Xianjiang Sect.
Yidao
Zhong Qing
Eastern Region
Xuanyuan Hong
Emperor Tier
Lin Feng
Sect Master
Mufu Peak
Qi Luck
Saint Grade
Tiannan
Scarecrow
Chapter 1: These Saint Grade Cultivation Manuals Are Barely Enough to Burn All Winter
Eastern Region.
Xianjiang Sect.
Mufu Peak.
It was the dead of winter. Heavy snow blanketed the earth, whitening the entire world as far as the eye could see.
"Sigh..."
Clad in a thick cotton-padded coat, Zhong Qing sat beside the stove and let out a long sigh.
Five years had passed since he transmigrated to this world, and he had spent every single one of them right here on Mufu Peak.
Though Mufu Peak was counted among the seven peaks of the Xianjiang Sect, and Zhong Qing bore the title of Peak Master, it was utterly useless in practice.
The only reason Zhong Qing had secured the position of Peak Master was that his late cheapskate master was Daoist Nai.
While the other peaks bustled with swarms of disciples, Daoist Nai had lived in total solitude, only taking in Zhong Qing as a disciple at the very end of his days.
Rather than believing the old man had seen some peerless talent in him, it was more likely that Daoist Nai had simply reached the end of his rope and plucked someone randomly from the roadside just to tick the box and fulfill his duty.
Because he was Daoist Nai's first disciple, his arrival had stirred up quite a sensation within the Xianjiang Sect back then.
Zhong Qing had even fancied himself possessed of some earth-shattering talent, expecting to stride triumphantly toward the peak of his life.
Who the hell could have known that he was nothing more than a hopeless piece of trash?
Yet Daoist Nai never went out to find a replacement disciple; instead, Zhong Qing received every single privilege due to a peak master.
Life wasn't actually all that bad initially. Even though Mufu Peak consisted of just the two of them, Daoist Nai's formidable strength meant he never lost face among the other peaks, and not a soul dared to gossip behind their backs.
Who could have foreseen that during one of his travels, Daoist Nai's life tablet would shatter directly, leaving behind this little disciple who still needed to be spoon-fed?
Out of immense respect for Daoist Nai's massive contributions to the sect, Mufu Peak wasn't dissolved. Instead, Zhong Qing, as the sole remaining disciple, inherited the position of Peak Master.
Times changed, however. Without Daoist Nai to lean on, Zhong Qing's days grew harder with each passing day.
As a transmigrator, it wasn't as though Zhong Qing lacked the standard transmigrator benefits.
Less than a month after Daoist Nai's death, he awakened a system that allowed him to check in every day.
Just when Zhong Qing thought he was finally about to reach the pinnacle of life, he discovered just how truly scummy this system was!
Because every single day, the daily check-in rewarded him with *stuff*, while steering completely clear of anything related to cultivation.
Take the Saint Grade cultivation manual in his hand right now, for instance—it was obtained through a check-in.
Manuals and magical treasures were graded from the first to ninth ranks, followed by King, Emperor, Venerable, Saint, and Emperor Tiers.
A Saint Grade manual was certainly nothing to scoff at; casually tossing one out into the world could spark a bloody storm. But for a piece of trash like him, having manuals without any cultivation—
What was the bloody use?
Zhong Qing tossed the manual directly into the stove before him.
The flames within the stove blazed fiercely, casting a ruddy glow across Zhong Qing's face and bringing him a touch of warmth.
Being a Saint Grade manual, wouldn't it hurt to burn it?
Of course it hurt!
With weather this cold, how long could a single manual keep the fire going? He was going to freeze to death, alright?
Zhong Qing stood up, dragged over a burlap sack stuffed to the brim with cultivation manuals, and tossed a few more into the stove to keep the fire roaring.
A kettle sat boiling atop the stove. Thanks to the intense heat, it soon reached a rolling boil, emitting a humming whistle.
Zhong Qing brewed himself a cup of tea, took a sip in the bitter cold, and let out a sigh of comfort.
He had learned a few things over the past few years.
The manuals acquired from check-ins over the course of a year were just enough to keep him warm through the entire winter. However, if he happened to score a few extra gold check-ins, he might still have half a warehouse left over when spring arrived.
Naturally, check-ins didn't just yield cultivation manuals; various magical weapons and divine arms dropped as well.
Like the ax used for splitting firewood by the front door, or the kitchen cleaver...
Beyond those, the orchard and fish pond in the back, the vegetable garden out front along with the scarecrow standing in it, and even the two eggs he rolled around in his hands all day—all of them were gifts from the check-in system.
In short, there was no end to the bizarre array of items.
Even so, Zhong Qing remained deeply speechless.
No matter how overpowered a manual or divine weapon might be, lacking cultivation meant they were nothing more than useless chicken ribs.
He was the textbook definition of a man sitting atop a mountain of gold with no way to spend a single coin.
Nor did he dare leak word of these treasures; he understood the ancient proverb that an ordinary citizen carrying a jade ring commits a crime by its mere possession.
Cruel fate, what a cruel joke fate played on him!
Just then, a streak of light flashed across the distant horizon.
He raised his head and spotted a white crane soaring in from afar.
"My Mufu Peak practically never gets visitors. Who on earth could be coming looking for me?"
While he was still wondering, the crane arrived right above him, and standing proudly atop its back was a haughty young page boy.
"The once-every-five-years grand disciple-recruitment ceremony begins tomorrow. The Sect Master has ordered me to notify you to hurry to the main peak of Xianjiang and attend the ceremony."
The page boy cast a mocking glance down at Zhong Qing. He didn't even bother with proper address, a trace of undisguised contempt dripping from his eyes.
He simply could not fathom the Sect Master's decision.
What possible meaning could there be in having this piece of trash participate in a disciple-recruitment ceremony?
Zhong Qing wore a blank expression, having zero interest in the recruitment ceremony and no desire to travel all the way over there just to subject himself to cold sneers.
Just as he was about to refuse, the voice of the system rang out in his mind.
"The system has issued a new quest."
"Please have the host immediately proceed to Xianjiang Peak to accept a disciple: Upon successfully recruiting the designated disciple, the trash-tier bond will be activated for the host."
"Trash-tier bond: 1/2 All disciples of the host gain a hundredfold boost in cultivation speed, and a thousandfold portion of all disciples' cultivation is returned to the host. 2/2 All disciples of the host gain a hundredfold boost in cultivation speed, and a ten-thousandfold portion of all disciples' cultivation is returned to the host."
Upon hearing the system's voice, Zhong Qing's calm, untroubled expression suddenly lit up.
Five years.
After waiting five years, has it finally arrived?
Has my mountain of gold finally found its use?
And this bond system sounded ridiculously overpowered—just activating the single trash-tier bond would grant his disciples a hundredfold boost in cultivation speed while returning a thousandfold of their gains to him.
If they stacked, wouldn't a single day of his disciple's cultivation be equivalent to him cultivating for one hundred thousand days?
As for activating the dual trash-tier bond, that would be even more insane.
"Alright, I will definitely be there tomorrow," Zhong Qing said, standing up and looking up.
"Then you'd better set off right now. After all, it's a long journey from here to the main peak of Xianjiang. Don't show up only to find the recruitment ceremony is already over."
The page boy sneered, "Actually, it's not like I couldn't carry you over on the white crane. But my partner has a rather quirky temper; if someone it looks down on tries to force their way onto its back, it'll just buck you right off."
With that, the page boy let out a cold laugh, spurred his white crane, and soared away.
Zhong Qing didn't give the fellow's words a second thought.
Once the bond was activated, it wouldn't be long before he could disregard not just this little page boy, but the entire Xianjiang Sect as well.
After packing up simply, he set off toward the main peak of Xianjiang.
Chapter 2: The Disciple Chosen by the System!
The next day.
The main peak of Xianjiang.
The place was packed with a sea of people. After all, the Xianjiang Sect was one of the major sects spanning tens of thousands of miles, revered by countless individuals as a sacred ground for cultivation.
"Silence."
At that moment, a booming voice infused with profound energy rang out, instantly quieting the previously clamorous crowd.
An old man with the air of an immortal stepped onto the podium.
Seated behind the old man were several figures exuding profound and formidable presence. In the center sat the leader, Sect Master Xuanyuan Hong, flanked by the peak masters of the various major peaks.
"Everyone, fall into formation and begin taking turns testing your natural talent."
The hosting elder's voice echoed once more.
Down below, ten talent-testing stones had been set up, their surfaces shimmering with radiant light as they formed ten separate channels to test the aptitude of the incoming disciples.
Very soon, the prospective disciples began stepping up one by one to test their talent. Every youthful face was taut with tension, for the strength of one's talent dictated just how far one could travel on the path ahead.
The talent test was simple: one channeled their profound energy into the testing stone, and the strength of the talent was judged by the color the stone reflected back.
The talent-testing stones could display six colors: white, green, blue, red, purple, and gold. White represented ordinary talent, and the higher the color, the better the aptitude.
As the testing proceeded, there were cheers of joy and cries of sorrow.
The majority of the disciples possessed white aptitude, a smaller fraction had green aptitude, and those with blue aptitude could be counted on one hand.
The Xianjiang Sect had already divided the area into zones for the disciples; those who finished testing were arranged according to their aptitude.
"I wonder if any pleasant surprises will turn up this year!"
Up on the dais, Xuanyuan Hong struck up a conversation with several of the peak masters.
"Indeed. If only someone with purple talent were to emerge," one of the peak masters remarked.
"If a purple talent truly appears, it will be the heavens blessing our Xianjiang Sect," Xuanyuan Hong laughed heartily. As for an even higher gold talent, he didn't even dare to dream of it!
Before long, a red talent holder appeared on the grounds.
This triggered a wave of exclamations from the crowd.
Xuanyuan Hong and the others grew exceptionally excited.
Those with red talent were the future backbone of the sect; everyone seated up on the dais possessed red talent themselves.
Naturally, these red-talent individuals were prime targets whom the various peaks would fight over shortly.
As time slowly ticked by, the talent testing neared its end.
Aside from white, green, and blue talents, a total of six red talents had emerged.
Such a harvest was truly remarkable.
Just when everyone assumed that was all for today, a burst of purple light suddenly erupted across the plaza.
The moment the purple light flashed, the entire audience was stunned.
Xuanyuan Hong and the others bolted to their feet, their eyes wide and staring.
"I—it actually produced a purple talent," Xuanyuan Hong murmured in disbelief.
The one measured to have purple talent was a youth clad in lavish robes. At that moment, he basked in the admiring gazes of the entire crowd, a trace of arrogance playing across his face.
Yet he had the capital to be arrogant.
The eyes of the higher-ups were all locked onto him, each of them itching to make a move as they pondered how to pull this purple talent into their own grasp.
Following this purple talent, the remaining disciples failed to stir any further excitement.
At last, the talent testing drew to a close.
Next came the time for the peak masters to select their disciples, for according to custom, every peak master was granted one opportunity to choose a personal disciple during each recruitment ceremony.
"Let's begin, Sect Master."
Duan Feng, the Master of Divine Sword Peak, said eagerly. Aside from the main peak, his Divine Sword Peak was the strongest within the entire Xianjiang Sect. By tradition, he was also the first to pick a disciple.
Thus, his chances of securing this purple talent were the highest!
The other peak masters wore stifled expressions at the sight, knowing all too well that it would likely be difficult for the purple talent to ever fall into their hands.
"Not so fast. Mufu Peak's representative hasn't arrived yet."
Xuanyuan Hong glanced at the empty seat beside him and shook his head.
"Mufu Peak?"
Hearing Xuanyuan Hong's words, Duan Feng couldn't help bursting into loud laughter. "Sect Master, Mufu Peak only has a little good-for-nothing left now. What meaning is there in whether he comes or not?"
"Besides, I truly don't understand why that little piece of trash was even summoned here. Could it be that you actually intend to let him take a disciple and ruin someone's future?"
Before his voice had even faded, Zhong Qing's figure appeared.
"Whether I ruin people's futures or not is not your place to worry about."
Dressed in white, Zhong Qing walked up to stand beside Xuanyuan Hong, cupped his fists, and bowed, "Greetings, Sect Master."
"Mm, you've had a long journey."
Xuanyuan Hong acknowledged him with a nod.
As Zhong Qing stepped onto the platform, the gaze of everyone present converged upon him.
Obviously, everyone had heard rumors of this little Peak Master of Mufu Peak.
He certainly looked handsome, but he was just as famously useless, utterly devoid of even a shred of fluctuating cultivation aura.
"Hmph, you actually have the nerve to show up?" Duan Feng looked at Zhong Qing with utter disdain, mocking, "A nominal peak like your Mufu Peak should have been struck from the records long ago."
"If you have the nerve to show up, why shouldn't I?"
Zhong Qing smiled as he looked at him. "Back then, my master saved your life, yet you always harbored resentment because he outperformed you in every aspect, constantly picking fights. Comparing the two of us, aren't I much more noble than you?"
"You little piece of trash, you're courting death."
Stuck where it hurt, Duan Feng's expression twisted into one of flustered rage. "I didn't beg him to save me back then; he chose to do it himself. Besides, the man is dead, and all that's left is a little piece of trash like you—shouldn't Mufu Peak be struck from the records?"
"Alright, enough bickering."
Xuanyuan Hong rebuked them with a stern, authoritative voice. "Let the disciple selection begin."
"Understood!"
Zhong Qing gave a calm smile, entirely unhurried as his gaze swept across the crowd, wondering inwardly which person the system had designated.
Recalling the purple talent, Duan Feng let out a cold snort and ignored Zhong Qing.
Just as Duan Feng naturally assumed he would be the first to pick a disciple, Xuanyuan Hong's voice rang out once again.
"In light of Daoist Nai's outstanding contributions to our sect, and considering the current state of Mufu Peak, I have decided to grant the first selection slot to Mufu Peak."
Xuanyuan Hong's booming voice reverberated across the entire plaza.
It instantly caused an uproar.
Shocked and disbelieving gasps rippled through the crowd.
The peak masters of the other factions also widened their eyes—especially Duan Feng, whose eyes turned completely red.
The very first disciple-selection slot had actually been handed over to Mufu Peak?!
By what right?!
"Sect Master, you cannot do this!"
"Indeed! What standing does Mufu Peak have? There's only Zhong Qing left on the entire peak, and he's a universally acknowledged piece of trash. Isn't that leading a youth astray?"
"Allowing a piece of trash from a derelict peak to take a disciple? If word gets out, won't we become the laughingstock of the world?"
The crowd voiced their doubts from all directions, while Duan Feng glared with bloodshot eyes and shouted aloud.
"Silence."
"What? Are my commands as Sect Master no longer valid?"
A look of anger flashed across Xuanyuan Hong's face as he released a powerful wave of pressure, instantly extinguishing the murmurs of doubt on the grounds.
"We do it as I say!"
Xuanyuan Hong declared with unchallengeable authority.
He then turned his gaze toward Zhong Qing beside him and smiled. "Child, make your choice. Whoever you pick shall be yours."
Ever since the founding of the sect, the Xianjiang Sect had comprised seven peaks.
His decision to do this stemmed from a desire to uplift Mufu Peak and help it rebuild itself.
Of course, aside from that, the private bond he shared with Daoist Nai could not be ignored.
The two of them had been martial brothers since childhood, and the very first time Daoist Nai had visited a pleasure house, it was Daoist Nai who dragged him along. It was from that exact moment onward that the old man formally styled himself Daoist Nai.
Furthermore, the fact that Zhong Qing lacked cultivation and couldn't instruct disciples wasn't an insurmountable problem; he could simply make a few more trips to Mufu Peak in the future and guide them personally behind the scenes, while the disciple would still officially belong to Mufu Peak.
Zhong Qing himself hadn't expected Xuanyuan Hong to hand the very first selection slot over to him.
He couldn't help feeling a stir of emotion in his heart.
"Thank you, Sect Master."
Lowering his head in gratitude, Zhong Qing didn't stand on ceremony. He swept his gaze directly across the plaza.
Chapter 3: The System's Super Reward
However, the moment Zhong Qing's gaze swept over them, the crowd scrambled to dodge out of the way.
Who didn't know about this useless peak master of Mufu Peak?
It was no exaggeration to say that if someone were truly chosen by him, their life would be as good as ruined!
Meanwhile, the various peak masters felt their hearts bleed. There were only so many talented disciples to go around; if Zhong Qing snatched one away, it meant one less for them.
Especially when Zhong Qing's gaze lingered on the purple-talent youth, the back teeth of everyone present nearly shattered from clenching.
Duan Feng's eyes split wide with fury, terrified that Zhong Qing would actually pick that purple talent.
"Purple talent!"
"What an enviable talent indeed!"
Though Zhong Qing could not cultivate, he naturally understood immortal cultivation lore, and he had to admit that purple talent was truly extraordinary.
However, he didn't make a rash decision on the spot; instead, he communicated with the system.
"System, who is the designated person you mentioned?" Zhong Qing couldn't help asking.
"Reporting to the host: the sole condition for activating the trash-tier bond is that the disciple recruited by the host must be a genuine piece of trash."
"A genuine piece of trash?"
Zhong Qing was dumbfounded. It was impossible for anyone showing up in this plaza to be a genuine piece of trash.
Even those with the lowest-grade white talent were at least capable of cultivation.
"The host need not worry. The target has already been located for you: the target is the white-talent holder, Lin Feng."
As the system's voice faded, it directed Zhong Qing's attention toward a young man in black amongst the crowd of white-talent holders.
The youth wore a plain black cloth robe, stood tall and straight, and radiated an aura of upright righteousness.
"Are you certain he's a genuine piece of trash?" Zhong Qing asked curiously.
"The system does not make mistakes. Please rest assured in taking him as your disciple. Upon successful recruitment, an unknown reward will be issued to the host."
Just as Zhong Qing was communicating with the system, Lin Feng—standing among the white-talent crowd—kept his head lowered.
His right hand gently rubbed the storage ring worn on the index finger of his left hand.
A voice quickly transmitted into his mind, "Kid, I must have had eight lifetimes of bad luck to contract with you. Do you have any idea how much effort it took me to disguise your super-duper trash physique so that you'd display white talent during the test and successfully enter the sect without anyone noticing?"
"Master Jian, I truly apologize," Lin Feng said, keeping his head down.
"Enough, enough, stop talking. Since we've contracted, we share honor and disgrace alike. As long as you listen to my instructions, reversing the heavens and achieving the status of a peerless powerhouse in the future is by no means a pipe dream!"
"Alright, Master Jian, just tell me what to do. Whatever you say, I'll do!" Lin Feng said excitedly.
"Find a way to join that Mufu Peak," Master Jian said.
"Join Mufu Peak?"
Lin Feng looked astonished. "Isn't the master of Mufu Peak a piece of trash just like me?"