I, the spirit of the primitive land, have the ability to understand the universe and prove the origin of the universe
Chapter 16 - The Water Spirit Pearl Obtained, an Interesting Disciple

Chapter 16: The Water Spirit Pearl Obtained, an Interesting Disciple

Upon hearing this, Ao Qianqian’s face flushed with embarrassment.

“Senior’s insight is unparalleled. Please allow me to explain, I…”

Before she could finish, Ao Qianqian gritted her teeth and suddenly dropped to her knees.

“I wish to become your disciple.”

As her words fell, she kowtowed three times in succession before Zhong Yue.

To this, Zhong Yue did not respond with agreement. On the contrary, even the faint smile from earlier faded from his face, his expression instantly cooling.

Zhong Yue was not averse to taking in disciples. However, her intention was clearly to use this as a ladder to climb up.

Before Zhong Yue could open his mouth to refuse, Ao Qianqian seemed to realise her behaviour was improper and quickly added:

“Please forgive me, Senior. I did not mean to return kindness with ingratitude. It is only that the Water Spirit Pearl you mentioned is not in my possession.”

“That treasure was bestowed by my royal father. If I were to give it away lightly, it would incur his wrath. Thus, I resorted to this desperate measure.”

“So long as I acknowledge you as my master, I may present this pearl as a gift in my discipleship ceremony. That way, the debt between us is considered settled.”

Hearing this, Zhong Yue couldn’t help but chuckle in exasperation.

“Oh? Judging by your tone, it almost sounds as though becoming my disciple is a disgrace to you?”

“No, no! It’s not that becoming your disciple is dishonourable, I just…”

The more Ao Qianqian spoke, the quieter her voice became—for even she began to realise her words sounded increasingly like betrayal cloaked in gratitude.

“Enough. I am not so petty as to quarrel with a child. Get up.”

Zhong Yue waved his hand, cutting her off impatiently.

Ao Qianqian’s face lit up with delight.

Though still young, she was no stranger to the ways of the world and understood the meaning behind Zhong Yue’s words.

But instead of rising, she kowtowed repeatedly again.

“Thank you, Master! Thank you, Master! Disciple Ao Qianqian pays respects to Master. May Master’s immortal blessings last forever, and may your lifespan match that of the heavens and the sun and moon—”

“Alright, alright, that’s enough. Get up already.”

Zhong Yue, clearly annoyed, waved his sleeve. A beam of spiritual light shot forth, lifting Ao Qianqian to her feet.

“Let’s be clear. I will take you in, but only as a registered disciple. It’s a nominal relationship—I will not be instructing you.”

As for training disciples? No, thank you. He hadn’t even completed his own path—where would he find the time or energy to teach another?

“Yes, disciple understands.”

Ao Qianqian nodded earnestly and once again prepared to kneel.

Zhong Yue sighed and had no choice but to immobilise her.

“That’s enough. There’s no need to keep kneeling. This is nothing more than a transaction.”

“Now hand over the item.”

Zhong Yue extended his palm towards Ao Qianqian.

Without hesitation, she flipped her hand, and a pale blue spirit pearl appeared.

Upon the surface of the pearl shimmered divine light, its deep, sapphire glow exuding ancient energy. Faintly, the sound of rushing water could be heard, as though the pearl did not contain mere light, but an endless ocean.

At the sight of it, Zhong Yue’s lips curled into a slight smile.

With a motion of his hand, the pearl flew straight to him. A flood of information coursed through his mind—it was indeed the Innate Water Spirit Pearl.

“Not bad. Four out of the Five Spirit Pearls now in hand. Only the Fire Spirit Pearl remains.”

Feeling the surging power of Water Virtue within the pearl, Zhong Yue nodded with satisfaction.

There was no urgency regarding the Fire Spirit Pearl. The five pearls were intrinsically connected. With four in his possession, he could already sense the faint presence of the fifth.

However, the distance was considerable. He only had a general direction and would need to investigate further in time.

Sensing that Zhong Yue was in a good mood, Ao Qianqian edged closer with perfect timing.

“Congratulations, Master. Today you’ve obtained a wondrous treasure—your disciple offers heartfelt felicitations!”

At this, the smile on Zhong Yue’s face froze.

He turned to look at Ao Qianqian, an odd expression in his eyes.

That sudden look made Ao Qianqian, who had been bouncing around happily just moments ago, halt in her tracks.

“M-Master, why are you looking at me like that?”

Ao Qianqian asked awkwardly, her face flushing with a rosy tint far too mature for someone her age.

Seeing this, Zhong Yue only grew more vexed.

Under his Pobreaking Golden Eyes, it was clear: Ao Qianqian had indeed been born for only ten thousand years. Her soul’s radiance revealed she hadn’t even reached that full mark.

Ten thousand years might sound like an eternity—enough time for oceans to become mulberry fields.

But for dragonkind, it was nothing. Especially for a five-clawed golden dragon—true maturity for them began only after several hundred thousand years. By their standard, ten thousand years was basically toddler age.

Yet from her earlier behaviour, she didn’t resemble a child at all—more like a seasoned schemer from his previous life.

In fact, had it not been for the flow of magic still active within his own body, Zhong Yue would’ve suspected he’d reincarnated again.

“Are you really only ten thousand years old?” Zhong Yue couldn’t help but ask.

Ao Qianqian looked puzzled, then nodded instinctively.

“Yes.”

Zhong Yue sighed, growing increasingly irritated.

“If that’s the case, then where did you learn to act like that?”

Would you like me to continue with the next chapter as well?

“Learned it from Prime Minister Turtle,” Ao Qianqian replied as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“In the Dragon Palace, whenever my royal father is pleased, Prime Minister Turtle always says those kinds of words.”

“And also those…”

“Enough, enough, stop right there,” Zhong Yue cut her off before she could finish.

“And in the future, don’t speak like that in front of me.”

A child of only seven or eight years old, spouting flattery with such ease—it truly gave Zhong Yue a headache.

Still, he could understand. As the daughter of the Dragon King, this was the environment she was immersed in. Being constantly exposed to such speech, it was not surprising that she had picked up some unsavoury habits.

After all, the Great Desolation was harsh. Not every creature was born gifted or destined for the Dao.

This world was ultimately ruled by the law of the jungle. For most beings, mere survival was already a blessing—what more could they hope for beyond that?

“I saw you being hunted down, running about at your age—doesn’t your royal father worry about you?”

Zhong Yue cast a glance at the somewhat dishevelled Ao Qianqian, and immediately shifted the topic.

At his words, Ao Qianqian’s expression stiffened, and a rare gloom settled over her features.

“Oh? Struck a nerve, have I?”

At the side, it was Zhong Yue’s first time seeing such an expression on the little one’s face, and he couldn’t help but feel a wicked sense of amusement rising within him.

“Let me guess—did you… run away from home?”

“Or maybe you sneaked out? Or could it be you…”