C11 The Flame Emperor Xiao Yan Was Born a Loser(2)
Chen Feng arrived in this world with only twelve taels of silver to his name. Lu Xueqi was at the peak of body cultivation, while Chen Feng himself was an even more formidable practitioner at the Extreme Stage of body cultivation. Although they could survive without food or water for two to three days, it wasn't sustainable in the long term. Thus, acquiring a substantial amount of money was a top priority for Chen Feng.
The two and a half million taels of silver he obtained were just enough to alleviate his immediate financial concerns, especially since developing a sect was an incredibly costly endeavor.
Lee Qian, noticing that Chen Feng was not paying him much attention, offered a sheepish smile and said, "I shall take my leave and report back then. The City Lord awaits my response."
As Lee Qian departed, Chen Feng pondered to himself, "I'm not sure what tonight will bring. My strength still seems somewhat lacking."
Zhang Jin also respectfully excused himself, as he needed to oversee matters at the Mountain Leaning Sect.
...
Lee Qian entered the secret chamber and relayed Chen Feng's response to Lee Tongxuan.
Upon hearing Lee Qian's report, Lee Tongxuan chuckled, "Chen Feng is quite the intriguing character."
...
Chen Feng surveyed the crowd and called out, "Those who wish to join the sect, make haste. If you aspire to master the ultimate sword techniques and become a Top Expert, your journey begins with joining the Profound Heaven Sect."
The crowd stirred with excitement. Despite Chen Feng's run-ins with the four sects, he had secured the support of the City Lord Mansion. Moreover, the Profound Heaven Sect Master was renowned for his exceptional strength and mastery of sword force.
While the exact extent of Chen Feng's abilities remained unknown, his feat of severing Yanshan's sword qi suggested he possessed the power of a fourth or fifth level Golden Core cultivator.
"I'm in," declared a slender man, stepping forward to stand before Chen Feng.
Chen Feng appraised the newcomer:
Name: Lau Qi (First-rate Talent)
Strength: Fourth Stage of Body Cultivation
Cultivation Techniques: Flying Swan Technique (Yellow Level Middle Grade), Mountain Breaking Fist (Yellow Level Lower Grade)
Physique: Light Spirit Body
Comprehension: 7
Bone Root: 8
Predestined Blessing: 8
Willpower: 8
Note: This individual is a first-rate talent with a Light Spirit Body, possessing an extraordinary aptitude for mastering light skills. With dedicated cultivation from the sect, they have the potential to become a mainstay of the sect.
To everyone's surprise, it was Lau Qi who appeared. Despite being at the fourth level of Body Transformation, his Flying Swan Technique was so masterful that not even those at the seventh level could match him. The crowd was taken aback to see Lau Qi joining the Profound Heaven Sect.
Chen Feng was equally astonished to see Lau Qi. While the Light Spirit Body might not be as formidable as the Profound Ice Cold Body, with proper training, it could certainly be developed into a force to be reckoned with.
Chen Feng obtained a sect admission certificate and presented it to Lau Qi, saying, "Sign your name, and you'll become a disciple of the Profound Heaven Sect."
Lau Qi, observing Chen Feng's earnest demeanor, was skeptical about how easy it was to join the sect. After a brief hesitation, he signed his name.
Chen Feng nodded in approval, having successfully recruited someone with a Light Spirit Body. His venture to Essence Opening City had paid off, as the mission counter went from 0/10 to 1/10, bringing him one step closer to completion.
Lau Qi took his place behind Lu Xueqi, admiring her from a distance. He stepped back and murmured to himself, "She's beautiful, but so aloof."
Lu Xueqi slightly furrowed her brows and turned her head, causing Lau Qi to jump back in alarm, shrinking away without uttering another word.
Lau Qi's example prompted the rest to eagerly come forward to register, momentarily setting aside any concerns about the Blazing Fire Sect.
Chen Feng, facing the onrush of people, gestured for order. "Please, one at a time. No need to rush. Form a line."
As the crowd remained indifferent, Chen Feng felt a wave of frustration.
Lu Xueqi stepped forward authoritatively and commanded, "Everyone, get in line now."
A chill swept over the crowd, prompting them to instinctively draw their clothes tighter. With wary eyes on Lu Xueqi, they quickly formed an orderly queue, impressing Chen Feng with their swift compliance.
Upon witnessing the scene, Lau Qi couldn't help but marvel, "The eldest senior sister is truly formidable!"
Chen Feng proceeded to assess the talents using the system.
Name: Li Si
Strength: Body Refining Level One
Qualification: Comprehension 5
Bone Root: 4
Predestined Blessing: 4
Willpower: 5
Note: Too painful to watch, no comment.
"Disqualified. Next!" Chen Feng declared with a shake of his head.
Li Si walked away, crestfallen.
...
Such mediocre talent. As expected, finding a genius in a small place like Essence Opening City was incredibly rare. Stumbling upon Lau Qi was indeed a stroke of luck.
The recruitment went on until dusk. With Lau Qi's inclusion, only ten individuals were recruited, fulfilling the system's task.
Apart from Lau Qi, a First-rate Talent, there were Su Yu, Jiang Chen, Lin Goudan, and other Third-rate Talents like Ye Xuan, Dao Kun, Zhang Rann, Lyi Tong, Su Chen, and Yuen Yang.
Their natural abilities might not be impressive, but with the Tendon Altering Marrow Cleansing Sutra, Third-rate Talents could essentially advance to Second-rate, and Second-rate Talents had the potential to reach First-rate. Should they obtain another Marrow Cleansing Pill, their talents would surely skyrocket.
By now, the area was deserted. Chen Feng was ready to pack up and leave, having completed the system's mission. The reward, the Body Refining Pavilion, could only be constructed upon his return to the sect. It was time to head back and focus on his growth.
"Sect Master Chen, please wait. I wish to join the Profound Heaven Sect," an eager voice called out.
"Isn't that Xiao Yan, the perpetual failure from the Xiao Mansion? What's he doing here at the sect recruitment? Does he actually aspire to join the Profound Heaven Sect?"
A bystander remarked, unable to contain his surprise at the approaching figure.
Name: Xiao Yan
Strength: Body Cultivating Level Three
Cultivation Method: Body Refining Technique (Yellow Level Beginner Body Refining Technique)
Physique: Myriad Flame Divine Body
Ability: Comprehension 9
Bone Root: 10
Predestined Blessing: 9
Willpower: 10
Note: This individual is a peerless genius, yet born with obstructed meridians. He is suitable to be taken as a personal disciple. The Marrow Cleansing Pill and the Tendon Altering Marrow Cleansing Sutra can be used to clear his meridians, solidifying the foundation of the sect for millennia.
Xiao Yan surely isn't considering joining the Profound Heaven Sect, is he? That would be sensational news throughout Essence Opening City. It's hard to imagine the Profound Heaven Sect accepting such a failure. He's been stuck at the Third Level of Body Refining for six or seven years. Had it not been for his father being the patriarch of the Xiao family, he would have been expelled from his home long ago.
The crowd around them buzzed with gossip, pointing at Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan ignored the onlookers. Since he began his cultivation journey, ridicule had been a daily occurrence. Only with the support of his father, the patriarch of the Xiao family, had he managed to barely break through to the Third Level of Body Refining.
Xiao Yan knelt resolutely before Chen Feng and pleaded, "Sect Master, I humbly request that you take me on as your disciple."
Chen Feng didn't respond immediately, pondering whether this Xiao Yan could be the legendary Flame Emperor Xiao Yan. Surely the Myriad Flame Divine Body would be connected to flames.
Chen Feng lifted Xiao Yan to his feet, advising, "There's no need for you to kneel. A man's knees are precious, reserved for the heavens, the earth, and his parents. Even if I were to become your master, you wouldn't need to kneel before me."
"A man must strive for strength and seize every opportunity to become powerful. Today, you join my Profound Heaven Sect. If I fail to resolve your issue, you will be shown the door just the same. Knowing this, do you still wish to join my Profound Heaven Sect?"
Chen Feng gazed at Xiao Yan, considering the ease of solving his problem. Although the Marrow Cleansing Pill required 20,000 points, the prospect of nurturing a future Flame Emperor made it a worthwhile investment.
Xiao Yan felt deeply moved by Chen Feng's words. After enduring years of scorn, he had grown indifferent to such slander.
Xiao Yan sensed hope emanating from Chen Feng, an indescribable feeling that joining the Profound Heaven Sect might just be the solution to his cultivation woes. He was so committed to this path that being expelled from the sect later on was a risk he was willing to take.
His father, however, had endured much hardship. Over the years, he had consulted countless renowned physicians and spent a fortune, all in vain. The Xiao family's resentment towards his father was palpable, and Xiao Yan knew that if he failed and was expelled, his father would surely lose his position as the family patriarch.
"Sect Master Chen, I am ready to join the Profound Heaven Sect, even at the risk of eventual expulsion," declared the determined teenager.
Chen Feng gave a slight nod and a smile, "Very well."
Lu Xueqi, observing Chen Feng's decision, could sense the blockage in Xiao Yan's meridians, branding him as a hopeless case. She wondered why such a person would be recruited into the sect, but she chose not to interfere with Chen Feng's affairs.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Xiao Yan signed his name, his eyes brimming with tears, unable to articulate his gratitude.
Chen Feng offered a reassuring pat on Xiao Yan's shoulder, steadying his emotions. For now, Chen Feng refrained from making Xiao Yan his personal disciple, considering it prudent to wait until they could secure a Marrow Cleansing Pill back at the sect.
The crowd was abuzz with disappointment over Chen Feng's decision to admit Xiao Yan into the sect. They questioned the standards of a sect that would recruit the known failure of Essence Opening City.
Unperturbed by the murmurs of discontent, Chen Feng addressed his disciples with enthusiasm, "Go home and rest well today, spend time with your parents. Tomorrow morning, we'll reconvene here and head back to the sect as one."
After the gathering dispersed, Lu Xueqi remained by Chen Feng's side as they made their way to the City Lord Mansion.
Today marked a new dawn for the Profound Heaven Sect.
