"Master." Chu Xuan respectfully whispered.
At this moment, Primordial Monarch Taixu looked at him with even more tenderness, as if after becoming his disciple, he was no longer an outsider, but someone she could approach and trust.
She gently waved her hand, "Call me Teacher."
"Yes, Teacher." Chu Xuan readily agreed.
Next, he naturally inquired about matters of cultivation, especially considering he could establish his Foundation anytime now; perhaps he should strike while the iron is hot and proceed?
Unexpectedly, Taixu calmly replied, "No rush, carefully hone yourself over several years. Though you have superior talent, remember not to become arrogant because of it."
"Be aware, as your teacher, I possess only a trace of Immortal Qi; your Foundation Establishment must succeed without fail."
Having been told this by his teacher, Chu Xuan felt a weight on his shoulders.
This Immortal Qi could only be obtained from the Immortal World or true immortals, but with the iron laws of the Heavenly Court in place, it was practically impossible for immortals to come to the mortal realm.
Even if a few immortals had committed wrongs and needed to reincarnate to undergo tribulations, they could only be termed "Exiled Immortals" and would not have Immortal Qi.
"Teacher," Chu Xuan cautiously inquired, "what if I fail?"
"Since your cultivation journey is just beginning, failure would allow you to switch to other cultivation techniques, leaving no hidden harm."
"However," Primordial Monarch Taixu's expression became serious, "the 'Jade Capital Purple Star Daoist Core Secrets' is the cultivation technique I believe is most fitting for your special constitution; if you fail, you'll never be able to cultivate again."
Chu Xuan nodded; given the best option, he certainly wouldn't choose the lesser one.
Thus, the matter of Foundation Establishment can't be rushed. It's just a few years in time, insignificant compared to his entire cultivation journey, and he must not risk losing the greater for the lesser.
Taixu summoned the snow mink and began walking outside, saying as she went:
"Our sect's Dao lineage has always been passed down singly, emphasizing the cultivation of the mental state. You've cultivated continuously for over half a year, take a short rest."
Chu Xuan agreed and followed.
The hidden valley outside the cave mansion was as picturesque as ever. Taixu led Chu Xuan, leisurely strolling through the valley, chatting with him.
The sun was bright, and the pair looked like they were taking a spring outing, walking across the grass.
Taixu showed considerable interest in this newly accepted disciple.
She meticulously inquired about all aspects of Chu Xuan, such as his origins, the parents who raised him, the place he lived, and the people he knew from childhood to adulthood.
Chu Xuan responded to each question, and after recounting his past, he naturally became curious about his teacher's experiences.
But Taixu merely spoke briefly, seemingly reluctant to discuss her past.
After all, she was the master, so Chu Xuan refrained from asking more.
Thus, they walked across the flower beds, past the springs, through the bamboo forest, over the bridges, and by the end of the afternoon, their relationship had considerably deepened.
It was the snow mink in Taixu's arms that kept staring at Chu Xuan with wide eyes, as if it was the first time seeing its master speak so much in one go, almost akin to the past decade.
Chu Xuan naturally didn't understand the mink's thoughts, only smilingly stroking its head.
-----------------
Time flew by, and over the next two and a half years, although Chu Xuan continued daily Qi cultivation and circulation, he no longer attempted to break through the realm.
His teacher no longer taught him any techniques, nor did she instruct him on how to hone himself, nor did she specify how many years to wait before establishing his Foundation; she only said "go with the flow."
Therefore, Chu Xuan was not anxious; he felt his life was quite leisurely.
Initially, he dared only to roam within the valley, but later, gaining more courage, he let the snow mink lead him on adventures in the Land of the Far North.
The ice soul snow mink seemed to return to its own home ground, frolicking in the snowstorm, exhibiting more innate divine techniques.
For instance, it could create a shield around them to protect Chu Xuan from the cold snow;
For instance, it could perform an escape technique in the snow, disappearing instantly only to reappear hundreds of meters away.
This made Chu Xuan marvel; even Min Xinlan in this place probably couldn't catch the ice soul snow mink, even if it was just a youngling.
Moreover, it's worth mentioning that the relationship between Chu Xuan and his teacher progressed swiftly.
At the level of Primordial Monarch Taixu's cultivation, ordinary meditation seemed to have little effect; often, she meditated purely out of habit, coupled with the solitude of residing in this secluded area, there wasn't much else to do.
But ever since accepting a disciple, things changed, as Chu Xuan temporarily didn't need much cultivation either, he spent most of the time accompanying his teacher.
Sometimes they would light lamps and read into the night, reciting Daoist scriptures.
Sometimes they would play chess; a single match could last several days and nights.
Sometimes they would stroll in the valley together, even if no words were spoken, just walking quietly together felt wonderful.
Sometimes his teacher would take Chu Xuan outside, either to pick Spirit Fruits, hunt mystical beasts, or collect rare treasures that only the Land of the Far North could produce.
During this process, Chu Xuan transitioned from being initially captivated by her astonishing beauty to genuinely liking her.
He didn't quite understand if this could be called love, given that he'd never been in love before.
Yet, Chu Xuan was certain; he had initially been motivated by pure lust. If it hadn't been Primordial Monarch Taixu saving him, but another beautiful woman, he likely would have had a good impression of that person as well.
But now it's different, Chu Xuan increasingly felt that his teacher was unique in his heart. Even if she lost her stunning beauty, he would still cherish her thoughts constantly.
Chu Xuan clearly recalled every detail of their interactions over these three years.
On rare occasions, his usually aloof and detached teacher would show traces of melancholy or sadness on her face, as if reminiscing something.
Whenever this happened, Chu Xuan felt particularly heartache, but he didn't dare to inquire; he was acutely aware of his status, and any thoughts he had were carefully buried in his heart, not daring to freely express them.
Otherwise, his teacher not accepting him would be a minor issue; being expelled from the sect would escalate things greatly.
"Hmm?"
Lying on the cloud bed, Taixu, who was engrossed in reading, turned her head to gaze at the disciple sitting beside her.
This startled Chu Xuan out of his wandering thoughts, and he promptly took a piece of "Purple Blood Flame Spirit Fruit," neatly cut and skewered with a bamboo stick, and held it to his teacher's mouth.
She contentedly took a bite, then returned her gaze to the Daoist scriptures.
Chu Xuan was quite skilled in these tasks, and would occasionally sneak a bite himself; his teacher was already used to it.
However, this time, after Taixu read a few more pages, she put the Daoist scriptures aside.
Then, something unexpected happened — his teacher actually took his right hand, saying, "Come with me."