I Pick up a Lost Godhood

Chapter 366 - 349: Who Is It?

"That kid is always pulling off the impossible. This spot is precious, and it seems he’s truly established himself in the Great Yuan Realm. We need to send someone who can genuinely help him!"

said Thunderbolt. As the Ancestral Master of Thunderlight Hall, he had a great deal of say over this spot, but he wasn’t selfish; at his core, he was still willing to act for the good of the entire Holy Hall.

"What’s Wang Meng’s take on this?" Zhou Luodan asked. "His opinion should be our primary consideration."

The Ancestral Masters present all nodded. The struggles in the Cultivation Academy were just as fierce; they couldn’t afford to take this lightly.

"Wang Meng’s intention is for Hu Jing to decide. It seems he trusts her a great deal."

Li Xiuwen stroked his beard and smiled. "What does everyone think?"

"I think a disciple’s perspective is bound to be limited. It would be better for us to make the final call."

Zhao Tianlong cleared his throat and said, "Of course, since Wang Meng mentioned Hu Jing, we can certainly consult her for her thoughts. What do you all think?"

Thunderbolt snorted coldly. "Junior Brother Zhao, you can’t be thinking of sending Zhao Lingxuan, can you?"

Zhao Tianlong’s expression remained unchanged. "Senior Brother Lei, this isn’t about who I want to send. It’s about who can best help Wang Meng and improve their circumstances over there. Don’t you agree?"

"Old Wu, what do you say?" Thunderbolt looked at Wu Fatian.

"Well, about this... I don’t think Junior Brother Zhao is entirely wrong. Hu Jing is outstanding, but she’s been with the Holy Hall for a relatively short time. I suggest we have her create a longlist of candidates. Then, we can create a shortlist from that to see how our choices align. As for the final decision, we can put it to a vote. Since Wang Meng brought her up, the six of us will each get one vote, and Hu Jing will get a vote as well," Wu Fatian said.

Everyone nodded in agreement. Seeing the consensus, Thunderbolt couldn’t really object. Logically, the suggestion made sense.

After all, they couldn’t let personal feelings get in the way. From a strategic standpoint, it wasn’t a given who the most suitable candidate would be.

The news quickly reached Thunderlight Hall, and Zhou Feng gathered everyone.

"Hu Jing, that’s the gist of the situation. I’m sure you can understand the Ancestral Masters’ reasoning. It’s up to you to draw up a longlist."

Zhou Feng said.

"What the hell? Brother Meng got this for our Thunderlight Hall, and now, in the blink of an eye, it’s gone from a sure thing to a lottery? That’s not fair!"

Zhang Xiaopang was hopping mad.

Hu Jing just smiled. "Zhang Xiaopang, calm down. The Ancestral Masters have been very thorough. I think this is what Wang Meng would have wanted as well."

’No wonder Wang Meng wanted Hu Jing to choose,’ Zhou Feng thought, inwardly impressed. ’She really understands the bigger picture.’ It was impossible to call the situation fair or unfair. From a strategic perspective, the authority the Ancestral Masters had granted Hu Jing was already immense—something that would have been unimaginable in the past. In the Holy Hall, when was anything not decided by the sole word of an Ancestral Master?

’It just goes to show how extraordinary Wang Meng had become. Even the Ancestral Masters had to take his words seriously.’

’He remembered the old days, when the two of them would drink wine by a small thatched hut under the moon, passionately discussing life. Those were truly happy times.’

"Junior Sister Jing, you go ahead and decide. I’ll wait for the next opportunity!" Yang Ying wanted to go too, but the blow from last time had been too severe. After Yang Qingzi returned, she had fallen ill. It’s rare for a Cultivator to get sick, but when they do, their ailments are difficult to cure even with Pills. Yang Ying had been taking care of her mother devotedly all this time. She couldn’t possibly abandon her to leave now.

Everyone understood. In this situation, how could they let Yang Ying leave her mother for the Great Yuan Realm? The competition there was fierce, and with such a worry on her mind, she would likely become a burden.

Hu Jing nodded. "Then let me think it over."

Her gaze suggested she had already made up her mind. Her first choice, naturally, would have been Yang Ying. It would have been good for Wang Meng to have her there, but the current circumstances made it impossible. That meant the person to go had to be the one who could provide the most help to Wang Meng and the Little Holy Hall.

’Hu Jing herself? Zhao Lingxuan? Zhang Xiaojiang? Zhou Qian? Suo Ming?’

When the Ancestral Masters saw the list Hu Jing submitted, they didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. ’This girl really has some nerve!’

The so-called longlist surprisingly had only one name on it!

That would have been one thing, but more importantly, the name on the list was one that no one had expected.

Zhou Feng!

It was actually Zhou Feng.

"That little brat, this is nonsense! Zhou Feng is already past the fortieth layer of his Cultivation. What’s the point of him going there? He’s completely unsuited for the competitive pace!"

Zhao Tianlong was the first to blow his top. The truth was, he had been dead set on sending Zhao Lingxuan. Wang Meng’s limitless potential was a sure thing. In terms of looks, background, and talent, Zhao Lingxuan surpassed Yang Ying in every aspect. On one hand, it would give Zhao Lingxuan a great opportunity for development, allowing her to grow stronger and certainly bolster the Zhao Family upon her return. On the other hand, if she and Wang Meng were to become a couple, it would be an incredible stroke of luck for the Zhao Family.

This was killing two birds with one stone.

Her only rival was Yang Ying. In Zhao Tianlong’s opinion, Yang Ying was little more than a pretty face, not in the same league. Given enough time, the novelty would wear off. Wang Meng’s ambitions were world-spanning; he deserved more options.

But who could have thought that the person on the list was actually Zhou Feng? It was truly dumbfounding.

"Junior Sister Zhou, what is this nonsense?" Thunderbolt was also stunned.

"I’m as much in the dark as the rest of you," Zhou Luodan admitted, looking just as bewildered. "Zhou Feng, get your ass in here!"

Zhou Feng came in with a confused look on his face. "Ancestral Master, you were looking for me?"

"Explain! What is the meaning of this!"

"The meaning of what?" Zhou Feng was completely in the dark. He had just delivered the list with Hu Jing; how had this come back to bite him?

"Zhou Feng, why is there only one name on the list, and why is it yours?!" Li Xiuwen asked.

It was easy for the Ancestral Masters to suspect that Zhou Feng might have pulled some strings.

Zhou Feng was also stunned. ’How could it be me???’

Seeing the utter shock on Zhou Feng’s face, the six Ancestral Masters, who were all familiar with his character after so many years, realized he was completely clueless.

"Have Hu Jing come in and explain this to us."

"Yes, I will go at once!"

Zhou Feng hurried out, complaining bitterly in his heart. ’Isn’t this just setting me up for failure? This opportunity is for the younger disciples! Besides, at my level, I’d have to compete against monsters above the fortieth layer. Isn’t that a death sentence?’

This wasn’t Hu Jing’s first time standing before the Ancestral Masters, but it was the first time she was the focus of all six. However, Hu Jing appeared very calm.

"Hu Jing, tell us, what’s going on here?"

Ma Hezi said. The Ma Family was currently a firm supporter of the Zhao Family, as their interests were aligned.

Hu Jing smiled faintly. "I believe that at this stage, Elder Zhou would be the single greatest asset to Wang Meng!"

Zhao Tianlong and Ma Hezi were about to erupt, but Li Xiuwen smiled. "Explain your reasoning."

"When Wang Meng returned, he spoke with me about the situation at the Cultivation Academy, including their Holy Hall Faction. I feel that everything else can wait. Wang Meng, Li Tianyi, and Ma Tian’Er are all powerhouses, but they lack the support of a good Pill Cultivator. Within our Holy Hall, Elder Zhou is the most suitable candidate!"

Hu Jing spoke with confidence and eloquence.

"But Hu Jing, are you aware that the Cultivation Academy has a brutal survival-of-the-fittest rule? Zhou Feng’s Elemental Power is now past the fortieth layer, which means he will have to face challenges from Cultivators at that level and above. Anyone who manages to reach that level in the Cultivation Academy is an elite from their respective Sect!"

Zhou Luodan pointed out.

"I’m aware of that. I asked about it specifically. The win rate requirement for survival does exist, but the Cultivation Academy has exceptions. If one’s skill in Alchemy receives an official rating from the academy, it can be used to offset the win rate requirement."

The Ancestral Masters looked at each other in blank dismay. None of them knew about this rule.

"Are you sure?"

"I would not dare to joke about this," Hu Jing said.

The Ancestral Masters had made a common mistake: they truly believed the laws of the Star Alliance were sacred and inviolable. But in reality, rules are made by people, and the people of the Star Alliance are only human. The truth wasn’t so rigid; it’s just that people like Hex Zui in the past had never thought to look for such loopholes.

But Wang Meng was different. That guy loved to exploit loopholes.

When it came to combat prowess, Zhou Feng might not make the cut. But in terms of Alchemy, he was second only to Zhou Luodan in the entire Holy Hall. Zhou Luodan certainly couldn’t go, but Zhou Feng was a definite possibility. If what Hu Jing said was true, sending him would indeed be a huge asset to Wang Meng.

Zhou Luodan pondered for a moment. "Zhou Feng, do you have the confidence?"

"I wouldn’t dare make claims about other things, but when it comes to Alchemy, I am confident! If I’m needed, I will not shy away from any challenge!"

"Since it has come to this, let’s just vote on it. Raise your hand if you agree!"

Li Xiuwen said.

This showed Li Xiuwen was already leaning in favor. Right now, stability was what they needed most. Any new, younger disciple would have to be looked after and would be unable to help Wang Meng. Zhou Feng, however, was different. Moreover, if he could establish a firm footing there and learn more advanced Alchemy techniques, it would be a huge benefit for the Holy Hall in the long run.

It had to be said, that girl Hu Jing’s strategic thinking was truly impressive.

Li Xiuwen raised his hand. Zhou Luodan raised hers as well. Thunderbolt, of course, had no objections. Adding in Hu Jing’s vote, the outcome was essentially decided. Wu Fatian was also in favor, so what could Ma Hezi and Zhao Tianlong possibly say?

Passed unanimously.

Zhou Feng never expected he would actually get to go to the Great Yuan Realm. It must be said, Old Zhou was so excited that night he couldn’t sleep.

「At the Cultivation Academy」

The young monk was still engrossed in studying Array Technique while Wang Meng focused on his sword practice. Time inevitably leads to growth. Wang Meng had also come to a realization: he was not Moo Shan, nor was he Wangtian. Moo Shan had dedicated himself to the sword, defying the heavens themselves—that was his driving force. Wangtian had accumulated all the world’s strengths to achieve his invincible Divine Power. But those were their paths, not his. He had emulated Moo Shan for a time, then emulated Wangtian, but in the end, he had to find his own way.

Wang Meng and the others went to greet the newcomer from the Holy Hall. This time, there was no need for the kind of trickery Moo WuZheng had used. Besides, Zhou Feng’s arrival was a special case that didn’t follow the normal procedures.

"I wonder who it is?" everyone said, full of anticipation.

"I bet it’s Yang Ying!" Ning Zhiquan said with a suggestive grin.

"My guess is Zhao Lingxuan!" Mingren laughed. He felt that Zhao Tianlong wouldn’t possibly pass up such a good opportunity.

"Why bother guessing? We’ll know as soon as they get here," Li Tianyi scoffed.

Wang Meng’s heart skipped a beat; he also thought it would be Yang Ying. But when the light faded, everyone was left dumbfounded.

"Old Zhou, how can it be you?"

Old Zhou opened his arms. "Haha, long time no see! Is everyone doing well? ...Why the long faces? Aren’t you happy to see me?"

Zhou Feng was bursting with enthusiasm. ’So this is the Great Yuan Realm! The feeling really is completely different, completely different!’ Old Zhou’s second spring was about to begin!

——————

(A special thanks to our readers Perfume Mark, jhdhjsf, Lengmian Tiansha, Jinsheng Jinshi Zhiyu, Wo Shi Niuniu Ta Ba, Suishu Dale, and all the other brothers for your generous tips! ^_^) (To be continued. If you enjoy this story, please show your support by casting your recommendation and monthly votes on Qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation!)