Ming Mei smiled, brushing off Lu Sheng's peculiar made-up words as typical genius behavior. "Here, take this," she offered, presenting the spatial ring given by Physician Hong, their master and teacher.
"This contains the Eternal Life Core Elixir Method. Our master, Physician Hong, created this method. Initially, only the master, senior sister, and I cultivated it, but now you can too." Lu Sheng accepted the spatial ring with a mix of excitement and shock. He hadn't even mentioned wanting this method to Ming Mei, yet here it was, presented to him.
"Wait, senior sister?" This is the first time he has heard of a Senior Sister.
"Yes, we have a senior sister." Ming Mei answered in a somber tone. "I will tell you more about it later, but now, we are getting later for training. Come."
Lu Sheng hesitated. "Wait! I… I'd rather not go today." Shame burned in his cheeks. He couldn't face everyone looking at his current, ridiculously red form.
"Ah, I see..." Ming Mei's amusement bubbled over into a stifled giggle. "Do not worry, for today or as long as you do not get normal, you can train alone. Let's go. I would have to show you our Martial Pavilion too."
Hearing this, Lu Sheng's eyes lit up. "Let's go." He then asked Tu Peng and Tu Rong too. "What's wrong?" He saw they both did not have any enthusiasm in their eyes.
"The Martial Pavilion is for us only," Ming Mei informed. She was kind of surprised to see Lu Sheng so willing to share his opportunity with others. This was again the oblivious trait of him, not knowing that not everyone gets such opportunities out of the blue, and such opportunities should not be shared with anyone on a whim.
She wanted to share this teaching, but she felt she had already delivered a lesson a few moments ago, so another one would not be appropriate. Seeing Senior Sister Ming Mei refraining from meddling between them, Tu Peng quickly spoke. "Thanks for the invite, Senior Brother, but only you have been given permission. It would be an offense if we take advantage of it."
"Take advantage? What are you talking about? Let's go, stop saying stupid things," Lu Sheng insisted, grabbing Tu Peng and Tu Rong's hands. Tu Peng complied, but Tu Rong remained hesitant.
"What's wrong?" Lu Sheng knelt down to her level, searching her eyes for an answer. He sensed fear there.
Tu Peng approached and bowed. "Thank you, Senior Brother, for considering us, but the permission is for you only."
Lu Sheng understood the unspoken rules of the hierarchy in this world. Different ranks of disciples held varying privileges and responsibilities. As the newest senior disciple with a higher status, he couldn't share certain opportunities with Tu Peng and Tu Rong. It was simply how things worked here.
He rose to his feet, a question clear in his eyes as he turned to Ming Mei. "What about this?" he gestured towards the spatial ring. "Can't I share this either?"
Ming Mei found herself caught in a bind. Lu Sheng's displeasure at the distinction made between him and the Tu siblings was evident. Ideally, she would explain that their Master's personal method, the Eternal Life Core Elixir, could not be shared with others without his permission, not even fellow disciples. However, a steely glint in Lu Sheng's eyes told her that revealing this truth might lead to him returning the ring. Unfortunately, Ming Mei desperately needed his assistance with the Eternal Life Core Elixir.
A flurry of plans formed in Ming Mei's mind. While the method was technically restricted, she was confident Master wouldn't object if Lu Sheng demonstrated exceptional potential with the Eternal Life Core Elixir. However, a flicker of unease regarding the Tu siblings crossed her mind. Perhaps keeping a closer eye on them wouldn't hurt.
With a calculated smile, Ming Mei addressed Lu Sheng's concern. "No, it's yours now," she said, shifting the focus to the importance of responsibility rather than the restrictions of hierarchy. "But only share it when you're absolutely sure of its merits and demerits. If something happens to your junior, it'll be your responsibility too."
"Like my red skin?" He delivered a playful jab.
Ming Mei narrowed her eyes and pouted. Turns out this junior brother was not displeased at all, he was just teasing her. But his words struck a chord—the fault of his skin turning red did indeed lie on her shoulders as well.
Seeing the tension in the air vanish with one playful word from his Senior Brother, Tu Peng's view of him improved even more. "Today's breakfast was very delicious. I will return for lunch," Lu Sheng declared and left the kitchen with Ming Mei. Tu Peng smiled and bowed in return.
Lu Sheng followed Ming Mei as they made their way towards the Martial Pavilion, he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement building within him.
Entering the Martial Pavilion, Lu Sheng's eyes widened in awe at the sight before him. Rows of training dummies lined the spacious hall, filled with weapons, armor, and various contraptions of the Martial path. Ming Mei led him to a secluded corner, away from the main training area.
"Here we are," she said, gesturing to the empty room before them. "This will be your training area for now. Take your time to familiarize yourself with the Eternal Life Core Elixir Method or any Martial Methods or Arts."
She gestured towards the stairs leading downstairs. "This path leads to the repository of various Martial Methods and Arts gifted to the Master. You can pick anything…" She noticed Lu Sheng's eyes which were already lit at the sight of the Martial Pavilion, started shining like a bandit the moment she mentioned the depository, it looked like he couldn't wait to plunder the treasures below. "...as long as you cross the threshold of Foundation Establishment Realm, Okay?"
Lu Sheng's shining eyes dimmed for a moment, but his enthusiasm remained shining as he entered the room, eager to begin cultivating. Ming Mei smiled, deciding to let him enjoy the moment for a while before instructing further instructions.