Chapter 1: Taking on Disciples is Such a Chore

Chapter 1: How Tiring It Is to Take on an Apprentice...

"System, check in for today."

【Check-in successful. Reward: 500 years of cultivation.】

Lu Changsheng rubbed his temples helplessly and said, "It’s been over 20 years. Every day is just checking in and getting cultivation rewards. Does this system not have any other functions?"

When he first arrived in this world and realized he had awakened a system, Lu Changsheng had been excited, thinking he could step onto the peak of the immortal path and suppress the ages.

However, who would have thought that for over 20 years, the system would only allow for a daily check-in, with every single reward being cultivation.

Day after day, year after year.

It had made Lu Changsheng completely numb.

He wasn't even sure what level his own strength was at anymore.

As if sensing Lu Changsheng’s frustration, the system explained.

【Main storyline not yet triggered by the host. No other functions available at this time.】

"Then can't you give me a hint on how to trigger the main storyline?"

【Heavenly secrets cannot be revealed.】

"..."

Helpless, Lu Changsheng picked up his brush and sketched a painting of a sword immortal dancing with a sword on his desk.

This was Lu Changsheng’s daily routine now. Since he received cultivation rewards every day anyway, he had no need to practice on his own.

With nothing to do, he could only plant willow trees, raise chickens, paint a few pictures, write some calligraphy...

At worst, he would casually refine some pills or study formations...

When Lu Changsheng finished the final stroke.

*Clang!*

A bell chime echoed through the space.

Lu Changsheng looked up and said, "It seems today is the day the Cangdao Academy accepts new students..."

After thinking about it, he had nothing better to do, so he decided to go out for a walk and take a look.

With that, Lu Changsheng put down his brush and vanished into thin air like a wisp of green smoke.

A short while after Lu Changsheng left, a small bird in the garden flapped its wings, which were as red as blazing flames, and landed in front of the painting. Its eyes were fixed intently on the sword immortal dancing within.

The sword immortal in the painting seemed to be moving, and suddenly, strands of sword intent shot out from the figure!

In an instant, sword intent crisscrossed the entire garden, slicing through space itself!

The bird’s eyes widened in shock. It flapped its wings to retreat, flames igniting on its feathers as it tried to block this heaven-shaking sword intent.

In a flash.

The flames were instantly shattered by the sword intent, which continued unabated, slashing straight toward the bird!

At that moment, the willow tree nearby stretched out a branch, blocking the sword intent entirely.

"Little bird, don't be so reckless in the future. Although this painting was made on a whim, the intent within it is something you cannot withstand yet."

After saying this, the willow tree fell silent.

The bird looked dejected, seemingly agreeing with the willow tree. It took one last deep look at the scroll on the table before retreating.

...

Cangdao Academy.

Countless powerhouses emerged from within.

It was the recognized place of enlightenment in the Southern Region.

It remained aloof from the world, not participating in the struggles of any sects or clans.

It did not profit from dynasties or holy lands either.

Whether they were the children of emperors and princes or descendants of noble families, everyone was treated equally upon entering Cangdao Academy.

Here, only strength mattered.

Because of this, Cangdao Academy stood transcendent.

At this moment, at the academy gates, stood dozens of youths.

These were the individuals who had passed the academy’s examinations and were finally being admitted.

Next, the academy elders would select their disciples.

Once chosen by an elder, one’s future would be limitless.

These were all prodigies fought over by noble families and dynasties.

Therefore, every one of these youths looked excited, hoping to be taken as a disciple by an elder.

"There are quite a few good seedlings this year."

"Yes, I heard the direct descendants of the four great families of Tianyuan City have come as well."

"Heh, then we must choose carefully. Perhaps our legacy will finally have a successor."

"It’s not that easy. Even if their talent is sufficient, we must look at their character. We cannot pass on our legacy to just anyone."

"That is true."

At this moment, the elders looked toward the back, seeing a young man in green robes walking over slowly.

An elder frowned and said, "Why is he out?"

Some deacons looked confused, clearly not recognizing the young man.

They asked, "Elder, is this person from the academy?"

One of the elders said with a complex expression, "Yes and no. He is from the Thatched Cottage."

"The Thatched Cottage?!"

Countless people were astonished.

Of course, some looked blank, clearly knowing nothing about this "Thatched Cottage."

Cangdao Academy was divided into the Martial Academy and the Confucian Academy.

However, besides these two, there was another force.

The Thatched Cottage!

It could be said that the Thatched Cottage was not under the jurisdiction of the academy, yet it enjoyed the academy’s resources.

This left everyone very puzzled, but under the suppression of the Dean, no one dared to speak of it openly.

Now, the Thatched Cottage had changed hands, and it hadn't accepted a new disciple in decades.

The entire Thatched Cottage consisted only of Lu Changsheng.

And Lu Changsheng was extremely low-key, rarely leaving his home, which caused people to forget that such a person even existed in the Thatched Cottage!

So, it was normal for some not to know of its existence.

Lu Changsheng walked up to the elders, smiled, and bowed. "Changsheng greets the elders."

"Lu Changsheng, what are you doing here today?"

"We’ve never seen you come out on the days we recruit disciples."

Lu Changsheng shook his head and said, "I was just bored, so I came out to watch the recruitment. I have no intention of taking on disciples. You elders don't need to mind me."

Bored...

The elders shook their heads helplessly. This kid, occupying the academy's resources yet unwilling to take on disciples, it was truly...

After all, as an academy force, they took pride in teaching and passing on knowledge. Lu Changsheng’s attitude left them with no recourse.

Among them, an elderly elder said with a tone of "iron not becoming steel," "As a member of the academy, passing on knowledge to the world is your duty. Why do you not want to take on disciples or bring fresh blood into the Thatched Cottage?"

Lu Changsheng spread his hands and said, "I can't even figure out my own cultivation, so why bother delaying others? Besides, how tiring is it to teach an apprentice? I’m quite happy playing by myself, why look for trouble?"

"But you occupy the academy's resources, how can you not pass on knowledge?"

"As the master of the Thatched Cottage, even if you don't think for yourself, you should think about the future of the Thatched Cottage!"

Seeing the elders beginning to earnestly persuade him, Lu Changsheng felt a headache coming on.

Just as he was about to say something, he was interrupted by a voice in his mind.

【Host has triggered a mission. Please head to Tianyuan City to take on an apprentice.】

【Name: Ye Qiubai】

【Talent: SSS-rank】

【Aptitude: Clear Sword Heart, Primordial Sword Body, Emperor’s Potential】

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng vanished from the spot, leaving behind only one sentence.

"Elders, I'm going to Tianyuan City to pick up an apprentice. You all continue!"

The elders were left stunned in place.

Didn't this kid just say he couldn't even figure out his own cultivation and didn't want to delay others?

Didn't he say he found teaching apprentices tiring?

I believe your nonsense!

And, with a bunch of good seedlings right here, why are you insisting on running off to Tianyuan City?

The direct descendants and prodigies of the Tianyuan City families are all right here!

(End of chapter)