Chapter 102: Chapter 100: Sword Cultivator

(We’ve hit 100 Chapters! Please show your support ^_^) 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

There wasn’t much to say. The moment he heard Wang Meng had returned, Zhang Xiaopang bounced over like a ball.

Under the perplexed gazes of the crowd, Wang Meng finally pieced together what was going on. He didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

In the past, even if you had talent, you still had to seek out a master and go through countless hardships to learn a skill. But now, it was a whole new era. Masters were fighting over disciples, and what was even more ridiculous was that so many people actually idolized him.

"Brother Meng, you have no idea! You’re a huge deal now! Our plan for us brothers to make a name for ourselves in the Holy Hall is already halfway there! Haha."

Zhang Xiaopang was happier than anyone, because the reports about Wang Meng had also made special mention of him.

Wang Meng shook his head. He wasn’t some three-year-old kid; he knew full well that the nail that sticks out gets hammered down. This was especially true in the current situation, which had completely exceeded his expectations. Still, he’d have to take it as it came and see what the Ancestral Masters had in mind.

When he arrived at the inner hall, only Thunderbolt remained.

"Wang Meng pays his respects to the Ancestral Master."

This was the first time Thunderbolt had met Wang Meng, yet a sense of familiarity immediately washed over him. The more he looked, the more he saw the resemblance. ’It makes sense,’ he thought. ’After all, this is someone who spent time with that senior. What a fine seedling.’

"Have a seat. I have something to ask you. Feel free to answer, but it’s alright if you don’t."

Only the two of them were left in the room now. In truth, Thunderbolt was quite nervous.

"Please ask, Ancestral Master."

"I heard a senior once took a fancy to you and even taught you some things. Do you happen to recall that senior’s name?"

The longing in Elder Lei’s eyes at that moment was like that of a child.

Wang Meng was silent for a moment. Disappointment flickered across Thunderbolt’s face. "Ah, well, if he told you not to say anything, then never mind..."

"Ancestral Master, I think I remember his name was something Shan. I didn’t pay it much mind back then. I actually thought he was some old swindler."

Wang Meng said.

Thunderbolt’s eyes bulged. He almost died from sheer exasperation. ’This was a blessing from the heavens, and he called him... an old swindler.’

"Was it Moo Shan?"

"That’s right! How come? Does the Ancestral Master know that old man? I just happened to run into him on the street one day. He grabbed my hand and started spouting nonsense about how I had extraordinary talent and was destined for greatness. You know my Natural Life Mark is only at the Second Layer, and there are so many con artists out there, so I didn’t really pay him any mind. But he seemed pitiful, so I kept him company for a while, right up until I entered the Holy Hall."

"And where is he now?" Thunderbolt asked anxiously.

"I have no idea. He said to let fate run its course. He was always saying strange things, like ’Ascension is merely the beginning of another world. Nothing more, nothing more.’"

Thunderbolt was beside himself with nervous excitement. "Did he ever... mention me?"

Wang Meng scratched his head. "He never mentioned anyone by name. Though, when he heard I was trying to get into Thunderlight Hall, he did say, ’Excellent, excellent.’"

’A fire ignited in Thunderbolt’s heart. ’That’s enough. That’s more than enough.’_

Gradually composing himself, Thunderbolt smiled. "Wang Meng, what path do you wish to cultivate? Are you interested in being a Body Cultivator? A Pill Cultivator? Or an Artifact Cultivator?"

Suddenly, he felt that he shouldn’t try to restrict Wang Meng at all. ’Letting him develop freely would be for the best.’

"My goal ever since I was a child has been to become a Sword Cultivator in the Holy Hall!"

Thunderbolt slapped his forehead. "Look at me! Of course you’re a Sword Cultivator! Hahaha!"

’For someone chosen by Moo Shan, any other talents would just be secondary. His greatest gift must be his affinity for the sword!’

However, Thunderbolt immediately grew apprehensive again. "But when it comes to swordsmanship, the only one in the Holy Hall with any decent Sword Techniques is Li Xiuwen. That fellow is incredibly stubborn, though. If he found out you were chosen by that senior, he’d definitely refuse to teach you out of spite."

Wang Meng smiled. "Ancestral Master, I’m becoming a Sword Cultivator because I love it. Besides, that senior once told me that the greatest technique is to have no technique at all."

Thunderbolt froze for a second before bursting into laughter. "What am I worrying about? Alright then, do whatever you want! If anyone gives you trouble, you come straight to me!"

’A Sword Cultivator... The thought of the disappointed faces on Wu the Kid and his gang made Thunderbolt want to laugh. And clearly, Wang Meng had no intention of leaving Thunderlight Hall. That was enough.’

"Thank you, Ancestral Master."

Wang Meng was still having trouble getting used to the address.

Thunderbolt didn’t stay long. After offering a few words of blessing, he left. Once he was gone, Zhou Feng and Luu Yun entered, and Wang Meng finally got to meet the "old hag" Zhou Feng was always complaining about.

"Old Zhou, you were pulling my leg! Elder Luu is so elegant and beautiful, how could she possibly be..." Wang Meng laughed.

"Shh! Shh!" With lightning speed, Zhou Feng clamped a hand over Wang Meng’s mouth.

"Are you trying to get me killed, you brat!"

"Five bottles of Jade Dew Wine!" Wang Meng wasn’t about to be polite. Zhou Feng had caused all this trouble for him today, so he deserved some compensation.

"Why don’t you just rob me blind? Two bottles! And that’s not negotiable!" It was very difficult for even Zhou Feng to obtain.

"Three bottles, or I start shouting!"

"You brat... you win." Zhou Feng muttered, then turned with a broad smile. "Wang Meng, this is Elder Luu from the Main Hall’s Pill Sect."

"Hehe, this disciple, Wang Meng, greets Elder Luu!"

Beside her, Wangg Qing was also sizing up Wang Meng. ’She couldn’t believe it. This crude, boot-licking guy was supposed to be that genius?’

A smile spread across Luu Yun’s face. "Good child. Others may talk about your talent, but I believe your hard work and mindset are the true keys to your success."

Wang Meng glanced at Zhou Feng. ’This elegant woman was a far cry from the caustic, nit-picking harpy he’d described.’

Zhou Feng gave a few dry coughs. "Beware of sweet words and the darkness they hide."

Luu Yun shot a glare at Zhou Feng. "Men should take responsibility. Don’t be like certain cowards who just hide in their shells!"

Even an idiot could see what was going on. There was clearly a complicated romantic history between Zhou Feng and Luu Yun. Still, the woman standing before him was the picture of elegance and grace, nothing like the "old hag" he’d heard about.

"Wang Meng, this is Senior Sister Wangg, the one I told you about. You two should get acquainted."

Zhou Feng quickly changed the subject.

"I am unworthy of the title. Having witnessed Senior Brother Wang’s strength today, I, Wangg Qing, will redouble my efforts!"

Wangg Qing said, her pride evident.

Wang Meng smiled. "Don’t take it so seriously. I’m a Sword Cultivator. I’ll be counting on Senior Sister Wangg’s guidance in the future."

"Senior Brother Wang, for you to have such skill when you’re a Sword Cultivator... It makes me, a Pill Cultivator, feel utterly ashamed."

Wang Meng was momentarily at a loss for words. Zhou Feng shot him a look, as if to say, ’See what I mean, kid? Women are the most terrifying creatures on earth!’

Luu Yun and Wangg Qing didn’t stay long. They chatted with Wang Meng for a while, and with that, they were formally acquainted.

Once Wang Meng and Zhou Feng were alone, the atmosphere became much more relaxed. Zhou Feng immediately dropped his dignified Elder persona.

"You’ve really hit the big time now, kid. So? The Ancestral Master couldn’t stop praising your performance. In all my years, I’ve never seen her compliment someone so much. If you’re willing, I can make the recommendation. From then on, you’ll be an Elder."

Zhou Feng immediately dangled the bait. The gap between a disciple and an Elder was a vast chasm. Never mind a disciple—even someone like him would be ecstatic to hear such news. And with Zhou Feng’s status, his word on the matter was as good as gold.