On The Path Of Cultivation To Become God

Chen Tian stepped forward, his eyes scanning the group before settling on Ming Jian.

"Patriarch Ming," Chen Tian greeted with a respectful nod.

"Chen Tian," Ming Jian replied, his deep voice warm, a happy expression on his face. "It's good to see you. Before we leave, let me introduce your comrades-in-arms."

Chen Tian turned to observe the imposing strangers around him.

"These are your companions."

Ming Jian didn't need to introduce Ming Ming and Liang Wei, as they were already familiar faces to Chen Tian. He shifted his gaze, studying the newcomers as Ming Jian began the introductions.

"This is Lin Xue," Ming Jian said, gesturing toward a tall woman with flowing black hair cascading down her back like a waterfall. Her piercing green eyes sparkled with confidence, and a hint of mischief danced in her smile.

"She's a master of the Hidden Blade style, known for her agility and speed in combat."

Lin Xue stepped forward, extending her hand. "Nice to meet you, Chen Tian. I saw your spar with Patriarch Ming last time. I look forward to fighting alongside you."

Chen Tian smiled, shaking her hand. "Likewise."

"Next is Ming Lei," Ming Jian continued, pointing to a broad-shouldered man with short, spiky hair. His rugged features hinted at a life of hard training, and a determined glint shone in his dark brown eyes.

"He specializes in close-quarters combat and has an impressive record in the arena."

Ming Lei folded his arms, a confident smirk spreading across his face. "Don't worry, I won't let you down. Just keep up with me, and you'll be fine."

For some reason, Chen Tian sensed disgust radiating from Ming Lei toward him. He didn't know why and didn't care, as long as Ming Lei didn't go overboard.

"This is Ming Feng."

Chen Tian looked at the man in front of him, his long dark hair tied back into a sleek ponytail. Ming Feng gave a nod of acknowledgment, his intense gaze meeting Chen Tian's only.

"Lastly, we have Han Zhi and his sister, Mei Zhi," Ming Jian said, gesturing toward two more members of the group.

Han Zhi was tall and lean, with sharp features and tousled dark hair. Mei Zhi stood beside him, a petite woman with flowing chestnut hair framing her delicate face. Her warm hazel eyes radiated kindness, and her gentle smile put Chen Tian at ease.

"Han Zhi is the strategist," Ming Jian continued. "He has a knack for devising tactics on the fly. And Mei Zhi is the healer; her skills have saved many lives in the past."

"Nice to meet you all," Chen Tian said, nodding politely at Han Zhi and Mei Zhi.

As Chen Tian counted the group, he frowned.

"One, two, three..."

With him included, that made only eight people. Hadn't Old Ming mentioned that each family had ten spots?

Just as he was about to voice his confusion, footsteps echoed behind him.

He turned, eyes widening in shock.

"B-Both of you? What are you doing here?"

In front of him stood Aria and Emilia, clad in the same attire as the others, their expressions a mix of excitement and mischief.

"Surprise!" Emilia exclaimed, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.

"W-What are you two doing here?" Chen Tian stammered, still processing their presence.

Aria shrugged, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "We heard about this expedition and decided we weren't going to let you have all the fun without us."

Ming Jian chuckled, clearly amused. "Old Ming has a knack for spotting talent. When we saw these two sparring, it was impossible to resist inviting them along."

How could he not? Both women were just as strong as him, and he knew they'd be invaluable on the expedition.

"After learning you were going, they agreed immediately. I hope you're not angry," Ming Jian finished with a warm smile.

Chen Tian sighed, his gaze shifting between Aria and Emilia.

"Hmph! He didn't tell us about something this important," Emilia pouted, crossing her arms in feigned indignation.

"Yeah, exactly! It's not like we wouldn't have come if we'd known!" Aria chimed in playfully.

"Look, I'm not angry," Chen Tian replied, trying to remain calm. "It's just..." He hesitated, searching for the right words. "This expedition will be dangerous. I don't want either of you to get hurt."

"Please," Emilia waved her hand dismissively. "You're not the only strong one here. Besides, what's the point of getting stronger if we can't use our strength properly? We can handle ourselves, Chen Tian. Trust us," Aria said.

Chen Tian looked at his two companions, realizing they wouldn't take no for an answer.

"Alright, let's do this together," he said with a smile, the worry in his eyes replaced by determination.

"Exactly!" Aria added enthusiastically. "We're a team now. You should be happy we're here to watch your back."

Chen Tian smiled at their determination, though part of him still felt a weight of concern. "Just promise me you'll stay close and follow my lead, okay?"

"Deal!" both girls exclaimed in unison.

Ming Jian interjected, "Now that's settled, let's get ready. We'll arrive at dawn, so make sure you're prepared."

"Dawn? That's not much time," Han Zhi remarked, glancing at his sister. "We should review our strategies."

"Sounds like a plan!" The others nodded.

Suddenly, a contemptuous voice broke through the group.

"Splendid. Now two pretty dolls have joined the team, making it more useless."

Ming Lei's eyes narrowed at Chen Tian, who remained unfazed.

"So, who's going to be the leader?" Ming Lei asked. "Obviously, brother Liang Wei is the strongest, so he should be leader. I'll be the vice-captain, second strongest."

Chen Tian narrowed his eyes, irritation rising as Ming Lei's arrogance stirred tension in the group.

Before anyone could respond, Liang Wei stepped forward, his calm yet authoritative demeanor commanding attention.

"Ming Lei, now is not the time for arrogance." His voice was level, but firm.

Strongest? Chen Tian could crush him with little effort. This fool was only making Chen Tian hate him more.

'Ming Lei, you idiot, can't you keep your mouth shut for once?' Liang Wei cursed inwardly.

Ming Lei's smirk vanished as he noticed Liang Wei's piercing gaze. Confused, he furrowed his brows, his confidence faltering.

"Huh?" Ming Lei muttered, eyes darting between Liang Wei and Chen Tian.

Liang Wei's gaze lingered on Chen Tian, subtle respect and caution evident.

"Ming Lei, you don't know what you're talking about. Chen Tian has already proven his strength. He should lead."

Ming Lei's eyes widened. "Lead? Proven? Against who?"

"Against Patriarch Ming," Lin Xue answered calmly, her words surprising Ming Lei.

Ming Lei's disbelief was palpable. "You're joking! Patriarch Ming is at the Divine Stage; how could he be defeated by him?" He gestured dismissively at Chen Tian.

Chen Tian remained silent, his expression unreadable. Aria and Emilia frowned at Ming Lei's insolence.

"She's not lying," Liang Wei said firmly. "You weren't there, so you wouldn't know. But we all witnessed it."

"Chen Tian should be our leader."

A hushed silence fell over the group.

Ming Jian watched with a hint of approval but didn't intervene.

The others nodded in agreement.

Ming Lei's pride wouldn't let him back down. "I don't care who he fought. Until I see it myself, I won't accept him as my leader."

Chen Tian's eyes glinted with amusement. "Is that a challenge?" His voice was calm but carried an edge.

Ming Lei clenched his fists. "You could call it that."

Before Ming Jian could intervene, Liang Wei stepped forward, placing a hand on Ming Lei's shoulder. "Enough. This isn't the time for infighting."

Ming Lei scowled but reluctantly stepped back. "Fine. But I won't follow someone weaker than me."

Chen Tian looked at the group, his voice steady. "I'm not interested in titles. But if my leadership is questioned, I'll defend it. If necessary, I'll prove myself again."

Mei Zhi spoke up. "Chen Tian has already proven his strength. He has the qualities of a leader."

Her brother Han Zhi nodded. "I second that."

Lin Xue folded her arms, smirking. "I'd follow Chen Tian any day, better than an idiot."

She looked at Ming Lei without care.

"You!!"

Ming Lei glared but stayed silent.

Ming Jian finally spoke.

"It's settled. Chen Tian will lead the expedition. Liang Wei, you'll be second-in-command."

Liang Wei nodded, while Ming Lei's scowl deepened.

Chen Tian glanced at Ming Lei, then addressed the group. "Thank you for your trust. Let's focus on the mission. We'll need to work together to succeed."

Ming Jian clapped his hands.

"Alright, enough talk. Let's move out."