I Pick up a Lost Godhood

Chapter 359 - 343: Selling Oneself to Repay a Debt

Fan Hong was stunned. "Mengzi, that’s no small expense. Beyond the regular disciple admissions, any extras will come at a considerable price."

Wang Meng nodded. "I know, but there are always other ways."

Hex Zui couldn’t help but get excited. For an old senior like him, what could be more gratifying than seeing more of his juniors come to the Great Yuan Realm and fight by their side?

"Wang Meng, if there’s a real opportunity, we’ll give you all the support you need. Absolutely!"

Hex Zui declared resolutely.

"Brother Hex, I’ll have to trouble you and the others with our faction’s matters. Leave this part to me. I’m not completely certain I can pull it off, but there’s a chance." After speaking, Wang Meng glanced at Mingren. "Mingren, how about a spar?"

Mingren smiled and shook his head. "Forget it. I’m not fighting a maniac like you. Save your energy for something else."

Everyone knew Mingren disliked conflict the most and had the best temper. Unless someone came looking for trouble, he was completely unwilling to fight.

Wang Meng was indeed itching for a fight. He had sensed a strange state about Mingren lately, something difficult to describe. If it had been Li Tianyi, he would have jumped at the chance for a duel long ago. But with Mingren, it was genuinely hard to provoke his interest.

"Alright. Remember to look for me when you’re interested. You can’t save all the special treatment for Li Tianyi."

When it came to sparring, Mingren would occasionally cross hands with Li Tianyi, but it was understandable. Mingren looked after Li Tianyi like a younger brother; others didn’t get such preferential treatment.

"Wang Meng, I’ll leave the external affairs to you all. As for the administration, rest assured, I will definitely help Brother Hex keep everything in perfect order!"

Ning Zhiquan said seriously. Senior Brother Ning had been hit hard after arriving at the Cultivation Academy, but with his steady temperament, Ning Zhiquan hadn’t given up. He understood clearly that Cultivation was not accomplished in a single day. He would do his part; since his strength was in administration, he would focus his efforts there.

After distributing the gifts he had brought back for the disciples, Wang Meng cleaned up and went to find the Old Demon Dean. ’Even though I feel like I never know when or where he’ll sell me out, at least now I understand I can do something for the Holy Hall,’ he thought. ’Besides, the Old Demon Dean keeps his word. Even if I get sold, it’ll probably be for a good price.’

It was only because of the Old Demon Dean’s outrageous special training that Wang Meng could enter this exclusive area. In an ordinary Sect, the Sect Leader’s residence would be heavily guarded, but the Cultivation Academy was a completely different story.

In truth, Wang Meng didn’t know if the Old Demon Dean was in; he was just trying his luck.

"Dean, your disciple, Wang Meng, requests an audience."

Before long, the massive door swung open. Wang Meng knew he was in luck. He saw Lv Yuantian, who appeared to be meditating, so he said nothing and simply stood obediently to the side.

He stood there for a full ancient hour before Lv Yuantian finally exhaled and opened his eyes. "Well, look who’s back. I thought you were having too much fun to remember the way home."

"Heh, of course not. I returned right on schedule. This is a local specialty from my Holy Hall’s Thunderlight Peak. You know I’m broke, so this is the best I can do."

Wang Meng grinned. Seeing that Lv Yuantian wasn’t speaking in a serious tone, he knew he was in the clear. The Thunder Heart Fruit was indeed unique to Thunderlight Peak. It crackled and popped in your mouth when you ate it, and it was very crisp and sweet.

Lv Yuantian gave the box a cursory glance. "Leave it there. Use the next few days to get back into shape. A battle could break out at any moment, so be ready."

"Rest assured, Dean! Your disciple will spare no effort and fight until his last breath!"

"Cut the crap. I don’t need you to die for me. I need you to win!"

"Yes, sir! Your disciple understands!"

Lv Yuantian looked Wang Meng up and down. He had been a bit displeased at first. What was so great about a low-level place like the Holy Hall? A perfunctory visit should have been enough, yet the kid had actually stayed for a full month. In this competitive era of Cultivation, wasting a month was a significant loss of time, especially since a Small Thousand Realm couldn’t hold a candle to the Great Yuan Realm.

"Alright, I have things to do. You can go." Lv Yuantian waved his hand impatiently.

Wang Meng nodded and left the Dean’s Tower. He didn’t bring up the Holy Hall’s situation right away. It was always Wang Meng’s policy to make a contribution before making a request. Besides, from their last encounter, he knew the Old Demon Dean was a sharp man. It was best to be direct when dealing with sharp people.

After Wang Meng left, Lv Yuantian stood up. He looked at the brocade box on the stone table, opened it, and found two green fruits inside. As the dean of the Cultivation Academy, he knew a thing or two about the specialties of the various Small Thousand Realms, but he clearly didn’t recognize these.

The Old Demon Dean, however, didn’t hesitate. He picked one up and took a bite. The Thunder Heart Fruit immediately CRACKLED AND POPPED in his mouth. Of course, not even a Yin Thunder Bomb could harm Lv Yuantian. After a tingling numbness came a wave of nourishing sweetness, leaving him feeling utterly refreshed.

Lv Yuantian couldn’t help but chuckle. Wang Meng had really put some thought into this gift. Actually, it had been Hu Jing’s idea. Someone at Lv Yuantian’s level lacked for nothing; it was the thought that counted. And the most unique thing Thunderlight Peak had to offer was this Thunder Heart Fruit.

Not that Wang Meng was worried. He had given the gift; if the dean liked it, great. If not, oh well. He never wasted time dwelling on such things.

Lv Yuantian ate slowly, savoring the unique sensation of the Thunder Heart Fruit. "Heh, an interesting kid... and an interesting fruit."

’Now that Wang Meng is back, we can move forward with things,’ Lv Yuantian thought. ’Saves me from those other guys always complaining that I take the benefits and then disappear. So undignified.’

’I’m also curious to see just how long Wang Meng can hold out.’

"Shan Lin, investigate what Wang Meng did when he returned to the Holy Hall."

"Yes, Lord Dean!"

Shan Lin answered respectfully, and only straightened up a while after Lv Yuantian’s image disappeared.

’...Why is Lv Yuantian so interested in this Wang Meng?’

’Investigating his background is one thing, but do we really need to look into everything he does?’

Shan Lin truly couldn’t make sense of the situation. And from Lv Yuantian’s tone, it was impossible to tell whether his intentions were good or bad.

Upon his return, Wang Meng dove headfirst into his Cultivation. His training hadn’t stopped even during his time at the Holy Hall. In fact, his method of Cultivation differed from others’ practice of Magic; he primarily battled the Godhood within his Sea of Heart.

Though the Holy Hall didn’t have many members, their roles were gradually becoming clear. Hex Zui and Ning Zhiquan were responsible for internal administration; Hex Zui and Jiang Qingqing handled external liaison; and Wang Meng, Mingren, Ma Tian’Er, and Li Tianyi formed the main combat force.

Wang Meng’s most fervent desire was to continue advancing his Five Elements Technique. He felt he was just two major steps away from reaching the Minor Perfection stage. For him, that would open up a whole new world.

Others might need the time it takes to clear the Fifty Layers to temper themselves, but for Wang Meng, the process seemed to grow easier the further he progressed.

In his Heart Spirit Space, Wang Meng’s Sword Technique was being honed to greater and greater perfection. Back in the Four Directions Small Thousand World, Wang Meng had made a habit of studying all kinds of Cultivation Techniques, wanting to try every type of Magic. It was much the same when he first entered the Cultivation Academy. But lately—perhaps it was a return to simplicity—he found himself increasingly drawn to crossing swords with Moo Shan and Wangtian.

They used the exact same moves, but each time he came away with a new understanding. It was no longer the simple beatdowns of the past.

With every thrust, the contest was one of Sword Sense, something that seemed to transcend the mere fluency of a Life Mark Combination.

Wang Meng wasn’t sure if this change in his approach was correct; he was simply following his instincts. One thing was certain: he was still worlds away from the realm of Moo Shan and Wangtian. Only at their level could one achieve a state where supreme skill appeared simple, where a single sword strike could decide the fate of the world. For now, Wang Meng definitely needed to learn much more to enrich his Five Elements Technique and gain a deeper understanding of its arts.

But recently, Wang Meng had become almost obsessed with training in the sword itself. This passion was reminiscent of the time before he had even become a Cultivator. It felt as if the sword had come alive, and his Sword Technique along with it.

Across from him, Moo Shan remained indifferent, their two swords facing off. Wang Meng focused his spirit. Unlike the constant thrashings from before, he now felt a sense of anticipation.

BOOM...

BOOM...

With a single thrust and a deafening BANG, Wang Meng withdrew from his Sea of Heart, his eyes still shut tight.

He was delicately reliving the sensation from that last exchange. ’Moo Shan’s sword... it’s slower. I feel like it won’t be long before I can "see" it. But even when I see it, my body can’t react in time.’

Still, it was a huge improvement compared to being instantly and cluelessly defeated.

Wang Meng wondered if his current state could be considered falling into a demonic obsession. Even at the Cultivation Academy, the old saying held true: the master opens the door, but you must walk the path yourself. On the road of Cultivation, no one could give you the "right" answer, only point you in the right direction. The rest depended on one’s own enlightenment—and, of course, a good deal of luck.

Master Wang himself was blessed with incredible luck. And his most impressive trait? He never wasted time agonizing over things he couldn’t figure out. When he couldn’t make a clear judgment, Master Wang would simply follow his gut.

If it was about finding a path, he would go in the direction opposite to what his gut told him.

If it was about Cultivation, he would naturally do whatever he pleased.

At this thought, Wang Meng broke into a wide grin. Beside him, Sanmao stared blankly at him for a moment, then began to grin foolishly as well, mimicking its master.

Returning to the Cultivation Academy had actually made Sanmao a bit melancholic. It had been the most reluctant to leave, the flame on its head drooping completely. It hadn’t perked back up for a long while after they returned to the Great Yuan Realm.

At the Holy Hall, it had so many people to play with, and it was as happy as could be. Sanmao could basically tear the place down and no one would stop it.

But when it was time to leave, it was time to leave.

When Wang Meng cultivated, Sanmao would cultivate too. When Wang Meng practiced his sword, Sanmao would conjure a small Flame Sword and practice on its own. And you had to admit, with their minds linked, Sanmao’s practice looked surprisingly authentic.

Wang Meng had a general idea of how it worked now. Despite Sanmao’s chubby appearance and lack of physical attack power, all the things it ate didn’t just vanish—they were stored. Right now, Sanmao was like a small child who didn’t know how to properly use its strength, so it was learning by copying Wang Meng. At its current stage, its method wasn’t complex: if attacked, it would pick a move it knew and unleash all of its stored power in a single, massive blast.

And after that one big blast... well, that wasn’t its problem anymore.

Seeing Sanmao’s earnest pose, Wang Meng couldn’t help but laugh. "Sanmao, how about we spar a little?"

Sanmao immediately jumped up excitedly, shaking its head frantically.

"Alright, bring it on. But don’t come crying to me when it hurts!"

Wang Meng said with a laugh.

Sanmao pursed its lips, as if to show it was a big boy now.

The two of them struck their poses. Just as they were about to attack, Wang Meng remembered something crucial... ’Wait, in a spar, you’re not supposed to use your full power!!!’

BOOM... RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE...

A loud explosion erupted from a corner of the Cultivation Academy, and a column of fire shot toward the sky.

The area was instantly thrown into chaos, as dozens of figures shot out from their residences.

"Some poor bastard just destroyed Academy property!"

"He’s so dead. They’ll make him pay until he’s bankrupt!"

"What an idiot! This is a place for quiet meditation, and he used Magic!"

Wang Meng sat amidst the ruins, covered in soot and dust, staring at the cheerful, bouncing Sanmao. He wanted to cry but had no tears left.

"Sanmao, you can just sell yourself to pay off this debt!!!"

A certain someone’s miserable shriek echoed from within the thick smoke...

(Seeking recommendation votes, thank you.) (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with recommendation and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)