My Martial Arts Level Never Drops

Chapter 364: Chapter 178: True Inheritance?

”But he hasn’t pledged to a master yet?! He mastered an entry-level Body Technique in a single day! A talent like that belongs in my Jinghong Lineage! Before the master-disciple ceremony, a disciple naturally has the right to choose their own master and lineage. Fan Zhengchu, you have no say in this!”

Elder Lu said, his eyes wide.

’You could tell he was truly getting desperate.’

’This Elder Lu hadn’t been this worked up the day before yesterday.’

Before Fan Zhengchu could speak, a gentle voice rang out. ”Is the Jinghong Hall Master so remarkable? Qin Fang is a disciple of my Guiyuan Lineage; this was his own choice. Unless he himself wishes it, no one can take him away. Han Lingxiao wants to make him a True Inheritance disciple? What a coincidence. So do I.”

As the voice faded, a streak of light descended from the sky.

The light dissipated, revealing an old man in a simple gray robe.

He was slender, with hair and a beard as white as snow. His complexion, however, was ruddy and full, with hardly a wrinkle in sight. His eyes alone were clear and profound, as if they held the tranquil wisdom of ages.

He stood with his hands clasped behind his back. He radiated no oppressive aura; in fact, he looked even more ordinary than Fan Zhengchu, like a common hermit from the mountains.

Yet, when his calm gaze swept over them, a quiet fell over everyone, from the agitated Elder Lu to the spectating disciples. An involuntary hush descended, as if a deep spring had stilled all ripples.

He stood there, the very embodiment of Guiyuan Valley itself—unassuming, yet possessing the profound, unshakeable gravity of a deep abyss and a towering mountain.

’Definitely a Great Power!’

Qin Fang was inwardly alarmed.

The moment he laid eyes on this man, the very circulation of his True Essence seemed to grow sluggish!

”Greetings, Hall Master!”

”Greetings, Hall Master!”

All the disciples immediately bowed in greeting.

After a moment of shock, Qin Fang hurriedly bowed as well...

’It seems this must be the current Hall Master of the Guiyuan Lineage, Yue Guiyuan...’ he thought to himself.

”Senior Brother Yue.”

Fan Zhengchu bowed.

Upon seeing the newcomer, Elder Lu’s bluster deflated. He first offered a respectful bow and a greeting before continuing anxiously, ”Senior Brother Yue! You want to take him as a disciple, too? But Senior Brother Han said this boy’s Talent is extraordinary, that he shows genius in the path of the Body Technique. Only by joining our Jinghong Lineage can his potential be fully realized! Your Guiyuan Lineage emphasizes moderation, peace, and slow, grinding work... Wouldn’t that just stifle his ability for rapid comprehension?”

Yue Guiyuan paid him no mind. Instead, his gentle gaze fell upon Qin Fang, and as he sized him up, a flash of satisfied approval crossed his eyes.

”Qin Fang, what is your intention? Yesterday, Junior Brother Lu extended an invitation. Today, both I and the Jinghong Hall Master wish to take you as a disciple. The paths of the Guiyuan and Jinghong lineages have different focuses. This concerns your future on the Dao, so you must be the one to choose.”

His voice was gentle and calm, yet it placed the choice squarely back in Qin Fang’s hands.

In an instant, all eyes were on Qin Fang.

Wen Suxin and Fan Zhengchu looked slightly tense.

Elder Lu, on the other hand, was full of anticipation.

Qin Fang felt his teeth ache...

’Who would have thought that just by accidentally revealing how fast I learned the Body Technique Leaf Skill, it would cause such a commotion?’

’Elder Lu wasn’t this agitated when he invited me the day before yesterday.’

’It didn’t even draw the attention of anyone at the Hall Master Level back then!’

’But today, it’s drawn out two of them, one after another?’

’This...’

Qin Fang’s mind raced.

’Still, this was undoubtedly a good thing for him.’

His decision to choose the Guiyuan Lineage, however, was the result of careful deliberation, and he had no intention of changing his mind now.

He took a deep breath, bowed first to Hall Master Yue and then to Elder Lu, and said earnestly, ”I thank Elder Lu for his high regard, and I am grateful for the Jinghong Hall Master’s favor. However, when I entered the sect two days ago, I chose the Guiyuan Lineage because I admire its path of moderation, peace, and profound foundations. After a night of cultivation, I feel it is a perfect fit for me. I humbly believe that on the long road of the Dao, one’s foundation is paramount. I will, of course, strive to master Body Technique arts and not dare to slack off, but for my fundamental path... I wish to follow Guiyuan.”

He paused, then turned to Hall Master Yue and bowed deeply once more. ”If the Hall Master will have me, I, Qin Fang, wish to enter your tutelage, abide by the sect’s rules, and diligently cultivate the Great Dao!”

At this, Elder Lu grew even more frantic. ”Qin Fang, you...”

But Hall Master Yue burst out laughing. ”Excellent... Junior Brother Lu, you heard him. This is Qin Fang’s own choice. Tell Han Lingxiao... not to covet my beloved disciple any longer.”

Elder Lu looked at Qin Fang, unwilling to give up. ”Qin Fang, you... you truly don’t want to join Jinghong?”

Qin Fang bowed slightly. ”I am humbled by the favor from you, Elder Lu, and from the Jinghong Hall Master... but my mind is made up.”

Seeing Qin Fang’s resolve, Elder Lu opened his mouth to speak several times, but finally just let out a long sigh. ”Fine, fine... But remember this: the doors of the Jinghong Lineage will always be open to you. If you ever feel unhappy here in the Guiyuan Lineage, you are always welcome to come and join Jinghong!”

These words not only moved Qin Fang, but also caused the surrounding Inner Sect Disciples to gasp in unison...

’For them to be so accommodating was truly humbling!’

’Even the Dao Body back then didn’t receive this kind of treatment!’

’It was clear how highly the Jinghong Lineage regarded Qin Fang.’

”You worry for nothing, Junior Brother Lu. That day will never come.”

Fan Zhengchu, who had been standing nearby, had a dark expression on his face. After speaking, he waved a dismissive hand. ”Junior Brother Lu, if you please.”

Elder Lu looked at him, sighed softly, and shook his head. With a flicker of his form, he transformed into a streak of light and departed.

”Excellent. Not tempted by shortcuts, not swayed by external things, and able to discern what is fundamental... Indeed, your disposition is outstanding.”

The more Yue Guiyuan looked at Qin Fang, the more pleased he became.

”Senior Brother Yue.” Fan Zhengchu’s face was dark, his expression full of reproach.

Yue Guiyuan immediately cleared his throat, pretending not to see Fan Zhengchu’s expression.