BTTH: DISCIPLE CASHBACK SYSTEM Chapter 3: Transmitting Knowledge

A peculiar expression crossed Gu He's face as he reviewed Liu Ling's attributes. Liu Ling possessed unremarkable comprehension and root bone at 7.5, with luck barely meeting the minimum criteria.

Still, Gu He hadn't expected bonus points after Liu Ling became his disciple. He understood, however; Liu Ling was a transmigrator equipped with a system, and more importantly, the Apprentice System. With himself as the mentor, Liu Ling was destined for greatness.

It was indeed fortunate that a single point was added, bringing Liu Ling's score to exactly 8 and activating the system's reward protocol.

"Master, Master..."

"What is it?"

Gu He, caught in Liu Ling's quiet observation within the room, felt a pang of perplexity. "Um..." A flicker of embarrassment crossed Gu He's face before he regained his composure. He mused, "I was merely contemplating how to suitably reward you."

"Reward?"

Liu Ling's expression shifted to one of confusion. "Master, what reward is there?" "As you have successfully advanced to become a Second Rank Alchemist, it is only natural that I should bestow a reward upon you," Gu He stated with a smile.

"Ah..."

"Rewards for breakthroughs?" Upon hearing this, Liu Ling's eyes widened in surprise. Receiving a reward for achieving Second Rank Alchemist status was completely unexpected.

"Indeed, it serves as a form of encouragement," Gu He chuckled. "In the future, I shall grant rewards for both your advancements in alchemy and your cultivation progress."

Liu Ling's excitement surged. "Your disciple thanks Master."

"Ling'er, come closer. I shall impart a secret technique to amplify your soul power," Gu He beckoned Liu Ling. A soul power cultivation secret technique!

The mention sent a tremor through Liu Ling's mind. His Master was actually willing to teach him a soul power cultivation secret technique? For an alchemist, the intensity of soul power was paramount.

Although Liu Ling had reached Second Rank Alchemist, advancing to the Third Rank necessitated meeting specific soul power standards. While soul power intensity naturally increased with cultivation progress, dedicated practice through soul power secret techniques offered a more direct path.

As an alchemist, Liu Ling's focus was less on cultivating Qi and more on the secrets of soul power. However, these secrets were rare and not easily acquired.

Liu Ling had long desired a method for cultivating soul power. The prospect of Gu He teaching him filled him with overwhelming joy, and he immediately moved closer to his Master.

"Ling'er, take a seat," Gu He instructed, observing Liu Ling's eagerness. The Mystic Soul Technique, a Seventh Rank soul power cultivation method, was a precious artifact Gu He had discovered in an ancient ruin during his younger days.

Despite his system's returns for anything bestowed upon disciples, Gu He recognized the profound value of this particular technique. Liu Ling, though curious about his Master's intentions, placed his complete trust in Gu He and complied.

Gu He gently placed his palm on Liu Ling's head and spoke with gravity, "Close your eyes and focus your mind." Liu Ling obeyed without hesitation. Gu He then initiated the Transmission Technique, transferring the Mystic Soul Technique and its profound insights into Liu Ling's consciousness.

Meanwhile, Liu Ling, while pondering Gu He's actions, felt an inexplicable stream of information flowing into his mind. Without time for further thought, he concentrated as instructed, absorbing the esoteric knowledge.

In a short while, the entirety of the Mystic Soul Technique had been conveyed from Gu He to Liu Ling. Liu Ling's eyes remained closed, his consciousness diligently processing and integrating the newly acquired information.

The Mystic Soul Technique! A Seventh Rank Soul Power Cultivation Secret Technique? Liu Ling finally grasped the name and rank of the soul power cultivation method his Master had just imparted.

Concurrently, a system notification resonated within Gu He's mind.

"Ding, the host has gifted disciple Liu Ling the Seventh Rank technique, Mystic Soul Technique. Congratulations to the host for triggering a ten-thousand-fold return, acquiring the Emperor Grade Devouring Soul Technique!"

"The Emperor Grade Devouring Soul Technique has been stored in the system space. Host, please verify."

The system's announcement left Gu He momentarily stunned. As comprehension dawned, an overwhelming wave of jubilation washed over his face. Emperor Grade! He hadn't misheard!

By bestowing a Seventh Rank Mystic Soul Technique, he had received an Emperor Grade technique in return – the Devouring Soul Technique! With a mere thought, Gu He accessed his system space.

In the void, a dark scroll commenced to drift, emanating an unsettling radiance. "Does the host accept the inheritance linked to the Devouring Soul Technique?" A prompt from the system reverberated as Gu He's thoughts connected with the black scroll.

However, recalling Liu Ling's presence, he chose to withdraw from the system's domain. His attention then shifted back to Liu Ling, who was still engrossed in absorbing the newly acquired knowledge.

Having internalized the Seventh Rank Mystic Soul Technique, Liu Ling opened his eyes, a spark of excitement undeniably present. As his gaze met Gu He's smiling face, Liu Ling exclaimed, "Disciple thanks Master for bestowing this divine technique!" With profound sincerity, he lowered himself to his knees before Gu He.

Liu Ling's reaction was precisely as anticipated. The Mystic Soul Technique was, indeed, an incredibly potent and remarkable method. It represented a Seventh Rank soul power cultivation technique, charting a course toward becoming a Seventh Rank Alchemist.

The significance of such a technique was immense; even many established Sixth Rank Alchemists might not possess such a treasure. For Liu Ling, a mere Second Rank Alchemist, to acquire a Seventh Rank technique was nothing short of astonishing.

"A technique alone is insufficient. As my direct disciple, you are destined to receive it eventually," Gu He affirmed, his tone gentle. "I am merely granting you access to it a little sooner than planned."

Gu He genuinely understood Liu Ling's elation. The prospect of an Emperor Grade technique was undeniably thrilling. "Master's generosity is immeasurable. I am deeply grateful," Liu Ling conveyed, his heartfelt appreciation evident.

"Enough of such talk. My bestowals for you are far from concluded," Gu He stated, his hand reaching out to gently pat Liu Ling's head.

Not concluded?

Could there be even more from his Master? Liu Ling's expression shifted to one of mild astonishment. Had his Master decided to be exceptionally magnanimous today?

"Refrain from speculation," Gu He advised, continuing his gentle pat on Liu Ling's head. "Yes, Master," Liu Ling responded obediently, closing his eyes. Gu He then extended his right palm, placing it firmly against Liu Ling's back.

A surge of potent energy flowed into his body, causing Liu Ling to gasp in surprise. What was his Master attempting? "Focus your mind and absorb this influx of energy," Gu He's voice instructed suddenly.

Without the slightest hesitation or opportunity for further inquiry, Liu Ling followed the command, channeling all his focus into absorbing the energy. Shortly after, a subtle, muffled sound resonated from within Liu Ling's body. His aura underwent a noticeable transformation.

He had achieved a breakthrough. His cultivation level had escalated from a Two-star Dou Practitioner directly to a Three-star Dou Practitioner. Yet, the advancement was not complete. The potent energy coursing through him continued its relentless surge.

After a brief interval, Liu Ling's aura shifted once more, indicating another progression.

A Four-star Dou Practitioner!

Beads of sweat glistened on Liu Ling's comely face, and a slight pallor had taken hold. It was evident that the process of receiving such an immense power transfer was taxing.

Boom!

Momentarily, Liu Ling broke through once again, ascending to the status of a Five-star Dou Practitioner. "Master, I...

I can no longer endure it..." Liu Ling's voice fractured, laced with evident pain.

He had reached his absolute limit. Upon hearing this, Gu He felt a pang of regret but recognized the imperative need for caution. Pushing the transfer too far could inflict significant damage upon Liu Ling's physical form.

With this crucial consideration in mind, Gu He ceased the energy transfer and, in doing so, received a notification from the system.

"Ding, detected that the host has bestowed upon senior disciple Liu Ling seven days' worth of cultivation. Congratulations to the host for triggering a thousand-fold return, obtaining nineteen years of cultivation!"

(Note: These nineteen years correspond to the power level of a Third Star Dou King.)

"Nineteen years of cultivation have been successfully deposited into your system space. Host, please verify."

A thousand-fold return! An astonishing nineteen years of cultivation! Upon hearing the system's pronouncement, Gu He was momentarily stunned. Exchanging a mere seven days of his own cultivation for nineteen years represented an exceptionally advantageous transaction.

Without a second thought, Gu He accessed the system space. Within it, a luminous purple sphere hovered in the emptiness. "Does the host accept the nineteen years of cultivation?"

The system's voice echoed as Gu He's consciousness approached the sphere. However, aware of Liu Ling's continued presence, Gu He opted to defer acceptance. When he withdrew from the system space, he found Liu Ling once again kneeling before him.

"Ling'er, why are you kneeling again?" Gu He inquired, helping Liu Ling to his feet with a touch of bemusement. "Master's benevolence is as vast as a mountain. You have not only granted me a Seventh Rank cultivation technique but also bestowed cultivation upon me. I am filled with shame and an overwhelming sense of indebtedness," Liu Ling expressed, his gratitude palpable.

"If Master treats me with such unparalleled kindness, I vow to repay this debt a thousandfold and ten thousandfold upon achieving my own success," Liu Ling pledged silently in his heart.

"Ling'er, you are my sole disciple. It is only natural that I would impart valuable things to you," Gu He responded, valuing the sincerity radiating from Liu Ling.

"As long as you cultivate diligently, establish a reputable name for yourself in the outside world, and uphold my reputation, that will be sufficient repayment for me," Gu He said, placing a reassuring hand on Liu Ling's shoulder as he spoke earnestly.

"Disciple pledges to intensify my cultivation tenfold and never let Master's profound expectations be in vain," Liu Ling declared, his gaze alight with unwavering resolve.

"Excellent!" exclaimed Gu He, his eyes reflecting deep approval. "You are indeed an exceptional disciple." Deciding to bestow all his offerings immediately, he added, "There is still one more reward I have prepared for you."

Liu Ling's expression shifted to one of utter astonishment. "Another reward?" he queried. Could it be another high-tier cultivation technique? Or perhaps another transfer of power? Receiving such gifts felt akin to living within a fantastical dream.

And now Gu He hinted at even more? Master, your benevolence is truly beyond measure... A subtle smile graced Gu He's lips as he contemplated his subsequent move. In his palm, a flicker of violet flame began to manifest.

As the crimson flame coalesced, it morphed into the shape of an eagle, letting out a piercing cry. Its presence generated unusual undulations in the surrounding air, reminiscent of water currents, imbuing the scene with an ethereal magnificence. "Ling'er, this Purple Eagle Flame is the final reward I shall bestow upon you."