The Sect Leader's Bizarre Recruitment Chapter 197: Snow, Great Huangting, and the Layout of the World's Second (Part 1) - Novel Cool

Chapter 197: Snow, Great Huangting, and the Layout of the World's Second (Part 1)

Chapter 197: Snow, Great Huangting, and the Layout of the World's Second (Part 1)

After the apprenticeship ceremony, Xu Fenglai was excited, rubbing his hands and giggling, "Master, when can I start cultivating the Sword Dao?"

"Actually, I'm very interested in the Invincible Sword Art."

"Invincible Sword Art..."

A playful expression appeared on Lin Fan's face.

As someone who could share all of Xu Fenglai's skills, he naturally knew what the Invincible Sword Art was. It was precisely because of this that he was pleased with Xu Fenglai's quick thinking.

His future skill tree would surely flourish with such a foundation.

Indeed, he had not misjudged Xu Fenglai; this was the path chosen by fate for him. The path of an emperor was not for him; the path of the sword was his true calling.

However, Xu Fenglai also wanted to play with this?

He couldn't handle it, at least not in the short term.

Lin Fan replied, "The Invincible Sword Art is not impossible to teach you, but your current level is still far from sufficient. Even if I were to teach it to you, there would be no chance of grasping it. It's best to first establish a solid foundation."

Xu Fenglai nodded, not surprised by Lin Fan's refusal.

After all, he had yet to truly begin his cultivation journey, and the Invincible Sword Art was a lofty goal from the start.

Even he found it outlandish.

He had merely spoken in passing, stating his ultimate aspiration.

He had come to learn the Invincible Sword Art, at least for now!

"Then, Master, which cultivation method and sword technique do you suggest I start with to build my foundation?"

"It's up to you."

Lin Fan smiled, "You are my direct disciple, and you have access to all the libraries in the Moon Embrace Sect. You can cultivate various techniques, and the same goes for sword techniques."

"It's up to you to choose."

"But before that, you need to read a book first."

Lin Fan took out a book that was almost half a meter thick, leaving Xu Fenglai completely dumbfounded.

"Ah?"

"Read... a book?"

Xu Fenglai gulped.

He wanted to say that reading a book was fine, but this book seemed a bit too thick.

"Yes, read the book."

"This book has a special meaning for you, and I believe it will inspire you. After reading it, I won't interfere with whatever choice you make."

"This..."

"Yes, Master."

Xu Fenglai was puzzled.

At this moment, he couldn't question it.

He bid farewell to Lin Fan and left, hugging the book as he temporarily stayed at the Moon Embrace Sect.

And so began his journey of reading.

The book, titled "Snow," was written by Lin Fan specifically for Xu Fenglai's apprenticeship.

As always, the cultivation levels, combat power, and battle scenes were optimized and refined based on the actual situation in the Immortal Martial Continent, ensuring no one could guess the truth.

But Xu Fenglai was unaware of all this.

"Snow?"

Xu Fenglai rubbed the words "Snow" on the book's cover. "Master must have a deep meaning in making me read this thick book. So, what is the answer?"

"North Liang's Heir, Xu Fenglai?"

"Old Huang?"

"Is this a novel created by Master based on me, Old Huang, North Liang, and the Four Directions Immortal Kingdom?"

"Could it be that these details were shared by Qin Yu with Master?"

Even at this moment, he didn't grasp the severity of the situation.

He subconsciously assumed that Qin Yu had informed Master of these details.

After all, these weren't overly secretive matters, and he had discussed most of them with Qin Yu. It wasn't surprising that Master knew about them.

But...

Why did Master include these details in a novel and ask him to read it?

"I have no idea."

He scratched his head and continued reading.

Then...

He gradually learned of Old Huang's true power!

Challenging the World's Second in the North!

Moreover, this World's Second also shared the surname Wang!

Soon after, Old Huang exhausted himself to death.

Reading this, Xu Fenglai's heart clenched, and a wave of pain washed over him.

"Why did Master write about Old Huang's death?"

He was even more puzzled. After suppressing his emotions, he continued reading.

The truth about the battle between Jian Jiuhuang and Wang Xianzhi was revealed, leaving Xu Fenglai silent for a long time.

"In that battle, Old Huang was afraid and fled."

"He left a sword on the city wall of the Imperial City, abandoned his sword sheath, and never used a sword again, until he met me?"

"As I gradually grew, he believed it was the right time to reclaim his identity. He fought Wang Xianzhi again, pushing himself to the point of exhaustion and death, and the sword sheath sank."

"..."

"Is this true?"

"If so, how does Master know?"

"If it's not true, why is it written so clearly and convincingly, leaving no room for doubt?"

"This..."

"This is truly..."

Xu Fenglai remained silent for a long time.

Thinking about Old Huang's death pained him, but when he learned the reason for Old Huang's death, to reclaim his identity, he felt joy.

"But this is just a novel, not the Old Huang by my side."

"Yes!"

"Exactly!"

He whispered to himself.

He didn't want to admit, or perhaps he was unwilling to accept, that this was... the future!

But as he read further, he gradually realized that this book, "Snow," was not just a creation based on Master's understanding of him.

There were too many details, some even unknown to himself.

Each scene was seamlessly connected, leaving no room for doubt.

"But if this is what it is, then..."

Xu Fenglai had already finished reading the page before him.

But he hesitated, afraid to turn the page.

He was scared.

Afraid...

To see more plot developments that he couldn't accept, or rather, the future.

"Master..."

"A true god among men."

After a long while, Xu Fenglai sighed and finally turned the page, and then the next, revealing the captivating world of the Snow-Covered Jianghu.

Reading the Xuan Yuan Chronicles,

Xuan Yuan Da Pan, the Armored Xuan Yuan, challenges the celestial fairies. Who dares to face him in the mortal realm?

Sword Saint Li Chun'gang, with a single sword, ascends to the realm of the terrestrial immortals! The Peach Blossom Sword God, Deng Tai'a, wields twelve 'toothpicks' like serpents in a grand performance.

The second in the world, Wang Xianzhi, is invincible on his path.

Even...

Until the very end.

What about the number one in the world?

The Prince is not truly invincible, for there is still Pei Nanwei in the world.

After reading the entire Snow-Covered Chronicles, Xu Fenglai couldn't help but feel embarrassed.

No, he was extremely embarrassed.

Sighing, marveling, and feeling anxious, he then fell into deep thought.

Himself... cough.

To be honest, he seemed to have little resistance when it came to beauties.

The female companions of Xu Fengnian in the book were truly numerous! After his embarrassment, he pondered.

Recalling Xu Fengnian's journey, he felt a deep sense of melancholy.

Too many people would die!

And there were too many unexpected twists.

But this Jianghu was ultimately a spectacular place.

And Xu Fengnian was its protagonist.

Then... what about himself?

Could it be that in his master's eyes, he was the protagonist of the Four Directions Immortal Kingdom in this Jianghu?

He remained silent.

A long silence.

Xu Fenglai was different from Xiao Ling'er, different from Yaya, and different from Zhu Rou Rong and Song Yunxiao.

Everyone had their own path and their own thoughts.

His thoughts were different from Xiao Ling'er and the others.

His pursuit was also different.

But how should he choose?

"Return to the Four Directions Immortal Kingdom and wander in the Jianghu?"

"Or... stay within the sect, cultivate diligently by my master's side, until I become an inner disciple and then return?"

He thought a lot, a lot.

But he couldn't find an answer.

In the following days, he wandered aimlessly within the Moon Embrace Sect.

He met Xiao Ling'er, Huo Yun'er, Zhu Rou Rong, Song Yunxiao, and other senior brothers and sisters.

He visited the Spirit Beast Garden and saw a true dragon.

He had once been companions with a fire unicorn.

He had played chess with the Little Dragon Maiden.

He had consumed numerous high-quality pills.

He had even left his mark on the Fire Virtue Peak.

He had even discussed the Dao with Fan Jianqiang.

But he still couldn't find the answer.

On this day, he was in the Scripture Pavilion, selecting cultivation techniques.

It was on this day that he had a thorough understanding of the Moon Embrace Sect and was certain that Xu Fenglai no longer needed his constant companionship. Sword Nine Huang came to bid farewell.

"Prince."

"I want to leave for a while."

He smiled and said, "You're safe within the Moon Embrace Sect, and there won't be any problems."

"I have some old matters to attend to."

"..."

"How long?"

Xu Fenglai's heart skipped a beat, and his vigilance heightened.

"It's hard to say."

Sword Nine Huang scratched his head and smiled awkwardly, "If things go smoothly, perhaps I'll be back in a month or so, and then I'll accompany you again. But if there are delays, it might take longer."

"A month or so..."

Xu Fenglai stared at him without saying a word, not even blinking.

He stared so intently that Sword Nine Huang's heart felt uneasy and anxious.

"Why are you looking at me like that, Old Huang?"

"It's scary."

Sword Nine Huang couldn't hold back his embarrassment and showed a sheepish smile.

"Old Huang."

Xu Fenglai took a deep breath, "Are you going to your death?"

Sword Nine Huang was stunned, "Ah?"

"Prince, what... what do you mean by going to your death?"

"Isn't that what you're doing?" Xu Fenglai didn't blink, staring into Sword Nine Huang's eyes, not wanting to miss even the slightest detail.

"Of course not."

Sword Nine Huang wanted to respond with the firmest tone, but when the words reached his mouth, he lost all his confidence.

"Isn't that what you're doing?"

Xu Fenglai chuckled bitterly, "Old Huang, although outsiders see you as my servant, in my heart, I've always considered you a brother."

"You... you're my brother!"

"Now, my brother is still an ordinary person, and you want to leave me and go to your death alone?"

Sword Nine Huang's scalp tingled, "Prince, what nonsense are you talking about? Why would I go to my death?"

"Isn't it better to stay alive than to go to your death?"

"Please, Prince..."

"Haha."

"Going to the east to challenge the second in the world, continuing the battle from back then, if that's not going to your death, then what is it?"

"Or do you think that you're already the number one in the Four Directions Immortal Kingdom?"

Xu Fenglai let out a cold laugh.

But as soon as the words left his mouth, he felt uncertain.

After all...

This was just a plot written by his master in a storybook, it might not be true!

He had only intended to scare Old Huang, but somehow, he blurted it out without thinking. A mistake!

But...

Was this right or wrong?!

He looked at Sword Nine Huang.

The latter's scalp tingled, and his hair stood on end, making him feel flustered, "Prince, you...?"

"How do you know about this?"

"Who told you?"

"You... no, according to reason, you shouldn't know about this. Those who know about this matter should be under my control. Why do you know?"

Sword Nine Huang was truly confused and couldn't understand how the Prince found out.

How did the Prince learn about this?

How could he free himself from all attachments and challenge the World Second?

Without freedom from attachments, how could he unleash his full potential and find himself again?

This...

Sword Nine Huang sighed helplessly.

As a sword cultivator, he was destined to wander the world with his sword, slaying all injustices.

Retreat was not an option.

Once he retreated, his sword would dull, and his strength would wane.

For years, Sword Nine Huang had lived by this principle.

During that battle long ago, he had faltered and fled, damaging his sword heart! But now, the Prince needed him, and Sword Nine Huang desperately wanted to find himself again, to become the sword cultivator he once was.

If he succeeded, he would be the same spirited Sword Nine Huang as before, and the Prince would have one more capable person by his side.

If he failed, he could still make up for that battle from years ago. Although he had avoided it for years, in the end, he wouldn't have betrayed the name of a sword cultivator.

So, he waited until now, until Xu Fenglai no longer needed his protection, before making up his mind to challenge the World Second and reclaim himself.

Alas...

If the Prince found out, he wouldn't be able to fight without attachments.

Sword Nine Huang was stunned.

Xu Fenglai was equally shocked. He had held onto a sliver of hope, but...

Maybe it was a lie?"

Maybe it was just a story."

Old Huang bid farewell, citing other reasons."

But the ultimate outcome was cruelly true.

It was real!

Perhaps it was just a story, but the 'coincidences' were indistinguishable from reality.

Sword Nine Huang was truly going to challenge the World Second, and there was a 90% chance he wouldn't return.

Although the World Second was from the Four Directions Immortal Kingdom and not the Immortal Martial Continent, the fact that they had held the title for so long without a World First appearing spoke volumes. Old Huang was indeed powerful.

But how did he compare to Li Jian Shen and Deng Jian Shen?

If Xu Fenglai let him go, this would be their final farewell.

How could he remain unmoved?

Memories flashed through his mind like a horse galloping through a flower garden.

Xu Fenglai clenched his teeth, "I don't care who told me, but I won't let you go alone!"

"I still want to steal chickens with you, travel the world again, learn your Nine Swords, perform the stone-crushing chest technique together, and more. You can't die now!"

"But..."

Sword Nine Huang sighed.

Who wants to die?

If he wanted to die, he wouldn't have fled back then.

Yet, for years, he had been haunted by those memories, waking up countless times in the middle of the night with a phrase echoing in his mind: "I, Old Huang, am a sword cultivator."

"There are no buts!"

Xu Fenglai, who had been indecisive for days, suddenly made up his mind. "I'll go with you!"

What choice did he have?

He couldn't choose. If Xu Fengnian didn't know, he could let it go.

But now that he knew, how could he ignore it?

Even if Old Huang had a chance, he must accompany him to the end.

Stay in the sect?

He couldn't stay.

He might as well return to the Four Directions Immortal Kingdom.

Since the master had such precise control over Old Huang's future, he probably had the same control over his and others' futures.

In that case...

He had a shortcut to take.

Old Huang might still have a way out.

"Absolutely not!"

Sword Nine Huang firmly disagreed, "Prince, this is no joke. The World Second..."

"Who's joking with you?"

Xu Fenglai scoffed, "I know what you're worried about—the World Second and the Zhu Royal Manor. But do you think the World Second would attack a little guy like me?"

"As for the Zhu Royal Manor, they won't dare offend the Qin Royal Manor and North Liang. So, even if they make a move, they'll have to be discreet. My danger isn't that great."

Sword Nine Huang: "..."

Who didn't know that?

His concern was that if he lost, Xu Fenglai would intervene without hesitation.

The World Second wouldn't kill indiscriminately, and he had no interest in ants like them. But if this ant dared to strike first, would he remain unmoved?

He was the World Second!

Not a goody-two-shoes!

"It's decided."

"Old Huang."

Xu Fenglai didn't give Sword Nine Huang a chance to object. "Wait for me for a month."

"After a month, I'll go down the mountain with you and return to the Four Directions Immortal Kingdom."

"After that, you'll come with me to a place."

"Then, we'll head east to find the World Second. You can fight however you want, and I won't stop you. How's that?"

"If you don't agree..."

"If you run, I can't stop you, but I'll ask the master to send people to stop you."

"I might even break your arms and legs to temporarily restrain you!"

"If you manage to escape, I, Xu Fenglai, will hate you for life!"

"I'll never acknowledge you as a friend or brother again!"

Sword Nine Huang fell silent.

After much consideration, he could only reluctantly nod in agreement.

"But, Prince, I'm still curious. Who told you about my past..."

"No one told me."

"I guessed."

Xu Fenglai didn't lie; it was written in the story, and no one had told him.

Sword Nine Huang: "..."

...

Time passed.

Xu Fenglai, after much hesitation, chose the "Immortal Slaying Realm" and began his cultivation journey.

Of course, this was after Lin Fan's numerous attempts and improvements.

Compared to the original, it was much stronger, easier to cultivate, and more detailed, with its accompanying secret techniques further enhanced.

Xu Fenglai possessed an exceptional talent, though not a spiritual or sacred body, but undoubtedly above average.

(End of Chapter)

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