Chapter 1: How Tiring It Is to Take on Disciples...

"System, time to check in for today."

[Check-in successful. Reward: 500 years of cultivation.]

Lu Changsheng rubbed his forehead helplessly and said, "It's been over 20 years now. Every day I just check in and get cultivation rewards. Does this system have no other functions?"

When he first arrived in this world and discovered he had awakened a system, Lu Changsheng had been excited, thinking he could reach the pinnacle of the immortal path and dominate all eternity.

But who knew that for over 20 years, this system could only perform daily check-ins, each time rewarding cultivation.

Day after day, year after year.

It had made Lu Changsheng numb.

He wasn't even sure what level his strength had reached anymore.

As if understanding Lu Changsheng's frustration, the system explained itself.

[The main storyline has not yet been triggered, so no other functions are available.]

"Can't you give me a hint on how to trigger the main storyline?"

[Heaven's secrets must not be revealed.]

"..."

With no other choice, Lu Changsheng picked up a brush and began sketching a painting of a sword immortal dancing with a sword on the desk.

This was Lu Changsheng's daily routine now. Since he received cultivation rewards every day, he didn't need to train himself.

With nothing else to do.

He could only plant willow trees, raise grass chickens, paint a few pictures, write a few calligraphies...

When he had nothing better to do, he would casually practice some alchemy or study formations...

As Lu Changsheng finished the last stroke.

Clang!

A bell rang out in the space.

Lu Changsheng looked up and said, "It seems today is the day the Zangdao Academy enrolls new students…"

Thinking he had nothing else to do, he decided it wouldn't hurt to go out for a walk and take a look.

After saying this, Lu Changsheng put down the brush and disappeared in a wisp of green smoke.

Shortly after Lu Changsheng left.

A small bird in the garden, with wings as red as flames, flapped over to the painting, staring intently at the sword immortal dancing in the painting.

The sword immortal in the painting seemed to move, and then strands of sword energy shot out from the painted figure!

In an instant, the entire garden was crisscrossed with sword energy, tearing through the space!

The small bird's eyes widened in shock, flapping its wings backward, flames igniting on its wings as if trying to block the terrifying sword intent.

In a flash.

The flames were slashed apart by the sword intent, and the energy continued unabated, slicing towards the small bird!

At this moment, a nearby willow tree extended a branch, intercepting all the sword intent.

"Little bird, don't be so reckless in the future. Although this painting was done casually, the artistic conception within it is beyond your current ability to withstand."

After speaking, the willow tree became still.

The small bird, showing a hint of despondence in its eyes, seemed to agree with the willow tree's words. It gave the painting on the desk one last deep look before retreating.

...

Zangdao Academy.

Countless strong practitioners have emerged from here.

It is recognized as the place for imparting the Dao in the Southern Region.

It does not engage in disputes with any sects or clans.

Nor does it profit from royal dynasties or sacred lands.

Regardless of whether they are emperors, princes, or offspring of noble families, everyone is treated equally upon entering Zangdao Academy.

Here, only strength matters.

It is for this reason that Zangdao Academy can stand aloof and independent.

At this moment, at the academy's mountain gate.

Dozens of youths stood.

These were the ones who had passed the academy's assessment and were ultimately admitted.

Next, the elders of the academy would accept disciples.

Once chosen by an elder, their future would be limitless.

They were all prodigies sought after by noble families and royal courts.

Therefore, each of these youths looked excited, hoping to be accepted as a disciple by an elder.

"There are quite a few good seedlings this year."

"Yeah, I heard that the direct descendants of the four great families of Tianyuan City have come too."

"Hehe, then we have to choose carefully. We might find someone worthy to pass on our legacy."

"It's not that easy. Even if they have the talent, we have to consider their character. We can't pass on our legacy carelessly."

"That's true."

At this moment, the elders looked toward the back and saw a young man in a green robe walking slowly toward them.

One elder frowned and said, "Why is he out here?"

Some of the deacons were puzzled.

Clearly, they didn't recognize this young man.

So they asked, "Elder, is he someone from the academy?"

One of the elders, with a complex expression, said, "Yes and no. He's from the Cottage."

"The Cottage?!"

Countless people were astonished.

Of course, some were puzzled, clearly not knowing anything about the Cottage.

Within Zangdao Academy, there were the Martial Academy and the Confucian Academy.

But besides these, there was another force.

The Cottage!

It could be said that the Cottage was not under the jurisdiction of the academy, yet it could enjoy the academy's resources.

This puzzled everyone, but under the suppression of the headmaster, no one dared to openly question it.

Now, with the Cottage changing hands, it had been decades since it last accepted new disciples.

The entire Cottage had only one person—Lu Changsheng.

And Lu Changsheng was incredibly low-key, rarely going out, which made people forget that there was such a person in the Cottage!

So it was normal for some not to know about the Cottage's existence.

Lu Changsheng walked up to the elders, smiled gently, and greeted them, "Changsheng greets the elders."

"Lu Changsheng, why are you here today?"

"We've never seen you come when we recruit disciples."

Lu Changsheng shook his head and said, "I'm just bored and came to see the academy's recruitment. I have no intention of accepting disciples, so you elders don't need to mind me."

Bored…

The elders all shook their heads helplessly. This kid occupies the academy's resources yet is unwilling to take in disciples, really...

After all, in the academy, taking in disciples and imparting the Dao is an honor. Lu Changsheng's attitude left them at a loss.

One elder, quite aged, spoke with frustration, "As a member of the academy, spreading the Dao is our duty. Why are you unwilling to take in disciples or bring fresh blood into the Cottage?"

Lu Changsheng shrugged, "I don't even understand my own cultivation. Why should I waste others' time? Besides, teaching disciples is exhausting. I'm quite happy playing by myself. Why seek trouble?"

"But you're using the academy's resources. How can you not spread the Dao?"

"As the master of the Cottage, even if not for yourself, you should think about its future!"

Seeing the elders' earnest persuasion, Lu Changsheng couldn't help but feel a headache.

Just as he was about to say something, a voice interrupted in his mind.

[Host has triggered a mission. Please go to Tianyuan City to accept a disciple.]

[Name: Ye Qiubai]

[Talent: SSS-level]

[Qualifications: Sword Heart Illumination, Primordial Sword Body, Emperor's Potential]

Hearing this.

Lu Changsheng vanished on the spot, leaving behind a single sentence.

"Elders, I'm off to Tianyuan City to take in a disciple. You all carry on!"

Leaving the elders stunned in place.

This kid just said he didn't understand his own cultivation and didn't want to waste others' time, right?

Didn't he say teaching disciples was exhausting?

And, there are so many good seedlings here, why do you insist on running off to Tianyuan City?

The prodigies from the noble families of Tianyuan City are all here!