C5 Heading to the Essence Opening Sect to Recruit Disciples(2)

Chen Feng was undaunted. His cultivation had reached the pinnacle of the Extreme Stage, and with Jianxin and Sword Intent at his disposal, he was unaware of the full extent of his terrifying combat strength. He was confident that even a Golden Core Stage cultivator would struggle to exchange more than a few moves with him, especially since he also had the support of the sect leader's longsword. Early Golden Core Stage opponents were hardly a concern for him.

Suddenly, Chen Feng grasped Lu Xueqi's arm. Her skin was pale and elastic, captivating Chen Feng so much that he found it difficult to let go. He strutted forward, holding onto Lu Xueqi, his face beaming with pride as they passed the onlookers.

The bystanders watched Chen Feng's smug demeanor, clenching their teeth in frustration. They were itching to give him a piece of their mind.

After a short walk, Lu Xueqi came to a halt and turned to Chen Feng with an icy stare. "How long do you intend to keep holding onto me?" she asked.

Chen Feng felt a chill emanate from her, a testament to her Profound Ice Cold Body, which could inadvertently send shivers down one's spine.

He touched his nose, not quite ready to release her, and offered a sheepish smile. He then brought his hand to his nose, inhaling the scent of her arm, and muttered appreciatively, "Quite fragrant, indeed."

Lu Xueqi, a warrior at the Body Refining Peak, had no trouble hearing Chen Feng's comment. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Once revered as a Saintess, she was accustomed to being treated with the utmost respect. The thought of a man speaking to her in such an unguarded manner was foreign to her.

With a huff, she snorted at Chen Feng and continued walking ahead.

Chen Feng watched Lu Xueqi's retreating figure, amused to see that she could still show shyness.

...

Chen Feng and Lu Xueqi settled into an inn in Essence Opening City. Despite their limited funds, they managed to get by comfortably enough for the time being.

Chen Feng spent some time gathering information and learned that in two days, the City Lord Mansion and nearby sects were planning to hold a joint recruitment for disciples. Talented individuals from around Essence Opening City were expected to flock to the event, all hoping to join these sects, become cultivators, and gain access to superior cultivation resources.

...

Two days passed.

During their stay at the inn, Chen Feng had been mentoring Lu Xueqi in her cultivation practices. Her exceptional aptitude was evident. The Tendon Altering Marrow Cleansing Sutra not only restored the foundational damage from her previous training but also advanced her one step closer to the Body Refining Extreme Stage.

Improving one's innate talent was essentially a lost cause. For a peerless talent to ascend to the ranks of a legendary genius was as difficult as reaching the heavens.

Over the past two days, Chen Feng had been practicing the Chaos Myriad World Sutra, a cultivation technique that surpassed the Holy Grade Tendon Altering Marrow Cleansing Sutra. This practice further solidified his foundational strength. Starting from Body Refining Level One, he began his cultivation anew. Within two days, he reached the Body Refining Extreme Stage, a level that was incomparable to his state just two days prior. If he were to spar with his past self, Chen Feng felt he could easily triumph without exerting much effort.

Thus, Chen Feng and Lu Xueqi spent these days honing their foundations, without rushing to achieve a breakthrough. Once their business was concluded, they planned to return to their sect and focus on their advancement.

Chen Feng, accompanied by Lu Xueqi, arrived at the City Lord Mansion. True to its name, the mansion was a testament to the city's grandeur. While not ostentatiously luxurious, it certainly exuded elegance and class.

The area outside the City Lord Mansion was bustling with people. Each sect had set up a table with a sign, ready to register new members.

Observing the scene, Chen Feng was reminded of the talent markets of old, yet it felt strangely different from what he had expected.

Approaching a sect's table, Chen Feng took note of the Mountain Leaning Sect, a Grade Nine Sect. Several individuals stood behind the table, with a Body Refining Level Seven warrior leading them. Such strength was notable in the vicinity of Essence Opening City, but to Chen Feng, it was hardly impressive.

As Chen Feng approached, the members of the Mountain Leaning Sect greeted him enthusiastically, mistaking his interest for a desire to join their ranks.

"Brother, I'd like to ask you something," Chen Feng said, casually draping his arm over the shoulder of the sect's lead representative, his tone friendly.

The lead man's eyes widened in surprise, his body's Qi and blood roiling with indignation, his shoulders tensing to shrug off Chen Feng's familiarity. As an elder of the Mountain Leaning Sect, he was a respected force within his community. He was unaccustomed to such casual familiarity, especially from those he did not consider peers.

Members of the Mountain Leaning Sect quickly assembled and approached their elder, concerned that Chen Feng intended to harm him.

"Release our elder!" the disciples of the Mountain Leaning Sect demanded, seeing their elder in Chen Feng's grasp.

"May I ask what brings you here, brother? I am Zhang Jin, an elder of the Mountain Leaning Sect."

Zhang Jin was inwardly astonished. With his Body Refining Level Seven skills, even someone at the Body Refining Peak would struggle to withstand such a force. His strength was completely overpowered, and he knew better than to provoke the formidable young man before him. He decided to first find out what Chen Feng wanted.

"What's going on here? I need to discuss something with this gentleman. You all carry on with your recruitment," Zhang Jin said, giving his disciples a stern look before leading Chen Feng aside.

Chen Feng observed Zhang Jin thoughtfully. In this world, those who survive are the ones with keen insight; they understand the dangers they face. Clearly, this elder from the Mountain Leaning Sect was no fool.

"It's nothing major. I'm just curious about the requirements for recruiting people here," Chen Feng stated plainly.

Hearing this, Zhang Jin breathed a sigh of relief; it was just a minor issue.

"My friend, so you've come to recruit for a sect as well? All you need to do is register at the City Lord Mansion, and then you're free to recruit here."

Without hesitation, Zhang Jin provided the information and then inquired further, "You possess remarkable strength for someone so young. Are you perhaps here to recruit disciples for the Divine Martial Sect?"

Zhang Jin was perceptive. The man before him was at least at the Body Refining Peak, possibly even having advanced to the Golden Core Stage. Only a significant sect could cultivate such talent. In the Purple Chu Kingdom, other than the Royal Capital, the only Grade Seven Sect was the Divine Martial Sect. Since recruitment for the Royal Capital took place at the City Lord Mansion and this young man was inquiring here, he clearly wasn't from the Royal Capital.

Chen Feng understood Zhang Jin's line of thought and responded calmly, "I am Chen Feng, the Sect Master of the Profound Heaven Sect. I've come here today to recruit a few disciples, not for the Divine Martial Sect."

Zhang Jin mulled over the Profound Heaven Sect with care. It didn't ring a bell, and he was surprised to learn that this individual was actually the Sect Master. Perhaps he was from a powerful family, out to gain experience.

"It's quite impressive that such a young man is already a Sect Master. Truly, every generation produces its own remarkable talents. Brother Chen Feng, you're quite accomplished for your age!"

Everyone enjoys a bit of praise, and Zhang Jin was quick to offer his compliments. His own Mountain Leaning Sect boasted the strongest at the Body Refining Peak, and Chen Feng was of equal standing. The strength of Chen Feng's sect surely wouldn't be inferior to his own. Befriending a fellow expert could only be advantageous for the future. Whether he'd heard of the Profound Heaven Sect or not was irrelevant; what mattered was strength. A sect with a powerful member always had the potential to flourish.

Chen Feng felt a surge of pleasure at Zhang Jin's words. Flattery it might be, but it was nonetheless pleasing to the ear.

Observing Chen Feng's reaction, Zhang Jin sensed his words had made an impact. With a bit more effort, he could forge a connection, or at the very least, become acquainted.

"Brother Chen Feng, I'm currently free. How about I guide you through the application process? I'm well-acquainted with a manager at the City Lord Mansion, which will make things much more convenient and save us a lot of hassle."

After some thought, Chen Feng, who had only been on this continent for a few days and was still getting his bearings, welcomed the assistance. It was an opportunity he couldn't pass up, knowing he could return the favor later.

"Then I'm in your debt, Elder Zhang. I'll be sure to treat you to a drink afterwards," Chen Feng said, giving a respectful bow to Zhang Jin.

"Think nothing of it," Zhang Jin replied with a smile, his eyes crinkling.

"Brother Chen Feng, give me a moment to instruct my disciples, and then I'll accompany you to the City Lord Mansion for the application."

"Sounds good. I'll wait for you up ahead."

Chen Feng gestured towards Lu Xueqi's location and informed Zhang Jin.

Zhang Jin then made his way back to the Mountain Leaning Sect's recruitment area to brief the group of disciples.

Chen Feng made his way to where Lu Xueqi was and waited for Zhang Jin to arrive.