Cultivating with Bragging System-Chapter 645 - 295: Lianshan Ju Ling, Return to the Spiritual Turtle_1

The moment Wang Xiu entered the room, everyone fell silent. All eyes seemed to be glued to him, unable to look away.

They gazed at the face they had previously only seen in various storybooks, biographies, and on the Soul Fighting Machine. A complex mix of emotions churned within the hearts of all the young people in the hall: excitement, nervousness, pride, and surprise.

"We pay our respects to the Saint Heir!" an Elder called out loudly.

Jolted back to their senses, everyone hastily knelt and performed a deep bow. Only Zhang Wan remained standing, staring at Wang Xiu in a daze as if she'd been petrified.

She muttered, "This scene… have I seen it in a dream before?" She continued to stare at Wang Xiu, the moment feeling incredibly familiar, as if she had experienced it all before. But upon reflection, that's impossible.

Seeing her daze, Elder Zhou quickly pulled at her sleeve and reminded her, "What are you standing there foolishly for? Hurry up and pay your respects!"

As if waking from a dream, Zhang Wan hurriedly knelt.

Wang Xiu slowly approached and said, "You are the child who insisted on joining Spirit Turtle Peak?"

Zhang Wan nodded. "Yes, that's me!"

"What's your reason?" Wang Xiu asked.

Zhang Wan bit her lip. "No reason."

Wang Xiu's brow furrowed slightly as he looked toward Elder Zhou.

Becoming anxious, Elder Zhou gave Zhang Wan a light push. "You silly child, the Saint Heir is here in person. If you have something to say, just say it!"

Zhang Wan gazed earnestly at Wang Xiu. "I am not lying to you. I don't know why, but ever since I was young, a voice in my head has always told me that I must go to Spirit Turtle Peak. No matter what, I must become a disciple there!"

Upon hearing this, some of the young men and women around let out soft snickers. What an absurd reason. To think she had disturbed the Sanqing Saint Heir over something so ridiculous. What a transgression! At this rate, no matter how astonishing her talent was, it seemed impossible for her to join the Sanqing Immortal Sect.

Wang Xiu remained calm and said, "Lift your head and look at me."

Zhang Wan was slightly taken aback but obediently tilted her chin up, revealing her extremely delicate face. Though there was still a hint of childishness to her features, her eyes and brows already possessed a charm that promised she would one day become a peerless beauty capable of captivating all living beings. Her eyes were crystal clear, the blacks and whites distinct, as if untainted by a single impurity.

As their eyes met, a gleam of divine light flashed through Wang Xiu's.

After a moment, Wang Xiu's brow furrowed slightly, a look of surprise on his face.

So that's how it is!

Seeing Wang Xiu fall silent, the hearts of everyone present leaped into their throats.

Elder Zhou mustered his courage and asked, "Saint Heir? Is… is there anything wrong with this child?"

Wang Xiu waved a hand dismissively. Looking at the girl, he asked, "Your name is Zhang Wan?"

Zhang Wan nodded.

"That name doesn't suit you," Wang Xiu said. "If you wish to join Spirit Turtle Peak, you must change it. Today is the third day of the third month. 'Lian San'… it's fitting, but it doesn't sound like a name. Let's call you Lianshan instead."

After a pause, Wang Xiu continued, "Do you have any family?"

Before Zhang Wan could even comprehend the question, Elder Zhou answered for her, "No, she doesn't. Her parents died when she was young, and she grew up with a wandering cultivator who helped choose her name."

Wang Xiu then said, "From now on, you will take my surname."

Zhang Wan's mouth hung open. She didn't quite understand; she just wanted to become a disciple, so why did she have to change her name first? Besides, while Wang Lianshan sounded like a name, it certainly didn't sound like a girl's name, did it?

Elder Zhou, quick to react, hurriedly reminded her, "Aren't you going to express your gratitude? The Saint Heir has accepted you! As your master, he is bestowing a new name upon you!"

The little girl couldn't hide her feelings and looked somewhat unhappy.

Wang Xiu said, "If the wandering cultivator who raised you disagrees, I can go and speak with him."

Hearing this, Zhang Wan—oh, no, she should now be called Wang Lianshan—quickly shook her head. "No, that's not necessary! He wouldn't have any objections!"

Then, belatedly realizing the situation, she prostrated herself and knocked her head on the floor several times. "Disciple Zhang… Wang Lianshan pays respects to Master! Thank you, Master, for granting me a new name!"

Wang Xiu gestured with his hand. "Don't be in such a hurry to thank me. There are some things I need to tell you. You can decide after you've heard me out."

He continued, "Although you have been accepted into Spirit Turtle Peak, I will not be like other masters. I will not personally supervise your training, teach you cultivation methods, or protect you on your path. In fact, I will be leaving for a very long time. You will have to rely on yourself to explore and train.

"Knowing this, do you still wish to join Spirit Turtle Peak?"

Listening to Wang Xiu's words, Wang Lianshan's mouth fell open slightly in surprise, her eyes flickering with disappointment and confusion.

The others present began to murmur among themselves, their once-envious gazes growing complicated. With conditions like that, what was the difference between having a master and not having one? The path of cultivation was entirely different with a guide versus without one. After all, not everyone in the world was a peerless genius like the Sanqing Saint Heir.

But in the end, Wang Lianshan's expression firmed, and she nodded. "Yes!"

Wang Xiu stared into her eyes and said expressionlessly, "You must think carefully. Although Spirit Turtle Peak has few people, it is not a place where you can come and go as you please. Once you join the Sect, there is no turning back. The various branches of Sanqing, the Great Immortal Gates of the Southern Domain, or even The Demonic Path… none would accept a disciple who has left Spirit Turtle Peak."

His voice was calm and confident, and everyone knew he had the standing to make such a claim. With his current reputation and status in the Cangyuan Realm, if a disciple were to defect from his tutelage or be expelled, it would be a dead end. They would be ostracized by both the righteous and demonic paths.

Spoken aloud, his words carried an immense, oppressive weight. Everyone present felt it settle heavily in their chests, making it difficult to breathe.