I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 2: The Once-Promising Genius, Xiao Chen

Chapter 2: The Once-Promising Genius, Xiao Chen

Deep within the outer sect of the Sword Dao Academy, a youth sat alone in a quiet courtyard. His expression was desolate as he stared at the heavens, his once-vibrant eyes now clouded with uncertainty and despair.

This young man was Xiao Chen. Not long ago, he had been the premier senior disciple of the Sword Dao Academy—a talent the likes of which had not been seen in a century.

Had everything gone according to plan, he would have secured a spot as a true core disciple in the inner sect following the upcoming grand competition in six months.

However, those dreams had shattered like glass only two weeks prior.

A month ago, Xiao Chen had risked his life against a fierce guardian beast to obtain a Five-Colored Ice Lotus. While he was victorious in claiming the treasure, the cost was devastating. His dantian was utterly ruined, stripping him of his Cultivation and rendering him a complete cripple.

In a heartbeat, he had plummeted from the heights of glory into a dark abyss.

The junior brothers and sisters who once trailed behind him like shadows abandoned him instantly. Those who had previously showered him with flattery now took pleasure in his downfall, subjecting him to cruel mockery and even physical abuse.

Yet, the loss of his strength was not his greatest agony.

After enduring life-threatening trials to bring the Five-Colored Ice Lotus back to the academy, he had gifted it to his fiancée, Qin Rou. But within a month of receiving the gift, her heart turned cold.

She informed him that a prominent Elder from the inner sect had taken her under his wing, and she was set to become an inner disciple. She claimed that a cripple like Xiao Chen was no longer a suitable match for someone of her status.

Following this, the Qin family officially dissolved their engagement. The news had caused Xiao Chen to collapse in a dead faint just yesterday.

This morning brought yet another crushing blow: the academy had decided to expel him. They had already sent word for his mother to come and collect him.

The thought of his mother felt like a blade twisting in his chest.

Xiao Chen hailed from the secular Kingdom of Da Liang, born in the manor of the Third Prince. His mother was merely a concubine, and she had invested every ounce of her devotion into raising him. He was her whole world.

When he first departed for the academy, he had made a sacred promise to her: he would achieve greatness and return to rescue her from the prince’s residence so she could live in peace and luxury.

Now, after two years at the academy, that promise lay in ruins.

Recalling the mixture of sorrow and pride in his mother's eyes when they said goodbye made him want to end his own life. He felt he had no face left to meet her.

Rather than dragging out a life of shame, he wondered if it would be better to simply die. He slowly lifted his hand, preparing to strike his own skull—

Suddenly, a familiar voice drifted in from beyond the courtyard walls.

"Chen’er, I have wonderful news for you."

Xiao Chen’s hand stopped inches from his forehead. Turning toward the entrance, he saw his exhausted mother standing there. Though her eyes were red from weeping, she forced a small, hopeful smile.

Thud!

Xiao Chen fell to his knees. "Mother, I have failed you. I have caused you nothing but pain."

Concubine Xiao rushed to his side and pulled him up. "I haven't suffered, my son. As long as you are safe and alive, I am content."

Despite his inner resolve, those words caused Xiao Chen’s eyes to fill with tears. The agony and bitterness of the past few weeks threatened to overflow, but he fought to keep his composure. He could not bear to add to her burdens.

"I am grateful, Mother."

A mother always knows her child’s heart. Sensing his deep grief, Concubine Xiao spoke quickly. "Chen’er, do not lose heart. I came to tell you that you don't have to leave. You can stay at the academy and continue your Cultivation."

"How can that be?" Xiao Chen asked, bewildered.

His mother was only a concubine in Da Liang. Even the King of Da Liang lacked the influence to demand favors from the academy. Compared to such a powerful Sect, a secular kingdom was insignificant.

Concubine Xiao explained, "Have you heard of the Miscellaneous Dao Institute? Their leader is willing to accept you as a student, and I have already given him my word."

"The Miscellaneous Dao Institute..."

Xiao Chen’s confusion turned into a dull acceptance. It made sense; only a place like that—devoid of prestige or talented disciples—would take him in now. Joining them meant a life of mediocrity, with no hope of ever repairing his Meridians or dantian.

Seeing his silence, his mother urged him on. "Chen’er, I know you won't let this defeat you. If you stay at the academy, there is always a chance for a new beginning."

Looking at the hope shining in her eyes, Xiao Chen couldn't bring himself to refuse. "You’re right, Mother. I will rise again. I’ll join the Miscellaneous Dao Institute."

"Splendid! I will go fetch their chief immediately." Concubine Xiao wiped her eyes, her heart finally finding some relief as she saw her son’s spirit rekindle.

Xiao Chen added, "Mother, let me go with you to meet him."

Together, they walked out of the secluded yard.

Standing outside was Chu Feng, looking up at the sky with a confident, handsome grin. As he heard them approaching, his smile widened. He was impressed by how quickly Madam Xiao had convinced the boy.

Xiao Chen approached Chu Feng and bowed respectfully. "Disciple Xiao Chen greets Chief Chu."

"There's no need for such formality," Chu Feng replied.

However, Xiao Chen immediately dropped to his knees. "Please, Chief, I beg you to take me as your disciple!"

He spoke with unwavering resolve. Chu Feng was surprised by the boy's decisiveness—he truly had the aura of a protagonist. He reached down to help the youth up.

"Very well. I accept. From this moment on, you are my student and the lead disciple of the Miscellaneous Dao Institute."

"Thank you, Master," Xiao Chen replied. He didn't care about titles; he only cared about the tiny sliver of hope this opportunity provided.

[ Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully recruiting a disciple. Reward: Ten years of Cultivation and ten years of longevity. ]

As the notification echoed in his mind, Chu Feng felt a massive wave of spiritual Qi surge through his body. A sensation of immense power and warmth enveloped him. It was an incredible feeling.

Chu Feng’s smile grew even warmer as he looked at Xiao Chen with newfound appreciation. Xiao Chen, slightly unsettled by the intense gaze, asked, "Master, what is our next move?"

Chu Feng composed himself and said, "We are going to the records office to fix your registration. I want it known that you are under my protection now. No one will ever look down on you again."

Those words struck a chord deep within Xiao Chen. After so much betrayal, his new Master’s protection moved him deeply. He made a silent vow: "Thank you, Master. From this day forward, my life is yours."