The disciple acceptance ceremony proceeded without any incident. The attendees were all familiar faces, along with members of the Kang family and their connections.

"A descendant of the Kang family is actually taking an outsider as their master?"

"What kind of impressive figure could there be in such a small place?"

Those who knew of the Kang family were naturally aware of their status in the world of Chinese medicine. If a young member of the Kang family sought a master, it would surely be a National Master. Ordinary folk were simply not worthy.

Yet, the guests who came to attend the ceremony were all bewildered. This little mountain village did not seem to be a place that would harbor any significant figures.

However, the sight of the venerable elder and Peng Qing's group sparked their curiosity. Ordinary people certainly didn't have the clout to invite such individuals to preside over the event. Even the Kang family couldn't manage that. Therefore, the elder must have come on account of the master whom a member of the Kang family was about to acknowledge.

With this curiosity piqued, everyone awaited the appearance of the two main characters.

When Wang Jian appeared with Chairman Kang, the crowd had yet to react, instinctively looking behind them. Upon seeing Xu Changqing, they assumed he was the master. But when Wang Jian took the main seat, everyone was stunned. A brief commotion erupted before quickly subsiding.

Those invited by the Kang family to observe the ceremony had been carefully selected. They were all of high caliber and from prominent backgrounds. So, even though they were curious, they only murmured for a moment before tucking their doubts away.

The ceremony proceeded swiftly without any issues. None of the showboating or face-slapping tropes common in novels occurred.

Once Chairman Kang completed the tea offering and the discipleship ritual, the true focus of the ceremony was revealed.

Wang Jian glanced at those present. Aside from the Kang family's invitees, the others all had good relationships with him, so there was no need to be secretive.

Wang Jian was aware that the world was gradually changing, so he had no intention of holding anything back.

He looked at Chairman Kang, then called Peng Pingan forward. "The two of you have now joined our sect, so there are some things I must make clear," he said softly. "According to our tradition, you would be left to comprehend the mysteries of Qi on your own and learn to use it in medical practice. But time waits for no one. If we wait for you to achieve enlightenment by yourselves, you may be in a difficult position when facing what is to come. Therefore, I'm taking the opportunity of Chairman Kang's initiation to personally guide you across that threshold."

These words excited both Chairman Kang and Peng Pingan, while the rest of the onlookers were utterly perplexed.

One had been following Wang Jian all along, while the other had prior exposure to this realm. As such, both men could roughly guess the meaning behind Wang Jian's words. The recent changes in the mountains near the village had not escaped their notice, and like Xu Changqing and the others, they were mostly privy to some inside information.

Therefore, hearing that Wang Jian was willing to guide them, they were understandably thrilled.

Wang Jian wasted no time. He stepped forward, settled into a stance, raised his hands, and the Qi throughout his body began to stir.

This opening gesture was strikingly similar to scenes from some movies. Just as the observers found it bizarre, a strong wind began to sweep through the courtyard.

Initially, everyone thought it was just the wind picking up. But then, it whipped the fallen leaves into a spiral, gathering around Wang Jian to form a sizable whirlwind. The spectacle left them dumbstruck. It was as if the gate to a new world had been flung open before them, and they watched every change with rapt attention.

"Is this Martial Arts?"

"Or is it some kind of special ability?"

The crowd was full of questions they were desperate to ask aloud, but the solemn atmosphere held them back. They dared not speak, instead watching intently, afraid to miss a single moment of the incredible events unfolding.

Now they finally understood why the Kang family had invited them. It was a great stroke of fortune.

Wang Jian, having received an empowerment from a group of predecessors, had already transcended to another realm. His methods could now be considered those of Immortal Cultivation.

He manipulated his Qi Gate, and the surrounding energy flowed toward him under his guidance. He could have opened the gate for Chairman Kang and Peng Pingan much more subtly, but he chose the most dramatic method instead. His intention was to awe the onlookers and, at the same time, bestow some benefits upon them.

Wang Jian gathered his Qi and pressed his hands directly onto the crowns of Chairman Kang's and Peng Pingan's heads. Knowledge about Qi Cultivation, along with enough energy to help them kick open that final door, furiously washed through their bodies and meridians.

"Don't overthink it, don't make a sound, and endure it."

The pain from this cleansing naturally stimulated their senses. Seeing Chairman Kang and Peng Pingan about to cry out, Wang Jian commanded sternly, "Don't release your Qi! Be careful, or all your previous efforts will be wasted."

Of course, it wasn't likely that all their previous efforts would be undone. However, enduring this process would benefit their future path, so Wang Jian told a small, well-intentioned lie.

Wang Jian breathed a sigh of relief as he watched them gradually settle down, closing their eyes to comprehend the new knowledge. He then lifted his hands from their heads.

He knew his two disciples had now stepped through the true gate to becoming Qi Refiners.

After finishing, Wang Jian turned to face the pairs of exceedingly fervent eyes and said calmly, "I know everyone is curious, but now is not the right time for questions. Although this is an occasion for me to pass on my skills, you will also benefit from it."

Seeing that everyone was still confused, Wang Jian simply said, "Everyone, close your eyes."

The guests glanced at each other, and although they didn't understand, they followed Wang Jian's instructions and closed their eyes.

Once their sight was gone, all they could hear was the sound of the wind. Then, Wang Jian's voice came through once more.

"Please follow my breathing rhythm…"

As he spoke, Wang Jian used the Tree-Hugging Stance to mobilize the surrounding Qi, guiding it to circulate throughout the courtyard.

Following his Breathing Technique, with each inhale and exhale, everyone was able to absorb the Qi that Wang Jian had gathered.

After practicing the breathing exercise, a gradual warmth emerged within their bodies. Even those with old injuries or ailments could feel their pain being enveloped by this warmth as they slowly began to recover.

The person who felt this most profoundly was undoubtedly Wang Jian's master, Xu Changqing.

Xu Changqing was adept with Qi, but his realm was not as high as Wang Jian's. Upon hearing Wang Jian dictate the Breathing Technique, his eyes lit up, recognizing its value.

He opened his mouth, wanting to persuade his foolish disciple not to reveal such a precious thing so freely. But observing Wang Jian's composed expression, Xu Changqing held back his words.

This silly boy!

Saying nothing more, Xu Changqing silently closed his eyes and began to circulate his Qi according to Wang Jian's guidance.

With the aid of the Breathing Technique, the Qi within him suddenly ignited like fuel meeting a flame or a reaction meeting a catalyst. His old realm erupted in an instant.

He, Xu Changqing, had actually stepped into that long-desired realm!

Keep in mind, Wang Jian had only reached that step thanks to an accidental human pill…

As everyone was overwhelmed with complex emotions, strange incidents began to occur in the major provincial capitals