Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

The month-long period was fast approaching. On this day, in a side hall of the sect leader's main hall, the four Foundation Establishment cultivators gathered once again to discuss their chosen candidates for observation.

Su Xiao spoke first, unfolding a list in front of her: "Sect Leader, Senior Brother Shi, Elder Han. After a month of observation, I've taken note of a few people."

"Wang Hu is at the seventh level of Qi Refining. He is calm and composed, thorough in his work, and has a talent for management and interpersonal communication. Although his cultivation method is not exactly the same as mine, I can pass on his ability to manage affairs and his skills in protecting the Dao."

"Sun Hao, at the peak of the sixth level of Qi Refining, possesses innate superhuman strength, is straightforward, diligent, and hardworking, and his Daoist methods are quite compatible with Senior Brother Shi's."

"A-Tu, Qi Refining Level 4, although his aptitude is poor, his willpower and perseverance are unparalleled among his peers, and he has a deep sense of belonging to the sect. If this boy can meet a wise master, he may well achieve something in the future."

In addition, among the newly initiated disciples, there is a girl named Yunzhi, who possesses outstanding wood-type spiritual roots, a pure heart, and seems to have a talent for spiritual plants and alchemy. She can get closer to Junior Sister Xiaocao and is also a promising talent.

Her comments were objective and well-considered.

Shi Tie grinned, pointing at the list: "I've got my eye on that kid Sun Hao! He's tough, can take a beating, and has the makings of a body-refining cultivator!"

"And there's that new disciple named 'Xiong Meng,' who's only at the third level of Qi Refining, yet he dared to challenge a senior disciple at the fourth level. Although he got beaten black and blue, he stubbornly refused to admit defeat, just like I did back in the day! I want to take these two in!"

Han Lin stroked his beard and laughed, "Hehe, from my observation, Zhang Daniu is loyal, honest, hardworking and conscientious. He has been in charge of the mountain gate's restrictions for several years and has never made a mistake. He is reliable."

"There is another female disciple named Wenmin, who is at the fifth level of Qi Refining. She is meticulous and has a good understanding of how to organize books and coordinate affairs. She can help Su Xiao with some mundane tasks. My energy is limited. If I can guide these two, I will be satisfied."

All three named their chosen disciples, and then their gazes turned to Shen Mo. Who the sect leader would accept as a disciple was undoubtedly the question on everyone's mind.

Shen Mo remained calm, tapping his fingertips lightly on the armrest as he spoke slowly, "Your choices are all reasonable. Wang Hu, Sun Hao, A Tu, Yun Zhi, Xiong Meng, Zhang Daniu, Wen Min... are all talented individuals."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the three of them. "However, the bond between master and disciple cannot be forced. I also have one or two candidates in mind, but I still need to observe them."

"This time, we need not be too strict about the number of apprentices, nor should we rush it. Let's follow the previous agreement and set a three-month assessment period."

"The three of you should first express your intentions to the chosen disciples and let them know. During this period, you need to be more diligent and careful in your words and actions."

"If we both approve of each other after three months, we can then proceed with the formal apprenticeship ceremony."

"Sect Leader (Senior Brother) is wise!" the three responded in unison. Shen Mo's method not only gave the master and disciples time to choose and adapt to each other, but also retained flexibility, making it more reliable.

The following day, Su Xiao, Shi Tie, and Han Lin spoke with Wang Hu, Sun Hao, Atu, Zhang Daniu, and others respectively.

Upon learning that they had been chosen by their Foundation Establishment masters and were expected to become their personal disciples, these disciples were all extremely excited and expressed their determination to work hard and live up to their masters' expectations.

The news spread, further inspiring all the disciples. Although they had not been chosen, they saw a direction and hope for their efforts, and the entire sect's cohesion and enthusiasm for cultivation soared to unprecedented heights.

The next three months were both intense and fulfilling for these "prospective disciples".

Wang Hu became even more meticulous in handling the affairs of the Deacon Hall and even took the initiative to ask Su Xiao for management advice.

Sun Hao and Xiong Meng became regulars at Shi Tie's training ground, where they were trained to the point of screaming, but their cultivation and combat abilities improved by leaps and bounds.

A-Tu trained even harder, almost reaching the "Light Cloud" difficulty level of the Flowing Cloud Secret Realm.

Zhang Daniu guarded the mountain gate like an iron fortress.

Wenmin organized the library in an orderly manner.

Yun Zhi followed behind Li Xiaocao, eagerly learning about medicinal herbs...

Although Shen Mo did not explicitly instruct anyone, he would often provide more in-depth analysis of the problems of different disciples during his sermons.

Occasionally, when his disciples encounter bottlenecks, he would share his own experiences, offering a few words that went straight to the point.

His every appearance and guidance greatly benefited his disciples, who then held him in even higher esteem.

Time flies, and the March assessment period is approaching. On this day, Shen Mo summoned Su Xiao, Shi Tie, and Han Lin to the sect leader's hall.

"Your probation period is coming to an end. What do you think?" Shen Mo asked.

Su Xiao smiled and nodded: "Wang Hu is becoming more and more experienced in handling affairs, and his cultivation is also steadily improving. He can pass on his mantle to me. Sun Hao is upright and hardworking, and complements Senior Brother Shi perfectly."

"A-Tu's perseverance is astonishing. He broke through to the fifth level of Qi Refining within three months. I am willing to accept him as a disciple on a nominal basis and observe his actions first."

"Yunzhi is indeed talented in alchemy and can already assist Xiaocao in refining low-level pills. I can introduce her to Xiaocao so that she can give her more guidance."

Shi Tie waved his hand dismissively: "No problem! I'll take Sun Hao and Xiong Meng! They're good prospectors; with some polishing, they'll definitely surpass me in the future!"

Han Lin stroked his beard and smiled, "Zhang Daniu remains as diligent as ever, and Wenmin is meticulous to the point of being a fine person; both are capable of great things. I am willing to take them both as my disciples."

All three were very satisfied with the disciples they had observed.

Shen Mo nodded: "Very well. In that case, let's choose an auspicious day to hold the apprenticeship ceremony, announce it to the entire clan, and record it in the genealogy."

He hesitated for a moment, then said, "As for me... this time, I will take one person in."

Su Xiao and the other two looked on with curiosity. They knew how high their sect leader's standards were; they wondered who could possibly catch his eye.

Shen Mo looked towards the sea of ​​clouds outside the cave and slowly said, "That is the disciple named 'A Tu'."

Su Xiao was slightly taken aback. She had thought that the sect leader would value those with better aptitude, such as Wang Hu or Sun Hao.

Shi Tie and Han Lin were also somewhat surprised.

Seeing the confusion in everyone's eyes, Shen Mo calmly said, "Although this child's aptitude is poor, his determination and perseverance are unparalleled in my life."

"In the path of cultivation, talent is certainly important, but the heart that yearns for the Dao and the will to persevere are even more precious."

"Judging from his actions, he possesses the substance of a 'dull-witted person' and the quality of a 'hidden gem.' Perhaps my path is more suitable for him."

Upon hearing this, all three were filled with awe. What the sect leader valued was not temporary talent, but an enduring Dao heart.

"The sect leader (senior brother) has such discerning eyes!" The three were sincerely convinced.

Half a month later, in front of the preaching platform on Qingyun Mountain, banners fluttered and bells and drums resounded. All the disciples of the sect gathered to witness the first grand apprenticeship ceremony in the history of Qingyun Sect.

Shen Mo sat upright on the table, with Su Xiao, Shi Tie, and Han Lin on his left and right.

Below the stage, Wang Hu, Sun Hao, Xiong Meng, Atu, Zhang Daniu, and Wen Min, dressed in brand-new formal attire, looked excited and solemn.

"Disciple Wang Hu (Sun Hao...) today wishes to become a disciple of Elder Su Xiao (Shi Tie, Han Lin), to observe the proper disciple etiquette, to strictly follow the master's teachings, to diligently cultivate without ceasing, and to bring glory to the great master's school. If I disobey, may Heaven and Earth condemn me!"

The six people swore an oath in unison, their voices loud and clear, echoing through the mountains.

"Granted." Shen Mo, representing the sect, accepted the apprenticeship ceremony. Subsequently, Su Xiao, Shi Tie, and Han Lin each bestowed tokens and instructions upon their disciples.

Finally, Shen Mo's gaze fell on A Tu, whose palms were sweating with nervousness. His voice was calm but carried an undeniable power: "Disciple A Tu, step forward."

Atu trembled, strode forward, and kowtowed heavily: "Disciple Atu greets Master!"

Shen Mo raised his hand, and a gentle force lifted him up. He took out a token that was neither gold nor jade, engraved with flowing cloud patterns, and handed it to him.

"This is the deputy commander of the 'Flowing Cloud Command.' Seeing this command is like seeing your master. I hope you will hold a heart as firm as a rock, walk the path of the Flowing Cloud, and live up to the oath you made today."

"Disciple...will obey Master's orders! I will certainly live up to Master's high expectations!" A-Tu gripped the token tightly, tears welling in his eyes, his voice choked with emotion yet unwavering.

The ceremony is complete! The bell tolls again, announcing the birth of a new generation of core disciples of the Qingyun Sect! The entire audience erupts in cheers!

Looking at the hopeful and energetic young faces below the stage, and at Su Xiao, Shi Tie, and Han Lin beside him who were already capable of standing on their own, Shen Mo felt gratified.