NOVEL WEB CHAPTER 311
Chapter 311: Diverging Paths
“Take your seats.”
At Jiu Han’s command, Lu Ming and Lin Feng sat down. Their postures straightened, backs stiff, as if they were back in their school days, preparing for an important lesson.
Jiu Han observed them, a slight smile playing on his lips as he leaned against the podium. His gaze settled on each disciple before he spoke again.
“We’ll skip the formalities of the disciple ceremony. I’m not one for rigid traditions. Since you’ve become my disciples, there’s no need for excessive decorum. What’s important is what comes next.”
He paused, letting his words sink in.
“We’ll begin the first lesson now.”
Both Lu Ming and Lin Feng leaned forward slightly, anticipation flickering in their eyes. Jiu Han’s voice lowered, steady and thoughtful as he continued.
“I’ve observed your temperament assessments thoroughly. I know your personalities, your strengths, and where you falter. With that in mind, I’ll lay out my approach for training each of you.”
Jiu Han turned his gaze toward Lin Feng first.
“Lin Feng, as a Lucky Child, your path is different. You are clever, adaptable, and have an uncanny ability to find opportunity where others see none. Staying within the confines of a traditional academy may stifle that potential. You need the world, its challenges, and its vast opportunities. Your true growth will come from venturing out, seeking fortune.”
Lin Feng nodded, absorbing every word. Being told that roaming the world would benefit him the most resonated with his spirit.
Jiu Han shifted his attention to Lu Ming. His eyes softened, the lines on his face deepening as he spoke.
“And you, Lu Ming, your path is far simpler.”
Lu Ming listened intently, already sensing what Jiu Han would say.
“You will stay here, by my side, and cultivate in seclusion.”
There was no need for Lu Ming to roam. The clarity of his path brought a hint of relief to his expression, a slight nod of approval from him.
“But…” Jiu Han’s voice sharpened, and the weight of his gaze returned. “While this is my plan for each of you, it may not align with what you truly want.”
He paused for a moment, his words deliberate.
“So tell me, are you satisfied with my approach? And more importantly, what do you want to learn from me?”
Lu Ming, ever direct, raised his hand like a student seeking permission. “Teacher, what exactly can you teach us?”
A proud smile tugged at the corner of Jiu Han’s mouth. “Anything,” he replied, his voice steady, filled with the confidence of a man who had seen the peaks of power.
“I can teach you any cultivation technique, any secret skill, anything you need to grow stronger. Whatever you wish to learn, I can guide you.”
His words hung in the air like a promise.
Lu Ming and Lin Feng sat in silence, contemplating the vastness of what lay before them. After a few moments, Lin Feng broke the silence.
“Teacher, I don’t wish to venture out just yet,” Lin Feng said, his tone measured, thoughtful.
Jiu Han nodded once, acknowledging his decision.
“What I wish to learn,” Lin Feng continued, “is the path of Array Formations.”
Another nod from Jiu Han. “Array Formations it is,” he said, his tone approving.
There was wisdom in Lin Feng’s decision. Array Formations were intricate and powerful, and mastery would greatly benefit him when the time came to step outside the academy.
With Lin Feng’s desires made clear, Jiu Han turned to Lu Ming.
“And you, Lu Ming? What do you wish to learn?”
Lu Ming didn’t rush his answer. After a moment of thought, he asked, “Teacher, may I first seek your guidance on a few doubts I have?”
“Of course,” Jiu Han responded, his tone encouraging.
“The only way to ascend to the Divine Realm is through the Heavenly Ascension Stairs, correct?”
Jiu Han nodded. “Yes, that’s the only path.”
“Then the only ones who can stand against Divine Realm beings are other Divine Realm experts, correct?”
For a moment, Jiu Han was silent. He weighed the question carefully.
“Yes and no,” he said finally. “A Divine Realm expert does indeed overpower Ancient and quasi-Divine realms. However, there have been rare cases of non-Divine beings defeating those in the Divine Realm.”
Lu Ming leaned forward slightly. “Did they use trickery?”
“No,” Jiu Han said. “They won in direct combat.”
His words carried the weight of something unusual, something far outside the norm. His gaze sharpened as he regarded Lu Ming. “Is this what you wish to learn?”
Lu Ming nodded. “Yes, Teacher. Can you teach me?”
Jiu Han’s expression grew more solemn, his voice steady. “I can… but you must understand that defeating a God without reaching the Divine Realm comes at a steep cost. The sacrifice is far greater than ascending the Heavenly Stairs. It’s a path few choose because it’s one of hardship. Are you willing?”
Lu Ming’s response was immediate and firm. “I’m willing.”
Jiu Han studied him for a long moment before he spoke again. “Very well.”
The decision was made, the path chosen. And Jiu Han could see in Lu Ming’s eyes the resolve that wouldn’t waver.
“We’ll stay here for the morning,” Jiu Han said, his voice gentler now. “This afternoon, we begin the real lessons.”
Both disciples nodded.
Again, the space around them shifted, the subtle power of spatial manipulation transporting them to another part of the tower. When their vision cleared, they stood in a serene garden, the air fragrant with the scent of flowers.
Two young boys approached, greeting them with a bow. “Greetings, Senior Brothers.”
Lin Feng arched an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “And who are you?”
One of the boys grinned. “We were once stubborn stones in the mountains, but Teacher transformed us into spirits. Now, we serve by his side.”
The other boy added, “Teacher has arranged for both of you to stay here and await his instruction. If you need anything—food, cultivation resources—just let us know.”
With that, the boys positioned themselves beside Lu Ming and Lin Feng, ready to assist.
Lin Feng turned to Lu Ming, offering a small bow. “Junior Brother, I’ll see you this afternoon.”
Lu Ming returned the bow. “See you then.”
With that, they parted ways.
“My name is Lu Ming,” he said as he walked alongside the boy assigned to him.
The boy smiled. “My name is Yan, Senior Brother. Just call me Yan.”
Yan was a lively spirit, his eyes bright with mischief despite his youthful appearance. He seemed eager to serve, guiding Lu Ming through the gardens until they arrived at a modest yet elegant courtyard.
“This will be your residence, Senior Brother,” Yan said. “I’ll be here to attend to your needs.”
Lu Ming looked around, appreciating the serenity of the place. “Thank you, Yan,” he said, smiling warmly.
End of Chapter 311