“Well then, I shall be blunt, Ray. I want to take you as my disciple. To be precise, you will be my disciple, but your master in name will be the Sect Master.”

Ray still had the deadpan expression as he listened as he had already expected such offer. Using his memories as a former human, he was able to deduce so, and it seems he was quite right.

And so, without question, Ray acquiesced.

“...Alright....I’m not sure how if I’d do well...but if you don’t mind...please take me as a disciple...”

Light raised his brows in mild surprise. He had not expected Ray to accept so easily.

“That is it? You do not have any question or any of such?”

“No...In the first place...you were the one who...started teaching me first...I at least...appreciate that...”

Light smiled at his answer as he took a sip of his tea. It was a joyous matter indeed. And so, Light wanted to bask in this moment as it might be a historic event of the future.

“Then, do you know the process of taking one as a master?” Light asked. He was a man who respected traditions and honour, so he wanted to confirm.

Ray pondered, and then asked. “...Is it where...I offer you tea...and kowtow three times?...”

Light smiled again in approval as he nodded. He then handed the tea set to Ray, and taught him the way to make tea.

And so, it was at this moment, that a new legend was born in history.

◇◇◇

A weeks after the commotion in the Lone Peak.

The entire sect was once again in uproar as the news of Ray being accepted as the second direct disciple to the Sect Master spread around like a severe pandemic.

It was a huge matter as the news was even caught wind by some of the other big shots from other sects. They were curious about Ray’s existence, and they wanted to see how much potential the new disciple held.

As such, the next weeks Aptitude Tests and Dao Heart examination is bound to be filled with countless spectators.

◇◇◇

A week later, in lone peak.

A young man was wearing black Daoist robes as he wore the silk uniform of the Purple Lotus Sect. He had black hair and an androgynous face that carried no expression. He stood at a naturally dignified posture, and he carried himself with natural martial grace.

It was Ray, who was no preparing for his Tests.

Lights saw that was not the slightest bit nervous as he then asked.

“Oh? You do not show signs of being perturbed. How surprising.” Light commented.

“...Actually...I just don’t care...no matter the result...I am already your disciple...” Ray replied with his usual expression.

Light closed his eyes for a moment as he head a smile. He then opened his eyes as he looked at Ray and praised.

“You are wise. That one statement had gained me a few points on my Dao Heart. Thank you.” Light complimented.

Ray just nodded without saying anything. If any normal sect member saw him, they would have cursed him for arrogantly accepting a praise from Light, but Ray knew better. Light had praised him, and it was because he deserved so. There was no need to hold back.

As the two were conversing, a maid suddenly entered as she informed.

“Master Light, Young Master Ray. It is time.” She informed with a bow.

Ray nodded to the maid, earning him another smile from Light as masters shouldn’t bow to his servants, but he let him be. It was an important day after all.

As Ray went outside, he was greeted by the sight of a beautifully designed carriage that had fins in its side, and the one mounted to pull it were two large lizards with wings. The word ‘dragon’ came to Ray’s mind, but he surmised that it may be a bit different.

This world was, after all, a cultivation world. So true dragons shouldn’t have wings.

Light followed outside as he then stood behind Ray. Ray was confused for a bit, but Light explained.

“It is my disciple’s aptitude tests. I cannot possibly miss such important event, can I?” Light spoke with a smile.

Hearing Light’s reasoning, Ray nodded as he boarded the Dragon Carriage. Light followed suit, and then the carriage began to move.

It was surprisingly stable as it flew. There was no bobbing motion, and no feeling of weird movements as everything just felt natural for Ray. Ray then looked outside and witness an incredible spectacle.

The mountains outside stretched for kilometers as mist covered its peaks. The sect was located in a gigantic mountain. Covered in mist all year round, it gave the impression that it glowed as a tiny bit of sunlight was scattered by the ambient mist. This was the Purple Lotus Sect. One of the 5 Holy Lands for cultivation.

Light who sat in front, saw Rays expression. “Surprised?” He asked with a faint smile. “I too had been quite surprised the first time.”

Ray glanced at Light with a curious expression. “...Am I...surprised?...”

“You are.” Light answered for Ray’s sake.

“I see..."

Ray then shifted his gaze back outside. He looked with interest, as if relishing every scenery he saw.

Light, who kept observing his disciple as if he was his child, smiled. It seems it was going to be an interesting part of his journey in his Dao.

◇◇◇

The trip did not take long as they had reached the trial grounds rather quickly. When Ray watched the outside, he saw countless spectators on the vast auditorium. They numbered as much as grains of sand in the seashore, and they all cheered the moment they arrived.

Light was the first one to leave the carriage, making a grand commotion of screams and cheers as he raised his hand in greeting to the audience.

He then bowed in the direction of the VIP Room. “This disciple of Purple Lotus Sect greets whoever guests are present.”

After his bow, Ray was the next to come down, guided by Light.

Ray looked blankly at his audience, and tilted his head. Why aren’t they cheering? Aren’t they suppose to?

An idea came to his mind. He raised a hand in greeting, but only a minority cheered for him. He tilted his head again. It’s indeed strange.

Light watched the spectacle with a chuckle. “You do not have to make them acknowledge you now.” He advised. “They will know your capabilities soon.”

Ray nodded.

The next moment, an announcement arrived.

“The Sect Masters of the Purple Lotus Sect, Sword Spirit Sect, Heavenly Phoenix Sect, Frozen Heaven Sect, and True Dragon Sect have arrive!!!”

The announcement brought shock to all audience, including Light. It was an unprecedented event where the leader of the 5 Holy Lands gathered just to see a disciple take his aptitude tests.

Light knew this was an omen. “A world shaking event is coming...” he muttered.

As for Ray, he watched the as the bigwigs enter with the same blank gaze, while they looked at him as they seemed to observe him.

Ray watched for a while, until the announcement came.

“And now, the exclusive examination for a new disciple of Purple Lotus Sect shall commence! One named Ray, please come forward!”

Ray glanced at Light, and he nodded. Ray then went forward and stood in the middle of the stage.

The announcer continued. “And now, the examination shall consist of 3 parts! The cultivation aptitude examination, Dao heart examination, and the physique examination!”

“We will begin with the first. The cultivation aptitude examination!”

The moment his announcement ended, a formation appeared in front of Ray. It lasted for a few seconds and vanished, but what remained was a 2 meter in diameter crystal orb that floated in the air.

“Please put your hand on the crystal!” the announcer instructed.

Doing as he said, Ray approached the crystal. He then placed his hand on its smooth surface, as it emitted a blinding light. It didn’t work on Ray though.

“Aptitude Grade 8 out of 10! Evaluation, High!”

The crowd stirred at the announcement, but it wasn’t over yet.

The crystal orb disappeared as a giant book, appeared in its place. It then opened itself, and the announcer instructed.

“Please read its contents out loud!”

Ray nodded at the announcer, earning him a smile, and then shifted his gaze to the book. He observed its contents carefully, but didn’t speak a word.

The crowd stirred once more, but this time, for a different reason.

“Hey, look. Can he not read it? Even a single word?”

“Impossible! That would mean he is not suited for cultivation at all!”

“Yes. It is the comprehension examination after all. Without comprehension, aptitude is useless.”

The crowd made their own conjecture as to why Ray didn’t speak. However, Light shook his head. He then turned to ray.

“Ray!” he called out. “Read it out loud. With your voice!”

Ray, who heard Light, glanced at him for an instant. He then shifted back into the book, and started to read out loud.

“•••○○○○¤¤¤●●●●○○••...”

The moment he started speaking, the weaker cultivators who heard his words lost focus in their eyes, as if they were listening to a heavenly song. Their auras suddenly spiked as their cultivations started to slowly increase.

“••°°°¤¤¤¤¤○○○○••°°°°■■■—...”

Ray continued to read, but suddenly stopped when he was nearing completion. And the moment he stopped...

An ear-splitting cheer suddenly erupted from the crowd as they raised their hands and waved for Ray.

Even the announcer was dazed, but he quickly regained clarity of mind.

“C-Comprehension Grade...9 out of 10!”

It was the second highest possible evaluation. The entire place was now convinced. Light had the Comprehension Grade of 10, but that didn’t matter. Ray had higher Aptitude Grade than Light’s Grade of 6.

It was basically ensured now. The Purple Lotus Sect had gained another monstrous genius.