Chapter 2: Innate Divine Spirit Foundation, Jieyin Accepts Disciples!

Outside Two Boundaries Mountain, at this moment two figures walked on auspicious clouds.

One of them had a sallow face and thin build, with sharp eyes that could seize one's soul.

The other bore a look of suffering, with sorrow etched between his brows, as if eternal and never fading.

These two were none other than Jieyin and Zhunti, who cultivate on Western Sumeru Mountain.

At this moment, Zhunti's eyes brightened as he gazed far into the region where Chen Ku had earlier transformed; there still lingered ten thousand zhang of immortal light, undispersed, a most auspicious sight.

Zhunti was overjoyed beyond expectation.

You must know that in the ancient clash of Dao and demons, the demon ancestor Rahu, in a fit of rage, detonated the western spiritual veins in one fell swoop.

Thus the opportunities and fortunes of the western heavens and earth plummeted, becoming barren and desolate.

And today, to detect such an 'opportunity' emerging is truly an unexpected delight.

Hearing Zhunti's words, Jieyin also showed a smile.

"Let us hurry to investigate, lest others get there first."

The commotion from Chen Ku's earlier transformation was astonishing, sparking millions of zhang of mysterious light.

Even Jieyin and Zhunti were drawn here by it.

Therefore, Jieyin also felt some worry, fearing that this scene might attract the attention of other powerful beings.

Before the words had finished, their speed increased somewhat.

After just a few breaths, the two descended onto Two Boundaries Mountain.

However, upon fixing their gaze, Jieyin and Zhunti were both stunned.

The reason was simple!

What met their eyes was not the scene of a spiritual treasure or spiritual root coming into being.

Rather, only Chen Ku stood there, dumbfounded and bewildered.

Jieyin and Zhunti, being well-informed, instantly understood what had happened.

"Hmm... has the spiritual root taken form?!"

"It's somewhat regrettable."

Zhunti could not help but sigh thus, his face showing regret.

For him, once a spiritual root takes form, its efficacy is greatly weakened, far inferior to directly harvesting the spiritual root, which would be far more satisfying.

The anticipated harvest of a spiritual treasure came to naught, inevitably leaving him somewhat disappointed.

Little did he know, upon hearing this, Chen Ku's mouth twitched slightly.

"Regrettable?!"

"Nima... are you polite?!"

"If my transformation had been delayed even a moment, I might never have had the chance to emerge."

"This, too, counts as great fortune."

However, Chen Ku's expression remained unsightly.

"Numb!"

I possess the Hundred Sufferings True Scripture and the Fetal Transformation Easy Form, and I have already transformed into a human as quickly as possible.

I originally thought this would allow me to flee beforehand, preventing Jieyin and Zhunti from detecting my trail.

I never expected that I could not escape the fate of confronting Jieyin and Zhunti face to face.

Right now, I truly cannot run away even if I wanted to.

After all, with Jieyin and Zhunti's terrifying cultivation, they could catch up to me in an instant and subdue me decisively.

Thinking this, Chen Ku was also quite resolute.

He stepped forward, facing Jieyin and Zhunti, and gave a slight salute, saying:

"Junior Chen Ku pays respects to the two seniors, Jieyin and Zhunti!"

Since avoidance is impossible, it's better to face it openly.

Facing Chen Ku's salute, Jieyin and Zhunti nodded slightly, finding it quite pleasing.

The two are among the few top experts of the West, renowned far and wide.

Therefore, Chen Gu directly stated their identities, and Jieyin and Zhunti did not find it surprising.

"Hehe, I didn't expect you to have such an opportunity."

"Although you are the essence of a spiritual root, having received the world's creation and transformed into a human, you also have a good foundation and good fortune."

Jieyin spoke.

His eyes also held a hint of moved emotion.

When an extreme-grade innate spiritual root takes form, it becomes an innate divine spirit, and its future potential will certainly not be low.

Such a foundation is indeed worthy of Jieyin's praise and attention.

But upon hearing Jieyin's words, Chen Ku's face fell, and he felt even more bitter.

Such attention from Jieyin and Zhunti is truly unbearable.

After all, these two are notorious for acting without scruple.

Chen Ku couldn't help but worry that, should they act without restraint, they might kill him and seize the Six Roots Pure Bamboo, which is certainly within their capability.

"Bitter... truly bitter..."

Chen Ku sighed inwardly; this time it was not to increase his mana, but a feeling from the heart.

Thus, Chen Ku could only speak with a bitter face:

"Thank you for the praise, seniors!"

Who would have thought that his expression, falling into Jieyin's eyes, would make the latter not angry but laugh instead.

Hehe, wonderful, wonderful!

This kid really has the look of great suffering and deep hatred; it truly pleases this seat.

Jieyin originally had a worried look, but now he actually appreciates Chen Ku's demeanor even more.

Such a rare opportunity, how could Jieyin possibly miss it?!

Moreover, limited by the Western Sect's barren fortune, it's hard to produce strong cultivators; even now, under Jieyin, there isn't a single disciple.

His words paused, and then Jieyin continued speaking:

Chen Ku, you have fate with my Western Sect.

This seat can take you as a personal disciple; are you willing to become my apprentice?!

Jieyin gazed at Chen Ku with a smiling expression.

Upon hearing this, Chen Ku froze instantly, standing dumbfounded on the spot.

You have fate with my Western Sect?!

Listen!

How familiar these words are!

In his previous life, Chen Ku knew that during the Investiture of the Gods Great Calamity, the Two Sages of the West relied on this sentence to forcibly convert countless Eastern powerhouses.

Never would have thought, today it would fall upon his own head.

Chen Ku couldn't help but mutter.

Moreover, Jieyin wanting to take him as a disciple also greatly surprised Chen Ku.

This damn... truly is a persistent ghost!

Even though he has already taken human form, those two still haven't given up, and they still want to subdue him to the Western Sect?!

For a moment, Chen Ku's expression became even more worried than Jieyin's.

The Hundred Sufferings True Classic circulated on its own within his body; today's increase in magical power alone surpassed that of the previous several hundred years.

One can imagine how sorrowful and helpless he is.

Chen Ku pondered in his heart, showing a hesitant expression.

After a moment, he managed a slight smile, looking at Jieyin and Zhunti, speaking tentatively:

This... Senior Jieyin, can I refuse?!

I, the junior, have just been born and have no plans to take a master......

Chen Ku forced himself to ask this in return.

Knowing he lacked the strength to directly oppose Jieyin and Zhunti, Chen Ku also spoke up to explain.

Joking aside, unless he were foolish, he would never willingly become a disciple of Jieyin and Zhunti.

Their reputation already stinks throughout the primordial world; becoming Jieyin's disciple would be like letting people stab one's spine!

Moreover, Chen Ku's innate bitter bamboo lineage makes it not difficult for him to later join the Three Pure Ones Dao Lineage, even if he wanted to.

Isn't that better than joining the penniless Western Sect that jingles with poverty?

After his words fell, Chen Ku anxiously observed Jieyin's reaction.

But Jieyin's expression remained unchanged, calm and waveless; after a long while, he merely shook his head slightly.

Although he didn't say much more, at this moment Chen Ku clearly sensed that Jieyin's eyes shot out brilliant light, full of oppressive power, captivating the heart.

Evidently, that was a silent warning to Chen Ku.

Beside him, Zhunti also spoke up.

Chen Ku, you are indeed a newborn calf unafraid of tigers.

You should know, being able to become a disciple of Senior Brother Jieyin is a great honor for you.

Zhunti's countenance was imposing, his gaze cold and stern, exuding an indisputable aura.

Seeing this, Chen Ku inwardly cried out in misery.

Wanting to refuse, it seems there is no hope.

He knew that Jieyin and Zhunti were also practicing 'courtesy before force'.

If they could reason kindly and let him become a disciple, that would be best.

But if he dared to stubbornly refuse, Jieyin and Zhunti would undoubtedly directly 'convert' him.

Jieyin seemed to be asking, but in fact gave Chen Ku no room to refuse.

Well then, becoming Jieyin's disciple isn't so bad!

Although the early stage isn't great, the Western Sect will eventually flourish and become the biggest victor of the Investiture of the Gods Great Calamity.

At worst, after becoming a disciple I'll just lie low, and after the Investiture of the Gods Calamity passes, naturally none will surpass me.

Chen Ku thought this to himself, both as self-consolation and as planning his future path.

He had already taken human form, possessing the cultivation of a Taiyi Golden Immortal, thus already immortal and indestructible.

Therefore, he could indeed wait for the day the Western Sect flourishes!

After a moment's thought, Chen Ku hesitated no longer.

Since that's the case, then thank you, seniors, for your appreciation!

Disciple pays respects to Master Jieyin and Uncle-master Zhunti!

He immediately performed the disciple ceremony, and in his speech he also changed his address to Master Jieyin and Uncle-master Zhunti.

Watching Chen Ku perform the disciple rites, Jieyin's pretended stern expression only slightly relaxed.

Haha, good, good, good!

Good disciple, no need for excessive courtesy!

Jieyin laughed loudly; as he spoke, he flicked his wide sleeve, releasing a gentle surge of magical power that directly lifted Chen Ku up.

They sized up Chen Ku from head to toe; Jieyin felt his ambitions fulfilled and was delighted, his joy evident.

The mighty ones of the West have withered; although they gained no spiritual roots or treasures today, they obtained such a disciple with extraordinary background and astonishing potential, making Jieyin feel that there would be successors—how could he not be happy?!

Zhunti remained silent, but he nodded with a smile in his eyes.

He also realized this at that moment; by taking Chen Ku as a disciple, he not only gained a disciple of exceptional talent.

Those Six Roots Pure Bamboo are essentially left in the West, aren't they?

That's truly a double gain!

Therefore, seeing Chen Ku willing to become his disciple, Zhunti also felt greatly satisfied.

Watching Jieyin, heart full and laughing to the heavens, Chen Ku's expression turned strange.

"Ah... suffering..."

He muttered softly.

But although his voice was low, how could it escape the keen divine senses of Jieyin and Zhunti?

Hearing those words, the two simultaneously got black lines on their heads.

Could it be that our reputation is really that bad?

Jieyin and Zhunti looked at Chen Ku as if they were annoyed.

But the two naturally wouldn't hold it against him.

Regaining his composure, Jieyin then smiled and said:

"Hehe, we already have a karmic bond as teacher and student."

"Then, as your teacher, I ought to bestow upon you some initiation gifts."

Upon hearing that, Chen Ku's originally dull eyes finally brightened.

"Initiation gifts?"

That could indeed soothe his wounded spirit.