Chapter 124 - Arc 9: Disciple Recruitment | Chapter 124: Poor Cannon Fodder

Translator: Lynn

With a smile, Li Cai spoke, I am Li Cai from Jile Peak. I wonder, would my junior brother consider returning with me?

Su Xins response was one of surprise.

The name Jile Peak triggered subtle reactions from Zhuo Hanyan and the rest as well.

The memory of Xu Ziqings warning lingered in their minds. Had it not been for his caution, Su Xin would likely have been readily inclined to accept. After all, the name Jile Peak suggested promising prospects for those who entered it. Yet, the current situation was shaped by Xu Ziqings caution.

Familiar with Xu Ziqing, Su Xin comprehended his gentle disposition. The warning might not necessarily stem from a distaste for Jile Peaks approach, for Xu Ziqing was unconcerned about such matters, which were common in larger sects. As long as one possessed a steadfast will, such challenges could be weathered.

Thus, Su Xin found himself in a dilemma: obey Xu Ziqings counsel or heed Li Cais urging?

Noting Su Xins hesitance, Li Cai misconstrued it as contemplation over potential gains. He perceived this as greed, overlooking the subtler considerations at play. Adopting an air of arrogance, Li Cai expounded, Su Xin s.h.i.+di, upon joining Jile Peak, I guarantee youll be under the tutelage of a Golden Core Daoist as an official disciple. The flow of resources will remain steady. What more is there to ponder?

However, the words fell on Su Xin with an unsettling resonance. Li Cai appeared imperious and domineering on the surface, but his tone hinted at an intent to funnel Su Xin into the middle-rank peak, which puzzled Su Xin. While a single-fire spiritual root was a notable gift, possessing such a talent wasnt extraordinary in a sect of this magnitude, making Li Cais eagerness somewhat suspicious.

Li Cai was taken aback by the unintended skepticism that crept into Su Xins response. Observing Su Xins reluctance, Li Cai a.s.sumed it was greed motivating the hesitation, and he prepared to sweeten the deal further.

Yet, Su Xin had arrived at a conclusion.

Something wasnt adding up.

Contrasted with Xu Ziqings cautious demeanor, Su Xin had gained valuable experiences, fostering vigilance against being blinded by immediate advantages. The path to immortality was arduous, demanding a steadiness of purpose in the face of transient gains. His trust in Xu Ziqing had deepened, prompting an apologetic look as he replied, I appreciate your offer, Senior, but Su Xins abilities are limited. I fear I wouldnt do justice to Jile Peaks reputation.

The displeasure on Li Cais face intensified. Are you implying that you decline? he retorted, his tone heavy with disbelief.

Su Xins expression carried genuine regret as he responded, Given my modest cultivation, I hesitate to accept.

With a dismissive wave of his hand, Li Cai cut off Su Xins words. You need not make a show of respect, he sneered. Do you even comprehend the implications of your refusal?

As Li Cais intentions grew clearer to Su Xin, his determination solidified. His gaze sharpened, and he replied, I am merely a novice disciple, and my esteemed senior brother is undoubtedly above any petty concerns. I trust that his standing would not stoop to troubling me.

Li Cais lips curved into a malicious grin. What if I were to make your life difficult?

Su Xins expression remained unflinching. The sects principles ensure fairness, and I believe no undue hards.h.i.+p would befall an earnest disciple.

Li Cais smirk persisted. Despite your nascent status, I am a direct descendant of Jiles Peak Patriarch. What if someone from Sixing Peak were to oversee this? I must maintain our elders dignity. Frankly, you possess a single fire root, a coveted trait within Jile Peak. It is in your best interest to accompany me back willingly. Should you resist, I fear even the elders might intervene And trust me, you wont want to face that. Li Cai reveled in his superiority. Recruitment occurs only once every ten years. Even if someone from Sixing Peak intervenes, they would at best be one of the forty-nine overseers, a Golden Core Daoist. How could a Golden Core Daoist vie with a Nascent Soul Patriarch?

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The weight of Li Cais words hung heavy on Su Xins chest, briefly stirring regret before it was overridden by his determination.

Li Cai had reiterated his fixation on Su Xins single fire root. Yet, something clicked in Su Xins mind, casting a shadow over the situation. Recalling recent events, his features darkened.

Zhuo Hanyan and others also arrived at a similar conclusion. It appeared that Jile Peak sought to exploit Su Xins rare apt.i.tude for a specific purpose, potentially involving someone of high status within the peak.

An atmosphere of shock pervaded the group. Who, beyond those seeking promotions or possessing special physiques, would be enticed by a monk of Su Xins exceptional talent? More so, with Su Xins natural ability, rapid advancement was nearly guaranteed.

That Li Cai from Jile Peak would seize on this Su Xin and his comrades felt a rising bitterness.

Was Su Xin destined for degradation?

Seeing Li Cais audacity, Su Xin, who had suppressed his fury, couldnt hold back any longer. He declared, Senior Brother Li, your hara.s.sment will not go unchallenged by Su Xin!

Li Cai wasted no time. Turning to the two individuals beside him, he ordered, Go and greet the representative from Sixing Peak. Inform them that Jile Peak is claiming this individual. a.s.sure them that the ancestor will handle him personally and grant him leniency.

Su Xin and his companions felt a wave of hopelessness crash over them as they absorbed Li Cais proclamation.

Facing Li Cai stood a monk who had successfully laid the foundation, with the two flanking monks even higher in stature. Su Xins allies, including Zhuo Hanyan, were naturally inclined to support him, but Su Xin subtly shook his head, signaling them not to intervene. He recognized that the members of the Loose Cultivator Alliance who had journeyed to the big world shouldnt be jeopardized over his predicament.

For this reason, Su Xin refrained from seeking help from Xu Ziqing as well.

Li Cai issued a contemptuous snort. His hand extended, conjuring a golden rope that radiated a kaleidoscope of luminance. It surged forth directly at Su Xin.

This medium-grade spirit tool, the Binding Immortal Rope, once infused with true energy, possessed the ability to effortlessly restrain monks of similar cultivation levels. Li Cai, despite being merely in the early stage of foundation establishment, could immobilize even an expert in the late stage with ease. Remarkably, he was employing this potent tool against Su Xin. Despite Su Xins attempts, he was powerless against its grip.

Yet, Su Xin didnt retreat. He understood that making a stand was preferable to surrender. Swiftly, he hoisted a long sword, its blade enshrouded in brilliant azure flamesflames radiating intense heat!

Li Cais approach toward the group of quasi-inner disciples left Xu Ziqing feeling uneasy. However, the unexpected turn came when Li Cai set his sights on Su Xin. This development put Xu Ziqing on edge.

Xu Ziqing had interacted with Li Cai on several occasions, thus understanding his character well. He recognized Li Cais pettiness, narrow-mindedness, arrogance, and knack for stirring up trouble despite his mediocre cultivation level. This made Xu Ziqing even more certain that Li Cais interest in Su Xin could only spell trouble. Moreover, the very nature of Jile Peak, which indulged Li Cais overbearing behavior, indicated that it was not a place dedicated to pure cultivation. Even if Nascent Soul Patriarch presided over it, joining such a peak held no appeal.

Li Cais odd behavior hadnt escaped Xu Ziqings keen observation. His wandering eyes and peculiar demeanor when he approached Su Xin were all noted by Xu Ziqing, who had been surrept.i.tiously monitoring the situation. When Li Cai initiated a conversation with Su Xin, his voice was pitched high enough for everyone to hear amidst the relatively quiet surroundings.

Following Su Xins refusal, Li Cais threats quickly followed and were soon followed by action. The luminous golden rope emitted an imposing brilliance, exuding an irresistible force. As the Azure Flames connected with the rope, it surged forth, trying to counteract its influence.

The Azure Flames connection with the rope triggered a surge of discussion among the onlookers:

Did you see? Senior Brother Li unleashed the Binding Immortal Rope!

That guy in red is quite audacious, daring to challenge Senior Brother Li. Hes bound to get caught this time!

Well, whoever made Senior Brother Li happy? A disciple from the Middle Peak, backed by ancestor support, wouldnt be able to refuse!

Amidst the chatter, Xu Ziqing grew increasingly anxious. Contemplating for a moment, he conjured a millennium-aged steel and wood into his hand.

This particular piece wasnt part of the steel and wood swords hilt that had already been shaped; instead, it was a new piece. Xu Ziqing planned to utilize it for an experiment, which, if successful, could be of a.s.sistance to Su Xin.

Initiating a silent technique, Xu Ziqings palm was illuminated with a cerulean glow. Swiftly, a transformation took placethe once dark, thick, long, and rigid root seemed to liquefy, its texture akin to flowing water.

Yet, Xu Ziqing halted its liquid flow, promptly restoring its flexibility. In the blink of an eye, what was once a fluid ma.s.s a.s.sumed the form of a slender black rope. Pointing at a specific spot, Xu Ziqing shouted, Go!

The strap soared into the air, streaking toward the direction of the fairy-binding rope

Swiftly, the ebony rope and the fairy-binding rope converged, their flexible and resilient natures causing them to intermingle. Propelled by the remarkably pure Ethereal Wood Qi, the thousand-year-old steel wood defied the aura of the mid-grade spiritual tool, intertwining with the Binding Immortal Rope, while the Azure Wood also ignited with the woods energy, gaining intensity.

Suddenly, a deadlock formed between the Azure Wood, Steel Wood Black Rope, and the Binding Immortal Rope!

Simultaneously, as Xu Ziqing surrept.i.tiously aided Su Xin, he sensed approaching individuals. Raising his gaze, he observed two figures trailing behind Li Cai.

Clearly, these two were acting upon Li Cais command, seeking out the enforcer supervising the days inspection to facilitate their objectives. Xu Ziqing couldnt help but cast a sidelong glance. From the decision to intervene to its execution, his senior brother hadnt uttered a word. Did this inaction potentially put him in a precarious position, or did it actually signify his tacit support?

Yun Lie had yet to react, and the two newcomers had already approached. One of them shouted, May I inquire where the overseer for todays proceedings is?

Yun Lie remained silent, prompting many disciples who had witnessed his prowess before to make way.

He exposed his black-clad enforcer uniform to the two visitors gaze.

As the crowd parted, the two caught sight of Yun Lies figure.

Tall and erect, akin to an invincible sword!

Subtle unease flickered within their eyes as they mused: Xiaozhu Peaks Yun Lie? So it is him!

In contrast to Li Cais overbearing demeanor, anyone serious about cultivation naturally monitored the changes among the sects core disciples and the fluctuations on the Tianlong List.

The Ruthless Killing Sword Yun Lie stormed into the top five of the Tianlong List immediately upon forming his golden core. Such an event wouldnt escape the Sect Masters attention. Naturally, they wouldnt fail to recognize him.

They had heard rumors that Ruthless Killing Sword Yun Lie resembled a walking greatsword, his sword intent soaring skyward with a daunting air of fatality. Yet, they hadnt detected his presence until now. Could Yun Lie have honed his concealment to this extent?

Indeed, Ruthless Killing Sword Yun Lie, the recently promoted disciple of Sixing Peak, overseeing punishment from the forty-ninth seat, might very well have been a.s.signed this task.

Had they been aware that Yun Officer was present, they could have averted Li Cais misconduct The bitter smile on their faces hinted at their retrospective thoughts.

However, Li Cai remained entirely oblivious to the intricate sentiments of these two. His attention was consumed by the realization that someone, a steel-wood manipulator, had a.s.sisted Su Xin. Swiftly, his gaze pinpointed the green-clad youth on the fringes of the crowd.

Instantly, Li Cais eyes radiated fury, each word he spat out tinged with clenched teeth, Xu Ziqing, its you again!

Translator notes

Dont ask me why the chapter t.i.tle is that. Thats what the author wrote on the TOC.

Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.

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