Chapter 166 Master of the Xuantian Sect
"No... No!" Li Feng was the first to react. He slammed his forehead against the ground, his voice trembling yet incomparably firm. "The entire Chixiao Army is willing to acknowledge Your Excellency as our Revered Master! We revere you as a god! For all eternity, we shall never betray you!"
"We are willing to acknowledge you as our Revered Master! We revere you as a god!" Gui Yan, Chi Lianer, and the other surviving leaders no longer hesitated. They prostrated themselves on the ground, their voices filled with awe and fear.
Faced with absolute power, the temptation of unimaginable benefits, and that faint hope of reaching the "clouds," they had no other choice. Furthermore, the strength displayed by the other party (the fleeting glimpse of Mu Changge and You Li) had long since exceeded the scope of their understanding.
"Very good." Mu Changge nodded slightly, and that terrifying pressure slowly dissipated as if it had never appeared. With a flick of his finger, two Jade Slips radiating ancient Dao aura drifted lightly before Li Feng.
"These two Cultivation Techniques are bestowed upon you. The green Jade Slip, 'Imperial World-Suppressing Scripture,' is a technique of emperors, containing methods for cultivating Luck, suitable for your future Dynasty rulers and core royals to practice. The white Jade Slip, 'Xuantian Foundation Establishment Formula,' is easy to understand and can be practiced by anyone below Foundation Establishment. Its efficiency far exceeds ordinary Cultivation Techniques; it can serve as the Foundation for your forces and be widely disseminated."
Li Feng trembled as he held up the two Jade Slips, which felt heavy as a thousand jun. A slight probe of his perception, and an expression of ecstasy and shock immediately appeared on his face! This Cultivation Technique... it was more profound and mysterious than any technique he had ever seen! Especially the 'Xuantian Foundation Establishment Formula'—it was a Foundation Establishment classic tailor-made for low-level Cultivators like them! Its value was immeasurable! The other party had casually produced such techniques; given their deep cultivation, their background and Foundation were likely beyond imagination! (Mu Changge had carefully selected them from the System mall, spending 3,500 villain points to exchange for them; the cost-effectiveness was extremely high.)
"Thank you, Revered Master, for your benevolence! The Chixiao Army will surely work themselves to the bone and die for your great cause!" Li Feng's voice trembled with excitement as he kowtowed heavily. The others also bowed repeatedly, the last trace of doubt in their hearts vanishing, replaced by fanaticism and awe.
"Remember your oath. Develop well, accumulate strength, and I will contact you again when needed." After Mu Changge finished speaking, his figure gradually became ethereal and finally dissipated into the air like water ripples, as if he had never appeared.
Not until the suffocating pressure had completely vanished for a long time did the kneeling crowd dare to slowly lift their heads. They looked at each other, seeing lingering fear and an indescribable excitement in each other's eyes.
"Boss, we..." Gui Yan looked at Li Feng.
Li Feng clutched the two Jade Slips tightly, an unprecedented brilliance erupting in his eyes: "From today on, the Chixiao Army is renamed the 'Xuantian Divine Sect'! Our Revered Master is the only 'Xuantian Sect Revered Master' we believe in! Today's events are classified as top secret; no one is allowed to leak them! Follow the Revered Master's instructions, develop with all your might, and wait for the summons!"
"Yes!"
The crowd roared their agreement, their voices filled with the relief of having survived a catastrophe and infinite longing for the future. A seed of ambition and faith was quietly planted in this remote valley.
Mu Changge's figure, like a shadow merging into the sky, quietly vanished from the secret valley of the Chixiao Army (now the Xuantian Divine Sect). When he reappeared, he was already at the peak of a lonely mountain hundreds of miles away. A breeze blew, stirring his profound black robes. He stood with his hands behind his back, gazing into the distance, the deep light in his eyes slowly settling.
"The Chixiao Army... just a casual move, but who knows, it might actually come in handy later." He muttered to himself, his voice drifting away with the wind. "As for that 'Child of Fortune' in the Great Qin Dynasty, he is probably the 'leek' with the best potential for growth."
A faint, enigmatic arc curled at the corners of his mouth. It was not the joy of a farmer seeing crops ripen, but the calmness and appraisal of a hunter spotting the trail of top-tier prey. Harvesting a Child of Fortune, especially one who had already grown, was by no means easy; it required patient layout and waiting for the best Opportunity.
As his thoughts drifted, a rare, almost soft trance flickered across his eyes. He had been out for some time. Righteous Path Sects were interesting, but... the Heavenly Demon Sect, the place where he truly started and where he had gathered many ties, had not been visited in a long time.
I wonder how they... are doing now?
Several beautiful figures involuntarily surfaced in his mind.
That "Ice Beauty" Revered Master—Luo Li, who appeared to be eternal black ice, cold and aloof, rejecting people from thousands of miles away, but who would occasionally reveal an indescribable shyness and a hint of imperceptible doting, or even a unique, reserved charm in front of him. Her cold and stunning face, the slightly flushed ears she tried to suppress, and the passion quietly flowing beneath that iceberg that only he could glimpse...
And Junior Sister Mo Qingzhu, who was always so reserved, dignified, and elegant in front of others, her green robes as pure as bamboo. Only in front of him would she quietly bloom with different colors. Especially the most vivid memory—her legs... straight, slender, and well-proportioned, with lines so breathtakingly perfect that they swayed with grace as she walked. They had countless times, under the moon or in the hall, unintentionally or intentionally plucked his heartstrings and ignited his inner fire.
And of course, that little vixen Chi Lianer, passionate as fire, bright and flamboyant, always loving to "proactively flirt." Her eyes were full of undisguised seduction and intimacy, like a blooming rose of blazing fire, constantly radiating scorching heat and temptation.
And... the Vice Sect Master Revered Master—Luo Hongyi, whom he had not yet completely conquered. She remained noble, dignified, and inviolable, yet occasionally, when their eyes met, a complex and indefinable light would flicker in the depths of her pupils. Her dignity, her mystery, and that unique detachment and subtle inquiry were in themselves the strongest attraction.
The figures of these confidantes, some cold, some dignified, some charming, some majestic—their unique, stunning faces, slim waists, and graceful, enchanting figures... all flashed through his mind, causing even Mu Changge's (Xiao Ming's) heart to ripple, a hint of indescribable palpitation quietly sprouting.
However, this palpitation was quickly suppressed by his powerful willpower, turning into a hint of deeply hidden tenderness and determination in his eyes. There is plenty of time; when things here are done...
He composed himself, and his eyes returned to clarity and sharpness. Without further delay, his figure turned into an imperceptible shadow and sped off in the direction of the Wandao Sword Sect, moving extremely fast.
On the return journey, Mu Changge did not deliberately rush, nor did he fly ostentatiously with a sword. He simply skimmed low over the mountains as if taking a leisurely stroll, taking the Opportunity to sort out his recent gains and plan his subsequent steps.
After flying for about half a day, while passing through a desolate valley rarely visited by humans, a burst of intense fighting sounds and Spiritual Energy fluctuations caught his attention. He had originally intended not to meddle in other people's business; the law of the jungle was the norm in the cultivation world, and countless such conflicts occurred every day.
However, just as his perception subconsciously swept over that plain, the System's long-lost, cold notification sound suddenly rang in his mind:
[Ding! Child of Fortune detected!]
[Warning: Three hundred zhang ahead, a 'child of destiny' template character has been discovered, currently in crisis!]
[Luck Rank: Blue (Hidden Dragon in the Abyss, turning bad Luck into good, encountering disasters but turning them into auspiciousness, extremely high growth potential)]
[Character Status: Seriously injured, blind (congenital defect, under Seal...), Innate Sword Bone (not yet Awakened), currently being besieged.]
"child of destiny?" Mu Changge's flight stopped abruptly, hovering above the clouds in mid-air, a sharp light flashing in his eyes. Another Child of Fortune? He was now very sensitive to the words "Child of Fortune." His gaze pierced through the clouds and mist to look down. He saw several Cultivators (at most Middle Stage Foundation Establishment) with mixed clothing and fierce expressions, besieging a young girl who looked small and slender.
The girl was dressed in coarse hemp clothing, which was tattered in many places and stained with dust and blood. Most uniquely, her eyes were wrapped in layers of thick, somewhat dirty white bandages, clearly unable to see. However, even so, she held a rusted, ordinary iron sword in her hand. Her swordsmanship was unexpectedly sharp and precise, carrying a mysterious rhythm that was almost instinctive. She could dodge fatal blows at the last second, and even occasionally counterattack, causing the besiegers to scramble. However, her aura was weak; she was clearly at the end of her rope, and she had added new injuries, so defeat was only a matter of time.
"Innate Sword Bone... blind..." Mu Changge's eyes narrowed slightly, and several thoughts flashed through his mind instantly. Blue Luck, Innate Sword Bone—this was definitely a top-tier "leek seedling," no, perhaps even a future "towering tree." Should he take advantage of her weakness, kill her directly, and plunder her initial Luck to obtain System rewards? Or...
Just as his thoughts turned, weighing the pros and cons, with killing intent and some deeper calculation intertwined, the System notification sounded again:
[Ding! Task issued: A Helping Hand in Time of Need! — Rescue the child of destiny before you (the blind sword-boned girl) and forge a good connection. It is easy to add flowers to brocade, but difficult to send charcoal in snow. Extending a helping hand in her moment of utter despair will grant maximum favorability and future Karma bonds. This child has a special destiny and long-lasting Luck. Befriending her will lay an important cornerstone for the host's future grand undertaking.]
"Forge a good connection? Pave the way?" Mu Changge was slightly stunned, then a flash of realization and a deeper smile appeared in his eyes. That's right, there are many types of Child of Fortune, and it doesn't always have to be a life-or-death struggle. For some Child of Fortune, if you can invest early and establish a solid good connection or even a debt of gratitude, the returns brought about when they grow up might far exceed a one-time plundering. Especially this type of 'hidden dragon in the abyss', this moment is when she needs help the most and is easiest to establish a deep bond.
"System, you really are... getting better at doing business." Mu Changge chuckled inwardly. The murderous intent and hesitation that had just been circulating instantly dissipated, replaced by the calmness and interest of a hunter who has discovered a rare beast and decided to domesticate it before planning for the long term.
Below, the blind girl seemed to have reached her limit. With a stagger, the iron sword in her hand was knocked away by the Magical Artifact of an Early Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator. Another Cultivator grinned grimly and swung his blade directly at her defenseless back!
"It's over, blind girl! If you want to blame someone, blame your bad Luck!" Amidst the grim laughter, the blade arrived.
The girl seemed to sense the fatal crisis, her pale lips pressed tightly together. On her bandage-covered face, there wasn't much fear, only a near-numb despair and unwillingness. She waved her hand backward in vain, but couldn't touch anything.
Just as the blade was about to touch her back —
"Noisy."
An indifferent voice, seemingly devoid of any emotion, like a biting cold wind, gently brushed past the ears of every attacker.
Immediately after, the movements of those fierce Cultivators froze in unison, the grim smiles on their faces congealing. They didn't even see any figure, didn't feel any spiritual power fluctuations; they only felt a chill on their necks, their vision spun, and the last thing they saw was their own headless corpses slowly falling to the ground.
Thump, thump... A few muffled sounds, several corpses fell to the ground, blood staining the ground red. Everything happened in a flash.
The blind girl stood blankly in place, her face beneath the bandages slightly tilted, as if trying hard to listen. She couldn't "see" what had happened, but she could smell the suddenly intense scent of blood, could hear the muffled sounds of bodies hitting the ground, and could also feel that those malicious auras... had disappeared.
A breeze blew by, carrying a fresh scent different from the filthy atmosphere here, appearing not far in front of her.
Mu Changge's figure appeared like a ghost a few steps in front of the girl, still in that attire of black clothes like night, with a handsome face. Only this time, he had deliberately restrained all oppressive pressure, his aura peaceful, even carrying a hint of imperceptible gentleness.
"You..." The blind girl subconsciously took a half-step back. Although she couldn't perceive any malice, long-term displacement and the life-and-death crisis she had just experienced made her full of vigilance. She had no sword in hand, but she struck a defensive pose.
"I just saw an injustice and acted." Mu Changge's voice became even slower, carrying a reassuring power, "Miss, you are safe now."
The girl's tense body relaxed slightly, but she remained guarded. "Th... Thank you... Senior for saving my life." Her voice was somewhat hoarse and dry, yet unexpectedly clear, like jade striking against stone.
Mu Changge said no more and carefully scanned the girl's entire body with his perception. Being born with a sword-bone was truly extraordinary. Even though she was blind, severely injured, and withered, there was still a faint, sharp Sword Intent lurking within her body, only imprisoned by a strange Seal or perhaps a natural defect, unable to Awaken. Her aptitude was truly rare.
His thoughts stirred, and he took out a few Jade Slips and a Storage Ring from the System space (pretending to take them from his sleeve).
"Your aptitude is special; you are a good seedling for sword Cultivation, but a pearl covered in dust, having not received the true method." Mu Changge held the Jade Slips and ring with a gentle spiritual force and sent them before the girl, "These few Cultivation Techniques can help you, when you cannot see, use your ears as your eyes, perceive with subtlety; they can also solidify your Foundation and refine Sword Qi."
He pointed again to the floating ring: "In this Storage Ring, there are some Spirit Stones, Medicinal Pills, and Magical Artifacts, enough for you to Cultivate to the Middle or Late Stage of Foundation Establishment."
The girl was stunned, an expression of disbelief appearing on her bandage-covered face. They were strangers who had just met; saving her life was already a great favor, yet he was actually bestowing such precious Cultivation Techniques and resources? This... this was simply beyond her comprehension. She reached out with trembling hands, carefully touching the cold Jade Slips and ring; the real sensation told her this was not a dream.
"Se... Senior..." Her voice choked, and she wanted to kneel and kowtow in thanks, but she was held up by an invisible, gentle force.
"No need for formalities. Meeting is fate." Mu Changge said indifferently. Looking at the girl's pale but undeniably beautiful facial contours, as well as the straight nose bridge and tightly pressed lips beneath the bandages, he felt increasingly satisfied with this "investment" in his heart. Blue Luck, born with a sword-bone, resilient Heart-Nature; she is worth betting on.
"Live well and strive to become stronger. In this world, ultimately, one must rely on the sword in one's own hand to speak." Leaving these words behind, Mu Changge did not linger any longer, his figure quietly fading away, as silent and traceless as when he arrived.
The girl gripped the Jade Slips and ring in her hand tightly, bowing deeply and solemnly in the direction where Mu Changge's aura had disappeared, performing a grand salute. Although she couldn't see, she could feel that the mysterious Senior had already slowly drifted away.
On the vast, boundless plain, only the sound of the wind and a faint scent of blood remained. The girl stood blankly alone for a moment before slowly straightening up, clutching the Jade Slips and ring to her chest as if they were treasures. The cold sensation, however, made her heart, which had been cold for so long, feel a trace of faint warmth and unprecedented hope.
However, just as she was groping her way, preparing to leave this dangerous place first, she suddenly seemed to remember something and shouted with all her might in the direction Mu Changge had left: "Senior! Benefactor! I still don't know your name!"
The voice was not loud, but it carried eagerness and sincerity.
Already several miles away, Mu Changge, who was preparing to speed up his departure, had his figure pause imperceptibly in the air.
A name?
He laughed dumbly. That's right, how did I forget this? I am not one of those pedantic Righteous Path heroes, bestowing favors without seeking returns, brushing off clothes after the deed is done, hiding merit and fame. This is a Child of Fortune, after all, with limitless future achievements. He doesn't want to have to go into the vast sea of people in the future to claim credit, proving it was he who saved her or something. He helped out, certainly with considerations of System tasks and long-term investment, but since this "good connection" has been forged, it is natural to let the other party remember who forged it. Otherwise, when this "child of destiny" achieves success and fame, and her Luck is overwhelming, who would she go to to repay the favor?
Thus, just as his figure was about to flee into the distance, a clear, calm, yet incredibly distinct voice was transmitted back to the plain below, reaching the ears of the blind girl, arriving with the wind:
"My name — — Xiao Ming."
The voice dissipated, and the figure was gone.
On the plain, the blind girl trembled all over, firmly engraving this name in the deepest part of her heart, along with that grace of surviving a desperate situation and the hope of changing her destiny.
"Xiao Ming... Benefactor..." She repeated in a low voice. On her bandage-covered face, it seemed for the first time that a kind of almost firm expression appeared. The hand holding the Jade Slips and ring tightened even more.
And the departing Mu Changge (Xiao Ming), with a faint, imperceptible smile on the corner of his lips, continued his journey back towards the Wandao Sword Sect. This trip had a bountiful harvest; not only did he plant a dark piece for the "Heavenly God Sect", but he also unexpectedly "invested" in a blind sword-boned girl with limitless potential. The grand competition is imminent, the Opportunity of transcendent forces... as well as the Great Qin Dynasty, and the Saint within the Sect who has monstrous murderous intent towards him, things are truly getting more and more interesting.
His figure was like lightning, quickly disappearing into the horizon. And what he didn't know was that shortly after he left, a pale yellow silhouette, like a light butterfly, quietly landed on the place where the fierce battle had just taken place. Mu Wanning frowned slightly, looking at the few corpses on the plain, then looked in the direction the blind girl had left, and finally looked at the horizon where Mu Changge had disappeared, the expression in her beautiful eyes changing, complex and hard to understand. She seemed to have caught another glimpse of an unknown side of her "younger brother".