Seeing the man in green robes, who appeared as though he were an immortal, gradually floating into the courtyard, Paul Xiang immediately felt his mouth turn bitter and thought to himself: <br>'Damn it, could it be that the owner of the inspection lens has found us?'<br>At once, he was filled with fear and unease, feeling that this man was extraordinarily mystical and unfathomable. When he glanced at Miles Lee and Thomas Li, he noticed that although they appeared calm, there was an unmistakable uneasiness in their eyes, likely sharing the same thoughts as Paul Xiang. <br>"I am the master of Emerald Crest within the Verdant Lake Order," Sion Yuanbai said with a faint smile. Observing the vigilant expressions of the members of the Li family, who did not kneel or bow like ordinary people, he became even more assured of his judgment. Smiling, he continued: <br>"There is no need to be so tense. The Gu Li Path falls under the jurisdiction of our Verdant Lake Order. Since you have embarked on the path of the Esoteric Vision, it is only natural that you come under our guidance." <br>Realizing that this man was not here to seek the inspection lens, Thomas Li and the others visibly relaxed, with their hostility towards Sion Yuanbai diminishing significantly. Thomas Li clasped his fists together and respectfully said: <br>"We are mere rural villagers, ignorant and isolated. By chance, we stumbled into the Esoteric Vision and thus unknowingly neglected a figure of such prominence from your esteemed sect." <br>Sion Yuanbai hesitated for a moment and immediately realized the situation. Over hundreds of years, no one from the Verdant Lake Order had come to manage the Gu Li Path, leaving these villagers unaware of their sect's name. With that, he invoked an Arcane Incantation. Instantly, a vivid projection of the Yue Kingdom appeared before everyone. <br>This display immediately awed the Li family members. Though they had learned some Arcane Incantations and could summon spiritual energy, they struggled to form even the simplest shapes, let alone intricate creations like a map. <br>"This is the Yue Kingdom," Sion Yuanbai explained. With a thought, the southern portion of the Yue Kingdom on the projection lit up with a blue mark, which occupied roughly a quarter of the kingdom's area. <br>"This mark represents our Verdant Lake Order." <br>"So, it is the Verdant Lake Immortal Order," Matthew Lee said with a bow and added: <br>"When I was younger, I followed General Yang in a campaign against the Mountain Yue tribes. The talismans we used then must have come from the Verdant Lake Immortal Order." <br>"Please, do not address us as an Immortal Order," Sion Yuanbai quickly interjected, waving his hand repeatedly. He then turned to the three members of the Li family and said: <br>"Since you have entered the gates of the Esoteric Vision, the few villages neighboring the Gu Li Path will now fall under your administration. You only need to ensure the annual provision of the resources required by the sect." <br>"There are several families along the Gu Li Path. Given your family's shallow foundation, it is best to avoid disputes whenever possible. Every five years, someone from the sect will come to recruit individuals for training within the mountain. If someone outstanding emerges from your family, it will undoubtedly benefit your clan greatly." <br>Thomas Li's expression shifted slightly as he lowered his voice to ask, "May I inquire what sort of resources are expected?" <br>"Once every five years," Sion Yuanbai replied solemnly, "ten White Origin Fruits and two hundred pounds of Mystical Grain." <br>"These resources are non-negotiable. It would be best if your family could produce a disciple in the sect to represent you; otherwise, deductions will be unavoidable." <br>Hearing this, Thomas Li and the others exchanged glances, their thoughts aligning. Matthew Lee internally mused: <br>"This man came neither early nor late but appeared precisely when Jing broke through. It is highly likely that he intends to recruit Jing into the Verdant Lake Order." <br>"That might not be a bad thing. Jing's exceptional talent would be wasted in this remote mountain. It would be better for him to spread his wings in the Verdant Lake Order. Not to mention, with Jing there, our family would have additional support." <br>With these thoughts, Matthew Lee subtly nodded at Miles Lee. Understanding his father's intentions, Miles Lee stepped forward, bowed deeply to Sion Yuanbai, and respectfully said: <br>"This humble one, Miles Lee, though untalented, greatly admires the master's poise and hopes to serve as a lowly servant under his tutelage, humbly seeking the master's guidance." <br>"Indeed, it is fitting for you to join Emerald Crest," Sion Yuanbai remarked with a smile, nodding approvingly. Without hesitation, he patted his waist with his left hand, producing two pouches—one large and one small—that appeared on the ground. Noticing the astonished expressions of those present, he explained: <br>"These are Pocket Dimension Pouches. Once you master the Celestial Jade Disk technique, you will be able to use them." <br>"The larger pouch contains the seeds of Mystical Grain, while the smaller one holds the kernels of the White Origin Fruit," Sion Yuanbai continued. Producing a few wooden tablets, he elaborated: <br>"A servant's role is unnecessary. Since you have become my disciple, you should know my name. I am Sion Yuanbai, master of one peak within the Verdant Lake Order. Naturally, I will not mistreat you." <br>"Here are three volumes of cultivation techniques suitable for independent cultivators in the Yue Kingdom. Your family may study and learn from them. In addition, there is one volume detailing the cultivation of Mystical Grain and White Origin Fruit, which you must study diligently!" <br>The group murmured their acknowledgments as Sion Yuanbai smiled and asked: <br>"There is no need to be so tense. What cultivation techniques are you practicing?" <br>Paul Xiang and the others tensed visibly, exchanging uneasy glances. For a moment, no one spoke. <br>Seeing their hesitation, Sion Yuanbai nodded in understanding and waved his hand dismissively: <br>"I understand. Perhaps a senior has instructed you not to disclose it." <br>Having only achieved Laying the Foundation last year, Sion Yuanbai regarded the senior cultivator from a decade ago as a predecessor. <br>Matthew Lee coughed lightly, stepping forward to explain, "Over a decade ago, this old man saved a senior. That senior recuperated in my home for several years, leaving behind this cultivation method and instructing me not to reveal it before departing." <br>"Indeed!" Sion Yuanbai acknowledged with a nod, feeling secretly pleased with his own discernment. He reasoned to himself: <br>"It's likely just a basic harmonizing technique. What could it possibly be—some celestial art for absorbing Moonlight Radiance and Sun Essence? Forcing the issue would only harm the bond with my disciple." <br>With a hint of pity in his gaze, Sion Yuanbai flipped his hand, revealing a pale blue jade seal. Gently brushing the seal, it shone with a golden light, displaying the words: <br>"Under the jurisdiction of the Verdant Lake Order." <br>Sion Yuanbai addressed the group: <br>"This seal serves as proof of governance under our Verdant Lake Order. I have embedded a spell within it. With this, you can establish boundaries with neighboring families and seek assistance from the sect when needed. Keep it safe." <br>With a slight gesture, the jade seal floated into Thomas Li's hands. As Thomas Li carefully stored the seal, Sion Yuanbai turned to Miles Lee with a smile: <br>"Dear disciple, bid farewell to your family." <br>Miles Lee, with reddened eyes, embraced his two brothers before kneeling before Matthew Lee and bowing several times. In a tearful voice, he said: <br>"Father, I am unfilial. I will no longer be able to serve you at your side. Please take care of your health." <br>Matthew Lee coughed softly and quickly helped Miles Lee to his feet, instructing him: <br>"Our family's affairs will be managed by your two brothers. Focus on cultivating well within the sect and bring glory to the Li family." <br>After bidding farewell to his brothers, Miles Lee reluctantly approached Sion Yuanbai and solemnly said: <br>"Master, your disciple has said his goodbyes." <br>Sion Yuanbai nodded repeatedly, disregarding the bows of Thomas Li and the others. Laughing heartily, he muttered to himself: <br>"Today, I've gained an exceptional disciple. I'll spare that pig demon for now!" <br>With that, he took Miles Lee by the hand and made a slight gesture. A flying shuttle slowly materialized before them. With a twist of his Arcane Incantation, the shuttle elongated several times over. The two stepped onto it and soared northward like shooting stars.")
