Recruiting disciples

Within the grand hall of the Phoenix Feather Sect, among the mountains.

Zhong Qing's gaze swept across the entire hall.

Everyone he looked at immediately straightened their expressions.

Things were different now.

Previously, Zhong Qing was a rebel of the Phoenix Feather Sect, an object of their conquest.

But now, Zhong Qing was the master of the Phoenix Feather Sect, an existence who could decide their fate and life with a single word.

Putting aside everything else, just the respectful attitude of the Sect's high-ranking officials towards Zhong Qing made them have no doubt about the true value of Zhong Qing as the master of the Phoenix Feather Sect.

He was truly an existence who could wield the power over everyone's life and death.

What happened today was too shocking for everyone.

But after the shock, many people's hearts were undoubtedly uneasy.

During the period of pursuing Zhong Qing, many of them had caused quite a stir.

Now that he had turned the tables and become the master, would he settle scores with them later?

Upon thinking of this, everyone's hearts were undoubtedly filled with a bit more unease.

Zhong Qing naturally saw the thoughts of the crowd.

After a moment of contemplation, he said in a clear voice, "Now that I am the master of the Phoenix Feather Sect, past grievances shall be wiped clean."

Upon hearing this, many people let out a long sigh of relief.

With all grievances gone, this meant they no longer had to worry about being liquidated in the future!

Then, they heard Zhong Qing continue, "And the reason I have summoned you here today is to inform you of something."

"Starting today, I intend to widely accept Disciples. If you are willing, and possess talent and strength, you may all become my Disciples!"

"Become my Named Disciple!"

As soon as these words were spoken, they immediately caused a stir.

"Named Disciple?"

Countless people's minds were filled with various thoughts.

Sect Master Feng Buqun was the first to react.

"Master, do you think I can?"

Compared to the title of 'Master,' calling Zhong Qing 'Teacher' seemed more acceptable.

Moreover, for Feng Buqun, having a master-Disciple connection with Zhong Qing undoubtedly created a deeper bond.

At this moment, he had also come to understand.

Zhong Qing could gain the recognition of the Qilin and Xiao Ga as his masters.

The former itself was synonymous with invincibility, and the latter was the faith totem of the Phoenix Feather Sect.

Even the previous generation's Divine Bird had tacitly approved this relationship.

From this, it was evident that Zhong Qing was certainly extraordinary.

It was laughable that his Phoenix Feather Sect had previously been an enemy to him.

Now, he had also realized that Zhong Qing's achievements were beyond his imagination.

If he could take such an existence as his teacher, then his future achievements would likely be far greater than he had imagined.

Therefore, he became the first to respond to Zhong Qing.

And with Sect Master Feng Buqun setting an example, the other high-ranking officials of the Phoenix Feather Sect also reacted one after another.

This was a heaven-sent opportunity.

If they missed this chance, there wouldn't be another.

"Master, do you think I can?"

One by one, the high-ranking officials stretched their necks and recommended themselves to Zhong Qing.

"I am currently in the Returning to One Realm, Master. I wonder if this strength is enough to be a Disciple of your Sect?"

"Master, my strength is only in the Myriad Laws Realm, but I believe my talent is good, and it's not impossible for me to reach the Returning to One Realm in the future. Do you think I have this opportunity?"

...

With these people as examples, how could the rest of the crowd hold back?

They all eagerly asked Zhong Qing if they could have the opportunity to become a Named Disciple.

Zhong Qing looked at this scene, a smile appearing on his face.

Named Disciples, although they could only provide a one-to-one cultivation return.

But the large base could lead to qualitative change from quantitative change.

Finally, he had someone tally and categorize over ten thousand Sect members with high overall cultivation and talent rankings into the Named Disciple ranks.

After accepting Disciples, Zhong Qing was in a good mood and ordered a grand banquet to celebrate across the entire Sect.

This banquet served, firstly, as a grand ceremony for accepting Disciples.

Secondly, it was also a welcoming feast for a few acquaintances.

At the banquet, Zhong Qing sat at the head table, with the Qilin and Xiao Ga accompanying him.

Also at his table were the Wu Zhao brothers, Xiang Fei, and City Lord Gu Yan and his daughter.

The Wu Zhao brothers looked at Zhong Qing, their hearts filled with endless emotion.

"Sir, we toast to you!"

From their distant encounter with Zhong Qing to his current change in status, the three felt an unreal, dreamlike sensation.

Zhong Qing drank a cup with the three of them.

After a moment of thought, he said, "May I ask what your plans are for the future, gentlemen?"

He had a good impression of these three; at the Mystic Realm Mine, they not only took care of him multiple times but also treated him to a lot of fine wine.

They even risked their lives to relay information to him.

This was kindness.

Although Zhong Qing did not need it, he would never let down those who showed him kindness.

Hearing Zhong Qing's question, Wu Zhao smiled.

"We three brothers are used to wandering, with the sky as our blanket and the earth as our bed."

"Previously, we were worried about the Phoenix Feather Sect's pursuit and planned to live incognito for a while."

"Now, with this connection to Sir, we no longer need to worry about the Phoenix Feather Sect's threat."

"In the future, we will likely join a faction and settle down in this vast Mortal World."

"Is that so?"

Zhong Qing pondered.

"How about joining the Phoenix Feather Sect?"

"Ah... this..."

The three were somewhat inclined to join the Phoenix Feather Sect.

But now, most of the Phoenix Feather Sect's people had become Zhong Qing's Disciples.

"This... is it appropriate?"

"What's inappropriate about it!"

Zhong Qing smiled.

Then he turned to Feng Buqun at the adjacent table and said, "Do you see any suitable positions in the Phoenix Feather Sect for these three friends of mine?"

"Replying to Master, the Phoenix Feather Sect has many positions, but these three, since they are Master's friends, must be people of great ability. How about letting them join the Elder Hall and become Revered Elders of the Phoenix Feather Sect?"

Feng Buqun said cautiously.

He called him 'Master' repeatedly, very smoothly.

It was clear that he had already adopted the role of Zhong Qing's Disciple.

And the Revered Elder, in the Phoenix Feather Sect, held an undeniable high position, one could even say they were powerful and prominent figures.

They did not have to bear too many obligations but could receive generous stipends, and at the same time, they had great authority to mobilize the forces and resources under the Phoenix Feather Sect.

Bearing the title of a Revered Elder, in this Chaotic Land, it could be said that everyone would show three parts of respect.

"How about it? Are you interested in becoming Revered Elders in the Phoenix Feather Sect?"

Zhong Qing asked with a smile.

The Wu Zhao brothers were excited.

They say it's good to lean on a big tree for shade.

In their view, even if they could join the Phoenix Feather Sect, they would at most get a mid-to-lower-level position, but they didn't expect that with a single word, he directly gave them a high position they couldn't refuse.

"Thank you, Sir!"

This position, for them, was truly a step to the heavens.

The allure was so great that even if they wanted to refuse, they couldn't speak the words.

Since it's the same to herd one sheep as it is to herd a flock.

Zhong Qing once again said to Feng Buqun, "Xiang Fei and City Lord Gu Yan are also my good friends. Can you arrange suitable positions for them?"

Feng Buqun naturally agreed wholeheartedly to Zhong Qing's command.

He stood up and cupped his hands towards the two, saying, "My Phoenix Feather Sect has numerous industries under its banner."

"These involve various aspects."

"There are commanders who manage spirit mine industries, lords of great cities with tens of millions of people, and even some small country rulers, and even some Sect Leaders, all directly appointed by my Phoenix Feather Sect..."

"May I ask, which positions do the two of you favor?"

Upon hearing this, City Lord Gu Yan and Xiang Fei were both profoundly moved.

...