107: Chapter 107 The Fifth Life, The Blazing Sun Illuminates the Martial Path (Fifty-Five)

Before Chu Shi could ponder further, Peak Master Lieyang on the main seat already spoke with a smile, introducing him to the elderly man in green robes and the beautiful woman in an ice-colored dress beside him:

"My two old friends, this is the personal disciple I selected not long ago, Chu Shi. Shi'er possesses outstanding talent and a steady disposition; he is a rare martial arts prodigy with a promising future."

His words made no attempt to conceal his satisfaction and high regard for Chu Shi, and his tone was filled with pride.

After introducing Chu Shi, Peak Master Lieyang turned to look at him and solemnly introduced the two guests beside him:

"Shi'er, come over and greet these two elders. This is the Managing Elder of the Four Seasons Holy Land, Elder Mo. Elder Mo cultivates the Great Dao of the Four Seasons and masters the power of spring's birth. He has profound cultivation, holds a high position in the Four Seasons Holy Land, wields real power, and is also a close friend I have known for many years."

Chu Shi stepped forward as instructed and bowed respectfully to Elder Mo: "Junior Chu Shi greets Elder Mo."

Elder Mo nodded slightly. His gaze fell upon Chu Shi, sizing him up from head to toe with a calm expression before responding indifferently. There was no sense of intimacy; he was clearly of a cold and aloof nature, disliking formalities.

Immediately after, Peak Master Lieyang pointed to the beautiful woman in the ice-colored dress beside him and introduced her with a smile:

"This is the Peak Master of Xuepo Peak of the Ice and Snow Holy Land, Peak Master Xue Qinghan. She controls the Great Dao of Ice and Snow, possesses heaven-reaching cultivation, and has a clear and discerning mind. She is also an old friend of mine for many years and has come here specifically to witness your Apprenticeship Ceremony."

Chu Shi's heart skipped a beat. A Holy Land Peak Master—this was already a top-tier figure of real power within a Holy Land. He immediately became even more respectful and bowed deeply to Peak Master Xue Qinghan:

"Junior Chu Shi greets Peak Master Xue."

Unlike Elder Mo's indifference, although Peak Master Xue Qinghan appeared cold, her eyes were filled with gentle smiles and kindness when she looked at Chu Shi.

She immediately raised her hand with a smile, signaling for Chu Shi to rise, her tone gentle and amiable:

"No need for such formalities. You are indeed a man of talent and extraordinary bearing. It is no wonder you were chosen by your master; you are truly a promising youth."

Chu Shi rose, but a trace of doubt stirred in his heart. The Ice and Snow Holy Land and the Great Sun Holy Land were ice and fire, their attributes inherently contradictory, and they did not usually interact closely. Although his master and Peak Master Xue were old friends, her overly enthusiastic attitude was truly somewhat abnormal.

Moreover, this was merely an Apprenticeship Ceremony, and he was not his master's only personal disciple; for a Holy Land Peak Master to come in person...

He glanced calmly at his master, who was smiling broadly on the main seat, and muttered to himself:

Could it be that these two have some unknown past? Otherwise, why would a Peak Master from the Ice and Snow Holy Land be so enthusiastic toward his master's disciple?

However, despite his doubts, Chu Shi dared not show anything on his face. He maintained his respectful and steady demeanor, standing in the great hall with his hands hanging down, waiting for instructions.

On the main seat, Peak Master Lieyang chatted a few more times with his two old friends, Elder Mo and Peak Master Xue Qinghan. Their conversation revolved around the recent situations of the major Holy Lands and martial arts cultivation, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

After chatting for a while, Peak Master Lieyang turned to look at Chu Shi and asked in a gentle tone:

"Shi'er, how has your cultivation progressed during this period of seclusion? Have you made any advancements in your techniques and arts?"

Chu Shi immediately bowed and replied respectfully, neither humble nor arrogant:

"Replying to Master, during this seclusion, I have focused on my cultivation and achieved some small success. The Blazing Sun Body Casting Method is already proficient, and the Great Sun Vajra Body has reached the initial entry level, with my physical body tempered. I have also initially mastered the first two stances of the Blazing Sun Fist Seal you taught me; only the Mind-Focusing Technique has progressed slowly and still requires time to hone."

He did not exaggerate, simply reporting the results of his seclusion truthfully. Upon hearing this, the smile in Peak Master Lieyang's eyes deepened, and he nodded with satisfaction.

Chu Shi's speed of cultivation far exceeded his expectations. To have such results in just twenty-four days was enough to prove his talent and disposition. He immediately praised him:

"Good, very good. Cultivation is a gradual process; to have such progress is already extremely outstanding. Continue to focus on your cultivation, and your future will be limitless."

Receiving his master's praise, Chu Shi lowered his head slightly without becoming arrogant or complacent:

"Disciple will keep Master's teachings in mind and will certainly not slacken."

Subsequently, Peak Master Lieyang raised his hand, pointing to the young men and women sitting below, and continued to introduce them to Chu Shi:

"These children were all brought by Elder Mo and Peak Master Xue. They are young talents from the Four Seasons Holy Land and the Ice and Snow Holy Land, and are the outstanding members of the younger generation of the two Holy Lands. They have followed their elders here to witness your Apprenticeship Ceremony. Secondly, they also wish to take this opportunity to exchange pointers and learn from the younger generation of my Great Sun Holy Land, to learn from each other and progress together."

At this point, Peak Master Lieyang paused slightly, his gaze fixed on Chu Shi with a hint of exhortation and expectation:

"Three days after the ceremony concludes, a small exchange competition for the younger generation will be arranged. As my personal disciple of Lieyang Peak, you are the core figure of this exchange competition. At that time, you must go all out to properly demonstrate the demeanor of my Great Sun Holy Land and my Lieyang Peak. Do not lose face for your master."

Hearing this, Chu Shi understood. He immediately straightened his posture, his eyes resolute and his tone extremely firm, answering loudly:

"Please rest assured, Master. Disciple will definitely go all out, will never fail Master's expectations, and will never lose face for Lieyang Peak or the Great Sun Holy Land!"

His words were filled with absolute confidence and assurance. This was indeed true; after this period of seclusion, his strength was no longer what it once was, and he had sufficient confidence to handle this exchange competition.

Peak Master Lieyang gave a satisfied hum, his eyes filled with gratification, and then instructed:

"Right now, my two old friends and I have important matters to discuss in the hall, so you should first take these juniors from the Holy Lands to the guest area to settle in. Arrange them in the Core Disciple area on the mountainside; the environment there is tranquil, and the facilities are complete, which will allow them to rest and recuperate."

"Disciple obeys." Chu Shi immediately bowed and accepted the order.

At the same time, Elder Mo and Peak Master Xue Qinghan on the upper seat also gave instructions to their respective juniors. They told them to follow Chu Shi to their accommodations, rest with peace of mind, and abide by the rules of Lieyang Peak.

The young men and women below immediately stood up and bowed respectfully to the three elders, acknowledging the order.

Seeing this, Chu Shi stepped forward to the group of young disciples and said in a calm tone:

"Fellow Daoists, please follow me. I will take you all to the mountainside to settle in."

After speaking, he turned and walked out of the great hall, and the young talents of the Four Seasons Holy Land and the Ice and Snow Holy Land immediately followed closely behind, leaving the Peak Master's hall together.

The group walked slowly along the stone steps from the peak toward the mountainside. Along the way, everyone gradually let go of their reserve and began to interact with each other. While leading the way, Chu Shi chatted with the group and learned quite a bit of information from them.