NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4: Chapter 4: A Master's Burden
As night fell, Ni Tian let Aeris rest first, ensuring she had a good night's sleep to recover fully. Meanwhile, he went to his favorite spot on the mountain, gazing up at the vast, starry sky. The tranquil beauty of the heavens did little to ease his thoughts, however.
"Am I even qualified to be a master?" he asked himself.
The gap between their cultivation levels was too wide—Aeris was already at the 9th level of Soul Formation, while he had only just broken through to the 4th level of Qi Refinement.
"Why did she choose me? I don't even know what to teach her. I should be the one learning, not instructing a person far stronger than me!" He sighed in frustration, rubbing his temples.
"Why did I accept? I'll clear this up tomorrow."
With those thoughts lingering in his mind, Ni Tian fell asleep under the night sky.
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A Disciple's Resolve (CHAPTER 4.1)
The morning sun rose over the mountain, casting a golden glow over the land. The scent of food filled the air, waking Ni Tian from his sleep.
"Master, please wake up. It's time to eat," Aeris called, gently shaking him.
Still groggy, Ni Tian sat up, rubbing his eyes. Together, they walked back to the small wooden house to eat.
As they ate, Ni Tian hesitated before finally voicing the doubt that had haunted him all night.
"Aeris… are you sure you want to be my disciple?" he asked seriously. "You could find a powerful sect willing to help you. There are many cultivators much stronger than me—you don't have to stay here."
Hearing this, Aeris suddenly stopped eating. Tears welled up in her eyes as she abruptly stood, her chair scraping against the floor.
"Master, if you've already decided to regret taking me in, then it's better to say so sooner rather than later!" she cried. "That way, it won't hurt as much. If that is your wish… this humble disciple will leave immediately."
Ni Tian was stunned as he watched Aeris turn away, grabbing her belongings. A painful guilt filled his chest—was he any different from his brothers and sisters who had abandoned him?
As she walked toward the door, Aeris paused, her voice trembling.
"Master… please take care of yourself. Be aware of your surroundings. I hope you live a better life. Thank you for saving me."
She took a step forward.
"Aeris, wait…"
Ni Tian shot up from his seat, his heart racing. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean what I said—I just…"
Aeris froze, then slowly turned back, her eyes still teary. "Are… are you sure?" she whispered.
Ni Tian took a deep breath. "Yes. I was just scared. Please… don't leave me."
Aeris nodded slowly, then, unable to contain her emotions, hugged her master tightly.
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A Lesson in Survival ( CHAPTER 4.2)
After their emotional moment, the two finished their meal, leaving the past behind them.
"So, Master," Aeris asked cheerfully, "what will you teach me today?"
Ni Tian scratched his head. "I can't teach you cultivation, but I can teach you how to hunt, farm, and survive. We'll also fortify the house to make sure it lasts through storms."
Aeris smiled brightly, happy with her master's guidance.
They began by working on the farm, clearing space for new crops. As they tilled the land, Aeris suddenly realized something.
"Master, what are we going to plant? We don't have any seeds."
Ni Tian laughed. "I don't know. Let's just work first—maybe the heavens will show mercy on us."
Aeris giggled, and they continued farming until sunset, after which they rested for the night.
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Breakthrough in the Forest (CHAPTER 4.3)
The next morning, Ni Tian woke up early to cook for Aeris as an apology for yesterday's misunderstanding.
When breakfast was ready, he gently shook Aeris awake.
"Time to eat, my little lovely disciple," he said teasingly.
Aeris groggily got up and sat at the table, rubbing her sleepy eyes. Halfway through her meal, she suddenly realized something.
"Master… you cooked?" she asked, surprised.
Ni Tian nodded. "You cooked for me yesterday. Now it's my turn."
Aeris didn't ask any more questions—she simply smiled and focused on eating.
While they ate, Aeris made a suggestion.
"Master, why don't we go down the mountain to cultivate?"
Ni Tian hesitated but eventually nodded. "Alright. That's a good idea."
After finishing their meal, they descended the mountain and entered a dense forest. Suddenly, Aeris paused.
"Master, I feel a strong spiritual energy nearby," she said.
Following the sensation, they soon discovered a rare spirit herb growing in a clearing.
Aeris gasped. "Master, that's an Azure Spirit Leaf! You should cultivate it—it will enhance your absorption of spiritual energy and strengthen your water affinity."
Ni Tian blinked. "You know this herb?"
Aeris nodded. "Yes. It's not useful to me anymore since I'm already at Soul Formation, but for you, it will be invaluable."
"Then… I'll trust you," Ni Tian said, sitting down beside the herb.
As he began cultivating, the powerful energy of the 50-year-old Azure Spirit Leaf surged into his body. Thanks to the lingering effects of the Primordial Rebirth Lotus, his cultivation speed tripled.
Hours passed.
When Ni Tian finally opened his eyes, he saw Aeris staring at him in shock.
"Hey, what's wrong?" he asked. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
Aeris took a step back, her voice trembling.
"M-Master… y-your cultivation… it's too fast! What realm are you at now?"
Ni Tian felt his spiritual energy flowing powerfully through him. His eyes widened in disbelief.
"I… I'm at the 3rd level of Foundation Establishment?!"
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Chapter 4 end....