Big Data Cultivation
Chapter 1152: Courteously Inviting a Guest Elder

Chapter 1152: Chapter 1152: Courteously Inviting a Guest Elder

Currently in Huaxia, there are only a few places with Spirit Gathering Arrays, and it’s difficult for the average person to even see one.

Furthermore, even those Spirit Gathering Arrays are not willing to operate at full capacity like Feng Jun’s. The Spirit Gathering Array in Maoshan is out of the question, Wangwu’s is even worse, while the ones in Mount Taibai and Qingcheng are slightly better, but with limited Spirit Stones, who would be willing to keep them running constantly?

Perhaps only Kunlun’s Spirit Gathering Array is somewhat noteworthy, but judging from what Shen Qingyi said, their situation doesn’t seem very optimistic either.

There were quite a few people still eager to hear Feng Jun talk about the Dao, especially Dong Zenghong. However, since Mountain Master Feng had already expressed his stance, the others couldn’t insist further. Instead, they started yearning to know what the Spirit Gathering Array at Luohua Manor would look like.

Only Daoist Chen from Fanghu stepped forward, leaned in, and quietly said, "Exalted Feng, I truly wish to become your disciple."

It was Feng Jun’s first time meeting this Daoist Chen, who had a very imposing name—Chen Shengwang.

An imposing name couldn’t intimidate Feng Jun, but this request to take him as a disciple did put him in a tough spot.

From a logical standpoint, he had the right to refuse. Sectarianism existed for a reason; every sect has its own traditions.

But on a broader level, all Daoist Sects under the heavens are one family, and mutual exchanges are quite necessary. Even in a society like the Earth Realm, where sects proliferate and barriers are rigid, dialogues on the Dao aren’t uncommon.

Feng Jun didn’t want to be seen as someone who selfishly guards his knowledge—though he did admit he had a slight tendency towards small-group exclusivity.

Moreover, Chen Shengwang was one of the rare mid-stage Qi Refining cultivators in the Earth Realm. Having someone of his cultivation level express willingness to respect him as their master could greatly enhance the image of Luohua Manor and increase its standing within the Daoist community.

Though Luohua operated discreetly, within the small circle of Daoist Sects, Feng Jun wouldn’t mind striving for the title of "leader of the Daoist sects."

What if he refused to take a disciple, and Chen Shengwang ended up learning things stealthily like Yang Luchan? Wouldn’t that turn him into the antagonist?

Fanatics like this were truly difficult to deal with.

When Chen Shengwang first mentioned his desire to be a disciple, Feng Jun had leaned towards declining, mainly because accepting disciples meant handing out Storage Bags.

Storage Bags were undoubtedly an incredibly powerful asset capable of altering the power balance in the Earth Realm. In modern society, wars are won through logistics. But with Storage Bags, who needs traditional logistics? Anything needed on the battlefield could be hauled directly with the bag.

Only when Chen Shengwang revealed that he already possessed a Storage Bag did Feng Jun feel that the man had some sincerity in his request.

After some serious contemplation, Feng Jun finally spoke, "What do you wish to learn? If it’s within my ability to help, I’d be glad to assist. But joining the Luohua Sect as my disciple may not be very feasible... you already have your own sect lineage."

Chen Shengwang couldn’t clearly articulate his needs either. After some thought, he replied, "There is much I wish to learn."

Feng Jun nodded and thought to himself: Isn’t that obvious? Even I wish to learn a lot. "Be more specific."

Chen Shengwang mulled over it and said, "I don’t even know exactly what I want to learn. But after reaching the Fifth Layer of Qi Refining, I feel like I’ve hit a wall with no idea how to progress further. I heard someone in Luohua advanced during the Qi Refinement stage, so I came here seeking an opportunity."

Clearly, his vision was quite lofty. Even when Jintan Huayang Heaven reopened, he didn’t bother going.

Feng Jun, however, chuckled softly and said, "It’s just a celebration; where would the opportunity be in that?"

"There is indeed an opportunity," Chen Shengwang said earnestly. "I have this inexplicable feeling that if I acknowledge you as my master, I may have a chance to reach the High Tier of Qi Refinement... perhaps even the Foundation Establishment stage."

Feng Jun rubbed his chin, then took out his mobile phone and scrolled through it for a while. He then smiled and said, "Innate Pure Yang with Later Earth—a cultivation path like yours is bound to encounter many struggles... To think, you’re already eighty-three years old!"

Chen Shengwang’s face instantly turned pale. "Mountain Master Feng... have we met before?"

Feng Jun shook his head and chuckled in response, "No, I’ve never met you. But it’s not difficult for me to calculate someone’s aptitude."

After pausing briefly, he added, "I currently don’t have a Later Earth cultivation technique. Later Earth isn’t part of the Five Elements’ Earth Attribute."

"I’m aware of that," Chen Shengwang nodded. The nature of Later Earth was somewhat akin to Breath Soil, which had already transcended the usual characteristics of the Earth Attribute, representing an extreme form of it. Later Earth was even less like typical Earth.

In truth, Chen Shengwang greatly admired Feng Jun’s calculation skills. Many experts had assumed he was an Earth Attribute cultivator, but only he himself truly understood his situation. As the first Qi Refinement cultivator in nearly five hundred years from the Fanghu Lineage, he had used a test talisman left by an elder of his sect.

Indeed, he was of the Later Earth attribute. Even with his Pure Yang Constitution, his overall characteristics leaned more towards Yin.

This was a secret he had always kept in his heart, never expecting someone to point it out so directly. For a moment, he felt a mix of fear and amazement.

He even briefly entertained a sinister thought—if someone else had discovered so much about him, he might have considered silencing them.

Feng Jun didn’t care about his reaction, though. Speaking the truth wasn’t the same as intentionally offending someone. Smiling, he said, "Daoist Chen, there’s no need for talk of taking disciples. However, I am interested in inviting you to become a Guest Elder of Luohua. What do you think of that?"

As he said this, Feng Jun couldn’t help but smirk. Back in the day, he had rejected being a Guest Elder for others, all for the sake of freedom and individuality.

And now, here he was extending the same kind of invitation he once disdained—had he grown into the person he once despised?

Strictly speaking, terms like Guest Elder or Patron no longer existed in the Earth Realm; they were remnants of feudal times.

Yet after carefully considering how to respond to Chen Shengwang’s request, and since he did want to recruit this mid-stage Qi Refining cultivator, Feng Jun concluded this was the best option he could offer.

Chen Shengwang hesitated for a moment, then clasped his hands together with a smile. "Exalted Feng truly upholds the rigorous traditions of ancient Daoist lineages. It’s been ages since I’ve heard of the role of Guest Elder... May I know what rights and responsibilities come with it?"

Feng Jun could certainly explain this. Though Earth Realm no longer followed systems like Guest Elders and Patrons, some of the old frameworks still existed in pieces, and the Earth Realm’s Mobile Plane had a relatively detailed system.

The terms he proposed required Chen Shengwang to reside at Luohua Manor, be allowed one month each year for personal matters, and to step forward whenever there was trouble at Luohua. Any losses incurred in such situations would be reimbursed by Luohua.

In return, Luohua would provide a cultivation venue, daily accommodations, and Dan Elixirs whenever he encountered bottlenecks. They would also assign protectors for him during critical moments.

Feng Jun further made it clear: if Chen Shengwang encountered obstacles in his cultivation, he could consult Feng Jun personally. While he couldn’t guarantee perfect answers, he promised to do his best to assist.

After hearing these conditions, Chen Shengwang half-joked and half-seriously remarked, "If I recall correctly, the old rules state that Guest Elders and Patrons should receive a monthly stipend, yes?"

"We can arrange for that," Feng Jun replied with a smile. "How about ten thousand a month? Honestly, with access to our Spirit Gathering Array, others would pay to be here. Besides, previous Guest Elders and Patrons used to handle extremely dangerous tasks, but now we’re living in a society governed by law..."

Feng Jun had no doubts that the terms he was offering were quite generous. As he mentioned, today’s Guest Elders mainly dealt with small problems, a far cry from the Mobile Plane’s system, where expertise could mean life or death.

He assumed that Chen Shengwang might have hoped to earn Spirit Stones, but for now, Feng Jun didn’t plan to release large quantities of Spirit Stones into the Earth Realm. The salary would have to be paid in Huaxia currency instead.

And if the other party refused? That was fine as well. After all, it wasn’t Feng Jun who was desperate to recruit Chen Shengwang into Luohua.

Chen Shengwang stroked his chin and asked in a serious tone, "How long is this service expected to last?"

"That’s entirely up to you." Feng Jun spread his hands casually and answered cheerfully, "You can leave after reaching the High Tier of Qi Refinement, or after advancing to the Foundation Establishment stage. If you reach the Foundation Establishment stage and still stay, Luohua will reappoint you as a Patron—terms for which we’ll discuss separately."

Chen Shengwang genuinely wished to become a disciple, but becoming a Guest Elder had a certain appeal as well. After all, he did want to obtain some spare Spirit Stones. Reaching mid-stage Qi Refining in these barren times meant he already had access to some source of Spiritual Energy, but his supply of Spirit Stones was indeed running low and needed replenishment.

Feng Jun’s offer sounded very reasonable—having access to the Spirit Gathering Array was already a great fortune, and being a Guest Elder in a legally governed society meant facing minimal danger, merely dealing with some minor responsibilities.

Since Mountain Master Feng’s conditions were clear, Chen Shengwang readily nodded, "Alright, I agree. To be honest, what I value most is Master Feng’s ability to solve my questions."

Their conversation hadn’t been a private one. Upon hearing this, Tang Wenji couldn’t help but exclaim enviously, "Daoist Chen is truly fortunate! But shouldn’t you address him as Boss now instead of Mountain Master?"

"Hold on," Feng Jun quickly interrupted, raising a hand. He then looked at Chen Shengwang thoughtfully. "You didn’t bring your Storage Bag with you this time, did you?"

Chen Shengwang nodded, "Indeed, I didn’t." He offered no further explanation—because he couldn’t.

He certainly couldn’t say that while he usually carried his Storage Bag, this time he felt apprehensive about bringing it along to see such a powerful cultivator.

Feng Jun smiled, seemingly understanding the hesitation without any need for an explanation. He simply stated, "Bring your Storage Bag next time, and we’ll discuss your appointment as Guest Elder further."

He needed to confirm that Chen Shengwang truly had a Storage Bag. Otherwise, there could be potential trouble for the manor. As Zhou Shuren once said: when it comes to matters that could endanger the safety of the manor, it’s best to assume the worst of human nature.

Chen Shengwang was baffled. "Why is the Storage Bag so critical?"

Feng Jun glanced sideways at Dong Zenghong, noticing the man gazing upward as though lost in thought. Clearly, he had picked up on the meaning behind their exchange. Feng Jun then smiled and explained to Chen Shengwang, "I want to see the design of your Storage Bag and its potential connection to the Luohua lineage. You don’t need to store anything in it."

At this point, Chen Shengwang had enough understanding of Feng Jun’s character to not worry about him stealing anything. Hearing this, he awkwardly smiled and replied, "I trust Master Feng completely. The main issue is that Fanghu only has one Storage Bag. I tend to be absentminded and often misplace things, so I usually don’t carry it with me. I’ll retrieve it after the celebration."