Chapter 10 - How can there be such a big difference between core disciples!
Today is a great day; everything I wish for can come true...
Chu Xinghe swept away the previous gloom and bounced all the way back to his residence.
"Looks like Junior Brother has gotten what he wanted, he's in such a good mood," Feng Fei said with a smile, looking at Chu Xinghe.
"Senior Brother is right!" Chu Xinghe nodded and smiled.
"Make sure not to let the Great Elder's efforts go to waste."
Feng Fei clearly misunderstood, thinking that Chu Xinghe was happy because he had obtained the method to acquire the Divine Sword. But what truly made Chu Xinghe happy was not just that, but also the news brought by Shen Chun.
However, when the topic of the Divine Sword came up, Chu Xinghe quickly opened it to take a look.
Among the five swords, the Great Elder knew the locations of four: Falling Star, Marquis of Xinting, Lone Swan, and Spirit Severing.
The fifth sword, named Moon Concealment, had only a vague location known to the Great Elder, without any precise details, so it wasn't written down.
Among the remaining four swords, except for Spirit Severing, which didn't have a specific method, the methods to obtain Falling Star, Marquis of Xinting, and Lone Swan were clearly written, including the most suitable paths for each Divine Sword.
It was evident that the Great Elder was truly going all out for Chu Xinghe!
Feng Fei was stunned for a moment after reading it.
"The Great Elder really put in a lot of effort; this might be the first time such detailed records have appeared."
Feng Fei wasn't wrong at all.
As the number one sect in the world, the Grand Sky Sect was not only powerful but also fair in many aspects.
Usually, when the Spirit Tomb opens, the elders of each family would try to take care of their own disciples, but typically, they would only tell you that a certain place or method might suit you...
That's about it.
Those who receive such information are usually treated like the elders' own children.
But what the Great Elder wrote for Chu Xinghe... damn... this was more than just a hint; it was as if the Great Elder was going to personally retrieve the Divine Sword from the Spirit Tomb and lay it out in front of Chu Xinghe to let him choose.
While others were secretly feeding hints, the Great Elder was practically prying open Chu Xinghe's mouth, stuffing the food in, and using fire tongs to push it down to his stomach, afraid that Chu Xinghe might have indigestion and even throwing in some digestive tablets at the end.
So Feng Fei was a bit shocked after reading it.
But Feng Fei didn't think the Great Elder was overdoing it at all, because in Feng Fei's view, Chu Xinghe was destined to walk a path that would lead him to eventually take charge of the Spirit Crane Palace, so the Great Elder would spare no effort to pave the way for Chu Xinghe.
"Senior Brother is right, the Great Elder might be afraid I wouldn't understand," Chu Xinghe could tell from Feng Fei's expression just how deep the Great Elder's involvement was.
"Remember to burn these after memorizing them," Feng Fei reminded from the side.
"Alright!"
After carefully memorizing every word, Chu Xinghe burned the paper clean in front of Feng Fei.
"Junior Brother, remember to keep a low profile; these things are for your knowledge only, don't go around giving random guidance to others," Feng Fei also reminded.
"Rest assured, Senior Brother!"
***
That night was filled with beautiful dreams.
In the morning, Chu Xinghe continued to contemplate his next steps while observing the towering peaks.
By afternoon, Chu Xinghe received news that the Spirit Tomb would open early the next morning. Due to the Sect Master's seclusion, the Great Elder would personally preside over this Spirit Tomb gathering.
Once the news was out, disciples from all sides had mixed feelings.
Although some had received insider information in advance, it was still nerve-wracking, as you couldn't be sure if others had received the same information as you.
After all, the elders from different factions couldn't very well sit down and have a meeting to discuss where each disciple should go.
So, duplicate information wasn't entirely impossible, and if that happened, it would be a race to see who got there first.
Of course, someone like Chu Xinghe was unique in the entire Grand Sky Sect. The locations of the Divine Swords were usually not disclosed to disciples unless there was an exceptionally suitable disciple; otherwise, they wouldn't have access.
Besides these few, the majority were ordinary inner disciples of the Grand Sky Sect. Outer disciples weren't eligible to enter the Spirit Tomb; only those who transitioned from outer to inner disciples could enter with the next batch.
This Spirit Tomb gathering would determine the future fate of many, as obtaining a good Spirit Weapon would smooth the path ahead, while failing to do so would make it incredibly rough.
So, after the news was released, disciples from various palaces gathered in groups to discuss the Spirit Tomb gathering, but it was mostly futile, as the situation inside the Spirit Tomb was largely unknown, except for some tidbits from senior brothers.
Which Spirit Weapon was good and which suited them? Who knew?
Amidst the tension for many and the excitement for a few, the Spirit Tomb gathering arrived as scheduled.
Three thousand inner disciples gathered at the martial arts arena outside the Grand Sky Palace, the central location of the Grand Sky Sect. Although Chu Xinghe stood at the edge, he was still the focal point for everyone.
"The guy who became a core disciple in the shortest time in history..."
"His black disciple robe looks so cool..."
"The gold embroidery is even cooler; too bad it's not on me."
"Core disciple... I wonder when I'll become a core disciple!"
"Stop dreaming. To become an elite disciple, you need at least the cultivation level of a Grand Martial Master and have achievements. As for core disciples, even if you work your whole life, it's useless. Each core disciple is personally selected by the elders and is destined to be someone significant in the sect."
Voices of discussion came from all directions, both positive and negative, but Chu Xinghe didn't mind at all.
"Silence!"
With a commanding shout, the Great Elder stepped onto the high platform, his gaze sweeping over the many disciples below as he began to speak.
First, he praised the sect.
Then, he told the disciples that entering the Grand Sky Sect was a blessing from their ancestors and that they should cherish the opportunity.
Finally, he briefly introduced the rules of the Spirit Tomb.
The rules were simple: once inside, you could go wherever you wanted, but each person only had half a day. If you couldn't select a suitable Spirit Weapon within the allotted time, the sect would forcibly give you the lowest-grade Spirit Weapon.
This was also a warning to those with unrealistic ambitions to take a good look at themselves and not aim too high, lest they end up with nothing.
The Great Elder's words, though harsh, were true.
After the Great Elder finished speaking, the platform behind him descended, revealing a path leading to the back of the Grand Sky Palace.
This was the path to the Spirit Tomb.
Under the guidance of the sect disciples, everyone began to enter the Spirit Tomb in an orderly fashion.
Chu Xinghe noticed that the Great Elder nodded at him before he entered the Spirit Tomb, a gesture of encouragement.
***
Chu Xinghe followed the group through the underground passage of the Spirit Tomb, eventually passing through a foggy gate into the Spirit Tomb itself.
What lay before him was a world resembling an underground cavern, with countless massive stones standing unevenly before everyone.
On these massive stones, various Spirit Weapons were embedded, but they all appeared dusty and indistinguishable in quality.
While Chu Xinghe was assessing the terrain, some people had already set off, clearly those who had received insider information, heading towards their desired Spirit Weapons.
But more stood there, bewildered, as the paths and stones were countless, and the Spirit Weapons atop them even more so. How to choose? It was entirely up to luck.
As Chu Xinghe pondered his plan, a clear voice came from behind.
"Excuse me, are you Senior Brother Chu Xinghe?" A sweet girl approached Chu Xinghe.
Chu Xinghe glanced at the girl's chest... whoa... so big... no, wait... it's the Hill Forest Palace emblem... Chu Xinghe was just trying to see where she was from, not concerned about the size.
"Hello, Junior Sister, I am Chu Xinghe."
"Senior Brother Xinghe, my name is Wan Lin. As a core disciple, you must know more than us. I wonder if you could help us..."
The others behind her also looked at Chu Xinghe, but the girl was prepared for rejection, knowing that the Spirit Tomb was about personal gain, and it was rare for someone to spare their precious time to help others.
But just as the girl was ready for rejection, Chu Xinghe spoke, "Junior Sister Wan Lin, no need to be polite. Although I'm a core disciple, I know about as much as you do, but I'm duty-bound to help fellow disciples. If you don't mind, you can follow me, and I'll try to guide you."
"Ah! Thank you, Senior Brother Xinghe!" Wan Lin and the disciples behind her were so excited they almost jumped.
Wan Lin's eyes sparkled as she looked at Chu Xinghe. She had heard rumors that Chu Xinghe was righteous, willing to risk himself to protect his fellow townspeople, and was praised by many in the Spirit Crane Palace. Wan Lin thought it was just rumors, but she never expected that Chu Xinghe, a core disciple, would be so approachable, making her believe that sometimes rumors can be true.
"To all other fellow disciples, if you're unsure where to go, you can also follow me. I'll do my best to guide you," Chu Xinghe called out, immediately receiving cheers from many confused disciples.
"Thank you, Senior Brother Xinghe!"
"I'm truly impressed; no wonder Senior Brother Xinghe became a core disciple!"
"Exactly... you wouldn't believe it, but I met a core disciple the other day, and when I called him Senior Brother, he didn't even acknowledge me!"
"How can there be such a big difference between core disciples!"
Countless people praised Senior Brother Xinghe's virtue and followed in Chu Xinghe's footsteps.
***
However, what Chu Xinghe didn't know was that at this moment, a group of elders in the Grand Sky Palace was silently observing everything in the Spirit Tomb through the Grand Sky Mirror.
The Great Elder stood at the forefront, feeling both gratified and helpless when he saw Chu Xinghe willing to guide his fellow disciples.
He was gratified because Chu Xinghe had such a good disposition, willing to help any fellow disciple of the Grand Sky Sect, not just those from the Spirit Crane Palace.
But he was also helpless because Chu Xinghe's actions might delay him, possibly preventing him from obtaining the Divine Sword.
Apart from the Great Elder, the other elders nodded in agreement as they watched. They all understood the concept of favoritism, but it couldn't be openly discussed.
Their own disciples rushed to the places they had received information about, afraid of missing out on good items. But when they looked at Chu Xinghe, everyone knew he must have received guidance from the Great Elder, even more detailed than what they had given.
Yet, Chu Xinghe?
Faced with requests for help from fellow disciples, he didn't hesitate at all. This alone won over more than half of the elders present.
As always, when evaluating disciples, it's not just about talent but also about disposition.
Chapter 11 - Original intention
Everything within the Spirit Tomb was clearly displayed in the Grand Sky Mirror.
Everyone's actions were visible at a glance.
Some people, upon entering, frantically searched the locations they had heard about through rumors, ignoring the pleas for help from their fellow sect members. They wouldn't even glance at them, let alone offer assistance.
In contrast, Chu Xinghe was open to helping anyone who asked.
The difference was stark.
"Our Grand Sky Sect is ranked as the number one sect in the world. Every disciple under our banner is exceptionally talented. While talent is important, one's disposition determines their future. What do you all think?"
The Great Elder's voice was soft but clearly heard by every elder. With the Sect Master in seclusion, the Great Elder managed all sect affairs, including overseeing the elders. Although he didn't explicitly state it, everyone understood the implication.
It was as if he was saying, "Look at this... these disciples you've chosen, what are they doing?"
Each one was only concerned about themselves, ignoring their fellow sect members. Are these the disciples you've selected?
"The Great Elder is right; we must reflect and change."
The elders were embarrassed.
It's all about comparison. In the past, when the Spirit Tomb opened, everyone behaved similarly, so no one said anything. But today, Chu Xinghe's performance was so outstanding that it made everyone else look like mere foils.
What was even more frustrating was that despite the Great Elder's reprimand, none of the elders could criticize Chu Xinghe. How could they? Blame him for helping his fellow sect members?
The Grand Sky Sect, despite having many branches and palaces, has always been a united sect. Becoming the number one sect in the world was no accident. However, these new disciples clearly didn't understand this yet. They only thought about themselves, forgetting that the Spirit Tomb gathering wasn't a martial arts competition where they had to fight to the death. The people around them weren't enemies but fellow sect brothers and sisters.
In the Spirit Tomb, the girls from Hill Forest Palace followed Chu Xinghe's lead, and not just them; more and more people began to follow Chu Xinghe.
Everyone was genuinely impressed by this core disciple who was willing to spend his time guiding others.
That's why he's a core disciple, truly virtuous.
"Fellow junior brothers and sisters, like you, this is my first time entering the Spirit Tomb. Although I've heard some things from senior brothers, my understanding is limited. Choosing a Spirit Weapon depends on one's fate. While I can guide you, the type of Spirit Weapon you end up with depends on your own fate with it. If you don't find a Spirit Weapon that satisfies you, please don't blame me."
Chu Xinghe's words brought tears to the eyes of the junior brothers and sisters behind him.
"We will always remember Senior Brother Xinghe's kindness."
"Senior Brother Xinghe, there's no need to say more. Just leading us is already a great kindness."
"Senior Brother Xinghe is so cool!"
Wan Lin followed behind Chu Xinghe, her eyes sparkling. She initially joined with a tentative mindset, but she didn't expect Senior Brother Xinghe to be so kind.
Under Chu Xinghe's leadership, they moved forward, and as they progressed, the variety of Spirit Weapons around them increased, indicating that they were on the right path.
The Spirit Tomb had countless paths, some leading to places with no Spirit Weapons at all, making it troublesome if one took the wrong path. The route Chu Xinghe was following was one he had obtained earlier, but he wasn't leading everyone to the final Divine Sword location; he was heading to...
Soon, after a turn, Chu Xinghe found the place he was looking for.
This place was different from others because there was a stone tablet in front of them.
"The Spirit Pool!" Wan Lin read the words on the stone tablet, and everyone knew about the Spirit Pool.
The Spirit Pool was considered the central area of the entire Spirit Tomb and was the original Spirit Tomb of the Grand Sky Sect. When the ancestors of the Grand Sky Sect passed away, their Spirit Weapons were left in the Spirit Pool.
Seeing the Spirit Pool, Chu Xinghe spoke up, "This is it. Junior brothers and sisters can choose their Spirit Weapons here!"
Chu Xinghe pointed to the location of the Spirit Pool.
But as soon as he finished speaking, everyone, including Wan Lin, was stunned.
"Doesn't Senior Brother Xinghe know what this place is?" Wan Lin was puzzled.
"Of course, I know. It's the Spirit Pool!"
"Then why is Senior Brother Xinghe letting us choose Spirit Weapons here?"
"Yeah... the Spirit Pool is the original Spirit Tomb of the Grand Sky Sect, and the Spirit Weapons here are the oldest batch..."
"That's right, many of these Spirit Weapons are damaged, and even the undamaged ones are the worst. What does Senior Brother Xinghe mean by this?"
"Choosing Spirit Weapons here? Isn't this a trap?"
Chaos erupted as everyone realized that the Spirit Weapons in the Spirit Pool were from the earliest ancestors of the Grand Sky Sect. However, during that era, the Grand Sky Sect wasn't the number one sect, and the Spirit Weapons in the Spirit Pool were far less diverse and powerful than they are now.
Chu Xinghe leading everyone here was clearly a trap.
Everyone looked at Chu Xinghe with confusion and anger. What happened to guiding us? What does this trap mean?
Not just in the Spirit Tomb, but even in the Grand Sky Palace, the Great Elder and the other elders were shocked. No one expected Chu Xinghe to lead everyone to this place. What happened to his virtue? Wasn't this clearly a trap?
In the Spirit Tomb, Wan Lin was equally puzzled. What was Senior Brother Xinghe trying to do?
Wasn't this clearly a trap?
The disciples' emotions were becoming more agitated, and a few hot-tempered ones were about to start cursing.
They declared that even if Chu Xinghe was a core disciple, if he harmed everyone like this, they would jointly report him, making sure he faced consequences!
"Everyone, shut up!"
Amidst the noise, Chu Xinghe's shout silenced everyone.
"You think I'm trapping you? Making you choose the worst Spirit Weapons?" Chu Xinghe's words made many nod.
"Hahaha... how sad... this is the greatest tragedy in the world!"
Chu Xinghe looked sorrowful as he scanned the crowd and spoke slowly.
"A thousand years ago, our Grand Sky Sect's first ancestor, the Grand Sky Emperor, emerged from a small village. He had no unparalleled talent or divine weapons, yet he founded the Grand Sky Sect with his own strength."
"For hundreds of years, countless sects rose and fell, disappearing in the river of history, but our Grand Sky Sect rose from obscurity, overcoming countless challenges!"
"Four hundred years ago, our tenth-generation Grand Sky Emperor was born, a prodigy who defeated demons and evil. That day, four words appeared above our sect's gate—Number One Under Heaven!"
"For four hundred years, no one could shake our position as the number one sect. But today, I ask you, junior brothers and sisters, does anyone remember what the first Grand Sky Emperor's Spirit Weapon was? Or the tenth Grand Sky Emperor's?"
Silence filled the room.
"I'll tell you! The first Grand Sky Emperor's Spirit Weapon was the Black Iron Sword! It's right in front of you!" Chu Xinghe pointed to a Spirit Weapon placed at the highest point. "A thousand years have passed, and it's now worn and damaged, but its past glory is evident in its scars."
"And the tenth Grand Sky Emperor's Spirit Weapon was the Mercury Sword, another unremarkable Spirit Weapon, right before your eyes!" Chu Xinghe pointed to the Mercury Sword, another seemingly ordinary Spirit Weapon.
"A thousand years, from obscurity to sitting atop the peak, how many remember the past? It's truly sad!" Chu Xinghe looked heartbroken.
"We joined the Grand Sky Sect and came to the Spirit Tomb to choose our Spirit Weapons. But is that all we're here for? No! We're here to honor the past left by our ancestors, to understand their glory! Today, you look at these Spirit Weapons and tell me they're trash? But do you remember that each one followed its master to fight for the Grand Sky Sect until the very end?"
Silence... the Spirit Tomb was silent.
"The path of cultivation is difficult, as hard as ascending to the heavens. A Spirit Weapon can make our path easier, but ask yourself, if the tenth Grand Sky Emperor could lead the Grand Sky Sect to the peak with the Mercury Sword, why can't we?"
"Four hundred years ago, our ancestors had no divine weapons, yet they brought glory to the Grand Sky Sect. But today... you, the chosen ones, stand here, thinking only of relying on a Spirit Weapon to make your cultivation path smoother. Do you deserve to be disciples of the Grand Sky Sect?"
Silence... not only in the Spirit Tomb but also before the Grand Sky Mirror.
The Great Elder and many elders were deep in thought.
Four hundred years ago was the peak era of the Grand Sky Sect, and it seemed that the sect had never surpassed that peak since.
Everyone wondered why. The Grand Sky Sect had more resources than before, and the disciples were more talented, yet they couldn't recreate the past glory. Why...
Today, Chu Xinghe gave everyone an answer!
"We forgot our original intention..."
"We all want stronger Spirit Weapons and more resources, but on the path of cultivation, external things are just that—external. Only by finding our original intention can we recreate glory. Now I ask you, do you still think the Spirit Weapons in the Spirit Pool are ordinary?"
Chu Xinghe finished, his voice filled with emotion. To inspire others, you must first inspire yourself. Whether they believed it or not, he believed it...
Chapter 12 - Playing big! Haotian Sword Box!
"Unwavering in your original intent, only then can you achieve your ultimate goal..." The Great Elder quietly uttered these eight words, lifting his gaze to look at Chu Xinghe within the Grand Sky Mirror.
Chu Xinghe, observing the countless disciples lost in thought, knew he needed to add more fuel to the fire to succeed!
"Four hundred years ago, our ancestors reached the pinnacle without external aids. Why can't we do the same today? Do you think you're inferior to others?"
"We're not!" Wan Lin was the first to speak, tears welling up in her eyes.
With Wan Lin's words, more voices rose around them.
"Senior Brother Xinghe... I was wrong. I thought Senior Brother Xinghe was deliberately misleading us, but I didn't realize his realm far surpassed ours. Four hundred years ago, our ancestors used these spirit weapons to establish our current foundation. Today, we've forgotten their legacy, only pursuing external aids. Senior Brother Xinghe is right; the path of cultivation is fraught with obstacles. External aids can assist us, but if we only pursue them, how can we reach the pinnacle?"
A young man, swept away by emotion, stepped out from the crowd and approached the Spirit Pool. He grabbed a spirit weapon from its edge, and as the dust fell away, it seemed to respond to him, flashing with light as it acknowledged him as its master!
With the first one taking the step, it became easier for others. Wan Lin also stepped out from the crowd, bowed deeply to Chu Xinghe, and then proceeded to select her own spirit weapon, claiming her destined spirit weapon.
More people followed, choosing their spirit weapons, but many still hesitated, observing the situation.
Seeing this, Chu Xinghe gritted his teeth and stomped his foot. As the saying goes, you can't catch a wolf without risking your child. It's just a spirit weapon, after all! He had just said it—damn it, it's only an external aid!
Today, he would forgo the Divine Sword; he wouldn't stop until he had convinced everyone!
Chu Xinghe stepped up to the Spirit Pool, gazing at the seemingly ordinary spirit weapons before him. Without much hesitation, he set his sights on a spirit sword that looked somewhat pleasing and made his decision!
"The path of cultivation is filled with thorns. I've hesitated, but I've never retreated!"
With that, Chu Xinghe took a step forward.
Seeing Chu Xinghe also choosing a spirit weapon from here, the disciples who were still hesitating suddenly had a determined look in their eyes.
Senior Brother Xinghe, a core disciple with a bright future, had the courage to rely on his own cultivation without external aids. As he said, even though the path of cultivation is full of thorns, he may have hesitated, but he never retreated.
Perhaps this is the true path of cultivation.
If even Senior Brother Xinghe made such a choice, what reason do we have to hesitate?
In an instant, countless people dispelled their last doubts and headed towards the Spirit Pool.
One by one, they chose their spirit weapons, which became their lifelong companions. Although these spirit weapons were of low grade, every person who obtained one had an unwavering look in their eyes.
Seeing more and more people making their choices, Chu Xinghe knew he had to make a sacrifice today!
Gritting his teeth and stomping his foot, Chu Xinghe grabbed the ordinary spirit sword before him. As he held it high, he sang to the heavens!
"Like a roc soaring with the wind, rising ninety thousand miles! Today, we shall forge new glory!"
"Today, we shall forge new glory!" At this moment, everyone echoed Chu Xinghe's cry.
But just as Chu Xinghe was about to use his spiritual energy to claim the spirit sword, an unexpected change occurred.
"Whoosh..." The spirit sword in Chu Xinghe's hand was suddenly controlled by an unknown force, flying out of his grasp and returning to its original position.
As the spirit sword returned, a strange sound filled the air.
"Buzz buzz buzz..." A tremor spread, and suddenly all the spirit weapons in the Spirit Pool began to shake!
This scene left Chu Xinghe utterly confused. What was happening?
However, before the Grand Sky Mirror, the Great Elder and others exclaimed in shock!
"The Divine Sword emerges! All spirits return?"
The Great Elder's eyes widened. In the Spirit Pool of the Grand Sky Sect, there were ten Divine Swords, and whenever a Divine Sword acknowledged a master, countless spirit weapons would tremble in response.
Indeed, the Divine Sword emerges, and all spirits return!
But there was no Divine Sword here. What was happening?
The Great Elder quickly realized something was amiss!
In the Spirit Tomb of the Grand Sky Sect, there were not just ten thousand spirits, but hundreds of thousands, even millions. These were all the spirit weapons collected over a millennium.
According to previous instances of the Divine Sword emerging, many spirit weapons would tremble in response, but there was no Divine Sword in Chu Xinghe's area... Why were these spirit weapons shaking?
Moreover, the elders soon discovered that not only were the spirit weapons in Chu Xinghe's location trembling, but all the spirit weapons in the entire Spirit Tomb were shaking, including those that had already acknowledged their masters.
And this tremor wasn't confined to the Spirit Tomb. Soon, all the spirit weapons in the entire Grand Sky Sect began to tremble, centered around the Spirit Tomb.
Not just the ordinary disciples, the Great Elder found that his own Soul Extinguishing Sword, one of the ten Divine Swords, was uncontrollably flying out of his grasp, hovering in mid-air and trembling as well!
At this moment, it seemed as if something in the heavens and earth was drawing the entire Grand Sky Sect, causing all the spirit weapons to tremble towards the Spirit Tomb!
"What... what is happening..." The elders were dumbfounded, having never encountered such a situation before.
The emergence of a Divine Sword would cause all spirits to tremble, but what did it mean for all the spirit weapons in the Grand Sky Sect to tremble?
"Boom!" Just as everyone was shocked by what was happening, a loud noise erupted from the Spirit Tomb, and the stone pillar at the center of the Spirit Pool exploded!
One...
Two...
Three...
A total of nine beams of different colored light shot up from the exploded stone pillar.
The nine beams moved with incredible speed, converging in an instant at the location of Chu Xinghe. For a moment, the nine divine lights whirled around Chu Xinghe, as if in celebration!
Accompanying the nine divine lights, a white light also flew out from the exploded stone pillar!
"The Grand Sky Sword Box! This... is the Grand Sky Sword Box!" The Great Elder exclaimed in shock, and the faces of the elders behind him all changed dramatically.
The Grand Sky Sect possessed ten Divine Swords, renowned throughout the world.
But few knew that the ten Divine Swords were not the strongest spirit weapons of the Grand Sky Sect. The strongest spirit weapon was the Grand Sky Sword Box, obtained by the tenth generation Grand Sky Emperor in his later years.
Within this sword box were nine ancient divine weapons. Even the tenth generation Grand Sky Emperor could only obtain it but could not use it, so he named it the Grand Sky Sword Box and sealed it within the Spirit Tomb of the Grand Sky Sect, making it the strongest spirit weapon to suppress the countless spirit weapons of the sect.
For four hundred years, every generation of strong practitioners in the Grand Sky Sect had attempted to communicate with the Grand Sky Sword Box, but the sword box hidden within the stone pillar had never responded.
Even the Grand Sky Emperor of the past couldn't achieve this, and eventually, everyone gave up.
But today!
The Grand Sky Sword Box emerged from the earth, and after four hundred years, the nine swords danced for Chu Xinghe alone!
The divine artifact appeared, and all spirits celebrated!
Throughout the Spirit Tomb, all the spirit weapons in the Grand Sky Sect were now bowing towards the Grand Sky Sword Box.
Before the Grand Sky Mirror, the elders' eyes were nearly popping out of their sockets!
No one expected that Chu Xinghe's unwavering declaration would trigger the Grand Sky Sword Box, making it willing to acknowledge him as its master?
Nine divine lights swirled around Chu Xinghe continuously!
Flying Locust...
Thunder Shadow...
Hanging Shears...
White Rainbow...
Gentle Twine...
One Line Sky...
Quelling Evil...
Star Shatter...
Sea Stabilizer...
Each of the nine Divine Swords had unique attributes and extraordinary abilities, each surpassing even the ten Divine Swords of the Grand Sky Sect.
At this moment, the nine Divine Swords circled around Chu Xinghe, countless rays of light spreading wildly from the Grand Sky Sword Box.
In an instant, all the disciples who had obtained spirit weapons around Chu Xinghe were enveloped by the light of the Divine Swords, as if they had been immobilized.
"The Sword Box acknowledges its master, blessing all beings! They've all entered a state of enlightenment!"
The Great Elder exclaimed once again, and within the Spirit Tomb, everyone felt as if they had been drawn into an independent world, entering a state of enlightenment. Not only did they enter enlightenment, but their spirit weapons also began to emit dazzling light, starting to merge with them.
"The Sword Box emerges! Blessing all beings, spirit weapons merge with souls, these little ones have struck it rich!"
All the spirit weapons in their hands began to merge with their souls, and for a moment, the light of their spirit weapons shone even brighter, reaching a state of coexistence with them. This way, even though their spirit weapons were not of high grade, they could continuously improve alongside their masters, turning each spirit weapon into a treasure!
For a moment, the entire Spirit Tomb was in chaos. Those who had decisively obtained spirit weapons were all in a state of enlightenment, while those who hesitated... now had no chance to benefit. They rushed to the Spirit Pool to grab spirit weapons, but it was already too late.
Wan Lin was the first to awaken, and at this moment, she looked at the spirit weapon that had merged with her soul, almost jumping with excitement.
What kind of spirit weapon is the best in this world? Is it a Divine Sword?
No! While a Divine Sword is powerful, a spirit weapon that can merge with your soul is your strongest partner. It will never betray you and will never let you down.
And today, Wan Lin never dreamed she would obtain a spirit weapon that merged with her soul.
It's all thanks to Senior Brother Xinghe! Senior Brother Xinghe's words gained the recognition of the Grand Sky Sword Box, and the sword box allowed all those who shared his ideals to receive the greatest benefits.
Wan Lin and those who obtained and merged with their spirit weapons were overjoyed, while those who hesitated and didn't take action were so frustrated they almost spat blood. How could they have missed such a great opportunity...
Senior Brother Xinghe had such good intentions, how did we fail to understand...
"Buzz..." A tremor came again, and the nine swords all flew into the Grand Sky Sword Box, which then hovered in front of Chu Xinghe. The sword box flashed and embedded itself into Chu Xinghe's left shoulder, transforming into a mark within his body.
"The Grand Sky Sword Box! It actually acknowledged a master?" As everyone watched the Grand Sky Sword Box embed itself into Chu Xinghe's arm, a voice echoed through the sky, and a figure stepped through the void from the mountains.
The figure's steps seemed to shatter the world beneath him, and when he appeared again, he was already before the Grand Sky Hall's Grand Sky Mirror.
"Greetings, Sect Master!" Including the Great Elder, everyone saluted the newcomer.
He was the Sect Master of the Grand Sky Sect, known as the foremost martial artist in the world today, the Grand Sky Martial Emperor, Gu Mingchao!
But at this moment, Gu Mingchao paid no attention to the elders, his gaze fixed on the Grand Sky Mirror, watching Chu Xinghe, who had been acknowledged by the Grand Sky Sword Box...
Chapter 13 - A meteoric rise!
Gu Mingchao had entered a life-or-death seclusion, and unless the Grand Sky Sect faced an unsolvable crisis, he would never emerge.
Even when the Great Bell of the Grand Sky Sect tolled nine times before, Gu Mingchao paid it no heed.
But today, Gu Mingchao emerged!
Because it wasn't just the Great Elder's Soul Extinguishing Sword that was stirred by the Grand Sky Sword Box; Gu Mingchao's Sky-raising Sword was also affected.
To command the allegiance of a Divine Sword, Gu Mingchao knew that only the legendary Grand Sky Sword Box could achieve such a feat.
Yet, when he saw everything within the Spirit Tomb through the Grand Sky Mirror, even though he was somewhat prepared, Gu Mingchao was still shocked.
The legendary Grand Sky Sword Box, which even the Grand Sky Emperor couldn't subdue, had chosen its master today. And this master wasn't some peerless powerhouse but a newly inducted disciple.
After all, only new disciples were allowed into the Spirit Tomb.
But soon, Gu Mingchao noticed something amiss.
The disciple who obtained the Grand Sky Sword Box was wearing the unique attire of a Core Disciple!
So... he was a Core Disciple?
Gu Mingchao recalled that among the new batch of disciples entering the Grand Sky Sect, though a few were quite outstanding, they were only potential Elite Disciples. When did a Core Disciple appear among them?
It's important to know that Core Disciples are different from Elite Disciples. Elite Disciples can be directly appointed by the Elders of each palace, but to become a Core Disciple, only two people in the entire Grand Sky Sect have that authority: Gu Mingchao himself and the Great Elder.
Thus, Gu Mingchao immediately turned his gaze to the Great Elder, wanting to know what had happened during his seclusion.
"Congratulations on coming out of seclusion, Sect Master..." Seeing Gu Mingchao's somewhat dazed expression, the Great Elder could guess what the Sect Master was thinking. And upon seeing Chu Xinghe in the Grand Sky Mirror, the Great Elder was filled with pride.
The Great Elder then recounted everything that had happened during this period to the Sect Master in detail.
From the nine tolls of the Great Bell, Chu Xinghe willingly taking the blame for a fellow townsman, to the Rosefinch Spirit Flame reappearing after four hundred years in the Rosefinch Hall.
Then to the Rosefinch Furnace setting the Medicine King Palace ablaze, the Rosefinch communicating the Medicine Saint's inheritance, and now the Grand Sky Sword Box choosing its master within the Spirit Tomb.
After hearing the Great Elder's account, Gu Mingchao felt his mind buzzing. So much had happened in the sect during his short seclusion?
A disciple so defiant of the heavens had emerged?
What shocked Gu Mingchao even more was that Chu Xinghe was a disciple of the Spirit Crane Palace, where the Great Elder resided. It was understandable for the Great Elder to praise Chu Xinghe to the skies, but when other elders joined in the praise, it truly surprised Gu Mingchao.
From the other elders, Gu Mingchao gained a deeper understanding of Chu Xinghe.
With unparalleled talent, possessing the Rosefinch Spirit Flame and inheriting the Medicine Saint's legacy, and now obtaining the Grand Sky Sword Box, this child, aside from his talent, had a character and disposition that won unanimous approval from many elders.
The Grand Sky Sect never lacked prodigies, but a disciple who could gain the approval of almost all the elders was indeed a first in the Grand Sky Sect.
For a moment, Gu Mingchao was filled with interest in Chu Xinghe. What kind of little fellow was he?
In the Spirit Tomb, the moment the Grand Sky Sword Box merged into Chu Xinghe's body, the bottleneck that had trapped him at the First Grade Martial Artist level was finally broken. His spiritual power surged, and Chu Xinghe successfully stepped into the Second Grade Martial Master realm, marking his true entry into the path of cultivation.
Chu Xinghe wasn't the only one stepping into the Second Grade. All the disciples who believed in him and chose their Spirit Weapons here not only fused their souls with their Spirit Weapons but also achieved breakthroughs during their enlightenment, stepping into the Second Grade in one go!
"Senior Brother Xinghe's kindness, Wan Lin will never forget!" Wan Lin, her chest heaving with excitement, bowed deeply to Chu Xinghe.
"Senior Brother Xinghe's kindness, we will never forget!" Behind Wan Lin, more awakened disciples expressed their gratitude to Chu Xinghe.
But faced with so much gratitude, Chu Xinghe didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Actually... I just wanted to trick you all...
Who could have guessed that in trying to trick you, I'd end up getting the Grand Sky Sword Box...
Originally, I thought that after tricking so many disciples, once they realized it, they would cause an uproar. If it reached the Sect Master, with so many disciples tricked by me, even the Great Elder might not be able to protect me.
Even if I wasn't expelled from the sect, a severe punishment would be inevitable.
But now, the Grand Sky Sword Box had been revealed, and because of its blessings, those who should have been tricked became the biggest beneficiaries.
But speaking of which, obtaining the Grand Sky Sword Box this time, I'm quite satisfied.
"Senior Brother Xinghe, please help the rest of us..." Someone else spoke up, and these were the ones who hadn't been successfully persuaded earlier.
They hesitated and didn't choose a Spirit Weapon here, so when the Grand Sky Sword Box chose its master and blessed everyone, they were naturally excluded.
They had planned to wait and see, but this hesitation made them miss a great opportunity, and now they deeply regretted it.
"Hmph! How dare you speak up? Senior Brother Xinghe guided us and opened up such an opportunity for us, yet you doubted his intentions. Now, after disgracing yourselves, you still dare to ask Senior Brother Xinghe for help?"
Wan Lin couldn't stand it anymore. Senior Brother Xinghe created opportunities for everyone, and these people missed out but still begged him? They really had no shame!
Initially, Wan Lin had also doubted Senior Brother Xinghe's intentions, but the results now spoke for themselves.
Moreover, when choosing a Spirit Weapon earlier, Senior Brother Xinghe had no idea about the Grand Sky Sword Box. He was picking the same ordinary Spirit Weapons as everyone else. It was just that his actions moved the Grand Sky Sword Box, which chose him as its master. Yet, such a selfless Senior Brother Xinghe was still met with distrust from these people. Wan Lin wished she could slap each of them.
By now, those who hadn't obtained a Spirit Weapon were filled with regret.
Why didn't I trust Senior Brother Xinghe... His character is known throughout the sect. If I had just chosen to trust him, I would have a soul-fused Spirit Weapon now!
They knew there was no remedy for regret, and at this moment, they silently vowed that wherever Senior Brother Xinghe pointed, they would follow, never daring to doubt him again!
"Fellow disciples, the blessings of the Grand Sky Sword Box are beyond my control. At this point, I can only apologize. However, there's still some time left. You can continue to search for your desired Spirit Weapons. As I said, the path of cultivation is full of thorns. We may have hesitated, but I believe we've never retreated!"
Chu Xinghe's words were met with a round of applause from all around.
Wan Lin was moved to tears.
Listen, this is true magnanimity. Senior Brother Xinghe's level of understanding far surpasses ours. Even when faced with those who doubted and distrusted him, he held no grudges and was still willing to guide them. He's truly an exceptional Senior Brother!
Though countless disciples who hadn't obtained Spirit Weapons were filled with regret, they continued their search for Spirit Weapons.
Chu Xinghe had shown them the right path, and perhaps he could offer them some help.
When Chu Xinghe and a group of disciples who had obtained Spirit Weapons emerged joyfully from the Spirit Tomb, the many elders of the Grand Sky Sect, including Sect Master Gu Mingchao, were already gathered at the entrance.
"Disciples greet the Sect Master and all the elders..."
Chu Xinghe led everyone in saluting the group of Big Shots.
Gu Mingchao nodded slightly, "Rise..."
"Thank you, Sect Master..."
After everyone stood up, Gu Mingchao and all the elders focused their attention on Chu Xinghe, especially Gu Mingchao. Among the three thousand new disciples of the Grand Sky Sect, he had an impression of all the slightly outstanding ones, but Chu Xinghe was the one he truly didn't remember at all.
However, for someone to rise so quickly, Gu Mingchao believed they must have overlooked him back then.
"This time, Chu Xinghe obtaining the Grand Sky Sword Box is truly God Bless Grand Sky Sect!" The Great Elder's face was beaming like a chrysanthemum.
"God Bless Grand Sky Sect!" the other elders echoed.
"Xinghe, bring out your Grand Sky Sword Box and let us have a look," the Great Elder approached Chu Xinghe with a proud expression.
"Yes..."
Without saying much, Chu Xinghe channeled his spiritual power, and a white light emerged from his left arm, transforming into the Grand Sky Sword Box, which floated in mid-air before him.
"Flying Locust!"
With a thought, a yellow light shot out from the sword box, quickly arriving before Chu Xinghe. The Flying Locust wasn't shaped like an ordinary sword but resembled an oval stone. However, during its flight, sword energy automatically formed on its surface. This was the first of the nine swords within the Grand Sky Sword Box, the Flying Locust!
And it was the only one Chu Xinghe could currently use.
But as the Flying Locust appeared, everyone, including Gu Mingchao, was visibly shocked.
"A flying sword! This is the legendary flying sword!"
Everyone looked at the Flying Locust, which moved with Chu Xinghe's thoughts, in disbelief.
Flying swords were said to exist only in legends, capable of pursuing souls from a thousand miles away!
To this day, only the legend of flying swords remained in the world.
The Grand Sky Sect had ten Divine Swords, with the Sky-raising Sword in the Sect Master's hand ranking first. But even the Sky-raising Sword, in the Sect Master's hand, could only be briefly controlled.
That wasn't the Sky-raising Sword's inherent ability; it was because Gu Mingchao's cultivation level was so powerful that he could control the sword with his body. However, the Sky-raising Sword couldn't stray far from the Sect Master, whereas the Flying Locust was entirely different.
The Flying Locust was a true flying sword, and all nine swords within the Grand Sky Sword Box were flying swords. Gu Mingchao couldn't imagine what it would be like if Chu Xinghe truly mastered the Grand Sky Sword Box and unleashed all nine swords at once.
The tenth Grand Sky Emperor, even in the entire history of the Grand Sky Sect, was undoubtedly the strongest existence. Yet even he couldn't subdue the Grand Sky Sword Box back then. But today, the Grand Sky Sword Box chose Chu Xinghe as its master, perhaps indicating that there was a higher purpose at work.
"Xinghe, although our Grand Sky Sect has no flying sword techniques, I have studied the way of the sword for half my life. Would you be willing to become my personal disciple and learn swordsmanship from me?"
Gu Mingchao spoke, and his words plunged the scene into a dead silence.
The Sect Master...
Wanted to take Chu Xinghe as his personal disciple?
A meteoric rise!
Chapter 14 - Strongest Martial Arts, Haotian Battle Intent
The Grand Sky Sect occupies the entire Grand Sky Mountain Range, and within it, the sect is divided into eighteen palaces. However, above these palaces lies the Grand Sky Palace, where the Sect Master resides.
Disciples of the Grand Sky Sect follow various elders in the eighteen palaces for their cultivation, but the Grand Sky Palace is different.
There are no elite disciples or core disciples in the Grand Sky Palace; it only has the Sect Master's personal disciples.
Gu Mingchao took over as the Sect Master of this generation of the Grand Sky Sect thirty years ago. Yet, in all these thirty years, he never accepted a single disciple. Who would have thought that today, he would personally request to take Chu Xinghe as his personal disciple?
Everyone present was stunned.
The Sect Master's only personal disciple!
What an honor!
The Sect Master's personal disciple is also known as... the Chief Disciple!
That's right, the Sect Master's personal disciple is the Chief Disciple of the Grand Sky Sect.
Gu Mingchao had not taken a disciple for thirty years, but today, Chu Xinghe's acquisition of the Grand Sky Sword Box finally moved Gu Mingchao. Gu Mingchao intended to treat him as a disciple to pass on his legacy. If he could receive Gu Mingchao's legacy, then in the future...
Everyone was moved, and countless eyes fell on Chu Xinghe. At this moment, as long as Chu Xinghe nodded, he would become the Sect Master's personal disciple, instantly becoming the Chief Disciple of this generation in the Grand Sky Sect!
"I'm sorry, Sect Master, I don't want to become your personal disciple."
What?
In an instant, everyone was dumbfounded, including Gu Mingchao, who looked at Chu Xinghe in disbelief.
He refused?
Chu Xinghe actually refused?
He refused the opportunity to become the Sect Master's personal disciple, to become the Chief Disciple?
Crazy... this guy must be crazy.
Even the Great Elder looked at Chu Xinghe in disbelief.
When the Sect Master expressed his intention to take Chu Xinghe as a personal disciple, to be honest, the Great Elder was somewhat resistant. After all, he didn't want such an outstanding disciple to leave the Spirit Crane Palace.
But thinking about Chu Xinghe's future, the Great Elder ultimately didn't speak up. After all, becoming the Sect Master's personal disciple meant a chance to become the next Sect Master, an opportunity the Great Elder didn't want Chu Xinghe to miss.
Even the Great Elder thought Chu Xinghe would nod and agree, but who would have thought... Chu Xinghe refused?
"Sect Master, I come from a small place called Hillside Village. My parents died when I was young, and I grew up on the kindness of the villagers. Joining the Grand Sky Sect is the proudest moment of my life. In the Grand Sky Sect, I felt the warmth of my fellow brothers and sisters, and I met the Great Elder, who made me feel the warmth of family and parental care for the first time. On the day I joined the Spirit Crane Palace, I silently told myself that since the Great Elder treats me as his own, I will also treat him as my parent. Once a teacher, always a father. I want to stay in the Spirit Crane Palace to serve the Great Elder."
Chu Xinghe spoke slowly and calmly, but as his words fell, the entire place fell silent.
When Chu Xinghe refused the Sect Master, everyone thought he was crazy. What kind of sky-high opportunity was this?
But after hearing Chu Xinghe's words, even Gu Mingchao couldn't help but be moved.
Faced with the opportunity to become Gu Mingchao's disciple, countless people would fight tooth and nail for it, but Chu Xinghe didn't forget his roots...
When Gu Mingchao heard that Chu Xinghe shouted in the Spirit Tomb that one must not forget their original intention, he didn't think much of it. But at this moment, Gu Mingchao was truly shocked by Chu Xinghe. This little guy... he doesn't just pay lip service to his original intention; he truly never dares to forget it.
"Xinghe... good... good... good..." The Great Elder stepped forward and embraced Chu Xinghe.
Those words just now truly moved the Great Elder from the bottom of his heart.
There have been disciples in the Spirit Crane Palace who shouted that the Great Elder was like a parent to them, but when faced with the opportunity to become the Sect Master's disciple, they probably forgot those words long ago.
"Good child..."
Gu Mingchao's face finally showed a genuine smile.
When he inquired about Chu Xinghe's situation earlier, he found that most of the elders praised Chu Xinghe, which made Gu Mingchao suspect that it was arranged by the Great Elder.
Otherwise, how could there be such an outstanding child in the world?
But at this moment, Gu Mingchao had no doubts. This child, not only has exceptional talent, but his disposition is also unprecedented. Perhaps it is precisely because of this pure and sincere nature that he was able to gain the recognition of the Grand Sky Sword Box.
"Good child, I permit you to stay in the Spirit Crane Palace, but your talent must not be wasted. I will personally teach you the Grand Sky Battle Intent!"
Gu Mingchao spoke again, and this time, the place erupted!
The Grand Sky Battle Intent?
The Sect Master wants to teach Chu Xinghe the Grand Sky Battle Intent?
It's known that only the Sect Master's personal disciples are qualified to learn the Grand Sky Battle Intent, and those who learn it are basically selected as future successors of the Sect Master.
Very few in the entire Grand Sky Sect are qualified to learn the Grand Sky Battle Intent.
No one expected that even after being refused by Chu Xinghe, Gu Mingchao was still willing to teach him the Grand Sky Battle Intent.
"Hurry and thank the Sect Master for his teaching..." The Great Elder was so excited that his eyes turned red.
Now he truly regarded Chu Xinghe as his own son.
"Ah... thank you, Sect Master..." Chu Xinghe was dumbfounded.
What the hell... what's going on? How did it come to teaching me the Grand Sky Battle Intent?
When Gu Mingchao initially expressed his intention to take him as a personal disciple, Chu Xinghe was actually excited and almost knelt down in acceptance.
But Chu Xinghe quickly realized.
In the Spirit Crane Palace, it's already extremely difficult to have his core disciple status removed, let alone if he became the Sect Master's personal disciple. How would he ever get expelled from the sect?
Step by step to become a Martial Emperor? Come on, look at these old guys around, there are a few Martial Emperors, but they've cultivated their whole lives.
My dream is to be expelled from the sect...
Originally, Chu Xinghe even thought that by refusing the Sect Master on the spot, such a face-slapping move would make the Sect Master either expel him from the sect in anger or at least give him a hard time, eventually using his authority to expel him. Isn't that the normal routine?
But why is he suddenly teaching me the Grand Sky Battle Intent?
But now, Chu Xinghe couldn't even find a suitable reason to refuse.
"Good child, stay in the Spirit Crane Palace. From today on, you are my personal disciple!"
The Great Elder, who was moved to tears, spoke, and Chu Xinghe almost cried.
So, in the end, he couldn't escape the identity of a personal disciple?
The only consolation for Chu Xinghe was that being the Great Elder's personal disciple probably had a higher chance of being expelled from the sect than being the Sect Master's personal disciple.
Gu Mingchao nodded with a smile, and a group of elders came up to congratulate the Great Elder.
Seeing their envious faces, the Great Elder's face bloomed like a chrysanthemum once again.
Gu Mingchao handed Chu Xinghe a Grand Sky Token and left. With the Grand Sky Token, he could go to the Grand Sky Palace to learn the Grand Sky Sect's strongest technique, the Grand Sky Battle Intent, from Gu Mingchao.
Countless disciples around looked at the shining Grand Sky Token in Chu Xinghe's hand with envy.
After all, coming out of the Spirit Tomb, everyone's cultivation level was either already at the Second Grade or about to reach it, so it was time to go to the Skill Tower to choose techniques.
Although the Grand Sky Sect has countless techniques, the top-level techniques are not something ordinary disciples are qualified to learn. They must show enough talent to impress the elders to be granted the opportunity to learn stronger techniques.
But Chu Xinghe was able to learn the Grand Sky Sect's strongest technique, the Grand Sky Battle Intent, right away.
So even though Chu Xinghe refused the Sect Master, the Sect Master wasn't angry at all. Instead, he still treated him as a personal disciple, otherwise, he wouldn't have taught him the Grand Sky Battle Intent.
The Spirit Tomb gathering ended, and most disciples obtained Spirit Weapons, whether they were to their liking or not was another matter.
But the most unfortunate ones were not these ordinary disciples, but those who got insider information.
They came out with their high-level Spirit Weapons, ready to show off to their elders, only to be scolded!
What's there to be proud of! This junk is nothing! Look at your Senior Brother Xinghe, not only did he get the Grand Sky Sword Box, but he also received the Sect Master's personal teaching of the Grand Sky Battle Intent!
Comparing people can be deadly, comparing goods can lead to throwing them away.
Compared to Chu Xinghe, these disciples couldn't even be considered human, at most they were just goods!
When these so-called prodigies returned to their respective palaces, none escaped punishment.
Hearing this news, Chu Xinghe almost spat blood!
He dreams of being punished, but no matter how hard he tries, he never gets the chance. These guys do nothing and get punished, why can't such good things happen to him?
The news of Chu Xinghe being recognized by the Grand Sky Sword Box, refusing to become the Sect Master's personal disciple, and the Sect Master not only not being angry but also teaching him the Grand Sky Battle Intent spread throughout the Grand Sky Sect in no time.
From the elders to the outer disciples, everyone knew Chu Xinghe's name.
When Bighead Carp told Chu Cheng about this news, the guy spat out two taels of blood on the spot.
That day in the Spirit Crane Palace, Feng Fei personally brought Chu Xinghe the attire representing a personal disciple of the Great Elder. It was still black, but in addition to the original gold-trimmed edges, the disciple's attire now had more cloud patterns embroidered with gold thread.
"From today, I have to call you Senior Brother Xinghe." Feng Fei joked with a smile.
"Senior Brother Feng, it's one thing for the other brothers to tease me, but why are you doing it too?" Chu Xinghe pretended to be upset.
"Hahaha... alright, alright... Junior Brother Xinghe, is that better?"
After joking, Feng Fei continued with his work.
Chu Xinghe didn't disturb Feng Fei and instead walked out of the room towards the direction of the Grand Sky Palace.
These days, everyone started going to the Skill Tower to learn techniques, but he couldn't go. After all, he could only learn the Grand Sky Battle Intent from the Sect Master.
With the Grand Sky Token in hand, Chu Xinghe had no obstacles and soon found Sect Master Gu Mingchao in the Grand Sky Hall.
Seeing Chu Xinghe's arrival, Gu Mingchao waved at him with a smile.
"Xinghe, today I will teach you the Grand Sky Battle Intent, but before that, there are a few things I need to warn you about to prevent you from making mistakes in the future!"
Mistakes?
Hearing these words, Chu Xinghe immediately perked up, so was this his chance?
Chapter 15 - Procurement list
Everyone else went to the Skill Tower to learn techniques, but Chu Xinghe didn't have that opportunity, which made him so angry he wanted to curse.
That was the Skill Tower!
One of the most important places in the Grand Sky Sect!
If he could just set a fire there... goodness, wouldn't that be an instant takeoff?
Unfortunately, he couldn't go to the Skill Tower himself. He could only come to the Grand Sky Palace to learn the Grand Sky Battle Intent from the Sect Master. Although the Grand Sky Battle Intent was enticing, it wasn't as thrilling as setting the Skill Tower on fire.
"Xinghe, listen carefully. The inheritance of the Grand Sky Battle Intent is the strongest in our Grand Sky Sect, but this technique must not be passed on without my permission, otherwise..."
Chu Xinghe was thrilled... the opportunity had come... otherwise what? Would his cultivation be abolished and he be expelled from the sect?
"Otherwise, you will face death by a thousand cuts!"
Chu Xinghe: "..."
Damn, this completely blocked all his escape routes.
"I will remember, Master."
"Very well, I will personally teach you the Grand Sky Battle Intent." Gu Mingchao nodded with satisfaction and began to teach Chu Xinghe the Grand Sky Battle Intent step by step.
I must say, the Grand Sky Battle Intent is truly a top-tier technique. It contains various body-strengthening arts, spirit-cultivating arts, and combat methods, each of which is absolutely top-notch.
It is not something the ordinary techniques in the Skill Tower can compare to.
Ordinary techniques are usually quite singular; a cultivation technique is a cultivation technique, and combat skills exist independently.
So when choosing a technique in the Skill Tower, you not only have to choose a cultivation technique but also a combat skill that suits you. If you make the slightest mistake, congratulations, you're not starting over, but it will definitely be twice the effort for half the result.
But with the Grand Sky Battle Intent, there's no such worry. It not only includes cultivation methods but also various combat skill combinations, which are the optimal choices summarized by countless ancestors over generations in the Grand Sky Sect.
What combat skill pairs with what operation route are all optimal choices. You could say the Grand Sky Battle Intent is a perfect match with one click.
And what surprised Chu Xinghe even more was that, given how amazing the Grand Sky Battle Intent was, it should be the most complicated to cultivate, right?
But quite the opposite!
This technique is much simpler than ordinary techniques. As Gu Mingchao put it, the wisdom of the ancestors has simplified the complex.
After a whole day, Gu Mingchao taught Chu Xinghe the Grand Sky Battle Intent. Although his head was buzzing, Chu Xinghe still remembered everything perfectly.
This might be related to the Medicine Saint's inheritance. Ever since obtaining it, Chu Xinghe found he had a photographic memory, which made learning various things much faster.
"From now on, practice diligently. If you encounter anything you don't understand, feel free to come to the Grand Sky Palace to ask me." Gu Mingchao was extremely satisfied with Chu Xinghe.
Originally, he thought it would take Chu Xinghe at least three days to learn the Grand Sky Battle Intent, but he never expected this kid to have such talent, learning it in just one day, even better than he did back in the day.
Faced with such an outstanding Chu Xinghe, although he couldn't become his personal disciple, Gu Mingchao was determined to cultivate Chu Xinghe well. After all, being a personal disciple was just a title.
After bidding farewell to Gu Mingchao, Chu Xinghe returned to the Spirit Crane Palace. The main structure of the Medicine King Palace was completely built, and the various renovations were almost done. Now it was time for major procurement—pill furnaces, medicinal materials, and all sorts of consumables were being purchased in astronomical quantities daily.
Chu Xinghe could see chambers of commerce from all over coming and going at the Medicine King Palace every day. Getting an order from the Grand Sky Sect was a huge deal.
The Grand Sky Sect was known for its wealth and power; as long as your goods were good enough, the Grand Sky Sect would give you a high price.
Returning to his room, he found Feng Fei, looking exhausted, slumped over the table doing accounts, not even noticing Chu Xinghe's return.
It wasn't until Chu Xinghe walked over that Feng Fei saw him.
"Junior Brother Xinghe, how was your day of learning?"
"I finished. The Sect Master said I have good talent; he took three days to learn it back then, but I learned it in one."
Hearing this, Feng Fei couldn't help but marvel. Junior Brother Xinghe was truly extraordinary. The Sect Master was such a figure, and to receive such praise from him showed just how exceptional Chu Xinghe was.
"What is Senior Brother Feng working on?"
"Sigh... all sorts of procurement lists..." Feng Fei didn't hide it, placing the lists in front of Chu Xinghe for him to see.
One look, and goodness, no wonder Feng Fei had a headache. The procurement items were way too many.
"Junior Brother Xinghe, you don't know, the procurement quota for the Medicine King Palace this time is huge. Any slight mistake could bring unimaginable losses to the sect. I can't afford to slack off at all!"
What?
Hearing this, Chu Xinghe was instantly wide awake!
Any slight mistake could bring unimaginable losses to the sect?
Is there really such a good thing?
Senior Brother Feng, why didn't you say so earlier? With such a task, no matter how hard or tiring, I wouldn't be afraid and would rise to the challenge!
"I can't bear to see Senior Brother Feng working so hard. If you trust me, let me help with this." Chu Xinghe's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Having just broken through and been busy consolidating his realm and learning the Grand Sky Battle Intent, Chu Xinghe hadn't found a chance to mess around. Now that such a good opportunity was in front of him, he couldn't let it pass.
"Junior Brother Xinghe, how could I not trust you? But these are trivial matters, and involving you might affect your cultivation."
"I'll be upset if you say that, Senior Brother. As a disciple of the Grand Sky Sect, isn't it my duty to do my utmost for the sect? If everyone neglected the sect's affairs for cultivation, what would become of the sect?"
Chu Xinghe spoke with righteous fervor.
Feng Fei nodded secretly. Listen... as expected of Junior Brother Xinghe. He had tried asking others for help, but they all made excuses. Yet Junior Brother Xinghe had such high awareness; those guys should be ashamed!
Feng Fei handed a procurement list to Chu Xinghe.
It was a list of medicinal materials needed, with various types and quantities that could make one's head spin.
"Junior Brother Xinghe, all the medicinal materials we need are listed here. Organize it, and tomorrow the president of the Daxing Chamber of Commerce will come personally. Just have him prepare according to this list, and you can refer to this price guide for pricing."
"Got it!"
Chu Xinghe took the procurement list and price guide and started studying them.
The procurement included over a thousand types, mostly daily consumable medicinal materials, and the price guide listed the prices for each.
When the Grand Sky Sect bought things, they never asked how much you sold them for; they decided how much they wanted to pay. Even the so-called number one chamber of commerce, the Daxing Chamber of Commerce, had no say in pricing when dealing with the Grand Sky Sect.
That was the absolute confidence of the number one sect.
Of course, the prices offered by the Grand Sky Sect were fair, in line with market prices, allowing you to profit, but there was no chance of ripping them off!
Looking at the price guide, Chu Xinghe was troubled. The prices were already set, so what was there to negotiate? Wasn't he just running errands?
What about the supposed potential for huge losses to the sect? How could that happen?
This wouldn't do! If there were no difficulties, he would create some!
If the prices couldn't be changed, then surely he could do something with the medicinal materials!
Soon, Chu Xinghe found what he wanted.
The procurement included three million stalks of Zhongling Grass!
Zhongling Grass is a common ingredient for refining Zhongling Pills, and it's one of the cheapest. But... if he accidentally changed Zhongling Grass to Shenling Grass, that would be a whole different story.
What is Shenling Grass? Chu Xinghe searched his mind and found that it could only be used to refine one kind of pill, called Stone Breaking Pill.
Just listen to the name, Stone Breaking Pill?
It sounds like it's only good for breaking things, and indeed, the Stone Breaking Pill is only useful for neutralizing and immunizing against petrification toxins, which are among the rarest of all toxins. Even if you brought Shen Nong to taste all the herbs again, he probably wouldn't get petrified.
The Stone Breaking Pill is practically useless, but Shenling Grass is quite extraordinary.
How should I put it? In Chu Xinghe's words, it meets the three criteria for being a rip-off.
Rare... expensive... and practically useless!
But such an herb was like a dream come true for him.
Buying three million stalks of Zhongling Grass costs next to nothing, but if he bought three million stalks of Shenling Grass... the price would skyrocket.
Creating losses for the sect is a duty we must not shirk!
Chu Xinghe grinned so widely that drool almost dripped down, imagining the Great Elder's expression when he saw three million stalks of Shenling Grass in front of him.
Perfect!
After tidying everything up, Chu Xinghe had a good night's sleep.
The next morning, after washing up and having breakfast, Chu Xinghe met the Daxing Chamber of Commerce representative who had been waiting at the Medicine King Palace.
A man who looked like he weighed about three hundred pounds, with a pig-like head and a face full of smiles.
"I am Wei Deqian from the Daxing Chamber of Commerce, greetings to Young Hero Xinghe."
Although Wei Deqian was the president of the Daxing Chamber of Commerce, which was impressive outside, in front of a giant like the Grand Sky Sect, it was nothing, so he appeared very humble.
Leading Wei Deqian into a lounge in the Medicine King Palace, Chu Xinghe didn't say much and casually tossed the procurement list to him.
Taking the list, Wei Deqian's eyes lit up. He knew the Grand Sky Sect needed a lot of medicinal materials, but seeing it in person was still shocking.
Chu Xinghe then casually tossed the price guide to Wei Deqian. This guy clearly knew the Grand Sky Sect's ways, so he didn't waste words and nodded in agreement, starting to write the prices on the procurement list.
But soon, Wei Deqian's expression changed.
"Young Hero Xinghe, could you take a look? Is there a mistake with this Shenling Grass?"
Wei Deqian pointed to the procurement list with three million stalks of Shenling Grass, looking utterly confused. Had the Grand Sky Sect gone mad? What was the meaning of buying three million stalks of Shenling Grass?
Even for the Daxing Chamber of Commerce, gathering such a quantity would require enormous manpower and resources from all over the world. It's no exaggeration to say that the Grand Sky Sect was essentially buying up the entire world's supply of Shenling Grass in one go!
The Grand Sky Sect was wealthy, but no matter how wealthy, what was the point of so much Shenling Grass?
So Wei Deqian's first thought was that there was a mistake!
If it were anyone else, he might have dared to fudge it, but not with the Grand Sky Sect. Sorry, Wei Deqian didn't have the guts, so he cautiously brought the list to Chu Xinghe for confirmation.
But just when Wei Deqian thought Chu Xinghe would surely agree it was a mistake, he saw Chu Xinghe nod slightly and say, "The list is correct, prepare it as is!"
Wei Deqian: "Huh?"
Chapter 16 - Chu Xinghe's relationships
Wei Deqian was truly dumbfounded. Three million Shenling Grass? What on earth was the Grand Sky Sect planning?
But he didn't dare to ask. Glancing at the robe on Chu Xinghe, which only personal disciples were qualified to wear, Wei Deqian swallowed all his questions.
If he were dealing with an ordinary disciple today, even an elite disciple, he would have asked them to double-check. But Chu Xinghe, so young and already a personal disciple of the Great Elder of Spirit Crane Palace, was anything but ordinary. How could someone like him make a mistake?
There must be some secret within the Grand Sky Sect, but it wasn't his place to inquire.
After confirming there were no issues with the rest of the list, Wei Deqian took out the procurement contract.
Chu Xinghe didn't even glance at it, simply signed his name with a flourish.
"Young Hero Xinghe, this... this contract requires not only your signature but also the Elder's Seal to be valid."
"Elder's Seal?"
Chu Xinghe was startled. The Elder's Seal was with the Great Elder. If he took the contract to the Great Elder and it got discovered, wouldn't his plan be ruined?
Suddenly, Chu Xinghe had an idea.
"The Great Elder has been busy these past few days, and I don't know where he is, so the Elder's Seal is hard to find. Would the Grand Sky Token work?"
"This... absolutely," Wei Deqian was dumbstruck looking at the Grand Sky Token in Chu Xinghe's hand.
Who exactly was this Chu Xinghe?
The Grand Sky Token could only be issued by the Sect Master of the Grand Sky Sect, and having it was akin to representing the Sect Master's will. Not only was Chu Xinghe a personal disciple of the Great Elder of Spirit Crane Palace at such a young age, but he also had the Grand Sky Token. Who was this guy?
Though Wei Deqian had countless questions, he didn't dare to ask a single one.
With the Grand Sky Token's imprint on the contract, it officially took effect.
Wei Deqian struggled to lift his three-hundred-pound body from the chair, smiling as he took his leave from Chu Xinghe.
Seeing Wei Deqian off, Chu Xinghe let out a long sigh of relief!
Three million Shenling Grass!
The Great Elder would surely be pleasantly surprised!
Humming that today was a good day, Chu Xinghe strolled around the newly built Medicine King Palace, almost getting lost. He finally found his way out after asking a few senior brothers.
In the following days, various purchased items were delivered to the Grand Sky Sect one after another. What did it mean to spend money like water?
Chu Xinghe truly witnessed it. Each order was enough to bankrupt a major family on the spot, yet the Grand Sky Sect paid for all these orders without batting an eye.
This made Chu Xinghe marvel at the Grand Sky Sect's reputation as the number one sect in the world. Its foundation was overwhelmingly strong, making it incredibly difficult to bring down the Grand Sky Sect...
But as the saying goes, "The road is long and arduous, and I will seek it high and low."
No matter how difficult the path to overthrow the Grand Sky Sect, as long as he remained true to his original intention, one day he could destroy the sect and prove his path!
With the large shipments arriving at the Medicine King Palace, its various operations began to gradually resume, and Chu Xinghe's grueling days began as well.
The moment the Great Elder could resume pill refining at the Medicine King Palace, he sought out Chu Xinghe.
With deep meaning, he said to Chu Xinghe, "Xinghe, although you have received the Medicine Saint's inheritance, the path of alchemy is long and arduous, and you must seek it high and low!"
"Only by staying true to your original intention can you one day prove your path with medicine!"
Damn... Why did these words sound so familiar?
Then the Great Elder personally taught Chu Xinghe various alchemy techniques. Although he no longer needed to distinguish between Moon Nether Herb, Moon Soul Herb, and Moonlight Herb, alchemy itself was a laborious task.
Chu Xinghe swore that he hated alchemy the most in his life. That Rosefinch must have heard his disdain for alchemy and passed on the inheritance to him out of spite, driving him to madness.
But on the surface, Chu Xinghe maintained the appearance of a good student, following the Great Elder's arrangements because he knew the gift he had prepared for the Great Elder was about to arrive.
On this day, under the Great Elder's guidance, Chu Xinghe was refining a Fourth Grade Fire Spirit Pill.
The Medicine Saint's inheritance was truly extraordinary. Even though Chu Xinghe disliked it, in just a few days, he had progressed from a novice who frequently blew up pill furnaces to a Fourth Grade Alchemist.
He could now even compete with Senior Brother Feng Fei in alchemy.
However, the Great Elder was clearly not satisfied with Chu Xinghe's progress. After all, it was the Medicine Saint's inheritance. In theory, if Chu Xinghe mastered even a tenth of it, becoming a Ninth Grade Pill Master would be a breeze.
Surpassing him would be just around the corner.
Now, the Great Elder regarded Chu Xinghe as his own son. What father doesn't want his son to succeed? The Great Elder's greatest hope was for Chu Xinghe to surpass him soon, at which point he would gladly hand over the entire Spirit Crane Palace to Chu Xinghe.
With the Rosefinch Spirit Flame enhancing the process, the pill in the furnace gradually took shape, and a fiery red Fire Spirit Pill appeared before everyone.
A group of alchemist senior brothers marveled at the Fire Spirit Pill, as it was Chu Xinghe's first time refining a Fourth Grade Fire Spirit Pill, and he succeeded on the first try. The Medicine Saint's inheritance was indeed formidable.
Yet the Great Elder still wore a dissatisfied expression.
"Xinghe, the Medicine Saint's inheritance is not for refining ordinary pills. You still have a long way to go. From now on, any pill you refine that is of ordinary quality will be considered a failure. Only when you achieve the highest quality will it be deemed a success!"
Chu Xinghe nearly spat blood but could only nod in acceptance, while the senior brothers' perceptions of him changed.
No wonder he's our Junior Brother Xinghe. For others, a seventy percent success rate in pill refining is a blessing, but Junior Brother Xinghe has maintained a one hundred percent success rate since he began refining pills. Yet now, even a one hundred percent success rate isn't enough. The Great Elder's standard is that anything less than the highest quality is a failure. Talk about demanding.
"Alright, take a break for now. We'll continue refining other pills later."
"Okay..." Chu Xinghe reluctantly agreed. Alchemy was too tedious, but the only consolation was that during the process, he could absorb spiritual power to enhance himself.
Thus, even though everyone in Spirit Crane Palace practiced alchemy, and some even used it as a path to enlightenment, their cultivation levels were no less than those of other palaces.
Chu Xinghe finally got a break, and the Great Elder began handling other matters. But just then, Feng Fei rushed in from outside, ran straight to the Great Elder, glanced around, and whispered in his ear.
"What?" The Great Elder's eyes widened in disbelief.
Seeing this expression, Chu Xinghe knew he had succeeded!
Everything went as Chu Xinghe had planned. The Daxing Chamber of Commerce came... delivering all the items on the list. Normally, this would be a routine matter, but when three million Shenling Grass were placed before Feng Fei, he was dumbfounded.
Since when did the Grand Sky Sect need to purchase three million Shenling Grass?
Sure, we have money, but we're not stupid!
Are we insane to buy so much Shenling Grass just to use it as a lawn?
Feng Fei immediately got into an argument with the chubby Wei Deqian, but when Wei Deqian produced the list and contract, Feng Fei was dumbstruck.
The contract clearly stated three million Shenling Grass without any issue.
And the most crucial part was that the signature on it was Junior Brother Xinghe's... and he hadn't even used the Elder's Seal but directly used the Grand Sky Token!
Feng Fei realized something was wrong and hurriedly reported the situation to the Great Elder.
The Great Elder followed Feng Fei outside, snatched the contract from Wei Deqian's hand, and after just one glance, he was almost furious enough to spit blood.
Chu Xinghe's name was clearly written on it, and the Grand Sky Token's imprint was unmistakable.
But the problem was the three million Shenling Grass!
Chu Xinghe also came out, and seeing the Great Elder's dumbfounded expression, he was thrilled... Wouldn't the Great Elder, in a fit of anger, strip him of his personal disciple status as punishment?
After all, he had caused the sect a huge problem and loss!
It wouldn't make sense not to punish him severely.
More and more Spirit Crane Palace disciples gathered around, and upon hearing about the procurement mistake involving three million Shenling Grass, they all gasped in shock.
"Great Elder, I am guilty..." Feng Fei suddenly knelt before the Great Elder.
"The Great Elder entrusted the procurement to me, but I handed it over to Junior Brother Xinghe, who had never been involved in procurement. Now that there's a mistake, I ask the Great Elder to punish me!"
Feng Fei knelt on the ground, his face full of bitterness.
Chu Xinghe couldn't let this happen. If you want to take credit, I won't say a word, but trying to take my punishment? That's not happening!
"Great Elder, this has nothing to do with Senior Brother Feng. I insisted on being involved. The procurement mistake is entirely my fault. Senior Brother Feng has been tirelessly working for the construction of the Medicine King Palace, not resting for days and nights. Moreover, I violated sect rules by not seeking the Great Elder's approval, leading to this outcome. Please punish me severely, Great Elder!"
Wei Deqian was dumbfounded...
His mind was buzzing. By now, he realized there was a procurement issue, but he wasn't worried about the Grand Sky Sect defaulting. After all, with the Grand Sky Sect's status, would they really stoop to breaking a contract?
But what truly confused Wei Deqian was that he had seen people vying for credit, but this was the first time he saw someone vying for punishment.
And asking for severe punishment? What, do you have a fetish for being punished?
The Great Elder's face was full of helplessness as he looked at Chu Xinghe and Feng Fei kneeling on the ground. They were both his most valued disciples, but such a mistake was indeed inexcusable. Feng Fei's situation was understandable; after all, he was human and could get tired, so seeking help was reasonable.
But in Chu Xinghe's case, making a mistake with the procurement list was one thing, but the most critical issue was using the Grand Sky Token without the Elder's Seal. That was a serious offense.
"Great Elder, Junior Brother Xinghe has not been in the sect for long and is unfamiliar with the rules. This was an unintentional mistake. Please forgive Junior Brother Xinghe," Shen Chun suddenly knelt to plead for Chu Xinghe.
"Great Elder... Junior Brother Xinghe indeed made a mistake, but considering his youth, please forgive him..."
"Junior Brother Xinghe is sincere and diligent, never daring to make mistakes since joining the sect. This must have been unintentional. Great Elder, please show mercy..."
"Great Elder..."
"Great Elder..."
Suddenly, all the surrounding disciples knelt, and even those arriving later, upon learning what happened, joined in pleading for Chu Xinghe.
This scene left Wei Deqian stunned.
To be honest, when Wei Deqian first saw such a young personal disciple in the Grand Sky Sect, he even suspected this guy might be the Great Elder's illegitimate son.
But at this moment, Wei Deqian realized he had been too narrow-minded.
It's not hard for someone to have a few people plead for them when they make a mistake, but for the entire Spirit Crane Palace to kneel and plead for him, how well-liked must this person be...