I Pick up a Lost Godhood

Chapter 144 - 142: An Appreciation for Talent

Wan Gu Master stared at Zhou Qian, his eyes seeming to pierce through his very soul. This kid was obviously the type who feared death. Two of his five disciples were already dead. Even if he successfully refined the Blood Soul Pill and got out, he couldn’t be completely alone. After all, many things were inconvenient for him to do himself, and he was used to being served. What moved Liu Xiao the most, however, was that Zhou Qian could bring him more people.

"Do you truly wish to join my Blood Soul Hall?"

"Absolutely. I have already witnessed the power of the Blood Soul Technique. I am willing to serve you faithfully. As long as you leave me some scraps when you feast, that is all I ask."

"HAHA, good. I like clever ones. Eat this, and you will be my disciple."

With a wave of Wan Gu Master’s hand, the ropes on Zhou Qian’s body snapped, and his limbs were freed. A blood-red Pill floated before him.

Without a second thought, Zhou Qian picked it up and swallowed it without the slightest hesitation.

Wan Gu Master nodded slightly. "That was my Soul Refining Pill. It is very beneficial for cultivation, but you must take one every year. Otherwise, your entire body will rot away, and you will die."

"Thank you, Master!"

Wan Gu Master nodded. ’Why haven’t the disciples I sent out reported back yet?’

Seeing Wan Gu Master frown, Zhou Qian hurriedly bowed and said, "Master, among the people who came this time is someone named Li Tianyi. He’s a direct descendant of the Holy Hall Li Family. Although he’s young, he has truly mastered the Nine Heavens Separation Fire Sword. He is not to be underestimated."

Upon hearing this, Wan Gu Master exclaimed, "What? Li Tianyi!"

’This is bad. If it’s him, my disciples probably aren’t his match. Then again,’ he thought, ’if I refine Li Tianyi, it’ll only be a matter of time before I break through to Minor Perfection.’

"Heaven is on my side!"

He glanced at Zhou Qian. "You’ve done well. Stick with me, and you’ll be handsomely rewarded. It seems you’re quite interested in this Senior Sister of yours. As your master, I’ll bestow her upon you as your initiation gift."

A greedy look appeared on Zhou Qian’s face, but he still quickly knelt. "This disciple wouldn’t dare." Though his words were humble, his expression was clearly eager.

Wan Gu Master laughed heartily, finally at ease. ’So what if they’re Saint Cultivators? They’re still human, and they still have desires. It’s just that these sanctimonious bastards always hide their true natures and scheme in the shadows.’

"Zhou Qian, you’re not human!" Liuu Mei was burning with rage.

"Senior Sister Liuu, I told you before: he who understands the times is a wise man. You should have understood me long ago. First, I followed Zhao Guang, then I followed you all. I had no other choice."

"You old fiend Wan Gu, this bastard will betray you too one day!" Liuu Mei roared.

Wan Gu Master just smiled. "This is how my Demon Cultivation Disciples are. True to their nature. I like it. Bestowing you upon him is no loss."

Suddenly, a flash of light appeared at the entrance. Zhou Qian immediately shouted as a Combined Talisman came booming in.

A cold sneer appeared on Liu Xiao’s lips as a red light enveloped the Talisman. However, the Talisman still tried to expand. It took three consecutive red talismans wrapped around it to forcefully suppress it.

Staggering, Zhou Qian hurled a Talisman and cut off Hu Jing’s escape.

"HAHAHA, good, good, good!" Seeing Hu Jing, Wan Gu Master couldn’t help but feel even happier. "One is better than the next! And this kid is truly sincere. Actually, I knew all along someone was hiding nearby; I just wanted to test him."

Zhou Qian quickly tied Hu Jing up. "It is my honor to serve you, Master. To be able to stand proud today is the greatest reward of all."

"HAHA, you were always one of us in the Demon Dao. You’ve only just found the right path."

"Zhou Qian, if you have any guts, kill me! Otherwise, I’ll haunt you even as a ghost!"

"Senior Sister Hu, you really think you’re some grand senior sister, don’t you? What right did you have to become a senior sister in less than three years, while I toiled like an ox for all this time, only to be your subordinate!"

Zhou Qian roared in anger.

"Zhou Qian, from this day forward, you are my Direct Disciple, and their Senior."

Wan Gu Master laughed aloud. ’This kid is patient enough and despicable enough. He’s good material. Most importantly, people like him are the least likely to betray someone stronger, not to mention I’ve already fed him the Soul Refining Pill. He wouldn’t dare betray me even if he had a hundred times the courage.’

Li Tianyi had already met up with Mingren and the others, and they had fought several battles against the disciples of the Blood Soul Hall.

Ma Tian’Er was a bit dazed when she landed. There was no one around, and she instinctively sensed danger, so she quickly summoned her Little Cutie.

She hadn’t gone far before she was discovered by Demon Cultivators. The moment they saw Ma Tian’Er, they went wild. But clearly, Red Roar went wild too. The ignorant fools were quickly beaten to a pulp by Red Roar, but the Spirit Beast was also heavily injured. Although Spirit Beasts are strong, they aren’t as versatile as Cultivators, especially Demon Cultivators. It was hit by a Yin Thunder.

The explosion attracted five more Demon Cultivators, and Ma Tian’Er started to panic.

"HAHA, my luck is pretty good! This little sweetie is mine!"

Ma Tian’Er’s pure aura was an irresistible temptation to Demon Cultivators, especially those who practiced Forbidden Techniques. The purest of souls.

Red Roar frantically swung its club, but was immediately struck by more than ten sword blows. Ma Tian’Er couldn’t bear to watch and recalled Red Roar, closing her eyes.

A series of explosive shouts erupted around her, accompanied by a great CLANG, and then a gentle voice sounded in her ear.

"It’s okay now."

Only then did Ma Tian’Er open her eyes, tears streaming down her face.

The fight had only lasted a moment, but for Ma Tian’Er, it felt like an eternity. Everyone else might have been mentally prepared, but she wasn’t. She never imagined the outside world would be like this.

Wang Meng was always at a loss when it came to girls’ tears. He gently patted Ma Tian’Er’s shoulder. "Don’t worry. Throw away your Escape Scroll. This place is a trap. Find a place to hide first and conceal your aura. It’ll be hard for them to find you."

Ma Tian’Er wiped away her tears and gritted her teeth. "I want to fight with you."

Wang Meng looked at Ma Tian’Er. "Are you sure?"

"I’m sure! I can definitely do it!"

Ma Tian’Er pinched her own leg, forcing herself to wake from her stupor. Looking at Wang Meng, she felt deeply ashamed. ’How could I ever be worthy of him? I’m just a clueless child.’

"Alright, let’s fight together!" Wang Meng smiled, not refusing her.

Ma Tian’Er was taken aback. "You... you believe in me?"

"You’re my junior sister. Who else would I believe in?"

Wang Meng said matter-of-factly.

Courage instantly welled up from the bottom of Ma Tian’Er’s heart. The corpses scattered around didn’t seem so terrifying anymore.

Wang Meng knew that if he left Ma Tian’Er alone at a time like this, she might suffer permanent trauma. With her gentle personality, it was likely she would never overcome this mental block, which would be fatal for a Cultivator.

Wang Meng led Ma Tian’Er toward Wan Gu Master’s lair. He didn’t know how the others were doing, but this damned Wan Gu Master had to be dealt with. A power level close to the fortieth layer—it was the perfect opportunity to test the might of his Hinayana Five Elements Technique. He was filled with anticipation.

Wang Meng didn’t notice that Ma Tian’Er was staring at him intently, her eyes filled with admiration and affection.

’No matter the enemy, he’s always so optimistic and full of strength.’ Ma Tian’Er cheered herself on in her heart. ’I have to work hard too! I won’t be that cowardly version of myself anymore!’

Meanwhile, Mingren and the Lingyin Four Tigers were covered in blood, enraged by the slaughter. Aside from them, everyone who had come this time were new disciples. The original intention was to give them some experience and build up Lingyin Hall’s reserves. Who could have expected such a devastating blow? Some were captured, and they already knew that two had died in battle.

Li Tianyi finished off a Demon Cultivator and wiped his sword. "Senior, the one who set the trap is called Wan Gu Master. He’s an Elder of the Blood Soul Hall, and his strength is likely close to the fortieth layer."

"What do you all say?" Mingren asked in a low voice.

"Senior, we’ll do whatever you say."

"Blood for blood!" Mingren spat out the three words.

The Senior of Lingyin Hall was truly enraged!

The six figures vanished, heading toward the ruins. These ruins had also been left behind by Demon Cultivators. Wan Gu Master had stumbled upon them by chance and brought some disciples here to set a trap, spinning a web like a spider waiting for its prey. This Secret Realm was rich in Elemental Qi, and Wan Gu Master took advantage of its special conditions. Over the years, he had been invincible, and the number of his disciples had grown from just over twenty to more than one hundred.

Liu Xiao was waiting until he entered Minor Perfection and his power greatly increased before returning to the Blood Soul Hall. At that time, he wouldn’t be an Elder, but an Ancestral Master.

Flattered by Zhou Qian, Wan Gu Master was in a great mood. Just then, the disciples he had sent out fled back in a wretched state. Only three remained.

"Where are the others?!" Wan Gu Master’s expression immediately darkened.

"Master, he... they’re too strong! So terrifying... We..."

"A bunch of trash!" Wan Gu Master gave them no chance to speak. His figure flickered, and he appeared before them, tossing them one by one into the Pill Cauldron.

The Pill Cauldron shook violently. Through the Tripod Mirror, one could see the cruel sight of the furnace refining living people. This Evil Qi would also be converted into a part of the Blood Soul Pill.

With three more living people added, the Pill Cauldron’s color grew deeper and deeper red—a sign that it was nearing completion. Wan Gu Master cheered up. He had raised these disciples for a rainy day, and now was the perfect time. Heaven had just handed him a reason to use them.

He glanced at Zhou Qian. "Don’t be afraid. As long as you serve me well, I won’t mistreat you."

Zhou Qian knelt respectfully on the ground. "My life was given to me by you, Master. You may take it back whenever you wish."

"HAHA, good! That’s the right attitude to have!"

A cold sneer touched the corners of Wan Gu Master’s mouth. ’Those five disciples of mine weren’t nearly this honest. Did they really think I didn’t know what they were plotting?’

’That’s why the disciples around Liu Xiao were always changing. He would never make the mistake of rearing a tiger to court disaster. This Zhou Qian... he could at least be useful for a few years before being disposed of.’

’Now, all that’s left is to take care of the rest, and this whole affair will be brought to a perfect close.’

"Wan Gu, you old pervert, come out and die!"

"Master, Li Tianyi is here! This disciple is willing to lead the charge!" Zhou Qian immediately volunteered.

"Heh, your filial piety is enough. Let me show you what your master is capable of. Let’s go!"

Outside the main hall, Wang Meng, Ma Tian’Er, Li Tianyi, and the others had already gathered. Not a single Demon Cultivation Disciple they had encountered was left alive.

Wan Gu Master scanned the young people before him, a trace of envy in his heart. ’The Holy Hall may be known for picking up trash, but their core disciples are truly impressive. It’s rare to see talents like these in an ordinary Sect.’

Wan Gu Master even felt a desire to recruit such talent. After all, the development of any Sect depended on the next generation. The Blood Soul Hall was no exception.