The sun had barely moved past noon when Shaurya gathered his disciples beneath the grand tree standing at the heart of the Sanatan Flame Sect.
He stood tall with his hands behind his back, his eyes scanning the curious faces before him.
"So," he began calmly, his voice steady and sharp, "I hope you all heard what that guy said earlier. And if you didn't—then please get your ears checked."
A ripple of laughter spread through the disciples.
Shaurya paused, then looked at each of them thoughtfully.
"I need to select three disciples for the Fifty Cities Disciple Competition," he continued. "Let's see… whom should I choose?"
He rubbed his chin for a moment, then pointed decisively.
"Wang Tian. Muo Qian. Luo Chen. I choose you three. Be ready—we're leaving now."
The three nodded together, excitement flashing in their eyes.
Moments later, Shaurya approached Elder Wu, his tone respectful.
"Elder," he said, "I'll be heading out for the competition. Please take care of the sect in my absence. And all of you—don't feel discouraged. Your time will come. Until then, train hard. Understood?"
"Yes, Sect Master!" the disciples shouted in unison, bowing deeply.
With his chosen disciples, Shaurya descended the winding stone steps that led down the mountain toward the city below. As the green canopy passed overhead, his gaze drifted to the system interface.
A red alert blinked.
[Mission: Recruit 100 Disciples — Time Left: 21 Hours]
Shaurya sighed softly.
"Only two more disciples left to recruit… but where will I find them?"
He glanced toward Wang Tian, who was deeply absorbed in reading a technique manual, animatedly explaining its principles to Muo Qian.
"They're progressing fast," Shaurya muttered.
The system chimed in lazily.
"Someone's getting jealous. Single Host in two lifetimes."
Shaurya snorted inwardly.
"Come on, System. That's not fair."
He opened the system shop.
[Dharma Points: 60]
Shaurya's eyes sparkled.
"Let's see what I can get."
His gaze stopped on a glowing item.
Technique — Immortal Fire (Strongest fire in existence): 50 Dharma Points
Shaurya's jaw dropped.
"Immortal Fire? And it doesn't even need spiritual energy?! I want this!"
"Congratulations, Host. Immortal Fire acquired. 50 Dharma Points deducted."
A sudden warmth surged through Shaurya's arm as a blue flame ignited in his palm, shimmering like liquid sapphire.
He stared at it in awe.
Moments later, they arrived at the city gates. The streets were bustling with people.
Luo Chen looked around curiously.
"Is this city always so crowded?"
Shaurya nodded.
"Not usually. It's because of the competition. Let's move—maybe we can find a disciple here."
City guards stood alert, checking identities. Shaurya stepped forward and produced a badge bearing the City Lord's insignia. The guards immediately bowed and let them pass.
Inside the city, Shaurya casually opened a bowl of sweets and began munching as he strolled through the vibrant streets. He paused at various stalls, taking in the sounds and scents.
Suddenly—
"Master, look there!" Wang Tian pointed.
Shaurya turned.
Not far away, a group of girls were bullying an injured girl dressed in tattered robes. The leader, her nose raised arrogantly, slapped the injured girl harshly.
"You pathetic weakling!" she snapped. "You ruined my mood! Because of you, my ice cream got spoiled!"
The injured girl trembled and bowed.
"Y-Young miss, I'm sorry… I didn't do it on purpose…"
Another slap landed.
"You dare talk back?!" the girl sneered. "I, Wei Lia—daughter of the Crimson Beast Sect's leader—hereby expel you from the sect!"
She gestured sharply. A subordinate stepped forward, ripped the sect badge from the girl's robes, and snapped it in half.
"Now," Wei Lia ordered coldly, "break her bones and destroy her cultivation."
The subordinates moved forward menacingly.
Wei Lia turned to walk toward her carriage—
CRASH!
One of her subordinates was suddenly sent flying straight into the carriage, smashing it apart.
Gasps erupted from the crowd.
Standing there in a heroic pose was Luo Chen, fist clenched. He turned to the injured girl.
"Don't worry," he said gently. "You're safe now."
The girl looked up at him, cheeks turning red as she met his calm, angelic gaze.
Wei Lia shrieked,
"Who are you?! Why are you interfering?!"
Before Luo Chen could reply, Shaurya stepped forward lazily, hands behind his head.
"He's helping her," Shaurya said calmly. "Can't you tell? Or is your brain missing?"
Wei Lia trembled with rage.
The injured girl whispered urgently,
"Please don't provoke her for me… she's the daughter of the Crimson Beast Sect's leader."
Shaurya laughed.
"Oh really? And who cares?"
Muo Qian helped the girl stand and said firmly,
"Girl, you're speaking to the leader of the strongest sect in this city—the Sanatan Flame Sect."
The girl's eyes widened. Wei Lia froze.
Still, Wei Lia sneered.
"Even if you're a sect leader, don't think I'm scared. My sect is stronger than yours."
Shaurya raised an eyebrow.
"Is that so?"
Wang Tian stepped forward, sword half-drawn, but Shaurya stopped him.
"Don't kill her here," Shaurya said calmly. "Defeat her in the competition."
Wei Lia laughed mockingly.
"Scared?"
Shaurya lowered his head, gripping Wang Tian's shoulder. When he raised it again, a devilish smile curved his lips.
Wang Tian shivered.
"Master… didn't you say we'd defeat her in the competition?"
Shaurya grinned.
"That applied to you. Not me."
Muo Qian whispered coldly,
"That foolish girl just challenged her own death."
Wei Lia screamed,
"Attack him!"
Eight subordinates rushed forward—
In the blink of an eye, all eight were beheaded.
Blood sprayed.
Shaurya stood with his sword in hand, his expression completely cold.
He looked at Wei Lia.
"I can't kill you here," he said quietly. "But them? That's a different story."
Wei Lia trembled violently.
"Get out," Shaurya said coldly.
She turned and ran, crying in terror.
Shaurya turned back to the injured girl and handed her a healing pill.
"What's your name?"
She bowed deeply.
"Su Quan. I'm an ex-disciple of the Crimson Beast Sect."
Shaurya nodded.
"Forget them. Join my sect."
She froze.
"I… I'm not good at cultivation…"
Shaurya smiled gently.
"That's my concern—not yours. Join my sect, and you won't just be good. You'll be exceptional."
Tears welled in her eyes as she bowed deeply.
"Master!"
She filled out the form.
System Notification:
Congratulations, Host! Saint-Talent Disciple Acquired.
Name: Su Quan
Physique: Azure Dragon (Locked) — Legendary Constitution
Level: Qi Initiate Level 1
Shaurya's eyes widened.
"So that's why she couldn't cultivate."
"Correct. Her physique was sealed," the system replied.
"Is there a solution?" Shaurya asked.
"Yes. Azure Dragon Heart Technique—normally 50 Dharma Points. However, since you already possess a suitable disciple, only 10 Dharma Points are required."
Shaurya stared.
"What?!"
"Exactly," the system replied calmly.
Shaurya sighed… then smiled.
He handed the technique to Su Quan.
"This will fix everything."
She was overwhelmed.
They soon arrived at the City Lord's residence, where he welcomed them warmly. Shaurya asked for a training space, and the City Lord led them to a vast courtyard.
Shaurya turned to Su Quan.
"Begin cultivating. Luo Chen—protect her."
Both nodded, blushing faintly.
Su Quan sat cross-legged.
The energy around her surged.
BOOM!
A dragon spirit burst from her body, roared to the heavens, then slammed back into her.
Golden light flooded the courtyard.
System Notification:
Physique Awakened — Azure Dragon
Breakthrough: Qi Initiate Level 1 → 12
Breakthrough: Qi Refiner Level 1 → Level 2
Shaurya was stunned.
"She… broke through all that at once?"
Su Quan stood, eyes glowing gold. Overcome with emotion, she ran forward and hugged Luo Chen.
Gasps erupted.
Realizing what she'd done, she blushed furiously and hid her face.
Luo Chen turned red.
Wang Tian's jaw dropped.
"What… just happened?"
Shaurya laughed joyfully.
Su Quan bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Master."
He smiled warmly.
"It's my duty."
Shaurya looked up at the sky.
"Only one disciple left…"
Muo Qian stepped forward.
"Master… I need to tell you something important."
Shaurya raised an eyebrow.
"Yes?"
To Be Continued…