Return of the Immortal Emperor Daddy

"Someone actually scored 90 points? Heavens, how could this be..." Meng Xue exclaimed in shock. She turned to Wu Tian. "Compared to the person who scored 90, don’t you feel inadequate?"

"No," Wu Tian replied, shaking his head with a smile.

"No?" Meng Xue was startled. Does he have such thick skin?

But seeing Wu Tian’s self-satisfied look, she suddenly realized something. Her beautiful eyes widened as she stammered, "You... your name isn’t Wu Tian, is it?"

Wu Tian nodded.

"What? He’s Wu Tian?"

"That person scored 90 points? First place?"

"The only one who qualified here?"

The other examinees were stunned. Moments ago, they had been boasting that if this man placed first, they would jump off a cliff, hang themselves, or smash their heads into a wall. Now, they felt like utter clowns, completely disgraced.

Meng Xue felt the same way. How mortifying...

Meng Tian and Bo Gu looked at Wu Tian at the same time. The cave was dark, making it difficult to see clearly. Bo Gu approached with a candle, and in its flickering light, Wu Tian’s features gradually came into focus.

"You... you are..."

When the examinees finally saw Wu Tian’s face clearly, a wave of shock went through them. Unlike the isolated Blood Refiners, they lived out in the world, in the Xiuyuan Country. And in this nation, who didn’t know the name Wu Tian? Who wouldn’t recognize his face? He was young and accomplished in both scholarly and martial pursuits. Though he appeared gentle, who under the heavens would dare underestimate him?

The examinees immediately fell silent, bowing their heads one by one, terrified of offending Wu Tian.

Bo Gu, Meng Tian, and Meng Xue, however, had no idea what the name ’Wu Tian’ represented. They simply felt that Wu Tian was the hope of the Blood Refiners.

Bo Gu took a deep breath, looked at Wu Tian, and suddenly said, "Young man, have you truly thought through your decision to become a Blood Refiner? There is still a chance to back out."

"Oh?" Wu Tian raised an eyebrow. "Elder, why do you make becoming a Blood Refiner sound as perilous as climbing a mountain of knives or plunging into a sea of fire?"

"That’s right. It is exactly like climbing a mountain of knives and plunging into a sea of fire." To Wu Tian’s surprise, Bo Gu answered with the utmost seriousness. "A Blood Refiner dedicates their entire life to the Path of Blood Refinement, potentially spending a lifetime researching an unknown technique that may never succeed. Can you endure that kind of loneliness?"

"..." Wu Tian was silent.

Meng Tian added, "Yes, you must think this over carefully. I’m only in my forties, but there are times I feel like I’m about to go mad. Death would probably be a relief compared to researching the Path of Blood Refinement."

Meng Xue felt the same. Even though she disliked Wu Tian, she still hoped he would pursue the Path of Blood Refinement to increase their chances of success. But she knew the path of research was not an easy one to walk; it could drive a living person to madness.

"Actually, things aren’t as you imagine," Wu Tian said. He suddenly found himself warming up to these people. They were kind enough to warn him beforehand, a display of good character that made them quite likable.

But Wu Tian’s statement only made Bo Gu and the others shake their heads, thinking him young and reckless.

"Now, give me the collected works of your Blood Refiners," Wu Tian said. "Then, I will begin creating the Art of Blood Refinement."

Are they kidding? I have no interest in spending a lifetime researching something that can be created in a couple of hours. That would be insane.

"The Art of Blood Refinement you’re talking about is..." Bo Gu trailed off, taken aback.

"The complete Art of Blood Refinement, of course," Wu Tian replied casually, but his words made everyone present stagger.

They were dumbfounded, nearly toppling to the ground.

What kind of joke was this?

The complete Art of Blood Refinement?

Other than that woman from long ago, no one had ever succeeded. It was something that could take thousands, or even tens of thousands, of years to create. And he was saying he could do it just by reading some books?

Is he serious? He can’t be joking, can he?

"Hurry up," Wu Tian said with a smile.

If not for the books from Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad, Wu Tian would have never been able to create the Art of Blood Refinement in just a couple of hours. Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad was a revered Saint. In other words, Wu Tian was standing on the shoulders of a giant; such speed was only to be expected.

"You... you can’t just say things like that," Meng Xue cautioned from the side. "Many Blood Refiners have spent their entire lives studying the true Art of Blood Refinement. It’s their dream. This is no joking matter. You can’t just mess around."

"I know. I’m also worried I’ll mess it up, which is why I need to read the collected experiences of other Blood Refiners and validate my own ideas against theirs," Wu Tian explained.

Bo Gu and Meng Tian exchanged glances, at a loss for words.

Bo Gu gritted his teeth. He had a feeling that if he didn’t undergo a true Blood Refinement soon, his lifespan would be exhausted in seven days. Perhaps this youth’s words were worth a shot.

"Alright! We’ll do it your way." Bo Gu felt this was the second-biggest gamble of his life. The first was choosing to walk the Path of a Blood Refiner, and in his eyes, this second wager was no smaller than the first. "Whatever books you want to see, whatever blood, herbs, or other materials you require, just say the word. This old man will stake his life and see this through with you."

"This..." Meng Tian, Meng Xue, and the others were stunned. They had never expected Bo Gu would let Wu Tian proceed unchecked. The Bo Gu they knew was always calm and composed, never like this.

Meng Tian couldn’t help but wonder, Is the Art of Blood Refinement truly about to be born into this world?

"I’m going to read the books now. As soon as I’m finished, I’ll immediately create the true Art of Blood Refinement that you all need. Who will show me the way?" Wu Tian asked.

"I..." Bo Gu started to say.

"I’ll lead the way," Meng Tian interjected. He didn’t really believe the Art of Blood Refinement was about to materialize. Still, one couldn’t dismiss the possibility, no matter how slim. His top priority was now to build a good relationship with Wu Tian. That way, when the Art of Blood Refinement emerged, he might be the first to learn it. Then, through Bloodline Evolution, he could finally cultivate the Martial Path and avenge his wife.

"Lead the way," Wu Tian said.

"This way, please..."

"It’s dark here, sir. I’ll hold the candle for you."

"The ground is slippery, sir. Please be extra careful."

Along the way, Meng Tian was incredibly attentive, making Bo Gu grind his teeth in frustration.

Even Meng Xue was stunned. I never knew Father had the potential to be such a toady!

The deepest part of the underground cavern was the library. It had been carefully prepared to be moisture-proof. Several elderly Blood Refiners were there, all in their twilight years, like withered bones in ancient graves. They had long forgotten the last time they had laughed. Day after day, they immersed themselves in research, hoping to finally discover the true Art of Blood Refinement.

Wu Tian entered, picked up a book, flipped through its pages, and put it back. He picked up another, flipped through it, and put it back. He then found a third, flipped through it, and once again put it back.

Bo Gu, Meng Tian, and Meng Xue watched, speechless. They had no idea what Wu Tian was doing. Is he reading? He’s flipping through the pages so fast... Does that even count as reading? They exchanged baffled glances, completely bewildered.

"Why have you three brought a young man here?" Mr. Ke, the oldest and most senior Blood Refiner present, walked up and asked with a puzzled expression.

Bo Gu answered with some embarrassment, "He said he came to read our books. After he’s finished, he claims he’ll be able to create the Art of Blood Refinement."

Mr. Ke wondered if he had misheard. That sounds utterly ludicrous.

"Take him away. Don’t let him disturb us," Mr. Ke said, his expression darkening. "We old men have dedicated our entire lives to studying the Art of Blood Refinement. It is a tedious, frustrating task, and we all have a fire of impatience suppressed within us. Don’t let him linger here, or we will lose our tempers."