I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 4: Chu Feng — Don’t Tell Me I Have to Make Up a Cultivation Method?
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Chapter 4: Chu Feng — Don't Tell Me I Have to Make Up a Cultivation Method?
A collective gasp filled the air as those present processed his statement.
The gazes directed at Chu Feng were a complex blend of respect, contempt, and utter bewilderment.
It was common knowledge that the Heavenly Spirit Institute stood as the premier branch of Wendao Academy.
Unlike other divisions, the Heavenly Spirit Institute maintained no distinction between inner and outer disciples.
Every individual admitted was either a peerless genius already or someone destined for such heights.
Consider the current Xiao Chen: a broken man relegated to the Miscellaneous Dao Institute—
Even if he had secured a spot among the inner disciples of the Sword Dao Academy, the distance between him and Qin Rou would have only widened as time passed.
Three years from now, the gap in their power would be as vast as the distance between the heavens and the earth.
Among the entire inner circle of the Sword Dao Academy, only a tiny elite could hope to rival the top tier of the Heavenly Spirit Institute.
And those rare individuals were sword dao prodigies of such high caliber that they only stayed behind out of an unwavering devotion to the path of the sword.
Elder Bing let out a laugh, her expression dripping with mockery.
"Very well. If Chief Chu is determined to play the fool, I shall play along.
We will set a three-year pact between our disciples. They shall settle this in a duel three years from today.
Should Xiao Chen lose, you will step down as Chief of the Miscellaneous Dao Institute, dissolve your branch publicly, and prostrate yourself before me three times in apology!
Do you have the courage to agree, Chief Chu?"
Chu Feng gave a careless shrug. "Why would I refuse?"
His voice then took on a different edge. "However, what if Xiao Chen emerges victorious?"
"Hmph!"
Elder Bing gave a cold snort. "That is impossible. How could a useless cripple ever hope to best my disciple?"
"Nothing in this world is absolute. If Xiao Chen actually wins, what will Elder Bing offer then?"
Chu Feng remained perfectly relaxed and unruffled.
Witnessing the exchange, Xiao Chen squeezed his fists tight. Deep in his soul, he made a vow:
"This elder will submit to whatever penalty you deem appropriate!"
Believing there was no chance of failure, Elder Bing threw out a random condition without a second thought.
"That is insufficient," Chu Feng answered calmly.
"What else do you require?" Elder Bing demanded, her voice thick with suppressed murderous intent.
"Include your disciple in the stakes. She is, after all, a central figure in this drama," Chu Feng suggested with a faint smile.
"Fine."
Elder Bing declared, "If Rou’er is defeated, she shall be left to Xiao Chen’s mercy."
"It is a deal."
"It is a deal."
The two solidified the contract in front of the gathered crowd.
Chu Feng gave Xiao Chen a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Let us depart. We are going back to the Miscellaneous Dao Institute."
"Yes, Master."
Xiao Chen replied instantly, following Chu Feng without casting a single look back at Qin Rou.
His mind was consumed by a single objective: to triumph over her in three years.
Though he couldn't fathom why his master placed such faith in him, he was certain—Master would find a way to restore his Cultivation.
Once they cleared the academic office, Chu Feng’s appreciation for Xiao Chen grew.
In that moment, he felt like shouting:
News of the events at the academic office traveled through Wendao Academy like wildfire.
The three-year agreement between the Miscellaneous Dao Institute’s Xiao Chen and the Heavenly Spirit Institute’s Qin Rou became the talk of the school.
However, the consensus was overwhelmingly in Qin Rou's favor.
Even the academy's high-ranking officials viewed this as a desperate stalling tactic by Chu Feng to delay the inevitable end of his institute.
To most Elders, it made no difference if the branch was shut down now or in three years.
The nine institutes of Wendao Academy were situated on nine distinct mountains.
The Miscellaneous Dao Institute occupied Miao Miao Mountain.
In contrast to the bustling peaks of other branches, the Miscellaneous Dao Institute felt hauntingly empty.
Chu Feng and Xiao Chen trekked up the silent, well-kept trail.
Had Wendao Academy not sent workers to Miao Miao Mountain every few days for routine maintenance, the area would have been reclaimed by wilderness long ago.
Thirty minutes later—
The pair finally crested the long mountain path and stood before the gates of the Miscellaneous Dao Institute.
In the past, Chu Feng would have been wheezing for air.
But with ten years of Cultivation now bolstering him, the climb felt like nothing at all.
Chu Feng spoke, "Disciple, this shall be your home from this day forward.
Our Miscellaneous Dao Institute is vast. There are many vacant courtyards available. Aside from my private residence, you are free to pick any spot you like. Just inform me once you have settled on one."
"I thank you, Master."
Xiao Chen cared little for luxury—his only desire was to restart his Cultivation journey.
Chu Feng gave a nod and turned toward his own quarters.
Xiao Chen watched his master leave. His head was spinning with questions, but he decided to get settled before seeking answers.
Inside the chief’s residence—
Chu Feng sprawled out on a soft divan, contemplating how to continue his charade with his disciple.
A single disciple, Xiao Chen, had already netted him ten years of Cultivation. If every student provided ten years, then ten disciples would mean a century of power, and a hundred would grant a millennium.
With a thousand years of Cultivation, wouldn't he be able to act with total impunity within Wendao Academy?
He could spend his days in total relaxation.
As for combat, gore, or hunting for "fortuitous encounters," Chu Feng had zero interest. Why gamble with his life if he could level up without effort?
But maintaining the deception wouldn't be simple.
Candidates like Xiao Chen were rare at Wendao Academy—especially given the poor reputation of the Miscellaneous Dao Institute.
It seemed he would need to invent a comprehensive system of techniques to keep the act alive.
The night slipped by peacefully.
The following morning, well after the sun had risen—
Chu Feng let out a yawn and swung his door open, only to find Xiao Chen standing patiently in the courtyard.
Sweat beaded on Xiao Chen’s brow—it was obvious he had been there for quite some time.
Chu Feng immediately assumed the stern, dignified air of a mentor and asked, "Xiao Chen, how long have you been waiting?"
"To answer Master—it has not been long, only two hours."
Xiao Chen showed no resentment for the wait. Instead, he suspected his master was testing his grit and resolve.
After all, there is a saying:
Chu Feng groaned inwardly.
He asked in a measured tone, "What brings you to see me?"
"Master, I wish to begin my Cultivation again. I beg you to guide me on the way."
As he spoke, Xiao Chen prepared to drop to his knees.
Chu Feng moved quickly to stop him. "Why are you always trying to kneel? Stop that. I will find a path for your Cultivation."
"My deepest thanks, Master!"
Xiao Chen’s eyes shone with pure hope.
Chu Feng looked into those expectant eyes and thought:
Regardless of his reasons, a master who fails to provide a technique to his disciple couldn't really call himself a teacher.
If word got out that he taught Xiao Chen nothing, he would never recruit another soul.
There was just one glaring issue—Chu Feng didn't actually know the first thing about Cultivation!
At that realization, Chu Feng's eyes suddenly sparked with an idea.