Chapter One: Taking the Ruthless Empress as My Disciple!

Beyond the Kunlun Mountains.

A breathtakingly beautiful young woman in a long black dress, tall and graceful, darted swiftly through the forest. Not far behind her, several figures in black robes pursued relentlessly.

“An Miaoling, the sect master is prepared to appoint you as the Saintess. Why do you flee?” one of them called out.

An Miaoling snorted coldly, paying them no heed. She knew all too well the true intentions behind the Demon Sect Master’s desire to make her the Saintess—it was only because of her unique constitution, so he could plant the demonic seed within her. Once that seed took root, she would become his vessel, little more than a plaything at his mercy.

Such trickery—how could she, the reincarnation of the Ruthless Empress, not see through it? Given this chance at a new life, nothing and no one would stand in her way to power. In this lifetime, she would cultivate the Supreme Ruthless Record to its pinnacle, then seek revenge. She would sever all ties of cause and effect, walking the path alone, seeking only the Great Dao.

At the thought of vengeance, her expression grew even colder. She remembered how, in her previous life, she had joined forces with three other Emperor-level experts to search for treasure, only to stumble into a trap meant solely to kill her…

Within the Kunlun Mountains.

On Sword-Hidden Peak of the Kunlun Sword Sect, it was the day for the sect’s disciple recruitment. Qin Tian, as the master of Sword-Hidden Peak, was obliged to make an appearance. He was the sole person on his peak, so he had no intention of recruiting anyone—nor did anyone wish to join Sword-Hidden Peak. To outsiders, he was nothing more than a low-level practitioner at the Spirit Movement stage, and he himself only wished for a carefree, idle life.

The recruitment venue was called the Celestial Fate Terrace. Ten seats were arranged there, one for each of the nine peak masters of Kunlun, and one reserved for the sect master, Mo Wentian. Qin Tian settled into his seat, leisurely pulling out a book to read.

The moment Mo Wentian saw Qin Tian’s indolence, he was filled with exasperation. “Look at you! Every day you do nothing but tend herbs or amuse yourself with fish and birds. Squandering your youth completely. I truly don’t know what Junior Sister Jiang ever saw in you.”

“Please calm your anger, Sect Master. Junior Sister Jiang was the only Saint-level expert our sect has seen in thousands of years; naturally, her judgment is unique,” said Su Lan, the master of Jade Sword Peak and a close friend of the former Sword-Hidden Peak master, Jiang Qingxue. For her sake, Su Lan would look after Qin Tian when possible.

If Su Lan hadn’t spoken, Mo Wentian might have calmed, but now he grew even more annoyed. “Unique judgment, indeed. What’s so special about him?”

Su Lan offered an awkward smile. “Perhaps the right moment simply hasn’t come yet.”

Qin Tian smiled kindly at Su Lan, paying little attention to Mo Wentian’s words.

Fifteen years before, he had been the son of a wealthy family in the mundane world. During one of Jiang Qingxue’s training excursions, she was gravely injured and happened to be rescued by Qin Tian, who was traveling for leisure. He brought her home to recuperate, caring for her for half a month. Before leaving, in gratitude, Jiang Qingxue took the talentless Qin Tian back to Sword-Hidden Peak, making him her second disciple.

Upon arriving at the peak, Qin Tian unexpectedly received a Sign-In System. His first sign-in rewarded him with the Supreme Transformative Freedom Technique. The technique was powerful, but his aptitude for cultivation was lamentably poor. It was only after the second sign-in, which elevated his technique to the second level, that his cultivation advanced as well. This reward gave him hope and renewed determination.

Thus, he quietly remained at Sword-Hidden Peak, signing in daily and spending time with Jiang Qingxue. But good times did not last. Five years later, after breaking through to Saint-level, Jiang Qingxue soon departed, rumored to be heading to a mysterious place to cultivate. Before leaving, Qin Tian promised to seek her out in the future. Jiang Qingxue left with a smile.

After that, Sword-Hidden Peak was left with only him, and he naturally became its master.

Years of faithful sign-ins brought Qin Tian’s technique to the ninth level, raising him to half-Saint. Yet he had no intention of revealing his true power—exposure would only bring a flood of would-be disciples, demanding management and instruction, which would disrupt his peaceful life.

By now, the area below had grown lively. Over a hundred aspirants entered the Kunlun Sword Sect, only to be awestruck. The sect was awash in visible spiritual energy, grand celestial palaces rising in every direction. In the air, disciples flew by sword, laughing and chatting—a veritable paradise.

This was the sect they had dreamed of joining, one of the three great righteous sects of East Continent.

“Look! That’s Sect Master Mo Wentian in the center—one of East Continent’s six half-Saints,” exclaimed a blue-robed candidate.

“And the master of Jade Sword Peak, Su Lan, is one of East Continent’s three great beauties,” added another in white.

“You’re just stating the obvious. But did you know that ten years ago, the Kunlun Sword Sect was the top power in East Continent? All thanks to Jiang Qingxue of Sword-Hidden Peak—she was the only Saint in the land, and the most beautiful woman as well. Sadly, she left not long after her breakthrough.”

“I heard my father mention this too,” the blue-robed one replied. “But now Sword-Hidden Peak is finished. Its master is only Spirit Movement level, no better than us. Remember to steer clear.”

The crowd continued to chatter, awaiting the start of the trials.

At the sect entrance, An Miaoling watched the aspiring disciples file in and joined them. The black-robed pursuers, seeing her enter the Kunlun Sword Sect, were forced to give up for now.

“Let’s return and report to the sect master. This isn’t over.”

Once An Miaoling was inside, admission closed. The bell tolled. Mo Wentian rose and announced, “The trial begins!”

The first test was for innate talent, which would eliminate at least half the candidates. Disappointed sighs echoed as many left the sect.

When it was An Miaoling’s turn, the crowd was thrown into an uproar. Even the indolent Qin Tian glanced up. The temperature on the terrace dropped, and the faint shadow of an ice phoenix appeared.

“That’s the Ice Phoenix bloodline!” Mo Wentian was stunned. Such an ancient bloodline, once awakened, made entry into the Saint realm extremely likely.

Suppressing his excitement, Mo Wentian made a note in his heart.

After the talent test came the martial trials. Armed with her previous life’s skills and techniques, An Miaoling easily took first place.

When all the trials concluded, the nine peak masters stood to introduce themselves, each casting meaningful glances toward An Miaoling. She might become the next Jiang Qingxue.

When it was Qin Tian’s turn, he stood and said simply, “I am Qin Tian, master of Sword-Hidden Peak. I’m rather lazy and have no particular skills.” With that, he sat down again.

“Wow! Master Qin is so handsome!” a girl in the crowd whispered.

“If I could kiss him, I think I could break through on the spot.”

“Such a shame! If it weren’t for my father’s orders, I’d join Sword-Hidden Peak myself.”

The female candidates below were instantly captivated by Qin Tian’s looks. Mo Wentian, hearing the commotion, snorted inwardly. Handsome looks can’t feed you.

The introductions over, the peak masters began selecting disciples.

“This girl Lin Xue is suited to the Jade Sword Art—she’ll join Jade Sword Peak,” Su Lan declared.

Mo Wentian nodded. “Indeed, a perfect fit.”

“This Zhao Tian is lightning-affinity—I’ll take him for Thunder Sword Peak,” another chimed in.

One by one, the peak masters chose their disciples—except for Qin Tian, who remained absorbed in his book.

Before long, only An Miaoling was left unchosen in the arena.

She stood there, an icy goddess untouched by the mortal world, yet a closer look revealed a trace of proud coldness in her eyes. All the peak masters, including the sect master, looked at her—this could be the next Jiang Qingxue.

Mo Wentian stood and spoke. “Would you be willing to become my last disciple?”

An Miaoling frowned. Though he was sect master and a half-Saint, following him risked exposing her secrets. She hesitated, and Mo Wentian was taken aback, while the other peak masters smiled in anticipation.

“I saw your swordsmanship—clearly you’re a sword cultivator. In terms of the sword, my Heaven Sword Peak is unmatched in the sect.”

“My Thunder Sword Peak’s Wind and Thunder Sword is also superb. Join me, and I’ll teach you my Heaven-rank Wind and Thunder Sword personally.”

“Come to my Spirit Herb Peak—herbs in abundance!” the master of Spirit Herb Peak added.

Qin Tian watched this all with amusement.

“You’re laughing? You should reflect on why no one wants to join you,” Mo Wentian scolded, then turned back to An Miaoling. “Choose whichever peak you prefer. The sect won’t skimp on resources for your cultivation.”

An Miaoling nodded, sweeping her gaze over the peak masters, and finally settled on Qin Tian.

“I wish to join Sword-Hidden Peak.”

She had made this decision after thorough consideration. What she needed now was not guidance from the powerful, but a place with sufficient resources to cultivate in peace.

A hush fell over the crowd—one could hear a pin drop.

“Are you sure?” Mo Wentian asked.

An Miaoling nodded solemnly. “I am sure.”

At her words, the peak masters’ faces darkened.

“You want to follow him? He’s only Spirit Movement level—what could he possibly teach you?” demanded the master of Thunder Sword Peak.

“He’s right, girl. With the right teacher, your cultivation will soar. Don’t let Qin Tian’s looks sway you,” added the master of Heaven Sword Peak.

“My looks?” Qin Tian gave An Miaoling a careful look.

Her exquisite face betrayed no emotion—still calm, still cold.

“You’re certain you wish to become my disciple?” Qin Tian set aside his book and spoke slowly.

An Miaoling nodded. “I am.”

Mo Wentian leaned over and whispered, “Hurry up and accept her as your disciple, what are you waiting for?”

Qin Tian smiled helplessly. “Since you insist on taking me as your master, you will have to obey my rules. Are you willing?”

At this, An Miaoling frowned. For her—a former Ruthless Empress—to apprentice herself to him, and yet he had so many conditions? But for the sake of a good cultivation environment, she swallowed her pride.

“I am willing,” she replied.

Qin Tian gave her a surprised look and continued, “I’m a busy man, so I might not have much time to instruct you.”

Before An Miaoling could respond, Mo Wentian quickly interjected, “If you have any questions about cultivation, you may come to me anytime.”

He was determined to keep her in the sect; as for who would teach her, that could be decided later.

Qin Tian went on, “At times, I may assign you some chores. Will you accept that?”

An Miaoling gazed at Qin Tian deeply. Her face remained expressionless, but inside she was seething.

Endure! My cultivation should break through from Spirit Movement to Golden Body within days. Once I do, let’s see if you can still tell me what to do.

With that thought, she made her decision.