I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 626 Ji Jiuwu and Jiang Yan Descend the Mountain for Experience

Time passes swiftly in seclusion within the mountains.

Three years flew by in an instant as Ji Jiuwu, Jiang Yan, Lu Ming, and Chu Yan devoted themselves to cultivation atop the peaks. Over this period, the Asked Dao Sect welcomed no fresh recruits. The sole positive development came when Chu Yan managed to form a human body, adding yet another genuine ghost fire youth with fiery red-tinted locks to the sect's ranks.

That particular dawn, a brilliant rosy glow bathed the skies over the Asked Dao Sect. The unusual spectacle drew Ji Jiuwu, Lu Ming, and Chu Yan, pulling their attention immediately.

"Junior Brother Jiang has done it!"

Excitement lit up Ji Jiuwu's features as he declared. Lu Ming and Chu Yan, standing nearby, echoed his thrill with their own joyful cries.

"Senior Brother Jiang pulled it off—hurry, let's rush over to celebrate with him!"

Within the confines of the alchemy chamber, Jiang Yan carefully lifted the lid from the furnace, extracting nine radiant purple-golden elixirs from its depths. A faint smile tugged at his lips. "I've lived up to Master's hopes, carving out my unique route in the art of alchemy."

Composing himself, he pushed open the door and stepped out into the open.

The moment he emerged, beams of rosy radiance wrapped around Jiang Yan. The glows surged into his frame, boosting his inner spiritual energy by a noticeable margin.

"Junior Brother Jiang, Senior Brother Jiang, our heartfelt congratulations!"

Ji Jiuwu's delayed party spotted Jiang Yan's arrival and hurried to offer their praises.

Jiang Yan grinned in response. "Joy shared by all, joy shared by all. Come, let's head together to honor Master."

"Alright, off we go as one."

With those words exchanged, Ji Jiuwu and his two companions proceeded side by side toward Chu Feng's dwelling.

Meanwhile, in the Sect Master's quarters, Chu Feng remained lost in slumber. Abruptly, a notification from the system echoed through his mind's vast sea.

"Host's disciple Jiang Yan has perfected the Strange Fire Alchemy Art. Granting host +5 Great Dao True Meaning. Host has forged the Pill Dao, earning the Heaven Dao's approval. Granting host 99 Great Dao Truth."

Bang!

The system's announcement jolted Chu Feng upright from his recliner. In his thoughts, he whispered, "Who would've thought that founding a Great Dao here in the Hongyuan Continent would draw the Heaven Dao's acknowledgment? What a delightful windfall. I'm curious if Chen'er and Daqian will reap similar rewards once they accept pupils and propagate the Dao."

This interruption chased away any lingering drowsiness for Chu Feng. After a quick freshen-up, he swung open his chamber door and ventured out, discovering his disciples assembled in the yard ahead.

"We bow to Master."

As Chu Feng emerged, Ji Jiuwu and the rest promptly knelt in reverence. They'd figured on lingering here to await Master, yet he appeared far earlier than anticipated.

"Rise, no need for such formalities."

Chu Feng responded while directing his eyes to Jiang Yan. "A-Yan, you've truly honored this Seat without fail, forging your personal trail forward."

"Master overestimates me. Without your teachings, this disciple could never have unraveled the Pill Dao across an entire existence."

Gratitude shone in Jiang Yan's expression as he replied with utmost modesty.

Chu Feng gave his shoulder a firm clap. "A-Yan, humility isn't required here. Your present successes stem wholly from your diligence. As your teacher, I've offered only minor pointers."

Chu Feng's words failed to inflate Jiang Yan's ego with arrogance. Though Master downplayed his role, Jiang Yan understood that countless souls yearned for such counsel yet found it elusive. Encountering Master stood as his life's supreme fortune.

Curbing the thrill bubbling inside, he clasped his fists and declared, "Master, this disciple wishes to venture down the mountain briefly."

"Oh."

A teasing smile crossed Chu Feng's face. "So eager already to descend and heal the masses, mending the realm with your skills?"

"Not quite."

Jiang Yan denied with a shake of his head. "It's been over three years since I left home. Time to visit family now, lest the elders fret over my absence."

"Very well."

Chu Feng always favored pupils who cherished family ties. Lacking even basic respect for kin, he'd never accept someone as a follower—lest they one day turn treacherous against him.

Overhearing from nearby, Ji Jiuwu advanced and voiced, "Master, this disciple seeks to return home as well."

"Excellent."

Chu Feng hesitated briefly before adding, "Seek me out three days hence. I'll provide treasures for your protection, ensuring safety on your journey below."

"Our deepest gratitude, Master."

Ji Jiuwu and Jiang Yan chorused their thanks.

Though these pair of pupils had reached the Nurturing Spirit Realm, such strength barely registered as formidable on this land. Despite the fortune infused within them, perils could still arise unbidden.

Three days passed, and Ji Jiuwu with Jiang Yan clutched Sword Jades each, embarking down the slopes in tandem.

Lu Ming and Chu Yan, the younger duo, gazed at their departing seniors' fading silhouettes, stirring a yearning to venture out for tempering themselves. Yet, upon reflection of their modest progress in cultivation, they set aside the notion.

Having seen off the pair, Chu Feng pondered inwardly, "What thrilling escapades await these two youngsters once they leave the mountain behind?"

"Senior Brother, I realize I never inquired about your tribe's location."

The question slipped from Jiang Yan's lips right after their descent.

"I hail from the Long River Tribe, sworn to the Water God. And yours?" Ji Jiuwu replied.

Jiang Yan's face flickered with surprise at the answer, before he shared, "Mine is the Sky Fire Tribe, loyal to the Fire God."

Stunned himself, Ji Jiuwu processed it—their homes belonged to rival powerhouse clans. Though divided by vast distances of ten thousand li, their affiliates clashed frequently. Regaining composure swiftly, he grinned and offered, "Junior Brother, even if we once stood as foes, by growing mighty enough to ascend as Witch Gods, we can mend old grudges into bonds."

Jiang Yan's gaze sparkled at the insight. How had this angle escaped him earlier? Little wonder Master lauded Senior Brother's emperor-like poise; such vision outshone his own. Nodding eagerly, he agreed, "Senior Brother speaks true. As fellow humans, endless strife serves no purpose. Unity among our Human Race alone lets us stand against outsiders."

"Well said," Ji Jiuwu affirmed. "First, we'll head to our homes and build our influences. Once we've seized command over our tribes, an alliance shall bind us."

Jiang Yan: "Agreed, it's settled."

Parting with farewells, they soared off toward their origins.

Dusk had settled by the time Ji Jiuwu neared the Long River Tribe's borders. Among the Water God's five premier clans, it boasted a Great Witch's vigilant watch. Beyond that, nine Celestials defended it, including his own grandsire.

Rather than soaring straight in, Ji Jiuwu held back. Towering walls of dozens of zhang encircled the Long River Tribe, reinforced by a Witch God's enduring God Seal. Without clearance, no being could breach the skies into the settlement until the seal shattered.

Moreover, tribal laws kept the gates sealed after dark, guarding against beasts or odd entities slipping in to wreak havoc and needless harm.

Gazing upon the shadowed city draped in night's veil, a surge of mixed feelings washed over Ji Jiuwu. Three years gone—how fared his parents, siblings now?

Phew...

Exhaling deeply, Ji Jiuwu sought a secluded nook, settled into a cross-legged pose right there, and awaited dawn's first rays...