Under One Person: Rebuilding the Glory of the Beast Master

Four simple words, but they carry great weight.

Zuo Ruotong nodded, turned around, and looked at Zeng Su, who was kneeling in front of her.

"Zeng Su," his voice became solemn, "from this day forward, you are an outer disciple of the Sanyi Sect. I do not require you to strictly abide by the Sanyi Sect's rules, but there are three things you must do."

"Please give the order from the gatekeeper."

"First, you must not use the name of the Sanyi Sect to do unjust things. Second, you must not spread the Sanyi Sect's techniques and skills to outsiders. Third—"

He paused, looked into Zeng Su's eyes, and said, word by word:

"Third, no matter where you go in the future, never forget why you embarked on this path in the first place."

Zeng Su raised his head and looked at Zuo Ruotong.

A mountain breeze blew in from outside the hall, causing Zuo Ruotong's Taoist robe to flutter and the jade hairpin on his head to sway slightly.

Sunlight streamed in obliquely from outside the door, illuminating his profile, making his handsome features stand out sharply in the interplay of light and shadow.

The Great Abundance Immortal is nothing more than this!

Zeng Su suddenly realized that he would remember this moment for the rest of his life.

"Your disciple will remember this." He solemnly kowtowed three times.

Zuo Ruotong reached out to help him up, her fair and slender hands resting on his shoulders, the warmth of her palms seeping through his cotton-padded jacket, warm and reassuring.

"Get up," Zuo Ruotong said, her tone returning to its previous gentleness. "From today onwards, you are a member of the Sanyi Sect. Don't be so reserved; the Sanyi Sect doesn't have that many rules."

Zeng Su stood up, dusted off his knees, and looked up at Zuo Ruotong.

"Master, where will I live?"

Zuo Ruotong was amused by the question, and her smile widened.

"Si Chong, take him to make the arrangements," Zuo Ruotong said to Si Chong.

Si Chong replied, "Yes, Senior Brother."

Zeng Su felt a warmth in his heart: "Thank you, Master."

Zuo Ruotong waved her hand: "Go ahead. Settle in today, and tomorrow someone will show you around the sect. Go see the Scripture Pavilion, the Martial Arts Arena, and the Medicine Pavilion. If you don't understand anything, ask Sichong, or come directly to me."

"Yes, Master."

Zeng Su followed Si Chong out of Qingxu Hall, with Zeng Runguo following behind. Bai Jiahei already knew...

As Zeng Su reached the door, he suddenly stopped and turned around.

Zuo Ruotong was still standing in the hall, his hands behind his back, looking at them. Sunlight shone from behind him, casting his long shadow on the blue brick floor of Qingxu Hall.

"Master," Zeng Su said.

"Um?"

"thank you."

Zuo Ruotong smiled, said nothing, and simply nodded slightly.

Si Chong led Zeng Su and Zeng Runguo up the stone steps for a while, then turned into a side road, passed through a bamboo forest, and then came to a courtyard.

This is where the Sanyi Sect's branch courtyard is located—the residence and living area for outer disciples and newly initiated disciples.

"The San Yi Sect accepts disciples regardless of whether they are from within or outside the sect. All newly admitted disciples must first stay in the lower courtyard for a period of time." Si Chong explained as he walked, his tone gentle and patient. "The lower courtyard is mainly for new disciples to familiarize themselves with the sect's rules and environment, and at the same time lay the foundation for their cultivation. After passing the assessment, they can move to the upper courtyard to specialize in the Reverse Rebirth Triple Cultivation under the guidance of the sect's elders."

He paused, glanced at Zeng Su, and said, "Outer disciples don't have this restriction. You can stay here indefinitely, or you can apply to move to the Upper Academy at any time. However—" He smiled slightly, "Since you've just arrived, stay in the Lower Academy first, and we'll talk about it after you've gotten used to it."

Zeng Su nodded, his gaze sweeping across the courtyards. He saw some young disciples dressed in gray short-sleeved shirts going in and out of the courtyards; some were sweeping, some were chopping wood, some were washing clothes by the stream, and a few were gathered together, talking about something.

Instead of the ethereal, otherworldly scene I had imagined, it had a more down-to-earth, everyday feel to it.

"You can stay in the courtyard on the east side!" Si Chong said, pointing to a courtyard hidden behind a bamboo grove. "It's quieter there, and it'll be more convenient for you to keep it."

He glanced at Bai Jiahei, his tone carrying a subtle hint of helplessness, because Bai Jiahei had attracted a lot of attention from the Sanyi Sect members along the way.

Bai Jiahei is now surrounded by a large group of people, all of whom are commenting on him, clearly aware of his extraordinary qualities.

"Thank you, Uncle-Master," Zeng Su said, clasping his hands in thanks.

"No need to be so polite." Si Chong waved his hand. "Since the sect leader has accepted you, you are now a member of the Sanyi Sect."

"This courtyard is usually not inhabited, so it's perfect for you to live alone." Si Chong pushed open the courtyard gate and walked in. He stood in the courtyard, looked around, and nodded with satisfaction. "You can live in the main house, and you can keep your pets in the side rooms."

Baijiahei had already entered the yard. After circling around twice, he found a comfortable spot to lie down and let out a long hum, as if to say, "This place is alright."

Zeng Su was both amused and exasperated; this guy was quite friendly with strangers.

"Thank you very much, Uncle-Master Si Chong." Zeng Su thanked him again.

Si Chong waved his hand and took out a wooden tag from his sleeve, handing it to him: "This is your identity tag. You'll need it to enter and exit the mountain gate, borrow books from the scripture pavilion, and eat in the dining hall. Keep it safe."

Zeng Su took it. The wooden plaque felt warm to the touch. The front was engraved with the words "Sanyi" and the back with his name, "Zeng Su." Judging from the marks, it must have been made just now.

"Someone will come to show you around the gate first thing tomorrow morning," Si Chong said. "Settle in today, and just tell the manager if you need anything. Your uncle—"

He looked at Zeng Runguo and nodded slightly: "You can stay at the inn for one night and go down the mountain tomorrow."

Zeng Runguo clasped his hands in thanks and said, "Thank you, senior."

After giving his instructions, Si Chong left.

The yard quieted down, with only the rustling of pine needles in the wind and the even breathing of Bai Jiahei; it had fallen asleep.

"Su'er." Zeng Runguo's voice came from behind, carrying a deliberately suppressed calm.

Zeng Su turned around.

Zeng Runguo stood at the door of the main house, carrying a bundle in his hand, his expression complex—a mixture of reluctance, relief, and a touch of indescribable bitterness.

"Uncle Runguo." Zeng Su walked over.

Zeng Runguo squatted down to meet Zeng Su's gaze. This man in his thirties, who had been navigating the officialdom of Baoding Prefecture for so many years and had seen many ups and downs, now had slightly reddened eyes.

"Su'er, your uncle has to leave tomorrow," he said. "It's a rule in the sect that outsiders can't stay long."

Zeng Su didn't say anything like "I can't bear to part with him," he just looked at him quietly.

"Don't worry about things at home, just focus on learning your skills," Zeng Runguo said, taking out a cloth bag from his pocket and opening it to reveal ten gleaming gold bars and some silver dollars.

"Keep these." He stuffed the cloth bag into Zeng Su's hands. "Sanyi Gate provides food and lodging, but there are always places where money is needed. Spend it when necessary, don't be stingy."

Zeng Su looked at the heavy cloth bag in his hand, feeling as if something was blocking his heart. He wanted to say, "You don't need so much," and "Uncle, keep it for yourself," but he swallowed the words back.

This isn't just about money; it's about all the support his family can give him. He also needs money to further improve his skills.

"Uncle," Zeng Su said, his voice softer than usual, "go back and tell my grandparents that I'm doing well here. Tell them not to worry."

Zeng Runguo nodded, reached out and rubbed Zeng Su's head, making the same gesture as Zeng Qing'an.

"Your grandfather is right," he said. "You're a promising child. The Trinity School is the orthodox school of Taoism. Study hard here, and in the future—"

He paused, then didn't continue. What about the future? Bringing glory to the family? Making a name for oneself? Or simply living a peaceful life?

He didn't know what to say, so he just rubbed Zeng Su's head again and then stood up.

"Alright, I'm going to the inn now." He picked up his bundle. "I'm leaving early tomorrow morning, so I won't come back to say goodbye. You should get some rest."

"Uncle, let me take you."

"No need." Zeng Runguo waved his hand and strode out of the courtyard. When he reached the door, he paused, didn't turn around, and simply said, "Take care of yourself."

Then he left.

The courtyard gate closed gently behind him, making a soft creak.

Zeng Su stood in the courtyard, clutching the cloth bag in his hand, listening to Zeng Runguo's footsteps grow fainter and fainter until they finally disappeared.

Bai Jiahei stood up, walked to his side, and nudged his hand with his head.

"I'm fine." Zeng Su patted its head, looked at the unfamiliar courtyard, and said, "It's just a little...uncomfortable."

Bai Jiahei snorted and nudged his hand with its wet nose, "I'm here!"

"Alright, alright, stop rubbing against me." Zeng Su pushed its head away, wiped the drool off his face, and said, "Your nose is like sandpaper."

Seeing that its owner's mood had improved, Baijiahei snorted smugly and flicked its tail twice.

Zeng Su put away the cloth bag and went into the main room to take a look. The room was not big, with a bed, a table and a chair. On the wall hung a landscape painting, with light brushstrokes, depicting the scenery of Mount Taimu.

Not long after, a senior disciple from the Sanyi Sect brought him bedding, Sanyi Sect clothing, and some daily necessities.

"Take care, senior brother!"

After seeing his senior brother off, Zeng Yaohou stood in the courtyard and took a deep breath.

"A new beginning, keep going!"

There's nothing profound about it; this is just his true thought.

The next morning, before dawn, Zeng Su got up.

The clock on the table showed six o'clock, which was his biological clock.

Cultivation is not something that can be achieved by working hard for three days and resting for two. Zeng Yao has been able to get to where he is today not only because of his cheat system, but also because of countless hours of hard work.

Spiritual practice is generally divided into two types: nature and life. Nature, simply put, refers to the spirit and soul, while life refers to physical strength.

There are many ways to temper one's life force, but Zengjiazhuang only has one Liangyi Qianyuan Pillar. There's no way around it; the Zeng family has been in decline for too long.

I've been practicing the Liangyi Qianyuan Zhuang (Two Elements Qian Yuan Stance) for one hour every day without fail, except for this recent period.

Bai Jiahei was also standing beside him. Although the Liangyi Qianyuan Armor was created by humans, Bai Jiahei could also perform the Liangyi Qianyuan Stake under the influence of the Beast Sensing Technique. Of course, this could only be accomplished under Zeng Su's influence.

Although the Zeng family's "Sensing Beasts Technique" is not well-known, it has its own magical aspects.

If outsiders were present, they could see that the Qi of Zeng Su and Bai Jiahei were merging with each other, and that the Qi between the two was exactly the same without any difference.

"Knock knock knock—"

I had only been standing there for half an hour when there was a knock on the courtyard gate.

Zeng Su opened one of his closed eyes, took a deep breath, and withdrew from the stance training. Bai Jiahei also detached from the Liangyi Qianyuan stance.

"Coming," Zeng Su replied and went to open the door.

The courtyard gate opened, and a young man stood at the entrance.

The man was about eighteen or nineteen years old, tall and slender, and wearing a white long gown with the Trinity Gate logo.

"You're the new outer disciple?" The young man looked Zeng Su up and down, his gaze lingering on his face for a moment before glancing at the enormous creature behind him. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. "I am Lin Yifeng. I am here on the orders of my Uncle-Master Si Chong to show you around the sect."

"Greetings, Senior Brother Lin." Zeng Su clasped his hands in greeting. "I am Zeng Su."

Lin Yifeng nodded, but his gaze couldn't help but drift towards Bai Jiahei: "And this gentleman is...?"

"My tamed beast, Bai Jiahei," Zeng Su said, "lives with me."

"Hello, Baijiahei!" Lin Yifeng said to Baijiahei.

When Bai Jiahei heard Lin Yifeng call his name, he raised his head and hummed twice as a greeting.

Lin Yifeng was silent for two seconds, then smiled and said, "The Sanyi Sect has never had someone like Bai Jiahei before. This is quite novel."

Zeng Su sensed the goodwill in his words and smiled, "It's very well-behaved and doesn't cause trouble."

"Okay!" Lin Yifeng turned and walked out of the courtyard. "Come on, I'll show you around. We'll eat first, then go to the Scripture Pavilion, the Martial Arts Arena, and the Medicine Pavilion. I'll explain the sect's rules to you on the way."

Zeng Su turned around and glanced at Bai Jiahei: "You stay here and don't wander off."

Bai Jiahei snorted, happy that he didn't have to cultivate anymore. He ran to the grass next to him, lay down, and put his head on his front hooves, looking like he was saying, "You do your thing, I'll sleep."

Zeng Su followed Lin Yifeng out of the courtyard.

The lower courtyard was quiet in the early morning, the morning mist had not yet dissipated, like a thin veil shrouding the valley.

"The dining hall in the lower courtyard is over there," Lin Yifeng said, pointing to a group of buildings in the middle of the valley. "Breakfast is from 3:45 AM to 4:45 AM, lunch is from 11:00 PM to 1:00 PM, and dinner is from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. If you miss the designated times, there will be no more food, so don't be late."

Zeng Su kept it in mind.

"There aren't many rules in the sect, but there are a few you must remember," Lin Yifeng said as they walked. "First, no private fights. If disciples have conflicts, they can seek mediation from their masters or compete in the arena, but they cannot fight in private. Second, no unauthorized departures from the mountain; you must report your departure and have a legitimate reason. Third, no passing on the sect's techniques and skills to outsiders. These three are the most serious; violating them will result in expulsion from the sect at best, and at worst—"

He paused, not continuing, but his meaning was already quite clear.

Zeng Su nodded.

"The rest are just minor rules, like not making loud noises in the doorway, not damaging public property, and not wasting food—just be mindful of those." Lin Yifeng said, then suddenly smiled. "Actually, it's not that strict. As long as you don't make a big mistake, no one will give you a hard time."

The two walked along the bluestone path, and disciples of the Sanyi Sect passed by from time to time. Some greeted Lin Yifeng and called him "Senior Brother Lin".

Some looked at Zeng Su with curiosity, their eyes filled with a hint of inquiry.

"Who is that?"

"I don't know, maybe he's new here."

"It looks quite small. Which aristocratic family sent it?"

"I don't know..."