A passerby in a horror movie

Qing Songzi had cultivated Taoism for many years and read many ancient books. Although he did not know magic, he was very knowledgeable about these supernatural things.

He had never seen a ghost, but he had heard some stories and legends about them.

Qing Songzi wasn't sure if such a thing truly didn't exist; perhaps it had existed in the past.

After all, some ancient books are considered authentic by some senior members of the sect, and they also record some miraculous events, so they are probably true.

But nowadays, there is indeed no trace of them. Not to mention ghosts and gods, even those who cultivate can't develop any skills in the techniques; at most, they can only prolong their lives.

That's why he got so excited when Li Haotian mentioned ghosts.

Where there are ghosts, there are gods; where there are gods, there may be immortals. Those who cultivate the Tao are eager to see ghosts.

However, he needed to find out whether Li Haotian had really seen a ghost, or if he had misjudged it, or if he was just having a mental problem.

"Second Master, I don't know what to say either. I don't understand this matter either, so I don't know how to explain it."

I did encounter some special circumstances, and it will take some time to figure out the specifics.

Second Master, it's not that I don't trust you, and please don't press me. I'll be honest with you when I feel it's time.

"Would you still be willing to help me then?"

Li Haotian thought for a moment, then cautiously spoke to Qing Songzi.

Although Second Master is his relative and wouldn't harm him, telling the other party isn't a good thing, and might even implicate innocent people.

Moreover, Li Haotian is currently powerless to protect himself. If the secret were to be leaked, he would likely be in trouble. Therefore, after thinking about it, he could only keep it a secret for the time being.

Of course, after saying so much, even if the Second Master didn't know the real situation, he could definitely guess that he had encountered trouble.

Only with Second Master did Li Hao dare to become his disciple with such an attitude; otherwise, in other Taoist temples, the Taoist priests probably wouldn't even acknowledge him.

After all, becoming an apprentice is no small matter.

Taking a master is different from taking refuge. Taking refuge only requires a simple process. Most people just need to memorize some books, understand the basics of Taoism, and then pay some money to find a master to go through the process.

However, formal apprenticeship requires witnessing and a ceremony, as well as obtaining certification.

Anyone with a bit of skill won't just casually take on apprentices; in fact, taking on apprentices depends on fate and a connection.

If it doesn't suit their taste, they might not accept it.

Someone like Li Haotian, who wants to become an apprentice without explaining the situation and also wants benefits, is someone only Qing Songzi would agree to.

"You little rascal, did you really run into a ghost? Fine, since you don't want to talk about it, I won't force you."

"I'm over seventy years old, I've seen it all, you're still hiding things from me."

"It's only because it's you. If it were my worthless disciples, I would have made them kneel incense long ago."

Qing Songzi pursed his lips and said.

Anyone could tell that something was wrong with Li Haotian's appearance.

However, he was Li Haotian's second uncle after all, someone who had watched him grow up. Now that his grandson had come to him for help, he certainly wouldn't refuse.

Moreover, Qing Songzi understood Li Haotian's personality quite well. This kid wasn't one to keep everything to himself, and even if he encountered something good, he probably wouldn't forget his family.

The way he's stammering now must mean he's having some kind of trouble. He's old enough as it is, there's no need to keep digging into his past.

"If you want to become my disciple, that's fine, but you need to think it through. Becoming a disciple isn't something you can do casually. I don't expect you to learn anything specific, but at least you must abide by the precepts of my school."

Qing Songzi nodded and said.

Since Li Haotian had come to him for help, Qing Songzi naturally agreed to his request.

He also knew that Li Haotian probably wouldn't settle down to study with him in the Taoist temple, but that didn't matter, since he had to keep an eye on this grandson.

As long as Li Haotian can pass the most basic test and abide by the rules, nothing else matters.

"Thank you, Second Master. Don't worry, after becoming your disciple, I will humbly learn and uphold the precepts. I will never let you down."

Hearing that his second master had agreed, Li Haotian breathed a sigh of relief and was also very excited.

As for what Second Master said about observing the precepts, Li Haotian felt that it was perfectly fine.

The reason he wanted to become a disciple and enter the Taoist sect was because he could travel through various worlds and receive Taoist deities' teachings.

Since he has a connection with Wong Tai Sin, obtaining the status of a Taoist disciple will provide him with more security when traveling to various worlds in the future.

But Li Haotian also understood that once you enter the Taoist sect, you must study hard and abide by the rules; otherwise, even if you have a status, the patriarch will not approve of you.

"Second Master, I'm in a bit of a rush to become an apprentice this time. Could you expedite the process, ideally within seven days?"

Coming to his senses, Li Haotian spoke to Qing Songzi again.

To be honest, Li Haotian would only say this in front of Qing Songzi; otherwise, he would have been too embarrassed to say it.

He also knew some of the rules of Taoism. Except in special circumstances, it usually takes a period of time or even several years to become a disciple. Unlike him, he wanted to become a disciple in just a few days.

As expected, Qing Songzi remained silent for a while after hearing Li Haotian's request.

"Fine, I've already agreed to your request. I've watched you grow up, so there's no need for any tests."

Originally, there would have been quite a few procedures to prepare, but now we'll skip some unnecessary things to save you some time.

"I'll go prepare the things now. Once they're ready, you can begin the apprenticeship ceremony. After that, I'll go to Maoshan tomorrow to invite a few senior brothers to come and pass on the teachings to you. I'll try to get you formally accepted into the sect within seven days."

"As for the ordination, there's no way to do it in the short term. It requires approval, there aren't many slots, and you have to prepare for exams. It involves all sorts of things, and most people can't get it done in less than a year or two."

"But don't worry, I have some connections in the association. It's no problem to add the 'Supreme Three Five Capital Merit Scripture' or even the 'Supreme Righteous One Might Alliance Scripture' to your collection this month. As for anything higher, your foundation needs to be solid before I can make the request."

After thinking for a moment, Qing Songzi said to Li Haotian.

The saying goes, "If you're going to help someone, help them to the end." We're all family. Li Haotian is so eager to become an apprentice, he must have his reasons. Qing Songzi won't hold him back. Since he's decided to help, he'll do his best.

The lineage of Qingsongzi belongs to the Shangqing School, and its lineage originates from Maoshan.

Within the sect, Qing Songzi also held some prestige. Firstly, he was of high seniority; the Taoist who took him in was already in his seventies or eighties, and he was the youngest among his fellow disciples, making him significantly higher in seniority than his peers.

Most of that generation are now dead, except for Qing Songzi, so the younger generation has to give him some face.

Secondly, Qing Songzi had served as a leader in the association in his early years. Although it wasn't a high-ranking position, he was still a person of status.

Even the current president has to address Qing Songzi as "Uncle-Master".

So if he wants a quota for ordination, they will definitely grant it to him.

However, there are requirements for receiving the ordination certificate. At least the basics must be passed. Qing Songzi can only give him two special favors at most. After that, Li Haotian will have to work hard on his own.

However, this is quite remarkable. It usually takes several years for an ordinary person to formally become a monk, let alone receive ordination. Without connections, it's really impossible.

Qingsongzi saved Li Haotian at least five years.

"That's great, thank you very much, Second Master."

Li Haotian was overjoyed. He had originally thought that if he couldn't pass the test with the Second Master, he would at most become an apprentice. He didn't expect such an unexpected surprise.

In this world, the ordination ceremony may just be a formality, with little practical effect.

But it's different in other places. After being ordained, Li Haotian is essentially registered in the Heavenly Court, becoming a civil servant and having the authority to mobilize troops.

There are many other benefits as well. Although Li Haotian didn't know about these before, he had searched for them on his phone before coming and had a general understanding of them.

"Heh, still calling me Second Master?"

Qing Songzi chuckled and gestured to Li Haotian with his eyes.

"Master, please accept my disciple's greetings."

Li Haotian immediately kowtowed and bowed.

"Okay, okay, get up."

Qing Songzi nodded quickly and said.

"Master, according to seniority, I am your grandson. Now that I am becoming your disciple, am I a generation older? What should I call my father?"

Standing up, Li Haotian suddenly realized that his current generational hierarchy was indeed a bit messed up.

We can't just go home and call each other names.

You call me brother, I call you dad.

If he really did that, Li Haotian felt his father would beat him to death.

"Don't overthink it. After you become a monk, your seniority will have nothing to do with the secular world. Just call me Second Master when you're out. Keep it a secret from your family for now, and everything will continue as usual."

Qing Songzi rolled his eyes at Li Haotian. He didn't even need to guess what the kid was thinking.