Am I the old man who's always by my apprentices' side?

Chapter 398 "A Little Bit of Knowledge"

Meanwhile, Lu Seng, who had just arrived, was happily discussing work details with Xu Ying.

When Zhang Chengdao entrusted Lu Seng to Xu Ying, he only told him that Lu Seng was a guest advisor he had specially hired to be in charge of teaching and security within the sect, without having a chance to introduce his cultivation level.

And Lu Seng really didn't seem like someone with a high level of cultivation...

Who would have thought that a teenage monk was actually a master of the Integration Stage!
In short, after hesitating for a long time about whether or not to delegate some of the teaching tasks to Lu Seng, Xu Ying decided it would be best to ask him first...

"May I ask, sir... uh, sir, what is your current cultivation level? Most of our outer disciples are Qi Refining or Foundation Establishment cultivators. Would you be willing to take them on as mentors?"

"Hmm... a little too low... but it's alright,"

Lu Seng clasped his hands together and performed a Buddhist salute with great politeness and humility. Then, in his childlike voice, he said in a clear and crisp tone, "This humble monk is ashamed to say that I have only recently broken through to the Integration Stage. I believe I am capable of guiding cultivators in the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment Stages."

"Merge, merge, merge phase!?"

Xu Ying's eyes widened, and he stammered as he repeated himself, seemingly at a loss for words.

Fusion period!
That's someone who's only two major realms away from achieving immortality!
No wonder the sect leader said that this master was a guest advisor he invited from the upper realm...

No wonder you're from the upper realm!

It took Xu Ying a long time to recover from his shock. He quickly bowed and said in an extremely respectful tone, "Junior Xu Ying greets Senior Lu! I was blind to your greatness and was very disrespectful just now. Please forgive me!"

Lu Seng still had that smiling face. He waved his hand, his youthful face full of "kindness" that was completely inconsistent with his appearance: "Manager Xu, there's no need for such formalities. Since I've come here as a guest elder at the invitation of Sect Master Zhang, I should naturally follow the sect's arrangements. Besides, instructing lower-level disciples is also a form of cultivation, so why not do it?"

Xu Ying was extremely excited. Although he didn't know what level of cultivation his sect leader had, this was the first time he had ever met a cultivator with such a high level of cultivation, apart from the sect leader!
Judging from the descriptions in various cultivation novels in the sect's library, this person should be called a "great power" or even an "ancestor"!
The sect leader has indeed cultivated himself into an immortal!

Otherwise, how could they possibly invite a powerful expert at the Integration Stage to serve as a guest advisor!

Xu Ying's mind raced with several thoughts, but he couldn't hide his excitement. He quickly said, "It is a great blessing for the disciples of our sect that you would deign to give me your guidance, senior. I will make the arrangements immediately and will not let any trivial matters disturb your cultivation!"

Then, he cautiously inquired, "I wonder where you would like to stay, senior? Although White Stone Mountain is not large, it has many peaks, most of which are unclaimed. You are welcome to choose one!"

“There’s no need for such trouble. Any place to stay will do,” Monk Lu replied. “I’ve heard that Sect Leader Zhang has built a hut near Tianchi. Manager Xu, there’s no need to waste resources preparing any mountain for me. I will also build a hut by Tianchi.”

This request isn't unreasonable, it's just a bit troublesome.

First of all, the "hut" where the sect leader lived was a "magical treasure" he personally crafted. Not only was the house warm in winter and cool in summer, it was also almost a world of its own.

No one in the entire sect except the sect leader knows how to refine this kind of thing.

The only similar magical artifact, the [Floating Pagoda], requires contribution points to exchange for. It's not a major crisis or a life-or-death situation, so Xu Ying doesn't have the right to use it temporarily.

If the sect leader were here, he would have finished refining the house in less than a quarter of an hour after the matter was discussed with him.

But unfortunately, he went on a long trip, and who knows how many days it will be before he returns!

This put Xu Ying in an awkward position.

He coughed lightly and explained somewhat embarrassedly, "Senior's request is nothing, but the houses in my sect are all magical treasures personally crafted by the sect leader. If he is not here, it will be difficult for me to prepare them in a short time."

"However, if you are interested in any particular peak, there are many nearby mountains with houses that have already been built. You can simply choose one that suits your taste!"

Lu Seng performed another Buddhist salute and said with a smile, "Hehe, if it's just a matter of housing, it's not difficult. This humble monk knows a little about weapon crafting, so I can build my own hut."

"Oh? Senior is also proficient in weapon crafting?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Ying was filled with even greater respect.

He originally thought this Buddhist master only focused on Buddhist practice, but he never expected that he would also be involved in weapon crafting.

Lu Seng seemed a little embarrassed. He smiled and replied, "I only know the basics."

Xu Ying hurriedly replied, "If you can refine it yourself, then you can settle down anywhere, as long as you like!"

So, as they talked, Xu Ying led the way to Tianchi.

Tianchi is the largest spiritual lake in Baishi Mountain. The even larger Baishi Ice Sea is located below Baishi Mountain, so it doesn't count. If we broaden the scope to include the "Baishi Immortal Sect," then the Baishi Ice Sea is the largest, because the area below Baishi Mountain also belongs to the Baishi Immortal Sect.

As the largest spiritual lake on the mountain, Tianchi is rich in spiritual energy, so in the beginning, the disciples of the sect liked to gather near Tianchi to cultivate.

However, as the Seeking Tree grew larger, the concentration of spiritual energy near it became significantly higher than that around Tianchi. As a result, all the disciples flocked to the vicinity of the Seeking Tree to cultivate, and the area around Tianchi became quiet.

As the sect leader, Zhang Chengdao naturally didn't actually live next to Tianchi Lake. Instead, he lived in a small courtyard surrounded by the [Shuiyunjian] series of courtyard walls on a flattened hill near Tianchi Lake. It was much more exquisite than the real [thatched house] he had built when he first transmigrated here.

【Shuiyunjian】 is a series of architectural blueprints for courtyard walls that Zhang Chengdao obtained by drawing member red envelopes. It consists of three types: ordinary courtyard walls, corner courtyard walls, and courtyard gates, forming a set.

Although it is much more exquisite and beautiful than ordinary bamboo fences, it also consumes a lot of resources to make.

At least Zhang Chengdao had roughly calculated the resources required to replace the disciples' courtyard and the guest courtyard, and then decisively abandoned the idea.

People feel safer storing spiritual materials in a warehouse. If you actually use them all, what's the difference between that and not wearing clothes?
However, Xu Ying was unaware of Zhang Chengdao's private schemes.

In fact, after Zhang Chengdao rearranged his courtyard (replacing the wooden-tiled house with a stone-tiled house and the bamboo fence with the "Water and Clouds" series of courtyard walls), Xu Ying secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

The sect leader has finally realized that he needs to maintain some tact and preferential treatment as the sect leader!

Otherwise, those in charge and those in charge of the teachings would feel embarrassed to "enjoy" it!

Of course, when it comes to "enjoying" something, there's really nothing to "enjoy" besides tidying up the yard where I live.

After all, what they spend in the sect is spirit stones. But if you really calculate it, Xu Ying and the others certainly earn several times more "salary" per month than ordinary disciples, but it's not so exaggerated that they're not short of spirit stones.

Even compared to his disciples who started businesses and built their own industries, he was extremely poor.

Xu Ying, who was so busy that he barely had time to breathe, even hired someone with Xu Wen to open a bookstore in the sect market of the White Stone Immortal Sect in order to earn some extra money.

The area around Tianchi Lake was deserted; there was no one there.

Although the sect's class schedule has changed to a few compulsory classes per week with the rest being electives, aside from classes, the disciples either cultivate or team up to complete trial missions to earn contribution points. Very few are idle enough to wander around the Heavenly Pool. After all, everyone who enters the White Stone Immortal Sect has undergone rigorous testing in willpower, mental fortitude, and ability; how could they not seize the opportunity to work hard?
Although Murong Ruyan complained every day that these disciples were stupid and lazy, but...

How can a gold card and a blue card be the same?

"This humble monk thinks this place is quite good. What does Manager Xu think?"

Lu Seng used his divine sense to circle around the Heavenly Pool twice, then pointed to a small, large rock not far from Zhang Chengdao's courtyard and asked.

Xu Ying hesitated, "This...this isn't appropriate, is it? This stone is far too small; it can't even fit a small house..."

He wasn't disagreeing, but no matter how big the stone was, it was still just a stone. Although the top was relatively flat, at a glance, it was at most four or five zhang long and wide. After removing the undulating and uneven edges, the remaining area would be difficult to even enclose with a courtyard wall, let alone put a house there!
This young monk is a powerful cultivator at the Integration Stage! How dare he be so disrespectful!?
Lu Seng smiled shyly and said, "Hehehe, to be honest, I did want to build a pagoda, but please rest assured, Steward Xu, I will only build a five-story pagoda, not too tall, about two zhang from east to west, is that alright?"

pagoda?

Xu Ying was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, then suddenly realized what he meant.

Yes, this senior is from a Buddhist background, so it is indeed reasonable for him to reside in a Buddhist pagoda.

However, this giant stone platform is too small. If it is really as the other party said, only a pagoda about two zhang square can be erected there...

Is it really safe for people to live in?
Xu Ying pondered for a moment, but how could he refuse any longer? He nodded hastily, "It is possible, but in this way, the pagoda will be cramped, and I'm afraid it won't be comfortable for you, Senior..."

"It's alright, it's alright, as long as it works."

After Lu Seng finished speaking, he said no more and took a step forward with a smile.

He remained with his hands clasped together, his eyes slightly lowered, and began to chant Buddhist scriptures softly.

The chanting carried a solemn and dignified rhythm, and Lu Seng's body was also surrounded by golden Buddhist light, which made Xu Ying, who was standing to the side, relax involuntarily, and even feel a kind of peace that was almost without desire.

These rays of light, like gentle streams, converged towards the giant rock. The calm surface of the Heavenly Lake began to ripple, and wisps of water vapor rose up. As if summoned, the spiritual energy slowly flew towards the giant rock.

For a time, the area around Tianchi was shrouded in mist, intertwined with spiritual light, and adorned with colorful clouds, creating a scene reminiscent of a celestial realm.

Moreover, the plants and trees near Tianchi Lake began to move without wind, emitting a faint azure light of wood-elemental spiritual energy. Then, wisps of earthy yellow and golden spiritual light seeped out from between the soil and rocks...

The five elements of spiritual energy were stirred by the chanting of the monk Lu at this moment, and spontaneously surged towards that small area.

Xu Ying was stunned for a moment. He could clearly feel the unusual movement of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth around him. This kind of stimulation was not a forced plunder, but a natural affinity, like all rivers flowing into the sea, as if Lu Seng could knead heaven and earth at will.

Soon, the various colored spiritual lights that had gathered gradually intertwined and merged above the boulder.

The first part to take shape was the tower base.

It is not like ordinary bricks and stones, but has a warm and lustrous jade-like sheen, with faint lotus patterns visible on it.

Then, the tower was built up layer by layer.

Each layer is dominated by a different spiritual light: the first layer is earthy yellow and heavy, the second layer is golden and shimmering, the third layer is filled with flowing water mist, the fourth layer is lush and verdant, and the fifth layer is filled with flowing red light.

The power of the five elements, circulating and generating each other, gives this pagoda, which is still taking shape, a gentle aura that seems to encompass all things.

After an unknown amount of time, the colorful light gradually faded, and a delicate five-story pagoda stood quietly on the boulder, looking rather ancient.

Throughout the entire process, Monk Lu maintained his chanting posture with a calm expression, as if he were simply performing a daily ritual.

Although the stupa itself is not enormous, it gives people a sense of grandeur, as if it stands tall and commands respect from all directions.

A faint golden light rippled around the pagoda, like waves on water, making the surrounding spiritual energy more gentle and peaceful.

Although the chanting has stopped, its lingering charm remains.

The air seemed to still echo with faint Zen chants, bringing an unprecedented sense of tranquility to the mind.

Monk Lu lowered his clasped hands, looked up at the brand-new pagoda, and seemed quite satisfied. He turned to Xu Ying, who was still in shock, and smiled, "Steward Xu, what do you think of this pagoda? Is it suitable?"

Xu Ying opened his mouth, and after a long while, he finally found his voice. With utmost reverence, he said, "Senior's supernatural powers are unparalleled. You transformed the spiritual energy of heaven and earth into a pagoda... This junior, this junior, only today do I know what the true power of a great master is! This pagoda... is perfectly formed by nature, containing supreme Buddhist teachings. It is truly a treasure land for cultivation!"

He was not flattering me at all!
Although their own sect leader also possessed such extraordinary abilities, and no one knew how he had crafted so many houses and buildings... While his methods were certainly ingenious, the visual impact of Lu Seng's "full-on special effects" was clearly much greater.

Are all powerful beings in the Fusion stage this humble? Calling this "having only a superficial understanding"?

Xu Ying gasped, feeling a deep sense of awe.

The powerful beings of the upper realm are truly terrifying!
"That's fine then. I'm just afraid of offending the sect's taboos."

Lu Seng explained politely.

Xu Ying quickly waved his hand and said, "No, no, no! Before the sect leader left, he specifically instructed that we should try our best to meet your needs. He said he would discuss it with you in detail when he returns. It seems to be about some kind of 'realm'..."

Lu Seng nodded: "I see. Then this humble monk will stay here for the time being."

"senior……"

Xu Ying looked at the pagoda in front of her, still feeling somewhat conflicted.

He cautiously pressed on, "Your methods are indeed ingenious and have broadened my horizons, but this pagoda is so small, can you really live in it?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Seng laughed: "Hahahaha... It seems that Steward Xu has not yet studied the Dao of Space!"

"The Way of Space?"

Lu Seng explained: "The so-called Way of Space is mostly used to create heaven and earth and open cave dwellings. Those who are proficient in this Way can open up small worlds, while those who only have a superficial understanding can also use it to expand their dwellings..."

“Oh, I see that Steward Xu also has a Qiankun bag at his waist. The principle behind this Qiankun bag is derived from the Dao of Space.”

(End of this chapter)