I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 626 Ji Jiuwu and Jiang Yan Descend the Mountain for Experience

In the seclusion of the mountains, time passes unnoticed.

Three years had flown by in an instant for Ji Jiuwu, Jiang Yan, Lu Ming, and Chu Yan as they cultivated within the peaks. Throughout this period, the Asked Dao Sect welcomed no fresh recruits. The sole positive development was Chu Yan's transformation into a human shape, adding yet another true ghost fire boy with vibrant red-dyed hair to the sect's ranks.

On that particular morning, a brilliant rosy glow bathed the skies over the Asked Dao Sect. This unexpected spectacle drew the attention of Ji Jiuwu, Lu Ming, and Chu Yan.

"Junior Brother Jiang has succeeded!"

Ji Jiuwu exclaimed, his face beaming with thrill. Lu Ming and Chu Yan at his side echoed his excitement with their own joyful cries.

"Senior Brother Jiang succeeded—let's hurry to congratulate him!"

Within the alchemy chamber, Jiang Yan carefully unsealed the furnace and retrieved nine shimmering purple-golden pills from its depths. A faint smile tugged at his lips. "I haven't let down Master's hopes; I've forged my own unique path in the realm of alchemy."

Composing himself, he pushed open the door and stepped out into the open.

The moment he emerged, a beam of rosy light enveloped Jiang Yan. These radiant strands surged into his form, subtly boosting the spiritual power coursing through him.

"Junior Brother Jiang, Senior Brother Jiang, our heartfelt congratulations!"

The delayed trio led by Ji Jiuwu spotted Jiang Yan and rushed forward with their warm greetings.

Jiang Yan grinned and replied, "Joy shared is joy doubled. Come, let's pay our respects to Master together."

"Alright, let's head there as one."

With that, Ji Jiuwu and the others proceeded side by side toward Chu Feng's courtyard.

Meanwhile, in the Sect Master's quarters, Chu Feng remained lost in slumber. Abruptly, a notification from the system echoed in his sea of consciousness.

"Host's disciple Jiang Yan has perfected the Strange Fire Alchemy Art. Reward: Great Dao True Meaning +5. Host has successfully founded the Pill Dao, earning the Heaven Dao's acknowledgment. Reward: 99 Great Dao Truth."

Bang!

Startled by the system's voice, Chu Feng bolted upright from his resting place. Inwardly, he pondered, "Who would've thought that establishing a Great Dao on the Hongyuan Continent would garner Heaven Dao's approval? What a delightful unforeseen gain. I'm curious if Chen'er and Daqian will reap similar rewards when they accept disciples and propagate the Dao."

Shaken from his drowsiness by the event, Chu Feng freshened up briefly before exiting his room. There, he found his group of disciples already gathered in the yard.

"We pay our respects to Master."

Upon Chu Feng's arrival, Ji Jiuwu and the rest promptly knelt in homage. They had anticipated lingering in wait, yet Master had risen far earlier than anticipated.

"Rise, no need for such formalities."

Chu Feng responded while directing his attention to Jiang Yan. "A-Yan, you've truly lived up to this Seat's faith, carving out a trail that's uniquely yours."

"Master overpraises me. Without your teachings, this disciple could never have unraveled the Pill Dao in this lifetime."

Gratitude shone on Jiang Yan's features as he spoke with utmost modesty.

Chu Feng placed a hand on his shoulder. "A-Yan, modesty suits you, but your accomplishments stem purely from your dedication. As your master, I offered only modest direction."

Jiang Yan refrained from swelling with arrogance at Chu Feng's words. Though Master downplayed his role, Jiang Yan understood that countless sought such mentorship in vain. Encountering Master was life's supreme fortune.

Containing his inner elation, he clasped his hands and declared, "Master, this disciple wishes to venture down the mountain."

"Oh?"

Chu Feng chuckled teasingly. "So eager already to descend and heal the masses with your skills?"

"Not quite."

Jiang Yan shook his head. "It's been over three years since I left home. I ought to return and check on things, lest my family elders fret over me."

"Very well."

Chu Feng always favored filial disciples. Without such virtue, he, Chu Feng, would never accept one—lest they turn treacherous someday.

Hearing this, Ji Jiuwu stepped forward from the side. "Master, this disciple also seeks to visit home."

"Excellent."

Chu Feng hesitated briefly before adding, "Seek me out three days hence. I'll provide life-preserving treasures then, ensuring your safety on the journey below."

"Our deepest thanks, Master."

Ji Jiuwu and Jiang Yan chorused their appreciation.

Though these two had reached the Nurturing Spirit Realm, such strength paled on this vast continent. Even with their strokes of great fortune, perils could still lurk.

Three days passed, and Ji Jiuwu and Jiang Yan, each clutching a Sword Jade, set off down the mountain as companions.

Lu Ming and Chu Yan, the younger pair, gazed at their departing senior brothers' silhouettes, stirring a yearning for their own training expedition. Yet, mindful of their modest cultivation, they set the notion aside.

Once the disciples had gone, Chu Feng mused silently, "What escapades await these two youngsters beyond the peaks?"

"Senior Brother, I haven't inquired about your tribe yet."

The question slipped from Jiang Yan's lips as they began their descent.

Ji Jiuwu answered, "I hail from the Long River Tribe, sworn to the Water God. And you?"

Jiang Yan's face flickered with surprise at the revelation, but he replied, "Mine is the Sky Fire Tribe, under the Fire God's domain."

Stunned himself, Ji Jiuwu realized their tribes stood as fierce rivals. Though separated by vast distances, their affiliates clashed frequently. Regaining composure, he smiled and said, "Junior Brother, though we once opposed each other, by growing mighty as Witch Gods, we can mend those rifts into alliance."

Jiang Yan's gaze sparkled with inspiration. How had this angle escaped him? No surprise Master lauded Senior Brother's imperial demeanor—it surpassed his own insight. He nodded eagerly. "Senior Brother speaks true. As fellow Humans, endless strife serves no purpose. Only in unity can our Human Race fend off outsiders."

Ji Jiuwu declared, "Agreed. We'll return to our tribes first, build our influence there. Once we command them, we'll forge that pact."

Jiang Yan affirmed, "It's settled."

With farewells exchanged, they soared toward their homelands.

As dusk settled, Ji Jiuwu reached the outskirts of the Long River Tribe—one of the five premier tribes beneath the Water God, shielded by a Great Witch. Nine Celestials also stood guard, including his own grandfather.

Rather than soaring straight in, Ji Jiuwu approached on foot. Towering walls, dozens of zhang tall, encircled the tribe, reinforced by a Witch God's God Seal. No unauthorized being could breach the skies without shattering it.

Moreover, tribal edicts barred the gates at night, guarding against nocturnal beasts or odd entities slipping in to wreak havoc.

Under the veil of darkness, the city stirred a surge of sentiments in Ji Jiuwu. Three years absent—how fared his parents, siblings?

Phew...

Exhaling deeply, Ji Jiuwu tucked into a shadowed nook, settled into a cross-legged pose, and awaited dawn's light...