Chapter 134: Three Consecutive Promotions

Ding!

"Player Wu Tian has used a Divine-grade Spirit Enhancement Pill. Congratulations, you have leveled up three times! Your current level is 33 (Third-Rank Martial King)."

Upon consuming the pill, Wu Tian’s level surged instantly, propelling him directly into the Third-Rank Martial King realm. As his attributes skyrocketed, he felt a massive, surging power erupt within his body.

"Roar!" Facing the middle-aged man’s attack, Wu Tian bellowed, "Go to hell!"

Just as the man’s palm was about to strike his face, Wu Tian clenched his fist and struck out with all his might.

Boom!

A violent explosion erupted between them. Wu Tian was sent flying backward, snapping a large tree in two before tumbling through the air several times and sliding dozens of meters across the ground before finally coming to a halt.

As for the middle-aged man with sword-like eyebrows, his arm was firmly held by a slender, feminine hand. That hand had intercepted ninety percent of the power behind the blow, and it was only the remaining ten percent that had sent Wu Tian flying. This clearly demonstrated the terrifying strength of a Ninth-Rank Martial King.

"Elder Pan, isn't it a bit excessive to use such overwhelming power against a disciple who has just arrived at headquarters?" The one who had blocked the attack was Liu Qingxu. Had she not intervened in time, Wu Tian would likely have been killed rather than just sent flying.

The man with sword-like eyebrows raised an eyebrow. "So it is Elder Liu. I suppose this brat is one of the ones you recruited? His character is truly unruly and disrespectful to his elders; he has no qualifications to be a disciple of the Qitian Sect!"

Liu Qingxu released the man’s arm and said calmly, "He is a disciple I brought here. Whether he is qualified to join the Qitian Sect headquarters is not for you to decide. As for being disrespectful to his elders... heh, a dignified Elder like yourself using your full strength against a disciple—were you trying to kill him? If this got out, I wonder if Elder Pan would be able to save face."

The man’s brow furrowed instantly. Liu Qingxu was right; regardless of the reason, using his strength against a junior would surely make him a laughingstock if word spread.

"Hmph! Since Elder Liu is so determined to protect her disciple, I have nothing more to say. Whether this boy can truly become a disciple of the Qitian Sect headquarters remains to be seen; there is still a series of comprehensive trials ahead. I wish him luck in passing them!" A cold glint flashed in the man’s gloomy eyes as he sneered.

With that, he cast a cold glance at Wu Tian and turned to leave, ignoring his own injured apprentices.

Wu Tian clutched his chest, gasping for air. Even though he had leveled up to a Third-Rank Martial King, he was no match for a Ninth-Rank Martial King. If Liu Qingxu hadn't appeared, he would have been dead.

"Thank you, Elder Liu, for saving me," Wu Tian said, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth.

"No need for thanks. You are a disciple I brought from Pingyang City, so naturally, I am responsible for you. But you are quite bold to dare talk back to Elder Pan to his face," Liu Qingxu said with a faint, intrigued smile.

"I simply did what I felt was right. If you wish to punish me, Elder Liu, please do so," Wu Tian replied righteously.

"Doing what you feel is right... you are just as stubborn as you were back in Pingyang City. There is no need for punishment, but I must remind you: you are a rare talent, but sometimes it is better to exercise restraint. After all, this is the Imperial City, not Pingyang. I say this for the sake of your future. Take it to heart." Liu Qingxu did not punish him, offering only a word of caution instead.

Wu Tian nodded, knowing she had his best interests at heart.

"Thank you for the advice, Elder. I will keep your words in mind, but I stand by what I said—I will continue to do what I believe is right."

Liu Qingxu didn't get angry; instead, a smile appeared on her face. "It seems I have recruited a thorn for the Qitian Sect."

"Heh heh..." Wu Tian scratched his head and chuckled.

"Very well. Leave this matter to me; I will handle it. Now, go report to the headquarters." Liu Qingxu gestured toward a disciple standing beside her. "Xiao Tian, Niu Wuji, the Qitian Sect has sixteen gates. From now on, you are disciples under my gate. This is your Senior Brother, Zhou Zheng. He will guide you through the reporting process and help you familiarize yourselves with the sect."

"Greetings, Junior Brothers!" Zhou Zheng said with a warm smile, cupping his hands toward them.

"Greetings, Senior Brother Zhou," Wu Tian and Niu Wuji replied, returning the gesture.

"If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I will tell you everything you need to know. Since today is your first day, I will take you to report. Please, follow me!" Zhou Zheng said enthusiastically.

"We appreciate the help, Senior Brother," Wu Tian said.

"Master, I will take my junior brothers to report now."

"Go."

With that, Wu Tian and Niu Wuji followed Zhou Zheng into the Qitian Sect.

Once they were out of earshot of Liu Qingxu, Zhou Zheng became more animated. He leaned in between them and asked gossiping, "Junior Brothers, I heard you came from Pingyang City?"

"Yes, that's right," Niu Wuji nodded.

"Then we are practically fellow townsmen! I am from the Qitian Sect branch in 'Xinye City,' which is your neighbor. I've been at the Imperial City headquarters for three years now. It’s so good to see someone from home, haha!" Zhou Zheng laughed heartily.

"You're from Xinye City? Damn! That’s a coincidence. You must know the Young City Lord of Xinye, right?" Niu Wuji asked, surprised.

"You mean that idiot Wei Aoxiong? Of course I know him. I wanted to beat him up when I was back in Xinye, but he had guards protecting him, so I never got the chance! That bastard is a total piece of work!" Zhou Zheng said indignantly.

"Senior Brother, we think alike! That guy is indeed a total jerk. If I get the chance, I’ll beat him up too!" Niu Wuji said, clenching his fists in agreement.

"I missed two chances to do it already, but I won't miss a third," Wu Tian added with a shrug.

"Haha, then we really are birds of a feather! That kid is a student at the 'Seven Stars Academy' here in the Imperial City. We'll beat him up together when the chance arises!" Zhou Zheng threw his arms around their shoulders, acting like an old friend. "But before that, let me get you two reported and show you around the sect."

The three of them continued to chat as they headed toward the registration office.

...

Inside Elder Pan's residence.

Wan Shengshu sat in a chair, wincing in pain as he complained, "Master, that... that bastard Wu Tian went too far! He actually..."

"Shut up! You couldn't even beat a newcomer and you have the nerve to come crying to me!" the man with sword-like eyebrows scolded.

Wan Shengshu immediately shut his mouth with a bitter expression.

Just then, a disciple standing to the side, holding a folding fan, smiled faintly. "Master, do not be angry. This boy named Wu Tian does have some strength, but leave him to me. I will teach him a lesson, obtain justice for Junior Brother Wan and the others, and ensure that you are satisfied."

The man raised an eyebrow, a rare flash of amusement in his eyes. "Oh? I didn't expect this Wu Tian to interest you. Very well, I will leave him to you. I have faith in your abilities!"

The disciple slowly fanned himself, saying nothing, only offering a faint, cold smile.