My Whole Class Isekai'd to a Xianxia? Good Thing I Can Do Mind-reading

"So, how can I assist Elder Jiang?" Feng Fan asked, turning to face him after closing the door.

Elder Jiang's expression softened, and he gave a slight bow. "Feng Fan," he began, "I must apologize for my behavior when we first met. To be honest, if it weren't for Xue Qiang's intervention, you wouldn't have been given the opportunity to cultivate at all. The truth is, we took you away from your home, and I nearly committed something truly disgraceful."

Feng Fan was caught off guard. He hadn't expected Elder Jiang, a Dao Seeking realm expert capable of killing him with a mere thought, to ask for his forgiveness.

What surprised him even more was the sincerity in Elder Jiang's tone. Reading the elder's mind, Feng Fan confirmed there was no malice.

Since Elder Jiang wanted to put the past behind them, Feng Fan saw no reason to dwell on it either. They didn't share a life-and-death grudge, after all.

'Actually, if he hadn't brought me here from Earth, I'd never have had the chance to cultivate. For that alone, I owe him thanks,' Feng Fan thought.@@novelbin@@

With a dismissive wave of his hand, Feng Fan replied, "Let's leave the past where it belongs, Elder Jiang. From now on, we're part of the same sect. But I assume this isn't the only reason you came here today, is it?"

Elder Jiang nodded before asking, "Disciple Feng, how much do you know about the situation that led us to summon people from your planet here?"

Feng Fan shook his head. "Basically nothing. All I know is that we're supposed to participate in some competition for young cultivators across the Qian Empire, and that's it."

Elder Jiang nodded. "Yes, we've kept most details from your group. We don't expect much from most of them. Only those with exceptional potential—Huang Xue, Xue Qiang, Gong Long, Cao Zhu, Yi Qiuyue, and now you—know the specifics. The reason is simple."

Feng Fan nodded thoughtfully. 'Of course. They're focusing their resources on the most promising talents. It's like investing in a single elephant instead of a thousand ants.'

Elder Jiang's tone grew heavier as he continued. "The reason this competition is so crucial is because the allocation of qi stone mines among the sects is determined by the results. Every ten years, the competition is held across the Qian Empire. My White Crow Sect has lost the last four competitions, failing to place even one disciple in the top 100.

"Because of this, we've gone from controlling ten qi stone mines to only two. If we lose again this year, we'll have to hand in the remaining ones. Do you understand what it means for a Qi Cultivation Sect to lose its source of qi stones?"

Feng Fan's expression darkened as he processed the gravity of Elder Jiang's words.

"The sect will slowly decline…" Feng Fan replied, his voice low.

"Exactly," Elder Jiang said, nodding gravely. "Only cultivators aged 25 or younger can participate in the competition. We knew our sect's disciples wouldn't be strong enough, which is why we decided to summon people from your planet. This was our first time attempting such a measure, though other sects have done it before with considerable success."

Elder Jiang sighed, his expression filled with concern. "The results have not disappointed us so far, but even with the added talent, the time is too short. We're not sure if any of you will be able to secure a meaningful victory in this competition."

"Elder Jiang, when is this competition taking place?"

"In about a year from now, the competition will take place. Most participants will likely be at the Foundation Establishment realm," Elder Jiang began. "It's rare for a Golden Core Formation cultivator to appear in these events, but this year, one will be there for sure. He's the Holy Son of the Heavenly Sword Sect, an Earthling with immortal-level talent who arrived in our world three years ago."

Feng Fan's eyes widened in surprise. This was the first time he'd heard of another person from Earth possessing such extraordinary talent.

"In that case, this will be really tough," Feng Fan said, his tone thoughtful. "Huang Xue and Xue Qiang, who are the ones with the most potential in our sect, have had far less time to cultivate than he has."

"If they aim to defeat him, yes, it would be difficult," Elder Jiang admitted. "But we don't need them to win. As I said, our goal is simply to have one disciple place within the top 100. That's enough to maintain our qi mines."

Feng Fan frowned and sighed, shaking his head slightly. "Elder Jiang, I don't mean to be disrespectful, but that kind of mindset is exactly why the White Crow Sect has been losing for so many years."

Elder Jiang frowned deeply. While he was making an effort to be humble with Feng Fan, the temper of a Dao Seeking expert wasn't easily subdued. Being challenged by a junior didn't sit well with him. "What exactly are you trying to say?"

Feng Fan met his gaze without hesitation. "You're entering this competition just to hold on to the last two qi mines. But haven't the other sects been taking them from us for years now? That's not enough for me. Not only will I reclaim what was lost, but I'll take it back with interest! Elder Jiang, I just want you to prepare my reward for when I succeed!"

Elder Jiang's eyes widened in shock. 'This kid—he's brazen!' he thought. 'I like this! Maybe this is the mindset we've been lacking.'

And then, unexpectedly, he burst into hearty laughter. "Hahaha! Bold words, boy! It's been years since someone made me laugh like this. Fine, if you manage to place in the top 5—no, even the top 10—I'll personally reward you. I'll give you a qi mine of your own!"

Feng Fan grinned confidently. "Since you've promised, don't forget when the time comes for me to claim it!"

What Feng Fan left unsaid was that he wasn't just aiming for a top 10 spot. He was determined to claim the championship!