In the Temple of Martial Arts, the Shaohuang God King was a rather unfamiliar face.
When Donghua and the other six appeared in the sky above the Snow Ridge Mountains to watch Zhang Yuqing and Zuo Leng duel, many were secretly speculating about their identities. It wasn't until Wei Chen appeared and stood beside Donghua and the others that those speculations quietly faded away.
With Wei Chen present, they dared not make reckless guesses; after all, no matter what, they were friends of Wei Chen, and they had no right to speculate.
Even the Golden Spear Elder Master and Gongye Long the Elder did not inquire much.
At that moment, Wei Chen took the initiative to call out the Shaohuang God King, fearing that he might hesitate and ultimately miss the opportunity to take on disciples, as well as the chance to help Donghua and his companions compete for Face.
The name of the Shaohuang God King was generally unknown within the Endless Divine Realm, but it could not be ruled out that some who had been to the Ancient World might recognize it. Therefore, Wei Chen could not address him by his full title in front of so many people; he could only refer to him as the Minor Sword God.
Moreover, the appearances of Donghua and the other six had been altered somewhat. Unless one was very familiar with them, it would be difficult to discern their true identities. This was done to prevent being recognized by anyone from the Endless Divine Realm who had visited the Ancient World, which would completely expose their identities.
In the Southern Ming Divine Domain, however, it was of little concern; the Supreme Deity of Southern Ming was already well aware of Wei Chen's background and knew quite a bit about Donghua and his companions, so there was no worry about exposure risks.
Surprised gazes turned toward the Shaohuang God King.
"That person is actually known as the Minor Sword God?"
"The title 'Sword God' is no joke. The Chief Administrator referred to him that way?"
"That person's strength must be formidable!"
"Naturally! The Minor Sword God... Lord Wei Chen only brings extraordinary individuals!"
"It seems that this Minor Sword God must be a Swordsmanship Master. I can sense an astonishing sword aura emanating from him!"
"This is just nonsense, isn't it? That Minor Sword God stands there like a sword, definitely a top-tier Swordsmanship Master!"
"Is Lord Wei Chen calling him out at this time to have either Zhang Yuqing or Zuo Leng become his disciple?"
"There's a high possibility. Let's just watch quietly."
As the crowd debated, Donghua and the other six stepped into the spotlight among the disciples of the Temple of Martial Arts. Countless people speculated about their identities but couldn't figure it out. Only those in the know, like the Golden Spear Elder Master and Gongye Long the Elder, guessed that Donghua and the others were likely Divine King-level figures from the Ancient World.
However, they were also unsure why Wei Chen would call out that Minor Sword God at this moment—was he looking to take on a disciple?
The Shaohuang God King flew to Wei Chen's side, standing silently in midair.
In fact, he really did want to take on disciples, but this wasn't his territory; he needed Wei Chen to preside over the matter to complete the action. He couldn't just inexplicably appear to take on disciples, or else he'd be seen as crazy.
After all, within the Temple of Martial Arts, Donghua and the other six were unfamiliar faces. Many were guessing their identities; in truth, they had no status in the Endless Divine Realm. Wei Chen's desire to eliminate Privy Hall and take it over himself was precisely for this reason—to give Donghua and the others an appropriate identity so they could navigate the Endless Divine Realm more easily in the future.
As the Minor Sword God approached Wei Chen, everyone's gaze returned to the center of the battlefield, buzzing with discussion.
Wei Chen smiled lightly and said, "Minor Sword God, didn't you see some good seedlings you wanted to take as disciples?"
The Shaohuang God King nodded slightly but remained silent. To take on disciples, he needed to demonstrate his strength; otherwise, how could Zhang Yuqing and Zuo Leng possibly respect him?
But he couldn't take initiative; he had to wait for Wei Chen to lead.
This was a tacit understanding that didn't require negotiation; they could just proceed directly.
"Zhang Yuqing, Zuo Leng, your swordsmanship talents are quite impressive. The Minor Sword God wishes to take you as disciples. What do you think?" Wei Chen looked at Zuo Leng and Zhang Yuqing with a calm smile.
Zuo Leng and Zhang Yuqing were momentarily taken aback, then fell into a shared silence. Zhang Yuqing glanced at Zhang Shi, who showed no reaction, indicating that he was leaving the decision up to them. Zuo Leng also looked at his master, Yue Songyang, Deputy Hall Master, who remained equally noncommittal.
Everyone was somewhat bewildered by Wei Chen's actions. What on earth was going on?
That Minor Sword God—regardless of his strength—was not even a member of the Temple of Martial Arts. How could he come to the Temple to take on disciples? Moreover, he was trying to recruit two of the best among the younger generation of the Temple.
How could this be allowed?
Neither Zhang Shi nor Yue Songyang approved of this in their hearts. What in the world was happening?
They felt completely lost. Although Wei Chen had become the Chief Administrator, he couldn't just brazenly poach disciples like this.
If he wanted to recruit disciples, it could be justified for the better future of Zhang Yuqing and Zuo Leng. However, that Minor Sword God needed to possess convincing strength to back it up. The Golden Spear Elder Master also found it hard to understand; although the Divine King from the Ancient World had decent power, he wasn't strong enough to warrant such authority to recruit disciples.
Zuo Leng was a Core Disciple, and Zhang Yuqing was a talented swordsman. How could they inexplicably become someone else's disciples?
Both of them were future pillars of the Temple of Martial Arts!
In the Temple, there were rules and customs regarding taking on disciples. The saying "Once a teacher, always a father" did not apply here; if a more suitable opportunity arose and permission was granted, one could change allegiances. However, being a disciple under any strong figure meant becoming part of that lineage. If that person decided to leave the Temple of Martial Arts, as a disciple, one had no choice but to follow.
Thus, regarding Wei Chen's intentions with his recruits, the higher-ups of the Temple were not inclined to agree.
This essentially meant that if the Minor Sword God successfully took on disciples, Zhang Yuqing and Zuo Leng would no longer be part of the Temple of Martial Arts.
This point was crucial; unless under extremely special circumstances, the higher-ups would never consent.
The so-called special circumstance would involve the Minor Sword God demonstrating formidable strength that left everyone in awe and convinced them that Zuo Leng and Zhang Yuqing would learn immensely powerful sword techniques under him. If it meant not hindering their future by allowing them to leave, then it could be acceptable. The higher-ups of the Temple were visionary individuals who would not obstruct their disciples from pursuing greater heights and stronger realms.
But if the strength of the Minor Sword God is average, then it would be impossible.
The key still lies in the strength of the Shaohuang God King himself, whether he can make the Temple of Martial Arts reluctantly part with their disciples.
Countless gazes were fixed on the Shaohuang God King. They were eager to know how strong Wei Chen must be to dare to step forward at such a moment and help that so-called Minor Sword God.
“Shaohuang God King, it’s your turn to perform now. You have taken on disciples at the Temple of Martial Arts, but since you are not one of them, Zhang Yuqing and Zuo Leng are basically looking to leave the Temple of Martial Arts. I’m telling you this in advance to avoid any future troubles. If you want to take on disciples, although we see it as an honor for Zhang Yuqing and Zuo Leng, the higher-ups of the Temple of Martial Arts do not think so,” Wei Chen quietly conveyed to the Shaohuang God King.
The Shaohuang God King replied, “What do I need to do?”
“Show your swordsmanship,” Wei Chen said matter-of-factly.
The Shaohuang God King nodded and turned to Zhang Yuqing and Zuo Leng, saying lightly, “Do you want to learn swordsmanship from me?”
Zhang Yuqing and Zuo Leng dared not respond; agreeing was impossible, but refusing was also out of the question. They could only remain silent.
“Zhang Yuqing, your talent in swordsmanship is wasted if you stay in the Temple of Martial Arts. And you, Zuo Leng, your character is resilient and tenacious. Although your talent may not compare to Zhang Yuqing’s, I have sword techniques here that are very suitable for your cultivation. Calmness is a sword, arrogance is also a sword; there’s no difference.”
“If you follow me, it will be a thousand times better than continuing to waste time in the Temple of Martial Arts.”
As soon as the Shaohuang God King spoke, he offended everyone from the Temple of Martial Arts. His words made the expressions of both disciples and higher-ups turn extremely grim.
Is there anyone who speaks like this?
Zhang Yuqing showed no change in expression, but Zuo Leng couldn’t hold back any longer. “Your Excellency, since you look down on the Temple of Martial Arts so much, please demonstrate your strength. If you can silence us with your abilities, that would be great; if not, please leave. The Temple of Martial Arts does not welcome you.”
Zuo Leng was just being Zuo Leng. While others like Golden Spear Elder Master and Yue Songyang, Deputy Hall Master could endure it, he could not. His nature was such that he could not tolerate any disrespect; he would show respect where it was due towards strong individuals, but since the Shaohuang God King did not know his place and insulted the Temple of Martial Arts in front of so many people, Zuo Leng could not bear it.
"Shaohuang God King" smiled lightly and said, "What kind of strength do you want me to show?"
"Just perform to your heart's content. If you look down on the swordsmanship of the Temple of Martial Arts, then demonstrate your mastery of the sword path; that will silence us," Zuo Leng replied, his face cold and indifferent. However, he was cautious about making harsh remarks, as the handsome "Minor Sword God" before him was brought by Wei Chen and might be a hidden expert.
Since he dared to act this way, he must have some skills; this was the most basic assumption among the people of the Temple of Martial Arts.
Shaohuang God King chuckled softly and drew the treasured sword from his waist.
As soon as the crowd saw him draw his sword, they held their breath and focused intently. To take on disciples, one must impress with swordsmanship; it would be clear how formidable his skills were.
If his abilities were strong enough, he could do whatever he wanted. If not, it would be embarrassing for him to show up.
Everyone speculated about Shaohuang God King's swordsmanship, with only a few believing in him.
At that moment, even Wei Chen and Eastern Hua Seven turned their gazes toward Shaohuang God King. They had not seen his god-like sword techniques many times before, and this opportunity was not to be missed.
Even Killing God Senior was secretly observing, curious about the strength of someone whom Wei Chen claimed surpassed his own swordsmanship.
Shaohuang God King lightly lifted his treasured sword and waved it gently. A golden sword aura surged forth with an incredibly terrifying momentum, slicing diagonally through the air!
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