Huai Mountain's two Jiao brothers clearly hadn't expected Jiang Chen to summon them for such earth-shattering news. The brothers exchanged glances, their eyes rimmed red with excitement.
"I once promised you both a stroke of fortune. Back then, I passed you a cultivation technique, and I also considered granting you a Celestial opportunity in the future. If you wished to break through to the Celestial realm on your own, I would have found a way to help you realize that dream. However, that wouldn't have been a hundred percent certain. These Celestial Edicts, on the other hand, are the safest path. Refining a Celestial Edict gives you over a ninety percent chance of breaking through to the Celestial realm and becoming one of the revered Celestial powerhouses admired by all."
Jiang Chen explained patiently, then asked, "You two must decide for yourselves — do you want to take the lower-probability path of breaking through on your own, or choose this more conservative route?"
"Young Master, may I ask what the advantages and disadvantages of each option are?" Jiao Yun had finally calmed down and begun weighing the pros and cons.
Both brothers understood clearly that this was the only chance they had to change the course of their lives — the greatest turning point they would ever encounter.
In a moment like this, after the initial rush of excitement, one had to think and choose with a clear head.
"The first option offers no absolute guarantee, but its advantage lies in better growth potential and unlimited possibilities. Of course, those unlimited possibilities still depend on your martial talent and potential. Even Celestial powerhouses who break through on their own don't all make it to the end. Everyone has their own limit! Those rare geniuses who shatter their limits are few and far between."
"As for the second option, it's more reliable. But its drawback is obvious — your path in the Celestial realm won't have much room for further growth. If the Celestial Edict you refine is Second-rank Celestial, then your potential caps out at Second-rank Celestial at most. Breaking past that ceiling would be a hundred times harder than normal cultivation."
Jiang Chen laid out the pros and cons of each path with complete clarity. How to choose was up to the two Jiao brothers themselves.
The Jiao brothers looked at each other and said, "Young Master, could we discuss it between ourselves for a moment?"
Jiang Chen smiled. "Take your time discussing it. There's no rush to decide. In any case, if you choose the second option, two Celestial Edicts will be reserved for you."
The Jiao brothers walked to a corner and began their deliberation.
It wasn't long before the two brothers had reached a verdict.
"Young Master, we two know our own limits. We choose the second option. Refining the Celestial Edicts — it's the safer bet."
"Are you sure?" Jiang Chen asked with a smile.
Jiao Yun nodded solemnly. "We're sure."
"Tell me your reasons?" Jiang Chen was curious.
"First, neither of us has top-tier talent among Emperor-realm cultivators. Even with your help, Young Master, we'd barely manage to break through to the Celestial realm on our own, and our potential wouldn't be all that impressive. Moreover, we might not even succeed in breaking through! Refining the Celestial Edicts is more reliable. Second, cultivating on our own takes far too long, and the chaos is approaching. Refining the Celestial Edicts may be a shortcut — not only can we protect ourselves, but we can also contribute more strength to you, Young Master."
Jiao Yun's answer was crisp and decisive.
Jiao Feng nodded as well. "Young Master has shown us extraordinary kindness. We want to share more of your burden. It's not that we're particularly noble or anything — it's just putting ourselves in your shoes. A master like you is worth following, worth fighting and dying for!"
Jiao Feng's voice carried a note of genuine emotion.
The brothers had started out as rogue cultivators. Back in the day, they'd been manipulated by Emperor Danji into doing quite a few foolish things. Now, having followed Jiang Chen, they'd found a purpose in life, and their worldview had gradually become sound and mature.
As a result, when it came to weighing decisions, they were far more level-headed and rational than they had been in the past.
"Mm, the fact that you can think this way proves you're no longer the same Huai Mountain Jiao brothers you once were. This choice isn't wrong."
Jiang Chen offered a few words of encouragement, then continued, "I've always been generous toward my subordinates and never mistreat those close to me. As my personal bodyguards, you deserve the two finest Celestial Edicts I can give. But remember this — once you refine these two Celestial Edicts, even if stronger Celestial Edicts fall into my hands in the future, they'll be permanently out of your reach."
Jiao Yun laughed heartily. "There are plenty of good things in the world. It's not like every stroke of fortune is destined to land on our heads!"
Jiao Feng chimed in with a turn of phrase he'd picked up somewhere. "There's a saying — something about water having three thousand drops, and I only need one ladle — or however it goes?"
Jiang Chen couldn't help but laugh. "It's 'Three thousand measures of weak water — take but one ladle to drink.'"
Jiao Feng scratched his head and grinned. "Right, right, that's the one. Who knows — maybe someone even more capable will join Young Master's side down the road. We brothers will eat only as much rice as our appetites can hold."
Jiang Chen didn't hesitate. He produced the Celestial Edicts of Shu Wanqing and Xiahou Jing.
"Here are two Celestial Edicts. One is Third-rank Celestial, and the other is Second-rank Celestial. You two will need to decide between yourselves. The Second-rank one belonged to Xiahou Jing, the leader of the Windcloud Sect, and its potential is actually a bit higher than Shu Wanqing's. All things considered, the potential of these two Edicts is roughly comparable."
"Let's draw lots," Jiao Yun said. They were brothers, but he didn't want to damage the bond between them. Drawing lots was the fairest way.
Jiao Feng nodded. "Drawing lots."
Jiang Chen agreed with the method and personally arranged the drawing. In the end, it was Jiao Feng who received Shu Wanqing's Celestial Edict.
And Jiao Yun received Xiahou Jing's Celestial Edict.
Jiang Chen placed both Edicts into their hands. "Remember — from this moment on, you are different from everyone else. You are prospective Celestial powerhouses. But until you've actually broken through to the Celestial realm, it's best not to let it go to your heads, and not to behave boastfully in any way. Otherwise, you could very well invite a fatal disaster upon yourselves!"