Lin Shiming was utterly horrified at this moment, his mind a complete mess.

The San Ye Hermit''s gaze was piercing, a profound and mysterious Purple Mansion aura emerged unintentionally.

It was like ten great mountains pressing down upon him.

Continuously assaulting his inner defenses.

Under such an aura, his breathing quickened, and a flush appeared on his face.

He was certain that if his answer carried even a hint of doubt or any other emotion, the San Ye Hermit would definitely take action against him, if not soul searching, then using an Inquiry Spirit Talisman.

Even more so!

Even if his answer was perfect, there was still a possibility that the San Ye Hermit would hold him back.

Cultivators seek the truth of the Great Dao and often stop at nothing; a Purple Mansion cultivator like the San Ye Hermit would care even less about what a Foundation Establishment cultivator like Lin Shiming thought or resented.

In this tense moment, another figure appeared in the hall, with their voice preceding them:

"Ji is still looking for his little disciple, never expected to find him here, thanks to Brother San Ye for taking time out of his busy schedule to instruct my little disciple!!!"

The word "instruct" struck like Heavenly Thunder, deafening and enlightening!

Clad in purple robes, a kindly face, like an unsheathed peerless immortal sword, sharp yet full of profound meaning.

At this moment, Zi Xuan Hermit became Lin Shiming''s lifeline.

San Ye Hermit''s expression changed, growing grim and somewhat frightening; he hadn''t expected Zi Xuan Hermit to arrive so quickly.

"As for Brother San Ye''s question, Ji can answer it. My disciple naturally has a latent Wood Attribute Spiritual Body and high comprehension, communicating with the Bai Shan Spirit Tree to enlighten the Spirit Light is also not a problem!" Zi Xuan Hermit spoke again.

"I wonder if there are any more questions, the Heavenly Sword elder also enjoys resolving doubts!"

Zi Xuan Hermit spoke again, this time bringing up the Heavenly Sword True Person.No?v(el)B\\jnn

San Ye Hermit''s expression turned even uglier by a degree, casting another glance at Lin Shiming.

Lin Shiming also quickly nodded; at this moment, he had no intention of pretending. In his view, he did have a latent Wood Attribute Spiritual Body which, upon reaching the Purple Mansion, would naturally come with a Minor Divine Ability.

Of course, at this moment, he was also guessing that the foundation of his deductions might be a part of his intrinsic Spiritual Body.

Otherwise, how could it be that for all these years, the Spirit Beast Sect couldn''t discover the secret of the Bai Shan Spirit Tree?

"Haha, Brother Ji, please don''t take offense, San Ye merely saw such a Sword Dao genius for the first time and truly had the intention of taking a disciple. Since he is your beloved disciple, San Ye hereby offers his apologies!" San Ye Hermit bowed repeatedly.

"Good, good! Good!"

"Not bad!" The Zi Xuan Hermit uttered three ''goods'' in succession, followed by ''not bad'', with an extremely broad smile.

"Shiming, when I first took you as my disciple, it was partly because of your family''s honorable ancestor, and partly because your seventh great-uncle implored bitterly. But it was precisely that decision which has resulted in the fine jade you are today!"

"Do you wish to take me as your Master and join the sect for cultivation? Not only can you choose any Cultivation Technique freely, but I will also protect the Lin Family for fifty years! With your Spiritual Body and talent, reaching Golden Core is indeed possible in the foreseeable future!"

Lin Shiming was somewhat stunned this time; he had not expected the Zi Xuan Hermit to consider taking him as a Direct Disciple.

"Thank you for your kind intentions, Master, but Shiming has been under the family''s protection since childhood and has already taken on the role of Family Head. Moreover, I have pledged an oath before the ancestral spirit to bring glory to the family, so this matter..." After finishing his response, Lin Shiming deeply bowed his head.

"Your answer is really no different from Xianzhi!" the Zi Xuan Hermit said with a flick of his sleeve, showing some dissatisfaction before taking another sip of Spiritual Tea.

"Since the first option is not feasible, I won''t keep anything from you. You should be aware of Xianzhi''s affair, right? He retrieved the Soul Summoning Sword from the Myriad Swords Tomb, not only obtaining a portion of the Purple Mansion Jade Liquid but also a piece of the Fourth Rank Spirit Fruit known as the Longevity Fruit, which can extend one''s life by fifty years!"

As soon as the Zi Xuan Hermit finished his words, Lin Shiming was instantly shocked.

His eyes also sparkled with light.

The shock was because of the Zi Xuan Hermit''s forthrightness.

At the same time, if he had been hesitant about entering the Profound Grade Secret Realm before, he was now resolute.

They still had the recipe for Purple Mansion Jade Liquid, but the latter, the Longevity Fruit, could prolong his seventh great-uncle''s life, aiding him in hopeful advancement to the Purple Mansion.

Of course, he was also clear on what the Soul Summoning Sword signified.

With the System prompts available, he was confident in making the right decision.

"Thank you, Master!" Lin Shiming bowed once again.

"Whether or not you accept, I shall protect the Lin Family for fifty years," said the Zi Xuan Hermit, nodding as Lin Shiming showed no intent to refuse.

"If there''s nothing else, you may leave; they must be anxious by now!"

"Yes, Master!" Lin Shiming bowed once more.

"Ah, right, here''s the remaining bit of Spiritual Tea; take it with you as well!"

Lin Shiming was overjoyed, he had not expected the Zi Xuan Hermit to give him the small remaining portion of the Fourth Rank Purple Cloud Tea.

To the Purple Mansion Loose, these teas might be of lesser value, but to Lin Shiming, this Spiritual Tea could save him years of arduous cultivation.

Lin Shiming solemnly placed the Jade Box filled with Spiritual Tea away, then exited the cave abode!