Chapter 1390 - Setting Off for the Immortal Conferral Ancient Realm

Although the competition for low-class disciples had ended and the hundreds of thousands of participants gradually returned to their usual cultivation, those who ranked in the top hundred—especially the top ten—went straight into seclusion, eager to refine their skills with the rich rewards they had just received.

In this martial meet, the sect hadn’t been stingy, awarding large amounts of elixirs, treasures, and merit points. As a result, many disciples were expected to experience a sharp rise in strength in the near future.

Moreover, those who received an Immortal Breakthrough Pill would soon cast their immortal platform and advance into the Immortal Platform realm.

Naturally, the entire sect buzzed with conversation about the tournament, particularly about the once-obscure names who dazzled everyone with their brilliance.

For example, Chen Fan, Huang Wuji, and a few others.

“I never expected Chen Fan to take first place!”

“Same! But... don’t you think the ending felt a little flat? Si Kong broke through in the middle of their fight and basically handed first place to Chen Fan on a silver platter.”

“That reminds me that it’s been like what? Twenty days since Chen Fan was summoned to the Heavenly Punishment Great Hall. I heard through the grapevine that the Heavenly Punishment Elder has already taken Chen Fan in as his disciple. He’s really ascended to heaven in a single step.”

“Grapevine? Please, it’s confirmed. With a powerful backer like the Heavenly Punishment Elder, Chen Fan can do whatever he wants in the sect. The Hua Alliance must be grinding their teeth in fury right now.”

“Hoho, don’t exaggerate. Sure, his master can shield him from pressure coming from the higher-ups, but when it comes to rivalries within the younger generation, Chen Fan will have to face those challenges alone.”

“You’re right! Senior Brother Hua Yunxiao is currently in seclusion, striving to reach the Immortal King realm. Once he learns about Chen Fan, perhaps he might even step in himself. Then, Chen Fan will end up miserable.”

“

Haa

, these matters aren’t for the likes of us to meddle in. Chen Fan has a powerful backer, but as one of the Five Hegemons, Senior Brother Hua Yunxiao also has a backer: the Demon Suppression Elder. He won’t be shaken just because Chen Fan’s status changed.”

“You’re right. In the end, this world bows to strength: whoever has the bigger fist is the boss!”

“That’s right. After this martial meet, countless disciples who shone brilliantly caught the eyes of the higher-ups and were taken in as personal disciples. Just look at Huang Wuji. An Immortal Emperor-level powerhouse himself took interest in him.”

“

Haaa

, we can only envy them. Why won’t any elder take notice of me? I’d be happy even with an Immortal King realm backer.”

News of Chen Fan, Huang Wuji, and others being chosen by powerful elders spread like wildfire, conveniently shifting attention away from Si Kong. This was no accident, as the higher-ups clearly wanted the spotlight elsewhere, for Si Kong’s identity was far too sensitive.

For the Hua Alliance, Chen Fan becoming the Heavenly Punishment Elder’s personal disciple was not good news.

“Damn it, that little bastard is really lucky!”

Xing Qian and Chen Wang’s expressions were incomparably ugly.

“The elders warned us that from now on, we can only deal with Chen Fan from the shadows. If the Heavenly Punishment Elder catches us, even Senior Brother Hua Yunxiao won’t be able to shield us.”

“Of course. His status has changed, and his position has risen with it. We’ll be disrespecting the Heavenly Punishment Elder if we still deal with him openly.”

“There’s no point talking about this any further. Do you really think we still have a chance to deal with him in the future? I’m afraid he’ll already be in the Immortal Platform realm when he comes out of the Immortal Conferral Ancient Realm. If anyone dares to move against him, it’ll be the senior brothers of that realm. Not us.”

Finally, Ye Kuang spoke after his long silence. Cold light flickered in his eyes, with countless sinister schemes taking shape in his heart.

“

Hmph

, he won’t walk out of the Immortal Conferral Ancient Realm alive!”

During the martial meet, Chen Fan had crushed the Hua Alliance’s prestige and defeated Ye Kuang personally. This was a grudge Ye Kuang couldn’t leave to others; it had to be settled by his own hand.

......

After twenty-some days, Chen Fan returned from the Heavenly Punishment Great Hall to the Immortal Tread Institution. Under the guidance of the Heavenly Punishment Elder, his insight toward the path of martial arts had reached new heights.

If, before, his understanding had been that of an elementary school student, then now he stood at the level of a high schooler, perhaps even a university scholar.

After all, the Heavenly Punishment Elder wasn’t an ordinary Immortal Emperor. He stood at the very peak of this realm. His insight and understanding of the path of martial arts were naturally far superior to Chen Fan's.

With such a figure pointing out his flaws, even twenty short days yielded more growth than all his years of cultivation combined. Chen Fan’s comprehension of his martial Dao intent deepened, and his strength rose steadily, solid and unshakable.

When Di Chen and Duanmu Lingxing saw that Chen Fan had returned, they immediately teased him, “You’re back, Little Junior Brother. Word of the Heavenly Punishment Elder taking you in as his personal disciple is spreading everywhere.”

They didn’t feel any envy or jealousy inside, only genuine happiness for Chen Fan.

“

Mmm

.” Chen Fan nodded and asked, “

Hmm

? Why isn’t First Senior Brother around?”

“First Senior Brother? Another behemoth became interested in him and took him in as his personal disciple. I’m afraid he’ll only emerge from seclusion after advancing into the Immortal Platform realm.”

“That’s great.”

Chen Fan was also very happy for Huang Wuji.

Regardless of whether that behemoth’s status was as high as that of the Heavenly Punishment Elder, an Immortal Emperor was still an Immortal Emperor. They were an unshakable pillar within the Featherlight Sect, whose words carried immense weight. With such backing, who would dare look down on them in the future?

Three days later, Chen Fan, Mo Xue, and Ye Kuang arrived in front of a grand hall.

Soon, an Immortal Emperor, known as Hidden Star, walked out of the hall.

“Greetings to Elder!” The trio saluted politely, not daring to show any signs of disrespect in front of the Immortal Emperor behemoth. Chen Fan was the same, even though he was already the Heavenly Punishment Elder’s personal disciple.

“You’re all quite promising. Once you enter the Immortal Conferral Ancient Realm, do not leave lightly. It would be best if you could step into the immortal realm within its depths.”

“We’ll remember Elder’s words closely to heart,” they replied, nodding in unison.

“Good, as long as you understand. Let’s go. I’ll escort you to the Immortal Conferral Ancient Realm.”

Hidden Star Immortal Emperor waved his arm. A whirlwind appeared, sweeping up the three of them. Taking a step forward, their figures instantly disappeared from sight.