Chapter 7: The Coveted Talent

In a flash, Chu Xiaotian, who had been previously ignored and rejected by all seven major academies, became the center of attention, eagerly sought after by each of them. They scrambled to rectify their earlier dismissal and entice him to join their ranks.

Chu Xiaotian, though inwardly amused, couldn't help but feel a sense of dissatisfaction at their sudden change of heart. "I was rejected by you all earlier, and I must admit that hurt my feelings."

The Heaven and Earth Academy representative quickly offered compensation, "We can make it up to you. Join us, and you'll immediately receive ten thousand points, a Xuan level technique, and a Huang level martial skill."

...

The Divine Sword Academy elder proposed, "I can personally take you as my disciple. You'll have your pick of the academy's techniques and skills."

Despite Chu Xiaotian's earlier rejection, none of the factions showed anger; they knew they had been at fault and were eager to compensate.

The representatives from the seven academies squabbled over him, each making extravagant promises to win him over. Eventually, they agreed to let Chu Xiaotian make his own choice, which only intensified their eagerness and, in some cases, veiled threats, as if to say, if they couldn't have him, no academy should.

Under the watchful eyes of the seven elders, Chu Xiaotian made his decision. Of all the academies, the Divine Sword Academy showed the most sincerity and aligned with his desired path of the sword. Thus, he chose them.

"Hahaha... I knew he had good judgment," laughed the elder from the Divine Sword Academy, delighted by Chu Xiaotian's choice.

As Chu Xiaotian's decision became clear, some elders returned to their respective academy stations in silence, while others eyed him with fleeting murderous intent, evidently considering destroying him before he could become a threat.

"You'll come with me. We'll return to the Divine Sword Academy together," said the elder, knowing well that a talent like Chu Xiaotian would attract jealousy and even violence. He was determined to protect this precious disciple and prevent any mishaps.

"Alright, Elder," Chu Xiaotian agreed.

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for joining an academy and completing the basic task. You have received a basic task reward package."

Chu Xiaotian chose to open the package immediately.

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining the Huang level initial stage Sword Drawing Technique."

...

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining 500 points."

The system notifications kept coming, bestowing him with a multitude of treasures, all automatically stored in his space-like warehouse, now ten cubic meters in size.

Chu Xiaotian explored the system's features, particularly the 'Tasks' section. Finding no feasible tasks for now, he turned his attention to the 'Points' section and used his points to enhance his newly acquired martial skills.

"Ding! Congratulations, your Sword Drawing Technique has reached the initial success stage, increasing your sword speed by 1.2 times. Speed is the key to victory."

...

The transformations and acquisitions made Chu Xiaotian an object of envy, skepticism, and challenge.

"I want to challenge him. I don't believe his cultivation is real. I refuse to believe someone can absorb spiritual energy so recklessly," someone protested.

Doubts and challenges began to arise among the crowd, despite the elders' understanding of Chu Xiaotian's situation. They too harbored suspicions but feared his potential.

"Ding! Your strength has been questioned, triggering a basic challenge task. Prove yourself to earn a thousand points."