Chapter 371 Recruiting the Zang Brothers

Zhong Cai recalled that she had never seen such a big cub before, even smaller than Dong Xiao's cub.

Speaking of Dongxiao's son...

Zhong Cai couldn't help but think that it had been decades since he had seen him, and wondered what he looked like now and what level of strength he had reached.

If we go by the original plot he gleaned from the transmigrators, Wu Dongxiao should still be quite weak right now, and he'd probably become withdrawn for a while every now and then due to various events...

Zhong Cai snapped out of her reverie and stopped thinking about it.

Anyway, the plot has gone completely off course.

Zhong Cai looked at the chubby little boy again and found that the boy's gaze had fallen on his old man's face, and he was also staring at him with curiosity.

He suddenly had a thought... Could this chubby kid be a sucker for good looks?

However, if he really is a looks-obsessed person, then among all the people present, his husband Wu is the most handsome. The little fat boy should have been looking at his husband Wu instead of him.

Zhong Cai suddenly wanted to touch her face.

Surely he can't possibly grow up to be more handsome than Old Wu, can he?

·

At this moment, the disciples of Wuxiang Palace and Tianlong Mountain sprang into action.

She Jiaojiao and Cui Mao swayed slightly, already floating outside their mounts, as did the other disciples who had followed.

Wu Shaogan grasped Zhong Cai's hand.

Zhong Cai smiled at Wu Shaogan, and was gently carried away by him, floating away together.

The three colossal beasts in the sky disappeared, but none of them were put into the beast scabbard; instead, they were transformed into their smallest forms.

The golden dragon transformed into a smaller dragon the length of an arm, coiling around She Jiaojiao's right arm; the golden lion transformed into a small lion, crouching on Cui Mao's right shoulder; and the azure roc transformed into a fluffy ball, perched on Zhong Cai's left shoulder.

They all became very likable.

The next moment, everyone landed gracefully.

The various factions approached the Zang family's gate from three different directions.

The Zang family's gate was spacious enough for several people to enter at the same time.

The head of the Zang family was very attentive.

Zang Qing also carried Zang Hao over and bowed.

Zang Hao's gaze shifted between Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan, but finally settled on Zhong Cai.

She Jiaojiao and Cui Mao hadn't noticed this before, but now that they did, they raised their eyebrows slightly.

The head of the Zang family was a little embarrassed and quickly said again, "I apologize for the poor hospitality, please come in."

She Jiaojiao, Cui Mao, and Zhong Wu followed them inside.

·

The Zang family head specially prepared a spacious reception hall, but probably knowing that his entire clan and even the entire city of Tianyong could not afford a banquet to entertain the envoys of a level nine power, he only carefully prepared some level six tea and served it to the guests.

Tianyong City is just a small city. The strongest members of the top families in the city are only Palace Building cultivators, on par with Wu Shaogan and others, but their combat power is far inferior. These teas are probably also aided by those top families. Otherwise, the most powerful cultivator in the entire Zang family is only at the early stage of Fusion, and they would not be able to obtain such resources at all, even though the tea leaves needed to brew the tea are only a few leaves.

The head of the Zang family sat down as a guest and dared not arrange seating for these envoys.

The members of the various factions exchanged glances and then casually sat down.

The leaders took their seats, while the disciples from each family stood behind them.

The Zhong and Wu couple sat side by side—they were the only ones on this trip; they hadn't brought anyone else with them.

As a young man, Zang Qing, despite his good aptitude and the intensive training he had received from his family, was still a little nervous as this was his first time encountering such terrifyingly powerful individuals. Therefore, he carefully sat to the left of the Zang family head, holding Zang Hao in his arms, and maintained a respectful demeanor.

The head of the Zang family was only at the Suspended Illumination Realm, and he was also very nervous at this moment. However, he was old and had experienced a lot of trials and tribulations, so he quickly adjusted his mindset and said with a smile, "The arrival of envoys has brought honor to my humble abode. What advice do you have for me? My Zang family will do our best to cooperate."

·

The Divine Soul Treasury opens at different times, and one's aptitude can be roughly estimated.

Even though cultivators on a top-tier continent generally have a higher aptitude than those on other continents, reaching the Earth Grade or above is still extremely rare.

The Zang family's luck has exploded in recent years. Not only do they have members with Xuan-grade aptitude opening their Divine Soul Treasure every year, but ten years ago, a little genius named Zang Qing, who obtained Earth-grade aptitude at the age of three, also appeared.

The entire Zang family, with thousands of members, has only two members—the other being the only fusion cultivator at present.

Zang Qing was highly anticipated from that time onwards, and the Zang family did their best to cultivate him, hoping that when he was about ten years old, had developed enough affection for the clan and was able to take care of himself, they would decide which level of power he should become an apprentice to, based on his level of cultivation at that time.

Originally, the Zang family had placed all their hopes on Zang Qing, but they never expected that ten years later, Zang Qing's parents would be so capable as to give birth to a child with the aptitude of a celestial being!

It was only when Zang Qing's mother gave birth that she discovered she had been poisoned with a slow-acting poison by her enemy. So Zang Qing's father quickly took his wife into seclusion to heal her wounds, leaving the newborn Zang Hao in Zang Qing's care, and entrusting all matters to Zang Qing.

Zang Qing was very fond of his younger brother, and Zang Hao, being of immortal caliber and born with innate knowledge, was also very close to his older brother.

The next decision to be made is where Zang Hao will go.

The Zang family understood that Zang Hao's selection range was limited, but for them, this limited selection was the best option. All they had to do was wait—if there was still no news from the major powers within a hundred days, Zang Hao would not have to wait any longer.

Just a few days later, the Zang family received a summons.

Envoys from three level-nine forces will arrive.

The Zang family didn't have any particular preference; they were just waiting to see what kind of treatment each family would offer.

·

Of all the people present, Choi Subang had the best temper.

At this moment, he was the first to speak, saying gently, "My Wuxiang Palace intends to recruit your clansman, young friend Zang Hao, into our sect. This is the intention of my Wuxiang Palace. I wonder what your opinion is?"

As they were talking, Cui Mao took out a list and handed it to a disciple who stepped forward at the right time.

This disciple was a beautiful young woman, and her voice was melodious and pleasant when she read out the list of benefits.

"The first option is to directly enter the inner sect and become a personal disciple of at least one of the Nirvana Palace Masters."

"Secondly, one person may be brought into the inner gate with you."

"The third item is to pre-deposit 100,000 low-grade Xuan Stones, which will be distributed when the child turns ten."

"The fourth point is that before reaching the Fusion Realm, one will receive a monthly stipend as a Fusion cultivator; after reaching the Fusion Realm, this stipend will increase based on the disciple's current situation."

"Fifthly, there is a temporary palace, equipped with attendants..."

"No...."

"Item thirty-fifth: If one can leave their name on the Celestial Ranking, the benefits will increase to..."

"Item thirty-six, if it's... a mysterious stone ore..."

There are a total of thirty-six items, including various cultivation channels, resource acquisition, and so on, with a very high total value.

Although many of these can only be obtained after possessing a certain level of strength, they cannot be described as empty promises. Instead, contracts are signed to ensure that as long as one has the necessary strength, the money will not be embezzled.

Overall, it shows great sincerity.

·

As each item was announced, envy flashed in Zang Qing's eyes—he knew very well that these were for his younger brother, and that he, with only ordinary Earth-grade aptitude, could never receive such treatment. But that didn't matter. He could see from his brother's treatment that martial arts cultivators like them could obtain very generous benefits in major forces as long as they possessed sufficient combat power. He was confident in himself.

Zang Hao listened intently.

The Zang family head's face occasionally showed a look of shock.

He was actually more envious. No one else would receive that second benefit except Zang Qing. It was precisely because Zang Qing would also be joining the same faction that they recruited Zang Hao so early. Otherwise, they would have waited until Zang Hao was at least three or four years old before accepting him.

Zang Qing was destined to take care of Zang Hao, so the benefits Zang Hao received in the early stages would certainly be inexhaustible, and a portion of them would inevitably be shared with Zang Qing—which was quite an opportunity for Zang Qing.

Even if the Zang family members, including the Zang family head, wanted to take this spot, they wouldn't have a chance.

·

She Jiaojiao smiled, handed over a piece of paper, and said loudly, "Tianlong Mountain also has its own sentiments."

This time, the one who came out was a handsome male disciple.

"The first item..."

"second……"

It's basically the same as Wuxiang Palace, except that, apparently, some additional resource quotas were added at the end to increase competitiveness.

Next, Zhong Cai unfolded the list and said with a smile, "The War God Temple's sentiments are even more profound."

This time, no other disciples helped recite the list, but Zhong Cai's voice was clear and gentle, and with the fragrance of pills emanating from him, he slowly recited the list, which attracted the attention of the chubby little boy Zang Hao.

After reading out the usual benefits, Zhong Cai raised an eyebrow and continued, "Item thirty-eight: a quota for alchemy once every ten years, with no limit on the type, up to level six."

Cui Mao and She Jiaojiao: "..."

I knew the War God Temple would definitely be living off the Spirit Immortal Sect!

With so many alchemists in the Lingxian Sect, the mere ten-year quota for alchemy is no challenge at all; it can be achieved effortlessly.

Moreover, Zhong Danwang dared to ask for this treatment because he himself was a sixth-level Danwang. Even if no other Dan masters were willing to help, he could do it himself!

However, the additional benefits that Cui Mao and She Jiaojiao had anticipated from the Temple of War were even more extravagant. They were only getting to that point.

The two of them had naturally been prepared to escalate the situation long ago.

Cui Mao smiled slightly: "One pill of a specified grade every ten years. The highest grade is six."

She Jiaojiao: "One pill of a specified grade every ten years, up to grade six, which can produce a superior-grade pill."

·

Although one alchemy quota represents only one batch of pills, and a successful batch should yield more than one pill, the quality of the pills is unpredictable, and there is always the possibility of the furnace exploding or the pills not being produced.

Although the two only stated that they would provide "one" pill, the actual treatment was higher than the "thirty-eighth item" mentioned by Zhong Cai.

·

The Zang family head and the others didn't dare to utter a sound, but their eyes lit up whenever they heard about "elixirs".

Elixirs, who wouldn't want them!

Especially since this thing only comes out once every ten years, and its highest level is level six! The Zang brothers can save it up even if they don't need it for a while, so it's very likely that it will be passed on to the Zang family!

The Zang family head and others took deep breaths to suppress their emotions.

Because the competition is far from over.

·

Zhong Cai calmly replied, "The quota for alchemy is available once every nine years."

Cui Mao: "One every nine years, top grade."

She Jiaojiao: "Two every nine years."

Zhong Cai smiled: "Once every eight years."

Choi Subaru: "Every eight years..."

She Jiaojiao: “Every…”

The three forces thus gradually increased the bargaining chips they would offer year by year.

Gradually, Zhong Cai improved the offer to "one alchemy session per year".

Cui Mao and She Jiaojiao were not to be outdone, and they also said, "One top-grade one per year."

At this moment, the atmosphere became somewhat quiet.

·

If the new disciples aren't stupid, they'll definitely aim for the highest level in terms of both the quota and the elixir grading—unless they need very special elixirs at a certain level, they won't waste this opportunity.

Therefore, these benefits represent level six elixirs.

Even a genius with low-grade immortal aptitude may not necessarily become a strong person in the future. Level 6 pills are already the highest level that can be given without limiting the disciple's realm. Other pills can only be obtained if the disciple's strength reaches the required standard.

One per year is already the limit.

After all, among all the cultivators in the world with the aptitude for immortality, those who can join a level nine power will definitely choose one to join, and although the number of geniuses with this aptitude is not large, the number of level nine powers is even smaller.

Each level nine power gathers at least several hundred individuals with celestial-grade aptitude.

In comparison, it's really far less valuable than the Sky Domination King.

Therefore, even though the major powers are currently trying their best to improve the treatment they receive in order to compete for power, this competition is not without its limits.

·

Zhong Cai glanced at Cui Mao and She Jiaojiao, smiled, and held up one finger, saying, "In addition to the annual quota for alchemy, we will provide another top-grade pill that is equivalent to the disciple's strength level."

In other words, once a disciple reaches a certain level, not only will they be able to accumulate alchemy slots, but they will also receive a top-grade pill of that level for free!

The price increase may not seem like much, but it's very worthwhile.

If Cui Mao and She Jiaojiao want to show more sincerity, they need to think more about how to do it.

Sure enough, after a while, She Jiaojiao hesitated and said, "Still one pill, but add one rare and precious material that is higher than the disciple's level."

Cui Mao pondered for a moment and said, "One pill, and one resource of the same level and one of the next higher level."

Zhong Cai remained calm and held up two fingers: "Then I will also add a top-grade pill of a higher level."

Very good, Wuxiang Palace and Tianlong Mountain have been suppressed once again.

The Zang family head and the others looked at Cui and She expectantly.

Cui Mao and She Jiaojiao began to ponder again.

Zhong Cai didn't want to delay any longer, and simply smiled at the two of them, saying, "It seems that you two fellow practitioners are no longer willing to bid?"

Cui Mao and She Jiaojiao exchanged a glance and both sighed softly.

They knew that as long as Zhong Danwang came, their two families would inevitably lose in the competition of elixirs.

The Temple of War is really cunning. If they send King Wu Dou, King Zhong Dan will definitely come along too. That means their plan to recruit disciples is almost guaranteed to succeed.

Now there's only one last chance left.

That is...

Cui Mao shook his head and said solemnly, "In that case, let's see what our two young friends from the Zang family choose."

She Jiaojiao nodded in agreement.

Zhong Cai then looked at the Zang brothers.

Zang Qing was so excited by calculating the total amount of resources her younger brother might obtain that her face turned bright red. Zang Hao's face was also rosy, and his eyes were very bright—he could understand everything.

Cui Mao and She Jiaojiao also looked over.

Everyone was waiting for the Zang brothers' choice.

Although Zang Qing had already made up her mind about which destination to go, she knew that the decision was not hers to make this time. So she lowered her eyes, looked at her younger brother, and asked softly, "Hao'er, hurry up and choose."

Zang Hao grinned, revealing a bright, toothless smile.

Without hesitation, he turned to look at Zhong Cai, his smile brightening. Then he glanced at Wu Shaogan, raised his small hand, and gently grasped him.

It's certain now; Zang Hao has chosen the Temple of War.

The other members of the Zang family also seemed to suddenly relax, and they all let out a sigh of relief.

Cui Mao said helplessly, "With King Zhong Dan taking action, there is no doubt about it."

She Jiaojiao chuckled: "I knew it. Before, Brother Cui and I were just making a last-ditch effort."

Zhong Cai smiled brightly: "Thank you for your kind words."

·

With the outcome decided, Cui Mao and She Jiaojiao bid farewell to the Zhong Wu couple, said goodbye to the Zang family, and left without lingering.

Next up is the battle between the Temple of War and the Zang family.

Soon, the room became even quieter.

Wu Shaogan said, "Young friend Zang Hao is very kind. The War God Hall will certainly not disappoint you."

Zang Hao made two "ah ah" sounds, seemingly in agreement.

Zang Qing inquired, "I don't know about Hao'er's apprenticeship..."

Wu Shaogan replied, "My War God Hall has 123 branch halls. After Junior Brother Zang Hao joins the sect, the hall masters who have time to take on disciples will compile a booklet, and Junior Brother Zang Hao can choose a master himself."

Zhong Cai was well aware of this, and continued, "That master will guide Junior Brother Zang Hao for at least ten years. If the two of them are not compatible or do not get along well, there will be one opportunity to change masters, and this is the only one."

Wu Shaogan: "When making a change, it can be that another hall master comes forward to request the person, or Junior Brother Zang Hao can select a new person from the register."

Zang Qing understood, and then looked at the chubby little boy in her arms to see if he understood.

Zang Hao responded with "Ah ah," indicating that he understood as well.

Zang Qing was relieved.

Zhong Cai smiled and said to Zang Qing, "You will be living with Junior Brother Zang Hao, so you can work hard. Junior Brother Zang Hao is destined to have interactions with many Palace Masters. If Junior Brother Zang Qing seizes the opportunity, he may also be able to become a disciple of a powerful figure."

Zang Qing had also harbored such aspirations, but Zhong Cai's words proved that similar situations must have occurred in the Temple of War before. Therefore, as long as he worked hard enough, he might really be able to achieve such a future... In an instant, he felt much more at ease and looked forward to his future cultivation and life in the Temple of War even more.

Zhong Cai smiled and said, "If you still have any doubts, you can ask now. After we return to the Temple of War God, Shao Gan will settle you two down. If you still have any questions, you'll have to ask someone else."

Wu Shaogan continued, explaining a great deal about the interior of the Temple of War to the two of them.

Zang Qing dared not be negligent and wrote everything down carefully, as he also had the responsibility to answer Zang Hao's questions later.

Gradually, an hour passed.

As Wu Shaogan spoke, Zang Qing asked questions, and finally, they truly understood the situation.

The head of the Zang family remained quietly to the side without uttering a sound.

Now, seeing that the others were looking at him, he said, "The Zang family also has some instructions to give to Hao'er and Qing'er."

At this point, the head of the Zang family waved his hand, signaling the servants and other members of the Zang family who were watching from the sidelines to leave.

Everyone left.

The head of the Zang family even secretly took out a formation plate to isolate the indoor and outdoor areas.

Zhong Cai raised her eyebrows.

Is there something particularly important that needs to be kept secret?

Wu Shaogan remained silent, observing the situation.

After everything was taken care of, the Zang family head finally wiped away his sweat.

The couple then realized that the current head of the Zang family was truly nervous, so nervous that his fingers were trembling.

Immediately, the head of the Zang family took out an old-fashioned, black plaque from his pocket.

The sign was very long, with ten grooves on it, each groove only an inch wide.

The Zang family head held up the plaque and said cautiously, "To be honest, this item was recently obtained by a disciple of the Zang family through a fortuitous encounter. It can open an ancient secret realm. It is said that the secret realm is the cave of a powerful figure from ancient times, and contains countless treasures."

Zhong Cai: "What does Patriarch Zang mean?"

The Zang family head was so nervous that he was sweating. He wiped his sweat with his sleeve before continuing, "This junior wishes to offer it to the Temple of the God of War..."

He paused suspiciously at this point.

Wu Shaogan said, "Master Zang must also have something to ask for?"

The Zang family patriarch, embarrassed, quickly explained, "That ancient secret realm is extremely dangerous. Even if my Zang family were to open it, it's doubtful any clansmen who entered would survive. Therefore, the Zang family has no choice but to shamelessly request... that your esteemed sect's disciples who enter, once they emerge safely, perhaps be able to share ten percent of the spoils..."

Zhong Cai slightly raised her hand.

The head of the Zang family did not continue speaking.

Wu Shaogan said, "You don't need to tell us what you want."

The head of the Zang family showed a hint of urgency.

Zhong Cai smiled immediately: "When you go back to Lingxian this time... back to the War God Hall, Patriarch Zang will accompany the two junior brothers of the Zang family. At that time, Shao Gan will introduce you to the Grand Hall Master, and you can discuss it with him."

Upon hearing this, the head of the Zang family became even more nervous at first, but then his heart relaxed.

This hot potato can finally be thrown out to exchange for resources.

The Zang brothers listened attentively.

Zang Qing pondered to himself, wondering how many spots were available for the ruins, what level of cultivation was required to go, and when the secret realm would open. If his strength was still sufficient by then, he wondered if he could also secure a spot.

Zang Hao waved his little hands every now and then, looking quite happy.

Seeing that neither Zhong nor Wu seemed inclined to examine the token closely, the head of the Zang family carefully put it away again.

Then, the group decided not to linger and should leave the Zang family.