I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 608: A Different Entrance Assessment

"I humbly request the Martial God to point out the way."

With deep respect etched on his features, Jiang Yan bowed deeply.

Chu Feng responded calmly, "As the ancient proverb states, heavenly secrets cannot be divulged. Should you succeed in this one's trial and enter my Wendao Sect, this one shall reveal the hidden truths to you. If you choose to descend the mountain, this one won't compel you to remain."

Jiang Yan's expression twisted with inner turmoil upon hearing this. Frail from birth, he held little interest in cultivation and had no desire to serve under any Martial God. His sole aspiration now burned to eradicate all illnesses from the world.

After a long pause, Jiang Yan ventured, "May I ask, Martial God, could you impart the healing arts to me for saving the world?"

"That's no challenge at all."

Chu Feng hesitated briefly before inquiring, "Yet this one wonders why you seek mastery of these healing arts to rescue the world?"

"To speak frankly..."

Jiang Yan shared his life's story from youth onward with Chu Feng, unveiling the grand dream harbored in his soul.

Chu Feng promptly raised a thumb in approval. "Excellent. With ambitions so noble, upon becoming this one's disciple, you'll receive the teachings you crave."

Joy bloomed across Jiang Yan's face at these words, and he declared, "This junior gladly submits to the senior's evaluation."

Addressing Ji Jiuwu nearby, Chu Feng instructed, "Jiuwu, from tomorrow onward, guide Jiang Yan through our sect's trials. Manage it at your discretion."

"Your disciple complies."

Once acknowledged, Ji Jiuwu faced Jiang Yan and said, "Fellow Daoist Jiang, follow me."

A smile played on Chu Feng's lips as he added, "No need to hurry off just yet. Another young one approaches up the mountain path; wait outside for it, both of you."

Curiosity flickered in Ji Jiuwu's eyes at this revelation. He turned to Jiang Yan and probed, "Did you encounter that individual on your ascent?"

Jiang Yan shook his head. "Once inside the fog, I spotted no other creatures. I might have arrived sooner than expected."

Chu Feng clarified, "No need for speculation. The arrival isn't human."

These words stunned Ji Jiuwu and Jiang Yan momentarily. Yet their bewilderment swiftly gave way to eager interest.

Ji Jiuwu, in particular, burned with anticipation to discover the identity of the inaugural demon joining Wendao Sect.

He guided Jiang Yan out from the grand hall.

Moments ticked by until, as dusk neared, the rhythmic clatter of hooves reached Ji Jiuwu and Jiang Yan's ears.

Gazing up the stone stairs, they beheld a pristine white deer ascending steadily.

Spotting them, the white deer addressed them promptly. "Little Deer pays respects to the two Immortal Elders."

"You speak of Immortals?"

Ji Jiuwu, hearing "Immortal" from any creature in this realm for the first time, stared wide-eyed at the white deer.

"Answering the Immortal Elder, Little Deer discovered in a dream that true longevity demands ascension to Immortality. Witnessing purple vapors descend here that day, I deduced an Immortal had arrived from the skies, prompting my visit to seek the Immortal Elder."

The white deer spoke with utmost deference.

Jiang Yan, standing aside, felt utterly perplexed. The term "Immortal" was foreign to him, yet it carried an aura of immense power.

Ji Jiuwu replied, "I am no Immortal Elder; my master holds that title. If you seek a teacher and skills, accompany us to meet him."

Elation surged through the white deer at this, and it urged, "Kindly guide this humble one, Immortal Master."

The pair and the deer reentered the main hall. The white deer's gaze fixed in awe on the hall's majestic layout.

Soon, Ji Jiuwu's voice rang near its ears. "Master, your disciple presents the fated deer."

The white deer instinctively glanced ahead. One look sufficed to buckle its legs, forcing it to kneel with a heavy thump.

Having roamed the Four Seas and Eight Wastelands, encountering Martial Gods and Demon Emperors, it had never beheld a figure radiating such ethereal Immortal presence. Above all, the aura of fortune surrounding him felt utterly otherworldly.

"Little Deer greets the Immortal Master."

"Rise, no need for formalities."

Examining the immaculate white deer, Chu Feng's eyes sparkled. The fortune's glow from it rivaled that of Ji Jiuwu and Jiang Yan. Could this be the emblem of this world's blessed beast?

"Gratitude, Immortal Elder."

Sensing no malice from this Immortal Elder, the white deer exhaled in quiet relief.

Chu Feng questioned, "Do you desire this one as your master?"

"Indeed."

The white deer affirmed with profound reverence.

Chu Feng posed steadily, "The Dao demands careful transmission. Moreover, this one instructs the human race, while you hail from demons. What reason compels this one to impart Immortal arts to you?"

The white deer's heart raced at these words, but it soon discerned the test within, not outright refusal.

Thoughts swirled swiftly, and it responded, "The Immortal Master teaches without bias. Though Little Deer belongs to the demon race, I've committed no harm to the natural order. I trust the Immortal Master will take me as a disciple."

A faint smile curved Chu Feng's lips. "Taking you as a disciple isn't out of the question. Transform into human shape first, then pledge to this one. Until then, train daily with Jiuwu in the breathing method. Attend this one's sermons on the first and fifteenth of each month to absorb the teachings."

Ecstasy lit the white deer's features, and it hastened, "Immense thanks, Immortal Master."

"Very well, you may leave now."

With a casual wave, Chu Feng vanished from view.

Ji Jiuwu then settled the human and deer into quarters within Wendao Sect.

The arrival of these two fresh members infused Wendao Sect with newfound vibrancy.

Chu Feng's routine, however, remained largely unchanged. One day, post-cultivation, Ji Jiuwu inquired, "Master, when will you formally accept Ah Yan as your disciple?"

"Eager to claim senior brother status so soon?"

Chu Feng teased lightly.

"It's not that," Ji Jiuwu explained. "Your disciple simply finds Jiang Yan's integrity commendable; he'll undoubtedly achieve renown across the Four Seas and Eight Wastelands someday. That's my reason for asking."

"It won't be long."

Dismissing the topic with those words, Chu Feng delved no deeper.

Ji Jiuwu promptly shared the promising update with Jiang Yan.

Jiang Yan, at that instant, sampled an unfamiliar bloom, curious about its properties.

Entering, Ji Jiuwu recognized the scene but held his tongue until Jiang Yan consumed the vivid petal. Then he announced, "Ah Yan, I've got wonderful news."

Before the words fully landed, Jiang Yan's visage in the yard darkened to a sinister purple. Agony contorted his features, and he collapsed to the ground with a heavy crash.

Ji Jiuwu's expression shifted to alarm. He dashed toward his master's courtyard without delay. In mere breaths, he reached the entrance and cried out, "Master, disaster has struck!"