C10 Taking Advantage of Your Mistake I Want Your Life

As Dust Taoist's disciple, the Second Prince couldn't simply ignore the situation.

Dust Taoist himself couldn't afford to disregard the issue, his face etched with tension.

It was common knowledge within the Star Cloud Sect that Bai Yu was favored by the Grand Upper Elder, and the Second Prince's behavior was quite embarrassing.

He confined the Second Prince to the courtyard for self-reflection, then proceeded to Bai Yu's dwelling.

Bai Yu was completely unharmed, so there was no question of injury.

Upon seeing Dust Taoist enter, Bai Yu mistakenly thought he had come to seek recompense for the Second Prince.

"Please don't be mistaken; I am here to apologize for the actions of my wayward disciple."

Entering the courtyard, Dust Taoist humbled himself, offering a slight bow to Bai Yu.

He was there to extend an apology on behalf of the Grand Upper Elder.

Moreover, Dust Taoist was well aware that Bai Yu hadn't yet accepted the Grand Upper Elder's offer, indicating there was still an opportunity.

Bai Yu understood the implication of Dust Taoist's apology but remained silent, sitting on a stone bench with his eyes slightly closed.

"My disciple has indeed committed many wrongs, and I hope you can forgive him."

Bai Yu saw no reason to turn down such an opportunity.

"Dust Taoist, I have a request. Do you think you could fulfill it?"

He was more than willing for Bai Yu to make a request, nodding eagerly like a pecking chicken.

"Ha! Whatever your request, just state it, and I shall fulfill it."

Pointing towards the base of the mountain, he said, "It's been a while since I've had meat. I wonder..."

"Let's arrange it immediately; follow me down the mountain."

They had only just joined the Star Cloud Sect; they couldn't expect to live as if on holiday.

Bai Yu possessed a golden Root, naturally affording him extra privileges.

The two made their way to the mountain gate, with numerous Star Cloud Sect disciples emerging from the sides.

"Halt."

Their duty was to prevent any disciples from escaping, yet they hadn't anticipated Dust Taoist leading the way ahead.

As long as an elder was present, disciples of the Star Cloud Sect could come and go freely.

"You all carry on; we'll return within three hours at most."

With a gesture from Bai Yu, the two made their way to the small town nestled at the mountain's base.

Despite it being the hour to close the gates, the tavern's lights shone brilliantly.

Inside, many patrons were savoring wine, drawing Bai Yu's gaze.

"Once we descend the mountain, we can only partake in meat; wine is strictly off-limits."

Unless there were exceptional circumstances, they were forbidden from drinking alcohol, and that included Elder Zhang.

Bai Yu was intent on dealing with the Dust Taoist and had no interest in wine.

"Landlord, serve us all of your signature meat dishes."

The Dust Taoist kept a watchful eye on Bai Yu, noticing an air of the martial world about him.

"I've brought you here; perhaps now we can discuss the matter of apprenticeship."

The Second Prince had been soundly defeated by Bai Yu, his loss a decisive one.

Bai Yu glanced at the Dust Taoist: "I've already requested permission from the Grand Upper Elder to remain solely within the sect."

Had he not been searching for that individual, he would have left long ago; there was no way he would have stayed for such an extended period.

After careful consideration, Bai Yu pondered whether to inquire about Chen Daoran.

Surely, the Grand Upper Elder wasn't the only one in the sect who knew of this person; other elders might also have the opportunity.

The Dust Taoist sensed Bai Yu's hesitance and encouraged him to voice any questions he had.

"I've been with the Star Cloud Sect for over a decade. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask."

Bai Yu thought it over but ultimately held back.

He was uncertain of Chen Daoran's identity and whether asking would create enemies within the Star Cloud Sect.

If the Dust Taoist before him had a hostile relationship with Chen Daoran, Bai Yu could be dragged into the quagmire.

In the entire Star Cloud Sect, Bai Yu trusted only one person: the Grand Upper Elder, who was wholeheartedly devoted to the sect.

In no time, the dishes were served on the table.

"Would you like to order some fine wine? Our selection is sure to meet your standards."

Dust Taoist shook his head, halting the shopkeeper's words.

"Bring us a few bowls of rice, please."

Wine undoubtedly yielded the highest profit. The shopkeeper's expression soured upon realizing they weren't ordering any.

Picking up his chopsticks, he declared, "Dust Taoist, I'll dig in without further ado."

Before Dust Taoist could reply, Bai Yu had already begun to feast heartily.

Cultivators typically showed little interest in worldly meals; Dust Taoist certainly lacked an appetite.

Had Bai Yu not descended the mountain, Dust Taoist would have remained within the confines of the Star Cloud Sect.

"You see... I take you down the mountain weekly for a lavish meal. Might you... consider taking me as your master?"

Dust Taoist's voice waned with each word, aware of Bai Yu's principled nature.

Bai Yu set down his chopsticks and responded, "I'm aware of the elder's kindness towards me, yet I truly have no desire to take a master."

The possessor of the golden Root was a prime candidate for the next Sect Master. Watching a promising talent slip away was understandably disheartening.

In under half an hour, a table full of signature dishes had been devoured, leaving behind only a trace of soup.

Dust Taoist hadn't even lifted his chopsticks; Bai Yu had single-handedly polished off the meal.

"Is our sect's food truly so unpalatable?"

Staring at the remnants on the table, Dust Taoist found it odd.

He had dined at the Star Cloud Sect for decades without ever finding fault with the fare.

He gestured towards the shopkeeper, expressing his gratitude, "Much appreciated, Dust Taoist."

Approaching the shopkeeper, Dust Taoist was astonished to find the meal cost three taels of silver.

For ordinary families, earning a single tael in a year was the norm; several taels were a fortune.

The bill paid, his money pouch was left deflated, years of savings gone in an instant.

If his objective wasn't met, Dust Taoist would have suffered a double loss.

He caught up with Bai Yu, intent on revisiting the topic of discipleship.

In previous years, the Second Prince's resilience would have been considered exceptionally strong.

But this year, with the emergence of extraordinary figures like Ouchen Mingyue and Bai Yu, and the favor of the Grand Upper Elder, the competition was fierce.

"If you're declining because of the Grand Upper Elder, I can personally approach him to clarify the situation," Dust Taoist offered.

Bai Yu, hearing the persistent efforts of Dust Taoist, let out a light laugh.

"Let's head back to the sect."

Silence often speaks volumes, and Bai Yu didn't want to delay Dust Taoist any further.

Besides, Bai Yu already had dealings with the Second Prince, and the two had never seen eye to eye.

Dust Taoist watched Bai Yu depart the town, dumbfounded.

Shivering, he pulled out his money pouch from beneath his clothes, only to find a few copper coins remaining.

"Did I ask you to come down from the mountain just to make an apology? My money is gone!"

Muttering his complaints to no one in particular, Dust Taoist hurried after Bai Yu.

When he caught up, he resumed his dignified demeanor.

They followed the path they had descended earlier, making their way toward the Star Cloud Sect.

Having been turned down by Bai Yu multiple times, Dust Taoist had no choice but to let go. His sole task now was to escort Bai Yu back to their sect.