CHAPTER 37: CHAPTER 37: HEAVENLY CALAMITY CURSE, THE HIGH-STAKES GAMBLE OF SELLING ONESELF_1

A Closed-door Disciple often holds an even higher status and receives better treatment than a True Disciple. This is because after accepting a Closed-door Disciple, a master will not take in any more disciples.

Generally speaking, only after finding a worthy successor to their mantle would a master take someone as their Closed-door Disciple. Thereafter, they would impart all of their life’s knowledge without reservation. Throughout their lifetimes, a cultivator might take several or even dozens of True Disciples, but there can only be one Closed-door Disciple. In fact, many cultivators go to their graves without ever taking one.

Ji Yan was a Great Ability at the Ninth Heaven of Soul Travel, and moreover, he was the leader of Thunderclap Peak, in command of the entire Thunder Sect. The significance of his Closed-door Disciple was, therefore, immense. Not to mention, Ji Yan had openly stated that once he stepped down, Wang Xiu would become the next leader of Thunderclap Peak.

The weight of such a promise was self-evident. To anyone, it would be a bombshell-level offer. In Ji Yan’s view, Wang Xiu had no reason to refuse.

However, the young man before him merely smiled slightly, performed a courteous bow, and said, "I am grateful for Elder Ji’s great favor. But I have no intention of switching Sects."

Ji Yan was completely stunned, staring blankly at Wang Xiu for a moment. After a long while, he took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Just now, my attitude might not have been the best. I didn’t make myself clear."

"Wang Xiu, I said I want to take you as my Closed-door Disciple, not just a True Disciple. My Closed-door Disciple! You could inherit my mantle and become the leader of the Thunder Sect!"

"Are you... sure you won’t reconsider? An opportunity like this doesn’t come twice!"

The young man bowed respectfully once more. "I heard you very clearly, Elder, and I am deeply grateful for your kind intentions. I simply have no such desire."

Ji Yan’s expression hardened. "Why?"

"Your master, Luo Binglan, may be strong, but she is currently severely injured, and it is unknown how long she will remain in slumber," he continued. "Moreover, with your talent in Thunder Techniques, the Divination Sect is hardly as suitable for you as the Thunder Sect. Should you join us, with the full backing of our resources, becoming a Saint or an Ancestor would be well within your reach. Even undergoing Tribulation Transcendence to become an immortal would not be out of the question!"

Wang Xiu smiled. "Our sect teaches disciples without discrimination. Although I am from Spirit Turtle Peak, it doesn’t mean I cannot learn Thunder Techniques. You have already permitted me to study on Thunderclap Peak for half a year, Elder. I believe that should be sufficient."

Arrogant!

Ji Yan’s face flushed with anger, and he snorted. "Do you think learning a few rudimentary Thunder Techniques means you’ve grasped the true meaning of the Thunder Path? The arts of our Thunder Sect are vast and profound. Even Ji Jinglei himself has barely scratched the surface, so how much could he possibly teach you? You find learning these techniques easy only because of your innate talent."

"But!" Ji Yan declared proudly, "The true pinnacle arts of our Thunder Sect are all esoteric, abstruse, and dangerous Ultimate Techniques. Even with your world-shocking talent for Thunder Techniques, you have absolutely no chance of mastering them without a renowned master’s guidance and the aid of our Thunder Sect’s secret grounds and special Magic Artifacts."

"For instance, the Seven Steps Dragon Slaying Technique that Xiao Jiu is cultivating requires one to absorb Dragon Origin Qi on the Sect’s secret Dragon Slaying Platform, integrating it with one’s Mana to achieve mastery. If you don’t join the Thunder Sect, you won’t be able to learn a single Ultimate Technique in half a year, even if I let you read every manual in the Wind and Thunder Tower!"

Ji Yan was not just trying to scare him. In fact, the Thunder Sect’s legacy arts were divided into three tiers: Basic, Superior, and Ultimate Technique. This classification was not based solely on the difficulty of comprehension. Ultimate Techniques were called as such largely because, in addition to insight and talent, they also required corresponding treasures to aid in their cultivation.

And these external aids were not infinite. For example, the Dragon Slaying Platform could only condense three strands of the Dragon Origin Qi required for Ji Zidian’s Seven Steps Dragon Slaying Technique every ten years. Although not as precious as Tribulation Thunder Fluid, it was still worth a fortune. Without the support of this Dragon Origin Qi, no matter how talented one was, it would be impossible to truly master the Seven Steps Dragon Slaying Technique. At best, one could only mimic its form, but never capture its core spiritual essence. It was precisely due to these various resource constraints that while the Thunder Sect had many disciples, very few could actually master an Ultimate Technique.

However, to Wang Xiu, if he couldn’t master them, then so be it.

The Thunder Sect’s Ultimate Techniques might be powerful, but are the many inheritances I possess any weaker than Thunder Techniques? Besides, with the Perfected Taiyi Imperial Thunder, I don’t believe I’m completely incapable of learning them. The Great Dao of Thunder and Lightning leads to the same destination through different paths. These so-called Ultimate Techniques are just alternative paths forged with the help of certain secret treasures. As long as I understand the principles, I can always find a substitute, like using other treasures or modifying certain incantations and hand seals. There are always more solutions than problems.

Thinking this, Wang Xiu smiled and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Elder, but I’d like to give it a try."

Hmph! What a stubborn brat!

Seeing that Wang Xiu remained unmoved even after all he had said, Ji Yan became somewhat exasperated.

Then again, despite having a vexing master like Luo Binglan and belonging to a troublesome sect like the Divination Sect, Wang Xiu remained so steadfast. This was actually a point in his favor. After all, no one wanted their future disciple to be a fickle traitor who would easily switch allegiances.

At this thought, Ji Yan’s eyes shifted, and an idea struck him. "It seems you’re very confident in your talent. How about we make a wager?"

"A wager?" Wang Xiu was slightly taken aback. "Please elaborate, Elder."

Ji Yan slowly extended his right hand. Instantly, a purple light shot from the apex of the Wind and Thunder Tower, and a purple-gold Jade Slip flew down into his palm.

"This is the Heavenly Calamity Curse," Ji Yan said calmly. "It’s a rather unremarkable one among our Thunder Sect’s many Ultimate Techniques. But I guarantee that without the guidance of a renowned master and the aid of the Thunder Sect’s secret grounds, you will have absolutely no chance of learning it."

"If you can reach the introductory level within three months, you win. I will make an exception and appoint you as a Special Offering Priest of Thunderclap Peak, affording you the same treatment as a Thunder Sect Elder. You will have unlimited time to peruse any legacy within the Wind and Thunder Tower."

"In addition, you will receive a share of the monthly Spirit Stone stipend and thunder-attribute cultivation resources allocated to our Elders. You will even be given priority for the special treasures required to practice Ultimate Techniques."

The Heavenly Calamity Curse? That name sounds familiar... I think it’s the skill Ji Jinglei was bragging about earlier. Wow. He sure knows how to pick them.

An amused and peculiar expression instantly appeared on Wang Xiu’s face. "Ahem, Elder, perhaps you should reconsider? This is a bet you cannot possibly win!"

Heh heh. Young people are truly full of vigor. He couldn’t resist my goading, could he? Me? Lose? Heh heh heh... That’s the Heavenly Calamity Curse we’re talking about. You’re the one who can’t possibly win!

"That is not for you to worry about!" Ji Yan’s eyes twinkled with slyness. "In any case, the bet is on the table. The question is, do you dare to accept it?"

He smiled. "If you fail to learn it, you lose. That will prove you need a renowned master to guide you. At that time, I want you to leave Spirit Turtle Peak and the Divination Sect to join my Thunder Sect. My previous promises will still stand."