Shaurya's eyes landed on the glowing system notification.
> System: Congratulations, Host, for obtaining your first Elder!
Reward: 100 Sky-Level Weapons
System: Congratulations, Host, for inviting an ancient master's remaining soul into your sect!
Reward: A Spiritual Body suitable for his soul
Shaurya was genuinely stunned.
"Wow, System," he said with amazement. "You're always generous with rewards… but this time, it's really fantastic."
> System: It's my duty, Host.
Shaurya turned toward Luo Chen.
"Hey, if you don't mind," he said casually, "can you give me your ring? I need to do something."
Luo Chen stiffened. He glanced at the old spirit inside the ring. After a brief pause, the old spirit nodded.
Without hesitation, Luo Chen handed the ring over.
"Sect Master… here," he said respectfully.
Shaurya took the ring and looked at the old spirit.
"Hey, old man," Shaurya said with a smile, "or should I say… Elder Wu. If you swear loyalty to my sect, I'll help you regain not only your full power—but your body as well."
The old spirit froze.
His voice trembled.
"Sect Master… is that truly possible?"
Shaurya nodded calmly.
Elder Wu didn't hesitate another second.
"If that is true," he said solemnly, "then I, Old Wu, swear upon the Oath of Heaven to remain loyal to your sect until my final breath!"
Shaurya smiled.
"Good. Then get ready."
Elder Wu raised an eyebrow, confused.
"Ready… for what?"
Suddenly, Shaurya hurled the ring high into the sky.
Then he shouted—
"RESURRECTION!"
A blinding light erupted from the ring, spreading across the entire area and illuminating the heavens. Golden lightning struck down, followed by a massive surge of energy.
When the light faded, a golden figure descended from the sky.
An old man landed gracefully on the ground—long white hair flowing, a muscular body, a thick white beard, and red, diamond-like eyes that glowed with life.
Everyone was stunned.
Elder Wu stared at his hands… his body… his reflection.
It was his original appearance—before he had become a wandering spirit.
Though his cultivation hadn't fully returned, he now possessed a real physical body.
Shaurya stepped forward and patted his shoulder.
"Welcome to the sect, Elder Wu."
Tears filled Wu's eyes. He bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Sect Master," he said with emotion. "From this moment on, I, Wu Luo, will serve this sect with my life."
Shaurya immediately stopped his bow halfway.
"Elder Wu, what are you doing?" Shaurya said seriously. "You're older than me. Even if I'm the Sect Master, bowing like that goes against my principles."
Elder Wu was deeply moved.
Luo Chen stepped forward, joy written all over his face. Elder Wu grabbed him excitedly.
"You little brat!" Wu laughed. "Now get ready—your real training begins here!"
Shaurya added calmly,
"Elder Wu, from now on, you will train and guide all disciples—except Wang Tian. If he wishes to join, that's his choice. Otherwise, everyone else will train under you."
Both Wang Tian and Elder Wu were shocked.
Wang Tian frowned.
"Sect Master… what do you mean?"
Shaurya looked at him with a knowing smile.
"Why are you so surprised? I know you don't want a master. I know everything about you."
Wang Tian's expression stiffened.
"What are you talking about, Master? I don't understand."
Shaurya chuckled.
"Oh, come on. Wang Tian… or should I say—Ghost Emperor?"
The moment those words left his mouth—
Silence.
Everyone froze.
Wang Tian's eyes widened.
"How do you know that?!" he demanded.
Elder Wu was shaken.
"Sect Master… what do you mean? Ghost Emperor? How could this boy be the Ghost Emperor?"
He looked closely at Wang Tian… and then felt it.
That terrifying aura.
Elder Wu staggered back.
"Ghost… Ghost Emperor… it's really you!"
Wang Tian calmed himself and smiled faintly.
"So… you know about me."
A terrifying aura leaked out, shaking the ground beneath Elder Wu's feet.
Shaurya waved his hand playfully.
"Oh come on, Mr. Emperor. Control your aura."
Wang Tian restrained his power.
Elder Wu remained shaken. The others were completely confused.
Luo Chen asked nervously,
"Master… what's going on? Who is the Ghost Emperor?"
Elder Wu took a deep breath.
"The Ghost Emperor was one of the most terrifying figures in ancient times," he explained. "When I was young, he was already world-famous. Later, he disappeared. Some say he died. Others say he ascended. No one ever knew the truth."
Wang Tian scoffed.
"Nonsense. Back then, only a handful of people reached my level… and that level wasn't something one could simply ascend from."
Shaurya smiled.
"Then tell your story."
> System (to Shaurya): A real one this time, right Host?
Shaurya chuckled awkwardly.
Wang Tian exhaled slowly.
"Fine," he said. "You've already exposed me. I'll tell you the truth."
His expression darkened.
"It wasn't some Immortal World powerhouse who killed me… it was my own brother."
Everyone gasped.
"He was jealous," Wang Tian continued. "I was too powerful. He could never become famous. I loved him deeply… but he betrayed me."
"He sent a fake message, saying his life was in danger. I rushed to save him… only to fall into three powerful formations."
"Then he pierced my heart with a poisoned sword."
Wang Tian clenched his fists.
"I couldn't resist. I could only seal my soul into deep sleep. Five thousand years later… I reconstructed my body and awakened twelve years ago."
Silence filled the area.
Xiao Rui, Xiao Lian, and even Shaurya had tears in their eyes. Muo Qian looked sorrowful. Other disciples quietly cried.
Wang Tian turned his face slightly away, a tear slipping from his eye.
Shaurya placed a hand on his shoulder. The others followed.
Muo Qian stepped forward and hugged him gently.
Wang Tian froze—his face instantly turned red.
Shaurya and Xiao Rui whistled teasingly.
Muo Qian blushed, turned away, and quickly left.
Wang Tian glared at Shaurya and Xiao Rui.
Shaurya smiled innocently.
"Nice weather today, isn't it, Rui?"
Xiao Rui nodded seriously.
"Yes, Master."
Everyone burst into laughter.
> System Notification: Scenes are very good, Host. But remember—you still have a task.
Recruit 100 disciples.
Time remaining: 22 hours.
Shaurya stretched lazily.
"Yes, yes, System. I know."
He whispered to himself,
"I just need two more disciples."
He handed several techniques—excluding the Immortal-level one—to Xiao Rui.
"Distribute these to the disciples."
Xiao Rui nodded.
"Understood."
Luo Chen stepped in to help. Together, they began distributing the techniques.
"Senior," Luo Chen said in awe, "these techniques are incredible!"
Xiao Rui smiled proudly.
"Master always does incredible things."
Three hours passed.
Shaurya raised his hand.
"Build."
The rewards began constructing themselves:
Gravitation Training Chamber
Luxurious Kitchen
Alchemy Hall
Full Training Ground
Shaurya watched happily as the structures rose. The disciples were amazed—but slowly getting used to miracles.
Later, Shaurya lay back on a chair, eating grapes, watching the training ground.
At the center—
Luo Chen and Wang Tian faced each other.
Elder Wu stood between them.
"Begin!"
A fierce martial battle erupted—punches, kicks, spiritual attacks colliding in midair. They were evenly matched.
After thirty minutes—
"Let's end this," Wang Tian said.
Luo Chen nodded.
"Bizarre Fist!"
"Dragon Fist!"
Their attacks collided—
BOOM!
Dust filled the air.
When it cleared, Wang Tian stood victorious. He reached out and helped Luo Chen up.
"You did great," Wang Tian said sincerely.
"Thank you, Senior," Luo Chen replied.
Shaurya clapped enthusiastically.
"Wow. That was amazing."
Both bowed slightly.
Suddenly, two guards arrived with a messenger.
"Sect Leader," the messenger said respectfully, "by order of the City Lord, your sect is invited to participate in the Fifty Cities Disciple Competition, to be held in this city."
> System Notification:
Sect Mission: Take 3 disciples to the competition and win.
Rewards:
1. Host Level-Up
2. Spiritual Cannon Gun (Spiritual-energy-powered weapon)
Shaurya smiled confidently.
"Thank you for the opportunity," he said. "We will participate—and we will win."
The messenger bowed.
"We wish you luck."
Shaurya asked,
"How many disciples can participate?"
"Three."
Shaurya nodded.
"Understood."
After the messenger left, Shaurya turned to his disciples.
"So… I need to choose three disciples."
He smiled.
"Which three should I choose?"
To Be Continued…