FightQin Wucheng stood quietly before the Technique Pavilion, hands behind his back.
Even now, he still couldn't believe it.
This silly kid actually has the Fighting Saint Body?
For a long moment, his face stayed calm, but inside, he was howling.
If that system hadn't told him directly, he'd have thought Zhao Han was possessed by a donkey spirit, not born with some heaven-defying physique.
Fortunately, he thought with relief, this kid joined my Lingxiao Sect first.
Otherwise, if another sect got their hands on him, the world might've been flattened by his stupidity before his power awakened.
He exhaled softly and said aloud, "Xueyao, your Senior Brother does indeed possess a unique constitution — the legendary Fighting Saint Body."
Luo Xueyao's eyes widened. "Fighting… Saint Body?"
Her voice trembled. The name alone carried an oppressive weight. She looked at Zhao Han, whose honest face looked as blank as ever, and felt her mind tilt.
That same Zhao Han, who had once tripped over a stone while sweeping the courtyard?
Her heart whispered in disbelief. No way. Absolutely not.
But Qin Wucheng's expression was calm, his tone firm. "Once awakened, this physique allows one to battle heaven, earth, gods, and demons. It is unmatched beneath the heavens."
Zhao Han froze, then trembled like he'd just been struck by lightning.
"Fight… heaven and earth… gods and demons?" he repeated, eyes shining like stars. "Sect Master! What an incredible name! Fighting Saint Body! Ha! I knew I wasn't ordinary!"
He clasped his hands behind his back, pretending to look solemn, but his feet were shaking from excitement.
"Junior Sister," he declared, voice quivering, "your Senior Brother is destined to stand above all living beings!"
Luo Xueyao could only stare blankly at him.
Qin Wucheng silently rubbed his temples.
At this rate, if the heavens don't kill him, I might.
Keeping his face straight, he said, "Zhao Han's inability to open spiritual veins stems from his constitution. Without a matching technique, his veins reject ordinary qi."
Luo Xueyao's eyes flickered with concern. "Sect Master, if he cannot find a matching art… will Senior Brother's physique be wasted?"
Zhao Han turned stiffly. "Junior Sister! Don't curse me into uselessness!"
He pointed dramatically, expression indignant. "Just because I can't cultivate yet doesn't mean you can step on your Senior Brother's head!"
Qin Wucheng coughed lightly, stopping their squabble before it escalated into another "dust-sweeping duel."
"There is no need for worry," he said calmly. "The Technique Pavilion houses countless ancient arts. Within it lies one suited for your physique."
At once, Zhao Han's eyes lit up like lanterns. He looked at Qin Wucheng as though seeing a celestial maiden.
"Truly, Sect Master? You already prepared for me?"
"Of course," Qin Wucheng said, lying effortlessly through his teeth.
"Go inside and seek the art that calls to you. Once you find it, cultivate diligently. In time, our Lingxiao Sect shall shake the Immortal Martial Continent."
His tone grew firm, a faint glint of ambition in his eyes. "One of you is the Senior Brother of Lingxiao Sect, the other its Senior Sister. You represent my face. Don't embarrass me when you go out."
Both disciples straightened instantly.
"Yes, Sect Master!"
They exchanged a glance — one brimming with naive confidence, the other with quiet determination — then turned toward the shining doors of the Technique Pavilion.
Qin Wucheng watched them go, expression unreadable.
Only when they disappeared did he exhale softly.
Finally, some peace.
He turned toward the Main Hall, intent on consolidating his Soul Transformation Realm cultivation when—
Whoosh—
Two streaks of light descended from the clouds, wind screaming across the sect grounds.
In an instant, Wang Xuan and Luo Jingtao landed before him, bowing respectfully.
Wang Xuan's voice was steady, his aura still carrying traces of killing intent. "Sect Master, the Feathered Moon Dynasty has been completely destroyed."
Qin Wucheng nodded casually. "I know."
He'd already received the system's notification earlier.
Still, it was nice to look composed when subordinates brought back good news.
"You may withdraw," he said.
"Yes, Sect Master."
Wang Xuan bowed again and left, his figure vanishing like mist.
Only Luo Jingtao remained, hesitating for a long time before finally kneeling.
"Sect Master Qin," he said, his voice low but resolute. "The Grand Xu Dynasty wishes to become a vassal of the Lingxiao Sect. I… wonder if Sect Master would accept."
Qin Wucheng blinked.
"Oh?"
He studied the man kneeling before him — face pale, clothes torn from battle, yet eyes burning with determination.
He really said it.
A dynasty voluntarily becoming a subordinate sect? Even the system hadn't prepared him for that.
Inside, he was already panicking. Why would I want to manage a country? I don't even have enough disciples to sweep the mountain!
But outwardly, he remained calm, his tone detached. "You wish to become our vassal?"
"Yes!" Luo Jingtao pressed his forehead to the ground. "Our Grand Xu is weak. Though we survived, we cannot stand alone. The Feathered Moon's destruction will surely draw the attention of other dynasties. If we can serve under Lingxiao Sect, I will lead my people to loyalty without hesitation."
Qin Wucheng's eyes narrowed.
So it's because you saw Soul Transformation experts appearing in the battle… You think we're a hidden immortal sect, don't you?
Still, before he could answer—
[ Ding. The Lingxiao Sect seeks to become the strongest force under heaven. How can it lack vassal forces? Please accept the Grand Xu Dynasty as the first subordinate power. ]
Qin Wucheng's mouth twitched.
System, are you teaching me how to manage my sect now?
[ Ding. Refusal detected. Unbinding 10%… 20%… 30%… ]
His expression froze. "Wait, wait, what are you doing!?"
[ Unbinding 40%… 50%… ]
Qin Wucheng's composure shattered. He raised a hand immediately. "Alright, fine! I accept!"
[ Ding. Host's cooperation detected. Unbinding cancelled. The Grand Xu Dynasty has successfully become Lingxiao Sect's first subordinate power. Rewards will be calculated shortly. ]
He wiped imaginary sweat from his brow and forced a dignified nod.
"Very well," he said aloud, voice calm. "The Lingxiao Sect shall accept your dynasty as a subordinate force."
Luo Jingtao's body trembled with relief. He kowtowed three times. "This subject greets the Sect Master! From this day forward, the Grand Xu Dynasty shall heed the Lingxiao Sect's decree!"
Qin Wucheng waved his hand magnanimously. "Rise. Cultivate your strength and govern your people well. Lingxiao Sect does not oppress its vassals — only expects loyalty."
"Yes! I will remember Sect Master's grace for generations!" Luo Jingtao's tone carried deep gratitude.
As the king withdrew, Qin Wucheng stood still, face blank for several breaths.
Only when the man was gone did he let out a long sigh.
"System," he muttered, "if you ever try to unbind yourself again, I'll dig out your core and throw it into the latrine."
[ Ding. This system was only joking with the Host. Please don't take offense. ]
"Joking, my foot!"
Qin Wucheng rubbed his forehead, laughing helplessly.
Still, a faint smile crept into his expression.
A vassal dynasty, two promising disciples, and a mountain full of mysterious pavilions — the Lingxiao Sect was beginning to look like a real power.
"System," he said after a moment, "record the Grand Xu Dynasty as our first subordinate."
[ Ding. Recorded. Lingxiao Sect's influence has expanded. Current subordinate count: 1. Sect Points +200. ]
He nodded slowly. "Not bad."
For the first time, he allowed himself a small, satisfied grin.