Daodao Sect, Qingxuan Peak.
Lu Xuan stood in front of a thatched hut, feeling extremely frustrated.
Ever since transmigrating into this world, he had inherited the legacy of his late master and become the Peak Lord of Qingxuan Peak within the Daodao Sect.
And from the very moment he assumed this role, a disciple-recruitment system had appeared. But to activate it, his *first disciple must be an Empress*!
Wasn't this pure nonsense?
In this world, cultivation realms were ranked as follows: Qi Refining, Mystic Apprentice, Mystic Master, Mystic Spirit, Mystic King, Great Mystic King, Mystic Emperor, Mystic Sect, Mystic Venerable, Mystic Saint, Saint King, and finally—Great Emperor...
It's worth noting that even the Sect Master of Daodao Sect was only at the Saint King level, while the original Lu Xuan was nothing more than a cultivation failure—still stuck at the *Qi Refining* stage
His cultivation level was even lower than that of the outer sect disciples. If not for the benefits left behind by his late master, he would have long been expelled from the Daodao Sect.
For years, Lu Xuan had attended every disciple recruitment event held by the Daodao Sect, but *not a single person* had ever chosen him as their master.
Worse yet, news of his situation had spread like wildfire. Rumors traveled fast, and now, many elders from powerful sects would sternly warn their juniors:
"Never go to Qingxuan Peak! Never acknowledge Lu Xuan as your master! Otherwise, your cultivation path will be completely ruined!"
As a result, even fewer dared to become his disciple.
Lu Xuan let out a heavy sigh.
Not long ago, the Daodao Sect's entrance examinations had just concluded. Tomorrow was the formal disciple selection ceremony.
Would anyone choose him as their master?
Just then, a divine rainbow streaked through the sky and shot toward him from the distance.
*Boom!*
A gray-robed elder descended upon Qingxuan Peak with a solemn expression. He looked at Lu Xuan and said seriously,
"Peak Master Lu, you haven't accepted a single disciple for six consecutive years! According to the rules of the Daodao Sect, if you fail to recruit any disciples for seven straight years, your title as Peak Master will be revoked. Are you aware of this?"
Lu Xuan replied calmly, *"I'm aware."*
The gray-robed elder's expression grew more complicated as he continued,
*"Peak Master Lu, if your position is revoked, your cultivation and talent won't even meet the requirements of an outer disciple. Considering your performance as Peak Master over the years, according to the sect's rules… you will be expelled from the Daodao Sect. Are you aware of this?"*
Lu Xuan's face twitched slightly. *"I understand."*
*Expelled from the Daodao Sect!*
That was like stabbing him straight in the heart!
The gray-robed elder nodded, then stepped into the air and left without looking back.
*"Peak Master Lu, good luck at tomorrow's disciple recruitment ceremony."*
Watching the gray-robed elder's departing figure, Lu Xuan frowned slightly.
*How can I get a disciple?*
Suddenly, an idea flashed through his mind—
*Bribe them with spirit stones!*
His late master had left behind a large amount of cultivation resources, and over the years, he had only used a small portion.
Tomorrow's disciple recruitment ceremony was his *last chance*. He had long given up on finding a future empress to be his disciple—*at this point, any disciple would do*, as long as he could keep his position as Peak Master.
*He refused to believe it—*with all the resources he had, if he couldn't win over a genius, could he not at least win over a talentless one?
With that thought, Lu Xuan finally relaxed. Feeling confident, he returned to his cave residence to rest.
*He would be ready for tomorrow's disciple recruitment ceremony.*
…
The next day, the *Great Dao Sect's Disciple Recruitment Ceremony* officially began, instantly igniting excitement across a radius of millions of miles!
The *Great Dao Sect* boasted an ancient and illustrious history. It had once produced an *Emperor-tier powerhouse* and, even after surviving a devastating catastrophe in ancient times, it remained standing strong, its foundation as deep as the abyss.
Its core cultivation technique, the *Dao Scripture*, was one of the few *Emperor-grade techniques* in the Southern Wastelands—ranking within the *top ten* across the region!
Because of this, the Great Dao Sect had long become a *sacred land for cultivation* in the Southern Wastelands.
Today, countless young men and women who had passed the entrance tests gathered in the sect's massive square, all hoping to be chosen by one of the powerful spirit peaks.
As they looked around, gazing at the splendor of the Great Dao Sect, their hearts surged with excitement.
Towering *spirit peaks* rose high into the clouds, each surrounded by thick spiritual energy that turned into visible *purple mist*, some of which had even condensed into a tangible form. Dotted across the peaks were countless *cave residences*, nestled among swirling clouds and mist—like a scene straight out of a *celestial realm*.
In the distance, atop the *Trial Tower* and several hidden realms, radiant *Dao runes* swirled continuously, glowing like stars in the sky. Even from afar, one could feel the overwhelming and terrifying power emanating from them. The entire *Great Dao Sect* radiated an awe-inspiring aura, bathed in crimson light, its grandeur beyond compare.
*Mountains crisscrossed the land*, rivers flowed with unstoppable force, and the sect itself spanned tens of thousands of miles—vast and majestic. At that moment, in the skies above, *auspicious mystical beasts* soared through the clouds, releasing melodious cries that brought clarity and peace to the minds of all present.
Among the crowd, a *stunning young woman* stood out in a fiery red long dress. Her face was flawless and delicate, her long, jade-like legs as perfect as carved marble pillars. Even with the breeze gently rustling her skirt, it couldn't conceal her alluring figure.
Countless young cultivators had their eyes locked onto her, cativated.
She was none other than *Ji Fuyao*, the top candidate in this year's entrance examination!
Her cultivation level was already at the *mid-stage Grand Profound King Realm*, far surpassing all other applicants this year—and even *stronger than many of the outer sect elders* of the Great Dao Sect!
Her talent was so extraordinary that it triggered a resonance with the Great Dao Sect's supreme treasure — *the Great Dao Bell*!
Even the *Patriarch of the Great Dao Sect* was alarmed by this phenomenon and personally declared her as *"a once-in-a-millennium genius."*
Though the *disciple selection ceremony* had yet to officially begin, *Ji Fuyao* had already become the center of attention, with countless peak masters eager to recruit her.
At that moment, a young man in luxurious robes, holding a folding fan and exuding grace, slowly approached Ji Fuyao with a warm smile. Trying to strike up a conversation, he said,
"Miss Fuyao, I am Lin Feng, heir of the Lin family…"
"*Scram.*"
Before he could finish, Ji Fuyao spoke coldly, slowly closing her eyes and completely ignoring the finely dressed young man.
She was the Empress of the Fuyao Dynasty!
Three thousand years ago, the Fuyao Dynasty was devastated by a great war with another powerful faction, compounded by internal betrayal and rebellion. Her forces suffered countless casualties, blood staining the land.
Using ancient forbidden techniques, she was reborn to escape the catastrophe.
However, this ancient technique was flawed, leaving her body with many imperfections—her soul fragmented and her foundation in the Dao incomplete.
The sect's treasured cultivation manual, the "Great Dao Scripture," is renowned for its harmony with the Heavenly Dao. It can perfect a cultivator's Dao foundation and mend their soul. Once one comprehends its ultimate secret, they can even step into the legendary realm of the "Supreme Dao."
This was exactly why she joined the Great Dao Sect!
She sought revenge!
She wanted to rise again!
With her talent, she was confident she could earn the right to cultivate the "Great Dao Scripture"!
Soon after, divine rainbows appeared in the void, shining like a galaxy, while the oppressive aura of a Saint King filled the sky.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The sect leader and numerous peak masters slowly descended onto the plaza.
Ji Fuyao's beautiful eyes flickered as she thought to herself, "It seems the emperor-level elders won't appear today."
As the dominant power in the Southern Wilds, the Great Dao Sect was far more complex than it appeared. Although the sect leader was only at the Saint King realm, many emperor-level titans remained in seclusion, cultivating in secret.
Because the Great Dao Sect remained aloof, low-key, and did not partake in the power struggles of the Southern Wilds, these emperor-level elders rarely showed themselves unless there was great turmoil.
At this moment, the disciples were extremely excited, and the crowd buzzed with noise.
"Quiet!"
The sect leader waved his sleeve and slowly spoke, "The Great Dao Sect's disciple recruitment ceremony officially begins! You may now choose which Spirit Peak to join!"
The crowd of young disciples immediately grew very excited.
"I want to join the Pill Peak! I want to become an alchemist!"
"I want to join the Sword Peak…"
"I want to join the Body Refining Peak…"
For a moment, the youths rushed wildly toward the various Spirit Peaks.
But where Lu Xuan stood, it was completely empty.
Not a single person came over!
Some peak masters looked at Lu Xuan with mocking smiles, showing amusement.
"If Lu Xuan manages to recruit a disciple today, I'll eat ten pounds of dung!"
"Lu Xuan hasn't recruited a disciple for seven consecutive years and will soon be leaving the Dao Sect. This is what everyone expects!"
"Yeah! During trials with other great powers over the years, those sages always used Lu Xuan to mock our Dao Sect. From now on, that won't happen anymore."
At this moment, Lu Xuan made a final desperate plea, shouting out, "If you become my disciple, you can use all the cultivation resources of Qingxuan Peak! You should all know, my master left behind many spirit stones and pills!"
As soon as he said this, the entire crowd fell into a heavy silence.
Both elders and disciples turned their eyes toward Lu Xuan.
A brief moment of quiet followed.
The crowd stirred again!
But still, no one approached Lu Xuan. Instead, the young disciples began pointing fingers and whispering about him.
"This is hilarious! When I took the assessment, my clan elder warned me never to join Qingxuan Peak! Otherwise, my life would be ruined!"
"What's that supposed to mean? My father told me if I joined Qingxuan Peak, he'd break all three of my legs!"
"Ugh... Lu Xuan's cultivation isn't even higher than ours, yet he dares to take disciples. If I were him, I'd have left the Dao Sect ages ago instead of embarrassing myself here!"
Seeing this, Lu Xuan's face darkened immediately.
Damn it!
He had already played his ace, yet no one was willing to join Qingxuan Peak?!
Lu Xuan sighed and decided to leave.
It seemed no one wanted to become his disciple!
Just then, a soft voice broke the noise.
"I am willing to join Qingxuan Peak and accept Lu Xuan as my master!"
The crowd fell silent instantly, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Because the one who spoke was none other than Ji Fuyao—the top scorer of this exam, who had stunned the entire Dao Sect!
Everyone was stunned.
Did they hear that correctly?
Ji Fuyao wants to join Qingxuan Peak!?
The sect leader was stunned, staring at Ji Fuyao in shock. While he and the other saints were still debating who would take Ji Fuyao as a disciple, she had already announced she wanted to join Qingxuan Peak!
Lu Xuan turned around, completely dumbfounded.
What the...?
Isn't she Ji Fuyao, the top scorer? He had heard of her before.
She wants to become his disciple?
Is this for real?
At that moment, the sect leader and others quickly approached Ji Fuyao and firmly stopped her, saying, "Fuyao, you absolutely must not!"
Ji Fuyao remained calm, her eyes shining with determination, "Sect Leader, my decision is final!"
The sect leader was dumbfounded, saying, "If Lu Xuan becomes your master, he might cause your cultivation to fall."
Lu Xuan gave a wry smile, "..."
Saints from Sword Peak, Pill Peak, and Misty Peak all spoke up to persuade Ji Fuyao, "Child, if you join Qingxuan Peak, you'd be wasting your talent!"
"Lu Xuan himself hasn't even fully mastered his cultivation. He's no better than an outer disciple. Choosing him as your master is pure nonsense!"
"Lu Xuan is misleading disciples!"
But Ji Fuyao tilted her snow-white neck slightly, shook her head calmly, and walked straight to Lu Xuan, performing the formal disciple ceremony, "Master, your disciple pays respect!"
In fact, she had long decided to join Qingxuan Peak.
She carried too many secrets; if she joined any other saint's sect, they would surely discover them.
Moreover, by becoming Lu Xuan's disciple, it was only a nominal master-disciple relationship in her mind. She knew Lu Xuan's cultivation was even lower than that of an outer disciple, so he couldn't really control her, giving her complete freedom!
At that moment,
"Ding! Congratulations, host, for recruiting the Empress Fuyao as your disciple! (The Empress reincarnated to rebuild her cultivation)"
"Invincible disciple recruitment system is activating! Estimated time: one hour!"
The voice rang out.
Lu Xuan exclaimed loudly, "What the heck?!"
Fuyao was actually the reincarnated Empress!
Seeing Lu Xuan's reaction, the sect leader and others were speechless.
The sect leader quickly put on a smile and said, "Lu Xuan, Fuyao is young and doesn't understand the consequences. She wants to be your disciple, but you can refuse!"
The other saints immediately surrounded Lu Xuan, shouting loudly, "Lu Xuan, refuse her quickly!"