C26 The Core of Disciples

The Core of Disciples was a title that signified the heir apparent to the Chu Family's patriarchal throne.

Should Chu Yangxiang ascend to the role of The Core of Disciples, he would wield unparalleled authority within the Chu Family, second only to the Patriarch himself. He would sit as an equal among the five Great Elders and the four Profound Warrior Group Leaders. His status would even eclipse that of the Patriarch's three sons.

Chu Yuexing's face fell as he realized his years of relentless effort had been in vain, including the nefarious deeds he had committed.

He would reap no benefits for his actions, which were sins too grievous for the world to forgive.

For years, he had harbored the dream of becoming the patriarch. Was Chu Yangxiang about to shatter that dream?

"Chu Yangxiang must die; only then will he cease to be a threat to me," Chu Yuexing resolved internally.

Chu Guangxiang, on the other hand, felt not disappointment but relief. Surely Chu Yuexing couldn't fault him any longer, could he? At the very least, Chu Yuexing couldn't find him guilty. He had genuinely tried his best.

Yet, it was beyond his control that he couldn't fulfill his task.

He had recently noticed that the red patterns on Chu Yangxiang's body acted as a conduit, channeling all the energy he had directed at Chu Yangxiang straight into his fists. Each of Chu Yangxiang's punches felt as though they were indirectly landing on him.

He had never anticipated that Chu Yangxiang possessed such extraordinary martial prowess.

Amidst resounding applause, Chu Qingyong declared the day's Profound Warrior selection competition a resounding success.

The seventy-eight newly promoted courtyard disciples gleefully received their family rewards — thirty Level Two Profound Qi Pills and twenty silver coins. Going forward, they would be accorded the privileges of courtyard Profound Warriors.

Their parents were now eligible to join them in the inner courtyard, and Chu Yuexing would oversee their future employment.

With the conclusion of the ceremony, the crowd dispersed, spirits soaring.

The buzz of conversation centered on Chu Yangxiang. His entry into the inner courtyard had seemed like a personal showcase. The rest were merely extras in his performance.

Chu Yangxiang had become the Chu Family's most talked-about figure, destined to be the subject of many future conversations.

Once the crowd had dispersed, Chu Qingyong led the Great Elders, the Profound Warrior Group Leaders, Chu Yangxiang, Chu Tianwen, and his wife to the Chu Family's council hall.

They traversed the expanse of the Training Hall, which spanned a thousand steps, and entered the Chu Family Courtyard through a side entrance. The array of pavilions, the arch of the Moon Gate, and the multitude of buildings gave Chu Tianwen the impression that he would certainly lose his way if he were to navigate this place alone.

Upon reaching the council hall, they found it occupied by only thirteen individuals.

Chu Qingyong instructed the servers to present two tables laden with the finest meals.

Chu Tianwen and his wife, seated at the head of the table, were moved by the spread before them. To be dining alongside the ten most influential members of the Chu Family was beyond their wildest dreams.

It was Chu Yangxiang's presence that legitimized their seat at the table in the Chu Family's council hall.

During the meal, the topic of elevating Chu Yangxiang to The Core Of Disciples was broached.

The elders each voiced their perspectives, ultimately resolving to provisionally designate Chu Yangxiang as the stand-in for The Core Of Disciples. His monthly allotment of resources would match that of Chu Qingyong's three sons.

Deep down, Chu Yangxiang reflected on his journey. When he lacked strength, he was no more than a clump of mud on the ground, easily stepped on. Now, with his newfound potential, he was esteemed by his kin.

He understood the Chu Family's predicament well. They were responsible for overseeing sustenance, lodging, business, and the resources for cultivation.

Chu Yangxiang braced himself against the fierce gusts. The wind stirred up by the Blade Horn Tiger was nearly strong enough to rend his flesh.

He treated the Eagle Strike Style with the utmost seriousness. With a swift backpedal, he narrowly evaded the incoming slash.

His Big Halberd was brandished once more as he engaged in a fierce battle with the Blade Horn Tiger.

Ultimately, Chu Yangxiang was forced to retreat hastily, realizing the extent of his gains over the past three days. Without that period of training, he might have already met his demise.

The Blade Horn Tiger's assault was swift and terrifying, yet it was the thrill of his accelerated progress in the martial arts that exhilarated him the most.

With a ferocious roar from the Blade Horn Tiger, the mountains themselves quaked.

For a full day and night, Chu Yangxiang was on the run.

The medicinal herbs and Demonic Beasts he had gathered were sufficient to sustain him for four to five days in the secluded valley.

Chu Yangxiang made his way back to his little haven.

Upon entering the valley, he was greeted by Luo Yufei, clad in a gray robe, with a beaming smile. Extending his thumb, Luo Yufei exclaimed, "Chu Yangxiang, to think you're capable of slaying Demonic Beasts alone on Hyphosis Mountain at just thirteen years old – you're a true prodigy. If you side with us, I can spare your life. How about it?"

Chu Yangxiang regarded Luo Yufei with a cold smirk, thinking to himself, "You really believe you can sway me?"

"I'm not the one who'll be needing a way out." With that, he brandished the Swallow Sky Halberd and advanced on Luo Yufei.

The ferocity of Chu Yangxiang's Crazy Dragon Out Of Water technique was astonishing, showcasing the tremendous strides he had made in just a few days.

Luo Yufei was taken aback, fully aware of the significance of such rapid improvement. Advancing even a single step was an arduous task for a Martial Cultivator, yet for Chu Yangxiang, it seemed effortless.

As Chu Yangxiang swung the Big Halberd, the air trembled with its formidable presence.

"Autumn Breeze Sword."

Luo Yufei's blade transformed into a fierce gale, hurtling toward Chu Yangxiang.

The clash of the Big Halberd against the treasured sword echoed through the depths of Hyphosis Mountain.

With a move called Slay Star-moon, Chu Yangxiang brought the Long Halberd down in a powerful arc, its descent marked by a mournful whistle and the eerie cries of specters.

Luo Yufei, recognizing his disadvantage in strength, wisely chose not to meet the attack directly.

His sword became a dazzling array of light, enveloping Chu Yangxiang.

A Sword Aura, encircled by a razor-sharp glow capable of slicing through metal with ease, streaked towards Chu Yangxiang's hands.

Quickly retracting his hands and shifting his stance, Chu Yangxiang dropped the long spear to the ground.

Luo Yufei's eyes sparkled with triumph, for without the Ancient Halberd, Chu Yangxiang would be unable to fend off his sixteen swords.

Luo Yufei's heart steadied. He launched an attack on Chu Yangxiang without any reservations. Deprived of his weapon, he was unable to mount a defense.

"If you surrender now, I'll spare your life. What do you say?"

The gleam of the sword surged toward Chu Yangxiang.

"Luo Yufei, if I don't kill you today, I swear I'm no longer human."

Chu Yangxiang turned and incredibly charged through the Sword Aura.

Luo Yufei was reckless. Despite Chu Yangxiang's strength, he didn't believe he could withstand his Autumn Breeze Sword. He refused to accept that he couldn't overcome a Three-star.

The Autumn Breeze Sword unleashed its astonishing might.

"You're ungrateful. So be it, prepare to die."

The sword sliced toward Chu Yangxiang's neck.

Chu Yangxiang shifted his body. Luo Yufei's sword technique failed to graze him.

In an instant, Chu Yangxiang had vanished.

Old Xiong uprooting a tree, a fierce tiger pouncing down the mountain, a goshawk swooping on a rabbit, a bear confronting a tiger, and the South Bear Fist came crashing down with endless lethal intent.

The iron fist struck Luo Yufei's torso.

Luo Yufei was hurled over ten meters, crashing heavily into the earth.

Dust billowed.

Luo Yufei coughed up blood.

He saw Chu Yangxiang's fist aiming for his head.

With his Long Sword, he thrust at Chu Yangxiang's throat, convinced it would be a fatal blow. He was certain of Chu Yangxiang's demise.

Chu Yangxiang dodged, narrowly escaping death.

Without hesitation, Chu Yangxiang's fist connected with Luo Yufei's skull.

A dull thud sounded. Luo Yufei's head shattered.

He stared at Chu Yangxiang in disbelief. Just four days prior, he had soundly defeated Chu Yangxiang, and now, he had become the architect of his own downfall.

He extended his pale hand, asking, "Tell me why."

Then, Luo Yufei's neck twisted, and he was gone.

Sweat drenched Chu Yangxiang's brow, his body shaking. He had never anticipated such rapid progress under the tutelage of the Heaven-martial Godly Tortoise, advancing by leaps and bounds in a mere three days.

Three days ago, Luo Yufei had effortlessly disarmed a White Blade with his bare hands, unknowingly applying the Chasing Soul Hand technique to himself.

Three days later, he found himself astounded by his own progress, having slain Luo Yufei without a weapon.

This remarkable advancement was largely due to the training with the Heaven-martial Godly Tortoise. When Chu Yangxiang's Swallow Sky Halberd was discarded, he mistakenly assumed Chu Yangxiang's combat abilities had significantly weakened. His guard dropped, and by the time he realized his error and tried to fight with full force, it was too late.

The Heaven-martial Godly Tortoise's assault covered Chu Yangxiang from all angles, honing his ability to evade attacks from any direction.

It was this rigorous training that enabled Chu Yangxiang to defeat Luo Yufei with such ease.

The effectiveness of the Heaven-martial Godly Tortoise's methods deepened Chu Yangxiang's respect and trust in the creature.

After the battle, Chu Yangxiang thoroughly searched Luo Yufei, confiscating a white pouch, a finely crafted purse, and even the Long Sword Luo Yufei had wielded.

With his spoils in hand, Chu Yangxiang made his way back to his secluded cultivation valley in silence.