I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 1: Madam, You Don’t Want Your Son Expelled from the Academy, Do You?
"Madam, you wouldn't want to see your son kicked out of the academy, would you?"
In the middle of the Wendao Academy plaza, a handsome, tall youth wearing a scholar’s cap and holding a feathered fan spoke with a beaming grin.
This young man was Chu Feng. He stood before a woman of noble bearing, dressed in elegant palace robes that accentuated her graceful figure.
Her dark, lustrous hair shone under the sun, though a flicker of grief clouded her captivating eyes.
The hidden anxiety etched onto her mature, beautiful face gave her an air of fragile helplessness. Any man catching sight of her would feel an instinctive need to offer protection.
Chu Feng, however, wasn't harboring any wicked thoughts. His sole focus was on recruiting her son as his student.
As the Head of the Miscellaneous Arts Branch at Wendao Academy, Chu Feng was in a bind. That morning, the dean had issued an ultimatum: recruit a disciple within thirty days or face the dissolution of his branch.
Should that happen, he would be stripped of his position and expelled. Driven by necessity, Chu Feng had immediately set out to find a candidate.
Chu Feng was a transmigrator who had arrived in this world two and a half years ago.
He lacked any Cultivation techniques for the simple reason that his body was unable to cultivate.
Fortunately, he had been a master of time management in his previous life, becoming an expert in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.
By leveraging this diverse knowledge, he had successfully entered Wendao Academy, eventually becoming the lone member of the Miscellaneous Arts Branch.
Without that stroke of luck, he likely would have starved to death, becoming the most pathetic transmigrator in history.
The previous branch head had passed away six months prior. With no replacement sent by the academy and a strong endorsement from the late head—
Chu Feng was promoted to the Head of the Miscellaneous Arts Branch. It was a grand title, but he was essentially a general without an army. This was why he was scouring the plaza for potential disciples.
He had heard rumors about Xiao Chen, a genius from the Sword Arts Branch who had been crippled by grave injuries while searching for treasures in the Misty Marsh for his fiancée.
Learning that the Sword Arts Branch had already finalized Xiao Chen’s expulsion, Chu Feng tracked down the boy's mother to intercept him before he left.
The surname Xiao combined with the status of a fallen genius—this was the perfect template for a protagonist.
Chu Feng was determined to take the youth under his wing.
If Xiao Chen eventually rose to the peak of power, wouldn't his master also share in that legendary glory?
Madam Xiao looked at the young man with a wary expression, her face guarded. "Sir, are you truly capable of ensuring my son stays at Wendao Academy?"
As one of the four legendary neutral powers of the continent, Wendao Academy was a holy land for aspiring young cultivators.
The student body consisted entirely of famous young geniuses or the descendants of influential clans.
Since her son was now a cripple, even the Head of the Sword Arts Branch had refused to protect him. She found it hard to believe this young man could do what others wouldn't.
"I certainly can. After all, I am one of the ten branch heads of Wendao Academy. The dean has granted me the authority to recruit any student I wish. Xiao Chen is still officially enrolled, isn't he?"
Confidence radiated from Chu Feng’s expression.
"You are actually one of the ten branch heads?"
Madam Xiao’s eyes widened in shock, her voice trembling with skepticism.
The branch heads of Wendao Academy were considered some of the most influential figures on the continent.
She had never encountered one so youthful before.
Chu Feng gave a firm nod. "Indeed. I lead the Miscellaneous Arts Branch. My appointment took place six months ago."
"The Miscellaneous Arts Branch?"
The moment she heard the name, the spark of hope in Madam Xiao’s eyes died out.
Of the ten branches within the academy, the Miscellaneous Arts Branch was the least respected. It was common knowledge that they taught no Cultivation techniques, nor did they focus on alchemy, talismans, formations, or forging.
Their curriculum was limited to tea ceremonies, painting, calligraphy, chess, and music.
To the rest of the world, such pursuits were considered useless.
Chu Feng read her disappointment instantly. He knew that if he failed to convince her now, his chances of finding a disciple were zero.
"Madam, isn't there still hope as long as he remains at the academy?
If your son is cast out, he will lose any chance of ever cultivating again.
Furthermore, I can guarantee his safety here. Once he leaves these gates, there is no telling if he will even survive the journey home."
Madam Xiao’s brow furrowed. She realized his words held a harsh truth.
Without the sanctuary of Wendao Academy, her son’s life would be in constant peril, even within their own family lands.
It was a gamble she had to take.
She bowed deeply toward Chu Feng. "I am grateful, sir, for your willingness to accept my son. I will fetch Xiao Chen immediately so he may pay his respects and acknowledge you as his master!"
"Very well."
Wanting to ensure nothing went wrong, Chu Feng added, "I should accompany you to find him, Madam. It will be more efficient that way."
"Thank you, sir."
A small glimmer of hope returned to her eyes. "This way, please."
As Chu Feng walked behind Madam Xiao, a synthesized, mechanical voice rang out in his mind.
[ Ding! The Host has resided in this world for two and a half years. Disciple recruitment has commenced. System officially activated! ]
Chu Feng cried out internally: Finally!
Since his arrival, he had tried every trick imaginable to trigger a system.
No matter what he did, he had never received a response until now.
He hadn't expected that simply agreeing to take a disciple would be the trigger.
In this society, the bond between teacher and student was sacred, second only to parents and rulers. Children rarely went against their parents' wishes.
Since Madam Xiao had consented, Xiao Chen was effectively his disciple already. The deal was done.
"System, what are your capabilities?"
Chu Feng asked silently, trying to keep his excitement in check.
[ This is the Disciple-Accepting System. Rewards are granted for every disciple the Host recruits. The Host must discover specific functions through experience. ]
As the voice quieted—
A translucent status screen manifested in his mind:
────────────────────────────
[ Name ]: Chu Feng
[ Cultivation ]: None
[ Techniques ]: None
[ Lifespan ]: 22 / 79
[ Talents ]:
• Music
• Chess
• Calligraphy
• Painting
• Tea Ceremony
(All at Grandmaster Level: Perfection)
[ Evaluation ]: Pathetically weak. The System declines to comment further.
────────────────────────────
Even a system is mocking me now... Chu Feng thought with a sigh.
Regardless, with a system in hand, his future looked bright. The prospect of reaching the peak of the world and finding a beautiful, wealthy wife made his pulse quicken.
A faint, satisfied smirk appeared on his face.
Madam Xiao stopped suddenly and glanced back at him.
Noticing his expression, she asked, "Sir, may I ask what has brought such a smile to your face?"
Chu Feng smiled gently. "I was merely reflecting on a pleasant thought."
Madam Xiao didn't linger on the subject. "Sir, my son's quarters are just ahead. I will go and bring him out to meet you."
Chu Feng looked up at the housing for the Sword Arts Branch's outer disciples. He nodded and replied, "Understood. I shall wait here, Madam."