The Fourth Apprentice

Atop the Purple Bamboo Peak, inside the small courtyard.

Gu Changge's gaze fell upon Fatty Wang, who stood frozen at the courtyard entrance. That seemingly gentle look made Fatty Wang feel as if he had plunged into an ice cellar.

At this moment, the system's voice echoed in Gu Changge's sea of consciousness:

"Ding! Saint-level aptitude detected, meeting the criteria for accepting a disciple!"

"Disciple Acceptance Reward: The Great Dao of Strength."

"Invincible Domain range expanded to a radius of one hundred million miles."

"Extreme Dao Imperial Weapon - Talisman Tower."

"May I ask the host, do you wish to accept this disciple?"

Another task had been issued. Gu Changge's gaze flickered imperceptibly as numerous thoughts flashed through his mind.

"Low-tier Saint-level. Although the aptitude isn't extremely high, he is still a moldable talent.

Especially his talent in the Dao of Talismans, which is somewhat rare. If he receives the true legacy, his future achievements in the path of talismans will be limitless. It would indeed be a pity for him to be buried in the mortal dust."

"The system's rewards of the Great Dao of Strength and the expansion of the Invincible Domain are quite generous. As for this Extreme Dao Imperial Weapon, the Talisman Tower, it perfectly suits this kid's talent, as if tailor-made for him. The system really knows how to do a favor at no cost."

He smiled inwardly. The system's rewards had clearly pinpointed his thoughts, making it impossible for him to refuse.

"So be it."

Gu Changge's mind stirred. "This child's temperament is resilient and unyielding, he values camaraderie, takes responsibility, and his talent is also top-tier. System, I'll give you face this time."

Gu Changge had already made his decision, but he did not immediately look at Fatty Wang. Instead, he first turned his gaze to Xiao Ruobai, Fang Hanyu, and Ling Xi, who were standing respectfully before him.

His gaze slowly swept over the three of them:

"You've returned. Did you gain anything from this journey?"

Xiao Ruobai took a step forward and respectfully replied, "Reporting to Master, your disciples fortunately did not disgrace our mission. Although this journey was fraught with twists and turns, it has also tempered our minds and deepened our comprehension of the Great Dao."

Gu Changge gave a soft "Mm," his gaze lingering on the three for a moment, as if he had taken in all the progress of their cultivation bases.

"Your foundations are acceptable, and your edge is beginning to show, but you are still lacking a bit of refinement."

His tone was flat, yet it hit the nail on the head. "Especially in your control of power, you still need to settle down. For the next period of time, polish yourselves well and do not be impatient."

"Yes, your disciples respectfully obey Master's teachings!"

Xiao Ruobai and the other two replied in unison.

Only then did Gu Changge officially cast his gaze toward Fatty Wang.

He didn't speak immediately, but merely used his deep, starry-sea-like eyes to calmly appraise the chubby young man before him, who was sweating profusely from nervousness and practically shrinking into a ball.

This silent gaze applied more pressure than any words could.

Fatty Wang felt as if time had frozen. Every second was incredibly long. His heart felt like it was going to leap out of his throat, and the fat all over his body was trembling slightly.

"Why is this bigshot staring at me? Could it be... could it be that he knows I wanted to rob the Qingxuan Sect disciples earlier?! I'm doomed, I'm doomed! Big brother, save me!"

Fatty Wang screamed frantically in his heart, his eyes glancing pleadingly toward Xiao Ruobai beside him. However, he saw Xiao Ruobai looking straight ahead, focusing on his own nose and heart, as if he hadn't seen a thing.

After a few breaths, just as Fatty Wang was about to be crushed by this silent pressure, Gu Changge finally spoke slowly. His voice was flat, yet it accurately called out a name that scared Fatty Wang out of his wits:

"Qin Yuechen."

Fatty Wang was struck as if by lightning. His body gave a violent shudder, and his pupils shrank drastically!

He... how did he know my real name?!

This name that had been buried deep in his heart ever since he left the Central State, never mentioned to anyone!

Boundless horror instantly overwhelmed him! But immediately after, an inexplicable sense of relief welled up in his heart.

Right, with the heaven-shaking methods of this existence, what was so strange about him seeing through my background and origins?

In front of him, my little disguises and secrets were probably like child's play.

The awe in his heart reached its peak in an instant.

Gu Changge looked at his instantly pale face and the horror in his eyes. His tone remained flat and emotionless as he continued:

"Your innate aptitude is buried in dust, yet it can still be carved. Your temperament is resilient and unyielding, which is also considered rare."

"Are you willing to enter my tutelage and become my fourth disciple?"

Boom—!!!

This sentence was like a thunderbolt from the nine heavens, striking squarely on Fatty Wang's skull! It blasted him so hard he was charred on the outside and tender on the inside, his soul flying beyond the heavens!

Enter... enter his tutelage? Become the personal disciple of this existence?!

A massive, unbelievable ecstasy instantly drowned out all his thoughts like a tsunami! He almost suspected he was having auditory hallucinations!

He froze in place, his mouth wide open and his eyes staring round. He couldn't utter a single syllable for a long time, as if an invisible force had gripped his throat.

Gu Changge looked at his dumbstruck appearance, slightly raising an eyebrow. His tone seemed to carry a faint hint of amusement. "What? Unwilling?"

"Will... willing! This disciple is willing! A million times willing!!!"

Fatty Wang jumped up like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. His voice was hoarse and distorted from extreme excitement, carrying a sobbing tone. With a thud, he fell to his knees and heavily kowtowed three times. The force was so great that it made the ground tremble slightly!

"Disciple Qin Yuechen! Pays respects to Master!!"

It wasn't until his forehead touched the cold ground that the real pain and the impact of ecstasy convinced him this was no dream!

"Ding! Disciple acceptance successful! Rewards have been distributed to the system space!"

Gu Changge looked at him, so excited that he lost his composure and was almost weeping tears of joy. A barely perceptible smile flashed in his eyes as he said calmly, "Mm. Rise. From now on, you are the disciple of me, Gu Changge."

"Thank you, Master!!"

Only then did Fatty Wang dizzyingly scramble to his feet. His chubby face was full of silly smiles and tears, still feeling as if he were strolling in the clouds, overwhelmed by a strong sense of unreality.

Beside them, Xiao Ruobai laughed heartily. He took a step forward, patted Qin Yuechen's shoulder firmly, and said loudly:

"Excellent! Fatty, from now on we are fellow martial brothers! Welcome to the Purple Bamboo Peak!"

His tone was filled with sincere joy and welcome. That bit of teasing from earlier had long vanished, replaced by an older brother's acknowledgment and warmth.

Fang Hanyu also stepped forward. The corners of his mouth curled into an extremely faint yet genuine smile. He gave Qin Yuechen a slight nod and said concisely, "Congratulations."

Just one word, yet it carried the weight of a thousand pounds, representing complete acceptance.

Ling Xi's cold and clear gaze also fell on Qin Yuechen. She nodded gently, her voice like a clear spring striking jade, lacking some of its usual distance. "Fourth Junior Brother."

This single phrase, "Fourth Junior Brother," was her most direct acknowledgment and welcome.

Qin Yuechen looked at his three senior martial brothers and sister, who were all showing him a friendly, even affectionate attitude. The sense of unreality in his heart was gradually replaced by a massive current of warmth and excitement.

His nose stung and his eyes reddened again. He sniffled hard and, with a heavy nasal voice, choked back a sob while bowing extremely solemnly to Xiao Ruobai and the other two:

"Little brother Qin Yuechen greets Eldest Senior Brother! Second Senior Brother! Third Senior Sister! Please take good care of me from now on, seniors!"

At this moment, his heart, which had wandered for years and always been overly cautious, seemed to have finally found a true home.

Xiao Ruobai smiled and supported him. "We are brothers of the same family now, there is no need for such formalities."

He paused, a mischievous glint flashing in his eyes. Deliberately putting on a stern face, he said, "But, Fatty, you're really not being much of a friend here! You've been hanging out with us for so long, yet all we know is your fake name, 'Fatty Wang', and we haven't even seen your true face! We're all family now, so aren't you going to hurry up and show us what you really look like?"

Three chapters today.