Chapter 313: Cao Youqian – Master, could it be that I am to become a Holy Son candidate?
Three days later, at dawn.
Chu Feng was still in a deep sleep when Bing Yan woke him. He had a slight temper when roused from bed and was just about to ask what had happened.
Before he could speak, Bing Yan presented the dean's personal decree to him.
Chu Feng accepted it, a look of puzzlement appearing on his face. "This doesn't seem fake, does it?"
"???"
Bing Yan stared at Chu Feng, full of question marks. "No one in Wendao Academy would dare to forge the dean's decree."
Chu Feng nodded. "That's true, which is why I'm puzzled. After all, the dean is always considerate of me, knowing I sleep until late in the morning. Under normal circumstances, he would never summon me at this hour."
Bing Yan said, "In that case, the dean must have something important to tell you. Allow me to help you dress, my lord."
"Alright."
Chu Feng nodded, letting Bing Yan tidy him up. Shortly after, he arrived at the main courtyard and, upon stepping outside, saw Cao Youqian standing there.
"Disciple greets Master."
Cao Youqian bowed to Chu Feng.
"You may rise."
Chu Feng asked, "What brings you here?"
"Master, I received the dean's decree to accompany you to the dean's private residence," Cao Youqian replied respectfully.
"Let's go."
Chu Feng said no more, and the two of them took to the skies.
Cao Youqian, unable to stay idle, asked curiously, "Master, what do you think the dean wants from me? Could it be that he intends to make me a Holy Son candidate?"
Chu Feng's expression turned thoughtful. "That is indeed possible. If you were to become a Holy Son candidate, what would you do?"
"Master, I have no desire to be a Holy Son candidate. Though it sounds prestigious, it's just that…"
Cao Youqian trailed off, but the implication was clear.
"You're afraid you wouldn't be able to compete with your senior brother?"
Chu Feng asked casually.
"That's not it. I've always aspired to surpass my senior brother."
Cao Youqian's eyes shone with fighting spirit, but he quickly added, "However, I don't wish to compete with him for fame or profit. Back then, he helped me in my cultivation like a sword and a flame."
Chu Feng was momentarily taken aback. "So you actually appreciate your senior brother's kindness?"
"Hehe."
Cao Youqian chuckled. "Of course. Back in those days at Miao Miao Mountain, it was just the three of us, master and disciples, relying on each other. We weren't famous, but those days were truly worth remembering."
As they spoke, they arrived outside the dean's private residence. Upon landing, an instructor came forward to greet them.
"Chief Chu, Nephew Cao, please wait here in the courtyard for a moment. The dean will summon you shortly."
Chu Feng gave a slight nod. "Alright."
The dean's arrangements surprised Chu Feng slightly, but he thought no further of it.
Meanwhile, in the main hall just a courtyard away, the dean was hosting twelve guests from the Holy Court.
Among them were men and women, some elderly with hair like snow, and others in their prime.
Without exception, all twelve carried an air of arrogance, which the dean was long accustomed to.
In his early years, he had also cultivated in the Holy Court, but his talent back then was unremarkable. After decades of training there, he had come to Wendao Academy.
While the twelve were exchanging glances, an instructor entered and respectfully reported, "Dean, honored seniors, Chief Chu and Nephew Cao have arrived."
Though their expressions remained unchanged, a faint gleam flashed in the eyes of the twelve.
The dean said, "Everyone, Cao Youqian and Chu have arrived. Normally, a guardian is appointed by the academy for a disciple, but this time is an exception. You and Cao Youqian will choose each other.
If you want him to choose you, feel free to use whatever means you have."
"Understood."
The twelve responded in unison. Not all of them were willing to leave the Holy Court to serve as guardians, but they could not refuse the Holy Court's patriarch. They had come to see for themselves what was so extraordinary about the young man the patriarch had praised so highly.
"Instructor Lan, please bring them in," the dean said when no one objected.
"Yes."
Instructor Lan acknowledged the order and left.
Before long, Chu Feng and Cao Youqian entered the main hall. Seeing such an imposing scene inside, a flicker of surprise flashed in their eyes.
"Disciple Chu Feng greets the Dean and all senior brothers and sisters."
"Disciple Cao Youqian greets the Dean and all uncles."
"At ease."
The Dean spoke briefly, then pointed to a chair, signaling Chu Feng to sit.
"Thank you, Dean."
Chu Feng, unconcerned with formality, took a seat at the end.
The Dean turned his gaze to Cao Youqian. "Cao Youqian, how many years have you been under Wendao Academy's tutelage?"
Cao Youqian replied, "Dean, I have been here since birth—over thirty years in all."
The Dean nodded slightly. "I did not expect you to have already reached your thirties, but for you to reach the Path Union realm in just over thirty years is worthy of the title 'prodigy.' It is only fitting you become a Holy Son candidate of Wendao Academy. Today, I will announce this to the world."
Cao Youqian immediately bowed. "Thank you for the Dean's favor. I will train diligently and never bring shame to Wendao Academy."
At this point, refusal was impossible. A saint's word carried unshakable authority, and no student of Wendao Academy dared to disobey.
"Good."
The Dean was very satisfied with Cao Youqian's attitude. "By rule, each Holy Son candidate is assigned a guardian. This time, the guardians are all Half-Saints. They wish to see your strength, so show it to your uncles now."
"Yes."
Cao Youqian answered, walked outside, and fully released his aura.
Divine radiance swirled around him as he punched toward the heavens.
Boom!
The blow tore through the clouds, scattering them across the sky.
Wendao Academy's disciples, instructors, and elders who saw it felt a jolt in their hearts.
"Who is throwing punches?"
"What a terrifying fist technique!"
"If I'm not mistaken, it must be Nephew Cao. Only his Extreme Dao Divine Fist has such power. The rumors are true—he has achieved complete mastery of his fist intent."
In the main hall, the twelve Great Sages—originally calm—could not help but show a glint of light in their eyes.
This young man was even more formidable than they had been at his age.
Thinking back, most of them in their thirties had only reached the True Fate realm, with a few barely stepping into Heavenly Origin.
This one truly carried great fortune.
The position of his guardian was theirs for the taking.
In the crowd, only a middle-aged beautiful woman curved her lips into a confident, determined smile.
The Dean was also pleased with the display. He said "Good, good, good" three times in a row. "Worthy of being a prodigy of Wendao Academy. Xiao Feng, you have done well."
Chu Feng gave a slight bow. "Dean jests. This is only my duty as a disciple."
The Dean turned to the twelve Great Sages. "You may now make your choice."
Of the twelve, eleven stepped forward and said in unison, "We are willing to be Nephew Cao's guardian."
"Very well."
The Dean looked to Cao Youqian. "Xiao Qian, come and choose a guardian."
Cao Youqian stepped forward respectfully but with a puzzled expression. "Dean, I have a small request."
"Let's hear it."
The Dean smiled warmly.
"Dean, this disciple wishes to witness the methods of my uncles before making a choice."
The Dean said nothing, turning his gaze to the eleven Great Sages as if leaving the decision to them.
"No problem."
"Of course."
The Great Sages all spoke in agreement.
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