I Pick up a Lost Godhood-Chapter 77 - 75: Tian’Er’s Mind

Now that they were committed to participating in the Hundred Treasures Hall Meeting, there was no longer any value in being secretive. Hu Jing immediately posted an announcement for the Thunderlight Hall, beginning the call for participants.

The original purpose of the Hundred Treasures Hall Meeting was to allow Holy Hall Disciples to showcase their talents and trade among themselves. Over time, it evolved into a fierce competition. Disciples with nothing of substance didn’t dare to present their items, and it became a stage for certain powerful Sub-Halls to flaunt their strength.

For this Hundred Treasures Hall Meeting, the Thunderlight Hall had no requirements. Any disciple could participate. You could bring out anything you owned to put on display, no matter what it was.

After the announcement was posted, a heated debate broke out within the Thunderlight Hall. The supporters and the opposition were clearly divided.

The decisive victory over Hengshan Hall, coupled with the large influx of Spirit Stones, had certainly boosted the Thunderlight Hall’s morale. However, a single victory couldn’t change the Hall’s fundamental situation.

The main categories showcased at the Hundred Treasures Hall Meeting were: Pills, Talismans, Magical Artifacts, Messengers, and rare natural treasures. If the Treasure Swords in the Sword Pavilion were still there, they could have at least brought one out to keep up appearances. Out of respect for the Thunder Ancestor Master, many people would have still shown their support.

But now...

Even those who supported the idea felt that while their spirit was willing, their abilities were weak. They longed to showcase their talents, but was what little they had really presentable?

They would have to be prepared for ridicule. But didn’t the weak have pride, too?

Hu Jing and the others’ intentions were good, but their ideals were too lofty for most to follow. The majority of disciples simply couldn’t reach that level of thinking.

Because of the Hundred Treasures Hall Meeting, Wang Meng really needed to craft something.

After hearing about the plans of Hu Jing’s group, Zhou Feng expressed his admiration. "I’ve heard you mention Hu Jing many times. That young lady is truly impressive; she has the demeanor of a great general. Hmm, have her come see me next time. If she’s really as good as you say, I’ll accept her as a registered disciple."

Zhou Feng was handing out favors again. He would do anything to get Wang Meng to fully immerse himself in the world of Pill Cultivators.

"Elder Zhao said Hu Jing is very well-suited to being a Pill Cultivator."

Zhou Feng was inwardly dismissive. ’How could a half-assed Talisman Cultivator like Zhao Ya possibly compare to me?’ He didn’t care about Hu Jing; he cared about Wang Meng.

"...You’re packing your things. Where are you going?" Zhou Feng grew anxious. ’This kid is trying to run off!’

"To the Thunderlight Hall, of course," Wang Meng said with a smile. "Hu Jing and the others asked me to help out. I can’t just stay cooped up here all day."

"Your main task is alchemy! It’s so much better here. You can use my Pill Furnace—it’s top-notch—and you have my guidance. I guarantee you’ll be a sensation at the Hundred Treasures Hall Meeting!"

Zhou Feng panicked. ’He’s only just gotten into the swing of things! Once he’s out of here, what if he gets fascinated by that useless Sword Cultivator path again? What will I do then?’

"Old Zhou, relax. I’ll definitely do what I promised. If Elder Luu gives you any trouble, remember to call me. We’ll face him together. And don’t worry about the alchemy; I’ve learned all the fundamentals. If there’s anything I don’t understand, I’ll come back and ask. I’ve taught you the basic chess strategies, so you should practice them diligently."

Zhou Feng was helpless, but there was nothing he could do. "You have to remember to practice! Alchemy is like rowing a boat upstream; if you don’t advance, you fall back. Your talent is just passable. If you don’t work hard, the two of us are going to be humiliated in front of those two women!"

"Relax, Old Zhou. I’ve got this under control." Wang Meng secured his Qiankun Bag. "Oh, and if anyone else drops off gifts, just tell them to bring good wine."

Dark lines seemed to streak down Zhou Feng’s face. ’So he’s treating me like his personal free wine cellar!’

The Thunderlight Hall’s situation was truly pathetic. Aside from Wang Bodang, who had to defend the Thunderlight Hall no matter what, both Zhao Ya and Wan Jing actually had other prospects. Xu Huang’s fate had left Wan Jing thoroughly disillusioned; he was only staying because he couldn’t bear to leave Zhang Xiaojiang behind. It would come as no surprise if Wan Jing left one day.

With Wan Jing’s power, he could have become an Elder or left the Holy Hall to strike out on his own. He might have even been able to forge his own destiny out in the world.

Although cultivation was mostly a personal endeavor for the disciples, the lack of an Elder’s guidance was truly demoralizing.

There had been no news from the Main Hall. The original plan had been to disband the Thunderlight Hall, but their victory over Hengshan Hall in the hall battle had earned them a sliver of a chance to survive. Still, the Main Hall had no intention of increasing its investment, and no Sword Cultivator Elders had shown any interest in the Thunderlight Hall.

So the position had simply been left vacant.

Ma Tian’Er was happy every day, especially after Wang Meng’s return. If she weren’t afraid of disturbing his cultivation, she probably would have gone to chat with him every single day.

"Someone’s lovesick again!" Liuu Mei said.

"Y-Yeah... Senior Sister," Little Stutterer said with a giggle.

"Xiaotian, stop staring. That guy won’t come to our Thunderlight Pavilion unless he has a reason."

Liuu Mei was indeed a bit annoyed. ’This Wang Meng is really putting on airs. He came back to the Thunderlight Hall and didn’t even drop by to say hello.’

Ma Tian’Er didn’t hear a word. To her, even waiting was a happy occasion, because it gave her time to think about him. If Wang Meng were to suddenly appear, it would be a wonderful surprise. ’Either way is fine.’

Speak of the devil, Wang Meng actually showed up at the Thunderlight Pavilion.

"Brother Wang."

"Heh, Xiaotian. It’s only been a few days, and you’ve gotten even prettier."

Ma Tian’Er’s face instantly flushed red. "Oh, stop... Anyway, what do you need?"

"Ahem, Tian’Er, keep a clear head and tally the bill properly. Why do I get the feeling we end up losing money every time he comes here?"

"Senior Sister Liuu, you’re just joking." 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"I’m not joking. Look at our Xiaotian, all starry-eyed. I bet you could clean out the entire Thunderlight Pavilion, and she’d still be helping you count your loot."

Luu Mei said this as an indirect way of looking out for Ma Tian’Er. She had a sharp tongue but a soft heart.

Wang Meng just smiled and took out a list. "I need these items."

"Okay, just a moment, I’ll go get them right now!" Ma Tian’Er scurried off.

Luu Mei sized up Wang Meng, who simply smiled and met her gaze. "Does Senior Sister Liuu always stare at people like that?"

"Are you really that clueless, or are you just playing dumb? It’s obvious Tian’Er likes you. What are your intentions? If you dare hurt her, you’ll have to answer to me!"

Luu Mei was like a mother hen protecting her chick, and Wang Meng was the fox.

Wang Meng smiled. "Senior Sister Liuu, we’re very good friends. We are now, and we always will be. But I’m not the right person for her."

Luu Mei was taken aback. She hadn’t expected Wang Meng to be so frank. "Well, you’re certainly direct. But even if you’re not interested, you should be more tactful about it. Don’t be so blunt. That girl Tian’Er is stubborn and naive."

"I know. You’re a good person too, Senior Sister."

Luu Mei took a step back. "Don’t tell me you’re into my type. I’m not interested in you, for the record."

Wang Meng couldn’t help but chuckle. "Relax, I’m not nearly good enough for Senior Sister Liuu."

Luu Mei nodded. "No need to be down about it. You’re actually not bad. Keep working hard, and I’m sure you’ll find your other half."

Wang Meng nodded with great humility. Liuu Mei was quite satisfied. ’Humility is the key to a bright future,’ she thought.

Soon enough, Ma Tian’Er returned with all the materials Wang Meng had requested. "Brother Wang, is there anything else you need?"

"This is enough. Come visit when you have time. I’ll be around the hall for a while."

Wang Meng was only being polite.

Ma Tian’Er, however, nodded with the utmost seriousness.

Little Stutterer, standing to the side, also managed to chime in, a rare occurrence. "Senior... Brother Wang... you should come... often... We... welcome you."