I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 621 Cao Youqian: I Didn’t Expect to Encounter a Heavenly Chosen Here
Previously on I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors?...
"What, are you unwilling?"
Noticing the young man's prolonged silence in response to his query, Cao Youqian pressed the matter once more.
"In response to Lord, it's not that this humble one refuses, but rather that my meridians are fully severed, rendering cultivation impossible. Hence, I dare not join under Lord's guidance, lest I bring shame upon Lord."
With those words, Xiakang bowed his head even further, avoiding any glance at the imposing figure before him.
Cao Youqian extended his spiritual sense across the youth's form; the boy spoke true. Luckily, the youth's Dantian remained intact.
All it would take was a touch of spiritual power to mend the meridians running through his frame.
A grin spread across his face as he remarked, "I figured it was something grave. But broken meridians? Mere trifles to me. Still, I'm intrigued—given your evident talent, how did you end up in such dire straits?"
"I won't conceal it from Lord. This humble one erred gravely in the past, leading the clan elders to shatter my cultivation..."
Xiakang laid out his tale in complete detail.
It was a tale as old as time. In aiding his fiancée's breakthrough, Xiakang pilfered the clan's prized elixir. Yet she promptly handed that elixir over to the Heavenly Chosen from their rival clan.
Once the clan uncovered the deed, they enforced their ancient codes and ruined his cultivation base. Were it not for his status as the Chief's grandson, Xiakang wouldn't have even this shot at redemption.
"Excellent, excellent!"
Having absorbed Xiakang's account, Cao Youqian exclaimed in approval again and again. The lad perfectly fit the criteria for entry into their Miscellaneous Dao Academy.
Those twin "excellents" left Xiakang utterly puzzled. He stared at the Lord in bewilderment. Though he pondered deeply, he couldn't grasp why this Lord would deem it "excellent."
Cao Youqian clapped Xiakang on the shoulder and inquired, "Tell me truly. Do you crave vengeance? Do you yearn to reclaim all that was rightfully yours?"
"Yes."
Xiakang responded instantly, without a second's pause.
"Meet my gaze squarely; show me your resolve."
Cao Youqian's voice rose, laced with an air of command.
Memories of his tormented history flooded Xiakang's thoughts. Clenching his jaw, he lifted his head gradually and bellowed with unyielding eyes: "Yes."
A smile lit Cao Youqian's features as he declared, "Then why delay? Kneel and take me as your master without further ado. Your clan? I'll shield it personally."
"Disciple Xiakang greets Master."
Those words out, Xiakang dropped to his knees and performed three resounding kowtows to Cao Youqian.
Cao Youqian lifted Xiakang to his feet with a warm smile, adding, "Starting now, you're my personal disciple and the Eldest Senior Brother of the Tyrant Fist Sacred Ground. For a start, as your master, I'll restore those meridians of yours."
As he finished speaking, a strand of spiritual power flowed from him into Xiakang's core. Everywhere it touched, the youth's meridians knit back together seamlessly.
Feeling the transformation surging inside him, Xiakang's eyes bulged wide, his face alight with thrill. In his mind, he roared: It's coming back! At last, I can seize my former splendor!
Shortly after, Cao Youqian withdrew his palm and stated calmly, "Now, go join your Martial Uncle in the disciple hunt. Have them report to me come morning."
"Understood."
With that, Xiakang spun on his heel and departed.
Gazing at the youth's fading silhouette, Cao Youqian's lips curved upward faintly. Inwardly, he mused: This kid—what surprises might you deliver?
Soon enough, Cao Youqian plunged back into the Demon Lake to resume his routine cultivation.
Meanwhile, Lei Qilin managed the recruitment with steady efficiency. By Xiakang's emergence, it had already gathered three recruits: a human, an ape, and a tiger.
"Martial Uncle."
Xiakang offered a deep, respectful bow to Lei Qilin.
Lei Qilin grinned and noted, "So, kid, you've entered Brother Qian's lineage?"
"Indeed, my thanks to Martial Uncle for the introduction."
Deep down, Xiakang felt profound gratitude toward this Martial Uncle. Without his intervention, meeting his Master and healing his wounds would have remained dreams.
Lei Qilin probed, "What task did Brother Qian assign you?"
Xiakang answered with deference, "Master bids me aid Martial Uncle in gathering disciples."
At those words, Lei Qilin inwardly flashed a thumbs-up to Brother Qian. No one grasped his aversion to such chores like Brother Qian did.
"Alright then. Hand the rest over to you. With this Great King overseeing, no disasters will strike. Regarding your Master's disciple selection rules, they're like this..."
Once briefed, Xiakang clasped his hands and affirmed, "Disciple understands fully."
As the tribe's firstborn grandson, he often shadowed his father in tribal affairs. Selecting disciples posed no challenge.
Come midday, Xiakang had evaluated every Hundred Races attendee. Beyond himself, just three humans and three demons cleared the Master's standards.
He regarded the six before him and announced, "Follow me up the mountain. We'll honor the Master at dawn tomorrow."
Those words sparked ecstasy in the three humans and three demons. Yet the failed ones among demons and humans grew frantic, pleading in turn: "Young friend, might you put in a good word with that Lord? Our submission is genuine. We beg Lord for an opportunity."
Xiakang saw through their motives clearly—his own Xia Tribe harbored similar hopes. He replied, "Very well, linger outside Five Elements Mountain. After my morning obeisance to Master, I'll relay an answer."
Relief washed over the crowd of demons and humans, who expressed their thanks profusely.
"Many thanks, young friend, for your trouble. Should you ever require our aid, simply command us."
"Exactly—we'd brave infernos and waters, perish a myriad deaths without regret."
"..."
Witnessing this, Lei Qilin held Cao Youqian in even higher esteem. Truly, Brother Qian's style: a single gem could unearth a standout talent.
At dawn the following day, Lei Qilin and Xiakang guided the three demons and three humans toward the Demon Lake's edge. Well before arrival, Lei Qilin detected a fearsome demonic aura fading away. It halted them abruptly: "Hold."
Perplexed by his Martial Uncle's command, Xiakang queried, "Martial Uncle, trouble ahead?"
"Your Master's cultivation isn't complete. We'll pause here briefly."
Lei Qilin was well aware of Cao Youqian's cultivation method. It wasn't about secrecy, but shielding these novices from that dread demonic essence. Brother Qian could neutralize it, but they might not.
An hour passed before Lei Qilin confirmed the demonic aura had vanished entirely. Then it urged, "Forward. Your Master's prepared."
Trailing Lei Qilin, Xiakang's party pressed on. Moments later, they spotted Cao Youqian seated lakeside, immersed in cultivation.
The fresh trio of humans and demons beheld the overwhelming presence radiating from Cao Youqian, their limbs quaking uncontrollably. They teetered on the verge of collapse.
Detecting their nearness, Cao Youqian eased his eyes open and uttered, "You've come."
Dear Readers,
Today, I have a crucial request for you. If the tale has captivated you, kindly shift to Patreon to back me straight away.
Joining grants immediate access to 20 chapters, plus 50 to 55 fresh ones monthly.
Truth be told, I'm facing severe money woes right now, and your backing would be a lifeline in these tough times. Plus, with more supporters, I aim to launch additional fanfics by week's end!
Kindly back me on Patreon to keep the stories flowing.
Grateful for your support
/Alex_Cruise