Immortality begin with Alchemy Grandmaster Chapter 2816 - 1042: The Arrival of the Prodigy, Apprenticing to Qing Lan

"I choose..."

In the hushed and solemn Daoist temple, a profound silence reigned, broken only by the clear, resonant voice of the young man.

Under the intense scrutiny of every onlooker, he appeared to offer his decision with little hesitation.

"Houtu Hall!"

Instantly, all gazes shifted, focusing intently on Qing Lan Fairy.

Zhan Bingtao’s brow furrowed momentarily, but then his expression softened, revealing a hint of contentment.

In stark contrast, Hui Yuanhong, another cultivator of Great Cultivator realm, expressed his displeasure. "Youngster, you ought to consider carefully. While the Master of Houtu Hall is indeed beautiful, her cultivation years are the shortest among us."

"Hmph!" Qing Lan Fairy let out a subtle scoff, clearly irked by the elder's commentary on her appearance.

Zhang Bairen, from the opposing side, interjected, adding to the discourse, "Master Grey speaks the truth; Qing Lan Fairy’s cultivation duration is, after all, too brief. Much of it was spent under the tutelage of others. How could she possibly offer meticulous instruction to you?"

Qing Lan Fairy recognized the necessity to defend herself at this juncture, lest Zhou Fuqiu be genuinely swayed by the others' words.

"Precisely because my cultivation years are shorter than yours, this hall master holds an advantage in this specific aspect. You may possess extensive theoretical knowledge from centuries of Core Formation and Infant Condensation, but your grasp of cultivation techniques pertinent to these levels is likely rather vague. How could it be as vividly recalled as mine?"

"That argument is flawed. We impart knowledge from a higher perspective, and profound insights are not diminished by the passage of memory," Long Ting of Longevity Hall countered Qing Lan Fairy. He then eagerly addressed Zhou Fuqiu, "Zhou Fuqiu, you must realize that Qing Lan Fairy primarily cultivates the Wood Element. Observing the mana fluctuations you displayed earlier, imbued with a gentle watery essence, suggests you are of the Water Element. This makes you a perfect fit for my hall!"

Qing Lan Fairy's countenance subtly soured. "If we follow Master Long’s logic, then why do our Dao Palace’s Four Halls even bother with selecting the exceptional and accepting disciples? We might as well simply assign disciples based on their Five Elements Attributes!"

Long Ting found himself at a loss for words, unable to formulate a retort.

At this point, Zhan Bingtao finally spoke from his elevated position.

"Zhou Fuqiu, are you absolutely certain you have considered all aspects?"

Zhou Fuqiu affirmed with a resolute nod. "This junior wishes to join Houtu Hall and become an apprentice under Qing Lan Fairy!"

Hui Yuanhong, still displeased, fixed his gaze upon Zhou Fuqiu, demanding, "The reason?"

"Enough!" Zhan Bingtao’s voice cut through the tension as he rapped his hand on the table, interrupting the inquiry. "Since the decision is made, Zhou Fuqiu will henceforth be a member of Houtu Hall and will no longer need to pursue basic cultivation knowledge at Seven Stars Academy."

Hui Yuanhong, left with no recourse, could only acquiesce.

He struggled to comprehend Zhou Fuqiu's choice: selecting the youngest, the one with the lowest cultivation realm, the weakest faction, and furthermore, a mentor, Qing Lan Fairy, whose cultivation path diverged entirely from his own, among the Four Great Hall Masters.

Could it truly be for the superficial reason that Qing Lan Fairy had attained comprehension of the Law’s True Intent and held the improbable hope of Divine Transformation?

Zhou Fuqiu, much like other exceptional young talents before him, seemed to operate under such flawed reasoning.

If not for the limited options available to ordinary disciples during recruitment, Houtu Hall might very well have been inundated with applicants already.

Yet, these observers failed to grasp a crucial point: given Qing Lan Fairy's considerable potential, her focus would inevitably be on her own cultivation. Where would she find the time to frequently guide disciples of lower cultivation orders?

Relying on the power of another is never as effective as forging one's own strength.

These young cultivators demonstrably lacked foresight!

Furthermore, Zhan Bingtao seemed to permit this unconventional arrangement.

Unbeknownst to the others, Zhan Bingtao had initially shared their reservations.

However, in a mere moment, his perspective shifted.

Zhou Fuqiu was unlike other youths; his innate talent was simply too prodigious, with potential future accomplishments at least on par with luminaries like Shi Ju.

Such a figure, if placed within any hall, was destined for a meteoric rise.

And among the four halls, the All Stars Hall comprised primarily guest elders who were remnants from the Star Gate. Although discussions of their integration into the Tianyuan Daoist Sect were ongoing, no one desired an external faction to gain excessive prominence.

In contrast to the well-established Zhang and Dragon Families, the Fu Family, to which Fu Qinglan belonged, had more recent origins. Even with a prodigy like Zhou Fuqiu, their influence on the Tian Nan Continent would likely not eclipse that of the two prominent War and Mo Families.

Balance, that was the primary consideration for Zhan Bingtao.

As for whether Fu Qinglan possessed the capability to nurture Zhou Fuqiu effectively?

Zhan Bingtao harbored no such concerns!

Once Zhou Fuqiu established a firm foundation, he himself would intervene. He would personally offer guidance, even going so far as to instruct the other three great hall masters to collectively mentor Zhou Fuqiu, acting as the steward of the Tian Nan Continent.

Should his performance at the Daoist Ancestral Court in the future be outstanding, all would reap benefits!

"Fellow Daoists, after your long journey, I feel a bit weary. Furthermore, other descendants of my Zhou Family reside within the Dao Palace, and I wish to visit them. Perhaps we can conclude our meeting for today?" Zhou Yunshen inquired with a smile.

Zhan Bingtao nodded in agreement, "Very well! Junior Sister Qing Lan, please ensure Friend Zhou and his companions are well taken care of; do not neglect them."

Fairy Qing Lan gracefully stood, responding, "Understood!"

...

Fairy Qing Lan escorted the pair out of Tianyuan Temple, heading west, and they soon entered a region of undulating mountains.

Within this area, numerous pavilion towers and palaces were densely situated.

Although many structures were recently built, they still possessed the magnificence and solemnity of a celestial paradise.

Most notably, the grand hall crowning the mountain's summit, veiled by surrounding clouds and mist with vapor swirling upwards, was upon closer inspection a clear manifestation of an immense concentration of Spirit Qi.

Witnessing this spectacle, Zhou Yunshen, with nearly a millennium of cultivation, could not suppress a flicker of admiration.

"We have arrived; Houtu Hall lies below!"

Fairy Qing Lan announced gently.

Several figures were already ascending from below, preparing to greet them.

"Master!"

"Master, you have returned!"

Fairy Qing Lan offered a slight smile, "I have not only returned but also brought along a new junior disciple for you all."