Chapter 315 : A Decisive Man

Chapter 315: A Decisive Man

Chen Beiwu’s gaze fell calmly upon Chi Quan.

Among the prodigies present, each appeared radiant with spiritual light and carried themselves with extraordinary bearing. Yet most of them merely possessed Golden Fate; those truly blessed with Crimson Fortune were exceedingly rare.

Of all the cultivation prodigies here, only Chi Quan had gathered his Crimson Fortune into momentum, forming a Crimson Fortune Dragon.

But even if the other party bore a Crimson Fortune Dragon, so what?

Fate was never immutable. Moreover, the position of founding disciple was of utmost importance.

When Chen Beiwu accepted disciples, he valued compatibility of temperament more than fate.

Chi Quan was a clever man. He had courage, dared to stake everything in a do-or-die gamble, and carried within him a ruthless daring—a willingness to “risk flaying himself and dare to drag the emperor down from his throne.”

Yet Chen Beiwu did not favor such an almost extreme temperament—one that forced itself into desperate straits in pursuit of fortune amid peril. He preferred cultivators who planned before acting, who were steady and composed.

Of course, personal preference aside, this did not prevent Chen Beiwu from holding Chi Quan in high regard.

Crimson Fortune Dragon fate was already rare.

Judging by fate alone, for Chi Quan to possess such Crimson Fortune while still in the Foundation Establishment stage, he was already among the very best within the Yuqing Immortal Sect.

Even if placed among the Five Great Grotto-Heavens, he would not pale compared to certain grotto-heaven prodigies. It was only that he was presently a dormant dragon trapped in the abyss, not yet risen to prominence.

Chen Beiwu did not doubt in the slightest that with Chi Quan’s temperament and boldness, he would sooner or later break free from the abyss and soar into the heavens, attaining the Dao as a True Monarch.

“Rise.”

Before the gaze of countless onlookers, Chen Beiwu spoke calmly.

Yet these simple three words struck Chi Quan’s heart like a heavy hammer, causing his mind to buzz and fall blank.

Why?

How could this be!

He had clearly deduced Master Chen’s intentions. He had been willing to serve as the vanguard, charging into battle—a sharp blade, and the most obedient one at that—to help him rapidly establish the foundation of his influence.

Had he guessed wrong?

Chi Quan’s pupils contracted, his expression complex beyond words.

At the same time, upon hearing Chen Beiwu’s response, the prodigies present all reacted differently.

Several young men and women dressed in luxurious robes, their auras steady and restrained, quietly let out a breath of relief.

They were of extraordinary background—either direct descendants of True Venerable Clans or collateral offspring of Dao Venerable Immortal Families. Their clans had already conducted a thorough evaluation of Chen Beiwu’s value, determining that he possessed the capability to lead the Yuqing Immortal Sect into a new era.

Under the subtle guidance of their elders, they too had entertained thoughts of entering Chen Beiwu’s tutelage.

It was just that they valued their dignity and would not stoop to anything overly degrading.

Now that they saw Chen Beiwu refuse Chi Quan without hesitation, the faint trace of regret that had surfaced within them vanished at once, replaced by composure.

The position of founding disciple—of senior brother—still remained. As long as it was unclaimed, they still had hope!

‘Tsk tsk tsk, what a stubborn fool!’

‘Doesn’t he know his own worth? What status he holds? Does he really think throwing away his pride lets him ascend in a single step and latch onto Master Chen’s thigh?’

‘A reckless brute. Utterly foolish!’

Some prodigies looked at Chi Quan kneeling on the ground with unchanged expressions, their hearts full of ridicule.

Only a few direct-line prodigies from Dao Venerable Immortal Families remained the calmest. They merely cast a faint glance at Chi Quan before looking away. There was no mockery in their eyes—only lofty composure from above.

Sensing the gazes around him, Chi Quan lightly bit the tip of his tongue and rose, his eyes firm once more.

He could not falter!

He absolutely could not lose composure here!

“Please forgive me, Senior Brother. I was presumptuous,” Chi Quan said solemnly, cupping his hands in salute and bowing deeply. “My sincerest apologies.”

Chen Beiwu gave a slight nod and stepped forward.

Under Chi Quan’s astonished gaze, he extended his right hand, as an ordinary senior might encourage and comfort a junior, and very naturally patted the latter’s shoulder.

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

After the third pat, Chen Beiwu withdrew his hand and smiled faintly. “There is no need to mention taking me as your master again.”

With those words, the faint spark of hope that had just risen in Chi Quan’s heart was instantly extinguished.

Even though no one spoke, he could vaguely sense the disdain in the hearts of the surrounding cultivators.

“I entered the sect only slightly earlier than you. I cannot bear the title of ‘master.’ In the future, if you have doubts along the path of cultivation, we may discuss and explore them together.”

As soon as Chen Beiwu finished speaking, Chi Quan’s eyes suddenly lit up.

“Many thanks… many thanks for Senior Brother Chen’s guidance. I understand. In the future, I will certainly remember Senior Brother’s teachings!”

Chi Quan bowed deeply once more in farewell and turned to leave, excitement evident in his stride.

Chen Beiwu watched his gradually receding figure, his expression unchanged.

Chi Quan was intelligent. His fate and temperament were both good. But he was not suited to be accepted as a disciple. Rather, he was suited to be a subordinate—a sharp blade.

‘That works too!’

Seeing this scene, several Foundation Establishment prodigies were momentarily stunned.

Chen Beiwu had given Chi Quan face by calling it “mutual discussion,” but who was the leader and who the beneficiary—could they really not tell?

“Gulp.”

Someone swallowed, his heart stirred.

If kneeling publicly could earn Master Chen’s guidance, should he kneel too?

However, before he could make up his mind, a clear and gentle voice suddenly rang out, breaking the restless atmosphere.

“I am Yu Mingxuan of the Yu Clan. I have long admired Senior Brother Chen’s great name. Seeing you today, your bearing surpasses even the legends.”

All eyes turned toward the speaker.

A handsome young man in brocade robes stepped forward from the crowd.

At his waist hung an ancient jade slip, engraved with the character “Yu.” Behind him followed two Golden Core attendants with steady auras.

Each attendant carried a sandalwood tray covered in bright yellow silk that could block divine sense probing.

“I have heard that Senior Brother achieved a world-shaking innovation upon the path of Core Formation. Mingxuan admires you deeply.

This humble gift is but a token of respect, to express my admiration. I only hope that in the future, I might have the opportunity to seek Senior Brother’s guidance on the mysteries of the Budding Core Realm.”

After speaking, Yu Mingxuan slightly turned aside in indication.

The two attendants immediately stepped forward and lifted the silk coverings.

In an instant, treasure radiance shimmered and spiritual resonance filled the air.

On the left tray lay a delicate jade-like ring about the size of a bracelet. Along its body were inlaid pearls no larger than grains of rice, yet crystal-clear and translucent.

With a sweep of divine sense, Chen Beiwu immediately recognized it as the Immortal Alliance’s renowned third-tier, high-grade spatial artifact: 【Minor Universe Spirit-Nurturing Mustard Ring】.

This ring contained a miniature activated space, rich in spiritual resonance. It could accommodate multiple Companion Beasts and could even automatically simulate and adjust the internal environment according to the attributes and habits of the Companion Beasts stored within, providing independent and suitable spaces. It far surpassed low-tier Spirit Beast Pouches, which had harsh environments and lacked spiritual nourishment.

Chen Beiwu had previously considered changing the environment for Golden Egg and the others.

Unfortunately, although the Spirit-Nurturing Ring was excellent in every way, it had one fatal flaw—it was exorbitantly expensive, nearly comparable to a fourth-tier Mystic Treasure, and extremely difficult to purchase.

As for the right jade tray, it held what appeared to be an ordinary, warm jade bottle. Six large characters were inscribed upon it: “Five Qi Myriad Transformations Jade Elixir.”

This elixir was not a heaven-and-earth treasure, but rather a fourth-tier Mystic Medicine painstakingly refined by a fourth-tier Mystic Alchemist using dozens of rare auxiliary ingredients. It could greatly nourish the spirituality of the Five Qi Vine and was also one of the key Mystic Medicines required for the Five Qi Vine’s bloodline to evolve into a Returning-to-Origin Vine.

Chen Beiwu was not surprised by the Yu Clan’s generosity. Seeing the items stirred memories of a certain little fellow who used to clutch a milk bottle all day.

Fourteen years had passed. He wondered whether the little fellow had grown up.

At this thought, Chen Beiwu gave a slight nod. With a sweep of his sleeve, he accepted the two gifts in one smooth, natural motion.

“Junior Brother is thoughtful.”

“These two items are indeed of great use to me. I shall shamelessly accept them.”

Upon hearing this, Yu Mingxuan’s smile grew even more sincere. He then took the initiative to bid farewell.

His visit today had mainly been to make his presence known, laying groundwork for future interaction and association.

‘The Tianyuan Yu Clan is truly generous—to part even with Five Qi Myriad Transformations Jade Elixir!’ Several Foundation Establishment prodigies’ expressions shifted slightly.

Compared to the Yu Clan’s gifts, the modest presents they had prepared were not worth mentioning.

“Lingyuan Ye Clan!”

“Fayuan Si Clan!”

“Fengyuan Shen Clan!”

“…”

After the prodigies from Dao Venerable Immortal Families such as the Tianyuan Yu Clan presented their gifts, the prodigies from True Venerable Clans also stepped forward one after another with congratulatory offerings.

Before long, the prodigies gathered before the waterfall dispersed, leaving only three Foundation Establishment prodigies standing in place.

The auras of these three were somewhat immature. Noticing Chen Beiwu’s gaze, they exchanged glances, their eyes turning resolute.

Chi Quan’s earlier action had seemed like failure, yet he had truly obtained from Chen Beiwu the promise that “if you encounter doubts in cultivation, we may discuss and explore them together.”

With a precedent before them, perhaps there was no need to hesitate further.

“Thud!”

“Thud!”

“Thud!”

Under Chen Beiwu’s calm gaze, the three knelt in unison, their expressions solemn.

“Ninth-Rank Sect-Level Student Zhang Jun.”

“Ninth-Rank Sect-Level Student Li Jin.”

“Tenth-Rank Sect-Level Student Wan Kun.”

After briefly stating their names, all three bowed with their foreheads touching the ground and said in unison, “We are dull in aptitude and dare not request to enter under Master Chen’s tutelage. We only ask that Master Chen dispel our confusion and point out the Golden Core Great Dao.”

When their words fell, as though fearing their sincerity insufficient, the three raised their heads simultaneously, their eyes earnest.

“If Master Chen does not disdain us and grants us guidance, we will remember this grace for life. Should Master Chen have any command, whether blade mountain or sea of fire, we will not utter a second word!”

Chen Beiwu shook his head slightly and stepped aside, avoiding their kowtows.

Those who dared to take the first step were geniuses. Those who merely imitated were ultimately mediocrities.

He valued Chi Quan because the latter’s fate and temperament had cultivation value. Even if he disliked his personality, he could still be useful as a subordinate.

But these three had only seen Chi Quan’s success and sought to copy him, attempting to exchange the same method for the same treatment.

What a joke. If Immortal Sect cultivators could obtain guidance merely by kneeling and declaring loyalty, then what would Chen Beiwu become?

He might as well cease cultivation and sit daily before his cave residence receiving disciples who came to kneel and beg for instruction.

“Rise.”

Chen Beiwu was not angered, nor did he employ mana. He simply spoke coldly.

Hearing those familiar three words, the three men were overjoyed and immediately rose, looking at Chen Beiwu expectantly.

“The path of cultivation depends on the person—not on Heaven, nor on kneeling before others.”

Chen Beiwu spoke in a deep voice. “Within the Immortal Sect are many True Monarch Lecturers of profound cultivation. If you encounter bottlenecks, you may diligently study, exchange your credits for cultivation methods, and attend lectures delivered by True Monarchs.”

“The Golden Core Great Dao is not something obtained by kowtowing.”

After speaking, the waterfall parted of its own accord. Chen Beiwu’s figure gradually faded and entered the Water-Derivation Residence.

His time and energy were precious. How could they be wasted on Foundation Establishment cultivators he did not favor?

The three stood stunned, repeatedly apologizing. Fearing that Chen Beiwu might be angered, they did not dare linger and instead fled in embarrassment.

‘In these past ten years, the students recruited by the Yuqing Immortal Sect have such poor temperament,’ Chen Beiwu sighed inwardly as his divine sense “watched” their departing figures.

Even as one of the Upper Three Immortal Sects, the Yuqing Immortal Sect inevitably admitted some sect students who possessed aptitude and combat power, yet lacked temperament.

Of course, the sect might not care about this.

Temperament could be gradually cultivated. Those who could succeed would naturally rise; those who could not would gradually fall into mediocrity.

After all, the number who could truly enter the Yuqing Immortal Sect each year was exceedingly small.

Take the three who had just knelt—each bore either Deep Blue Fate or Faint Orange Fate. Not a single one possessed Golden Fate.

If they failed to form a Golden Core within a hundred years, they would most likely be persuaded to withdraw by the Immortal Sect, unable even to retain the title of Yuqing Immortal Sect graduate.

“Na?”

The Five Qi Vine raised its head curiously, not understanding why Chen Beiwu’s attitude before and after had differed so greatly.

Subordinates delivered freely to one’s door—why not accept them? They could even help clear land and farm fields.

Golden Egg and Iron Egg exchanged a glance, revealing amused smiles.

The Five Qi Vine had followed the master for so long, yet had failed to discern even a trace of the extraordinary within him—truly somewhat exaggerated.

But there was no helping it. The master had secluded himself for too long. There were too many matters to handle on the Immortal Alliance’s side, delaying traversal between the two realms. Naturally, he would not reveal the secrets of the two realms to the Five Qi Vine in advance.

“There are too many fallen sect students within the Immortal Sect. I cannot help them all. It is that simple,” Chen Beiwu said frankly.

At his current realm, acting according to one’s heart was common. It had nothing to do with the abundance or scarcity of fate.

To put it plainly, though he disliked Chi Quan’s personality, he appreciated him somewhat and thus did not mind lending a hand.

“Why concern yourself with such trivial matters? If you have the time, it would be better to forge more Five Elements Treasure Radiance.” Chen Beiwu tapped the Five Qi Vine lightly on its forehead.

“Na!”

The Five Qi Vine shook its head, indicating it was tired and required a reward.

Chen Beiwu smiled knowingly, seeing through its little scheme. “How about all the congratulatory treasure medicines we received—shall you manage them?”

The Five Qi Vine’s eyes brightened, and it nodded repeatedly.

After handling these trivial matters, Chen Beiwu arranged for Golden Egg to comprehend the Primordial Origin Dongzhen Azure Splendor Immortal Art of Myriad Tribulations and Myriad Spirits, and for Iron Egg to study the two cultivation methods recorded within Netherflame Purifying Long and Candle-Illumination Radiant Sovereign.

In order to increase the probability of cultivators’ Companion Beasts evolving into fourth-tier Heavenly-Gang Mystic Beasts, the Immortal Alliance Artifacts Pavilion had specially researched certain cultivation methods designed to coordinate with, guide, and assist Companion Beast bloodline evolution.

Such methods generally had low universality, being tailored specifically for certain types of Heavenly-Gang Mystic Beasts.

It was precisely for this reason that Chen Beiwu could judge compatibility through Iron Egg’s learning progress, thereby determining the direction of its evolutionary path.

Soon, night fell, and sparse stars dotted the sky.

Outside the waterfall of Qingming Peak, a figure suddenly appeared. It was Chi Quan, his expression tense.

‘Three pats on the shoulder… was that truly a hint to come at midnight?’

Chi Quan pondered repeatedly. ‘Or am I overthinking it? Perhaps Senior Brother Chen merely patted me casually, without deeper meaning. If I approach rashly now, might I instead disturb his secluded cultivation and lose all remaining opportunity?’

At this thought, Chi Quan’s expression flickered between light and shadow. He gritted his teeth, took a deep breath, and forced himself to calm down. His gaze then fixed firmly upon the entrance of the cave residence.

After much hesitation, only resolute determination remained in his eyes.

‘Opportunity stands before me. No matter what, I must try!’