I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 603 I Want to Stay

"Master, I've escorted the individual here."

In the grand hall of the Wen Dao Sect, Cao Youqian addressed Chu Feng with deep reverence evident on his features.

Upon hearing this, Ji Jiuwu promptly lowered himself in a bow toward Chu Feng, seated upon the exalted seat.

"Ji Jiuwu offers his respects to the esteemed senior."

"Jiuwu?"

The name prompted a mischievous grin to form on Chu Feng's countenance.

"Senior, is something wrong with my name?"

With confusion in his eyes, Ji Jiuwu gazed at the extraordinary senior in front of him and inquired.

The mention of Jiuwu instantly evoked the title of the Supreme Ruler in Xiao Chen's thoughts, who stood nearby.

He couldn't resist glancing once more at the young man present, since such words weren't for ordinary folks to claim.

"Nothing wrong."

Chu Feng questioned: "How come your family chose this name for you?"

Scratching his head bashfully, Ji Jiuwu replied: "I'm my grandfather's ninety-fifth descendant, so that's the name he picked."

Xiao Chen: "..."

Cao Youqian: "..."

A chuckle escaped Chu Feng as he remarked: "Fascinating; I never imagined your grandfather had such a quirky side. Youqian, handle that oversized feline."

"Understood."

No sooner had Cao Youqian spoken than the Sabertooth Tiger he held suddenly widened its eyes and pleaded desperately.

"Mighty Great Martial, spare my life, I swear I'll never devour humans again."

These words caused Ji Jiuwu's expression to shift dramatically; his knees buckled, and he dropped to the floor.

He prostrated himself before Chu Feng and the others: "Jiuwu pays respects to the three Great Martials."

With a casual wave, Chu Feng stated: "Rise; no need for such formalities."

Yet Cao Youqian eyed the Sabertooth Tiger with curiosity and inquired: "Big cat, what makes you think I'm a Great Martial?"

The Sabertooth Tiger responded hastily: "I trailed Nanshan once to raid a human settlement that housed a Great Martial."

"That Great Martial subdued King Nanshan in one strike, and the energy radiating from him matches yours precisely."

"Thus, this lowly one ventured to assume you're a Great Martial."

"Your insight is decent, though limited; death still awaits you."

With that, Cao Youqian delivered a palm strike that rendered the Sabertooth Tiger demon senseless.

He then hauled the creature away.

Xiao Chen clasped his hands and saluted Chu Feng: "Master, I'll accompany Youqian to sort out that small feline too."

"Proceed."

Chu Feng gestured dismissively.

Moments later, the main hall held only Chu Feng and Ji Jiuwu.

Being quite the conversationalist, Chu Feng engaged the young fellow in light banter.

By the time a full pot of tea had been savored, Ji Jiuwu had shared his entire backstory.

He hailed from a clan beneath the Water God Gonggong, where his grandfather served as the chieftain and held the rank of Celestial Being.

Here, human cultivators progressed through levels from lowest to highest: Skin Training, Bone Tempering, Tendon Forging, Organ Tempering, True Blood, Spirit Condensation, Celestial Being, Great Martial, and Martial God.

The Gonggong mentioned was a Martial God wielding water's dominion.

Chu Feng probed the young man called Ji Jiuwu with his divine sense.

No spiritual energy flowed within him, but his vitality brimmed robustly.

This resembled the body refiners from Xuantian Continent, though with differences.

Xuantian Continent's body refiners drew in spiritual energy from heaven and earth for their practice.

Their forms teemed with vast spiritual reserves.

By contrast, this realm's human cultivation path seemed overly simplistic.

In the Skin Training stage, they might rival Xuantian Continent's body temperers.

However, advanced stages left the two systems incomparable.

Ji Jiuwu, versed in these initial three stages, fell short of Xuantian Continent's Dao Foundation Realm experts.

As their discussion continued, Cao Youqian's call echoed from beyond the entrance.

"Master, the tiger's meat is grilled; come join us for the late-night feast."

"Alright."

Addressing the youth beside him, Chu Feng said: "Come on, tonight we sample this big cat's flesh."

"My deepest gratitude, Great Martial."

Ji Jiuwu expressed his admiration openly.

Exiting the hall together, they spotted Cao Youqian and Xiao Chen focused on tending the grill.

Chu Feng guided Ji Jiuwu to settle amid them and they partook of the savory meal.

The aroma wafting from the meat nearly made Ji Jiuwu salivate.

Yet before these Great Martials, he restrained himself, nibbling delicately rather than devouring voraciously.

Once the grilling session concluded, Chu Feng retired to his chambers for repose.

At dawn the following day, Ji Jiuwu awoke still sensing an otherworldly haze.

He surveyed the opulent surroundings, then tweaked his arm experimentally.

Hiss...

Wincing from the sting, Ji Jiuwu whispered: "This isn't a dream after all."

With that, he cautiously stepped out.

Having wandered through the Divine Palace, he encountered the Great Martial from the prior day.

He quickly bowed low: "Jiuwu pays respects to the Great Martial."

"No need for such formalities."

Grinning, Cao Youqian added: "Follow me; as I vowed last night, I'll see you off today."

Ji Jiuwu froze at these words.

He had no desire to depart, yet challenging a Great Martial's decree was unthinkable.

How could Cao Youqian miss the youth's inner turmoil?

He merely sought to prod the boy into voicing his wish to enlist in the Wen Dao Sect.

Should the lad gain entry too readily, slacking in cultivation might tarnish the master's reputation.

"Yes."

Though his heart protested, Ji Jiuwu uttered the agreement.

"Trail me."

Rather than soaring through the skies, Cao Youqian guided Ji Jiuwu down the path on foot.

Tailing the Great Martial, Ji Jiuwu brimmed with worry and distress.

As the stone stairs descended further, he at last blurted out.

"Great Martial, may I remain?"

Cao Youqian, ahead, caught the plea and his lips curved upward faintly.

The youngster's restraint impressed; most who met the master would beg apprenticeship outright.

Halting, he pivoted and demanded: "Provide a reason."

"I wish to become your disciple."

Uttering this, Ji Jiuwu eyed the Great Martial warily, dreading rejection.

Fears often materialize.

Cao Youqian replied: "Discipleship under me isn't feasible; I don't take pupils lightly."

"That said, I can offer you an opportunity to linger; success hinges on passing the trial."

The initial remark plunged Ji Jiuwu into despair.

But the latter part reignited his hope, prompting an eager query: "Is that true?"

Smiling, Cao Youqian affirmed: "Of course; why would I mislead someone like you?"

With a sweep of his hand, they vanished from the spot.

Before Ji Jiuwu could process the shift, they stood once more in yesterday's hall.

Cao Youqian clapped his shoulder: "Master hasn't risen; stay put until he does."

"He'll assign your quarters in due time."

"Yes."

Ji Jiuwu acknowledged, then waited silently in position.

Moments ticked by until the sun climbed high, revealing that well-known silhouette...

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/Alex_Cruise