I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 3: Chu Feng — Thirty Years East, Thirty Years West
Previously on I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors?...
Chapter 3: Chu Feng — Thirty Years East, Thirty Years West
"You foolish boy, what kind of talk is that? Your life belongs to you alone, not to anyone else. In the future, once you have become powerful, just keep in mind the compassion shown to you by your mother and your master."
Chu Feng spoke with a lighthearted grin. He hadn't anticipated that Xiao Chen would be so easily moved by a few simple sentences.
Standing nearby, Concubine Xiao’s gaze toward Chu Feng became increasingly filled with reverence.
Initially, she had harbored uncertainties regarding the chief of the Miscellaneous Dao Institute.
However, after witnessing this exchange, she understood that this chief was truly a cultivator of extraordinary character.
"Disciple will obey Master's command," Xiao Chen declared with deep respect.
"Come along. We shall move your academic registration first, and then you can spend some time with your mother. Your formal Cultivation begins tomorrow."
Even though Chu Feng was completely clueless about how to actually guide someone in Cultivation, he had to maintain his dignified front.
"Yes, Master."
Xiao Chen gave his assent and trailed closely behind Chu Feng.
As they walked, the pair was surrounded by the low murmurs and hushed gossip of the passersby.
"Hey, look over there, isn't that Xiao Chen from the Sword Dao Academy?"
"I heard the academy gave him a three-day deadline to withdraw."
"Why is a cripple still hanging around? He’s not even qualified to handle menial chores!"
"…"
Chu Feng didn't verbally defend Xiao Chen; instead, he simply turned his head to check on him.
To his amazement, not a hint of grief or resentment could be seen on Xiao Chen’s face. If it weren’t for the slight clenching of his hands into fists…
Chu Feng might have believed the boy had truly moved past his ordeal.
A short time later—
The two arrived at the hall for academic records.
Chu Feng produced his chief's token and approached the counter to initiate the transfer process.
With a wide smile, he addressed the elderly man behind the desk, "Elder Bai, I’ve brought a disciple to transfer between divisions."
Upon hearing this, Elder Bai laughed and joked, "Not bad, Chu brat. You’ve only been in the position for two days and you’ve already recruited a disciple? Who would be willing to join your Miscellaneous Dao Institute?"
Though his voice wasn't booming, the quiet atmosphere of the records office meant his words carried easily.
In an instant, every person in the room shifted their attention toward them.
It was common knowledge that the Miscellaneous Dao Institute had not seen a new student in years.
Rumors had even circulated that the institute faced dissolution if they failed to recruit someone soon.
Few cared about such an outcome—many, in fact, welcomed it.
After all, the collapse of one institute meant more resources would be distributed among the others.
Ignoring the collective stare of the crowd, Chu Feng gave Xiao Chen a pat on the shoulder. "It’s this lad, transferring over from the Sword Dao Academy.
Xiao Chen, present your identity token to Elder Bai so the transfer can be finalized."
The onlookers were visibly taken aback by this revelation, casting bewildered glances at Xiao Chen.
The Sword Dao Academy stood as the second most prestigious branch of Wendao Academy, trailing only the Heavenly Spirit Institute.
Its influence and power far exceeded that of the Body, Spell, or Beast Mastery divisions.
Why would any youth abandon the path of a sword cultivator for the Miscellaneous Dao Institute? Had he lost his mind?
However, the confusion was cleared by Elder Bai’s subsequent words.
"You are Xiao Chen?"
Elder Bai hesitated for a moment while examining the identity token.
Xiao Chen answered politely, "Yes, Senior, I am Xiao Chen."
"Hm. For someone in your position, the Miscellaneous Dao Institute might actually be a suitable home. Put in the effort. Perhaps one day, you might still find a way to repair your Dantian."
Elder Bai offered a brief word of support. As a mid-ranking official of Wendao Academy, he was well aware of the tragedy surrounding Xiao Chen.
As he spoke, he began the process of updating the academic registry and forging a new identity token.
The surrounding crowd began to whisper amongst themselves again.
While they kept their voices low, Chu Feng could still pick up bits and pieces of their conversation.
Just as Elder Bai finished the registration, a sudden stir broke out at the entrance.
"Elder Bing from the Heavenly Spirit Institute has arrived!"
Both Chu Feng and Xiao Chen instinctively turned toward the doorway.
A woman of striking beauty and frigid demeanor walked in, her every movement radiating an aura of cold detachment. Beside her walked a young girl who possessed a gentle, innocent look.
The moment his eyes fell upon the girl, Xiao Chen’s frame trembled slightly.
This minor reaction was immediately noted by Chu Feng’s observant eyes.
Before he could inquire about the situation, the icy woman’s gaze fixed onto Xiao Chen, and she spoke with a voice like frost:
"If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't be so shameless as to cling to Wendao Academy. Though I suppose a cripple like you is a perfect fit for a place as pathetic as the Miscellaneous Dao Institute."
The crowd quickly settled into the roles of spectators, eager to watch the drama unfold.
A few gossiping voices rose up:
"I didn't expect such a spectacle just by visiting the records office."
"Senior, what is the story here? Why is an elder from the Heavenly Spirit Institute attacking an outer sect cripple?"
"You haven't heard? Elder Bing’s new disciple, Qin Rou, is actually Xiao Chen’s former fiancée. They say she managed to awaken the Ice Soul Sacred Physique thanks to him."
"Oh, so that is how it is."
"…"
Feeling the piercing weight of Elder Bing’s stare, Xiao Chen was overwhelmed with anguish. He instinctively sought out Qin Rou's gaze—
Only to be met by eyes that were cold and entirely indifferent.
He felt a wave of bitter irony in his heart.
While Xiao Chen stood there paralyzed, a tall figure moved to shield him.
He blinked—it was his master?
Chu Feng cast a reassuring glance back at Xiao Chen, then faced the woman with a smile. "Elder Bing, that remark is quite uncalled for."
"Heh."
Elder Bing did not respect the chief of the Miscellaneous Dao Institute in the slightest, especially one who possessed no Cultivation.
Had it not been for the strict regulations of Wendao Academy, she would have struck him down instantly for his insolence.
"Does Chief Chu suggest that this elder is mistaken?"
"Not merely mistaken—you are profoundly wrong," Chu Feng answered without a second thought, stunning everyone in the vicinity.
The spectators looked at him as if he had gone mad. Even Elder Bai secretly gave Chu Feng a subtle gesture of approval.
Elder Bing’s face grew even more frigid as she said sharply, "Then please, enlighten me, Chief Chu. If your explanation is not convincing, do not blame me for acting beyond my station."
Despite being enveloped by a murderous aura, Chu Feng remained perfectly composed.
"As the proverb goes: Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west—one should never underestimate a youth in his time of struggle.
Xiao Chen’s current state is only a temporary setback. In due time, he will certainly reclaim his path of the sword and leave the world in awe."
The room fell into a dead silence. Everyone looked at Chu Feng as if he were a lunatic.
Elder Bing’s eyes were filled with blatant contempt.
Only Xiao Chen gazed at Chu Feng, his eyes shimmering with newfound admiration.
"What a ridiculous farce. That is the most absurd thing I have ever heard. If you intend to soothe your disciple with such hollow lies, Chief Chu, then do not expect any mercy from me."
Her gaze flashed with a sharp, murderous intent as she spoke.
Even though Chu Feng could feel the lethal coldness in her eyes, he remained unshaken and replied calmly:
"I, Chu Feng, am a man of my word. Since Elder Bing is so skeptical, why don't we settle this matter with a three-year wager—starting here and now?"