Chapter 169: The Hundred Sects |
Chen Qing and Li Baichuan returned to the rear courtyard of Qingmu Courtyard.
Li Baichuan glanced at him and said in a flat tone, "Taking so long to return, it seems you've made quite a haul this time."
Chen Qing cupped his hands in response, "Master Li jests. This disciple's delay was mainly because I took a palm strike from a Earth Origin Sect elder from a distance and suffered some internal shock. I had to regulate my breathing while traveling, and I was also worried. Moreover, hearing that the Demon Sect stronghold at Xiyang Mountain evacuated early and that the news leak was suspicious, this disciple was concerned..."
He stopped speaking at this point, but his deeper meaning was already obvious, he was hinting that there might be a traitor within the four-sect alliance.
Li Baichuan let out a scoffing laugh and said lightly, "And you also got a true treasure pearl, feared that someone would target you for it as soon as you returned, so you simply hid away to study it thoroughly before showing your face?"
Chen Qing rubbed his nose, thinking to himself: Nothing can be hidden from this old schemer.
Li Baichuan nodded, "However, your worry wasn't entirely unnecessary. During the days you were away, the Sect Master used this incident to fish out a small fish hiding in Hanyu Valley."
"The Sect Master went fishing?" Chen Qing was somewhat surprised.
"What's He Yuzhou's nickname in the jianghu?" Li Baichuan asked slowly.
He immediately understood.
He Yuzhou appeared to be sitting at the center, but had actually long ago laid his plans, using Chen Qing's "death" as bait and quietly observing. Sure enough, someone couldn't restrain themselves and exposed their tracks.
For news of the investigation to spread so quickly, there was obviously someone leaking information.
"The Sect Master is no simple person. He even knew clearly whether the Netherworld Twin Guards returned to the Demon Sect stronghold or not."
Li Baichuan waved his hand, "But let's not talk about that. You've been tinkering with that pearl for some time now. Have you figured out anything useful?"
"Some things, but not much."
As Chen Qing spoke, he took out the Earth Heart Marrow Pearl.
The pearl emitted a warm and restrained yellow glow in his palm, faintly resonating with his qi and blood.
During these days of carrying it on his person, he could clearly feel that the Kunti true qi in his body circulated more smoothly and was being refined and purified bit by bit. Although the effect was extremely subtle and almost imperceptible, it was constant and gradual.
If one wore this pearl for many years, over time, the benefits to earth-attribute true qi would be immeasurable, and one's foundation would be solidified to an extremely terrifying degree.
No wonder Earth Origin Sect spared no cost, even having their True Aura elder personally take action.
"Keep it safe. Don't let someone rob you of it one day."
Li Baichuan only glanced at it briefly before looking away, seemingly not very interested in this rare treasure.
Chen Qing put the pearl away and contemplated for a moment, "Master Li, do you know... whether there truly exists a method to fuse the true qi in one's body using five different types of heaven and earth rare objects with different attributes?"
Upon hearing this, Li Baichuan said slowly, "If you encounter something you can't solve, as long as the compensation is adequate, this old man can solve it."
After speaking, he completely closed his eyes, like an old monk entering meditation, and said nothing more.
The compensation must be adequate!
This was his hint!
Chen Qing knew he couldn't ask anything more and respectfully bowed to Li Baichuan before slowly withdrawing from the small courtyard.
The originally somewhat noisy Transmission Pavilion suddenly quieted down, and all the disciples' gazes focused on him in unison.
From the moment Chen Qing stepped through the Five Terraces Sect's mountain gate, news of his survival had spread throughout the entire sect like it had grown wings.
Now seeing him standing here safe and sound with their own eyes, the impact was still intense.
"Senior Brother!"
Yu Bao'er jumped three feet high, eyes brimming with tears as she rushed over.
"I knew it! I knew Senior Brother would definitely be fine! This is wonderful!"
She was incoherent, both crying and laughing, one of the few who was genuinely overjoyed at Chen Qing's return.
Chen Qing patted Yu Bao'er's shoulder, taking in everyone's varied expressions.
"What are you all staring at me for? Have you forgotten Qingmu Courtyard's rules? Those who should be cultivating, cultivate. Those who should be working, work!"
His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.
The disciples snapped out of their daze and quickly dispersed.
Yu Bao'er eagerly approached Chen Qing, lowered her voice, and looked like she was reporting major secret intelligence, "Senior Brother! During these days you were away, things in the courtyard were quite unsettled! Some people thought that... especially that Hong Liangcai, running around everywhere, whispering with Senior Brother Xu Qi, definitely up to no good, coveting your position as Senior Brother!"
Hearing this, Chen Qing glanced at her lightly and directly changed the subject, "If you put half as much thought into cultivation, you would have broken through the transformation strength bottleneck long ago. How has your cultivation been recently? Is your true qi accumulation sufficient? What are your chances of breaking through to embracing elixir strength?"
As soon as cultivation was mentioned, Yu Bao'er's face instantly fell. She gave an awkward laugh, "Uh... this... hehe, Senior Brother, you just got back, you must be tired. I'll go practice now, go practice..."
As she spoke, she backed away and disappeared in a flash.
Chen Qing shook his head. From everyone's reactions just now, he could glimpse the undercurrents stirring within the courtyard.
It was normal for some people to have active thoughts, but as long as he had returned, these small waves couldn't create big storms. The overall situation was under control.
He went straight back to his private small courtyard.
Pushing open the courtyard gate, the inside was no different from when he had left, except for a thin layer of dust on the table.
Not long after he sat down, a gentle knocking came from outside the courtyard.
Opening the door, standing outside was surprisingly Lin Xue.
She wore a simple outer sect disciple outfit, with fine beads of sweat on her forehead, as if she had hurried over.
Seeing Chen Qing truly standing before her safe and sound, her eyes immediately reddened, "Senior Brother Chen, you really came back... That's wonderful..."
After the initial joy, she became somewhat indignant, "Those people in the sect spreading false rumors are truly detestable! Clearly you were fine, yet they spoke as if it were real, making people worry for nothing..."
"I saw that Senior Brother hasn't returned for a long time, so the courtyard must have accumulated dust. Let me help you clean up and also cook a meal? Senior Brother certainly didn't eat well outside."
Chen Qing waved his hand, "No need to trouble yourself, I can do it myself."
However, Lin Xue was unusually insistent, her tone carrying a hint of pleading, "It's no trouble. Senior Brother has taken good care of me, so doing this small thing is what I should do. Please give me a chance to repay you."
As she spoke, without waiting for Chen Qing to refuse again, she took the initiative to pick up the broom from the corner and began skillfully sweeping.
Seeing her resolute attitude, Chen Qing no longer stopped her and sat by the stone table on his own, brewing a pot of clear tea.
"How has the fishing ground been recently? Are things going well for you?" Chen Qing took a sip of tea and asked casually.
Lin Xue swept efficiently while answering, "Thanks to Senior Brother's blessing, everything is fine. The new Executive Liu is very accommodating, and the assigned tasks can all be completed."
She paused, her voice softening, "I've already cultivated to transformation strength, but having been in the outer courtyard for three years, I still haven't been able to..."
Before she finished speaking, the courtyard gate was knocked on again.
Chen Qing got up to open the door. Standing outside was Nie Shanshan.
She seemed to have adjusted her mindset and looked much more natural than in the council hall. She was also holding a small jade bottle in her hand.
"Junior Brother Chen, earlier in the council hall there were too many people. This bottle of 'Clear Heart Pills' has some benefit for stabilizing the mind and calming qi and blood." Nie Shanshan's tone was composed, carrying a trace of gentle concern.
However, when her gaze moved past Chen Qing and saw Lin Xue bending over to clean the courtyard inside, her composed expression instantly stiffened.
Lin Xue also saw the cold and beautiful chief disciple of Guishui Courtyard standing at the gate. She instinctively stopped what she was doing, gripped the broom in her hand tightly, and lowered her head.
In her current state, compared to this radiant inner courtyard chief disciple before her, the difference was like heaven and earth.
Nie Shanshan's steps halted. For a moment, she felt somewhat flustered and had the impulse to turn around and leave immediately but the next moment, she thought to herself: Why should I leave? I have nothing to hide. I came to visit a fellow sect member. If I leave now, it would make me look guilty, as if I had some improper thoughts.
In the blink of an eye, she suppressed that trace of panic. A slightly light smile reappeared on her face as she said to Chen Qing, "It seems Junior Brother Chen has a guest? Have I come at an inopportune time?"
Chen Qing stepped aside to let her in, "Senior Sister Nie jests. Please come in. Junior Sister Lin Xue is the descendant of an old friend. Seeing that I've returned, she's helping to tidy up the courtyard."
Only then did Nie Shanshan step inside, nodding slightly at the somewhat flustered Lin Xue as a greeting.
The atmosphere became somewhat subtle and awkward for a moment.
Lin Xue quickened her cleaning pace, then said in a low voice, "Senior Brother, the courtyard is cleaned. I... I'll go cook now."
After speaking, she hurriedly ducked into the small kitchen room next door.
Nie Shanshan placed the jade bottle on the stone table, momentarily not knowing what else to say.
The two sat across from each other at the stone table, chatting about some inconsequential sect affairs and cultivation insights.
Nie Shanshan's visit this time was more to inquire about the specific details of how Chen Qing 'escaped' back, but with an outsider present, it wasn't convenient for her to ask.
She occasionally glanced at Lin Xue's back, silently pondering to herself.
Could it be that Junior Brother Chen likes this type of woman?
Could I be like her... In an instant, she cast this thought aside.
Nie Shanshan, oh Nie Shanshan, how could you have such thoughts?
Chen Qing noticed Nie Shanshan seemed somewhat unusual and said, "Senior Sister Nie? What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Nie Shanshan regained her composure.
Before long, Lin Xue simply prepared two dishes and a soup and brought them up. The aroma was enticing, but she only set out the bowls and chopsticks before saying softly, "Senior Brother, Senior Sister Nie, please enjoy. I... I'll head back first."
She truly couldn't sit down calmly to eat together in front of Nie Shanshan.
Nie Shanshan also immediately stood up, "I should go back as well. There are still some matters to handle at Guishui Courtyard. Junior Brother Chen, please enjoy your meal."
She also didn't seem to want to stay and face this awkward scene.
Chen Qing looked at the two women but didn't try to keep them. He nodded and said, "Very well. Thank you, Senior Sister Nie, for the pills. Thank you, Junior Sister Lin, for your help."
The two women took their leave almost simultaneously, even yielding to each other at the courtyard gate.
"Now it's finally peaceful."
After seeing the two off, Chen Qing looked at the simple meal on the table.
After the meal, he took out all the wealth obtained from this outing, along with his previous savings.
Bank notes, gold leaves, jewelry, pills, and that critically important Earth Heart Marrow Pearl... All spread out, the value was staggering.
"Although there were many twists and turns, this harvest is truly substantial."
Chen Qing finished counting, "It seems I need to find time to visit the Myriad Treasures Tower to exchange these things for useful resources."
Then he took out his small black book.
Dipping the pen in ink, he wrote two names on a blank page.
Miao Zhiheng!
Yu He!
Chen Qing muttered in a low voice, his tone cold, "This palm strike, sooner or later I'll make you return it with interest."
Closing the book, he carefully put it away.
Although this outing was fraught with danger, the harvest far exceeded expectations. Not only did he obtain the Earth Heart Marrow Pearl, but it also gave him a clearer understanding of his own strength.
The next step would be to prepare for breaking through to True Aura, and even exploring the path of five-element fusion.
The next day, at first light, Chen Qing went straight to the Tide Listening Martial Repository.
When Elder Ma saw Chen Qing, he immediately smiled and said, "Chief Disciple Chen, what brings you to the Martial Repository today?"
Chen Qing cupped his hands in a bow and got straight to the point, "Elder Ma, this junior wishes to apply for transcribing five complete heart methods, the Nine Revolutions Flowing Gold Formula, the Mysterious Nether True Water Art, the Crimson Sun Heart-Burning Formula, the Eight Desolations Mountain-Suppressing Formula, and the Qingmu Longevity Formula."
Upon hearing this, Elder Ma's grizzled eyebrows rose slightly.
Transcribing all the orthodox heart methods of the branch courtyards at once was extremely rare.
He lowered his voice somewhat, "Chief Disciple Chen, you're doing this because...?"
Chen Qing's expression remained calm as he explained, "This junior's cultivation has reached a bottleneck and wishes to glimpse the gateway to True Aura. Although each school's heart method differs, all paths lead to the same destination. Master Li has also encouraged this disciple to draw from many sources and integrate them thoroughly. This transcription is for careful study, hoping that one day I can accumulate deeply and burst forth, contributing my part to the sect."
His tone was sincere and his reasoning sound, preparing to break through to True Aura and researching the operational characteristics of different attribute true qi wasn't unprecedented in the sect, though it was rare for someone like him to collect all five elements.
Elder Ma looked at Chen Qing for a moment, then finally just nodded.
Given Chen Qing's current status and the potential he had displayed, this request wasn't excessive.
He no longer asked further questions and turned to retrieve specially made transcription scrolls, "In that case, this old man will transcribe them for you. You know the rules—, he heart methods cannot be transmitted outside."
"This junior understands. Thank you, Elder Ma." Chen Qing replied.
Soon, the complete formulas and qi circulation diagrams of the five heart methods were transcribed.
Chen Qing carefully checked them once, and after confirming there were no errors, he placed the transcribed volumes in his robes. He thanked Elder Ma again before turning to leave the Martial Repository.
Just as he walked out the main gate of the Martial Repository, he came face to face with Xu Qi, who looked troubled.
Xu Qi looked up sharply at Chen Qing and cupped his hands, "Senior Brother!"
Chen Qing asked, "Junior Brother Xu, here to find cultivation methods at the Martial Repository?"
Xu Qi took a deep breath and said in a serious tone, "Senior Brother sees clearly. Junior Brother indeed has a matter that I must report to Senior Brother, so my heart can be at ease."
"Oh? What matter?"
Chen Qing's gaze remained calm as he looked at him.
Xu Qi bowed his head slightly, "Reporting to Senior Brother, just a few days ago when you had not yet returned, Junior Brother Hong Liangcai from the courtyard privately sought me out. He... he said some foolish things about the chief disciple position being vacant, and his words were full of instigation and incitement, saying he would support me... I immediately refused in strong terms! I absolutely have no improper ambitions!"
He quickly expressed his loyalty, "Junior Brother knows deeply that the Qingmu Courtyard chief disciple position belongs to no one but you, Senior Brother! Only Senior Brother's cultivation and prestige can convince everyone and lead our Qingmu Courtyard to stand firm in the Five Terraces. I only have admiration and conviction for Senior Brother, absolutely no disloyalty! Although this matter has passed, after thinking it over, I felt I should still honestly report it to Senior Brother to avoid any misunderstandings in the future."
Chen Qing listened quietly, his face showing no expression. Only after Xu Qi finished did he smile faintly, "So it was this matter. Junior Brother Hong was quite enthusiastic. Were you tempted?"
Upon hearing this, Xu Qi quickly said, "No! Absolutely not! I dare swear to heaven! I wasn't tempted then, and I'm even less tempted now! Senior Brother, you must not misunderstand!"
Chen Qing looked at his nervous appearance and smiled, "I'm just asking casually. What are you nervous about?"
Xu Qi's heart didn't dare relax one bit, "Not nervous. Senior Brother, it's just that junior brother is too happy about your safe return, and also afraid you might misunderstand."
Chen Qing nodded and no longer pursued the matter. Instead, he simply inquired about his recent cultivation situation before waving his hand and saying, "Alright, I understand. Go attend to your business."
"Yes! Yes! Thank you, Senior Brother! This disciple takes his leave!"
Xu Qi quickly bowed again before finally breathing a slight sigh of relief.
Watching Xu Qi's departing figure, Chen Qing's gaze flickered slightly.
Xu Qi taking the initiative to confess saved him some effort in disciplining people, and also showed that most people in the courtyard could still see the situation clearly.
These fence-sitting petty thoughts, he was temporarily too lazy to bother with. There were more important matters at hand.
...
At the same time, in a hidden Demon Sect stronghold.
The atmosphere was cold and oppressive.
Blood Rakshasa Hu Mei sat high above, her charming and alluring face now covered with frost.
The spy kneeling below trembled all over, not daring to breathe heavily.
"Missing... for a full seventeen days, with no news at all..."
Hu Mei's voice was ice-cold and piercing, "Nether and Specter... didn't even send out a final distress blood talisman?"
The spy buried his head even lower, "Reporting to the Protector, it is indeed so. We subordinates have repeatedly checked all clues in the area where they last appeared. The Blackwater Dock inn has become ruins. There were traces of intense fighting at the scene, with chaotic residual auras, but indeed there are no traces of the two lords leaving afterward."
"According to intelligence gathered from various sources, on that day, Earth Origin Sect's True Aura elder Yu He appeared nearby... In addition, news came from the Five Terraces Sect side that their Qingmu Courtyard chief disciple Chen Qing was reportedly also present that day, but only narrowly escaped and has now returned to the sect."
"Chen Qing?" Hu Mei's brows furrowed slightly, "That youngster from the Five Terraces Sect? What's his cultivation level now?"
"According to reports, he's at late-stage embracing elixir strength, with considerable power. He once defeated Xiao Bieli of Hanyu Valley."
The spy quickly answered, "But he absolutely couldn't be a match for the two lords Specter and Nether. In this subordinate's view, he was just lucky and managed to escape during the chaos."
Zuo Feng on the side let out a scoffing laugh and interjected, "Chen Qing? I've also heard a bit about that lad. He does have some talent, but to say he could kill Nether and Specter... that's simply absurd. Although Nether and Specter were limited by their techniques and couldn't reach True Aura, they've accumulated experience for many years with profound cultivation. Working together, they're unpredictable and impossible to guard against. How could a young junior handle them? I'd say nine times out of ten it was that old scoundrel Yu He who struck from the shadows!"
"Yu He..."
Hu Mei slowly chewed on this name, the cold light in her eyes growing more intense.
The Netherworld Twin Guards were trained and promoted by her own hand, both disciples and subordinates, their relationship extraordinary. They were also her right and left arms.
Both were at embracing elixir perfection, and when working together in close coordination with their strange techniques, even an expert who had just entered True Aura, if unable to defeat them, could certainly escape and send a message.
Yet now they had ended up in a situation where they were neither seen alive nor dead!
If they were only injured, they absolutely wouldn't fail to call for help.
The only possibility was that the two were completely left behind in an extremely short time, without even a chance to send out a distress signal!
To accomplish this... according to all current clues, the greatest suspect was that old scoundrel Yu He from Earth Origin Sect!
Chen Qing? He didn't have that capability!
Zuo Feng looked at Hu Mei's increasingly cold expression, feeling somewhat regretful, "Tsk tsk, what a pity. Those two, Nether and Specter, had embracing elixir perfection cultivation. If I had absorbed them, it would definitely have advanced my cultivation further."
Hu Mei suddenly turned her head and snapped coldly, "Shut up!"
Zuo Feng shrugged and stopped talking.
Hu Mei took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the fury about to erupt, and suddenly stood up.
"Accompany me out for a trip."
Zuo Feng asked, "Where to?"
"Lin'an Prefecture." Hu Mei spat out three words, her killing intent chilling.
"Lin'an Prefecture? What are you planning to do?"
Zuo Feng sat up straight, his expression somewhat solemn, "Earth Origin Sect isn't a soft persimmon. That 'Earth Origin Nine Elders' is famous, and Yu He himself is a veteran True Aura expert. If the two of us go there..."
Being in the Demon Sect, the first priority was never to directly clash with experts of the same realm, much less when Yu He's cultivation might be even higher than theirs.
"What's there to fear?"
Hu Mei cut him off, snorting coldly, "I'm not going to directly find that old scoundrel Yu He for a hard fight! He killed my people, so I'll first kill a few of his disciples and grand-disciples to collect some interest!"
Before her words even finished, the temperature of the entire stronghold seemed to suddenly drop several degrees.
Zuo Feng knew she had made up her mind and no longer tried to dissuade her, "Fine then. My cultivation has been somewhat stagnant lately anyway. I need some fresh 'provisions' to stimulate it."
Time passed swiftly, and a month went by in the blink of an eye.
Chen Qing remained deeply secluded, spending most of his time immersed in cultivation. His cultivation progressed naturally, connecting the tenth primary meridian. At the same time, with the help of the Earth Heart Marrow Pearl, he carefully comprehended the various mysteries of Kunti true qi. Although his progress wasn't as rapid as before, it was more solid and stable.
During this month, a great joyous occasion occurred at the Five Terraces Sect, Shen Xiuyong finished his seclusion and successfully broke through, condensing his True Aura and formally stepping into the True Aura realm!
When the news spread, the entire Five Terraces Sect was shaken.
Shen Xiuyong wasn't very old, so his future potential was considerable. His successful breakthrough meant that the Five Terraces Sect's core strength had gained another great general, and their prestige was even greater.
Throughout the sect, there was an atmosphere of celebration.
After emerging from seclusion, Shen Xiuyong held a great banquet at the sect, widely distributing invitations. Not only did friendly forces in Yunlin Prefecture send people to offer congratulations, but quite a few experts from neighboring prefectures who had private friendships with him also came in person.
For a time, the Five Terraces Sect's mountain gate was bustling with people coming and going, and congratulatory voices were incessant.
On the day of the banquet, it was extremely lively.
"Have you all heard? Tianbao Upper Sect and the Limitless Demon Sect have recently escalated their conflicts. I heard that several major battles broke out in succession at 'Soul-Breaking Canyon,' with terrifying momentum, and even True Aura realm experts have fallen!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the banquet hall suddenly quieted, and many people showed expressions of shock.
"I've also heard a bit about this matter."
Another elderly man from the prefecture city merchant association stroked his beard and continued, "I heard the battle situation was extremely brutal, with more than one True Aura expert killed."
People at the banquet discussed various topics, talking about recent major events.
"Congratulations, congratulations!"
Chen Qing raised his cup to toast Shen Xiuyong, his words sincere.
"You're too kind!"
Shen Xiuyong's face glowed red, clearly in an excellent mood, but with guests everywhere, he was incredibly busy and could only exchange brief pleasantries with Chen Qing before being surrounded by other well-wishers.
Chen Qing knew he was busy at the moment and didn't disturb him privately. After toasting, he returned to his seat.
Two days later, Chen Qing was sitting cross-legged in meditation in his room when a respectful knock came from outside the door.
Chen Qing opened the door to find an attendant disciple bowing and presenting an exquisitely crafted gilt invitation, "Chief Disciple Chen, this invitation was delivered by someone from the prefecture city."
Chen Qing took the invitation. The cover was outlined with golden thread in cloud patterns, with the seal of the Yunlin Prefecture Lord's mansion in the center.
"The Prefecture Lord!?"
Opening it, it was indeed the Prefecture Lord's annual invitation for the "Five Heroes and Seven Talents of Yunlin."
The Prefecture Lord held a banquet every year inviting Yunlin Prefecture's top talents, which was the Prefecture Lord's method of maintaining relationships with local top talents. Everyone understood the implications behind it.
Chen Qing naturally understood the intricacies and immediately said to the attendant, "Reply to the messenger that Chen will definitely attend the banquet on time."
"Yes!"
The attendant nodded and turned to leave.
Three days later, Chen Qing tidied up briefly, changed into a presentable blue robe, and set off alone for the prefecture city.
The Yunlin Prefecture Lord's mansion was located in the most central area of the prefecture city, with high walls and deep courtyards, imposing and grand.
After presenting his invitation, a maid who had been waiting to the side curtsied gracefully and said softly, "Young Master Chen, please follow this servant."
This maid was about sixteen years old, wearing a light pink palace dress, with a curvaceous and graceful figure.
As she led the way, she frequently looked back with a gentle smile, her eyes soft enough to drip water, and her voice sweet and honeyed, "Young Master, this way please. Mind the steps."
Along the way, they passed through several courtyards, with artificial hills, flowing water, and rare flowers and plants adorning the landscape, extremely luxurious and elegant.
The maid led Chen Qing to the entrance of an extremely spacious and magnificent banquet hall before stopping. She said softly, "Young Master Chen, the banquet hall has arrived. This servant will take her leave here."
She raised her head slightly, her voice even softer and sweeter than before, "This servant's name is Lianxing. If Young Master needs anything while in the mansion, or wishes to find someone to chat with to relieve boredom, you may... you may summon me at any time."
After speaking, she hurriedly curtsied and turned to leave, leaving behind a graceful and thought-provoking silhouette.
Chen Qing's expression remained indifferent and calm, as if he hadn't heard those suggestive soft words. He simply stepped into the hall.
Immediately, he felt dozens of gazes converge on him.
Inside the hall, figures were already moving about, cups clinking, and the sound of strings and bamboo instruments melodious.
The top talents of Yunlin Prefecture's younger generation, the "Five Heroes and Seven Talents" were almost all gathered here.
Chen Qing's gaze swept around and he saw quite a few familiar faces.
Nie Shanshan and Yan Yaoyang from his own Five Terraces Sect were already seated.
Nie Shanshan had changed into a water-blue long dress today, cold as ever. Yan Yaoyang wore Gengjin Courtyard attire, his bearing steady and composed.
On the Hanyu Valley side, Xiao Bieli wore a moon-white long robe, his expression cold and stern, his aura seeming even more restrained and profound than before. Beside him sat Ye Qingyi, still bright and beautiful, though her gaze toward Chen Qing was somewhat complex.
Xuanjia Gate's Fang Rui and Shi Ziyi had also arrived, both dressed in martial attire, full of heroic spirit.
The remaining few, though unfamiliar, each had extraordinary bearing with keen gazes, clearly all experts with profound cultivation.
When Chen Qing entered, the hall fell silent for an instant.
Curiosity, scrutiny, assessment, wariness... various gazes fell upon him.
Among them, two Hanyu Valley disciples standing behind Xiao Bieli, a man and a woman, showed hostility that was barely concealed.
"Junior Brother Chen, over here!" Yan Yaoyang was the first to stand and call out.
Chen Qing walked over with a calm expression.
Yan Yaoyang quietly introduced him, "Junior Brother, those two are Han Dang and Feng Yun of Hanyu Valley, both among the Seven Talents, and devoted followers of Xiao Bieli."
"Besides the four sects, that person is the sole disciple of 'Wind-Splitting Whip' Qi Lingxiao, Jiang Bai."
At this moment, Jiang Bai was chatting and laughing with Xiao Bieli, not at all intimidated facing this most outstanding disciple of Hanyu Valley.
Chen Qing nodded slightly. He had also heard of this Qi Lingxiao, who was said to be from a major southwestern sect but had moved to Yunlin Prefecture for certain reasons. His strength was unfathomable, yet he was unwilling to be bound by major sects and flatly refused even Hanyu Valley's recruitment, focusing only on teaching this sole disciple.
That Jiang Bai could rank among the Seven Talents showed his strength was considerable.
Feng Shuhao of Qixia Manor glanced at Chen Qing, his heart stirring as he recalled their brief encounter in the Ten Thousand Poisons Marsh.
Chen Qing also recognized him, and the two exchanged glances before looking away.
Sitting at the Hanyu Valley seats, Xiao Bieli naturally also saw Chen Qing.
His gaze lingered on Chen Qing for a moment, his eyes showing complexity for an instant, but he quickly regained his composure.
Master was right, temporary victories and defeats meant nothing at all.
Those who laugh last are the true winners.
One's vision should be set much further ahead.
At this moment, the people in the hall had implicitly divided into several small circles. The Hanyu Valley faction had the most people and the strongest presence.
The Five Terraces Sect and Xuanjia Gate had closer relations and gathered together. The two from Qixia Manor formed their own group, while that Jiang Bai seemed able to chat with all parties, appearing at ease.
Everyone whispered amongst themselves, conversing happily.
Seeing Chen Qing sit down, Nie Shanshan spoke softly, "Junior Brother Chen, you've been in seclusion at the sect recently. Have you heard the rumors from outside?"
Chen Qing looked at her, "What rumors? Could it be about Tianbao Upper Sect and the Demon Sect clashing?"
"Precisely that matter."
Yan Yaoyang took a deep breath and said slowly, "I heard that experts from Tianbao Upper Sect and the Limitless Demon Sect have clashed repeatedly several times, with even True Aura experts falling! Several major prefectures near Tianbao Upper Sect's territory have been buzzing with rumors."
He paused, lowering his voice even more, his eyes flashing with excitement and disbelief, "There's even a rumor saying that Tianbao Upper Sect intends to select the most elite young disciples from under their jurisdiction, three circuits, fifty-one prefectures, and over a hundred sects and concentrate them at Xuwang Mountain, training them according to the standards of Tianbao Upper Sect's true disciples, to counter the increasingly rampant Limitless Demon Sect!"
Even with Chen Qing's steady temperament, hearing this news made his heart tremble.
Tianbao Upper Sect selecting talents from a hundred sects for concentrated training?
Tianbao Upper Sect was the colossal power ruling three circuits, with foundations so deep they exceeded ordinary imagination.
Under its jurisdiction were fifty-one prefectures, with sects like the Five Terraces Sect in each prefecture paying annual tribute. The accumulated resources had reached a staggering level.
Among the treasures the Five Terraces Sect paid in tribute each year, there were surely items like five-hundred-year-old or even older Earth Heart Milk. Other sects were the same.
Add to that the precious lands, mineral veins, and vast amounts of gold and silver controlled by Tianbao Upper Sect itself... the resources they could mobilize were simply immeasurable!
If this matter were true, what enormous resources would be gathered at Xuwang Mountain?
Enough to drive any genius mad!
However, Chen Qing immediately realized that implementing this would definitely not be simple.
Tianbao Upper Sect's internal factions were numerous, could they reach a unified decision?
Would the sects from various prefectures willingly send away the future pillars they had painstakingly cultivated?
The interests involved, the power struggles between local sects and the superior sect, the complexity exceeded imagination but Chen Qing knew this news wasn't groundless.
Often these types of policies that could influence the overall situation would be leaked through various channels before official implementation, both to gauge reactions from all sides and to give those below psychological preparation and time to maneuver.
Nie Shanshan also furrowed her delicate brows slightly and said softly, "Talents from a hundred sects competing... Though the resources are tempting, I'm afraid the competition will be extremely fierce..."
Although she was a top talent in Yunlin Prefecture, thinking about competing on the same stage with over a hundred outstanding peers from across the three circuits, she couldn't help but feel some pressure.
"This matter is indeed astounding."
Chen Qing nodded slowly, his tone regaining composure, "If it truly comes to pass, it will undoubtedly be a major strategic move against the Demon Sect, and an unimaginable opportunity."
"I wonder if the news is true or false. If only it were true..."
Yan Yaoyang took a deep breath, brilliant light flowing in his eyes, his palm unconsciously clenching slightly.
Chen Qing could clearly sense it.
This Senior Brother Yan very much wanted to advance.
