"Everyone, may I say a word?"
Lord Kade Xing, the Punishment Hall Master, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke up.
"Hey! Old pal, you want to get in on this too? Give me a break—everyone knows Punishment Hall is the weakest of the Four Great Halls. If you take Chu Linfeng, are you planning to turn him into an executioner or what?"
Lord Trenton Zhan grumbled, his brows furrowed in disapproval, making Lord Kade Xing flush red with embarrassment. It was true—even though Punishment Hall was one of the Four Great Halls and held high status, it was honestly short on manpower. After all, it was only in charge of managing punishments within the dynasty, not exactly the best place for nurturing talent.
"I never said Punishment Hall wants Chu Linfeng. I just want to remind you all not to forget a few things."
"What is it?" Nightdream Ye was also curious to hear what Kade Xing meant.
"It's about Chu Linfeng's identity. Did you all forget where he came from? He did outstandingly well in the trial assessment, but if he joins one of the Four Great Halls right after standing out so much, isn't that a little too conspicuous?
Have you considered that this might actually be bad for his growth? With the power and talent he has now, only the front-line battlefields will let him develop quickly.
So I think we should stick to protocol and let him enter the dynasty as a regular recruit. First, this helps hide his identity and keeps other dynasties from noticing him. Second, it lets him climb up step by step from the ground level—none of you want to see him turn into a stuffed fat man overnight, right?
Everyone nodded in agreement after hearing Kade Xing’s words—he made a lot of sense.
Everyone present already believed that if anyone could lead the Frostbane Dynasty to a new era, right now Chu Linfeng had the greatest chance—it was just a matter of time. As long as he was given enough time to grow, one day, he’d become a truly earth-shaking figure.
But because everyone valued Chu Linfeng so much, they’d lost sight of what was truly best for him. Now that Kade Xing had stepped up to guide them, everyone finally understood.
Thinking of this, Mad-Blade Li and Lord Jun Yang’s eyes lit up again. If things followed standard protocol, Chu Linfeng would have to join one of the Seven Great Legions. This round of recruitment was supposed to be hosted by Mad-Blade Li, but halfway through, Lord Jun Yang took over—so now both of them felt they had a shot at claiming Chu Linfeng.
"In that case, I’ll withdraw. But even if Chu Linfeng enters the Frostbane Dynasty through normal channels, he shouldn’t miss out on cultivation resources. I hope you’re all clear on that—and I’m personally willing to contribute some resources myself, beyond the standard dynasty allotment."
Nightdream Ye said solemnly. Trenton Zhan, Magnus Liao, and Kade Xing quickly echoed, "We’re also willing to personally contribute some cultivation resources to Chu Linfeng."
Chu Linfeng was a little surprised—looks like these people want to build ties with him ahead of time? Well, that just saves him a lot of trouble.
And honestly, his own real thoughts weren’t much different from what Kade Xing said—Chu Linfeng also wanted to temper himself at the very bottom, on the bloodiest front lines of the Frostbane Dynasty.
"Alright, let’s settle it like this. As for whether Chu Linfeng joins the Mad-Blade Legion or the Blazing-Flame Legion, that’s up to Chu Linfeng himself."
Nightdream Ye turned to look at Chu Linfeng. After a moment’s thought, Chu Linfeng replied,
"I’m not really familiar with the Seven Great Legions, but I do know that the strongest always fight on the front lines. So, if possible, I’d like Mad-Blade Throne and Jun Yang Throne to spar with each other. That way, I’ll know which is truly the front line."
"Hahaha! Kid, I’m starting to like you more and more!" Mad-Blade Li burst out laughing. With his early Holy Emperor Realm cultivation, fighting Jun Yang should be a sure win! But Jun Yang just looked frustrated—why would Chu Linfeng make such a request?
But Chu Linfeng wasn’t done. He added, "It’d be best if both Thrones could suppress their cultivation to the same realm. That way, I’ll be able to judge more clearly."
This time, Mad-Blade Li was the one who froze, while Jun Yang shot Chu Linfeng a sly look. "Wahaha, yes, yes, that’s exactly how it should be! I agree completely!"
"Forget it! I surrender, alright?"
Mad-Blade Li gave up right away. Seriously, what a bunch of monsters! Jun Yang, that bastard, was famous throughout the Frostbane Dynasty as the solo-challenge champion—almost unbeatable at the same cultivation level. Before Chu Linfeng showed up, he was the brightest young genius around!
Fight him at the same cultivation level? It’d probably take three of me just to break even…
His last advantage gone, Mad-Blade Li was so frustrated he could barely stand it. But for everyone else, this outcome was no surprise—Chu Linfeng and Jun Yang were both tough, peerless talents, and Chu Linfeng was even more dazzling. Their personalities were similar too, making them a perfect match.
And so, it was basically settled—Chu Linfeng would join the Blazing-Flame Legion.
Afterwards, the Four Hall Masters departed one after another, but not before leaving plenty of Starstones behind. Chu Linfeng remembered this kindness.
The Frostbane Dynasty may not have many people, and its selection is strict, but everyone chosen works together with one heart—there’s no selfishness in the dynasty. That unity is what makes the Frostbane Dynasty strong. Such strict management made Chu Linfeng respect it even more.
Even though Mad-Blade Li and the Mystic-Ice Throne didn’t win over Chu Linfeng, they still showed their goodwill—the two teamed up and gifted him three thousand high-grade Starstones as a grand gesture.
At the same time, Mad-Blade Li kept his earlier promise, taking Chu Linfeng to the palace treasury. Everything he’d earned over years of struggle, plus rewards from the Holy Emperor, was laid out for him to see—and Chu Linfeng was free to choose as he liked.
The huge treasury looked a bit empty. Most of the things glittering there were just decorations; the few decent battle armors, treasures, or sacred pills were all damaged, stained with traces of blood.
Mad-Blade Li talked a big game, but he knew most of the good stuff had already been handed over to the dynasty. What remained was just for show—hardly useful at all.
"Don’t blame Old Li, Linfeng—he’s already done well. My side’s even worse off. Just grab some Starstones or whatever armor you can still use."
"Ha! Jun Yang, that’s the first sensible thing you’ve said all day."
Mad-Blade Li was grateful that Jun Yang hadn’t mocked him and even spoke up for him.
But Chu Linfeng just smiled. "I know—neither of you is the type to stash treasures for yourselves. Just look at your soldiers: all well equipped, every one using high-grade artifacts. It’s clear you never keep anything for yourselves."
That’s probably why, even with fewer numbers, the Seven Great Legions have never lost a single battle in this star domain against the other dynasties. I admire you!
"Brother Chu, you’re too kind. It’s just what we’re supposed to do. Sitting on the Throne means looking out for our soldiers—otherwise, what’s the point of holding this position?"
Hearing Mad-Blade Li say this, Chu Linfeng respected him even more.