I Tame Beasts by Feeding

Better to just say it outright than to let him grow suspicious. Besides, with Elder Wei as his backer, he didn’t have to worry about any mishaps.

Before long, Yu Changsheng finished explaining everything that had happened in the Illusion Mist Beast Valley in one go. Lu Ruikai listened quietly, a thoughtful expression occasionally crossing his face.

When Yu Changsheng had said everything, Lu Ruikai lowered his gaze and fell into a thoughtful silence.

Even as the Vice Sect Leader, Lu Ruikai had only known part of the story regarding the Illusion Mist Beast Valley; he hadn’t been clear on the specifics.

But now, with Yu Changsheng’s full account, everything was clear. This only made Lu Ruikai all the more astonished by him.

’This young man is truly blessed with immense fortune...’

The thought flashed through Lu Ruikai’s mind, stirring a sense of wonder in him. A moment later, he looked up at Yu Changsheng and smiled.

"I understand now. Excellent. No wonder you were unwilling to become my disciple back then. Looking at it now, Elder Wei is indeed the most suitable master for you. That was a truly grand move on his part."

Lu Ruikai smiled faintly, his tone gentle and unreadable.

"Er..." Yu Changsheng scratched his head, unsure how to reply. He could only say sheepishly, "It was all a matter of fate."

"Forget it. As long as the matter is resolved, that’s what counts. Everything else is your own good fortune, and we have no right to inquire about it," Lu Ruikai said, shaking his head. He clasped his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping past Yu Changsheng to the distance.

"I do have an idea, though. I wonder what you think of it, Changsheng?"

After a long moment, Lu Ruikai suddenly spoke in a low voice.

"Hm? Please, Sect Leader, go on," Yu Changsheng said, sitting up straight and attentive.

"What would you say if I appointed you as the first disciple of our Wanxiang Sect’s Beast Taming Peak?"

Lu Ruikai chuckled, but when he looked at Yu Changsheng, his expression was serious.

"Ah? The first disciple?"

Yu Changsheng was stunned. The so-called "first disciple" was a position nearly equivalent to a Saint Son of a Holy Land. Only a disciple widely recognized as a prodigy within the sect could hold such a title.

"Yes. What do you think?" Lu Ruikai nodded, seeing Yu Changsheng’s surprise. "As the first disciple, it won’t just boost your prestige. The sect’s resources will naturally be prioritized for you. And what’s more..."

He paused, let out a breath, and looked straight at Yu Changsheng, his eyes glinting.

"What’s more, if you ever wish to become the Sect Leader in the future, this title of first disciple would be a well-deserved first step. Beyond that, the title is also a form of protection. With this status, if any short-sighted troublemakers want to make a move on you, they’ll have to think twice and weigh the consequences."

Having said his piece, Lu Ruikai watched Yu Changsheng with a hint of expectation in his eyes, his expression earnest.

"Ah?" Yu Changsheng was taken aback once again. Hearing Lu Ruikai’s words, he began to have his doubts. He took a deep breath and thought for a moment before slowly lowering his head, clasping his fists in a salute. He bowed to Lu Ruikai, speaking with a grateful but wry smile.

"Thank you for thinking so highly of me, Sect Leader, but I must decline. I have been with the sect for only a short time. If I were to rashly accept such a title, I’m afraid it would sow discord and lead to much resentment."

After a moment’s thought, Yu Changsheng discreetly swallowed, his tone calm and composed.

"Besides, it is not my wish. Within the sect, there are countless others who are stronger and more suitable than I. I would rather not get involved."

Yu Changsheng was speaking the truth. He truly didn’t care for such empty titles, and he cared even less about the position of Sect Leader.

And while becoming the first disciple would grant him access to more resources, he was already at the Foundation Establishment Seventh Layer and not far from the Eighth Layer. The help such a small sect could offer him was already limited.

All he wanted was to lay low in the sect and focus on his cultivation, letting everything else play out as it may.

Upon hearing this, Lu Ruikai fell into contemplation. About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, he finally looked up again. Seeing Yu Changsheng’s nonchalant expression, he slowly shook his head and let out a soft sigh.

"Alright. Since you are unwilling, I won’t press the matter. However, if you change your mind, you just have to let me know. If you need anything, just say the word, and I will do my best to procure it for you."

"Yes, thank you, Sect Leader. This junior will take his leave now."

Yu Changsheng was moved, a look of gratitude in his eyes. He respectfully clasped his fists in a salute.

"Go on."

Lu Ruikai waved his hand and watched Yu Changsheng’s departing figure. He gave a slight pout, but as soon as Yu Changsheng was completely out of sight, a smile spread across his face.

...

Leaving the grand hall and recalling the various details of their conversation, Yu Changsheng lowered his gaze. After a moment, he muttered to himself and smiled inwardly.

’The Sect Leader is an interesting man. That favor came at just the right time. This is good. If I’m ever in real need, I can actually go to him.’

Although he hadn’t become the "first disciple," Yu Changsheng later realized that Lu Ruikai probably couldn’t have made that decision on his own anyway. But then there was what Lu Ruikai had said afterward—that he just needed to say the word if he needed any resources.

That offer was made in his own name, not the sect’s. That was the true favor, the real takeaway from their conversation.

Yu Changsheng didn’t dwell on these things. After a moment of reflection, he shook his head, and after some thought, he headed for the Odd Demon Pavilion in the Fish Market.

Elder Wei had not yet returned, but there was one matter he could now attend to.

"Brother Changsheng."

Seeing who it was, Yu Dahai grew visibly excited. He hurriedly put down what he was doing and rose to greet him, a hint of awe mingling with the excitement in his eyes.

At this, Yu Changsheng sighed inwardly. His expression softened as he clapped Yu Dahai on the shoulder and said with a gentle laugh, "You’ve worked hard. Don’t let your cultivation fall behind, though. If there’s anything you don’t understand, just ask me."

With the help of the resources Yu Changsheng had provided recently, Yu Dahai’s cultivation had now reached the Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer. Foundation Establishment was no longer a distant, unattainable goal.

"Not at all! It’s all thanks to your care, Brother Changsheng, that I was able to reach this realm in such a short time. I’ll keep working hard so I don’t hold you back."

Yu Dahai froze for a second. At Yu Changsheng’s concerned words, a familiar warmth spread through him, and the cautious restraint he felt began to melt away.

As Yu Changsheng’s star had risen, Yu Dahai had found himself inevitably, and involuntarily, treating him with a certain reverence whenever they met. It was an unavoidable consequence of the growing gap in their status, but it wasn’t what Yu Changsheng wanted.

"That’s right. Cultivate well," Yu Changsheng said with a smile. He took a pill bottle from his storage pouch and placed it in Yu Dahai’s hand.

"What’s this?" Yu Dahai asked, startled. He weighed the elixir bottle in his hand, confused.

"Inside are two Foundation Establishment Pills. When you feel the time is right, you can attempt your breakthrough," Yu Changsheng said softly, his expression as calm as ever.

"Foundation Establishment Pills?!" Yu Dahai’s face fell in shock, and he quickly waved his hands in refusal. "No, absolutely not! This is far too valuable! Please, Brother Changsheng, take them back. Besides, with my level of talent, what if I fail the breakthrough? Wouldn’t that be a waste?"

Yu Dahai gave a wry smile. The elixir bottle in his hand suddenly felt as if it weighed a thousand pounds.

From Yu Changsheng’s current perspective, a Foundation Establishment Pill was nothing special. But in Yu Dahai’s eyes, it was a different matter entirely.

To a Qi Cultivation Cultivator, the Foundation Establishment Pill was a treasure of astronomical value. Its worth was self-evident.

For Yu Changsheng to hand them over so casually, how could Yu Dahai not be overwhelmed? In his eyes, a treasure like this had to be exceptionally precious and rare, even for Yu Changsheng.

"Take them. Just focus on your breakthrough and cultivate well. The better you cultivate, the more you’ll be able to help me, right?" Yu Changsheng said coolly, his expression turning stern in the face of Yu Dahai’s refusal. He frowned, pressing the elixir bottle into Yu Dahai’s hand without taking no for an answer.

"This..." Yu Dahai swallowed hard. He looked down at the elixir in his hand, a flash of longing in his eyes. He then looked up at Yu Changsheng, gave a helpless, grateful smile, and bowed deeply.