C2648 Karma
C2648 Karma
Jiang Fann chuckled, "No need to get upset, city lord. That's not the case. I just want to see him."
The city lord breathed a sigh of relief. His only son had been spoiled since childhood and often got into mischief, but he knew his limits. If he had truly offended someone as influential as Jiang Fann, the city lord wouldn't know how to handle it. After all, Jiang Fann's wealth and power were far beyond what the small city lord's mansion could compare to.
"Please wait a moment, I'll personally go and bring him to greet you," the city lord said before leaving. Jiang Fann felt quite pleased.
This young man was Cheng Mo, his fourth disciple from years ago. Cheng Mo was talented, a bit arrogant, but very upright, decisive, and dedicated. When Jiang Fann first met him, Cheng Mo was already a city lord. Later, he gave up his position to follow Jiang Fann in his pursuits, returning the city lordship to his father, whom Jiang Fann had just met. This was why Jiang Fann held the city lord in high regard.
Soon, the city lord returned with a young man, no more than eleven or twelve years old. Seeing Cheng Mo, Jiang Fann felt a surge of indescribable emotion, as this was the disciple he felt he had wronged the most.
Before his rebirth, his third disciple, Jia Yi, appeared loyal and persistent, diligently studying and practicing. Jiang Fann always took him along on his journeys.
When he obtained the fragmented scroll of the Creation Spell of Heaven and Earth in the hidden realm, Jia Yi was right beside him. After several unsuccessful attempts to acquire it, Jia Yi's greed took over. He conspired with Jiang Fann's adversaries to set a trap and eliminate him. During their discussions, Cheng Mo discovered their plot, but on his way to report it, Jia Yi ruthlessly killed him. Unfortunately, Jiang Fann was so focused on his alchemy pursuits at the time that he didn't notice anything amiss.
Now, seeing the young Cheng Mo, Jiang Fann was understandably thrilled. He approached and carefully examined the young man before him. "Cheng Mo, right? I'd like to take you as my apprentice and bring you to Myriad Clouds Mountain for training. How does that sound?"
Cheng Mo looked at Jiang Fann with confusion. "Who are you...?"
Before he could finish, he felt a sudden weakness in his knees as his father kicked him from behind, forcing him to kneel. The City Lord knew Jiang Fann's identity and wasn't about to let his son miss such an opportunity. "You little rascal, pay your respects! This is Master Jiang Fann. It's a blessing you've earned over three lifetimes..."
Hearing the City Lord's words, Jiang Fann felt deeply moved. Although young, Cheng Mo was aware of Jiang Fann's reputation. He just couldn't fathom why such an important figure would come to his home and want to take him as a disciple. After all, no one had ever praised him for any talent before. He bowed to Jiang Fann and said, "Disciple Cheng Mo, greets Master."
Jiang Fann was in high spirits. After leaving a token, he turned and walked away with Zhang Shuang, leaving a parting message.
"Bring the token to Myriad Clouds Mountain, and I'll personally guide your training."
The city lord wanted to keep Jiang Fann, but he had already gone too far to hear, clearly not intending to stay.
After Jiang Fann left, Cheng Mo stood up and gave his father a thumbs-up.
"Dad, your connections are amazing! You found me such a great mentor. I can roam freely now!"
The city lord gave him a kick and scolded, "Don't go causing trouble for your mentor. If he breaks your leg, I won't stop him. Get ready; I'll personally take you to Myriad Clouds Mountain."
Zhang Shuang followed Jiang Fann out of the city lord's mansion. On their way out of town, they passed a tavern, and Zhang Shuang's stomach growled loudly.
He said, "Master, you haven't eaten in days. How about I treat you to a few drinks?"
Jiang Fann replied, "Don't get any ideas about indulging yourself. You started training late and need a long time to catch up. The pills I've been giving you are to cleanse your meridians and flesh, so your training will be more effective. As a cultivator, ordinary food won't do you any good."
Even though Zack was really hungry, he didn't want to argue with his mentor after what was said. However, he hadn't gone far when he saw Jiang Fann stop by the roadside to buy a few steaming hot buns. This lifted his spirits, and he quickly followed.
"Thanks, Master!" Zack said, reaching out to take one. But Jiang Fann deftly dodged him and walked ahead, eating the buns himself without any intention of sharing. Jiang Fann ate quickly, finishing the buns in no time and looking quite satisfied.
Zack muttered, "Weren't you saying that eating ordinary food doesn't do us any good?"
Jiang Fann replied with his mouth full, "That's for beginners like you. Once you advance, you can eat whatever you want..."
After leaving the city, Jiang Fann took Zack with him, flying to their final destination. Four out of the five disciples had already been found.
On the way, Zack asked, "Master, that junior brother back there didn't seem to know you, and neither did I. Why did you choose me as your disciple? I don't seem to have any particular talent."
Jiang Fann smiled and asked, "Do you believe in destiny?"
Zack was momentarily at a loss for words.
Jiang Fann continued, "Hard work can change fate. I'm just giving you a head start. Whether you can realize your potential depends on how hard you work in the future."
"I will definitely work hard to break free from destiny."
A few days later, Jiang Fann found himself deep in the mountains, aware of a secluded family living in a hidden valley. Though not particularly powerful, they were highly attuned to wood elemental energy and possessed a unique lineage.
After mastering the art of alchemy, Jiang Fann traveled extensively, seeking ways to enhance his skills. It was through other alchemists that he learned about this family. He ended up staying there for six months, during which he met his fifth disciple, Lin Sen, the most gifted in alchemy among his five disciples and also the youngest.
Back then, Jiang Fann's cultivation level was not high, and he missed the prime years for training. However, he was determined not to let that happen again. He now understood that a solid foundation in cultivation was essential for an alchemist, as it was necessary to sustain the energy and focus required for crafting high-grade elixirs.
As he approached the Lin family's valley, he encountered a barrier. Although it posed no challenge to him now, Jiang Fann chose to respect their privacy. Standing outside the valley, he used his spiritual strength to project his voice over the area.
"Jiang Fann from Myriad Clouds Mountain, here to pay respects to the Lin family patriarch."
Meanwhile, Zhang Shuang was watching a fierce-looking beast in the nearby woods, its eyes fixed intently on him.
"Master... Master! There's a beast over there about to attack us."
Jiang Fann chuckled, "Even if it had a hundred chances, it wouldn't dare. Don't worry."
Zhang Shuang, still just an ordinary person, wasn't very brave, but his senses were sharp, a promising trait for becoming an excellent apothecary.
Soon, a barrier opened up, and a figure stepped out—a middle-aged man, looking at Jiang Fann with a puzzled expression.
This man wasn't particularly powerful, having just reached the Mortal Separating Stage. They lived in seclusion, rarely influenced by the outside world, only occasionally trading for necessities.
However, he clearly knew of Jiang Fann, though he wasn't sure why Jiang Fann had come here.
"Welcome, Master Jiang Fann."
Jiang Fann said, "You might be wondering why I'm here. I won't beat around the bush. I want to take someone as my disciple, to pass on my knowledge of alchemy, and bring them to Myriad Clouds Mountain to join the Heaven Pavilion."
The clan leader seemed a bit wary upon hearing Jiang Fann's words. Their family wasn't fond of outside contact and didn't care much about Jiang Fann's status, so his reaction was quite different from Cheng Mo's father.
"Master, the young talents across the land would be eager for such an opportunity. Why come to our small place?"
Jiang Fann explained, "I know your clan's unique traits are perfect for becoming an apothecary. You might want to consider it. Besides, the Heaven Supporting Divine Wood is rooted in Myriad Clouds Mountain, which is greatly beneficial for your clan's lineage. I think that's all I need to say, right?"
Jiang Fann was quite courteous to this person, understanding the nature of their tribe, which explained his approach.
Upon hearing about the Heaven Supporting Divine Wood, the chieftain's interest visibly piqued, and his demeanor softened considerably.
"Who do you intend to take as a disciple? Our tribe doesn't interact much with the outside world, mostly adults venture out. I don't quite understand why you would choose them, but I'll ask for their thoughts."
Jiang Fann replied, "The disciple I wish to take is named Lin Sen. He should still be a little one."
The chieftain was puzzled by Jiang Fann's words.
"Sen? How do you know my son's name? He's still in his cradle; how could he become a disciple..."
Jiang Fann wasn't surprised. He had a rough idea of the ages of these potential disciples, and based on his calculations, this fifth disciple had indeed just been born. Thus, Jiang Fann had to believe in the workings of fate.
He continued, "That's not important. I'll leave a token here, and the little one is welcome to come to Myriad Clouds Mountain anytime. If you let me take him now, the Heaven Supporting Divine Wood can personally oversee his upbringing, and I'll teach him the arts and alchemy. Alternatively, you can send him when he's older, but that would delay things by a few years. The decision is yours, Chief."
Hearing this, the chieftain hesitated for a moment before asking, "May I meet Lord Shen Mu in person?"
Jiang Fann nodded and didn't refuse. "You're welcome anytime."
The Lin family head said directly, "I'll discuss it with my wife, and then personally take him to Myriad Clouds Mountain."
"Alright, see you at Myriad Clouds Mountain."
At this point, Zhang Shuang couldn't fathom Jiang Fann's intentions. It seemed like fate was the only explanation. Even taking them as disciples would be normal, but having a junior brother still in infancy was quite peculiar.
Jiang Fann led Zhang Shuang back the way they came. Along the way, he set up a teleportation array and used it to return to Myriad Clouds Mountain without stopping.
Back at Myriad Clouds Mountain, Jiang Fann sensed the presence of Cheng Mo and Wang Wuyin. They had evidently rushed over immediately, each accompanied by someone.
Feeling the unique aura around them, Zhang Shuang was utterly amazed, especially when he turned around and saw the breathtaking scenery among the clouds, as if he were in a paradise.