"A trash is a trash. No one is asking you to expect him to turn into a treasure. What I mean is, according to my divination, there is an exotic fire you need deep beneath Mufu Peak. Once you obtain it, I will teach you how to refine pills with it. That will set you on the path of cultivation and far surpass the average genius."
"Besides, the fact that the Master of Mufu Peak is a good-for-nothing actually makes it easier for you to act."
"So, as long as you succeed in joining Mufu Peak, I am confident that I can have you on the path of cultivation within half a year, reach the Chen Profound Realm within three years, and three years from now, defeat that fiancée you have a three-year bet with in one fell swoop, ultimately achieving an invincible heart!"
"Alright, Elder Jian, I understand. I will definitely do it."
Hearing Elder Jian's voice, Lin Feng’s face filled with excitement. He clenched his fists while his gaze subconsciously drifted toward Zhong Qing.
And Zhong Qing happened to be looking at him.
Their eyes met.
"Him. I choose the disciple with the white talent," Zhong Qing said, pointing directly at Lin Feng.
As soon as Zhong Qing’s words fell, everyone present was stunned.
What on earth?
They gave you a chance for a first choice, and you actually picked the one with white talent?
The crowd looked on in disbelief.
Duan Feng couldn't help but burst into laughter. He stared straight at Zhong Qing and said, "Little trash, I didn't expect you to have such self-awareness. Knowing you'd only hold others back, you specifically chose one with white talent. This move actually makes me think a little higher of you, haha."
Beside him, Xuanyuan Hong’s face was ashen.
He also hadn't expected Zhong Qing to make this decision.
However, he didn't blame Zhong Qing for wasting his well-intentioned efforts; instead, he felt a twinge of pity.
Perhaps, just as Duan Feng said, he was afraid of delaying someone else’s future.
"Child, are you sure about your choice? I can let you choose again," Xuanyuan Hong asked, looking at Zhong Qing.
"I am sure. It is him," Zhong Qing replied solemnly.
"Very well!"
Seeing that Zhong Qing had made his decision, Xuanyuan Hong didn't say much else. He would just have to find other ways to support Mufu Peak in the future.
Once it was settled, everyone in the arena—disciples and Peak Masters alike—breathed a sigh of relief.
The former were glad they hadn't been chosen.
The latter were relieved that Zhong Qing hadn't snatched away the disciples with high potential.
"Are you willing to take me as your master?" Zhong Qing lifted his chin slightly, his gaze fixed on Lin Feng in the crowd.
Hearing Zhong Qing’s voice, Lin Feng finally snapped back to reality.
Clearly, he had also been shocked by Zhong Qing's choice.
He never imagined that just as Elder Jian asked him to join Mufu Peak, Zhong Qing would select him.
"Boy, this is Qi Luck! It’s destiny!"
"With my guidance, combined with this heaven-defying Qi Luck, you have the potential to become a Great Emperor in the future!"
Elder Jian’s voice echoed in Lin Feng’s mind.
Lin Feng was filled with excitement upon hearing this.
"What are you standing there for? Hurry up and agree! Just go through the motions. A little trash like that isn't qualified to be your master!" Elder Jian reminded him again.
"Yes."
Lin Feng nodded, though he still felt grateful toward Zhong Qing.
"This disciple is willing."
Soon, Lin Feng bowed with a smile.
"Very good. Come to my side," Zhong Qing said with a smile.
"Yes."
Lin Feng nodded, walked toward Zhong Qing with a joyful expression, and stood behind him.
The crowd looked at Lin Feng as if he were a fool, including the other disciples with white talent.
To fall into the hands of that waste and still be happy about it? Being his disciple was probably worse than being a chores-performing disciple at any other peak.
Next, it was finally Duan Feng and the others' turn to pick.
As expected, Duan Feng extended an olive branch to the disciple with purple talent, offering various benefits, and successfully secured them.
The other Peak Masters, though unwilling, had no choice but to pick disciples with red talent.
However, at this moment, Zhong Qing was full of joy.
The system's reward had arrived!
***
"Congratulations to the host for successfully taking on Lin Feng as a disciple. 1/2 'Trash Bond' activated."
"1/2 Trash Bond effect: The disciple gains a 100-fold cultivation speed boost. The disciple’s cultivation progress is returned to the host at a 1,000-fold rate. The host can manually toggle the disciple's cultivation boost on or off at will."
"Congratulations to the host for activating the bond function for the first time. Reward: Cultivation increased directly to the Star Profound Realm."
"Congratulations to the host for activating the 1/2 Trash Bond function for the first time. Reward: 'Old Six Aura'. Effect: No one can see the host's cultivation fluctuations."
"Congratulations to the host for possessing cultivation for the first time. Reward: 'Heavenly Eye'. Effect: Can see through anyone's secrets at a glance."
Hearing the system's voice in his mind, Zhong Qing was thrilled.
The cultivation he had dreamed of had finally arrived!
In his excitement, he felt a powerful surge of natural energy flowing into his limbs and bones, undetected by anyone else.
"Is this the power of the Star Profound Realm?"
Zhong Qing felt the immense strength within him and couldn't help but curl his lips into a smile.
He never imagined the rewards would be this generous, boosting him directly to the Star Profound Realm.
In this world, cultivation was divided into Body Refining, Houtian, Xiantian, Chen Profound Realm, Star Profound Realm, Moon Profound Realm, Sun Profound Realm, Earth Profound Realm, and Heaven Profound Realm.
Generally speaking, those at the Xiantian level were seen by ordinary people as god-like figures who could fly through the air.
Those at the Chen Profound Realm could become elders of a sect; even the Peak Masters of the Xianjiang Sect were only at the Chen Profound Realm. He had ascended in one step, reaching a realm higher than them.
The system did not deceive me!
This "Old Six Aura" and "Heavenly Eye" were also quite excellent. The former was a perfect skill for being a devious operator, and the latter, being able to see through anyone, went without saying.
Taking a deep breath, Zhong Qing checked the system panel again.
"Host: Zhong Qing"
"Cultivation: Star Profound Realm."
"Disciple: Lin Feng, no cultivation, 100-fold boost can be activated."
"Activated Bonds: Trash Bond 1/2."
"Physique: None."
"Special Skills: Old Six Aura, Heavenly Eye."
Not bad at all, Zhong Qing remarked.
At this time, the disciple-recruitment process was nearing its end.
Aside from the few who had been chosen as personal disciples by the Peak Masters, others were free to join the various peaks as ordinary disciples.
For a moment, the place was bustling.
Soon, each peak gained a lot of fresh blood, becoming very lively.
However, Zhong Qing’s Mufu Peak remained cold and desolate, with no one joining.
"Are there still so many people wanting to join my Divine Sword Peak?"
Standing on the high platform with his hands behind his back, Duan Feng glanced sideways at Zhong Qing and said meaningfully, "However, our Divine Sword Peak’s disciples are already overflowing. Perhaps you should distribute some to Mufu Peak?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the disciples applying to join were reluctant.
"Peak Master Duan, please don't! Let us join the Divine Sword Peak; please don't send us to Mufu Peak. If we go there, we'll be ruined."
"That’s right! Even the Peak Master of Mufu Peak can't cultivate. If we go there, what hope is there for us?"
"I wouldn't let a dog join Mufu Peak."
"As long as we don't have to go to Mufu Peak, we'd be happy to be chores-performing disciples at any other peak."
People voiced their anxiety one after another.
Such was the cruel world of cultivation.
Without strength, you are guilty of a crime; no one will respect you!
"Since none of you are willing to join Mufu Peak, my Divine Sword Peak will have to show some mercy and accept your applications."
Duan Feng laughed heartily.
At the same time, he cast a cold glare at Zhong Qing.
A little piece of trash who dared to talk back to me in public just now.
This Peak Master has plenty of ways to keep you from ever lifting your head again and to ensure you suffer endless humiliation.
Zhong Qing knew full well that Duan Feng was trying to disgust him in every way possible. If he hadn't had the strength before, he would have had to endure it.
But now, with the power of the Star Profound Realm, why should he tolerate it?
"Barking like a dog all day and night!"
As soon as Zhong Qing spoke, Duan Feng’s face turned visibly ashen.
"You little bastard, you're courting death!"
Duan Feng said coldly, a murderous glint flashing in his eyes.
The next moment, he erupted with the cultivation of a top-tier Chen Profound Realm expert, lashed out at Zhong Qing, and slammed his palm toward him.
Seeing this, the scene erupted into a stir.
First, they were shocked that a piece of trash like Zhong Qing dared to speak to Duan Feng like that.
Second, they were shocked that Duan Feng would actually attack Zhong Qing directly, given that his status was somewhat special.
In the blink of an eye, the strike was right above Zhong Qing’s head.
So fast that even the Sect Master, Xuanyuan Hong, didn't have time to intervene. He could only shout anxiously, "Stop!" in an attempt to call off Duan Feng's attack.
But Duan Feng ignored Xuanyuan Hong completely, a cold sneer on his face as he continued his assault on Zhong Qing.
The seven peaks of the Xianjiang Sect were not established for nothing. Each peak had its own special significance and contained advanced formations; building a residence at the eye of these formations could make cultivation twice as effective with half the effort.
But there were only so many formation eyes on any given peak, so Duan Feng had long harbored thoughts of annexing Mufu Peak for his disciples to cultivate in.
Once that happened, the overall strength of his Divine Sword Peak would increase significantly, potentially even surpassing the main peak.
Because of Zhong Qing’s existence, his plans had never materialized, so he had long wanted to get rid of him.
But given Zhong Qing’s status, he needed a valid reason to attack.
Now, he had one.
A piece of trash dared to talk back to the master of the Divine Sword Peak—that was reason enough!
Even if the Sect Master questioned him later, he would have nothing to fear.
Plus, remembering the humiliation he had suffered at the hands of Na Daoist in the past, he was determined to kill Zhong Qing today!
Under the gaze of countless eyes, the palm finally neared Zhong Qing.
Some sighed, some felt pity, but most thought Zhong Qing deserved it.
But the next moment, what happened shocked everyone.
At the most critical moment, Zhong Qing raised his palm as well and threw a punch at Duan Feng.
In an instant, fist and palm collided.
A massive explosion erupted out of thin air, accompanied by a sharp sonic boom, and the residual Xuan energy swept in all directions.
In this collision, Duan Feng, who had attacked first, flew backward through the air. His feet dragged two long furrows into the ground before he finally managed to steady himself.
In contrast, Zhong Qing’s robes barely fluttered. He withdrew his fist and stood with his hands behind his back, looking completely composed.
This sight left the entire arena in dead silence.
You could hear a pin drop.
From the disciples and stewards to the Peak Masters and the Sect Master, everyone stared with wide eyes at this incredible scene.
"He... he isn't he a piece of trash?"
"How could he..."
***
Up on the dais, a Peak Master stuttered the question in his heart.
But the others just looked at each other, equally filled with confusion.
They couldn't help but look at the Sect Master, Xuanyuan Hong.
Xuanyuan Hong was also dazed, his expression clearly saying, "Don't look at me, how would I know?"
Of course, the most shocked person was Duan Feng himself.
As the person involved, he knew exactly how much power was behind Zhong Qing's punch.
It wasn't power that someone at his level should possess.
What was going on?
How could this little bastard have cultivation stronger than his own?!
At that moment, Zhong Qing’s gaze fixed on him.
"You want to kill me?"
Duan Feng looked at Zhong Qing with a gloomy face; he didn't dare to speak.
The next moment, Zhong Qing moved.
In the blink of an eye, Zhong Qing was in front of Duan Feng. Without a word, he slammed his fist into him.
Facing Zhong Qing’s attack, Duan Feng felt his scalp tingle and instinctively mobilized all his defenses.
But this punch shattered his defenses like dry twigs, sending him flying. The force of the impact crashed him into the building behind, leveling it to the ground.
Even after that punch, Zhong Qing showed no intention of letting him go.
He approached Duan Feng again with a playful expression.
"Save... save me! Sect Master, save me!"
In the ruins, Duan Feng’s body was mangled, and he let out a weak cry for help.
At this moment, he was truly terrified.
He never expected that this piece of trash had been hiding so much.
If he had known Zhong Qing had this strength, he never would have dared to provoke him.
The cry for help snapped the stunned crowd out of their trance, and they all gasped in shock.
They hadn't expected such a reversal today.
The "trash" Peak Master of Mufu Peak was actually beating the Peak Master of the Divine Sword Peak until he begged for his life.
At this point, the other Peak Masters and elders finally reacted.
Duan Feng was the Peak Master of the Divine Sword Peak, after all; if he were beaten to death, that would be no small matter.
As a few of them moved to intervene, they suddenly found Zhong Qing turning to lock his cold gaze upon them.
"Let’s see who dares to move."
This icy voice made those who were about to step forward freeze in their tracks, not daring to advance further.
The Sect Master, Xuanyuan Hong, narrowed his eyes at Zhong Qing, because at this moment, even he could not see through this former "trash" Peak Master.
To Zhong Qing, even if he were laid-back and hadn't been able to cultivate before, that didn't mean he was a pushover.
If someone else wanted your life, was there any reason to show mercy?
He looked down at Duan Feng from above.
"In your next life, don't cross me again."
Duan Feng’s face was filled with unwillingness—pain, hatred, a desire to beg for mercy, but mostly, regret...
But all these emotions turned to nothing under Zhong Qing’s final punch.
With Duan Feng dead, the entire scene fell into a silence that made one’s skin crawl.
No one had imagined that the Peak Master of Mufu Peak, labeled as a piece of trash, would erupt with such power.
And no one had expected that the arrogant Peak Master of the Divine Sword Peak would die in such a lackluster fashion.
Even those with keen eyes in the crowd could see that if Zhong Qing had wanted to, he could have killed Duan Feng in one punch.
The fact that it took three punches seemed more like he was testing how much force Duan Feng could withstand, or perhaps he was just playing with him.
In other words, Zhong Qing’s cultivation might be even higher than what he had revealed.
"Phew, I didn't expect this. Even I misjudged your trash of a master," Lin Feng’s disciple said, starting a conversation with Elder Jian in his ring.
"So, does that mean my master is very powerful?" Lin Feng couldn't help but ask.
"I wouldn't call it 'very powerful,' just slightly surprising," Elder Jian said calmly. "Judging by his cultivation, he should only be at the Star Profound Realm. Back in the day, I could have slapped a whole crowd of them to death."
"So, as far as you are concerned, he won't be of much use or help."
In the arena, following the shock of Zhong Qing killing Duan Feng, those disciples who had just joined the Divine Sword Peak suddenly swarmed toward Zhong Qing.
"Peak Master Zhong, I am willing to join Mufu Peak. Please let me join!"
"Yes, please let us join Mufu Peak!"
As the first few voices rang out, more and more people followed, all seeing the benefits.
Never mind the strength Zhong Qing had displayed; the key was that Mufu Peak was empty!
If they were the first to join, wouldn't they be able to hoard all of Mufu Peak's resources?
Everyone wanted to be the first to eat the crab.
"I’m willing to join Mufu Peak, too."
"Mufu Peak is the number one peak of the Xianjiang Sect, I’m willing to join."
"Get lost! I asked to join Mufu Peak first, go to the back!"
Suddenly, people were milling about in front of Zhong Qing, all of them emotional, scrambling and waiting for his response.
Zhong Qing looked at these enthusiastic disciples.
The earlier comments about how "not even a dog would join Mufu Peak" flooded back into his mind.
He couldn't help but sneer on his face.
"With you lot of trash, wanting to enter my Mufu Peak? You aren't qualified!"
As those words fell, the agitated crowd turned red with shame.
Having said that, Zhong Qing didn't even look at them again and walked straight over to Xuanyuan Hong.
"Sect Master, I’m done recruiting. I’ll be returning to Mufu Peak now," Zhong Qing said, bowing toward Xuanyuan Hong.
Xuanyuan Hong looked at Zhong Qing.
He had ten thousand questions and inquiries he wanted to voice.
But in the end, he didn't ask. He smiled warmly instead and said, "Very well."
Zhong Qing nodded and led Lin Feng toward Mufu Peak.
Watching Lin Feng leave with Zhong Qing, many disciples regretted their choices, feeling incredibly envious of Lin Feng.
A disciple with white talent could actually have someone as powerful as Zhong Qing as his master.
And since Mufu Peak was empty, it meant Lin Feng could have the best resources Mufu Peak had to offer.
If they had chosen to join Mufu Peak from the start, they might have enjoyed those benefits too.
But in this world, there were no regrets.
Not long after, Zhong Qing returned to Mufu Peak with Lin Feng.
Unlike the main peak, which was packed with people, Mufu Peak was deserted, appearing to have nothing to offer but the scenery.
Upon returning to Mufu Peak, Zhong Qing immediately used his Heavenly Eye on Lin Feng.
After all, the system had said that to activate the Trash Bond, the disciple taken in must be an absolute piece of trash, and when Lin Feng’s talent was tested, it had appeared as white—not a "trash" in the strict sense.
So, Zhong Qing was keen to clear up this doubt.
"Lin Feng."
"Age: 16."
"Cultivation: None."
"Talent: None."
"Fortune: He wears a desolate ring on his left hand, which hides the remnant soul of a Heaven Profound Realm expert."
"Note: The reason his talent test appeared white is because the remnant soul in the ring tampered with it."
In an instant, all of Lin Feng’s information appeared in Zhong Qing’s mind.
Zhong Qing revealed a look of interest.
A ring-grandfather, eh?
So that was it...
***
Possessing a ring-grandfather.
It seems this disciple of mine might just be a heaven-gifted child after all.