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Chapter 142: The Power Is Lacking a Bit
🕑 Added 2024-09-28 07:02:23 +0000 UTCSoon, the hundreds of people present all knelt down.
They had no choice but to kneel!
After all, even the tenth-ranked genius of the sect had submitted; how could these small fry dare to act out?
"A true man knows when to yield!"
"Yes, and it's also a skill."
"Indeed, everyone who has tried it agrees."
They exchanged glances in silence, communicating with their eyes, encouraging one another, and trying to find a way to save face.
At this moment, from time to time, disciples of the Eastern Victory Divine Sect would fly overhead.
"Huh, what's going on here…"
Before they could even finish their sentence, they too knelt down.
The momentum was unstoppable!
When everyone around you is doing something, it creates a sort of inertia. You don't even need to know why; there's a voice in your head telling you… you have to do the same.
And so, like a snowball rolling downhill, more and more people knelt down until there was an overwhelming crowd.
Then, the entire Eastern Victory Divine Sect was in an uproar!
"How could something like this happen!"
"This is outrageous!"
"Does he think our sect is a place where he can do whatever he wants? This is simply lawless!"
A top-ten ranked genius of the sect flew into a rage, smashing a cup in anger as he stormed over.
But then...
Under Qin Zi’s righteous and biting words, this fifth-ranked genius of the Eastern Victory Divine Sect also knelt in bitter humiliation.
His fingers clenched so hard they cracked.
His nails dug into his flesh!
There was nothing he could do. The accusations Qin Zi hurled at him were too severe; he couldn't bear the weight and was forced to his knees...
And the situation continued to spread.
However, no one dared to step forward easily because, after careful thought, they realized... there was no solution.
As long as the other party claimed to be the "Uncle Master," no matter what they said, they would have to kneel before speaking!
It was nothing less than self-humiliation.
Many began reporting the matter to the higher-ups of the sect. Yet, little did they know, the higher-ups were already aware but couldn't intervene...
Because before Qin Zi appeared in the Martial Arena, he had already told Su Xuanlong and the other elders, "I’m going to test the minds of these young ones. Without my notice, you're not allowed to come."
Su Xuanlong and the others had no choice but to comply.
In short, Qin Zi could now do whatever he wanted in the Eastern Victory Divine Sect!
Because he was the "Disciple of the Feather Emperor."
The Feather Emperor’s status was incredibly lofty—almost a figure of worship in the sect. So, Qin Zi wielded this authority like a talisman!
This was the bitter fruit sown by the Feather Emperor.
The Eastern Victory Divine Sect could only swallow it with tears!
However, everyone in the Eastern Victory Divine Sect knew that Qin Zi's lawlessness wouldn't last long. The more outrageous his behavior, the quicker his demise would come.
After all, even though Qin Zi had turned the Feather Emperor’s plans against him, the absolute power still lay in the hands of the Feather Emperor.
Once Qin Zi pushed too far, the Feather Emperor would seize the opportunity to take action, using the excuse of "cleaning up the sect" to suppress Qin Zi and rightfully reclaim the imperial artifact.
Not only that, all the humiliation Qin Zi had caused the Eastern Victory Divine Sect would be returned to him tenfold.
Just imagine.
By then, Qin Zi would be crippled, with his hair in disarray, his shoulder blades pierced by sharp hooks. These hooks would be connected to thick chains wrapped around two enormous black iron balls taller than a person. He would be whipped, forced to drag the iron balls forward like plowing a field…
He would be in agony.
He would be humiliated.
He would be in despair.
He would be unable to live, yet unable to die!
And not just him—his father, Qin Chuan, would suffer the same fate, if not worse...
It was precisely because of such "anticipation" that the disciples and high-ranking members of the Eastern Victory Divine Sect could endure the humiliation.
Go ahead and make a scene!
The more you stir up trouble now, the more miserable your end will be. All your lawlessness is just bringing about your own destruction!!
Finally, when more than half of the Eastern Victory Divine Sect's disciples were kneeling in the square, Qin Zi summoned Su Xuanlong and the other elders.
"Uncle Master."
Su Xuanlong and several elders reluctantly greeted Qin Zi with pinched noses.
Seeing the sect’s upper echelon bowing to this man, the disciples kneeling below felt somewhat relieved—it wasn’t just them. Even the high-ranking members of the sect had fallen into this trap. It wasn’t their fault. The momentum was irresistible; it wasn’t their battle to fight!
"Mm, Xuanlong, after testing these young people, I found that this generation still has a sense of respect and hierarchy. Not bad."
Qin Zi said with an air of seniority.
Su Xuanlong and several elders twitched their mouths but said nothing, while about half of the elders maintained a calm expression, as if this were completely normal...
"Hehe, Uncle Master is too kind." Su Xuanlong feigned humility, his face full of forced smiles.
Some elders couldn’t tell what was real anymore.
But Su Xuanlong knew very well that this man was playing them! Because only when their eyes met did Qin Zi’s gaze turn provocative, as though trying to pierce him!
"Xuanlong, I heard that while I was away, you explored the ancestral grounds and unearthed an ancestral stone tablet?"
Qin Zi asked with a smile.
Su Xuanlong’s heart skipped a beat, and his face twitched violently—who was the snitch? This was inviting a wolf into the house!
Now that this brat knew about the ancestral stone tablet, how could he not be tempted? If this continued, could the tablet even be preserved?
Even if they could take it back after suppressing him, what if he decided to destroy it in a last-ditch effort?
Even if he couldn’t destroy it, what if he defiled it—urinated on it, or worse—on the tablet? It would be enough to tarnish this treasure forever...
"Well… it's said to be an ancestral stone tablet, but in reality, it’s just a stone we found by the roadside in the ancestral grounds. It’s nothing special… we didn’t think much of it, so we left it for the juniors to ponder over."
Su Xuanlong tried to cover it up.
However, it was all in vain. Qin Zi was too sharp to be fooled by such lies.
Qin Zi smiled and said, "Oh, I see. I was worried it was some extraordinary treasure. If that were the case, as an elder of the sect, I would be too embarrassed to compete with the juniors for it."
"But since it's something insignificant... I’ll be thick-skinned and ask to take a look."
Shameless bastard!!
Su Xuanlong nearly coughed up blood. The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes twitched violently—you call this thick-skinned? Your skin has been impenetrable from the start!
"What's wrong? Is it not allowed?"
Qin Zi noticed Su Xuanlong's odd expression and frowned. "Could it be that as the disciple of the Feather Emperor and the Uncle Master of the sect, I don't even have the right to look at a broken stone tablet?"
"Uncle Master, you misunderstand."
Su Xuanlong took a deep breath, trying his best to remain calm. "This stone tablet has already been allocated to the top ten geniuses of the sect, each of whom is allotted ten days to comprehend it. At present, it is being studied by the sect's third-ranked genius, Lu Wuxiang, and he has only been at it for two days."
"So, you mean I have to wait at least eight more days?" Qin Zi frowned.
"Yes, the sect must keep its word. I believe Uncle Master, with your dedication to the sect, will understand."
Su Xuanlong smiled, his smile carrying a hidden challenge that only Qin Zi could detect—You like using righteousness to your advantage, don’t you? Then I’ll use it to make you suffer!!
However, Qin Zi remained calm as a rock.
He smiled and said, "Since the third-ranked genius is studying it now, the first and second-ranked geniuses should be free, right? Summon them for me."
Before Su Xuanlong could decline, Qin Zi continued, blocking his way out:
"And don’t tell me they're both busy or in seclusion. If they both coincidentally can't come, it won’t be a coincidence. I’ll have reason to suspect… that they hold some grudge against me."
Su Xuanlong's words were stuck in his throat. It felt like swallowing a fly—utterly unpleasant.
He coughed twice and forced a smile. "Cough, cough, how could that be, Uncle Master? I’ll summon them right away."
Soon, Su Xuanlong wore a troubled expression and said, "Uncle Master, the first-ranked genius, Xuan Tianji, had a revelation and really is in seclusion. Only the second-ranked genius, Che Zhen, is available."
At least he could save one! There was no way he could let both of the sect’s top geniuses be ruined by this brat, right?
"Mm, that works too."
Qin Zi nodded calmly. He had expected Su Xuanlong to try to save himself like this, so he wasn’t surprised.
Before long.
A young man with an imposing presence flew in from the distance. He had sword-like brows, bright eyes, and a handsome face, but his hair was green.
"Disciple Che Zhen greets Uncle Master."
Before Qin Zi could say anything, Che Zhen knelt on one knee, bowing his proud head in respect.
He could bend and stretch when needed.
Che Zhen already knew what had transpired here, so he knew there was no escaping the need to kneel. Given that, why not turn his retreat into an advance?
"Mm, rise."
Qin Zi said calmly, though he was a bit surprised. This person's respectfulness put him in a somewhat awkward position.
When the other side yielded so quickly, it became harder to be harsh.
Just then, Che Zhen said, "I've long heard that Uncle Master is extraordinarily talented and unparalleled among the younger generation of the Eastern Domain. Today, I am fortunate to meet you and wish to request some guidance… May I?"
He wanted a challenge!!
A "request for guidance" was just a polite way to say it, and it left Qin Zi no room to refuse.
His real goal was to crush Qin Zi, preferably to severely injure him so that he couldn't cause further trouble for the Eastern Victory Divine Sect in the short term!
In the meantime.
The sect could lay traps for Qin Zi, causing him to fall into disrepute and enter a state of irreversible ruin...
Qin Zi was indeed strong—after all, he had defeated Jiang Shennong. Che Zhen had previously stood no chance against him.
But three days ago, he had comprehended an unparalleled divine technique from the ancestral stone tablet, significantly enhancing his power. He now felt confident enough to go toe-to-toe with Qin Zi!
Even if he lost, what would he really lose? He would still be humiliated whether he challenged or not, and he had already knelt…
"Hahaha! Such ambition!"
Qin Zi laughed heartily, patting Che Zhen on the shoulder with satisfaction. "Originally, I hadn’t planned on making a move for a few days, but since you’re so motivated, I’ll guide you."
"Thank you, Uncle Master!"
Che Zhen's face showed excitement, but inside, he was smirking.
"Let's begin."
Qin Zi smiled.
"Uncle Master… be careful!" Che Zhen’s eyes flashed with sharp intent, and he launched a fierce punch at Qin Zi.
"Boom!"
The punch carried a terrifying shockwave, causing the air to tremble as though countless particles were vibrating!
"Not bad."
Qin Zi's expression remained unchanged. His right hand was covered in a layer of golden light, like the hand of a god, as he pushed it forward.
"Clang——"
A loud, resonant sound echoed, like the toll of a temple bell, nearly shattering everyone’s eardrums. Che Zhen was sent flying backward.
However, he wasn’t injured. His arms spread out in a "White Crane Spreads Its Wings" stance, and he soared back a hundred meters. Then, he slowly raised his hands above his head and suddenly clasped them together.
"Buzz!!"
A massive sword light shot up between his clasped palms, towering over a hundred meters high!
The sword light flashed brilliantly, its edges rippling with countless undulating lines. A horrifying shockwave spread outward.
"Shockwave Sword, Slash!"
Che Zhen roared, bringing his palms down violently. The gigantic sword tilted downward, like a seesaw, lifting his legs skyward.
"Boom!"
With a loud crash, a shockwave spread horizontally in midair. Qin Zi was sent crashing into the mountain below, stones flying and dust billowing.
Success!
Che Zhen's eyes lit up with excitement, and he grinned toward the dust-covered scene below. "Uncle Master, how does this self-created technique of mine measure up? Please advise!"
The word "advise" was laced with heavy sarcasm, paired with the current scene, becoming the ultimate mockery.
The disciples of the Eastern Victory Divine Sect, still kneeling around, felt a surge of excitement as if they could finally breathe!
But just then...
A gust of wind blew away the smoke, revealing the scene below. Qin Zi slowly stood up from the pit.
He wasn’t injured in the slightest. His clothes were still intact. He lifted his leg, lightly tapped the dust off his foot, and smiled as he raised his head.
"Mm, very good. Aside from the lack of power, everything else… was excellent."
Smack!!
Everyone’s expressions froze. Che Zhen, who had been smiling with a sense of triumph, felt as though an invisible slap had just landed on his face.
Aside from the lack of power? Everything else was good?
What was the point of a technique if it lacked power? What use was a technique without killing ability? To entertain the enemy?
Qin Zi’s evaluation boiled down to one word—superficial!
Che Zhen took a deep breath, his pride blazing like a roaring fire, and stubbornly said, "Indeed, my technique is still incomplete. But Uncle Master, how would you improve it? Please guide me!"
He kicked the ball back.
You said my technique was superficial, didn’t you? Then prove you can do better. Don’t just run your mouth!
"Mm, I’m not familiar with your technique, so I don’t fully understand its essence. I’ll just give a superficial demonstration. If I get it wrong, please don’t laugh."
Qin Zi said humbly.
Then, he slowly raised his right hand above his head. Instantly, a blinding sword light formed, shooting straight into the sky. This sword light also contained terrifying shockwave power.
Not only that, it was infused with an additional murderous force and wild energy, making the sword even more terrifying.
"Slash!!"
With a wave of his hand, the massive sword cleaved toward the wide-eyed, terrified Che Zhen. The sword’s terrifying power caused the wind and clouds to shift.
"Block!"
"Boom——"
Che Zhen activated his defensive technique, but in an instant, it was shattered. The shockwaves and murderous force in the swordlight collided with him, sending him flying, coughing blood.
Whoosh!
Bang, bang, bang!
He was like a shooting star, crashing through three mountain peaks before embedding himself in the cliffside of a fourth.
Bloodied and on the verge of death!
"Hiss!"
"That…"
Everyone watching was dumbstruck, their mouths hanging open, unable to speak. Their minds buzzed as though about to explode.
Che Zhen stared blankly, his eyes vacant, as Qin Zi’s humble yet biting words echoed in his ears.
"I didn’t know the essence of your sword… so I just gave a superficial demonstration… a superficial demonstration…"
No essence?
Superficial?
A sword without essence was stronger than his own sword—what did that make the essence of his technique? A joke?
Thinking this, Che Zhen felt as though countless slaps were flying toward his face, drowning him.
Smack, smack, smack, smack, smack!!!
At the same time, in Qin Chuan's ears, a system prompt sounded: "Ding! Your son successfully humiliated Che Zhen, auto-recharged with one Che Zhen, earning 2 Patriarch Points!"
Instantly, his Patriarch Points balance became 5.6.
"This Che Zhen isn’t weaker than Jiang Shennong, so why is he only worth 2 points?" Qin Chuan frowned. Jiang Shennong was worth 3 points.
But he soon understood.
It was likely due to status!
Patriarch Points were calculated based on a person’s talent, strength, status, position, and potential.
Che Zhen was lacking in status compared to Jiang Shennong, who was the young master of a powerful imperial family!
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