Chapter 54: Direct Disciple
The castle of the Jax family was enormous, yet nearly everyone within it knew that the "Qing Yuan," which occupied almost a third of the castle's grounds, was a forbidden zone.
That was because it was McConaughey's residence. Besides McConaughey and his wife, only his three attendants and his disciple could enter freely. Usually, even the family head or his sons had to announce themselves to gain entry.
Qing Yuan was vast, with trees and flowers covering most of its area, and all the buildings inside were simple, single-story dwellings. Even so, it could easily accommodate a hundred people.
Lin Lei and his group were invited into Qing Yuan.
A graceful, fair-haired woman in her thirties led the way for Lin Lei and the others, helping them get settled into their quarters.
"Bilisi, prepare a banquet following the menu from when Hedesen last visited," McConaughey instructed the fair-haired woman.
"Yes, my lord."
The woman was inwardly surprised. McConaughey's receptions were graded by status. This was the highest level, typically reserved for welcoming Saint-level powerhouses. "Could this young man already be a Saint?" Bilisi glanced at Lin Lei, silently speculating.
McConaughey smiled at Lin Lei. "Lin Lei, although you've been in my Northwest Province for some time, I doubt you've truly tasted its finest delicacies."
"True delicacies?" Lin Lei raised an eyebrow.
While staying at inns, Lin Lei had always ordered the most famous, high-end dishes. At his level, money was no longer a concern.
"Of course. All the great delicacies of the Northwest Province can be found in the provincial capital. But certain restaurants or guilds might only offer a particular dish once a week. The most exquisite foods aren't something just any rich person can buy," McConaughey said with pride.
Aside from cultivation, McConaughey's greatest pleasure in life was fine food. He had even said that life without good food was tasteless.
"Then I must have a good taste today," Lin Lei said with a smile.
Right now, only Lin Lei, McConaughey, and Bei Bei, perched on Lin Lei's shoulder, were in the living room. The five Buk brothers and the others were resting in their quarters.
"Hmm?" McConaughey noticed the shadow mouse on Lin Lei's shoulder and looked slightly surprised. "Lin Lei, I have a feeling your magical beast isn't ordinary, but it's a black shadow mouse... This is strange." The black shadow mouse was a very low-level magical beast, but McConaughey assumed someone of Lin Lei's stature wouldn't possess such a weak companion.
Bei Bei had stepped into the Saint Realm. But he was currently suppressing all his power completely. If a Saint suppressed their aura, others—even other Saints—wouldn't sense it unless they were far more powerful.
"Bei Bei is a peak Tier 9 beast," Lin Lei explained.
Bei Bei, still on Lin Lei's shoulder, bared his teeth at McConaughey with a look of disdain. In Lin Lei's plans, this Saint-level beast was one of his most hidden trump cards. Bei Bei was terrifying even before reaching the Saint Realm. Now that he had, unless Lin Lei employed the "Mysteries of the Earth," he would be completely outmatched. However, among Saints, how many could match the sheer weirdness of Lin Lei's "Mysteries of the Earth" attack? Ordinary Saints were simply no match for Bei Bei.
"A peak Tier 9 black shadow mouse?" McConaughey remained astonished.
"Let's not dwell on that. McConaughey, I'm planning to head to the imperial capital in a few days. When do you think we should schedule our exchange?" Lin Lei asked.
"Leaving so soon?" McConaughey looked disappointed. "I was hoping we could spend more time together, Brother Lin Lei. Training together would accelerate our progress. But if you have business in the capital... Alright, how about three days from now, we have our exchange on that small barren hill outside the city?"
"That works," Lin Lei agreed with a nod.
"Come, let me show you my training ground," McConaughey said enthusiastically. Lin Lei followed him to take a look.
xxxxx
While Lin Lei was enjoying McConaughey's hospitality in the Northwest Province, Wotton, with Nina, had already left the imperial capital and was heading towards the Martial God's Gate's headquarters in the outskirts.
The Martial God's Gate was built atop a high mountain, which people called "Martial God Mountain."
"It's been over two hundred years since the Martial God last accepted a direct disciple. A few years ago, that genius Sword Saint, Olivia, turned down the Martial God's invitation. Who would have thought he'd be taking one now?"
"A direct disciple! If I could become one, even for a single day, I'd die happy."
The official roads outside the capital were bustling with people, all talking amongst themselves. The Martial God's Gate accepting registered disciples was already a major event. Accepting a direct disciple was a heaven-reaching event, its importance no less than an emperor's succession.
After all, in over five thousand years, the Martial God "O'Brien" had accepted only a few dozen direct disciples. Many of those were long gone.
The Empire's emperors? They had changed over a hundred times in five thousand years.
Though the people considered this a matter of utmost importance, the Martial God's Gate kept the selection of a direct disciple simple, merely making a public announcement at a specific time.
The public announcement was set for noon today. Early that morning, a massive crowd had gathered towards Martial God Mountain, and Wotton and Nina naturally went to witness the grand occasion.
Inside the carriage.
"Big guy, who do you think will become the Martial God's disciple?" Nina asked. Even in the eyes of an imperial princess, the Martial God was a supremely elevated, unattainable existence. Nina had never seen the Martial God in her life.
Forget Nina; even the current emperor, "Jolan," had never seen the Martial God. Yet, a direct disciple of the Martial God had the privilege of an audience. Such was their lofty status. It was only natural that everyone was amazed and admired Olivia's genius when he refused the chance to become the Martial God's disciple.