Apotheosis Begins with Tai Chi

"No one taught me."

Chen Cheng said.

"It’s a technique I slowly figured out on my own while using the Celestial God Hidden Dragon Painting to channel Cross-Imagining Power... It’s just a minor trick, hardly worth your attention, Elder Pang."

"You created it yourself?"

The words reached his ears, and Pang Shixun’s brow twitched slightly.

He didn’t reply immediately, instead glancing sideways at Ye Yang. His eyes held a clear trace of disbelief.

Ye Yang quickly spoke up.

"Elder Pang, you may not be aware, but while this boy Chen Cheng’s Root Bone is lacking, his Comprehension is of the highest order! His Heart Nature is also top-class! His Divine Intent, perhaps, is as well..."

He clearly paused when he said the words "Divine Intent." His tone held a hint of uncertainty, but more than that, a deep-seated admiration and awe.

"Oh?"

Pang Shixun raised an eyebrow, a peculiar glint appearing in his eyes.

"Good, good, good! Young man! We have an agreement! We’ll set a three-month period. When the time comes, you remember to find me!"

"At that time, I will conduct a full assessment of your talent. If the results are good... I may be able to recommend you to join a Sect!"

The moment he said this, before Chen Cheng could even react, the expressions on Ye Yang and Wu Shannan’s faces had already changed.

A flash of astonishment was clearly visible in Wu Shannan’s deep-set, aged eyes. He looked at Pang Shixun, then at Chen Cheng, his lips moving a few times, but no words came out.

Ye Yang’s expression was even more complex.

Beyond the astonishment was delight, and a daze of disbelief.

In this world, an ordinary Martial Artist who wanted to climb the ranks had almost only three paths to choose from.

Attach themselves to a noble family, enter service through the Martial Selection, or enter a Sect.

Among these, entering a Sect was the most difficult, but it also offered the highest potential for the future.

This was the kind of opportunity that even Ye Yang, at the Peak of his power in his youth, would have had no right to even dream of.

And now, Chen Cheng had grasped a sliver of that chance!

However faint this chance might be, he had truly reached a level that the younger Ye Yang wouldn’t have even dared to imagine.

"Alright, I’ll remember. Thank you, Elder Pang!"

Chen Cheng cupped his fist in a salute once more.

This time, he bowed even deeper than before, his etiquette impeccable.

An opportunity like joining a Sect was something even he had to take with the utmost seriousness.

The road ahead was difficult and full of uncertainties. Even if everything seemed to be going smoothly now, he never dared to lower his guard.

One more opportunity of this caliber meant one more option in life, one more step on the ladder to climb higher, one more escape route in case of a major disaster—it could even mean an extra life!

Its significance was self-evident!

Because of this, Chen Cheng had already formulated a plan and a goal in his mind.

’In the next three months, I must do everything in my power to increase my strength and improve my Root Bone!’

’While preparing for the Martial Selection, I have to seize this sliver of an opportunity that Pang Shixun has offered.’

Of course, during this period, Chen Cheng would also do his best to learn about Pang Shixun as a person—to watch with his own eyes and listen with his own ears, and ultimately make a judgment...

’Is this man trustworthy?’

Afterward, they chatted idly for a while longer, exchanging pleasantries for the most part.

Pang Shixun asked about Chen Cheng’s daily training routine.

Wu Shannan added a few more compliments, such as how the younger generation was truly formidable and that he had a promising future.

Chen Cheng answered each question. He didn’t say much, but every word was appropriate, and his etiquette was flawless.

Finally, Pang Shixun and Wu Shannan rose together and left side-by-side, as if they had another engagement to attend.

The moment they left, the crowd that had been held back by the attendants and guards surged forward again like a tide.

In the blink of an eye, Chen Cheng was surrounded. Every face in the crowd was filled with fanaticism, urgency, and the anxious fear of being left behind.

"Brother Chen! I’m from the Qi Family of the East District! A Monthly Allowance of one hundred taels of silver! We’d like to offer you an honorary position... Here’s my card... Find me anytime you’re free!"

"Make way, make way! Lord Cheng! I’m with the Ganshan Gang! A Monthly Allowance of one hundred and twenty taels, plus no less than fifty taels’ worth of mountain delicacies every month..."

"Lord Cheng! My lord! Please look at my family’s card! My master is the Master of the Immortal Tower! The Monthly Allowance is negotiable! A new troupe of dancers from Nanyue just arrived at the tower. If you’re not opposed, feel free to pick a few to take back and warm your bed!"

Some of the larger factions were still stubbornly trying to recruit Chen Cheng.

The terms they offered were wildly varied.

There was even a Steward from some trading company who came right up and asked, "Lord Cheng, you want a wife? Big breasts, round hips, great for bearing children!" He said it as if it were a serious business proposal.

At the same time, some of the smaller factions were much more clear-headed and pragmatic.

They knew their own temples were too small to house a great deity like Chen Cheng.

So, after announcing who they represented, they each presented him with a tangible monetary gift.

Some handed over two or three Golden Blade Coins, others thrust a few Silver Ingots at him. Some even pulled out their Money Bags and, without counting, just desperately pushed them forward.

They weren’t asking for anything in return, only to become a familiar face.

By spending a little money regularly in the future to maintain the relationship, the favor they cultivated over time could often prove immensely useful if something ever came up.

Chen Cheng stood in the center of the crowd, his expression calm.

He accepted all of the Silver Ingots, Golden Blade Coins, and Money Bags, taking each one with a smile. As he took them, he would offer a smile in return, memorizing the person’s face and identity, giving them ample respect.

As for the name cards, however, he refused them all.

No matter how they shouted, begged, or shoved the cards in his face, he would just turn slightly to the side to avoid them, then reach out to accept the next monetary gift.

Soon, those who were offering name cards caught on.

They simply had to stuff a Silver Ingot or a Golden Blade Coin along with their name card, and Chen Cheng would accept both with a smile.

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