I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 3: Chu Feng — Thirty Years East, Thirty Years West
Previously on I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors?...
Chapter 3: Chu Feng — Thirty Years East, Thirty Years West
"You foolish boy, what kind of talk is that? Your life belongs to you alone, not to anyone else. Just make sure to remember the kindness of your mother and your master once you become powerful in the future."
Chu Feng spoke with a lighthearted grin. He hadn't anticipated that a few simple words would win Xiao Chen over so completely.
Standing nearby, Concubine Xiao’s gaze toward Chu Feng grew increasingly filled with respect.
Initially, she had maintained certain reservations regarding the chief of the Miscellaneous Dao Institute.
However, after witnessing this exchange, she understood that this chief was a truly remarkable cultivator.
"Disciple shall follow Master's instructions," Xiao Chen declared with deep respect.
"Let us depart. Once your registration has been moved, spend some time with your mother. Your formal Cultivation begins tomorrow."
Even though Chu Feng was clueless about how to actually train a student, he had to maintain his professional facade.
"Yes, Master."
Xiao Chen replied, following closely behind Chu Feng’s heels.
As they walked, the duo could hear the quiet gossip and murmurs of the people around them.
"Look over there, isn't that Xiao Chen from the Sword Dao Academy?"
"I heard the academy gave him a three-day deadline to leave."
"Why is a cripple still hanging around? He isn't even qualified to be a servant!"
"..."
Chu Feng didn't interject on Xiao Chen's behalf; he merely turned his head to check on him.
To his amazement, Xiao Chen’s expression showed no signs of grief or resentment. Had it not been for the way his fingers were tightly clenched...
Chu Feng might have assumed the boy had truly moved past the insults.
A short time later—
The pair reached the academic records office.
Chu Feng produced his chief's token and approached the counter to handle the paperwork.
With a bright smile, he addressed the elderly man behind the desk, "Elder Bai, I’ve brought a student to transfer academies."
Upon hearing this, Elder Bai laughed and joked, "Not bad, kid. You've only been in charge for two days and you already found a disciple? Who would actually want to join your Miscellaneous Dao Institute?"
His voice wasn't booming, but the records office was naturally quiet.
Everyone present heard the remark clearly.
In a heartbeat, all eyes were fixed on them.
It was common knowledge that the Miscellaneous Dao Institute hadn't seen a new disciple in years.
Rumors even circulated that the institute would be disbanded if they failed to recruit someone soon.
Most were indifferent to such a fate—some were even looking forward to it.
After all, the dissolution of one institute meant more resources for the others.
Chu Feng disregarded the stares and placed a hand on Xiao Chen’s shoulder. "It’s this lad, transferring over from the Sword Dao Academy.
Xiao Chen, give your identity token to Elder Bai so he can process the change."
The onlookers were visibly shocked, directing peculiar looks toward Xiao Chen.
The Sword Dao Academy was the second most influential branch of Wendao Academy, surpassed only by the Heavenly Spirit Institute.
Its prestige far outweighed that of the Body, Spell, or Beast Mastery divisions.
Why would any student abandon the path of a sword cultivator for the Miscellaneous Dao Institute? Had he lost his wits?
However, Elder Bai’s subsequent words clarified the mystery.
"You are Xiao Chen?"
Elder Bai hesitated for a second as he inspected the token.
Xiao Chen answered politely, "Yes, Senior, I am Xiao Chen."
"Hmph. For someone in your position, the Miscellaneous Dao Institute might be a suitable place. Study hard. Perhaps one day you will find a way to repair your Dantian."
Elder Bai provided a brief word of support. As a mid-level official of Wendao Academy, he was well aware of Xiao Chen’s predicament.
As he spoke, he began updating Xiao Chen’s records and preparing a new identity token.
The people standing nearby started to gossip in hushed tones.
Even though they spoke softly, Chu Feng caught bits and pieces of their conversation.
Just as Elder Bai finished the registration, a stir began at the entrance.
"Elder Bing of the Heavenly Spirit Institute has arrived!"
Chu Feng and Xiao Chen both turned toward the doorway.
A stunningly beautiful woman with a frozen expression walked in, radiating an aura of cold detachment. A young girl with a soft, innocent look accompanied her.
Xiao Chen’s frame shuddered the moment he caught sight of the girl.
This subtle flinch did not escape Chu Feng’s sharp eyes.
Before he could inquire, the icy woman’s gaze centered on Xiao Chen, and she spoke with a freezing tone:
"If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't have the nerve to linger at Wendao Academy. Though I suppose a cripple like you is a perfect match for a trash heap like the Miscellaneous Dao Institute."
The crowd immediately settled in to watch the drama unfold.
A few onlookers began to whisper:
"I didn't expect to see such a show just by visiting the records office."
"Senior, what is happening? Why would a high-ranking Elder from the Heavenly Spirit Institute target an outer sect cripple?"
"You haven't heard? Elder Bing’s new disciple, Qin Rou, is Xiao Chen’s ex-fiancée. They say she only awakened the Ice Soul Sacred Physique because of him."
"Ah, so that's how it is."
"..."
Xiao Chen felt the bite of Elder Bing’s words and was overwhelmed with pain. He looked toward Qin Rou instinctively—
Only to find her eyes were cold and completely indifferent.
He felt a bitter laugh rise in his heart.
While Xiao Chen stood there paralyzed, a tall figure stepped out to shield him.
He looked up—it was his master.
Chu Feng gave Xiao Chen a comforting glance, then smiled and said, "Elder Bing, that remark is quite unfair."
"Heh."
Elder Bing didn't show the slightest bit of respect to the chief of the Miscellaneous Dao Institute—a man with zero Cultivation.
If it weren't for the academy's strict regulations, she would have struck him down instantly for daring to oppose her.
"Does Chief Chu believe I am mistaken?"
"Not just mistaken—you are profoundly wrong," Chu Feng answered boldly, startling everyone in the room.
The bystanders looked at him as if he had gone insane. Even Elder Bai secretly gave Chu Feng a thumbs-up.
Elder Bing’s face grew even colder as she said sharply, "Then please, Chief Chu, enlighten me. If your explanation isn't persuasive, do not blame me for taking matters into my own hands."
Despite the murderous aura surrounding him, Chu Feng remained perfectly composed.
"As the proverb goes: Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west—one should never look down on a youth just because they have fallen on hard times.
Xiao Chen’s struggle is only temporary. Given time, he will certainly reclaim his Dao of the sword and astonish the entire world."
The room went silent. Everyone stared at Chu Feng as if he were a lunatic.
Elder Bing’s eyes were filled with blatant mockery.
Only Xiao Chen looked at Chu Feng with eyes full of devotion.
"What a joke. That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. If you are merely trying to soothe your disciple with lies, Chief Chu, then do not expect any mercy from me."
Her eyes flashed with lethal intent as she spoke.
Even though Chu Feng felt the deadly pressure of her gaze, he remained firm and replied calmly:
"I, Chu Feng, never break my word. Since Elder Bing is so skeptical, why don't we settle this with a three-year wager—right here and now?"