Chapter 48: How Can Recruiting a Disciple Be Called a Trick?

Chapter 48: How Can Recruiting a Disciple Be Called a Trick? “You may not.” Prince Ding blurted out the words without thinking. If the concubine were taken away by Xiao Chen, wouldn’t he become the laughingstock of the entire Liang Nation? Everyone would assume that he had driven out the Xiao family’s dragon among men. Even the royal family would be displeased with him. In that case, forget about becoming the sovereign of Liang—he might not even be able to keep his footing in the capital. Xiao Chen frowned slightly upon hearing this. “Prince, I don’t recall asking for your opinion.” “You...” Prince Ding was instantly choked by the retort. He really wanted to slap this unfilial son, but he held himself back—not just because he couldn’t defeat Xiao Chen. Even if Xiao Chen stood there and let him strike, he wouldn’t dare raise a hand. Seeing the father and son about to clash again, Xiao Chen’s mother quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “Chen’er, how can you speak to your father that way?” “Hmph!” Prince Ding let out a weak snort, as if he were the one suffering injustice. Seeing his mother speak up, Xiao Chen said, “If Mother wishes to bring Father along, I wouldn’t object.” Prince Ding: “...” Why would I go to Wendao City? Isn’t being a prince here comfortable enough? Xiao Chen’s mother could easily see what her husband was thinking. “Chen’er, I appreciate your kind offer. But I’m getting old. Going to Wendao City would only be a burden to you. Here in the Prince’s Manor, I don’t lack for food or clothing, and the servants care for me. You needn’t worry. As long as you’re living well at Wendao Academy, that’s enough for me.” Xiao Chen knew he couldn’t persuade his mother. This wasn’t the first time he’d asked her to leave the Prince’s Manor, and each time she refused. “Mother, if you choose to stay in the Prince’s Manor, I won’t stop you. But as the mother of Xiao Chen, I will never allow you to be treated like this again.” His words were directed at his mother on the surface, but clearly intended for his father to hear. Prince Ding quickly added, “Chen’er, don’t worry. From now on, your mother will be this Prince’s principal wife—and you will be my legitimate heir.” “Hmph.” Xiao Chen snorted coldly. “No need for that. Just give my mother the respect she deserves. And those who once mistreated us—you must give her an explanation, or I’ll do it myself.” With that, he led his mother toward the front courtyard. Hoo... Only then did Prince Ding finally breathe a sigh of relief. Compared to him, the principal consort was already trembling in fear. She had made life difficult for Xiao Chen and his mother time and time again. Now that Xiao Chen had risen to power, her good days were clearly over. As for pleading with Prince Ding—she didn’t even consider it. Not just Prince Ding, even her own clan would abandon her if it meant keeping good relations with Wendao Academy. If she wanted to keep her child safe now, there was only one path left—kneel and beg for forgiveness. The next morning— The principal consort came to the courtyard in person, dressed in penitence, to apologize. Xiao Chen’s mother didn’t make things difficult for her. She merely said lightly, “From today onward, let the past be the past. We’ll stay out of each other’s way.” The principal consort immediately knelt and thanked her profusely. Meanwhile, Prince Ding had all the servants who had previously abused the concubine executed. Xiao Chen didn’t interfere in these matters. He knew his mother had a kind heart. Since she had chosen forgiveness, he, as her son, would follow her wishes. But if anyone in the Prince’s Manor dared wrong her again— He would act personally. After the disciple recruitment ceremony in Liang Nation— Xiao Chen did not leave with the Wendao Academy delegation for Great Wei’s recruitment event. Instead, he set off to train with Liu Yue’er. ... Smack! “This lousy book is useless!” At Wendao Academy, in the Miscellaneous Dao Institute— Chu Feng flung the book in his hands to the ground. The cover bore two large characters: Spring and Autumn. The more he read it, the worse he felt. “I really miss those two kids back when they were in the Miscellaneous Dao Institute. They may have been cultivation maniacs, but at least they brought some life to this place.” Now, with only himself left, Chu Feng truly felt unaccustomed to the silence. Maybe it was time to trick—no, recruit another disciple for the institute. No, no—how could such a noble act be called trickery? He was the man who trained Wendao Academy’s top genius, after all! It’s just... the heads of the other institutes seem to have developed a bit of an opinion about him lately. If he tried to recruit publicly, they’d surely be on guard. Where could he find new blood? Soon, three words flashed through Chu Feng’s mind: Wendao City. Though it wasn’t currently time for Wendao Academy to officially open its gates for recruitment... But now, at least, Chu Feng was one of Wendao Academy’s institute heads. Every year, he was allotted one special external recruitment quota. In the past, he wasn’t qualified to use it, but the Dean had recently said that the Miscellaneous Dao Institute would now receive the same treatment as the other institutes. That meant—he could use that recruitment slot. At that thought, a faint smile tugged at Chu Feng’s lips. It was time to put that slot to good use. He picked up the book Spring and Autumn from the floor and returned it to its place. Then he changed into casual robes, retrieved the longsword he used to look impressive in the past, and promptly left on sword flight. An hour later— Chu Feng arrived in Wendao City. Coming down from the direction of Wendao Academy, he naturally wasn’t charged any entrance fee. After entering the city, Chu Feng didn’t rush off to recruit disciples. Instead, he found a tavern and ordered an entire table full of dishes. After all, disciple recruitment relied on fate. Besides, Wendao City had a Life and Death Platform. Every day, duels took place there—some to resolve grudges, some in hopes of attracting the academy’s attention. Several of Wendao Academy’s disciples had been recruited after displaying extraordinary talent during those duels. Just as Chu Feng was enjoying his meal, the conversation at the neighboring table caught his attention. “Hurry up and eat. The duel between Kuang San Dao and Young Hero Ling is about to begin.” “What’s the rush? Isn’t it still an hour away?” “You don’t get it. If we’re late, we won’t get good spots. Both of them are famous swordsmen in Wendao City—even the higher-ups from Wendao Academy are watching. The crowd is going to be massive.” “Good point. Let’s finish this drink and go.” “...” Listening to their chatter, Chu Feng became interested. Maybe I should go check it out. He called out, “Waiter, bill please.” “Right away.” The server quickly came over to his table. “That’ll be five low-grade spirit stones.” Chu Feng took five low-grade spirit stones from his storage pouch and placed them on the table, then asked, “Which way to the Life and Death Platform?” He had been to Wendao City a few times but had never visited the platform. The server replied, “Guest, just follow this street eastward and you’ll see it.” “Thanks.” With that, Chu Feng rose and headed toward the Life and Death Platform. Within half an hour, he saw a massive dueling stage, flanked by a large banner inscribed with the characters “Life and Death Platform.” By the time he arrived, the place was already packed—layer upon layer of spectators surrounding the arena. Scanning the area, Chu Feng’s gaze quickly landed on a teahouse across from the platform. Smart business move, he thought. He turned and headed toward the teahouse. The first floor was already full. Chu Feng beckoned a server over. “Got any seats left?” The server asked, “Sir, are you from Wendao Academy?” “Does it matter?” Chu Feng replied with a question of his own. The server explained, “The second floor is reserved for Wendao Academy guests. If you are, you’re welcome to have tea there.” “Perfect timing—I am from Wendao Academy.” Chu Feng said, then started heading upstairs without hesitation. But as soon as he reached the staircase, two people stepped forward to block him. “Please show your identity token, Senior Brother. We’ve had issues with outsiders trying to sneak in for the view.” Chu Feng had changed clothes and hadn’t brought his token. Just as he was debating whether to turn back, a voice suddenly rang out: “You two blind or what? You don’t even recognize Chief Chu?” ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44