Imperial Scepter

Gao Chunqiang suppressed the surging excitement in his heart.

Don't be arrogant!

At the age of nine, I had only just entered the Bronze Realm, at the first star level.

But his seven-year-old genius nephew, Gao Chengzhi, is already at the second level of the Bronze Realm.

My childhood friend Li Daoqiu is the same age as me and is also firmly at the Bronze Level Two cultivation level.

He is far behind and has no right to be proud.

We must train even harder to catch up with them as soon as possible!

Opening up the Qi Sea and becoming a Xuanzhe was merely the first small goal he had achieved.

Next, he needs to surpass Li Daoqiu and Gao Chengzhi and reclaim the title of the number one child genius among his peers!

After a moment of mental preparation, Gao Chun took a deep breath and pushed open the door.

Today is finally his ninth birthday.

He naturally had to accept the birthday wishes from others.

But what he cared about even more than his pride was... the gift!

Just thinking about those exquisitely packaged gifts filled with surprises makes Gao Chun's lips curl into a smile, and his eyes sparkle with anticipation.

The pent-up frustration from his lower cultivation level dissipated almost entirely in an instant.

Receiving gifts is the happiest thing in his life, bar none!

Others might think accepting gifts is a trivial matter, but he takes it more seriously than anything else.

The weight or value of the gift is not important, nor does its worth matter.

The key is the sentiment!

If you don't even give him a birthday gift, isn't that a clear indication that you don't care about him?

Hmph, I must accept all the gifts today, not a single one can be missing!

Gao Chun straightened his clean white robe, smoothed the stray hairs on his forehead, and put on a perfectly appropriate smile.

He raised his hand and slowly pushed open the door.

"Squeak—"

The door opened slightly, and the noise outside surged in like a tidal wave, making my ears burn.

Square tables were set up in the courtyard, the living room, and even the side rooms, and every seat was taken.

Fruits and pastries were piled high, and fragrant, crispy cakes steamed with heat. The sweet aroma was mixed with the rich fragrance of wine, and the strong festive smell filled the nostrils.

It was truly bustling with noise!

Almost everyone from Gaojia Village was present.

Even those who used to mock him the most were now all squeezed into the crowd.

Li Tieniu, Bai Xiaowu, Huang Xiaoming, Wang Hu... each young face has its own unique appearance at this moment.

Some wore awkward yet ingratiating smiles, some looked shy and hesitant, some had complex jealousy hidden in their eyes, and others forced themselves to maintain a forced politeness...

Gao Chun smiled inwardly, completely unconcerned about the subtle glances he received.

The grudges of the past have long since vanished.

They were childhood friends who grew up in the same village, and besides, they had already come to apologize yesterday.

He already knew that those sarcastic remarks were not their true intentions at all.

It turned out to be his sister, Gao Xuemei, who had specifically instructed them to do it!

In order to ignite his desire to become a Xuanzhe, his older sister came up with this bizarre and ingenious method.

Gao Chun was both amused and exasperated.

He craves to become stronger than anyone else; why would he need to be provoked with ridicule?

But this clumsy yet pure love, without any impurities, warmed his heart.

So when he saw these friends, he felt no resentment at all; instead, he felt a little sorry for them.

Being used as a pawn by her sister is truly pitiful.

But while I sympathize, I can't skimp on the gifts!

Today is a rare opportunity to solicit gifts; not a single one can escape!

Gao Chun's gaze immediately locked onto his best childhood friend, Li Daoqiu.

"Doqiu!"

He strode over, his voice full of anticipation: "Today's my ninth birthday, my best buddy, you must have already prepared a present, right?"

Gao Chun first approached Li Daoqiu, already having a plan in mind.

Li Daoqiu's father, Li Quan, was one of the four silver tycoons in the village, and he had plenty of good stuff.

Li Daoqiu looked miserable, rolled his eyes, and while he complained, he deftly pulled an exquisite rosewood gift box from his storage bag and shoved it into his arms.

"Here, it's all ready!"

Several teenagers nearby caught a glimpse of the exquisite patterns on the gift box, their eyes flashing with envy, but they could only stand there and watch helplessly. They couldn't compare to Li Daoqiu's wealth.

Gao Chun happily accepted the gift box. It felt warm and smooth to the touch, and even had a faint mystical aura. Just by feeling it, you could tell it was a good product.

"Thanks, bro!"

He smiled so hard his eyes narrowed into slits, and quickly put the gift box into the gift bag he was carrying.

After accepting the gift, Gao Chun turned around.

His gaze swept across those who had mocked him in the past, like a radar.

They first targeted Li Tieniu.

Li Tieniu's burly body felt uneasy under their gaze, so he quickly shrank back and took out a cloth bag to hand over.

"Brother Chun, I bought this second-grade body tempering talisman with a year's worth of pocket money."

Gao Chun's eyes lit up as he held the talisman, sensing the rich mystic energy.

Someone behind them clicked their tongue in disapproval, their face full of envy.

This talisman requires thirty mystic crystals; how could an ordinary person bear to part with it!

"Thank you for your kindness!" Gao Chun readily accepted the gift and turned to head straight for Bai Xiaowu.

Bai Xiaowu blushed and presented the brocade box with both hands: "Gao Chun, we grew up together, this is your birthday gift."

Second-grade Concentration Bead!

The jade bead shimmers with a mysterious light, capable of calming the mind and spirit; it is precisely the most urgently needed treasure at this stage.

"Thanks, Xiao Wu!"

Gao Chun chuckled and patted him on the shoulder, his tone youthful and cheerful, "From now on, follow me, I'll protect you!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he turned to look at Huang Xiaoming, his tone carrying an undisguised urging.

"Huang Xiaoming! Stop dawdling and bring out the gift!"

Huang Xiaoming dared not delay, a fawning smile on his face: "Brother Chun, this is a Grade Two Qi Gathering Token, it can accelerate the absorption of Xuan Qi!"

"good!"

Gao Chun snatched it away, his gaze finally settling on Wang Hu.

Wang Hu was the village's genius, with an arrogant look in his eyes. He frowned but still took out a black iron box and threw it over: "Second-grade Xuan Iron Body Forging Paste, to strengthen the physical body."

Mysterious Iron Body Forging Ointment!

The treasure that low-level cultivators dream of, the fragrance of the medicine spread, and the courtyard instantly fell silent, drawing the attention of the elders.

Wang Hu's brother, Wang Long, turned green with rage.

This was specially ordered by his uncle from Jiuyang Town. He usually treasures it very much, but he actually gave it away as a gift.

"terrific!"

Gao Chun grinned from ear to ear, casually stuffing the tin box into the gift bag; his nonchalant manner only aroused the envy of others.

He asked for gifts from everyone in turn, doing so readily and happily, which made the villagers laugh, while the boys his age felt envious.

"Receiving gifts is easier than picking up rare crystals!" someone muttered under their breath, their eyes full of envy.

"These gifts are worth more than our savings of several decades!" another person chimed in, not daring to speak loudly.

Gao Changhe stood not far away, looking at his son with gentle eyes, his doting affection evident in them.

These gifts were nothing to him; he would repay them double in the future.

Today is my son's birthday, and making him happy is the most important thing.

Sister Gao Xuemei leaned against her brother-in-law Gao Qingfeng, laughing so hard she almost fell over: "That rascal, he's getting smarter and smarter!"

Gao Qingfeng nodded, his gaze gentle: "Ah Chun is kind-hearted and loyal, so everyone is happy to give her a gift."

That's true, but it still makes others feel a little sour.

Gao Chun didn't have time to care about others; after receiving the gifts, he shouted to the other classmates, "Who hasn't given a gift yet? Hurry up and take them out! You can't come empty-handed for a birthday!"

The students readily offered gifts, including Xuanjing (mystic crystals), cultivation tips, and handmade trinkets; the high-purity items were accepted without hesitation.

Some people dawdled as they took out a few Xuanjing (mysterious crystals), watching with a pang of heartache as he casually stuffed them into a large gift bag, their hearts bleeding.

Someone gave him a handwritten copy of the cultivation manual. Seeing him thank him earnestly, his jealousy lessened a bit, but he was still resentful—why should all the good things be given to him?

The gift bag grew heavier and heavier. Gao Chun weighed it in his hand, a wide grin spreading across his face, his satisfied expression particularly striking.

He suddenly looked at his seven-year-old nephew, Gao Chengzhi, a little genius of bronze level two, who was lazily standing next to his brother-in-law and sister, clutching a small box.

"Chengzhi!" Gao Chun's eyes lit up and he quickly stepped forward. "Good nephew, where's your uncle's birthday present?"

Gao Chengzhi raised his chin and handed over the box: "Here, this is for you. Don't say you don't like it!"

Hmph, that brat, I'll teach him a lesson once my cultivation surpasses his!

"I love it, I love it so much!" Gao Chun hurriedly put it away, and then turned around and bumped into the jade bottle handed to him by his brother-in-law.

"Happy birthday, Chun." Gao Qingfeng smiled gently. "Eighteen Grade Two Intent Pills."

Second-grade Artifact Realm Pill! An excellent pill for comprehending artistic conception and breaking through realms, it is extremely valuable.

The villagers' mystics immediately surrounded them, their eyes wide with envy and jealousy.

These pills are so hard to come by, and there are eighteen of them of high purity!

Someone secretly pinched him, feeling utterly helpless, yet he still had to offer his congratulations, his smile more painful than a grimace.

The elder sister, Gao Xuemei, handed over a brocade box: "You brat, this is a second-grade Tranquil Mind Pendant to help you cultivate your mind."

This jade pendant was specially made in Ping'an County. It is warm and smooth to the touch and is beneficial for calming the mind.

Several female companions looked on with envy, thinking to themselves that Gao Xuemei was truly devoted to her younger brother.

The village elders also presented gifts, including precious medicinal herbs, cultivation tools, and mysterious crystals and objects.

The high-purity gift bag was bulging so much it looked like it was about to burst. She wore a calming pendant and held a gift box in her arms. She was surrounded by gifts and looked very happy.

The boys who were initially jealous slowly felt their sourness dissipate as they watched him being surrounded by people and receiving all sorts of gifts, leaving only a sense of helplessness.

Yes, what can they do even if they're jealous?

Who can blame them when their father is the village chief?

After Gao Chun finished accepting all the gifts, he noticed the complicated looks in the eyes of the boys.

A sly glint flashed in his eyes, but he didn't point it out. Instead, he waved the bulging gift bag and smiled brightly, "Thank you all for the gifts. If you have any questions about cultivation later, feel free to ask me!"

Upon hearing this, the teenagers' eyes lit up instantly, their jealousy and helplessness vanishing.

Yes, Gao Chun already possessed a three-colored Dao Seed, and today he's acquired so many cultivation treasures. He's bound to progress rapidly. If we get along well with him, we can learn from him in the future. It's definitely worth it!

Gao Changhe couldn't help but chuckle at his son's clever look and shook his head.

Gao Xuemei laughed so hard she slapped her thigh: "This brat, he knows how to go with the flow."

Gao Chun had no time to pay attention to any of this. He stared down at the bulging gift bag, feeling the fluctuations of the mystical energy in each of the treasures inside. He was overjoyed!

The joy of receiving gifts is truly unique in the world!

At the same time, I sighed inwardly.

My father is the village chief, so I can receive so many gifts on my birthday.

What about town mayors, county magistrates, prefectural governors...?

The idea of ​​becoming an official had sprouted and taken root in his heart.

Of course, he knew even better that these gifts were not just a token of his appreciation, but also a powerful aid on his path of cultivation!

With these treasures, I will surely be able to improve my cultivation faster, surpass Li Daoqiu and Gao Chengzhi as soon as possible, and regain the title of the number one young genius!

"call……"

Take a deep breath.

Gao Chun looked up at the crowd in the courtyard, his smile sincere and radiant, his eyes sparkling with determination.

He clasped his hands together, bowed deeply, and spoke in a clear, bright voice, full of youthful vigor, overshadowing all the whispers and gossip.

"Thank you so much to all the elders, my sister and brother-in-law, my nephew, and all my friends for the gifts!"

"I accept all the gifts you have given me today; I will never forget your kindness!"

"One day, I will live up to everyone's expectations, cultivate diligently, break through my current realm as soon as possible, and reclaim my former glory, making everyone proud of me!"

His words were powerful and resounding, every word brimming with the lofty aspirations and passion of a young man.

Everyone in the courtyard couldn't help but applaud, the applause thundering and lasting for a long time.

Those teenagers who were initially a little jealous now clapped enthusiastically, their eyes filled with fighting spirit.

High purity, we're waiting to challenge you!

The afterglow of the setting sun spilled into the courtyard, bathing the boy's tall figure in a warm golden light.

Birthday gifts are offered to express heartfelt wishes from all directions.

Those feelings of jealousy and helplessness ultimately transformed into the driving force for the teenagers to compete with each other.

The gift bag that Gao Chun was carrying contained not only precious gifts, but also everyone's expectations and affection.

Reaching the first star of the Bronze Realm is merely the starting point.

Surpass your rivals, reclaim the top spot, and even reach the pinnacle...

His journey has only just begun.

The birthday celebration officially begins.

The noise in the courtyard grew even louder.

The aroma of wine and food mingled, and laughter echoed throughout the air.

Those little moments of jealousy and helplessness transformed into playful banter and laughter among the teenagers, becoming the most vibrant backdrop of this birthday celebration.

Gao Chun, surrounded by gifts and love, felt full of energy.

They couldn't wait to end the banquet immediately and go back to study these treasures.

Receiving gifts is certainly enjoyable, but the most enjoyable thing is achieving your goals sooner with the help of those gifts!