Chapter 8

In comparison with the weak sects, Jun Changxiao set himself the goal of low-key development and avoiding trouble.

After arriving in Qingyang City, he did his best to stay out of trouble, but trouble seemed to find him anyway.

When he overheard some Ba Liumen disciples making unkind remarks, Jun Changxiao couldn't hold back and decided to confront them.

"Ay Ya, I gi!"

The disciples of Hu Xiaozong were immediately provoked. "Dare to tell us to get lost? Are you tired of living?"

"Brush!"

"Brush!"

Several Hu Xiaozong disciples who were resting rushed out, accompanied by members of Long Knife Sect.

These martial artists, each with the strength of four or five segments of Kaimai, were muscular and intimidating. In contrast, Jun Changxiao appeared weak and vulnerable.

"What's going on?"

"Is there going to be a fight between Hu Xiaozong and Long Knife Sect?"

Various martial artists from nearby factions gathered around, curious about the commotion.

Upon recognizing Jun Changxiao, they realized it wasn't an inter-faction conflict but rather aimed at him.

"Who is he?"

"Isn't that the guy who claimed to be the second head of the Ironbone Sect at the city gate?"

The members of Long Knife Sect and Hu Xiaozong exchanged glances, realizing the identity of their new neighbor. "So this is the new head of the Ironbone Sect?"

Seeing their expressions, Jun Changxiao roared internally—I am the head! Do you have a problem with that?

He may lack strength, but he has an extraordinary face, even in the face of their disdain.

The deacon of Long Knife Sect arched his hand and mocked, "It turns out that Your Excellency is the second head of the Ironbone Sect. How disrespectful of us."

A Hu Xiaozong disciple sneered, "It's terrifying to accidentally offend a great leader."

Their mockery defused the tense atmosphere, turning the potential confrontation into a spectacle of ridicule.

Jun Changxiao remained calm, "You surround me here, but don't you have disciples to recruit?"

"Hahaha!"

The Hu Xiaozong disciple laughed, "Recruiting disciples for a sect without a proper head is a big joke!"

"Can't say that."

The deacon of Long Knife Sect smirked, "There might be some teenagers who are blind enough to join the Ironbone Sect."

Hu Xiaozong disciples grinned and addressed the crowd, "This year, it's easy to find teenagers with physical defects, but hard to find those who are blind!"

Their coordinated mockery and the crowd's laughter were deafening.

Jun Changxiao sighed and returned to his spot, while Lu Lu whispered, "Should I dig a hole for you to crawl into, head?"

Jun Changxiao's normally calm demeanor faltered at her remark.

...

Despite the tension, the two sects did not dare to take action in Qingyang City due to the city's strict rules against fighting.

As the recruitment day approached, Jun Changxiao remained confident, "I'm ten percent sure we'll recruit some disciples."

The nearby sects overheard and snorted in disbelief.

"Head," Lu Lu inquired, "How many disciples do you think we'll recruit?"

"Ten percent sure," Jun Changxiao replied confidently.

"Cut."

The surrounding sect members, overhearing his bold claim, couldn't help but scoff.

"He must be delusional."

"Who would join such a declining sect?"

The deacon of Long Knife Sect and a disciple of Hu Xiaozong decided to place a bet, "Let's see how many people will come to consult with the Ironbone Sect."

The Hu Xiaozong disciple said, "I bet no one will come. One or two silver pieces."

The deacon of Long Knife Sect laughed, "I bet one person will consult. One or two silver pieces."

Their bet was small, more for mockery than gain.

As the recruitment day drew closer, the other factions watched with interest. "Who would join the Ironbone Sect?"

"The city is full of rumors. Only a fool would join."

They noticed Lu Lu standing by the Ironbone Sect's banner and speculated, "How did such a beautiful girl end up with them?"

"Is she really a disciple?"

Seeing Lu Lu's interaction with Jun Changxiao, the crowd was even more intrigued.

...

On the day of the recruitment, Jun Changxiao sat calmly, waiting for young candidates.

"Head," Lu Lu asked, "Do you need a shoulder rub?"

"Please don't!" Jun Changxiao quickly declined.

As the event started, the various sects prepared to recruit, paying little attention to the Ironbone Sect.

Despite the doubts and ridicule, Jun Changxiao remained hopeful, knowing that true strength and determination would eventually draw the right disciples to his door.