Nan Zhanbu Province, Wuji Sect.
Here, clouds and mist entwined, and the air was thick with immortal energy. The Sect's buildings were hidden amongst the mountains and waters, creating a view like a beautiful scroll when seen from the skies.
Today was different from usual. The Wuji Sect was exceptionally bustling, with rainbow streaks crisscrossing the sky and an endless stream of people at the base of the mountain. The disciples from all the major peaks were very active. The reason was: "Wuji Sect is recruiting new disciples." This happened once every three years.
However, compared to the lively atmosphere of the other Three Peaks, Qingfeng seemed unusually quiet.
On the hillside, there was a man and an ox.
The man, tall and slender in a white robe, had a delicate face that could rival a woman's, yet he was unmistakably male. The ox was an old yellow one. The scene was quite bizarre because the man was talking to this ox.
"You're a Spiritual Beast after all, and so powerful. Can't you stop bullying Hei? It's so small. Is it even worth your kick?" Chen Pingping chided. "And… last night, a few Spiritual Medicines went missing from the herb garden. It was you who ate them, wasn't it?"
MOO!
Lao Huang, the old yellow ox, felt wronged. It couldn't speak, but if it could, it would surely retort, Although I, Lao Huang, like to consume Spiritual Medicine, I wouldn't stoop to stealing them.
The unjustly accused Lao Huang shook its hefty body, looking very aggrieved.
On a distant path, a young boy ran over. Seeing Chen Pingping talking to the ox again, he couldn't help but mutter, This idiot... actually thinks that ox is a Spiritual Beast? What could it understand?
The young boy approached and said, "Chen, the Sect Leader asked me to notify you that the recruitment ceremony is about to start."
The decline of Qingfeng wasn't something that had happened overnight. Despite having only one disciple, it occupied all the cultivation resources of the entire mountain. The other Peak Masters could no longer tolerate this. They jointly petitioned the Sect Leader, demanding the merger of Qingfeng with their peaks.
The Sect Leader, under pressure and not daring to anger Wen Yuqing, thus set up a wager. If Qingfeng failed to recruit any disciples this year and also failed to have a disciple place in the top ten of the newcomer competition, Qingfeng would have to agree to the merger.
When the bet was made, Wen Yuqing was still at the Sect. However, by the time the recruitment ceremony arrived, she had left on a mission.
Alas!
Chen Pingping sighed in resignation. "Fine, I got it."
System notification: For accumulating 800 days of raising Lao Huang, gain ten years' worth of cultivation and a reward of ten third-tier Spiritual Medicines.
As a transmigrator, a system was an indispensable golden finger, although his was a little special: a pet-raising exclusive system.
Host: Chen Pingping, active for 999 days.
Pet 1: Lao Huang, Level 3, raised for 800 days.
Pet 2: Little Black Dog, Level 1, raised for 20 days.
Raising Level: Level 2.
From the panel, it was clear that Chen Pingping needed to raise pets to obtain rewards from the system. Of course, the pets weren't ordinary; they could only be gifted by the system or be pets he was tasked by the system to tame. Therefore, for all these years, he had been herding cattle, herding cattle, herding cattle, and babbling to the ox... It wasn't until a few days ago that he started raising a dog.
In the eyes of his fellow disciples, this kid was probably a lost cause.
The Sect Leader had repeatedly advised Wen Yuqing to be careful in recruiting disciples, but Wen Yuqing was indifferent. "Who cares! As long as they're good-looking, that's enough."
Looks determined everything.
WOOF WOOF!
The Little Black Dog came running over, its tiny head constantly rubbing against Chen Pingping's leg; it was utterly adorable. Chen Pingping picked it up and cautioned Lao Huang once more, "Master isn't here, so I'll go recruit a disciple on her behalf. Don't run around causing trouble if it's nothing important."
Lao Huang rolled its eyes.
「Above the plaza.」
Jiuli Peak, Wanjian Peak, Snow Storm Peak… The Peak Masters from these three major peaks were all present. They looked down at the young, innocent faces brimming with vitality, and smiles touched their lips.
"This year, we've got some promising newcomers," the Jiulifeng Peak Lord said with a smile. "I heard there's even someone with an attribute physique. Such a genius would be perfect for my Jiuli Peak."
The Wanjian Peak Lord was indignant and retorted, "Brother, you are mistaken. Your Jiuli Peak cultivates movement techniques, while we of Wanjian Peak cultivate the Sword Dao. My peak is the most suitable for those with attribute physiques."
"You're wrong, you're wrong," the master of Snow Storm Peak lightly chuckled. "Attribute physiques are suitable for Physical Cultivation, and my Snow Storm Peak is precisely specialized in this aspect."
The three Peak Masters debated for a long time.
A Steward couldn't help but interject, "Besides the attribute physique, there's also a Different Body and a Sword Heart!" There's no need to fight; it's best if each peak takes one.
The Jiulifeng Peak Lord laughed without saying a word.
The Wanjian Peak Lord glanced at the empty seat nearby and asked, "Has the Qingfeng Peak Lord returned yet?"
The Steward replied, "Not yet, but the Sect Leader has arranged for Chen Pingping to take charge of Qingfeng's disciple recruitment."
Oh, it's that fellow who did nothing but tend cattle for three years! The three Peak Masters exchanged glances, unable to hide their amusement.
One attribute physique, one Different Body, and one Sword Heart—with a bit of effort, they might be able to recruit two, and at the very least, secure one. However, if Wen Yuqing participated in the recruitment ceremony, the variables would change completely. Given Wen Yuqing's overbearing and domineering nature, she'd probably make a forceful move, right? But if a junior like Chen Pingping showed up, what qualifications would he have to compete with them?
"Wow, who is this senior brother? He's so handsome!" a girl exclaimed, her eyes shining brightly.
"Which peak is he from? I want to cultivate with him!"
"I so want to marry him, oh my goodness..."
With Chen Pingping's entrance, a wave of excitement surged among the newcomers in the square.
The female disciples of the other Three Peaks regretted their initial decisions and wished they could join Qingfeng right now. But unfortunately… Wen Yuqing was too lazy; she had closed recruitment after accepting Chen Pingping.
"Chen, bringing a dog to the Sect's recruitment ceremony doesn't seem appropriate, does it?" the hosting Steward said, his face dark.
After tending cattle for three years, does he now plan to raise a dog for another three?
The three Peak Masters were collectively speechless.
However, this was also good. Chen Pingping's actions were tarnishing Qingfeng's image. Consequently, nobody would dare to join Qingfeng. By that time, Qingfeng would be forced to merge.
"Let's begin!" the Jiulifeng Peak Lord stated indifferently.
The hosting Steward, having no choice, stepped forward.
The master of Snow Storm Peak turned to Chen and inquired, "Chen, how many disciples do you plan to recruit this time?"
"One," Chen Pingping answered.
"Ah?"
The master of Snow Storm Peak was taken aback. The other two Peak Masters also wore expressions full of astonishment.
Chen Pingping continued, "Master said, 'Just recruit one for show. She couldn't care less about more; she doesn't have the time for them.'"
This was Wen Yuqing—laziness summed up in one word.
Chen Pingping had been in the Sect for three years, and she hadn't taught him any cultivation practices, merely adopting a hands-off approach.
In Wen Yuqing's words: "Being handsome is enough. Why bother cultivating?"
Such a Peak Master, and they still expected her to take on disciples?
CLANG!
The hosting Steward struck the bell, and the entire plaza instantly fell silent. He announced loudly, "The Wuji Sect's recruitment ceremony now begins!"
"First up is Jiuli Peak, which specializes in movement techniques. The current Peak Lord, Li Momo, is extremely powerful. Those who like movement techniques may join Jiuli Peak."
"Second is Wanjian Peak. As the name suggests, this peak is proficient in the Sword Dao. 'A single sword strike from here can traverse a hundred thousand miles.' The Peak Lord, Wu Qi, welcomes those who favor the Sword Dao to join Wanjian Peak."
"Third is Snow Storm Peak, which majors in Physical Cultivation. 'One Force Breaks Ten Thousand Skill.' It is well-suited for those with strong physiques, involving martial techniques, fist techniques, Fist Skill, and others. The Peak Lord is Lin Mowen."
"Fourth, Qingfeng..." As he mentioned this, the hosting Steward glanced at Chen Pingping and the little black dog in his arms.
What are Qingfeng's strengths? Does Qingfeng even have any strengths? Qingfeng... seemed to have no strengths.
The hosting Steward struggled for a while before speaking, "Qingfeng has a long heritage and profound foundation. The current Peak Lord, Wen Yuqing, is exceptionally skilled. Her disciple, Chen Pingping, is immensely talented and kind-hearted. Hmm… those who enjoy raising small animals can come to Qingfeng."
The three Peak Masters laughed. This Steward is quite commendable, with boundless potential!
But Chen Pingping was unconcerned. So what if it looked bad? After all, Master had instructed him to recruit only one. As for the bet... if the sky fell, Master would hold it up!