Everyone couldn't help but laugh at Li Qiang's appearance.
Qi Junsha said, "My good disciple, what are you afraid of? At the Ancient Sword Academy, you can have anything you want, and you can even find a suitable cultivation girl to live happily ever after with, cultivating together. Isn't that wonderful?"
Li Qiang was extremely puzzled and asked, "Cultivators can get married too? How come I didn't know that?" He took the opportunity to change the subject.
Ling Junyan laughed, "Junior Brother, don't you know? Cultivators can not only practice dual cultivation together, but they can also have children, as long as they're willing to sacrifice a hundred years of their cultivation. However, most cultivators don't try it easily. There are many dual cultivators in our Sword Academy. If you meet a girl you like in the future, you can practice dual cultivation there too."
Only then did Li Qiang realize that in this respect, the Cultivation Realm and the secular world were no different; one could have a wife just like the other.
Li Qiang asked curiously, "Master, did you also practice dual cultivation before?"
These words shocked everyone present. What kind of disciple would ask their master such a question?
Qi Junsha said calmly, "I had one before, but I felt it would affect my cultivation, so we broke up."
Li Qiang was stunned. He said in disbelief, "Oh? You can break up after dual cultivation? That's strange... it's not what I expected."
This time, it was Li Yumin, the head of the Silver Phoenix Sword Academy, who couldn't hold back any longer. She chuckled softly and whispered, "Is it your first time visiting Sealed Fate Planet, Junior Uncle?" She didn't dare say another thing, "How come Junior Uncle doesn't understand anything?"
Li Qiang nodded and said, "This is my first time here. What's so strange about that? I haven't even been back to the Chongxuan Sect yet, and my master dragged me here to the Ancient Sword Academy." He looked unwilling.
Qi Junsha said sharply, "What? You're not satisfied?"
Li Qiang said with a grin, "How dare I? You're so powerful, old man. Just give the order, and I'll go through fire and water... I'd do anything for you..." He suddenly realized he had said the wrong thing again.
Qi Junsha chuckled, "You said it yourself, this old man wants to verify it."
Li Qiang chuckled a few times and said, "Master, where did you go after we parted ways at the Sea of Wronged Souls? I've been so worried about you..."
Qi Junsha said, "My good disciple, don't interrupt. Hehe, you don't need to worry about where I go. This old man will be leaving soon, and it's no use what you say. I have to stay here, hmph..." He said in a threatening tone.
Ling Junyan also said, "Junior Brother, we're not letting you take over immediately. You need to adapt to this place first, and then you can take over. Your senior master is also thinking of you. Having a home in the Cultivation Realm is different. As for cultivation, you can refer to all the classics of the Ancient Sword Academy. By combining the strengths of both, you will definitely make greater progress than you are now."
The two experts from the Ancient Sword Academy used a combination of threats and inducements to persuade Li Qiang, both determined to win him over.
Li Qiang looked miserable, clutching his head and muttering, "Oh dear, Master's playing tricks on me." He looked around, knowing no one could speak up for him. After a long pause, he said, "Master, can I think about it? Senior brother, it's not that I don't want to help you, I... I really don't have time to stay here. Hehe, I have so many chores to do."
Qi Junsha said without room for argument, "Hey, my good disciple, think about it and then agree, that's good, hmm, it's decided!"
Li Qiang tried to stall for time to get away with it. He ignored Qi Junsha's self-talk and mumbled a couple of things, but no one could hear what he said.
Ling Junyan said, " Chi'ou, please continue."
Qian Chi'ou said, "Recently, an astonishing piece of news has been circulating on Sealed Fate Planet: a divine artifact left behind by the God of Wrath has been discovered on Heavenly Court Star. All the major factions are preparing to fight over it. It is said that it will be unearthed in the near future, but the exact location is still unknown."
Li Qiang said, "Is it the divine artifact Wrath of the Heavenly God? I know it's still a long way from being unearthed."
Qian Chi'ou's eyes lit up, and he said, "How did you know, Junior Uncle? We spent a lot of effort to figure it out, and none of the sects were willing to reveal the information."
Li Qiang found it strange that the Ancient Sword Academy was so secretive about information. He said, "I know about this. I also know where the divine artifact appeared. Indeed, many sects are paying attention to it. However, I've heard that the restrictions inside are extremely powerful."
Qi Junsha remained silent. He recalled the conflict with the Buddha Sect, which was all for a divine artifact. At that time, the Cultivation Realm was thrown into chaos, and many experts perished because of it, ultimately gaining nothing. It was truly a case of losing more than one gains.
Everyone was truly impressed by Li Qiang; he actually knew these things.
Qian Chi'ou continued, "The other one is the great battle between Sealed Fate Planet and Qianjie Star, which was initiated by Elder Fu of the Chongxuan Sect, and now many sects are participating."
Qi Junsha glanced at Li Qiang and said meaningfully, "This old man will also be attending. It was at the invitation of our good disciple. Hehe, Fu Shan is his elder brother, isn't he, our good disciple?"
Li Qiang laughed, "With you here, those guys from Qianjie Star are no match for us, hehe." He took the opportunity to flatter him, hoping to avoid offending the old man. Qi Junsha was easily swayed by this and couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Ling Junyan said, "Since my senior uncle is participating, our Ancient Sword Academy will also participate. Chi'ou, send someone to inform the Chongxuan Sect later."
Li Qiang interjected, "Also, inform my elder brother that I'll be returning to the Chongxuan Sect soon."
Geng Feng exclaimed excitedly, " The Old Madman is participating too! Hehe, just thinking about it is exhilarating!"
Ignoring Geng Feng, Li Qiang asked, "Any other news?"
Qian Chi'ou said, "There's also the ' Dao Technique and Law Technique Grand Competition ' held in Immortal Fate City once every forty years. It's organized by Cloud Heaven Sacred City and is the biggest event on Sealed Fate Planet. It's starting in a few years. Our Ancient Sword Academy hasn't participated for over two hundred years. This time, we have several outstanding disciples, and we'd like to send them to compete..."
Qi Junsha asked in surprise, " The Ancient Sword Academy hasn't participated for hundreds of years? Why?"
Ling Junyan said awkwardly, "I lost many times in a row, so I simply stopped participating. All the major sects have many talented people, but our Ancient Sword Academy is far inferior. It's because I, as the academy head, am incompetent."
Qi Junsha was instantly enraged. "What are you saying? Disciples are needed! You're all holed up at home, where are you going to find talented individuals? You're infuriating me! The lineage of the Ancient Sword Academy will have no successors if it doesn't fall into your hands!"
Seeing that Qi Junsha was furious, Ling Junyan hurriedly led the other academy leaders to rise from their seats and apologize.
Li Qiang, however, disagreed, saying, "Master, I'm afraid it's not the fault of my senior brothers, is it? You older generation of experts are all busy cultivating yourselves, each of you washing your hands of the sect's affairs, leaving the younger generation to shoulder the burden. If they do well, that's expected; if they don't, you scold them. That's unreasonable. Why are you taking your anger out on the younger generation? If there's a problem, you should find a way to solve it..."
Startled Ling Junyan hurriedly said, "Junior Brother, please stop. It's our incompetence that has let our elders down."
In fact, Li Qiang's words struck a chord with Ling Junyan and the others. The senior masters of the Ancient Sword Academy were all formidable, but they rarely concerned themselves with the affairs of the academy, as they were all busy with their own cultivation. The decline of the Ancient Sword Academy was therefore understandable. However, Li Qiang's criticism of his elders made them very uncomfortable, as it was forbidden to oppose one's elders in the Ancient Sword Academy.
Qi Junsha stared intently at Li Qiang, while Ling Junyan and the others broke out in a cold sweat, wondering how their senior master would punish this audacious junior brother.
Li Qiang raised his head without fear, and the two stared at each other like fighting cocks.
After a long pause, Qi Junsha said sharply, "Oh? It seems you have some ideas. Are you saying that we elders are bad?"
Li Qiang immediately replied, "Exactly!"
Qi Junsha quickly followed up with, "Can you handle it well?"
Li Qiang casually replied, "Of course... uh... you!" He immediately realized he had been tricked again.
Qi Junsha laughed loudly, "My good disciple, you said it yourself! Damn it, you're still too green to fight with an old man like me! Haha!" He had set a trap for Li Qiang to fall into.
The master and apprentice had been subtly competing since they first met, but Li Qiang had never actually gained the upper hand. He slunk back onto the cushion, rubbing his head in his hands, swaying and muttering something unintelligible.
Everyone was completely bewildered and at a loss by the master and apprentice; they had never seen such a master-apprentice relationship before.
Ling Junyan said, "Senior Uncle, Junior Brother will definitely stay. Hehe, I can tell he's a kind-hearted person."
Li Qiang knew that his master and senior brother were working together, one playing the bad cop and the other the good cop. He figured he couldn't escape it any longer, so he said helplessly, "Master, senior brother, stop fooling around. If you agree to two requests, I'll help you... how about it?"
Qi Junsha's gaze swept over Ling Junyan Ling Junyan slightly. These two experienced old men had formed a tacit understanding from the very beginning.
Qi Junsha chuckled and said, "My good disciple, what are your two requests? Tell me."
Li Qiang said, "First, I won't become the head of the Ancient Sword Academy. Your academy must have its own trained successor, so let him take over..."
Ling Junyan exclaimed anxiously, "Oh..."
Li Qiang stopped him from continuing, "Listen to my reasons! I've just arrived at the Sword Academy, and I'm unfamiliar with everything. No one under me trusts me, so they're hesitant to do anything, and even the best ideas won't work."
Everyone secretly agreed; what he said made sense.
Qi Junsha, with her shrewd and calculating nature, asked calmly, "What's the second one?"
"Secondly, I must finish taking care of a few things before I come to the Ancient Sword Academy." Li Qiang said with a wry smile, "You can run around freely, but you leave the responsibility to your disciple. Humph! Irresponsible master!"
Qi Junsha rubbed his hands together, smiling smugly, "My good disciple, don't complain. Your two conditions... are easy to agree to. It'll be like this: you'll take over the care of the Ancient Sword Academy in my place. Ling boy, I'm leaving my only disciple here; if he doesn't manage the academy well, it won't be right."
Ling Junyan respectfully replied, "Thank you for your concern, Senior Uncle. I will certainly do my best." He then said to Li Qiang, "Junior Brother, there is a position in the Ancient Sword Academy that has been vacant for a long time. This position has always been held by a highly respected elder. Since Junior Brother is unwilling to be the head of the academy, then you can take this position."
Li Qiang was fine with anything as long as he wasn't appointed as the head of the academy, but he was still a little upset and asked, "Senior brother, what kind of position is that?"
Ling Junyan smiled and said, "The position of Supervisor of the Ancient Sword Academy is a position that can check and balance the Academy Master. Originally, there were four people holding this position, but now they are all vacant. Once I hand over the power of the Academy Master, I will also take on this position."
Li Qiang thought for a moment, "It seems there's no difference. Sigh! I've fallen for Master's trick again. With this bridle around my neck, I really don't know when I'll be able to get it off."
Qi Junsha said, "That's fine too. Let the younger generation work hard while you assist them. Hmm, Ling boy, I remember the Ancient Sword Academy has plenty of good food, why didn't you bring any out? Not that I'm criticizing you, but you're so forgetful..."
Ling Junyan said apologetically, "Master Uncle, please forgive me. I will make the arrangements immediately."
The female cultivators from the Silver Phoenix Sword Academy served up the Ancient Sword Academy's specialty snacks, along with various rare and exotic fruits.
Li Qiang stared blankly at the rare delicacies, his mind preoccupied.
Qi Junsha winked at everyone and said loudly, "Great stuff! Everyone, come and eat!"
Qi Junsha was cunning and shrewd, not giving Li Qiang any time to think. He took out a Jade Pupil Slip and handed it to Li Qiang, "My good disciple, these are some of my unorthodox skills. Hehe, I know you are proficient in a few schools of Cultivation Method, but having more wouldn't be very useful. Besides, you can consult the various classics of the Ancient Sword Academy on your own in the future, so I won't give you the cultivation methods of our sect. These unorthodox skills are just for you to play with. Among them is Puppet Technique, which you might be interested in."
Li Qiang accepted it with a troubled expression, saying, "Thank you, Master. Don't worry, I keep my word... Sigh, it's just that I'm a little unwilling. I can't outsmart you, I always get tricked." Li Qiang's skill in flattering people was quite adept, and he inadvertently gave Qi Junsha a big compliment again.
Ling Junyan and the others, however, failed to grasp the meaning behind his words and were even worried for him, fearing that Qi Junsha would be furious, as they were already accustomed to the distinction between superiors and inferiors.
To his surprise, Qi Junsha's eyes narrowed into slits with delight as he said smugly, "My good disciple, I've seen too much in this world, what don't I know? Hehe, but you're no simpleton either, quick-witted, clear-thinking, and your flattery skills are top-notch, hehe." In truth, he understood everything, and he genuinely liked Li Qiang as his disciple. Therefore, he accepted Li Qiang's flattery without complaint; if it were someone else, he probably wouldn't have paid any attention.
The master and apprentice flattered each other without regard for others, dazzling the onlookers. Qian Chi'ou was dumbfounded. He was a well-known gentleman and the successor to the next head of the academy, known as Mister Sword. He was the most old-fashioned person, but Qi Junsha and Li Qiang were his elders. No matter what they did, he could only stare helplessly and dared not say a word.
Qi Junsha said, "Ling boy, clean up the Encircling Sword Pavilion in the Sword Academy. This old man needs to cultivate there for a while. Don't bother me unless it's something important. Apart from my good disciple, you and Xiao Ou, no one is allowed to disturb me, understand?"
Ling Junyan was overjoyed. With Qi Junsha in charge of the Ancient Sword Academy, who would dare to underestimate Ancient Sword Academy? He knew that the current state of the Ancient Sword Academy was also a concern for this senior. With the help of Loose Immortal immortal like Qi Junsha, the Ancient Sword Academy would surely be able to restore its former glory.
He said excitedly, "That's wonderful! Thank you for your concern and kindness, Senior Uncle." He immediately relayed the academy master's order, designating Encircling Sword Pavilion as a forbidden area for the entire academy, and no one was allowed to enter without permission.
He then asked Qi Junsha, "Uncle-Master, should we find a few disciples to serve you?"
Qi Junsha shook her head. "No need, I have Loose Spirit to control, it's very convenient."
Li Qiang asked curiously, "What is this thing called 'Loose Spirit '?" He really didn't understand.
Qi Junsha raised his hand and unleashed three beams of white light. These three beams of light hung in the hall, transforming into two women and a man, who gracefully bowed and said, "Greetings, Master!"
Li Qiang exclaimed in surprise, "Huh, it's Spirit Body!"
Qi Junsha chuckled, "Compared to your Mei'er, she's far inferior. Once you hatch that little girl, she'll be able to fight and battle with magical Law Treasure. My few Spirit Body are no match for her; they can only do odd jobs. You even managed to create this kind of Loose Spirit? It's recorded in the Jade Pupil Slip I gave you." He waved his hand to retrieve the Loose Spirit.
Ling Junyan was secretly shocked. Loose Spirit need to be cultivated with Nascent Soul, and his senior uncle actually dared to accept Nascent Soul body, which was a very taboo thing.
Qian Chi'ou and the others also showed doubt on their faces.
Qi Junsha, being a shrewd person, immediately saw their suspicion and said, "You little rascals, you dare to doubt this old man? Don't worry, these are all Nascent Soul spirits that I subdued and forcibly refined by others. Sigh, you stubborn fools, clinging to the rules and regulations of the Ancient Sword Academy, not daring to overstep a single step. The development of the Ancient Sword Academy depends entirely on you, but you... each and every one of you is rigid in your thinking, inflexible. Damn it, from now on, you can all go all out and do your best, with this old man backing you up."
Qi Junsha couldn't help but scold them again. Although Ling Junyan and the others were scolded, they felt particularly at ease. After so many years, they had never received guidance or reprimands from their elders. They bowed and accepted his teachings.
Li Qiang thought for a moment and said, "Senior brother, I have a few disciples with decent aptitude. Could we let them cultivate at the Golden Qilin Sword Academy?" Li Qiang knew that he didn't know many things, especially systematic cultivation. If he could let Paben and the others enter such a major sect to cultivate, they could quickly lay a foundation for cultivation, which would be of great benefit to their future development.
Ling Junyan laughed and said, "Junior Brother, that's no problem, but their seniority is very high, and the sword masters of the Sword Academy are not easy to manage..."
Li Qiang nodded. "I've thought about it. They should all conceal their identities and cultivate with everyone else. Hehe, my disciples are all so disrespectful; it'll be good to put them in a bridle."
Qian Chi'ou said earnestly, "Don't worry, Junior Uncle, I will definitely take good care of these fellow disciples."
Li Qiang turned to Hong Qian and said, "You join in too. You and Paben go first into the Golden Qilin Sword Academy. The others can join after I return from Heavenly Court Star."
Hong Qian's heart pounded with excitement. This was a rare opportunity; systematically learning cultivation would resolve countless questions and greatly benefit his future cultivation path. He said gratefully, "Thank you, Uncle-Master. Hong Qian will definitely work hard."
Paben also said, "Thank you, Master."
Qian Chi'ou summoned a disciple and ordered him to take Hong Qian and Paben to the Golden Qilin Sword Academy.
Geng Feng laughed and said, "Those two are alright, but if Nashan and the others come, hehe, it'll be quite a scene."
Li Qiang asked, " Old Madman, I need to go to Heavenly Court Star. Are you staying here or coming with me?" He was really worried about Mo Huaiyuan; they had been separated for so long, and he must be getting impatient.
Geng Feng said dejectedly, "Ugh! I'm so bored, there's no fight to fight. I want to wander around Sealed Fate Planet and see where I can fight and battle with magical Law Treasure. I'm not going with you, I'll wait until you come back."
Li Qiang smiled and said, "I have an idea, would you like to hear it?"
Geng Feng perked up and hurriedly asked, "Tell me! Tell me! Is it okay to fight?"
Li Qiang said, "These disciples from the Ancient Sword Academy don't have much practical combat experience. You can spar with them. If one disciple isn't enough, have two. If that's not enough, have a whole group. Hehe, that'll definitely give you a good time."
Qi Junsha and Ling Junyan immediately realized that Li Qiang was looking for expert coaches for the Ancient Sword Academy.
Qi Junsha immediately said, "There should be quite a few skilled disciples among the Ancient Sword Academy. Hmm, how about this, young Ling, let's hire him as a guest swordsman of the Ancient Sword Academy."
Ling Junyan immediately replied, "Yes, Senior Uncle, I will certainly satisfy Brother Geng."
Unbeknownst to him, Geng Feng had been outmaneuvered by these three cunning experts. He exclaimed gleefully, "Great! The Fengzi isn't leaving! He'll have his fun at the Ancient Sword Academy, haha!" His eager expression made everyone burst into laughter.
When he fought with Li Qiang just now, everyone present was an expert and could see very clearly that Geng Feng was very strong, especially since he was good at sound attacks. This is a rare Cultivation Method in the Cultivation Realm of Sealed Fate Planet and is of great benefit to the disciples of the Ancient Sword Academy in broadening their horizons.
A disciple reported that Encircling Sword Pavilion had been cleaned.
Qi Junsha said, "I'm off. Ling boy, consult with your junior brother if you have any problems. Trust your master's judgment; this little guy can definitely turn the Ancient Sword Academy around. Hehe, my good disciple, you can come to see me at the Encircling Sword Pavilion anytime. As for the others, don't come unless it's necessary, understand?" He was extremely biased, but it was the rule of the Ancient Sword Academy that elders could do as they pleased, while juniors had no choice but to obey. Ling Junyan and the others bowed and agreed.
In the blink of an eye, Qi Junsha had vanished without a trace.
Geng Feng exclaimed, "Let the Fengzi go meet those disciples! Haha, I'm really looking forward to it!"
Qian Chi'ou took out a dark gold belt and smiled, "This is a belt exclusively for guest masters of our Ancient Sword Academy. The disciples will recognize you just by looking at it." He handed it to Geng Feng, officially hiring this Fengzi expert, and added, "Guest sword masters can access the Ancient Sword Academy's records, and receive annual offerings of Immortal Stone and various rare treasures."
Geng Feng excitedly took the belt, fastened it around his waist, and laughed, "Oh my, there are so many benefits!"
Ling Junyan also took out a headband, decorated with seven small golden swords arranged in a cross pattern. He tossed it with a flick of his wrist, and the headband automatically attached itself to Li Qiang's head, cleverly securing his hair at the top.
Ling Junyan smiled and said, "This is the abbot's emblem, and also a protective Law Treasure. Junior brother, from now on, the Ancient Sword Academy will be your home."
Li Qiang is very sensitive to the word "home," and Ling Junyan's words filled him with a warm feeling.
Li Qiang touched the headband on his head. "Yes, please take care of me from now on." He said a few polite words, then wondered whether to return to Heavenly Court Star or go to the Chongxuan Sect first.
He was a little unsure of what to do, so he asked, "Senior brother, do you know anything about the Chongxuan Sect? Is Brother Fu Shan still on Fengyuan Star?" He thought that if Brother Fu was there, he would return to the Chongxuan Sect; if not, he would return to Tianting Star first.
Ling Junyan said, "Most of the experts from the major sects are not on Sealed Fate Planet right now. Apart from the White-Haired Wu Chen who just returned, it seems that none of the experts from the Chongxuan Sect are at home."
Qian Chi'ou said, "I heard that Old Master Fu went to a very far planet. I don't know what he went there for. He hasn't been here for a while. If he were at the Chongxuan Sect, Sealed Fate Planet would be more lively than usual. Old Master Fu has friends all over the world."
Hearing that Fu Shan wasn't on Sealed Fate Planet, Li Qiang was a little disappointed. "Alright, I'll go back to Heavenly Court Star first and come back after I've finished my business." He touched the headband on his head, as if remembering something, and casually took out several Law Treasure he had obtained in the Great Illusion Buddha Realm, smiling, "Senior Brother, this Jasper Cloud is for you. Chi'ou, are you an earth-type physique?"
Ling Junyan took Jasper Cloud and exclaimed in surprise, "Junior Brother, this is Law Treasure refined from the Mixed Primordial Jasper Qi! It's a wonderful item, thank you!"
Qian Chi'ou nodded and said, "Yes, Junior Uncle, I have a rather rare pure earth-type physique."
Li Qiang handed him a crystal bead of earth essence he had obtained from the whisk, saying, "This is the essence of earth essence; it should be suitable for you."
This Earth Essence Pearl, the size of a pigeon's egg, emitted a faint golden light. It was a crystallized bead squeezed out from a whisk, making it a rare and precious treasure. It might not be of much use to others, but for Qian Chi'ou, it would be of great help.
Holding the precious pearl, Qian Chi'ou felt a familiar power emanating from it. He was stunned for a long time before exclaiming, "Heavens! Where did Junior Uncle get such heavenly materials and earthly treasures? It's such a tremendous help to me! With this pearl, I can easily break through my current cultivation level. Thank you, Junior Uncle!"
Zhongli Fan, the head of the Hundred Offering Academy, received a flying sword, while Han Suya, the head of the Hidden Root Academy, received a suit of armor; both were rare and precious items.
Li Yumin was given a Nine-Curve Spirit Lion Girdle, and she giggled, "Little Martial Uncle, that's not fair! You gave Senior Brother such a nice gift!"
Ling Junyan scolded, "Xiao Min, how can you speak to your senior uncle like that?"
Li Qiang didn't take it seriously and laughed, "Senior brother, it's alright. Hehe, Xiaomin has a water-attribute constitution?"
Qian Chi'ou interjected, "Junior Sister has the Yin Water attribute, which is quite rare."
Li Qiang thought to himself, "Luckily, I have a lot of gadgets, otherwise I would have really made a fool of myself." He took out a Mystic Pearl and asked, "Will this work?"
Li Yumin was just joking, but she didn't expect Li Qiang to actually take out a precious pearl. She looked closely and exclaimed, "Wow! It's a pearl condensed from Mystic Qi..." She grabbed it in her hand, overjoyed and not knowing what to do.
Li Qiang's Law Treasure offensive once again proved highly effective, subtly bringing everyone closer to him.
"This junior brother is not to be underestimated." Ling Junyan thought to himself, feeling a surge of confidence in him.