Volume 1 Rebirth Return Chapter 7: Paying Homage to a Master

  It was not the ginger that was old and spicy, but Su Rui who could no longer hold back, lowered her head and said awkwardly, "Old sir, I am also helpless. My parents have just passed away and are not yet buried, but there are already wolves and tigers eyeing my family's wealth. There must be many offenses, please forgive me."

  "Cough, cough, what's with the 'old sir' business? Am I that old? Besides, you just called me 'master' a moment ago, and now you're changing your tune. Are you trying to deceive your master and destroy your ancestors? You unfilial disciple!" The old man didn't look at Su Rui, pretending to be calm. If Su Rui looked up now, he would discover that the old man's eyes were darting about, his ears reddening, clearly showing a guilty conscience.

  "What's going on?" Su Rui looked at the old man in confusion.

  "What are you looking at? Don't think that just calling me 'master' will do, you still have to perform the rituals of becoming a disciple." After saying this, his expression became even more unnatural.

  Su Rui finally understood, this was to let herself become an apprentice. Su Rui couldn't be more eager, one look and she knew that this old man's status wasn't ordinary, giving her a feeling like her own grandfather, he was someone who had been in high positions for a long time. By becoming his apprentice, she would have an additional layer of protection.

  Su Rui, who suddenly understood, hastily replied "I will obey Master's orders."

  The old man finally had a smile on his face.

  In fact, the old man hid in this small place because his master had divined a hexagram for him before he died, telling him that he could only find the successor of the school in the west. However, he didn't tell him specifically where it was, but just told him that when he reached a place where he wanted to stay, that would be where the opportunity lay. And as for the successor, he was someone whom the old man couldn't see through.

  "It seems that the Tianji Gate is about to break with tradition, and whether it can regain its former glory depends on the successor. Haha, I can now rest in peace and go see my ancestors." After saying this, he stopped breathing. However, his mouth was curved upwards, his eyes were looking forward, filled with hope.

  The old man understood that finding a successor was his last task. So, after burying the master and settling everything, he set off westward. When he arrived at Old Tree Village, feeling tired from walking, he stopped there to wait for the unknown successor.

  Liu Qingyun was taken aback when he pushed open the door and saw Su Rui's appearance, his mind went blank because he couldn't see through her! He remembered what his master said, people who can't be seen through are those who break the tradition of Tianji Gate. Ah, yes, Tianji Gate has always had only one legitimate disciple as its leader, which means that this sect, apart from outer disciples, there are only two people - the leader and the disciple. (Coughs, really few people indeed.) Moreover, it has never had a female disciple! To the point where others thought Tianji Gate only accepted male disciples. However, as the current leader of Tianji Gate, Liu Qingyun knew that the sect's selection of disciples was based on the will of heaven, and heaven would tell him who to choose. This is also why despite having only two people in the sect, it has been passed down for a thousand years without interruption. From this, it can be seen that Tianji Gate is equivalent to being indirectly protected by the heavens! Coughs, got sidetracked.

  After Su Rui agreed, Liu Qingyun let her go take a bath and change clothes, while he went to prepare the items for worship.

  The ceremony of becoming a disciple in Tiandi Men is different, as it involves first paying respects to Heaven, or the Heavenly Way, then to one's ancestors, and finally to one's master.

  As soon as Su Rui finished bathing and dressing, she saw that the old man had already prepared everything for the ceremony. In the room, there was an incense table with a censer, fruits, a whole chicken, a whole goose, and a pig's head, all very solemnly arranged. It was impressive how well-prepared everything was in such a short time, and one couldn't help but think that this old man was quite formidable.

  On the wall hung a scroll, and the man in the painting wore white Han clothes. Except for his hair and eyebrows being white, he was as wrinkle-free as a young person. He looked serene, untouchable, and mysterious. It seemed that this was the ancestor of the Tianji Gate.

  Liu Qingyun sat beside the desk and said to Su Rui, "First, kowtow to Tiandao and our ancestors, then kowtow to me and offer tea."

  Su Rui naturally wouldn't go against it, and first gave a bow and incense to Heaven's Way and the Ancestral Masters.

  After kowtowing, Su Rui knelt in front of Liu Qingyun, raised the teacup and said "Master, please have some tea."

  But Liu Qingyun did not take the teacup, instead he looked at Su Rui.

  Su Rui was puzzled, but didn't raise her head to ask, and quietly held the teacup, kneeling in front of Liu Qingyun.

  Just as Su Rui was about to give up, Liu Qingyun happily said "Good good good!" and then took over Su Rui's teacup, drinking it all in one gulp.

  Then, Liu Qingyun began to lecture, "Our Tianji Gate's teachings you must remember clearly: First, do not deceive or betray your master and ancestors; Second, do not look down on predecessors; Third, do not disrupt the Jianghu code; Fourth, do not engage in fierce and murderous battles; Fifth, do not commit adultery, theft, or evil deeds; Sixth, do not cheat or deceive ordinary people. Can you remember them clearly?"

  "Remember," Su Rui said.

  "Alright, alright. From today on, you are the 172nd direct disciple of Tianji Gate. Get up quickly." As he spoke, Liu Qingyun helped Su Rui up with a smile.

  He helped Su Rui up and said with a smile, "I've waited for many years, finally got an apprentice, come with me." Then he took Su Rui to the study.

  Digression

  Finally became a disciple. Those with money can support financially. Those without money can show personal support. Collecting first. Thank you all~