I Cultivate in a Government Office

The crowd followed Qin Huaiming and Yang Wenqing in an orderly fashion toward the Ancestral Hall, located in the deepest part of the estate.

The hall’s doors were already wide open. Incense smoke curled within, and the ever-burning lamps cast a bright and solemn light throughout the interior. Amidst the fragrant smoke, the ancestral tablets and the mural of Saint Changqing appeared all the more majestic and sacred.

An incense table, prayer cushions, and other items had already been arranged in the center of the hall.

Qin Huaiming strode in first and came to a stop before the incense table, facing the ancestral tablets. Yang Wenqing followed closely, stopping half a step behind his master.

A Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator, acting as the master of ceremonies, announced in a loud, clear voice, "The auspicious time has arrived! The discipleship ceremony begins!"

A hush immediately fell over the hall and the grounds outside.

"Present the petition to the ancestors!" the master of ceremonies proclaimed.

With a dignified expression, Qin Huaiming took a step forward. He reverently picked up a scroll from the tray on the left, untied its gold-threaded ribbon, and unrolled it with both hands.

Then, facing the ancestral tablets and the mural of Saint Changqing, he began to recite in a clear voice:

"I, Qin Huaiming, a fourth-generation disciple of the Xuanyue Lineage, with utmost sincerity, burn this incense to report to our esteemed ancestor, Master Sea Guardian; our late master, Xuanyue Daoist; and to inform the venerable Saint Changqing:

"I, your unworthy disciple, received my master’s grace and instruction, allowing me a glimpse of the Great Dao. Though I strive to cultivate diligently, I often fear I will fail the sect...

"...Today, I have observed that Yang Wenqing of the Yang family is pure of heart and resolute in his pursuit of the Dao. Your disciple is moved by his sincerity and has recognized his potential. It is my wish to accept him into our sect, to pass on the traditions of Xuanyue and continue the lineage of the Yuqing dharma.

"In accordance with the sect’s rules, I have prepared this altar to inform the ancestors and humbly request your sacred judgment...

"...If you permit him to enter our sect, I pray for the ancestors’ blessing, that his Dao heart may be firm and his roots of wisdom deep.

"I prostrate myself before you, esteemed ancestors, and beg you to consider and graciously grant this request!"

After finishing the recitation, Qin Huaiming rerolled the scroll, held it with both hands before the incense table, and bowed deeply once more.

He then turned to the master of ceremonies.

The master of ceremonies nodded and announced again, "Let the prospective disciple present his petition!"

Yang Wenqing hurried forward and picked up his own scroll from the tray on the right. He mimicked his master, untying the ribbon and unrolling the document. Lan Ying’s lively eyes gazed at the characters on the scroll, and sensing the solemnity in Yang Wenqing’s emotions, she too became incredibly serious.

Next, Yang Wenqing took a step forward, knelt behind Qin Huaiming, and faced the ancestral tablets. Holding the petition with both hands, he began to recite in a clear voice:

"I, disciple Yang Wenqing of the Yang family from the East Sea, with a heart full of sincerity, respectfully report to our esteemed ancestor, Master Sea Guardian; our late master, Xuanyue Daoist; and the venerable Saint Changqing:

"Since childhood, I have yearned for the Dao, but lacked the opportunity. Later, my benevolent Master Qin Huaiming did not forsake me for my foolishness. He taught me the dharma, guided me through my confusion, and allowed me to glimpse the mysteries of the Great Dao. He enlightened me to the righteous dharma of Yuqing and helped me establish my will to cultivate.

"My master’s teachings are like a spring breeze and gentle rain. I am eternally grateful and have often thought of how to repay his kindness.

"I know well that the Great Dao is profound and subtle, and that only the most sincere and resolute may enter its gates. I have now completed the Bone Marrow Cleansing Skill and achieved the Initial Gathering of the Five Yang. Though I am occupied with worldly affairs, I dare not forget the foundation of cultivation. Though my aptitude is mediocre, I am willing to compensate with tireless effort.

"Today, I take the liberty of humbly requesting to be accepted as a disciple under my benevolent Master Qin Huaiming, and to join the Xuanyue Lineage.

"I hereby vow: From this day forward, I shall respect my master and the Dao, abide by the sect’s rules, and devote myself to my studies. I will conduct myself with integrity, perform good deeds and accumulate merit. I will never use what I learn for evil, and I swear not to tarnish the good name of my sect.

"I beseech the ancestors for their sacred judgment and to graciously grant my request to enter the sect.

"I, disciple Yang Wenqing, kowtow and prostrate myself, awaiting your command with trepidation!"

After he finished reading the petition, Yang Wenqing felt a surge of emotion, as if he had poured all of his determination and hope into every word.

He then reverently rerolled the petition, held it with both hands before the incense table, and placed it beside his master’s. He then retreated to the prayer cushion, knelt again, and touched his forehead to the floor in a deep kowtow.

At that moment, the incense smoke in the hall seemed to thicken, swirling and coiling in the air.

Qin Huaiming stepped forward and once again took three large incense sticks, already prepared, from the master of ceremonies. He lit them from the ever-burning lamps. These sticks were thicker than before, and their fragrance was richer.

"Offer the incense—!"

The master of ceremonies announced loudly.

Holding the large incense sticks, Qin Huaiming faced the ancestors and declared, "May these fragrant clouds carry our message to the Nine Heavens! Today, I, disciple Qin Huaiming, with my prospective disciple Yang Wenqing, once again pray for the ancestors’ sacred audience!"

With that, he firmly planted the three large incense sticks into the center of the incense burner.

The smoke rose in a straight line, lingering and swirling within the hall, as if it were truly carrying the hearts of master and disciple up to the heavens.

After offering the incense, Qin Huaiming turned to the kneeling Yang Wenqing. His expression was more solemn and dignified than ever as he asked in a deep voice:

"Yang Wenqing, having presented your petition, with the ancestral incense as our witness, I now ask you on behalf of the ancestors: Are you willing to enter the Xuanyue Sect, to respect the master and the Dao, abide by the sect’s rules, cultivate diligently, and glorify our tradition?"

"I am willing!" Yang Wenqing looked up, his gaze clear.

"Are you willing to conduct yourself with integrity, perform good deeds and accumulate merit, never use what you learn for evil, and never bring shame upon the good name of Xuanyue?"

"I am willing!"

"Are you willing to train hard and cultivate diligently, to advance with courage and vigor in pursuit of the Great Dao, to not fail your master’s grace, not fail yourself, and not fail the oath you have sworn before the ancestors today?"

"I am willing!"

Three questions, three answers, each word resonating with conviction.

A look of gratification appeared in Qin Huaiming’s eyes. He took a tray from the master of ceremonies, upon which rested a Jade Pendant engraved with the Xuanyue cloud pattern and a cup of clear tea.

"This Token contains our sect’s rules and regulations, as well as a sutra. You must study it often and commit it to memory," Qin Huaiming said, picking up the Token.

Yang Wenqing raised his hands above his head and accepted it reverently.

"As part of the ritual, a cup of Spiritual Spring water, drawn from the source of this mountain’s Spiritual Vein, symbolizes the washing away of worldly dust and the clarification of the Dao heart." Qin Huaiming picked up the cup of Spiritual Spring water.

Yang Wenqing bowed deeply again, raised his hands over his head, and accepted the seemingly ordinary yet profoundly significant cup of Spiritual Spring water. His voice was filled with utmost sincerity and solemnity, "Disciple Yang Wenqing offers this to you, revered Master!"

Qin Huaiming took the cup, drank a symbolic sip, then gently sprinkled the rest on the ground in front of Yang Wenqing, symbolizing "the Dao follows nature, nurturing future generations."

"The ceremony is complete—"

The master of ceremonies announced loudly, "Reporting to the ancestors! The incense has conveyed the message, the documents bear witness, and the vows have been sworn. From this day and this moment forth, Yang Wenqing of the Yang family is formally a member of our Xuanyue Sect and a fifth-generation True Disciple! May he uphold his oath, cultivate the Great Dao diligently, and bring glory to the sect!"

"Congratulations..."

The guests inside and outside the hall once again offered their congratulations in unison. This time, their voices carried not only sincere blessings, but also a deeper sense of acknowledgment and respect for the solemn ceremony.

Still kneeling on the prayer cushion, Yang Wenqing looked up. Through the coiling incense smoke, the ancestral tablets and the sublime mural seemed to have become clearer.

He felt the warm, smooth touch of the Jade Pendant at his waist. The sound of his own voice reciting the petition and making his vows seemed to echo in his ears. An unprecedented sense of belonging and a resolute conviction to pursue the Great Dao surged through him like a tide, enveloping him completely.

From this moment on, he was not just Yang Wenqing, but Yang Wenqing, the fifth-generation True Disciple of the Xuanyue Lineage.

Just then, Lan Ying asked Yang Wenqing inside his Spirit Sea, ’Do I have to call that old man "Master," too?’

’Of course,’ Yang Wenqing replied.

After the solemn discipleship ceremony, the atmosphere shifted to one of relaxed celebration.

Everyone moved to the banquet hall, which had been prepared in advance. A sumptuous but not extravagant feast to celebrate the discipleship officially began.

Most of the Spirit Fruits, immortal wines, and rare delicacies at the banquet were sourced from the estate’s own production, a gesture that showed sincerity without sacrificing the refined taste of Cultivators.

As the man of the hour, Yang Wenqing was naturally toasted and congratulated by the sect elders and various guests. His proper demeanor left a fine impression on everyone.

The younger generation quickly gathered together. Wu Qing, Lin Xiyun, the Yang Wenqing brothers, and a few other young Cultivators on good terms with the Xuanyue Lineage sat around a table in a side hall.

With no elders present, the atmosphere was lively. They chatted about everything under the sun, and Lan Ying, her energy restored, flitted about among the young people, enjoying snacks and their playful teasing.

Time slipped by unnoticed amidst the toasts and laughter. Before they knew it, the sun was setting in the west, casting a golden afterglow across the courtyard as the banquet drew to a close.

Guests began to take their leave one after another. His fellow disciples, the few Foundation Establishment Stage senior brothers, also bid farewell to Qin Huaiming and Yang Wenqing after attending the ceremony and fulfilling their social obligations, explaining that they had sect matters or personal duties to attend to and could not stay long.

Vice Director Liu from the Provincial Government, supported by his attendants, also gave Qin Huaiming a deep, trembling bow. He offered a few words of encouragement to Yang Wenqing before boarding his Flying Shuttle and departing.

In the blink of an eye, the bustling grounds grew quiet again. Servants began to quietly clear the remnants of the feast, with Yang Wenjian and Qin Feng directing them.

Yang Wenqing saw off the last group of young guests and was about to go pay his respects to his master when he saw Qin Huaiming beckon to him first.

"Wenqing, come here."

Qin Huaiming’s tone was calm.

Yang Wenqing quickly walked over, first bowing to Qi Yue, who had stayed behind. "Director Qi."

Qi Yue smiled and patted him on the shoulder without a word.