The Heavenly Axis Ask-the-Heavens Conference's curtain slowly fell, yet the waves it stirred spread from Heavenly Axis City as the center toward the entire Central Plains cultivation world. And as this conference's most dazzling dark horse, bravely winning third place, Tang Xiaoqi's reputation spread even faster like wings.
"Tang Xiaoqi of Cleanness Void Sect" these six characters no longer merely represented a disciple from a small southeastern sect, but were closely linked with "uncanny movement technique,""unique sword intent,""formidable combat strength,""limitless potential." Especially after the finals, the City Lord's residence's generous rewards pushed him to the forefront.
Troubles also came.
In the days after the conference ended, Xiaoqi temporarily resided in the inn provided for the hundred contestants. This originally quiet courtyard nearly had daily visitors.
The first to arrive were recruitment overtures and goodwill from various powers.
Some Central Plains second-tier sects sent elders, their words sincere, offering true disciple positions, even hinting at future elder seats, hoping Xiaoqi would "change affiliation." The implication was naturally they felt Cleanness Void Sect's temple was too small for this soaring dragon.
Some cultivation family stewards also came with generous gifts, hoping to hire him as family guest advisor. No need to handle mundane affairs, just having his name attached would enjoy abundant resource offerings. Their purpose was merely borrowing his name to enhance the family's prestige.
Some merchant associations and escort companies also hoped to cooperate with him, utilizing his reputation to open trade routes or guarantee safety.
All these invitations were uncommonly generous. If changed for an ordinary independent cultivator or small sect disciple, they would likely have been tempted long ago. However, Xiaoqi treated all with courtesy, yet clearly declined one after another.
"Many thanks for the kind offer, but Xiaoqi is a Cleanness Void Sect disciple, under the sect's cultivation kindness. I dare not forget. Though the road ahead is far, my roots are in Cleanness Void." His response was neither servile nor haughty, expressing loyalty to his sect while cutting off all recruitment ideas. This caused many suitors to sigh with regret, yet also raised their estimation of his character.
However, not everyone came with goodwill.
Rising fame naturally also brought challenges and disputes.
Some young cultivators confident in their strength, or thinking Xiaoqi's reputation was undeserved with too much luck, came one after another, demanding "friendly sparring" with "Daoist Tang." Between their words were numerous provocations.
For these challenges, Xiaoqi initially responded patiently. He often just circled with exquisite movement technique or nonchalantly resolved their assaults with the wok, not using heavy force, stopping at the appropriate point, making them (retreat upon seeing the difficulty). He intended to reduce troubles, not to fight and vie.
But some were ungrateful. After losing, they became angry and humiliated, or gathered friends to try bullying with numbers. For these troublesome types, Xiaoqi no longer showed mercy.
Once, three disciples from a medium-sized sect renowned for body cultivation, confident in their fleshly bodies, blocked the inn's entrance. Their words arrogant, insisting on forcing Xiaoqi to use "true ability" for a "real clash."
Xiaoqi, annoyed by the disturbance, finally stepped out of the inn. He didn't even take out the wok. He merely operated the "Vajra Subduing Divine Ability" introductory body's cultivation method. His body surface took on faint ancient bronze luster. Facing the three rushing at him together, he didn't dodge or evade, directly using his physical body to clash!
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
Three muffled sounds. Those three body cultivators flew backward faster than they came, crashing into a collapsed corner wall. Bones broken, tendons severed. Lying on the ground groaning, their gazes at Xiaoqi were like seeing ghosts. Their proud fleshly bodies were so fragile before this person!
Word spread. Those trying to "spar" in name while actually challenging greatly reduced. Only then did everyone realize—this Tang Xiaoqi not only had superb movement technique and swordsmanship, but also such powerful physique! He was a monster with no weaknesses!
Troubles continued, but opportunities also hid within.
This day, Zhao Tiezhu brought his several independent cultivator companions to Xiaoqi's courtyard. After realm and conference experiences, Zhao Tiezhu was completely devoted to Xiaoqi.
He scratched his head. That honest face showed rare solemnity. He cupped hands toward Xiaoqi, voice loud: "Little Seven brother! Old Zhao thought about it for a long time. In the realm, without you, I'd probably be dead already. Following you, there's meat to eat, fights to have, and can experience big world affairs! My life was saved by you. From now on, I want to follow you! You tell me to go east, I absolutely won't go west! Even if you return to Cleanness Void Sect, I'll go with you. I'll guard your mountain gate for you!"
Behind him, Pang Hong and other independent cultivators also bowed: "We also wish to follow Daoist Tang! Though our cultivation is weak, we offer our humble service!"
They were all independent cultivators. They knew well the cultivation road's difficulties. Now seeing such someone with limitless potential and who valued loyalty and righteousness, they naturally wanted to attach themselves. Following him was far better than their own stumbling about.
Xiaoqi looked at the sincere Zhao Tiezhu and several companions who had experienced life and death together. His heart warmed. He now had fame, troubles too, truly needed some trustworthy helpers. Zhao Tiezhu's personality was honest and straightforward, strength not bad, trustworthy.
He stepped forward, helping up Zhao Tiezhu, nodding to Pang Hong and the others: "Brother Tiezhu, Daoist Pang, friends—your words are too kind. Since you don't (disdain), from now on we are fellow Daoists, supporting each other, walking this cultivation world together!"
"Hahaha! Good! I knew Brother Little Seven was true blue!" Zhao Tiezhu was overjoyed, pounding his chest.
Accepting Zhao Tiezhu and the others, Xiaoqi also had his first batch of personal followers. This was both opportunity brought by fame and the beginning of responsibility.
He stood in the courtyard, gazing at Heavenly Axis City's bustling sky. Fame was a double-edged sword, bringing troubles but also connections and opportunities. How to utilize this fame, how to face coming challenges, how to lead those who trusted him further—these were questions he needed to consider.
And currently, most important was digesting conference gains and using that precious "Heavenly Axis Realm" cultivation qualification to enhance strength! Only with sufficient personal strength could he fear no troubles and grasp true opportunities. He gripped the realm token in his hand, his gaze firm.