Chapter Eighteen: Establishing a Sect and Accepting Disciples

"I'll come back to visit when I have time." With these words, Qin Hongxiu stepped onto her flying sword, gliding among the clouds and vanishing at the horizon in the blink of an eye. Lin Ze watched her leave with a trace of envy, then stretched lazily.

If it had been anyone else, they surely would have asked how he managed to pass through the great formation, but since she didn’t ask, he was spared the trouble. Just as the simulator had revealed, this junior aunt didn’t care who he was, what his background might be, or even what abilities he possessed. In front of a true immortal at the Golden Core stage, such things were meaningless.

The only thing she cared about was whether the seal in Lin Ze's hand truly came from the former elder, Zhang Dahai, and whether he could keep watch over this verdant mountain.

The unspoken meaning behind Qin Hongxiu’s parting words was clear: the next time she returned, if she found out that Lin Ze was merely putting on airs, she would reclaim Little Green Mountain without hesitation, at least until she was summoned back to the inner sect.

At this moment, the young acolyte was leading Su Bailu and Xiao Bao up the mountain. They stopped at the stone steps and greeted him with the utmost respect, "Elder of Green Mountain."

Compared to before, their tone was less sarcastic and carried a new sincerity. Everyone below the mountain had seen the figure riding a sword into the sky. Now that even she had acknowledged Elder Lin Ze’s position, no one else had grounds to question it. Whatever their private opinions, outwardly they would pay due respect.

"Master, I saw Zhao Jinian," Su Bailu said, biting her lip as she stepped forward.

She disdained his cold and indifferent nature, but she could not make decisions for her master. Though reluctant, she still told him the truth.

Lin Ze froze for a moment and turned his gaze aside. Seeing this, Su Bailu gave a bitter smile. As expected, her master’s favorite was still the fourth junior brother, just as it had been back in the village. His unwillingness to mention it was simply to avoid further sorrow.

"Ahem." Lin Ze looked out over the mountain top, feigning nonchalance, though his mind raced: Who is Zhao Jinian?

The memories his predecessor left behind were fragmentary at best; he’d have to see the person to truly recall. He wasn’t worried about being found out, just too lazy to explain, so he simply let the matter pass.

"Elder of Green Mountain, I have already instructed the South Hall to add this young fellow’s name to Little Green Mountain, as you directed. Is there anything else you’d like me to do?" the acolyte asked, referring to Xiao Bao.

Lin Ze drew the child close and nodded. "Thank you."

Ordinary mortals needed to pass the entrance examination held every three years to join the sect, but as a disciple directly accepted by an elder, such formalities could be ignored. There was no need to say a word—others would make sure everything was handled properly.

"You flatter me, Elder," the acolyte hastily replied, shaking his head. He had been disrespectful at the gate earlier; now was his chance to make amends. Though Lin Ze was considered an empty-shell elder, rumors were spreading that he was connected to Sword Immortal Qin. It was best not to offend him without cause.

"The South Hall also asks whether you wish to reschedule lessons, since it’s been half a year since anyone from Little Green Mountain held a public lecture."

These public lectures were one of the main ways the various peaks recruited new disciples, as well as opportunities to showcase their foundation.

But the acolyte had another motive: he wanted to gauge the intentions of this new elder. If Lin Ze intended to seclude himself as Zhang Dahai had, the other peaks would have plenty to criticize. Zhang Dahai could get away with such idleness due to a century of seniority, but Lin Ze was a newcomer; trying to hold a mountain without contributing was far too ambitious.

If he agreed to teach—well, those old hands in the Foundation Establishment stage, adept at quoting the classics, could easily embarrass Elder Lin Ze in debate. He’d be lucky to attract any disciples at all.

The acolyte waited silently for his response.

"Lessons?" Lin Ze frowned and replied coolly, "There’s no need."

"Ah?" The acolyte was taken aback. He’d expected Lin Ze might idle away his days as the previous elder had, but to not even bother making an excuse—wasn’t that excessive?

"From tomorrow, Little Green Mountain will be open to all disciples," Lin Ze said, his gaze sidelong. "Ten per day, and I will answer any questions regarding cultivation."

"All disciples, regardless of their origin or status."

The acolyte nearly bit his tongue in shock. "Are… are you serious?"

There were more than a hundred peaks in the outer sect—never had anyone done such a thing. Even for new disciples, the peaks divided their territories clearly to avoid disputes. Yet Lin Ze’s words suggested he wanted to welcome disciples from any mountain, not just his own.

Wasn’t he afraid of biting off more than he could chew? And besides, what confidence did he have to lure disciples from other peaks? While the sect had no rule against switching allegiances, anyone who did so would be the subject of much gossip. Lin Ze was neither a Golden Core immortal nor of unrivaled beauty—why would anyone take such a risk to join him?

Little Green Mountain was already at the very bottom among the peaks.

To the acolyte, Lin Ze’s declaration would do nothing but draw animosity from the other peaks.

"Is there a problem?" Lin Ze asked, puzzled.

"No… none at all. I’ll relay your message to the South Hall," the acolyte answered, rolling his eyes inwardly. Well, it’s no concern of mine. Let him do as he pleases.

After the acolyte left, Su Bailu also felt uneasy and tried to persuade him. "Perhaps you should reconsider?"

She knew her master was capable—the way he’d taken her pulse earlier had made that clear. Whatever his instruction’s effect, he was certainly astute, far beyond the ordinary cultivator.

But she believed a gentler approach would be better: start with disciples of average talent, teach them with care, and let word of mouth build his reputation. Even if Little Green Mountain’s foundation was weak, surely someone would inherit its legacy.

Lin Ze only smiled.

A gradual approach would not work here. He still didn’t know who his so-called enemies were and needed to strengthen himself quickly. Even with the simulator upgraded, there were only ten slots—each one represented a reward from the simulation and had to be filled with quality candidates.

Seeing that her master had no intention of changing his mind, Su Bailu could only give a helpless smile. As the sky began to glow with the warm hues of dusk, she grew anxious.

"Master, I must return to Clear Breeze Mountain."

She watched Lin Ze nervously, afraid he’d be displeased.

To her surprise, Lin Ze merely nodded calmly. "Go ahead."

It had been his predecessor’s decision to send these disciples to the sect—there was no reason to hold it against her. Besides, he already had her character card; whether she remained his disciple was of little importance.

Su Bailu bit her lip, guilt on her face. She had thought she could face having two masters without regret, so long as her conscience was clear. But now, seeing the Daoist standing alone atop the mountain, she found it impossible to turn away so easily. Torn, she finally spoke softly, "Perhaps… perhaps I could stay as the first disciple of Little Green Mountain…"

Lin Ze sighed and interrupted her, "Hurry back."

What a joke—he wanted to recruit disciples for the benefits, but she was already an ideal candidate. Why ask for unnecessary trouble?

Please. They’d only known each other for less than half a month; they weren’t that close.

Her hard-won courage was deflated by Lin Ze’s light dismissal. Su Bailu’s expression grew complicated, her eyes growing misty.

From start to finish, her master had only ever thought of his disciples’ well-being.

Such kindness was rare indeed.

She rubbed her eyes, her voice now hoarse, "Take care. I’ll come back to see you often."

"Um…" Lin Ze blinked in confusion. Why was she crying now?