiting for Wang Hong's response, he walked over and grabbed Wang Hong's sleeve, ready to lead him inside.
Judging by his tone, Wang Hong deduced that he must be Gu Qingyang's son. So, he followed the young man inside.
This young man had a lively and outgoing personality, and he enjoyed chatting. He smiled frequently, revealing two prominent canine teeth.
As they conversed, Wang Hong learned that the young man's name was Gu Wei, and he was Gu Qingyang's only child.
During their journey, Gu Wei constantly asked Wang Hong about various topics. When he learned that Wang Hong had just returned from the Boundary Mountain Range, he displayed a great interest in the region and inquired about it repeatedly. He expressed his ambition to venture to the Boundary Mountain Range himself in the future, hunt Demonic Beasts, and eradicate evil spirits to uphold the honor of the human race.
Wang Hong didn't argue with his youthful aspirations. He was aware that Gu Wei was currently sheltered under his parents' wings and had yet to experience the hardships of the Cultivation World. Once he ventured out on his own, he would likely have a different perspective.
Gu Wei was quite talkative, and whenever Wang Hong inquired about something, he would provide detailed and comprehensive answers.
Before long, Wang Hong learned that Gu Qingyang had four personal disciples in total. Only one female disciple lived with Gu Qingyang on Kaiyang Peak, who, according to Gu Wei, was the daughter of one of Gu Qingyang's old friends. After the friend's death, he entrusted his daughter to Gu Qingyang, who then accepted her as a disciple.
The other three personal disciples each had their own cave mansions and would visit Gu Qingyang periodically.
As Wang Hong chatted with Gu Wei, he couldn't help but marvel at the scenery within the cave mansion. Upon entering the cave mansion belonging to a Golden Core cultivator, Wang Hong immediately noticed that the concentration of Spirit Qi inside was significantly higher than outside. He felt that if he were to cultivate in such an environment, even without the assistance of pills, he could reach the pinnacle of Qi Cultivation.
The cave mansion was vast, with small mountains, a Spirit Spring, and spirit fields where various Spiritual Herbs were cultivated.
As Wang Hong marveled at everything inside the cave mansion, Gu Wei seemed nonchalant. He had grown up here and had become accustomed to it. To him, all of this had lost its novelty. Gu Wei longed for the outside world, yearning to venture out into the Cultivation World, make a name for himself, and establish his own legacy.
After walking for about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, they reached a grand hall ahead. Gu Wei led Wang Hong into one of the chambers, where Gu Qingyang was seated at the head, accompanied by a young-looking female cultivator who appeared to be in her twenties.
Rows of empty chairs were arranged below them, with no one occupying them at the moment.
"Dad! Mom! I've brought Senior Brother Wang here!" Gu Wei exclaimed loudly as soon as they entered the hall, then found a chair to sit in.
It was only at this moment that Wang Hong realized the young-looking female cultivator was actually his master's wife. He couldn't help but think, "That Resplendent Visage Elixir is truly deceiving." Due to the effects of the elixir, many elderly women appeared as young as girls. How could male cultivators handle such temptations?
"Disciple Wang Hong pays respects to Master and Mistress!" Wang Hong said, finally putting aside his distracting thoughts and bowing respectfully while presenting his gift.
As a disciple visiting his master's home for the first time, it was customary to bring a gift. Wang Hong had prepared two bottles of Spirit Bee Royal Jelly, which might not be particularly valuable to a Golden Core cultivator but were still rare and useful items.
"No need for excessive courtesy," Gu Qingyang said, accepting the wooden box. He continued, "I've called you here to inform you of something. After a thorough evaluation of your character, I've decided to take you as my personal disciple."
When Gu Qingyang had first accepted Wang Hong as a Named Disciple, he had mentioned the possibility of evaluating Wang Hong's character and giving him a chance. At that time, Wang Hong hadn't been very hopeful, and he was also hesitant about taking on a master. Now, Gu Qingyang's decision came as a surprise.
Wang Hong realized that the decision might not be solely based on his character. If he hadn't reached the Foundation Building stage or become a second-tier Alchemist, Gu Qingyang wouldn't have accepted him as a personal disciple, even if his character were impeccable.
"Disciple Wang Hong kowtows to Master!" Wang Hong promptly bowed, acknowledging Gu Qingyang's decision. He understood that it was not something he could refuse. Having an official master would be beneficial, especially when he had questions about cultivation.
Moreover, he had used Gu Qingyang's name to assert his authority outside before, but now he could truly represent his master.
"Wei'er, go and summon your Fourth Senior Sister to introduce her to your Martial Brother," Gu Qingyang instructed.
Gu Wei reluctantly got up from his seat, his earlier enthusiasm now gone. He grumbled, "Dad, why not just send a Transmission Talisman? Why do I have to go there in person?"
Gu Qingyang's face darkened, ready to reprimand him, but the girl who appeared as young as a teenager tugged gently at his sleeve, preventing him from doing so.
"Wei'er, your Fourth Senior Sister lost both of her parents at a young age, and her temperament has become somewhat cold. You should spend more time with her and talk to her," the woman advised Gu Wei gently.
"I'll go, then. She always ignores me and is so aloof," Gu Wei said reluctantly as he made his way out.
[Read at /shanefreak, and heartfelt thankyou for your support!]