C4 The Crippled Spirit Root

"It's possible, but he'll likely only reach the Third Empyrean of Qi Refining at most."

"Let's leave it at that. Having two disciples with decent potential is sufficient. We shouldn't be too greedy."

The Third Elder turned and summoned Chen Chong, "Take those two youngsters to the Great Elder tomorrow. As for him..." The Third Elder paused briefly before adding, "Send him to the Second Elder. He should have some tasks for him."

"As you command!"

"Mr. Ye, there's no need to worry. The Third Elder mentioned that I have quite the talent. Once the sect allocates resources to me, you'll certainly get your share!"

"Indeed, Mr. Ye. My dad said that once we join the Void Returning Sect, we must look out for each other, no matter what."

Liu Ao and Hsu Qi each took a turn speaking. Although Liu Ao had previously expressed some reservations about Ye Chen when his Spirit Root was awakened, the trials they faced together had since bonded them like brothers.

Chen Chong, overhearing the conversation, felt compelled to offer a word of caution, "I think that might be unnecessary. I don't mean to be discouraging."

He patted Ye Chen's head and continued, "In truth, a five-spirit root isn't much different from an ordinary mortal. No matter how many Spirit Items you throw in the future, it won't make a difference."

Ye Chen was filled with mixed emotions. He had thought that after enduring such pain and receiving the jar, he would be safe within the Void Returning Sect, yet an unexpected turn of events awaited him.

He had nothing more to say, only wishing to return to his village quickly. Lingering in the Void Returning Sect seemed pointless. "Senior Brother, when can I go home?"

"Feeling homesick?"

Chen Chong understood their young age made such feelings normal. "Unfortunately, once you join the Void Returning Sect, you can't return home for ten years. That's a rule established by the Sect Master, mainly to prevent us, the cultivators of the Immortal Tao, from being hindered by familial ties."

The group continued on their way when suddenly, a large boulder emerged before them.

Chen Chong spoke, "This is the Spirit Stone. Each year, you must all be tested. If you gain the Spirit Stone's recognition before turning twenty and reach the fifth level of Qi Refining, you'll earn the chance to train with the Extreme King Sect."

"Senior Brother, what is the Extreme King Sect?"

"Heh, it's a true colossus. Our Sect Master, the Void Returning Taoist, may be well-known within a hundred miles of Northern Chu, but within the Extreme King Sect, he's just an ordinary Foundation Stage disciple."

Upon hearing this, Liu Ao and the rest were filled with boundless dreams. It seems that painting the right picture always has its desired effect.

"Senior Brother, what exactly is the Foundation Stage?"

"To refine Spiritual Force and gather it into Qi is the Qi Refining Stage. Nearly all the lower-level disciples are at this stage, while the Foundation Stage is a step above. It's about flying through the skies and tunneling through the earth, becoming a true immortal among men!"

Seeing the eager expressions on the young faces, Chen Chong continued,

"But don't set your hopes too high. Our Great Elder has cultivated for over a hundred years and is still at the tenth level of Qi Refining."

"For the likes of Liu Ao and the others to reach the seventh level is already a cause for celebration."

"And what about Mr. Ye?" Hsu Qi inquired on behalf of Ye Chen.

"Well..." Chen Chong pondered, "Having five types of Spirit Root, he might make it to the third level of Qi Refining in the future. At least he won't have to worry about his livelihood in the mortal realm."

After these words, Chen Chong settled them into the newcomers' quarters and departed. Night had fallen, and after days of fatigue coupled with their recent excitement, Liu Ao and the others quickly succumbed to sleep. Only Ye Chen remained awake, restless.

Five Spirit Roots? It was impossible for him to cultivate like a regular disciple! At best, he could only aspire to reach the third level of Qi Refining!

These setbacks weighed heavily on Ye Chen, but fortunately, he had his jar. In no time, he replicated dozens of spirit herbs. Since they were all Spirit Items, consuming more could only be beneficial. Who knows, it might even enhance his innate abilities.

In the Hall of the Soaring Flying Sect, Zhao Qinger stood by her father, the Sect Master. The room was filled with the most renowned figures from across Northern Chu.

Despite being well into his seventies, Zhao Qinger's father was the picture of vitality. He greeted the assembly with a respectful gesture and began, "The purpose of today's gathering is well known to all of you."

"Life in Northern Chu was once carefree for us, but ever since that despicable Void Returning arrived twenty years ago, we've suffered his relentless oppression. It's been unbearable."

"Now, with Void Returning having vanished for seven or eight years, it's likely he's dead. This is our chance to strike back at the Void Returning Sect and erase the shame we've endured for so long!"

The Sect Master of the Blazing Flame Sect interjected with a scoff, "How can you be so certain he's dead? These immortals are rumored to live very long lives."

Zhao Qinger picked up the thread, "A decade ago, my father consulted a seer to divine Void Returning's fate. His time was nearly up. Since we've eliminated the disciples of the Void Returning Sect without any retaliation, it's clear they're leaderless."

"It's obvious, isn't it? The old villain is dead, and the Void Returning Sect is now in disarray."

This declaration sent a wave of excitement through the gathered heroes.

The leader of the Flying Tiger Gang made his point by tossing the head of Zhang the Immortal before them, declaring, "Look at this so-called immortal, nothing more than a charlatan!"

"Exactly," another voice chimed in. "Together, the seven great sects command thousands. The Void Returning Sect has fewer than a hundred. They could be overwhelmed by our sheer numbers alone."

The leader of the Deadly Land Gang added thoughtfully, "But they are adept in magic. How do we counter that? I don't want my men to fall victim to their flames."

"Fear not," Zhao Qinger reassured, presenting a piece of armor woven from a special vine. "This battle armor, procured by my father from the military, is designed to counteract their fire spells. Once donned, you'll be impervious to the flames."

Zhao Qinger tugged at the vines with force and even scorched them briefly with a torch. Just as she had claimed, there was no change.

It was quite peculiar. The armor was clearly made of wood, yet the surface of the unusual vines was coated with a wax-like substance. It seemed impervious to both fire and water.

The old Sect Master, overhearing the discussions below, could tell that their resolve was wavering, though they still harbored some hesitation. He decided to stoke their determination further.

"Thanks to His Majesty's favor, my second son has been promoted to Governor of Northern Chu. These armors are exclusively used by the military. Moreover, in a few days, we'll receive dozens of divine crossbows to aid in our campaign against these charlatans."

Upon hearing this, the crowd's excitement surged. With their primary concern addressed, there was little else to discuss. "Hmph, we're fully committed now!"

"I've been navigating the martial world for decades. Why should I endure such humiliation? Let's be thorough and completely topple the Void Returning Sect!"