I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 671 671: The Curtain Falls
Previously on I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors?...
"To the Ancestor, I report that this disciple wasn't influenced by any Demon God. Instead, I consumed a fragment of a Godhead, enabling me to surpass one hundred Dao Traces."
Cao Youqian replied with profound reverence.
"You managed to hold back a False God King?"
The Saint of the Cao Family struggled to accept the news he'd just heard. In the end, Cao Youqian had only advanced to Saint rank a handful of years back. Even though a False God King hadn't formed a complete Godhead, they remained far beyond the reach of a fresh Saint.
Cao Youqian went on: "I conceal nothing from the Ancestor. My Master granted this disciple that Godhead."
Hiss...
A sharp intake of cold air came from the Cao Family Saint. He gradually shifted his gaze toward Chu Feng, his expression brimming with awe as he declared: "Fellow Daoist Qiankun, your reputation as the greatest mentor in Wendao Academy's history is well-earned. This elder holds deep respect for your demeanor. On the matter of selecting the Dean, I will fully align with your views."
Chu Feng gave a gentle smile: "My stance remains unchanged. It hinges on Xiao Chen and Daqian's desires. With Daqian opting out, let him remain. Chen'er, share your intentions with us."
Xiao Chen advanced a step and spoke with deference: "Master, your disciple has no desire to rejoin Wendao Academy. Firstly, I vowed to aid Jiuwu in reaching Sainthood as per Master's wish. Secondly, the Famous Sword Sacred Ground needs a Saint. I must establish a Saint's inheritance there before leaving."
"Understood. With each of you holding firm to your paths, this one won't compel you. I'll relay your decisions to the Sacred Court. It's been ages since master and disciples have reunited. We shall gather this evening."
Chu Feng had anticipated his two disciples' decisions long ago. His visit served only as a formality.
"Wonderful!!!"
Joyous exclamations filled the air from everyone present. Decades had passed without seeing their Master, and denying their longing for Chu Feng would be dishonest.
Soon enough, a lavish feast was prepared inside the Wendao Sect.
Once several rounds of drinks had flowed, the Cao Saint shed his formalities and reveled in toasting with Chu Feng.
Lifting his cup, the Cao Saint proclaimed: "God King Qiankun, allow this elder to offer you a toast."
"That won't do, Senior. That simply won't do."
Chu Feng quickly intervened. Given the man's status as an esteemed elder, accepting a toast from him felt out of place.
"Deny me this chance, and you're slighting me."
Assuming a mock-serious expression, the Cao Saint stated: "This toast comes straight from this elder's heart. Absent your guidance, who knows when the Cao Family might see another Saint. Yet now, we witness two emerging Saints from our line, plus a rising God King, and perhaps even a prospective God Emperor."
He wouldn't boldly claim Cao Youqian was destined for God Emperor. True, ascending from God King to God Emperor demanded no unique prerequisites, but the Void teemed with perils post-ascension. None could confidently claim survival to the journey's close.
With a smile, Chu Feng remarked: "Senior, allow me to amend your statement."
"I'm listening intently."
Puzzlement crossed the Cao Saint's features as he eyed Chu Feng, eager to learn his error.
Seriously, Chu Feng declared: "Xiao Chen, Daqian, Jiuwu, and Yan'er here all possess the aura of Great Emperors. By suggesting Daqian might only reach God King someday—doesn't that imply your teacher's failure?"
Hiss...
Chu Feng's abrupt self-praise caught the Cao Saint off guard, though delight surged within him. Raising his cup aloft, he exclaimed: "Well said. Fellow Daoist Qiankun is spot on. This elder erred in his words. I'll down this cup in your honor first."
With that, he drained his cup in a single swallow. Chu Feng mirrored the action, emptying his own.
The celebration stretched into the deep hours of night before concluding.
On the following morning, Chu Feng chose not to depart hastily. He summoned Jiang Yan privately to his courtyard. Examining the youth, he noted Jiang Yan's breakthrough past one hundred Great Dao True Meanings, and a pleased grin lit his countenance.
"When your Master earlier granted the Three Ancestor God Pills to your three senior brothers, what crossed your mind?"
Jiang Yan replied: "Your disciple entertained no undue notions. Whatever Master bestows, I receive with gratitude. What Master withholds, I won't pursue aggressively."
"You've grown smoother with words, lad. Here's a Supreme Dao Fruit Pill. Consume it once you enter the Saint Realm. Its potency surpasses even the Great Dao Pill's. It enables instant grasp of ninety-nine Dao Traces. In essence, one Dao Fruit Pill could propel you from Saint straight to God King. Yet, your Master advises against haste. Hold off until at least nine hundred ninety-nine Dao Traces for God King ascension. Ideally, aim for three thousand."
Chu Feng offered the guidance with earnest care.
"Your disciple obeys Master's directives with utmost respect."
Jiang Yan affirmed deferentially.
"Indeed. When next your Master forges Dao Fruit Pills, join the observation in the Sacred Court to hone your pill-refining prowess."
From Dean Kong's gift, Chu Feng retained materials sufficient for crafting one Supreme Dao Fruit Pill. Teaching outsiders had its place, but his personal disciples demanded no less.
Ecstatic delight bloomed on Jiang Yan's face at the news. Unlike Senior Brother Ji's pursuit of the Human Emperor Dao, he favored the Pill Dao. To him, any route that bettered human lives sufficed.
With a profound bow to his Master, he uttered: "Gratitude, Master."
"No thanks needed between us. Strengthen your Dao heart steadfastly. Proving the Dao as an Immortal Emperor lies well within reach one day."
After a few more admonitions to Jiang Yan, Chu Feng at last departed the Wendao Sect.
Meanwhile, upon discovering the backgrounds of the Dean and the additional Saint, Bing Yan stated calmly and evenly: "Given the Academy's proposal, I consent to assuming the role of Dean at Wendao Academy."
Joy lit the features of the Heavenly Dao Institute Saint at her words. Grinning, he assured: "Bing Yan, have no doubts. I'll fight tooth and nail for you and block that Cao Family youth from the Deanship."
In a subdued tone, Bing Yan answered: "Daqian and Xiaochen won't come back. Should they genuinely wish to, I'd step aside for the post without hesitation."
???
Question marks swirled in the Heavenly Dao Institute Saint's mind. He itched to inquire how she knew so surely they'd stay away, but recalling her alternate role, he held his tongue. Provided Bing Yan accepted the Deanship at Wendao Academy, the Heavenly Dao Institute's faction would endure as the academy's core.
The era of Miscellaneous Dao Institute's dominance neared its close at last. He couldn't fathom how that Meng rascal unearthed a prodigy like Chu Feng, who'd overshadowed their Heavenly Dao Institute for more than a century. With the Heavenly Dao Institute now poised to rival the Miscellaneous Dao Institute once more, contentment filled him.
Dean Kong easily discerned the elder's musings but saw no reason to voice them. To him, any institute's ascent benefited the Wendao Academy overall.
Upon the return of Chu Feng and Dean Kong's respective parties to the Sacred Court, the Suppression God King called another assembly. Directing his attention to the groups, he queried: "Well? Did you obtain the responses you sought?"
The Cao Family Saint began: "Lord, Daqian chooses to remain with the Wendao Sect."
At the Heavenly Dao Institute Saint's hearing of this, a subtle smirk tugged at his lips. He mused: Evidently, your Cao Family recognizes what's best.
Chu Feng added: "Senior, Xiao Chen too resolves to linger at the Wendao Sect, safeguarding Ji Jiuwu's cultivation journey."
"Mm."
Acknowledging with a nod, the Suppression God King declared: "Thus, this one proclaims that henceforth, Bing Yan assumes the Deanship of our Wendao Academy. The inauguration rite will occur on an auspicious date yet to be chosen."