Chapter 103: Xuanyuan Accepts a Disciple to Reach the Heavens

Several figures descended upon the Youxiong Tribe. Laozi transformed into an elderly man with a white beard, Yuanshi took the form of a middle-aged Daoist, Tongtian appeared as a young swordsman, and Zhunti morphed into a monk.

"We must not reveal our true identities," Laozi said calmly, glancing at the other three. "Once we meet Xuanyuan, we shall each demonstrate our own doctrines and let him choose for himself. Regardless of whom he ultimately selects, we shall harbor no grievances."

"Agreed," the three replied after a moment of reflection.

They scattered and walked into the tribe. Before long, it was Zhunti, in his monk guise, who first approached Xuanyuan.

Xuanyuan was about five or six years old, with an elfin and adorable appearance. His dark eyes were incredibly profound, as if they could peer into one’s very soul, making it difficult for ordinary people to meet his gaze.

"All living things suffer. To let go is to be free. The world is void; only man dwells within it in misery..."

Zhunti's eyes lit up upon seeing the boy, though he maintained a solemn, dignified expression, eyes slightly closed with palms pressed together.

"Mister, why did you shave off all your hair?"

Seeing the curious boy approach, Zhunti was secretly delighted. However, the question caught him off guard. Being no ordinary person, he did not falter; instead, he opened his eyes, smiled faintly at Xuanyuan, and said, "Hair represents the worldly troubles and attachments of humanity. Only by removing it can one sever all ties, focus entirely on cultivation, break free from the ego and attachments, and tread the path to supreme enlightenment."

As Zhunti discoursed, Xuanyuan stood dazed. Just then, a faint, ethereal sound drifted from behind.

"Embrace tranquility and nature, govern through non-action... If I practice non-action, the people will transform themselves. If I love stillness, the people will rectify themselves. If I am free from meddling, the people will become prosperous. If I am free from desire, the people will remain simple..."

It was Laozi, transformed into a white-robed elder, stroking his beard as he appeared. With a few light words, he manifested the doctrine of Non-Action of the Human School before the boy.

"Indeed," the middle-aged Daoist, Yuanshi, followed closely. He glanced at Laozi before turning his gaze to Xuanyuan, selectively ignoring Zhunti. "All things in the world are governed by the will of Heaven. As practitioners, we must act in accordance with that will. Child, you and I are destined to be master and disciple. Would you be willing to take me as your teacher?"

Take him as a teacher?

Xuanyuan was taken aback. As he looked the middle-aged Daoist up and down, he felt an unfathomable depth about him, even though the Daoist’s cultivation seemed lower than that of ordinary tribesmen.

"You and I are also destined to be master and disciple," the elder transformed by Laozi stepped forward and whispered.

Seeing the others move to claim him, Zhunti grew anxious. Fearing Xuanyuan would agree, he quickly stepped forward and interjected, "Our bond as master and disciple is the deepest of all!"

"Uh..."

Xuanyuan looked at Zhunti, but in his haste, Zhunti had lost his earlier air of dignified grace, leaving a poor impression on the boy.

"In this world, nothing is absolute. If there is an obstacle, I shall cut it down with a single sword!"

Just then, the swordsman form of Tongtian strolled over. "Little one, will you take me as your teacher? I can teach you the sword and make you a hero admired by thousands!"

Tongtian sheathed his blade and offered a dashing smile. The others frowned slightly—as Sages, was it truly proper to cajole a child this way? But Tongtian cared little. If he took Xuanyuan as his disciple, he would indeed teach him swordsmanship, and as for being admired? That would simply be a byproduct of becoming the Human Sovereign.

"Uh..." Xuanyuan glanced at Tongtian. While he admired the man's stylish swordplay, he was wary of the intentions of these "strange people" and dared not agree easily.

"You all want me to be your disciple?" Xuanyuan asked, scanning the four.

"That is correct," Laozi nodded. "You share a destiny with all four of us. Who do you wish to choose?"

Xuanyuan looked at them. Though he had never considered apprenticeship, he felt he could not let this opportunity pass. He finally fixed his gaze on Tongtian. The swordplay he had just witnessed was truly breathtaking, and his subconscious led him toward the swordsman.

Still, he hesitated, wondering who was the most powerful or the most suitable.

"If you take me as your teacher, I shall impart the world's most profound arts and bestow upon you the most powerful treasures. If you encounter enemies, you may call upon me for aid..." Sensing the boy's hesitation, Tongtian smiled and enumerated the benefits.

The more Xuanyuan listened, the brighter his eyes became. Laozi, preferring to let things take their natural course, closed his eyes, showing no intention to force the matter. Yuanshi’s lips twitched, but pride held him back; he also felt a lingering guilt for having driven Tongtian away in the past and did not wish to ruin his brother's opportunity. Zhunti tried to speak several times, but Tongtian’s continuous stream of persuasion left him no opening. By the time he decided to interrupt, Xuanyuan had already made up his mind and knelt down.

"Master, please accept my respects!"

"Indeed." Tongtian smiled, waving his hand to lift the boy up. "I am the Supreme Lord of the Lingbao, the Master of the Jie School. From this day forward, you are my fifth direct disciple."

Xuanyuan was stunned. He had never imagined he would become the disciple of a Sage. He then looked at the other three and hurriedly bowed to them as well. "Xuanyuan pays respects to the three Sages!"

Laozi nodded faintly and vanished. Yuanshi gave a kind smile and also disappeared.

"Brother Tongtian, you have certainly gained a fine disciple," Zhunti said with a hint of bitterness. It was a pity; had he taken the third Human Sovereign as his disciple, he could have used the opportunity to spread the Western School throughout the human race, finally allowing it to emerge from the barren lands of the West.

Tongtian glanced at him coldly. He never cared for superficial pleasantries and, having no desire to speak with Zhunti, remained silent. Seeing no point in continuing, Zhunti bowed slightly and faded away.