Chapter 446: The Broad Road to Success?

"Ah?"

Yue Qianchi couldn't comprehend Chen Huaian's thoughts.

She didn't understand why he wanted to take in a monkey as a disciple.

Nor did she understand why the monkey had to kneel outside.

But since the Patriarch decided it, there must be a reason~

She could only bury her doubts and turn to deliver the message.

Chen Huaian returned to his cave dwelling in high spirits, as happiness makes people radiant. Lifting his gaze, he saw Li Qingran sitting properly on the bamboo couch - the young woman had clearly overcome her earlier shyness, her aloof demeanor now exuding an aura that could purify worldly desires.

"Elder Chen, what has you so pleased? Share it with this Sect Master," Li Qingran said in full authoritative mode, her tone carrying an undeniable force.

"This venerable one plans to take a disciple! And this disciple... is a monkey!"

Li Qingran's expression changed: "Male or female? Wait... Master, didn't you say I was your final disciple?" Her sect leader's imposing gaze vanished, replaced by a pitiful look as if confronting a heartless man.

"Your master naturally remembers," Chen Huaian coughed lightly. "What I mean is accepting it into the sect as a nominal disciple. I'll only fulfill teaching responsibilities without formally acknowledging it as my disciple."

Unmoved, Li Qingran persisted: "Male or female?"

"Neither."

"Neither? Is it hermaphroditic?!" Her gaze at Chen Huaian grew complicated.

"What nonsense!" Chen Huaian flicked her forehead. "It's a monkey!"

"Has Master sunk to preying on monkeys now..."

Chen Huaian nearly fainted. "Who taught you these words?"

"Lin Lingling."

Chen Huaian's fists clenched tightly.

Zhao Ying taught proper things to those seeking improvement.

But Lin Lingling seemed to have a death wish.

"Don't learn strange phrases from that girl Lin Lingling - it's bad for your development."

Li Qingran tilted her head, confused: "Why bad for development?"

"Tsk, if you want to develop like Yue Qianchi, just listen to your master." Chen Huaian said with absolute certainty.

Remembering Yue Qianchi's excessively developed physique that made female cultivators green with envy, Li Qingran nodded solemnly.

"Your master has matters to attend to and must leave now."

Checking the time, Chen Huaian estimated he wasn't far from Kunlun Immortal Palace. Before departing, he instructed: "Tell sect disciples not to gawk at that monkey kneeling outside our mountain gates. Since it seeks entry, it must endure trials. Sincerity will determine whether it stays - no affinity means no place here!" ŗâŊò𝔟ЕＳ

"But Master, it's just an ordinary spirit beast. What if it starves?"

"Well..." Chen Huaian hesitated. "Have disciples bring it some fruit daily - but don't make it obvious."

Originally he wanted to recreate the exact scenario.

But this monkey wasn't the stone monkey born from Nuwa's stone - he couldn't demand too much.

...

Kunlun Immortal Palace.

"Governor Chen Huaian of C Province's Exorcist Division?"

Hua Jin observed the man kneeling beside Wang Shouyi below, her eyes flashing with admiration.

So handsome!

Despite countless reincarnations and vast experience, she'd never encountered such a strikingly handsome man.

Even without skills, keeping him around for menial tasks would be pleasing to the eye.

"This junior Chen Huaian pays respects to Your Eminence."

Chen Huaian awkwardly cupped his hands.

Accustomed to being the revered ancestor receiving bows, reciprocating felt unnatural.

"Excellent, truly a fine figure."

Hua Jin was thoroughly satisfied.

Chen Huaian appeared completely honest.

And being recommended by her prized disciple Wang Shouyi added favorable bias.

"Honored by Your Eminence's regard, this junior prepared modest gifts, hoping they won't displease." Chen Huaan presented a box to Wang Shouyi to deliver.

Hua Jin recognized the contents as pills upon receipt.

Opening it revealed unique elixirs undocumented in ancient texts yet crafted from Earth Star's materials - proving Chen Huaian possessed completely different alchemical formulas.

"True essence restoration... limb regeneration... mental calmness... and beauty preservation pills?"

"Your Eminence has keen discernment," Chen Huaian flattered. "You instantly identified all four pills' effects."

"Her Eminence excels not just in combat and formations, but alchemy as well. All Kunlun's alchemy elders were personally instructed by her before teaching disciples," Wang Shouyi smiled proudly at Chen Huaian's praise.

Chen Huaian maintained composure.

Internally, he scoffed.

Could Kunlun's pathetic pills even qualify as alchemy? Compared to Cangyun Realm's refined methods, it was like comparing Stone Age to Iron Age.

"Specialization matters - alchemy belongs to experts." Hua Jin seemed immune to disciples' flattery, stating coolly:

"Governor Chen's presence indicates willingness to become Kunlun's Honorary Elder. Hearing you value freedom, you'll only need to teach alchemy here monthly.

Additionally, you may only provide pills to Kunlun and your Exorcist Division - we'll compensate with materials. Without my permission, no pills may go to other factions like Great Thunder Temple.

Can you comply?"

Chen Huaian pondered each word carefully.

Monthly undercover missions were acceptable.

Low exposure risk while thoroughly investigating Kunlun's secrets.

Even as Honorary Elder, he'd gain access to restricted areas.

No material costs for alchemy plus payment?

The material quantities requested could easily conceal personal gains.

At least Her Eminence showed sincerity.

Having decided, he bowed: "This junior has no objections."

"Excellent!" Delighted, Hua Jin gestured.

Two disciples emerged from behind a screen bearing silver trays - one held a white jade-gilded alchemy furnace, the other a spatial ring, folded robes, and a token.

"Your monthly spirit jade allotment. Current deposits remain unmined, so only fragments are available. When Kunlun secures jade mines, quotas will increase.

The furnace is from my treasury, robes are elder uniforms, and the token needs no explanation."

Hua Jin introduced each item, then smiled radiantly despite her veil, exuding brilliance and pride.

"Welcome Elder Chen to Kunlun Immortal Palace! You've chosen the right path!"

"The broad road leading to ascension!"