C3 Ninetynine Profound Technique

Zhuo Qingyao had no trouble activating her physique, but finding the right cultivation method for her was the real challenge. As the protagonist, she couldn't just settle for any run-of-the-mill technique, could she?

But if not a common technique, what about a divine-level one? Chen Ming had never even seen a deity, much less a divine-level cultivation method.

What to do?

Ah, that's right. Among the common techniques, there were some peculiar ones that only the protagonist could master—anyone else would be stuck without progress or worse, meet their demise.

With a smile, Chen Ming said to Zhuo Qingyao, “Qingyao, let's head to the Scripture Pavilion and find you a suitable cultivation method.”

Together, they arrived at the Scripture Pavilion, just as Lee Changgeng and his disciples were searching for techniques. The Firmament Sword Body trailed behind Lee Changgeng, who must have offered the Sect Master quite a few favors to have secured such a prize.

Upon seeing Chen Ming, Lee Changgeng's mind raced with thoughts. Chen Ming, a man of distinguished heritage and widespread fame, suave and debonair—why would he choose the lowest-ranked disciple? Was he taken by the girl's beauty? But Zhuo Qingyao was still so young, hardly grown. Wait a second, a daring thought crossed his mind—surely Chen Ming didn't have a penchant for young girls...

No, that couldn't be it. Perhaps Chen Ming had noticed something unique about Zhuo Qingyao, despite her apparent lack of talent.

Or had Chen Ming's cultivation affected his judgment?

Approaching Chen Ming, Lee Changgeng greeted him with a bow, "Elder Chen, have you come to select a cultivation method for your disciple?"

Chen Ming gave a slight nod and replied, "Indeed, I have."

Aware of Chen Ming's esteemed status, Lee Changgeng was cautious, "In that case, Elder Chen, please choose first. It would be inconvenient if we both set our sights on the same technique."

Chen Ming chuckled and replied, "Well, in that case, I'll dispense with the formalities."

Just then, Wang Tian strode forward, the bearer of the Firmament Sword Body, and confronted Chen Ming. "Elder Chen, I demand to know why you refused to accept me as your disciple. You possess the Ancient Sword Body, and I, the Firmament Sword Body. We both embody the essence of the Sword Dao, making us an ideal match. Yet, you chose to take on such a worthless individual!"

Chen Ming couldn't help but feel a surge of delight. This was more like it. What kind of protagonist would he be if he weren't called trash now and then? His gaze towards Zhuo Qingyao intensified with admiration—she truly was extraordinary.

With a serene expression and a slight smile, Chen Ming feigned depth, "In my tutelage, I make no distinctions. If I were to accept you, claiming first place in the disciples' competition would be all too easy, lacking any real challenge. How else could I demonstrate my prowess as a mentor?"

Wang Tian's eyebrows twitched in irritation. So, you're just trying to show off your skills, and that's why you won't accept me? Could you possibly come up with a more absurd excuse?

Wang Tian retorted with a snort, "Fine! Just you wait. In three months, at the sect's competition for new disciples, Elder Chen, you'd better arm this 'trash' with some protective treasures. Otherwise, it'll look pretty bad if I accidentally kill him in the match!"

Inwardly, Chen Ming gave Wang Tian a silent three-second tribute. Foolish boy, of all people to provoke, you had to choose the protagonist? You're really asking for trouble.

One.

Two.

Three.

And that's enough mourning.

Approaching the elder of the Scripture Pavilion, Chen Ming inquired, "By the way, do you have any cultivation techniques that are rarely practiced, ones that are so challenging that most who attempt them fail, and that have even led to the death of many practitioners?"

The elder of the Scripture Pavilion raised an eyebrow and responded, "Indeed, there is one—the Ninety-nine Profound Technique. No one has ever successfully cultivated it. The records claim it's an immensely powerful technique, the pinnacle of the Dao Enlightening Stage. But it's also notorious for driving its practitioners to madness, leading to their demise. Hence, few dare to attempt it. Hmm, Elder Chen, why do you ask? Surely you're not considering..."

Chen Ming chuckled and said, "The Ninety-nine Profound Technique, is it? Hand it over to me." He then turned to Zhuo Qingyao with a tender smile, "Qingyao, you should practice this Ninety-nine Profound Technique."

Zhuo Qingyao was stunned. "Master, you must be joking..."

Lee Changgeng was equally shocked. "This is bad, really bad. My daring ideas were all wrong. Chen Ming has lost his mind. I need to inform the Sect Master immediately..."

Wang Tian breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness Chen Ming didn't choose me. That was too close..."

The other disciples were in disbelief. "Is this really Chen Ming, the living legend? Something doesn't match up with the stories..."

Chen Ming, unconcerned with their reactions, simply led Zhuo Qingyao away. Once they arrived back at Prince Su Mountain, she asked with some trepidation, "Master, am I truly meant to practice the Ninety-nine Profound Technique?"

Chen Ming handed her the technique and suggested, "Take a look for yourself."

Zhuo Qingyao accepted it, pausing briefly before she dared to open it. Initially apprehensive, her fear soon gave way to fascination as she read. The scripture seemed to draw the spiritual energy of the world to her.

Suddenly, Chen Ming heard a distinct pop. Zhuo Qingyao had reached the second level of the Dao Enlightening Stage!

Is this even possible? Can someone really have a shot at surpassing the protagonist? She's made a breakthrough just by reading, without even starting the practice. This is blatant cheating!

The voice of the system rang out, "Ding! Zhuo Qingyao has advanced to the second level of the Dao Enlightening Stage. Reward: 20 points of Teacher's Virtue."

So, a disciple's breakthrough also earns Teacher's Virtue. They would have to see just how potent this sudden enlightenment of cultivation techniques could be once they were back at Prince Su Mountain.

Realizing her advancement, Zhuo Qingyao opened her eyes wide and beamed at Chen Ming. "Master, I think I can indeed practice the Ninety-nine Profound Technique. You truly are a sage. I should never have doubted you."

Chen Ming cleared his throat and said, “Naturally. At my current level, I can effortlessly perceive the essence of all things. Small matters shouldn't surprise you. Since you're capable of practicing this technique, go on and dedicate yourself to your cultivation.”

Zhuo Qingyao cheerfully went off to practice, leaving Chen Ming to enjoy a rare moment of tranquility. He brewed a cup of Jade Guanyin tea, a luxury not even the emperor could savor. Surrounded by the delicate aroma of the tea, he reclined in a wicker chair, soaking up the sun's warmth, the epitome of contentment.

You might wonder why Chen Ming had such leisure, why he wasn't engrossed in cultivation. Well, in the Cultivation Realm, is cultivation the be-all and end-all? As an NPC, as the protagonist's mentor, his role was to follow the storyline. His job was to occasionally show off, to put the protagonist in their place, and to proclaim the protagonist as a once-in-a-lifetime genius. Competing for the limelight with the protagonist? That would be asking for trouble. As for his own cultivation, it would advance when the time was right—best to go with the flow. If the story didn't call for advancement, all the effort in the world wouldn't make a difference. But if the story allowed it, breakthroughs could happen in any situation.

Sorry, but Chen Ming had long seen through it all.

Lee Changgeng followed the Sect Master, with over a hundred doctors in tow, as they briskly entered Chen Ming's courtyard. The Sect Master and Chen Ming's grandfather shared a deep bond, forged through life-and-death experiences. They were pinning their hopes on Chen Ming to lead the Ten Thousand Swords Sect and were anxious to avoid any complications.

With the Sect Master's life drawing to a close, this critical juncture left no room for mishaps. He halted Lee Changgeng's report and quickly gathered the doctors to ascend the mountain.

The Sect Master, his hair and beard a snowy white, clad in a white Taoist robe, saw Chen Ming leisurely sipping tea. He approached with concern, “Elder Chen, are you all right?”

Chen Ming, having recently taken on a promising new disciple, was in high spirits. Why would anything be amiss? “I’m perfectly fine. What brings you to ask, Sect Master?”

The Sect Master spoke with gravity, "Chen Ming, as a future Sect Master, it's your duty to care for and protect your disciples. Even though I mistakenly took on a disciple with limited talent yesterday, you mustn't allow her to practice a lethal cultivation method! Should such news spread, it would tarnish your reputation."

Chen Ming's eyebrows twitched. So that was the concern. "Sect Master, I never intended any harm to Qingyao."

Lee Changgeng offered his counsel, "Elder Chen, guiding a disciple is a long-term commitment. Since this is your first time teaching, patience is key. The journey of cultivation must be taken one step at a time."

With a dismissive wave of his hand, the Sect Master commanded, "Everyone, give Elder Chen a thorough examination to ensure he's not injured or suffering from overzealous cultivation that's driven him mad."

A swarm of over a hundred physicians descended, startling Chen Ming into standing up quickly. "Sect Master, I assure you, I'm perfectly fine."

"If anything were to happen to you, what would I tell your grandfather? No more discussion, just proceed with the examination!" the Sect Master insisted.

Just then, Zhuo Qingyao bounded into the courtyard, exclaiming with joy, "Master, master, I've advanced to the third level of the Dao Enlightening Stage!"

The Sect Master: ...

Lee Changgeng: ...

"Ding! Zhuo Qingyao has achieved the third level of the Dao Enlightening Stage. Reward: 30 points of Teacher's Virtue!"