Rumors spread across the recruitment square like wildfire:
"A new sect arrived."
"From the cursed mountain."
"He brought spirits with him."
"Must be a demonic sect."
By the time Lin Feng finished straightening his crooked booth, three elders walked over—not in panic, but with the righteous swagger of people who believed they owned the plaza.
Azure Cloud Pavilion elder came first, long beard flowing, expression sharp with disdain.
Sword Valley instructor followed, steps confident, hand resting on his sword like he was ready to teach someone a lesson.
Iron Bamboo Hall elder trailed behind, chin raised proudly to look taller than he was.
When they reached Lin Feng's booth, they didn't freeze.
They frowned.
Ghost child drifted lazily behind Lin Feng.
The Chained Woman stood silently, her chain resting on the ground.
Azure Cloud elder's lip curled.
"Hmph. So the rumors were true. Someone dared bring corrupted spirits into a lawful recruitment ground."
Sword Valley elder snorted.
"No shame. Clearly a demonic cultivator."
Lin Feng raised an eyebrow.
"Good morning to you too."
The system chimed inside his head.
[SYSTEM REMINDER]
Host, you are only Early Qi Initiate Realm.
Please act with caution before provoking multiple elders.
Confidence level: dangerously excessive.
Lin Feng ignored it.
Ghost child swayed behind him like it was dancing.
The Chained Woman didn't move—but her presence was unmistakable.
The Azure Cloud elder jabbed a finger at Lin Feng.
"Youngster! Do you know what you are doing?! Bringing taboo spirits here?!"
"Taboo?" Lin Feng asked innocently. "They're very polite."
Sword Valley elder scoffed loudly.
"Polite? That chained corpse behind you is radiating Yin energy! Anyone with proper cultivation would deal with it immediately!"
Ghost child made a face.
Even Lin Feng looked offended on its behalf.
The Chained Woman tilted her head the tiniest bit.
The Sword Valley elder took half a step back.
He hid it by pretending to fix his robe.
Azure Cloud elder continued loudly,
"Reveal your affiliation. What sect produces someone who parades ghosts in public?"
"Horizon Sect," Lin Feng said calmly.
They blinked.
"Horizon what?"
"Never heard of it."
"Is that even registered?"
Lin Feng nodded.
"Just revived today. Paperwork completed."
The three elders exchanged looks.
Iron Bamboo elder stepped forward arrogantly.
"So the rumors are true. You revived a dead sect from—what did they say?—some cursed mountain full of evil spirits?"
Lin Feng pointed at his hand-painted banner.
Horizon Sect
(Broken-Soul Peak)
Instant atmosphere shift.
Not panic.
Not chaos.
Just shock… then disgust.
Azure Cloud elder narrowed his eyes.
"Broken-Soul Peak… A place avoided even by experienced exorcists. You dare build a sect there?!"
Sword Valley elder snorted.
"A rookie demonic sect. How bold."
Lin Feng tilted his head.
"Who said we were demonic?"
"You brought ghosts," the Azure Cloud elder snapped.
Lin Feng shrugged.
"They followed me home. I kept them."
The system chimed again.
[SYSTEM ANALYSIS]
Nearby Elders' Cultivation:
• Azure Cloud Elder — Profound Spirit (Early)
• Sword Valley Instructor — Spirit Pulse (Late)
• Iron Bamboo Elder — Spirit Pulse (Mid)
Danger Level: Manageable
Recommendation: Continue acting fearless.
Sword Valley instructor lifted his chin arrogantly.
"Boy, hand over those spirits to us. We will purify them and end this farce."
Ghost child hid behind Lin Feng like a terrified cat.
The Chained Woman lifted her chain a few centimeters.
Just enough.
Not aggressive.
Not loud.
Just a warning.
A cold ripple passed across the stone tiles.
Azure Cloud elder's eyelid twitched.
Sword Valley elder paused mid-step.
Iron Bamboo elder swallowed.
Not fear.
Just caution.
A Bound Soul ghost wasn't something to poke casually.
Azure Cloud elder coughed loudly to hide the stiffness in his expression.
"Very well. We will overlook this… eccentricity… for now."
Sword Valley elder pointed a finger—careful not to aim at the Chained Woman this time.
"But know this, boy. Broken-Soul Peak has a foul reputation. No family would send a child to you. You'll recruit no disciples."
Lin Feng smiled faintly.
"Perfect. Saves me time."
The three elders stumbled.
What kind of sect master DIDN'T want disciples?
Azure Cloud elder flicked his sleeves dramatically.
"Very well. Continue your foolishness. But we will be watching."
They strutted away without looking back—too proud to admit they were nervous, too arrogant to admit defeat.
Whispers rose from the surrounding crowd:
"A sect from the cursed peak…"
"He revived it alone?"
"He walks with ghosts but isn't a demon?"
"Is he insane… or strong… or both?"
Lin Feng relaxed in his chair.
Good.
The elders didn't like him.
The crowd avoided him.
The plaza gave him a wide empty space.
Exactly the atmosphere where unexpected disciples appear.
Ghost child floated proudly.
The Chained Woman stood unmoving, aura calm again.
Recruitment day had officially begun.
And Lin Feng was ready for chaos.
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