Compared to the humble and deferential demeanor of Master Xiao Feng, Qin Feng—radiating sunshine and confidence—embodies the very essence of an elite. Stepping into Haotian Palace with steady strides, he barely hesitated, despite having assumed the role of a disciple of the palace's master. Inside, the elder brother, who had been walking with a low, hesitant gait, couldn't help but mutter under his breath: "You're certainly bold, young man. You've not even shown the most basic respect. I doubt Master would ever like you. Now, bow properly and greet the Heavenly Emperor at once. Otherwise, you'll find yourself in trouble." Qin, the younger, gave him a sharp look, thinking: "It's not shameful to bow and curtsy, but it's unreasonable to expect everyone else to follow your lead. Do you think everyone in the world enjoys being soft and compliant?" Laozi's spine was very straight—he was neither humble nor arrogant. He bowed respectfully to the high and mighty Hao Tian Di Di and said, "My name is Qin Feng, at your service." Hao Tian Di Di studied him for several seconds, then gave a slight upward curve to his lips. "You're the one who claims to be one of my disciples, the Huaxia ascendant. Young man, your courage is quite impressive." "Heh, that's not entirely within my control," Qin replied, spreading his hands. "I've only just arrived, and I've been treated unfairly by the Pangu Realm's people. Should I let them treat me this way? Of course not. So I've decided to stand up and resist. But being outnumbered and outmatched, I've had to rely on the prestige of the Hao Tian Palace to intimidate the lesser rivals." "Heh, already at your age you understand the value of leveraging strength—you're no ordinary young man," the emperor smiled. "Now, tell me—how did you acquire the Hao Tian Hammer? Can you actually wield it?" "Qin Feng replied, 'I stumbled upon this by chance. Through the inscriptions, I've learned the first three hammer techniques. How can you doubt this, Lord Hou Tian? Why don't I demonstrate it right now—let me work with Master Xiao Feng to showcase it...'" The Emperor extended his right hand, gently caressing the Haotian Hammer as if fondly patting his child, murmuring, "Old friend, it's been a long time since we last saw each other. After all, who could I find in the Heavens who would suit you? So I had to send you out of the Heavenly Realm and wait patiently for the right person." "Master Hou Tian's face changed instantly: 'Do you want to teach me how to run things again? I tell you, Qin Feng was selected by Master Hou Tian's hammer—by me himself. From today on, he is a disciple of the Hou Tian Palace, a personal disciple, and specifically, the final-generation disciple. Do you understand that?' Brother Da, surprised: 'Master, no way! Our disciples are all honest and sincere. Look at him now—he seems so cunning. How can someone so cunning become one of our disciples?' Qin, looking straight at him, said: 'Uncle, if you say I'm handsome, I won't dispute it. But if you claim I'm cunning, then let's compare appearances—between us, who is more cunning?' 'It's you,' Brother Da replied. 'Then, let's say it out loud in front of the mirror.' He waved his hand, and a large mirror appeared before them both." In the mirror, Qin Shao was so bright and handsome, while his senior brother looked as if he had been beaten senseless—his nose and cheeks swollen, one eye larger than the other, the smaller one triangular in shape, his lips turned outward and his nose bleeding. He looked exactly like the legendary traitor. "Fact speaks louder than words," Qin Shao said with a cheerful smile. The senior brother was stunned, furious, shouting, "I'm not like this at all! It's all your fault! If it weren't for you injuring me, how could I end up in this state of honor?" Hao Tian Emperor said, "Enough of this arguing. Miao Feng, go and summon the other brothers. I shall formally accept Qin Feng as my final disciple, and this will serve as a witness." "Master..." "Go now." "Yes, Master." As the senior brother departed, he glared fiercely at Qin Feng, clearly signaling: You don't get off easy, and I won't let you succeed. In the vast Hao Tian Palace, only two people remained. Qin Shao smiled happily. "Master, do you have many senior brothers?" The Great Emperor nodded first, then sighed, "Indeed, there are many. Throughout my life, I have gathered countless disciples, yet none have ever truly succeeded in carrying on my teachings. Take Xiao Feng, for instance—he is humble, diligent in his practice. Yet his talent is limited. After several years of following me, he has only reached the level of a lower-grade Ling Xian. Most of the others have achieved only average results, with the highest reaching merely a superior Ling Xian. People often say I am modest, but it's not that I willingly choose modesty—it's simply because I've nurtured so many who fall short. How could I possibly stand out and be grand and assertive?" "The Heavenly Emperor smiled: 'I knew it would be so. The hammer will never choose the wrong person. I am certain that your future cultivation will surpass all of these senior brothers.' The two of them enjoyed a pleasant conversation, but as the senior brothers arrived, the atmosphere grew tense—clearly, they all shared the same allegiance with the eldest brother, each gazing at him with the eyes of an adversary. Indeed, under the eldest brother's leadership, the group bowed together and collectively declared: 'Please, Master, revoke your decision. Do not take this deceitful Chinese cultivator as your disciple. Preserve the purity and reputation of our Hao Tian Palace for ten thousand years.' The Heavenly Emperor was furious: 'What are you doing? Are you threatening me?' The eldest brother raised his head and spoke with dignity: 'Master, you may have listened to my objections, but the younger brothers all oppose your decision. Shall you proceed alone?'