Chapter 147: "SkyMock Sect Disciple, Zhao Dezhu, pays respects to the Sect Leader!"

Chapter 147: "SkyMock Sect Disciple, Zhao Dezhu, pays respects to the Sect Leader!"

Countless powerful cultivators at the Golden Core Peak Grand Completion stage were filled with anticipation for the Xuantian Continent, rushing towards Fat State.

These individuals shared a common trait.

They brought along all the resources they had accumulated over the years, even emptying half of their families' and sects' reserves.

They were heading to a new sect.

Without a tribute, how could they expect a peaceful life ahead?

Opportunities were scarce, so why should they give it to you and not others?

Those who had cultivated to this level were all shrewd; they wouldn't expect special treatment just by showing up.

At that moment—

On the back mountain of the SkyMock Sect, after Chen Qiu finished explaining the situation to Fat Dragon and the others, they stood in shock, their mouths agape.

After a long while, Fat Dragon finally murmured, "Brother Qiu, you're incredible."

He couldn't think of any more adjectives, his mind completely blank.

Leaning on the Heavenly Clue Umbrella atop the mountain, Chen Qiu shook his head and didn't elaborate further. He had omitted much and only briefly mentioned this life as the National Teacher, not telling the Scholar that the Sword Cultivator he had always admired was also him.

Nor did he mention that he had ordered the Zhang family in the capital to hunt down the White Robe.

He also didn't tell Fat Dragon that he had asked Little Six to find a suitable redemption for the Sky Walker, and Little Six had chosen Fat Dragon, who was strolling on the road. He had sent the human bone hairpin and pink reeds to the Sky Walker and signed Fat Dragon's name on the note.

There were many things he didn't need to mention.

Speaking of them might affect relationships.

In the past, when he was trying to break free from the Daxia Cage, he often acted with the end result in mind. As long as the outcome was correct, he didn't care about the process.

After his instructions, Fat Dragon and the others began arranging the artisans.

He sat alone on the peak.

Looking at the ten Golden Core Heavenly Dao Cultivation Pills that had arrived, he began his cultivation for the night.

After several hours, he looked at the cultivation level panel above his Dantian.

-

"Cultivation Level": Golden Core Stage Eight (10.7%).

-

After reaching the eighth level of the Golden Core, a single Golden Core Heavenly Dao Cultivation Pill could still increase his cultivation by 1%. If the speed at the ninth level remained unchanged, he would be able to cultivate to the Golden Core Peak Grand Completion in just one month.

At that time, he would take away all the opportunities he had left behind in his previous life.

The Demon Lotus under the Boundless Sea and Endless Snow Mountain was almost ready.

Then he could leave Great Xia and head to the Xuantian Continent.

Several hours passed.

After consolidating his cultivation level, he and Fat Dragon's group left the small world and headed towards Fat City. By then, dawn had broken, and Fat City was bustling.

Usually—

Fat City didn't have powerful cultivators at the Golden Core Peak Grand Completion stage.

Occasionally, one might pass by.

But today!

Dozens of powerful cultivators at the Golden Core Peak Grand Completion stage, their Spirit Senses carrying heavy pressure, covered every person in Fat City, unconcealed in their search. When these Spirit Senses sensed Chen Qiu, they almost instantly retracted.

Then, dozens of shimmering lights shot towards Chen Qiu, who had just reached the city gate!

"SkyMock Sect Disciple, Zhao Dezhu, pays respects to the Sect Leader!"

"The most loyal disciple of the SkyMock Sect, He Tianxia, pays respects to the most formidable and awe-inspiring Sect Leader of Great Xia!"

"The most, most, most, most, most, most, most loyal disciple of the SkyMock Sect, Zhao Dezhu's master, Zhao Pingtian, greets the Sect Leader!"

Several excited and agitated roars echoed, their voices reaching before their bodies.

These cultivators at the Golden Core Peak Grand Completion stage, who usually wouldn't take action unless necessary, and who cherished Spirit Qi like their lives, were now unsparing in their use of Spirit Qi, increasing their speed to the maximum, constantly competing with each other as they rushed towards the city gate!

As the voices faded—

A dozen elders with the fastest body techniques had already knelt before Chen Qiu.

Following closely behind were some cultivators at the Golden Core Peak Grand Completion stage with slightly slower body techniques, and after them were those with lower cultivation levels but faster body techniques, and then those with both low cultivation and slow body techniques.

In just a dozen breaths—

Dozens of people had knelt before Chen Qiu, forming a dense crowd. At a glance, there were at least seventy or eighty of them.

The rarely seen powerful cultivators at the Golden Core Peak Grand Completion stage were now appearing one after another, like dumplings, all kneeling here. Each of them looked up at Chen Qiu with fervent eyes.

"Tsk."

Fat Dragon, witnessing this scene, scratched his head and turned to the Scholar with a smile, "Did the SkyMock Sect suddenly gain so many disciples? If I remember correctly, I'm the Grand Elder, right?"

"Yes."

The Scholar's lips curled slightly, and he coughed lightly, placing one hand behind his back to appear more mature, "Yes, Grand Elder, and I should be the Second Elder of the SkyMock Sect."

The two looked at each other, seeing the anticipation in each other's eyes.

Previously, their positions as elders were purely nominal, but from today onwards, it was no longer a nominal title but a position of real authority!

"Yes."

Chen Qiu nodded slightly, looking at the sea of people before him, his expression calm as he spoke softly, "The SkyMock Sect is selective. Line up individually, those chosen go to the left, and those rejected go to the right."

"Those who wish to join the sect, clearly state your cultivation level, strengths, and why you think you can join the SkyMock Sect. Give me a reason to accept you."

Although his voice wasn't loud, it was clear in everyone's ears.

Soon—

The seventy or eighty people in front of him formed a long line.

The elder at the front, his voice trembling with worry and excitement, said, "Sect Leader Chen, I have reached the Golden Core Peak Grand Completion stage. I'm a Sword Cultivator, specializing in offensive techniques. If you accept me into the sect, I will become your most powerful blade!"

He had fought his whole life.

He had ventured into secret realms for a lifetime.

In this lifetime, he had experienced countless opportunities and life-threatening situations. He believed he had long since become indifferent to life and death, and even knowing that his lifespan was nearing its end didn't bother him. But when he heard the news that joining the SkyMock Sect would give him a chance to leave Great Xia and ascend to the Nascent Soul stage, he...

In the past, he had been extremely calm, but now he was completely unable to contain his excitement and rushed to Fat State ahead of time.

He wasn't afraid of death because he knew that everyone at this stage was waiting for death like him.

But now that there was a chance of immortality, how could he not be excited?

"Approved."

Chen Qiu waved his hand, indicating that the old man who had successfully joined the SkyMock Sect could go to the left and wait. "Next."

Seeing that he had successfully joined the SkyMock Sect, the old man could no longer contain his excitement. He walked to the left, tears streaming down his face without caring about his appearance. Then, he cautiously approached Fat Dragon and whispered, "Elder, when will the SkyMock Sect's disciple tokens and robes be distributed? When will the life seal contract be signed?"

Although he had already received the verbal order from the Sect Leader Chen, he still felt uneasy without these items and the life seal. He always felt like it was a mirage, and it might disappear at any moment.

Only when he held these things in his hands would the stone in his heart truly settle.

"Hey?"

Fat Dragon felt a little pleased to be called Elder. He coughed lightly and smiled kindly, "How do you know I'm the Elder of the SkyMock Sect?"

"The Elder had introduced himself in front of everyone before. Before coming to the SkyMock Sect, I had gathered information about it."

"Good."

Fat Dragon nodded in satisfaction and said solemnly, "The disciple tokens and robes will be discussed later. After the Sect Leader signs the life seal contract with you, they will be distributed."

"Thank you, Elder, for your guidance."

". . ."

Then, Fat Dragon, who was standing in place, looked at Chen Qiu, who was conducting the review. He felt a bit nervous as so many Golden Core Peak Grand Completion experts joined the SkyMock Sect, making it a major sect.

Without disciple tokens and robes, the sect would appear somewhat irregular.

But the robes hadn't been designed yet, nor had the tokens.

Where would these things come from?

Later, he would discuss with Qiu how they could quickly create them.

At this moment—

Chen Qiu had already reviewed four applicants, accepting three and rejecting one. The rejected one was a Hundred Kingdoms Golden Core Peak Grand Completion expert; there wasn't any particular reason, except that Chen Qiu didn't like people with foreign styles.

They didn't fit his aesthetic standards.

The fifth applicant was a middle-aged man. He cautiously approached Chen Qiu and said nervously, "Sect Leader Chen, although I'm only at the sixth stage of the Golden Core Realm, I have a special talent. May I join the SkyMock Sect?"

Chen Qiu shook his head; the sixth stage of the Golden Core Realm was too low. He would have to cultivate them to the Nascent Soul stage. The reason he accepted Golden Core Peak Grand Completion disciples was to have them as powerful allies in the outside world after they broke through to the Nascent Soul stage. But the sixth stage was too low, and he didn't have enough time to cultivate new disciples.

Just as he was about to refuse, the middle-aged man cautiously handed over a spirit artifact. "I picked this up on the road. Sect Leader Chen, please take a look to see if it's yours."

". . ."

Chen Qiu's spirit sense pierced into the spirit artifact; there were no seals, and inside were 100 medium-grade spirit stones, neatly arranged. After a moment of silence, he stored the spirit artifact in his sleeve.

"His cultivation is low, but his talent is decent. He's worth cultivating."

"Approved."

"Next."

"Thank you, Sect Leader!" The middle-aged man, who had already given up hope, was overjoyed and hurried to the left, standing with the three accepted applicants. He turned to the three in front and said softly, "Greetings, fellow disciples. My name is He Tianxia."

The three accepted applicants were all old men at the Golden Core Peak Grand Completion stage.

They smiled happily.

"Don't worry about who's the senior or junior disciple. We haven't officially joined the sect yet, so it's hard to say who will be whose senior. In the future, you might even surpass us."

"No, no. You all have higher cultivation levels, so you must be my seniors."

"Hahaha, then I'll take that as a good omen from my junior."

"Next."

Chen Qiu sat in the chair provided by Fat Dragon, feeling a bit tired from the reviews. He casually waved his hand and took a sip of the Ten Thousand Year Cold Tea from his teacup. But when he saw the next applicant, he couldn't help but smile.

"Sect Leader Zhao, you came too?"

"Er..."

Zhao Dezhu, the Sect Leader of the Heavenward Sect, smiled awkwardly, "Well, Sect Leader Chen, I'm Zhao Dezhu. I contacted you in advance, and you told me to come."

"Oh, I remember. Sorry, do you want to give up the Heavenward Sect?"

"Hey."

Zhao Dezhu's expression turned serious. "If I don't step down, the position of Sect Leader will always be mine. As a Sect Leader, I must step down and give the opportunity to the younger generation."

"I understand." Chen Qiu nodded in realization, "So you mean I should also step down as Sect Leader and give the opportunity to the younger generation?"

"No, no!"

Zhao Dezhu, realizing his mistake, quickly shook his head, "That's not what I meant. Moreover, Sect Leader Chen, you are the youngest in the SkyMock Sect."

Chen Qiu glanced around and saw that it was true. He was indeed the youngest in the SkyMock Sect; everyone else was either an old man or a middle-aged man. There were no young people, mainly because none of them had cultivated to this level.

He was just joking.

When Zhao Dezhu met him for the first time, he had teased him, and Chen Qiu, being of lower cultivation at the time, had accepted it. But now, Zhao Dezhu's cultivation was no longer higher, and it was Chen Qiu's turn to tease him.

It had to be said that with higher cultivation, teasing others was indeed fun.

No wonder there were so many strong elders who didn't respect their age.

Even if you told the coldest joke, they would still laugh.

If they didn't laugh, they would be beaten.

"Good."

Chen Qiu smiled and took a sip of tea before waving his hand, "We have a connection, and there's no reason to reject your request to join the sect. Approved.

"Thank you, Sect Leader Chen."

A hint of joy flashed in Zhao Dezhu's eyes as he hurriedly walked to the left. He had no idea what tea Chen Qiu was drinking, but it smelled so fragrant, like a refreshing scent of ice and snow, despite being a hot tea.

The old man who followed closely behind had a face full of flattery and a sycophantic smile. "Sect Leader Chen, I am at the Golden Core Peak Grand Completion stage. I am Uncle Zhao Dezhu, and I have a very good relationship with him."

"Approved, next."

"Thank you, Sect Leader Chen, thank you, Sect Leader Chen!"

The Supreme Elder of the Heavenward Sect was overjoyed as he skipped over to the queue on Chen Qiu's left. Was Zhao Dezhu's name so influential that just mentioning it got him into the sect? He hadn't expected his junior to be so capable.

Finally, after about an hour, the selection was completed.

The first batch of disciples to join the sect numbered 57. Among them, 38 were at the Golden Core Peak Grand Completion stage, almost half of the Great Xia's Supreme Elders. With this wave, the foundation of many forces in the Great Xia was significantly drained.

The remaining 19 were all in the later stages of the Golden Core Realm, mostly at the eighth or ninth level. They were not far from reaching the Golden Core Peak Grand Completion stage, or they had special skills like the Starlight Sect's Sect Leader, as well as those who were adept at handling affairs.

These people were temporarily settled in the "Fat City" Inn, mainly because the Mock Heaven Sect's facilities were not yet fully repaired. As the Sect Leader of so many Golden Core Peak Grand Completion disciples, Chen Qiu now felt a certain responsibility.

He didn't want his disciples to see the sect in its current state of decline.

Once the Mock Heaven Sect was fully repaired, he would allow them to enter.

After these people left, Chen Qiu took Fat Dragon and a few others back to the small world. Fat Dragon had just told him something very serious, and Chen Qiu felt that this issue needed to be addressed as soon as possible.

In the Mock Heaven Sect, Chen Qiu and his companions sat cross-legged on the ground, discussing an important matter.

"Decided!"

Chen Qiu took out a piece of Malevolent Wood from his chest, his face serious. "We will use this Malevolent Wood to carve the disciple tokens."

They had discussed for a long time what material to use for the disciple tokens.

Using a material that was too poor would be a disgrace.

After all, they were a sect with many future Nascent Souls. If, in the future, their disciples were to pull out a disciple token made of such a poor material while walking outside, it would be a disgrace to the Mock Heaven Sect.

But using a material that was too good was also a problem.

Forget whether they could afford it, they simply didn't have such materials!

"Malevolent Wood?"

Fat Dragon was slightly stunned. Hearing Brother Qiu's suggestion, his eyes lit up with joy: "This is a great idea. We have plenty of Malevolent Wood, but it's not just any material on the Xuantian Continent."

"Although I don't know its exact value, it's definitely expensive."

"Using this material for the disciple tokens is perfect!"

"But Brother Qiu, what shape should the disciple tokens be?"

"Hmm."

This question made Chen Qiu ponder again. He then said, "The disciple tokens can be a standard token shape. The top part is square with two right angles, and the bottom part is a beveled edge."

"Then, on the front, engrave the words 'Mock Heaven Sect.' On the back, engrave 'Menial Disciple,' and let them start as menial disciples."

"Once they break through to the Nascent Soul Realm, they can become outer sect disciples and gradually work their way up."

"Then, Fat Dragon, you will organize the Sect Contribution Points. Set the rewards so that they are not too cheap, as we can't afford them. I still need to use those cheap resources."

"Make the rewards more high-end."

"For example, reaching a certain number of contribution points can earn them a Second Rank Nascent Immortal or a Third Rank Nascent Immortal, etc. Set the contribution point standards high so that they can't achieve them in the short term."

"You can decide on the details. You should be familiar with these things, right?"

"Familiar!"

Fat Dragon nodded vigorously. "Brother Qiu, you forgot what I used to do. I can handle these things and the disciple rules together. Should we bring Liu Zide in as well? He is also familiar with these things. We can work on them together, and his talent will definitely be useful in the Mock Heaven Sect."

"Sure, bring him in. I'll go see him later and check on how his Malevolent Wood acquisition is going."

"No problem. How about the rules?"

"Rules."

Chen Qiu thought for a moment and said, "The rules can be the standard ones, similar to other sects. No rebellion against the sect, and so on. There's nothing special about it. You can handle it."

"As for the disciple clothing, let me think. For menial disciples, the main color should be gray. For outer sect disciples, the main color should be white. We can think about the inner sect disciples' clothing later. They probably won't appear for a long time."

"When designing the clothing, keep it simple. You can design a basic version and have it made in the Great Xia. Use ordinary fabric materials."

"Once we go out, see if we can find materials with defensive properties to make the sect clothing."

"Understood!"

Fat Dragon nodded seriously. In his previous life, he ran a company, so he was familiar with management and regulations. Although his company didn't do very well, it managed to stay afloat for many years.

Joking aside, being able to run a small company for many years without going bankrupt is already better than 90% of companies. Most small companies go bankrupt within three years, so surviving in such a competitive environment is a testament to one's ability.

"In the future, you will be responsible for the sect's management," Chen Qiu looked at Fat Dragon and arranged his future responsibilities in the sect. "Mainly in charge of resource allocation, sect contribution points, and so on."

"As for the Scholar—"

He turned to the Scholar and his younger brother, who had been waiting on the side. "You two will be responsible for the Punishment Pavilion. Mainly to ensure that sect disciples do not violate the rules and to enforce the rules."

"In addition, they are also responsible for external combat and killing."

"Your younger brother is the second-in-command of the Punishment Pavilion, assisting you."

"You both need to quickly improve your Cultivation Levels. As Elders of the Mock Heaven Sect, it will be difficult to command respect with just the Foundation Establishment Stage."

"Don't worry, Brother Xiu." Fat Dragon's expression turned serious as he patted his chest. "After this, I'll go find that Demoness and train hard. I've already reached the fourth layer of the Foundation Establishment Stage."

"Me too."

The scholar also spoke earnestly, "Brother Xiu, you secluded yourself for cultivation for ten days not long ago. My Cultivation Level has now reached the eighth layer of the Foundation Establishment Stage, just one step away from the ninth layer. I estimate that in less than half a month, I'll be able to step into the Golden Core Realm again."

"Good."

Chen Qiu nodded in satisfaction, looked at the group, and paused for a moment before smiling. "The road ahead may be difficult. What will happen is completely unknown to me, and it will be a new challenge for all of us."

"Then, in the days to come, we'll all have to work hard together."

Fat Dragon and the scholar exchanged glances, understanding each other's thoughts, and laughed loudly.

"May the National Teacher have a safe journey, and may he continue to be a dragon among men, slaying all enemies under the heavens!"

"Tsk."

Chen Qiu shook his head with a smile. "You guys..."

At this moment, inside the Fat City Inn.

Several dozen people were seated in the first-floor hall, eating and chatting with smiles on their faces.

"It's been a while since we last met, hasn't it? The last time I saw you was over a decade ago."

"Sigh, you know very well that I only have a few years left to live. I don't have the heart to run around."

The sound of the group's casual conversation filled the hall.

As the shopkeeper served dishes, his legs trembled. When had he ever served such powerful cultivators at the peak of the Golden Core Realm? Today, he was serving dozens of them, and even though they had suppressed their Cultivation Levels and auras, they still made him feel like he was in the presence of death.

They looked no different from ordinary people.

But just a glance at them made his heart sink like it had fallen into an icy cellar, his back turned cold, and sweat dripped down his forehead. Even if they killed him, no one would stand up for him. It would be a pointless death.

After serving the dishes, he quickly retreated to the side, leaving space for the guests to chat and ensuring he could see them at a moment's notice if needed.

As they clinked cups and exchanged drinks, the atmosphere was lively.

These cultivators, who hadn't eaten mortal food in ages, were now eating with great enthusiasm, as if they were savoring the finest delicacies.

"Speaking of which, we had some grudges in the past. That incident was indeed my fault. Here, let me offer you a drink as compensation. I was young back then, and I was provoked, so I couldn't back down. But I assure you, I bear no ill will towards you."

"Hey, that was ages ago. Why bring it up now? In the future, we'll all be disciples of the Mock Heaven Sect. To be honest, after going to the Xuantian Continent, the people we can trust the most will be each other. Who knows what crises we'll face there? We'll have to face them together, shoulder to shoulder."

"Even if it's a massive crisis, it's better than waiting to die in Daxia."

"Who's to say otherwise? I just don't know if I'll be able to return."

As these words were spoken, the lively atmosphere suddenly turned silent. After a long while, an old man's sigh broke the silence. "I'll be honest with you. I'm aware that this journey may be my last, and I might not return alive."

"My greatest dream is to reach the Nascent Soul Realm in the Xuantian Continent, and then return to see my family and boast about my Nascent Soul Cultivation Level."

"But..."

"Given the dangers of the Xuantian Continent, how many times can old bones like us fight before breaking through to the Nascent Soul Realm? Once or twice? Even if we survive twice, we'll die on the third attempt."

"But I'd rather die out there than wait for death in Daxia. I only ask that if I die, a brother will help bring my body back so I can return to my family. I've lived in Daxia all my life, and if any brothers return to Daxia in the future, they can bring my remains back home."

The others couldn't help but sigh. The path of cultivation was indeed a challenging one.

They had witnessed their glory.

But they hadn't seen the countless corpses buried along the path that led to their current status.

"Hey."

At this moment, the Qu Family Supreme Elder couldn't help but laugh. "Why are you worrying about this? You still don't understand the true charm of being a true Heaven's Pride. Joining the Mock Heaven Sect is your greatest opportunity in life."

"As long as you have some sense and know how to handle things, securing the Nascent Soul Realm is a certainty."

He felt that he might be the most relaxed time traveler.

After crossing over, he hadn't done anything.

Every day was spent eating, drinking, and waiting for death, patiently waiting for his lifespan to run out. Aside from that, he couldn't do anything else. But it seemed that fate was still looking out for him, as Chen Qiu had suddenly appeared, giving him hope to reach the Nascent Soul Realm and extend his lifespan.

Upon hearing this, the group exchanged glances and laughed again.

"Indeed, with the Sect Leader's strength, he'll be able to slaughter his way through the Xuantian Continent."

"Don't steal my words!" The Qu Family Supreme Elder said with dissatisfaction. "Slaughtering his way through is my line."

"Who's to say otherwise? In less than two months, he cultivated from an ordinary mortal to the eighth layer of the Golden Core Realm, and it's an absolute Golden Core Invincible state. Moreover, it's a fifth-rank Tao Virtue Golden Core. If the Sect Leader reaches the Nascent Soul Realm, he'll be Nascent Soul Invincible. Even in the Xuantian Continent, with the addition of us Nascent Soul cultivators, who would dare offend the Mock Heaven Sect?"

"Good, good, truly good!"

The Supreme Elder of the Heavenward Sect stood up excitedly and raised his cup to the group. "This fellow cultivator speaks the truth. Come, let's toast to our successful joining of the Mock Heaven Sect. By the way, I forgot to introduce myself. I was previously the Supreme Elder of the Heavenward Sect. My junior is the Sect Leader of the Heavenward Sect, and he has a deep relationship with Sect Leader Chen."

"You've probably heard about it."

"During the Talented Genius Secret Realm, my junior sat together with Sect Leader Chen."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end