Before approaching the courtyard where disciples studied, Lu Heng could hear the clear sounds of reading emanating from within.
The disciple leading the way explained to Lu Heng, "Mr. Lu, at this time, it's usually when the new disciples are learning to read and recite texts together."
"Mm, this batch has been studying for about half a year now, haven't they?"
"Yes, but for our new disciples, the first year is like this. In the mornings, they generally spend time learning characters together. In the afternoons, they return to their respective practice areas to learn various skills that require cultivation."
"How long will they be studying now? Do they have any breaks in between?"
"Yes, every hour, the instructors give the disciples some time for free activity. Shall I go in and call Lu Da Niu out for you?"
"No, no need. Which room is he in? I'll just wait for his class to finish. If you have something to attend to, you can go ahead and be busy. I'll wait here by myself. After I've seen Da Niu, I'll be leaving. Please inform Wu Chenzi for me."
The disciple bowed to Lu Heng, pointed to the location of a room, bowed again, and departed.
Lu Heng looked around and sat down on the long corridor in the courtyard, observing the surroundings and occasionally glancing at the room where Lu Da Niu was.
Time passed quickly. The few rooms within the courtyard finally fell silent. Shortly after, instructors began emerging from the rooms.
A moment later, the rooms became lively again, and the clear voices of young people echoed once more. Several youths dressed in the same attire walked out of the rooms together, discussing something.
"Huh? There's someone sitting in the corridor over there. They aren't wearing the clothes of our Danyang Sect." Finally, someone noticed Lu Heng sitting in the corridor.
"Mm, and this person is quite young. Could they be a new instructor?"
"I'm not sure, but the instructors we've hired aren't this young. It would be great if a young one came along."
"Yeah, sometimes I almost fall asleep listening to the old instructors."
"You don't just sometimes, you do it every day, hahaha."
"Lu Da Niu."
Finally seeing Lu Da Niu emerge with a few other youths, Lu Heng called out loudly.
"Master!"
Lu Da Niu looked up, saw Lu Heng sitting under the corridor smiling at him, and his eyes immediately welled up with tears. He quickly ran towards Lu Heng.
"Hey, how old are you? It's not like you're meeting your wife, why the tears?" Lu Heng observed the youth, who had become much fairer. Lu Da Niu also seemed to have grown taller and sturdier.
"Mm, Master, what nonsense are you talking about? How old am I? But Master, I really haven't seen you in a long time. You..."
"Alright, are you two coming out because you need to use the latrine?" The disciple who guided him earlier mentioned that they usually studied for an hour, which is two hours. After sitting in the room for so long, they must need to relieve themselves now.
"Mm, I'm not in a hurry. I'll talk to you first. The break time between classes is quite sufficient, and I can wait until lunchtime to go." Lu Da Niu scratched his head and said sheepishly.
"How can that be? Hurry and go. I'll wait for you here. I'm not going anywhere."
"Alright, Master, wait for me, okay? I'll be quick."
Lu Heng nodded and then watched Lu Da Niu run off like the wind.
Lu Heng didn't have to wait long. A few minutes later, Lu Da Niu ran back quickly. From a distance, Lu Heng could see him tying the drawstring of his pants as he ran.
"What's the rush, kid? At worst, you can take leave from the next class. I believe with Wu Chenzi looking out for you in Danyang Sect, you won't be bullied."
"How could that be, Master? The people in Danyang Sect are much better than those in our village. I eat well and sleep well here."
"Mm, I can see that. You're really doing quite well. You've grown quite a bit."
"Heh heh, Master, when did you arrive?"
"The day before yesterday. I came to handle some matters, and now that it's done, I came to see you. Is there anything you're lacking?"
"No, there are no expenses here. Danyang Sect has also waived my meal fees daily, and they provide plenty of food. Heh heh, the last time my father came to see me, I told him about the abundant food, and he was so envious, heh heh heh..."
"Mm, that's good."
Although Lu Da Niu didn't mention anything he lacked, Lu Heng thoughtfully gave him two items. "This is a storage ring. You can put some of your personal belongings in it. This is a storage bag. You can put things that are not very useful but take up space. This storage bag is anonymous; whoever finds it, the contents belong to them."
"Wow, Master, you're willing to give me such valuable things? I know what these are used for. The instructors all have them, but I heard they're not cheap."
"Mm, as long as you can use them. I've put some things in this storage bag. You should contract the storage ring first, and then transfer the contents of the bag into the ring."
"What things? Huh! This..."
"Shh! Don't flaunt your wealth."
Lu Heng made a shushing gesture, stopping Lu Da Niu's exclamations of surprise.
"Mm mm, I understand." Lu Da Niu nodded vigorously. After contracting the storage ring, he followed Lu Heng's instructions and moved the items from the storage bag into the ring for safekeeping.
"There's so much, Master..."
"I won't always be by your side, so I'm leaving you some things to protect yourself. Don't be stingy with them. When your father visits next time, give him some too. However, considering your village's situation, don't give too much at once, lest it attract trouble."
"I know. The instructors sometimes talk about this, but it's not as direct as what I saw in the village when I was little."
"Alright, as long as you understand the principle."
It seemed Lu Da Niu wasn't entirely foolish. Otherwise, he probably wouldn't have been the first to step forward wanting to change his fate back then.
"Master, how much longer will you be staying at Danyang Sect?"
"I'll be leaving after meeting with you. Study hard yourself. Once you've learned well, I'll find you something to do."
"Mm. Master." Lu Da Niu lowered his head, his voice suddenly a little hoarse as he replied.
"When you've made something of yourself, Master will find you a wife, and you won't be thinking about Master so much." Hearing Lu Da Niu's slightly subdued voice, Lu Heng tried to shift his mood.
"Master, you're talking nonsense again. Besides, I don't plan to get married. Look at the elder grand elders of Danyang Sect, which one of them has taken a wife? It delays cultivation. Moreover, Master hasn't found a Mistress for me yet, how can I do that before you?"
"Heh heh."
Lu Heng chuckled and patted Lu Da Niu's head.
"Alright, keep these things safe. If you really need more, go ask Elder Du Feng of the Dao of Alchemy. He owes me quite a bit of spirit stones, demon crystals, and the like."