Shen Ru, possessing a sharp intellect, grasped the situation entirely. For the sake of her family, she resolved to accept the offer of discipleship.
"This disciple greets Dao Master," she said, cupping her fist in a manner reminiscent of traditional dramas. She hesitated, unsure whether to kowtow.
Elder Cang smiled approvingly. "There's no need to kowtow for now. We can hold a proper ceremony once you're settled in."
"Here... take this enchanted weapon as your first gift from your master," he said, presenting her with a shiny sword from his waist.
As Shen Ru accepted the gift, she held the sword by hilt, feeling its sharpness and sturdiness, recognizing its quality.
"Thank you, Master," she replied sincerely. Regardless of his temperament, Elder Cang's kindness in providing shelter, protection, and such a precious gift did not go unnoticed; it was clear this was no ordinary weapon.
Shen Ren and the others observed the unfolding scene with intrigue, the moment evoking memories of ancient times.
Shen Ren felt slightly reassured by the old man's demeanor, which eased some of his suspicions.
Shen Ru awkwardly attempted to wield the enchanted sword, eliciting laughter from Elder Cang.
"Haha... Disciple, you'll need considerable training and should learn some cultivation arts and manuals to wield that sword effectively."
"Uh... yes..." Shen Ru replied, a touch embarrassed as she sheathed the sword. The terms "cultivation arts" and "cultivation manuals" echoed in her mind. She was already familiar with their importance and knew her brother would require them to advance on his own path.
"Master, my brother is also a new cultivator like me. Would you consider accepting him as your disciple as well?" she asked, her eyes filled with a pleading look.
"Hm... Your brother?" The old man raised an eyebrow, directing his scrutinizing gaze at Shen Ren. He was already well assessed of Shen Ren's ordinary talent, noting that there was nothing particularly exceptional about him.
He turned to Shen Ru with an apologetic expression, conveying his regret without words.
"Disciple, your master is currently overwhelmed with the numerous responsibilities of the sect, so it is simply not feasible for me to take on anyone else at this moment," the old man stated, firmly declining her request and offering a rather flimsy excuse. There was no hint of shame in his demeanor as he did so.
Shen Ru let out a soft sigh, her disappointment evident. "I understand..."
Shen Ren, seeking to comfort her, offered a warm smile. "It's perfectly fine, Xiao Mei. It's already a significant honor for you to have been accepted as Elder Cang's disciple. You really shouldn't be concerned about my situation.
"Moreover, there will likely be recruitment opportunities for ordinary disciples like us in the near future, isn't that right, Elder?" Shen Ren inquired, turning to Elder Cang with a curious expression.
Elder Cang regarded the young man with surprise, impressed by his sharpness and insight. However, he lamented the fact that Shen Ren seemed to lack any exceptional talent. To the elder, it appeared as though Shen Ren was shrouded in mystery, presenting himself as just another ordinary individual.
"Yes, you are quite perceptive, young man! However, gaining admission won't be an easy feat," Elder Cang acknowledged. "Nonetheless, I will try to make an exception just for you. You have your sister to thank for that," he added with a warm smile. "Just make sure to arrive on time."
Shen Ru felt a wave of relief wash over her and began to introduce the rest of her family.
"El... No, Master, this is my father and mother, and that's my aunt, Shen Lin," she said, gesturing toward her family members, who had seemed invisible to the elder until now.
Only then did Elder Cang focus his attention on them.
"Greetings, Elder. My name is Shen Ruanzhi, and this is my wife, Rong Hua," Shen Ruanzhi said, along with Rong Hua, as they respectfully cupped their fists in gratitude for the shelter provided. Shen Lin, holding Shen Xinyi in her arms, merely nodded in acknowledgment, appearing less enthusiastic. To her, the practicalities of the situation mattered most.
"Ho ho... So, you two are the parents of this brilliant daughter of yours. That's truly remarkable!" Elder Cang exclaimed, his hearty smile illuminating his face.
"You should consider yourselves fortunate, you know. I have no doubt that Shen Ru will become an exceptional individual one day." he said stroking his long beard.
Shen Ruanzhi and Rong Hua smiled in response. "Yes, Elder. We are indeed blessed to have both of them as our children," they said, gazing at their offspring with love, not favoring one over the other based on the foreign concept of talent that had been discussed.
Their love for both children was unwavering—past, present, and future.
Shen Ren smiled unknowingly, feeling that the greatest blessing was having his family by his side, safe and sound.
He understood that to ensure their continued well-being, he needed to work hard. He could not rely solely on his sister to shoulder the burden alone.
He resolved to make the most of his physique and strive for improvement.
"Let's go, disciple. I will show you around and ensure your family is settled within our sect," Elder Cang declared, his voice filled with authority. With a mere wave of his hand, the Shen family members suddenly found themselves lifted into the air, to everyone's astonishment.
They floated effortlessly behind Elder Cang, as if an invisible force was guiding them through the skies. Though they had no control over their movement, the energy that enveloped them kept them steady as they glided above the ground.
"Oh, heavens!" someone gasped in awe as they soared above the Shelter Zone, passing by ancient buildings with rooftops that exuded a timeless elegance.
Shen Ren's eyes widened in amazement. He could sense the profound Spiritual Qi Elder Cang was using to accomplish such a feat. How much Qi did it take to transport so many people through the air?
With his own meager store of 10 units of Qi, the idea of attempting something similar seemed impossible—utterly beyond his reach.
How did they accumulate so much Qi? Shen Ren wondered. It's only been a few hours since the Heavenly Awakening... or had they begun cultivating long beforehand?
The realization struck him like a bolt of lightning. The sheer gap in power was undeniable, and he could feel the path ahead growing ever more daunting.