I Pick up a Lost Godhood-Chapter 92 - 90: Thunderlight Hall, Aaaaaah

The magical artifacts from Fire Cloud Hall were purely for show. The high-level spiritual artifacts they displayed were just there to make people drool with envy. Even if they were auctioned off, ordinary disciples couldn’t possibly afford them. And even if you could afford one, you probably couldn’t use it. Some of the artifacts required Middle-Grade Spirit Stones, which was practically the same as setting Spirit Stones on fire.

As for the pills from Immortal Origin Hall, the sight of them made Hu Jing blush. The lowest-quality pill they had on display was still better than the highest-quality one from Thunderlight Hall.

By the time Hu Jing, Zhang Xiaojiang, Ma Tian’Er, Zhou Qian, and Suo Ming emerged from Dao Guang Hall, their spirits were crushed. Even Zhang Xiaopang, who was usually overconfident and incredibly resilient, felt like packing up and calling it a day.

Zhou Qian cleared his throat. "Everyone, we did our best, and that’s what matters. There’s still a gap between Thunderlight Hall and the other Sub-Halls. Let’s go back and keep working hard. One day, we’ll catch up to them."

No one responded to Zhou Qian. They all needed a moment to process the crushing blow to their morale.

Just then, Immortal Origin Hall erupted with excitement. Ancestor Master Zhou Luodan had arrived. Zhou Luodan herself hailed from Immortal Origin Hall, and her presence instantly brought their pill exhibition to a climax.

The disciples of Immortal Origin Hall, led by Liangyuan, formed ranks and shouted in unison, "We respectfully welcome the Ancestral Master!"

Zhou Luodan smiled. The years had not left many traces on her face. As the progenitor of pill cultivation, maintaining a youthful appearance was a necessity.

Behind Zhou Luodan stood Zhou Feng, a rather beautiful woman, and a young Pill Cultivator.

"Little Qing, now that we’re at your hall, why don’t you give us an introduction?"

Zhou Luodan smiled faintly. "Liangyuan, you may come over as well."

"Yes, Ancestral Master."

Liangyuan was ecstatic. Wangg Qing was a rather earnest young woman and a disciple of Immortal Origin Hall. She had been discovered by Luu Yun and accepted as a Closed-door Disciple.

"Ancestral Master, Master, Elder Zhou, our exhibition this time includes everything from First-Grade to Fifth-Grade Pills. The disciples have strictly followed your teachings, selecting the finest ingredients and refining them with the utmost diligence."

Wangg Qing was not as excited as Liangyuan. Thanks to her relationship with Elder Luu Yun, this was not the first time she had met Ancestor Master Zhou, and Zhou Luodan was quite pleased with her.

Zhou Luodan picked out a few pills, sniffed them, and nodded in approval. "Ah, Little Qing, let me see the pills that you refined."

"Yes, Ancestral Master. This time, I focused on refining First-Grade and Second-Grade Pills," Wangg Qing said as she presented them.

Zhou Luodan examined them, then turned to Zhou Feng, who was glancing about. "Zhou Feng, come and give your assessment."

Zhou Feng withdrew his gaze and respectfully accepted the pills. "This Wind-breaking Pill... hmm, it’s quite good. Even though it’s a First-Grade Pill, the alchemist was very meticulous. They chose a location aligned with the Five Elements of Earth to create a suppressive effect. To have such forethought for a First-Grade Pill is commendable."

"Thank you for the praise, Elder Zhou," Wangg Qing said respectfully.

"Zhou Feng, isn’t it about time you admitted defeat? First-Grade Pills are the truest test of fundamentals. Stop being so stubborn. It’s just a matter of conceding. Must you be such a sore loser?"

"Luu Granny... I mean, Elder, what do you mean stubborn?" Zhou Feng retorted. "This First-Grade Pill is indeed good, but... sigh... How should I say this? I’d rather not give my full assessment." He shook his head. "Forget it. A gentleman doesn’t quarrel with a lady."

Zhou Luodan laughed. Zhou Feng and Luu Yun were both her disciples, but they were always bickering, and now their rivalry had extended to their own disciples. However, Zhou Luodan considered it a good thing; at least their constant competition over the years had resulted in the successful deciphering of many ancient formulas.

"Zhou Feng, I don’t care for that tone. What’s this about a gentleman not quarreling with a lady?" she said. "Since you two have a wager, you should settle it properly. I will be the judge. I’d like to meet this genius you keep talking about. If he is truly as good as you claim, what would be the harm in me making an exception and accepting another disciple?"

The disciples from Lingyin Hall all perked up their ears. ’Who could be so incredible? A disciple from a Sub-Hall becoming the Ancestral Master’s Closed-door Disciple... They must have accumulated good karma for eight generations!’

Zhou Feng chuckled. "Hehe, Master, I wasn’t referring to you. Luu Yun, you...! We agreed not to spread this around!"

"Master, it’s not like they’re outsiders. How is that spreading it around?"

Luu Yun shot Zhou Feng a glare.

Zhou Luodan gazed at Zhou Feng, who gave an embarrassed smile. "Master, it’s really not a good idea. The kid has only just developed a slight interest in alchemy. His heart is set on being a Sword Cultivator. You can go see him, but please, whatever you do, don’t scare him off!"

Zhou Luodan couldn’t help but laugh. ’To think such a person actually exists in this world.’

"Zhou Feng, keep on spinning your tall tales," Luu Yun said. "If such a person truly exists, I’ll take your surname!"

Beside them, Wangg Qing spoke up earnestly, "Elder Zhou, if such a person really exists, I am willing to have a match with him!"

Wangg Qing was naturally siding with her master.

Zhou Feng was at a loss for words. How could one man possibly win an argument against three women?

"Do you dare take us, or does this person not even exist?" Luu Yun challenged.

"What nonsense! Fine, let’s go. I’ll take you there right now," Zhou Feng said. "But let’s get a few things straight first. I was the one who found him, so don’t even think about trying to steal him from me. And by me, I mean... I scouted him for Master. He’ll be our junior brother one day. But you absolutely cannot pressure him."

As Zhou Feng rambled on, Zhou Luodan’s interest was piqued. She knew her disciple’s personality well. For him to hold someone in such high regard while being so protective, the person in question must have truly extraordinary abilities.

"Let’s go," she said. "I can’t wait."

"Ancestral Master, Elders, might this disciple be permitted to tag along and see for himself?" Liangyuan hurriedly asked.

Zhou Luodan nodded, and Liangyuan was ecstatic. The Ancestral Master rarely made public appearances. ’Forget gaining any actual benefits; just becoming a familiar face to her is a blessing in itself!’

In truth, Liangyuan was also very curious. ’Does someone like that really exist in this world?’

"By the way, which hall is he from?" Zhou Luodan asked.

"Thunderlight Hall!"

Everyone around them nearly collapsed from shock...

The Ancestral Masters didn’t tend to flock together, but there were exceptions—for instance, the two old rivals, Wu Fatian and Thunderbolt.

If Thunderbolt weren’t going, that would be the end of it. But since he was, Wu Fatian couldn’t possibly let the opportunity pass. So, he’d shown up to block his door first thing in the morning.

"Old Lei, why do you even bother?" Wu Fatian said. "At your age, you still insist on looking for trouble. If I were you, I would’ve slapped those worthless little brats to death long ago."

Thunderbolt just smiled. "You’re right. I really do want to slap the worthless ones to death."

Wu Fatian froze. ’What the hell? Is this really Thunderbolt? Is he bluffing, or has he actually given up?’

"So, Old Lei, where should we go take a look?" Wu Fatian asked.

"You decide," Thunderbolt said. "You came all this way to wait for me so early. I couldn’t possibly presume."

"Heh, how about this," Wu Fatian said. "Thunderlight Hall and Lingyin Hall are our old stomping grounds, so of course we’ll visit them. But as Holy Hall Elders, we must have a broader perspective. Let’s go check out Hengshan Hall. Their Body Cultivators have been doing very well these past few years, and their forging skills are top-notch. You should go give them some pointers."