BLOODLINE TEMPERING: Transforming From Worm To Dragon

Chapter 9: Toothpick

"Tiangang Sword Pavilion?" Chen Zigang pondered.

He had heard about the Blood Refining Grotto, Golden Staff Abode, and Meteor Fist Academy but not about Tiangang Sword Pavilion. The thought that he had no idea where it was made Chen Zigang wonders if he should say yes or no.

"Stupid brat! Tiangang Sword Pa... Umph?" Chen Tian Peng tried to interrupt, but before he finished his words, a strange power covered his mouth, stopping him from making a sound.

Everyone inside the Family Hall gasped for air and tightly shut their mouth. Naturally, they're afraid that they'll be treated similarly.

"The Tiangang Sword Pavilion is one of the five superpowers in the Grand Blue Sky Prefecture. Naturally, your background would be much stronger if you joined and be a part of us." Elder Jian said.

"Is that much bigger than Blood Refining Grotto, Golden Staff Abode, and Meteor Fist Academy?" Chen Tu asked while biting into another steamed bun. The bowl of steamed buns was finished by Chen Tu alone.

"Of course. If Zigang comes with me, he'll be treated as one of the elder's direct disciples, and everyone will look at him like he's their ancestor."

"Furthermore, even a hundred of those factions together weren't enough to be compared to one Tiangang Sword Pavilion." Elder Jian said.

"Oh..." Chen Tu nodded like a foolish kid.

("Oh" your head! Keep that mouth shut, foolish boy!)

Chen Tian Peng wanted to scold Chen Tu, but how could he, with his mouth shut by an unknown force?

"You should go, youngest master. It won't be too late to come back and open your shop later after you study everything from the pavilion." Chen Tu said. For once, his words sounded so beautiful to the ears of all Chen Family members.

"Can I bring Chen Tu along with me?" Chen Zigang said. They've been accompanying one another since they were five now. There's no doubt that their friendship is thicker than the kinship between Chen Zigang and the rest of his brothers and sisters.

"No." Elder Jian unhesitantly rejected the request.

"But I can recommend him to one of the three factions locally. Treat it as a benefit for him to start chasing you from behind." he added.

The sentence itself meant a lot for those in the Chen Family. One had to know that, as a part of the five large families here in the Crimson River Town, they are unqualified to enter one of the three factions and become a disciple.

Hearing that the opportunity to join one of the three factions given to Chen Tu made everyone in the Chen Family feel the chance was wasted on someone like him.

(If only I was given a chance... I would definitely be more capable than Chen Tu in utilizing it!)

The younger generations, like Chen Zilong, Chen Ziyang, and Chen Ziming, were staring at Chen Tu with a pair of red eyes.

Of course, part of the reason is that the people in Crimson River Town's cultivation level was too weak. It was pointless for the factions to come here searching for new disciples. Even Elder Jian had a hint of despise for the Chen Family members for their lack of potential.

Was it not because he sees something in Chen Zigang, he would likely ignore them and leave quietly. Still, part of it was thanks to the help from the Chen Family's Shadow Squad. Was it not because of them, such a lucky encounter wouldn't be happening to them.

Chen Zigang stares at Chen Tu, unsure if he should decide to follow or leave. But in response to his gaze, Chen Tu was nodding furiously. He was genuinely happy for Chen Zigang to be offered the chance to become a disciple of this elder.

It was an encumbering decision. Still, Chen Zigang nodded at the elder and accepted Elder Jian as his master.

"Good. Good. Good." the elder repeated the same word thrice to express his delight.

Opening his palm towards the teapot, a teacup was filled before hovering over Chen Zigang's hand. He immediately caught the teacup with both hands and kneeled before the elder.

"Chen Zigang pays his respect for honored master." the teacup was raised over his head with both hands as the elder accepted the team. Then, Chen Zigang continued by knocking his forehead on the ground thrice and kneeling respectfully.

"Good. From today, you're the third disciple of the Grand Elder of Tiangang Sword Pavilion, Elder Jian Wuxian. Keep this disciple token with you. With this token, all the other disciples of Tiangang Sword Pavilion will treat you like their ancestors wherever you go." said the elder.

It was a shock to everyone after Elder Jian mentioned his status for everyone to hear.

"Finish bidding your farewell. I will return here tomorrow to bring you with me." Elder Jian added before vanishing from his seat. As expected, experts like Elder Jian come and goes like the wind.

Since Chen Zigang had nothing much with him, one evening alone was enough for him to do what he had to. It is akin to cutting the lingering sense of familial concern before leaving.

A little later that evening, Chen Zigang brought Chen Tu to their hideout and gave all his treasured belongings to the latter. These belongings include Spiritual Coins, some Lowest-Grade medicinal pills, and cultivation techniques.

Of course, giving Chen Tu the books was pointless because he's illiterate. But this also meant he was earnestly hoping that Chen Tu would be worthy of coming to the Tiangang Sword Pavilion to find him in the future.

The next day, Elder Jian came as promised. But he wasn't alone.

Sticking to his promise to Chen Tu yesterday, he brought a cultivator from one of the factions to the Chen Family. Looking at his bulky figure and crude expression, one would immediately link this expert with the Blood Refining Grotto.

"Senior Jian... I doubt a good seedling existed here suitable for our Blood Refining Grotto. It's not like I wanted to complain but they're thinner than a toothpick."

"How can there be a suitable disciple here fit for my Blood Refining Grotto?" said the expert. His speech held no high regard for the Chen Family. Not even Chen Tian Peng, with his cultivation level of Golden Core Layer, could move his eyes.