Taking On A Master?

Taking On A Master? . . .

Jun Mengchen couldn't contain his joy. Two out of the three of them had successfully fulfilled the Heavenly Talisman Realm's mission. They now possessed the treasures bestowed by the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, and upon their return, they'd receive a reward from the Heavenly Talisman Realm. It was a cause for celebration, and Jun Mengchen wore a wide grin that illuminated his face.

He also understood that his senior brother Qin had a past conflict with the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor. This was why Dongsheng Ting and the Deepflame Immortal King had consistently made things difficult for Qin Wentian, indirectly involving him and Zi Qingxuan as well. Paradoxically, this situation filled him with excitement. Since they had once abandoned Qin Wentian, he eagerly anticipated seeing Qin Wentian turn the tables on his detractors.

As these thoughts danced in his mind, Jun Mengchen's smile grew even more brilliant. He raised his wine cup and downed its contents in one go. Dongsheng Ting noticed the radiant expression on Jun Mengchen's face and silently nodded, his mood considerably improved.

After all, both Jun Mengchen and Qin Wentian had secured the top two positions. Shouldn't they be content now? The Eastern Sage Immortal Sect would continue to nurture them in the future.

"This immortal banquet comes to a splendid close. Let me propose a toast to all the immortal king seniors, participants, and the spectators," Dongsheng Ting proposed, lifting his cup and flashing a warm smile.

"Cheers, let's drink!" an immortal king exclaimed.

"However, one more step remains before concluding this banquet. Allow me to extend my congratulations in advance to Your Highness for discovering these three talents. Let us also congratulate the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect for accepting three more supreme geniuses," someone rejoiced, prompting smiles from the various immortal kings.

"Yes, let's offer our congratulations in advance."

With joy and laughter, the attendees raised their glasses, as if the matter of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor accepting these three participants as disciples had already been set in stone.

From their perspective, this immortal banquet offered fame, treasures, and a position of authority within the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect. These were the very reasons they had embarked on their cultivation journeys. After all, who wouldn't desire an immortal emperor as their mentor?

Considering the vastness of the immortal realms, it was teeming with geniuses. There was no shortage of individuals who radiated brilliance across generations. So, what did the immensely expansive immortal realms lack? It was the very apex, the experts at the pinnacle.

The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor ruled over the thirteen prefectures, an emperor with unparalleled authority. Aligning oneself with him as a master would instantly elevate one's status. To countless individuals, it was akin to soaring to the heavens in a single stride. In the future, treasures, resources, and the caliber of individuals one encountered would all undergo a transformation.

Amidst such resplendent glory, the mere thought of the word 'reject' seemed utterly inconceivable. It was a notion that would never cross anyone's mind.

Even for Dongsheng Ting, while he briefly entertained the possibility, he swiftly dismissed it as absurd.

After all, his royal father was none other than the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, the supreme ruler of the entire thirteen prefectures!

"Cherish this opportunity, young ones," immortal kings raised their glasses in congratulations to Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen.

"The young are often wild and full of arrogance. These two youngsters surpass even my own youthful audacity. Perhaps only individuals with their spirited personalities are suited to be disciples of His Majesty," one immortal king commented. Many guests had gathered at the table of Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen, making it seem as though all attention was now focused solely on them.

While Dongsheng Ting had declared the immortal banquet's ending as perfect, the immortal kings understood that the true climax had yet to unfold. The perfection would only be attained when His Majesty formally accepted the three participants as his disciples.

"Brother Qin," a voice addressed Qin Wentian. He turned to see Zuyu from the Battle Heavens Immortal Manor. Qin Wentian's expression tightened, his demeanor growing cold.

Yet, Zuyu's attitude had undergone a significant shift. He respectfully raised his wine cup and smiled, "Brother Qin, for the unpleasantness that transpired earlier, I offer my sincere apologies and shall penalize myself by drinking three cups in atonement. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive and forget."

All eyes were on Qin Wentian now. It was predestined that he would become a personal disciple of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, a future Sage Child of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect. As he matured, his authority would surpass even the major powers of the Cloud Prefecture. Given Qin Wentain's extraordinary talent, with the personal guidance of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor and others, he had the potential to become an unparalleled force.

In the past, Zuyu and Qin Wentian had clashed intensely. Zuyu couldn't have foreseen that Qin Wentian would achieve his current accomplishments after the Deepflame Immortal King's disparaging words. However, Qin Wentian had surpassed all expectations, making it clear that opposing a future Sage Child of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect was unwise.

Even the Battle Heavens Immortal Sect, reluctant to create an enemy out of a future Sage Child, sent Zuyu to offer apologies.

"Get lost!" Qin Wentian's words cut through the air. Instantly, Zuyu's face paled, his smile frozen in place. Although he hadn't made it to the top ten, he was still a well-known figure. Driven by pride and youthful hot-bloodedness, he'd initiated this apology, only to be met with a curt "get lost."

The experts from the Battle Heavens Immortal Manor wore unsightly expressions. It seemed that Qin Wentian had no intention of reconciliation.

Observing this, other major powers from the Cloud Prefecture abandoned their plans to make amends with Qin Wentian. They'd initially wanted to mend bridges, but it was now clear that it was an impossible task.

With a cold stare at Qin Wentian, Zuyu turned and departed. He downed the wine in his cup, then crushed it in frustration.

Qin Wentian paid Zuyu no mind. To him, becoming the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's disciple was nearly impossible. However, even as he grew stronger, he had no intention of seeking revenge against those major powers in the future. Their actions, in a way, had toughened him. He wouldn't waste time seeking vengeance against them.

As for Zuyu, he had touched a raw nerve. When Jun Mengchen was gravely poisoned, Zuyu had been present, cursing vehemently for Jun Mengchen's death. Did he really think that one apology would erase all past offenses and make Qin Wentian treat him as a friend? Such a notion was repugnant to Qin Wentian.

Representatives from the Eastern Prefecture also approached Qin Wentian's table, toasting him and Jun Mengchen. They wanted to establish connections with these two future Sage Child prospects.

The Eastern Sage Immortal Sect was situated in the Eastern Prefecture, and the title of Sage Child held immense prestige.

Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen welcomed those who wished to befriend them, listening with smiles while sipping their wine.

Then, a graceful figure made her way toward Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen. Instantly, the gaze of several experts was drawn to her. Even among the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's experts, there was an air of trepidation.

The approaching figure was Princess Glaze herself, possibly recruiting them for the Evergreen Immortal Empire.

The Idlecloud Immortal King rose to greet her. "Princess Glaze, your reputation has reached even the distant Cloud Prefecture, and I, Idlecloud, have heard of you."

"Senior, your kind words are too generous." Princess Glaze smiled, acknowledging the respect due to an immortal king.

"I've come to toast the two of them for their success," Princess Glaze announced, her gaze fixated on Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen. The information her royal father had shared was of utmost significance, and there was a high probability that one of these two individuals would influence the fate of their Evergreen Immortal Empire. Thus, she had come personally.

The Idlecloud Immortal King nodded in acknowledgment and introduced the young men. "Qin Wentian, Jun Mengchen, this lady is the daughter of the White Emperor, and the Evergreen Immortal Emperor regards her as his own daughter."

Qin Wentian's body trembled momentarily. He stared at Princess Glaze, a gleam of recognition flickering in his eyes before he stood up to show his respect.

Before him stood Princess Glaze from the Evergreen Immortal Empire.

Princess Glaze couldn't help but feel a hint of discomfort as she noticed Qin Wentian's intense gaze. No man had ever dared to look at her this way before.

"Do you know Qing'er?" Qin Wentian's voice reached Princess Glaze, causing her to tremble. Her eyes sharpened as she awaited his response.

"Princess, when you return, if you happen to see Qing'er, could you please tell her that I will definitely go there in the future to find her?" Qin Wentian continued. Dongsheng Ting frowned slightly, his eyes flashing with coldness as he observed their interaction.

"What is your relationship with Qing'er?" Princess Glaze inquired, her gaze fixed on Qin Wentian.

"You will find out soon," Qin Wentian replied cryptically, keeping her in suspense.

However, if Qin Wentian truly had a connection with Qing'er, there was no doubt that he was the person her royal father sought—the one who would shape the fate of their Evergreen Immortal Empire.

"I'll await that day," Princess Glaze responded without pressing further. Back at the immortal banquet, the atmosphere remained lively.

Suddenly, a flash of light appeared in the distance, a beam shooting directly towards the banquet. Everyone at the banquet stood up and turned their gaze toward the figure that had appeared.

A single figure stood there, and as he emerged, it felt as if the entire world revolved around him.

"We pay our respects to Your Majesty."

Several immortal kings immediately bowed, and even the immortal-foundation experts and servants knelt in reverence. This man was none other than the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, the living pillar of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect.

"Father!" Dongsheng Ting called out excitedly as he relinquished his host seat.

"Please, everyone, be seated. No need for such formality," the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor said in a down-to-earth manner. He appeared beside Dongsheng Ting's seat, exchanged pleasantries with Princess Glaze, and even teased her good-naturedly.

Princess Glaze responded politely. "Senior, you flatter me. My father often speaks highly of you."

The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor chuckled and addressed his juniors. "When you return, remember to convey my regards to your father and that old fellow Evergreen."

He then cast his eyes over those below. "Although I wasn't present earlier, I'm aware of everything that transpired. Those participants who secured a seat here are all welcome to join my Eastern Sage Immortal Sect as core disciples."

The grand hall was abuzz with excitement as the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, a living legend, addressed the top three rankers. His smile radiated warmth, and his eyes held a profound wisdom.

"Gusu Tianqi, Jun Mengchen, and Qin Wentian, please stand up and let me take a good look at you," he requested. The tension in the room was palpable as the three rising stars of the immortal cultivation world rose to their feet.

As the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's gaze swept over them, he didn't show any signs of surprise when his eyes settled on Qin Wentian. It was as if he was meeting him for the first time. With a friendly demeanor, he spoke, "I once said that those who can reach the top three ranks are all welcome to join my sect. Your talents are truly extraordinary, and it's remarkable that you've reached this level. Today, are the three of you willing to accept me as your master?"

Gusu Tianqi, the first to respond, eagerly agreed. The prospect of having the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor as his master was an opportunity of a lifetime that he couldn't pass up.

The immortal king's expression softened as he listened, recognizing the significance of this moment. The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor was an unparalleled figure in the immortal realms, and those who became his disciples were destined for greatness.

Turning his attention to Jun Mengchen and Qin Wentian, the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor awaited their responses. In the eyes of the immortal kings present, it was clear that these two talented individuals were about to embark on a path to becoming the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor's personal disciples.

"Jun Mengchen's talent is simply extraordinary. His Majesty is sure to appreciate him," remarked one of the immortal kings, his admiration evident.

However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically when Jun Mengchen spoke. He revealed his true intention: "I came to participate in the immortal banquet to challenge and improve myself. I have no intention of taking on a master, and I regretfully decline your kind offer, Senior." The room fell into an eerie silence, and time seemed to stand still.

The shocked silence was broken by Qin Wentian's voice, which cut through the tension like a sword. "My aptitude is simply too low, and I lack the fortune to become Your Majesty's disciple," he humbly admitted.

The declaration hung heavy in the air, and the room was filled with a sense of awe and wonder. The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor had extended a rare invitation, and both Jun Mengchen and Qin Wentian had respectfully declined. Their humility and self-awareness left a profound impression on everyone present.

In that moment, it was clear that these young cultivators were forging their own destinies, driven by their unique paths and principles. The Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor, ever wise, respected their choices, and the room slowly began to breathe again, now filled with a renewed sense of respect for the top three rankers.