Chapter 185: Rich Rewards |
Hanyu Valley, within Tingxue Pavilion.
Leng Qianqiu wore a plain white palace dress and sat upright on a cold jade meditation cushion.
Facing her was her prized disciple, Xiao Bieli.
Xiao Bieli's brow carried a trace of irritation. He had just experienced a failed attempt at breaking through to True Aura and was currently listening to his master's teachings.
"...Therefore, when drawing qi into the body, your mind must be like solid rock, without the slightest wavering. Your failure was not due to lack of ability, but because your spirit was not concentrated. At the final moment, fear of the violent surge of heaven and earth elemental qi caused your true qi circulation to slightly stagnate, resulting in falling short of success."
Leng Qianqiu's voice was calm, each word pointing directly to the key reasons for Xiao Bieli's failure.
Xiao Bieli took a deep breath, working hard to calm his emotions, and said respectfully, "This disciple understands. It was disciple's insufficient mental cultivation that disappointed Master."
Leng Qianqiu shook her head slightly, "Disappointed is too strong a word. Breaking through to True Aura is inherently difficult. One failure is a common occurrence. If you can draw lessons from it, temper your character, and solidify your foundation, your chances next time will actually be greater. It's just a pity..."
Her tone paused slightly, a trace of regret flashing in her eyes, "If at this time you could have a Condensing True Aura Pill to help stabilize your mind and harmonize elemental qi, the success rate of your next attempt could increase by more than fifty percent."
Xiao Bieli raised his head, his eyes revealing longing and confusion, "If this pill has such miraculous effects, why doesn't the sect..."
"Why not find a way to refine it?"
Leng Qianqiu finished his question for him, her tone carrying a trace of faint helplessness, "The Condensing True Aura Pill is one of the Upper Sect's core pill formulas. Its refinement method and key medicinal ingredients are all strictly monopolized by the Upper Sect and absolutely not shared externally. If subordinate sects wish to obtain them, they can only do so through Upper Sect rewards or exchange them from the Upper Sect at astonishing prices."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Bieli's heart shook violently.
Leng Qianqiu looked at his shocked expression and slowly continued, "Tianbao Upper Sect governs three circuits and administers fifty-one prefectures. Its territory is boundlessly vast, with experts as numerous as clouds within and powerful figures emerging in succession. The sect is divided into four branches, each with grandmasters presiding over them, unfathomably deep. There are even rumors that the Upper Sect controls cave heaven secret realms. It is one of our Great Yan Kingdom's most supreme powers. For us prefecture-level sects to receive their protection and provide timely tribute is already a fortune."
Each word was like a heavy hammer, striking Xiao Bieli's heart and bringing unprecedented shock.
He understood the Xuwang Mountain plan... Perhaps this was not merely a constraint, but also an opportunity, a tremendous opportunity to access Upper Sect resources and thereby leap through the dragon gate!
Xiao Bieli's eyes became sharp and focused again.
Just then, light footsteps came from outside the quiet room. A Hanyu Valley steward stood respectfully outside the door and said in a low voice, "Valley Master, there is urgent news."
Leng Qianqiu's brows furrowed slightly, "Speak."
The steward's voice carried a trace of disbelief as he quickly reported, "Just received confirmed news that Qixia Manor's Feng Shuhao... has successfully broken through to True Aura realm!"
"What?!"
Xiao Bieli's pupils suddenly contracted as he jerked his head up. The blood drained from his face in an instant, leaving only shock and disbelief.
Feng Shuhao broke through?
That former defeated opponent had actually beaten him by a step and entered True Aura?!
How was this possible!?
A strong sense of loss instantly collapsed the mental fortress he had just rebuilt.
Originally, being surpassed by Chen Qing had already left him holding his breath, determined to break through first to salvage his reputation. Now even Feng Shuhao had walked ahead of him!
Leng Qianqiu was also slightly stunned, her elegant brows furrowing tighter, "Is the information accurate? When did this happen?"
"Replying to Valley Master, the news source is reliable and came from inside Qixia Manor. According to investigation, he should have broken through approximately half a month ago. Only recently, due to taking action once and being unable to completely restrain his aura, was it detected and confirmed by the outside world." The steward answered with certainty.
A trace of surprise and gravity flashed in Leng Qianqiu's eyes as she slowly said, "Qixia Manor... has produced quite a promising talent."
Her heart also stirred slightly.
Being able to break through to True Aura meant that potential had been initially realized, possessing the genuine possibility of supporting the sect's future, and gaining qualification to climb toward higher realms.
This was not good news for Hanyu Valley's future position in Yunlin Prefecture.
Could it be that Qixia Manor, the weakest of the four major sects, was about to rise?
Xiao Bieli lowered his head, his hands clenched into tight fists.
His master's comforting words still echoed in his ears, yet reality's blow came so swiftly and fiercely.
A former defeated opponent had actually entered a whole new realm before him. This contrast left his heart full of complicated emotions.
Leng Qianqiu glanced at her disciple, naturally understanding his current state of mind.
She turned to the steward and, after pondering for a moment, said, "Immediately send people to investigate carefully whether Feng Shuhao's breakthrough received external assistance. Especially... whether he took a Condensing True Aura Pill."
If Feng Shuhao truly obtained a Condensing True Aura Pill, then its source would be very worth investigating thoroughly.
When did Qixia Manor gain such connections?
Did this involve other forces behind the scenes?
This suddenly risen young embracing elixir expert must receive Hanyu Valley's highest attention.
Leng Qianqiu needed to investigate this mystery thoroughly.
"Yes!" The steward received the order and quietly withdrew.
The quiet room returned to silence.
Leng Qianqiu's gaze returned to her disciple as she said flatly, "Do not let your mind be disturbed. Solidifying your own foundation is the right principle."
Xiao Bieli took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his churning emotions, and nodded heavily, "Disciple... understands!"
…
Seven days later, at early dawn, sandalwood incense wafted through the council hall.
He Yuzhou sat with furrowed brows, looking at a secret letter in his hand.
The writing on the letter was hasty, with only a few brief sentences, yet they left him restless.
'He' rarely sent messages using such secretive methods. It must be because he was in an inconvenient situation with many eyes and ears around.
Just then, a steward outside respectfully announced, "Sect Master, Qingmu Courtyard Master Li requests an audience."
Master Li!?
This uncle always "hid away" in Qingmu Courtyard year-round, almost never leaving his quarters. What business did he have seeking him out?
He Yuzhou's thoughts stirred as he concealed the unusual expression on his face, tucked the secret letter into his sleeve, and called out, "Please invite Master Uncle inside."
Li Baichuan still wore his green robe as he leisurely paced into the hall, as if he were just dropping by for a casual visit.
"What brings Master Uncle here with leisure time today?"
He Yuzhou stood up with a smile to greet him, gesturing toward a seat.
Li Baichuan waved his hand and looked at He Yuzhou, "Nephew, do you still remember the agreement between us?"
"Agreement?"
He Yuzhou's smile remained unchanged on his face while his thoughts raced, "I wonder which agreement Master Uncle is referring to?"
Li Baichuan glanced at him and said flatly, "Stop pretending to be ignorant when you understand perfectly well. The agreement about the Earth Heart Milk cave."
He Yuzhou nodded in sudden realization, "So it's that matter."
Back when Xiao Bieli issued the challenge, he had indeed promised that if Chen Qing could salvage the Five Terraces Sect's reputation, he would allow Li Baichuan to enter the Earth Heart Milk cave for cultivation.
That place was the Sect Master's exclusive retreat location, with extremely concentrated elemental qi. It was also the sect's greatest secret and foundation.
Letting Li Baichuan enter was no problem. At worst, he simply wouldn't cultivate during that period.
Li Baichuan said, "This old man has recently gained some insights and needs to borrow the Earth Heart Milk cave to retreat for a period and quietly contemplate the profound mysteries."
He Yuzhou pondered for a moment, his face showing difficulty, "Since I promised Master Uncle, naturally I won't go back on my word. It's just that..."
He paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over Li Baichuan, "The Earth Heart Milk cave is of great importance and is something the Upper Sect pays attention to..."
"Rest assured."
Li Baichuan smiled faintly, "Every blade of grass and tree, every stone and drop of milk in the cave all belong to the Upper Sect. This old man won't touch a single bit. I understand this rule."
He Yuzhou felt somewhat relieved. What he feared most was this uncle with unpredictable behavior acting recklessly.
If something went wrong with the Earth Heart Milk cave, the entire Five Terraces Sect would be implicated.
Since Master Uncle Li promised not to touch anything, then it was easier to discuss.
He Yuzhou then asked, "Since that's the case, I wonder when Master Uncle plans to enter the cave and how long the retreat will last?"
"I'll go tomorrow. At shortest three months, at longest half a year." Li Baichuan's words were astonishing.
"Half a year?"
He Yuzhou's brows immediately locked tight, "Master Uncle, isn't this duration too long?"
Each opening of the Earth Heart Milk cave consumed enormous resources, and having it occupied for such a long time would also greatly hinder his own cultivation.
Li Baichuan slightly raised his eyelids, "What? After sitting in the Sect Master position for so long, you won't even give Master Uncle this bit of face?"
"Master Uncle's words are too serious."
He Yuzhou hurriedly waved his hands, "It's not that I'm unwilling, but Master Uncle, you are the Qingmu Courtyard Master. If you retreat for so long, the courtyard's affairs..."
Li Baichuan said casually, "Just have Chen Qing temporarily assume the position of Courtyard Master."
"Chen Qing?"
He Yuzhou was stunned, then laughed, "Master Uncle must be joking. Although Chen Qing is the chief disciple with exceptional talent, he is ultimately still young and his cultivation... is only at embracing elixir stage. How can he command respect? And how can he shoulder the heavy responsibility of leading a courtyard?"
The five courtyard masters were all core pillars of the sect. Only those of high virtue and reputation with profound cultivation could assume the role.
No matter how outstanding Chen Qing was, in his eyes he was still a junior who needed tempering.
Li Baichuan's murky eyes flashed with a gleam as he said flatly, "Who told you he's only at embracing elixir stage?"
He Yuzhou's smile stiffened slightly, "What does Master Uncle mean by this?"
"He has already broken through to True Aura. Presiding over Qingmu Courtyard is more than sufficient." Li Baichuan's tone was calm, yet it exploded like thunder in He Yuzhou's ears.
"What!?"
He Yuzhou's heart shook as he took a deep breath, "Master Uncle, this matter... is this true?!"
Even with his composed mind, he couldn't help but be somewhat astonished at this moment.
Chen Qing's cultivation had broken through to True Aura!?
Could it be that he broke through directly in one attempt!?
"The disciple this old man personally cultivated has reached the True Aura, adding another pillar to support our Five Terraces Sect. With this merit, exchanging for some additional time, isn't it worth it?"
Li Baichuan's face was expressionless, "If you don't believe it, you can summon him to test and find out."
He Yuzhou's chest rose and fell slightly as he quickly suppressed the shock in his heart.
He still understood Li Baichuan. He never spoke carelessly about such major matters.
He took a deep breath and slowly sat back in his chair, his mind rapidly weighing things.
If Chen Qing had truly broken through to True Aura... A True Aura expert in his twenties!
What did this mean?
The Five Terraces Sect's fortune for the next hundred years might all rest on this person!
After a moment of silence, clarity and determination had already filled He Yuzhou's eyes. He said in a deep voice, "If Chen Qing has truly advanced to True Aura... then half a year it is! The Earth Heart Milk cave will be opened for Master Uncle immediately! As for Qingmu Courtyard affairs, from today Chen Qing will temporarily preside over them!"
"Good."
Li Baichuan nodded with satisfaction. Without saying more, he turned and leisurely shuffled out.
After Li Baichuan's figure disappeared, He Yuzhou immediately called in a low voice for his trusted steward, "Quickly go to Qingmu Courtyard and request Chen Qing to see me! Make haste!"
Seeing the Sect Master's grave expression, the steward didn't dare delay and rushed off.
In less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Chen Qing arrived outside the council hall with the steward.
He had just finished breakfast and was about to go fishing at Dingbo Lake when he was hurriedly summoned. He already had a guess in his heart. Master Li must have already communicated with the Sect Master.
Last time Master Li had mentioned he would retreat for a period and would inform the Sect Master of the situation, but he had only mentioned it once and said nothing more.
Entering the hall, Chen Qing cupped his fists, "Disciple Chen Qing pays respects to Sect Master!"
He Yuzhou waved his hand and got straight to the point, "Master Uncle Li said you have broken through to True Aura. Is this true?"
Chen Qing met the Sect Master's gaze and said candidly, "Replying to Sect Master, this disciple did indeed break through recently."
He knew that concealing things before such a figure would be pointless. Being forthright would instead earn more support.
"Good! Good! Good!"
He Yuzhou said 'good' three times in succession, his face instantly blooming with an unrestrained smile. The gloom caused by the secret letter earlier seemed to have been largely dispersed by this pleasant surprise.
When Shen Xiuyong broke through, he had only felt somewhat gratified. But Chen Qing's breakthrough brought shock and expectation!
A True Aura expert so young, his potential was simply immeasurable!
"Hahaha!"
He Yuzhou clapped his hands and laughed, looking at Chen Qing with increasing satisfaction, his eyes full of admiration.
Wasn't this exactly the kind of genius that was incentivized?!
Without providing some resources, how could they mature so quickly!?
It seemed Master Uncle Li had quite a knack for cultivating disciples!
Could it be he had Condensing True Aura Pills in his possession!?
A trace of suspicion arose in He Yuzhou's heart, but it quickly dissipated.
As Sect Master, he knew some matters could be investigated deeply, while others had no need to be pursued.
"This is all thanks to the sect's cultivation and the Sect Master's and all the masters' teachings. This disciple dare not claim credit." Chen Qing's tone was respectful, attributing the credit to the sect.
Though these were pleasantries, they also came from his heart. Without the sect's resource allocation, he certainly wouldn't have broken through to True Aura so quickly.
He Yuzhou nodded inwardly upon hearing this. This child had transcendent talent yet didn't forget his roots. His character was truly rare.
He restrained his smile somewhat and became grave, "That you have this mindset is excellent. However, recently there are hidden currents within and outside the prefecture, and things are not peaceful. Your breakthrough is a great fortune for our sect. In my view, it's best not to publicize it for now. After the attention dies down a bit, we'll announce it publicly. What do you think?"
He thought of that secret letter, then of Feng Shuhao who was currently in the spotlight and pushed to the forefront. He felt that having Chen Qing temporarily conceal his abilities might be the better choice.
They would make this matter public after this period of attention passed.
Chen Qing also had no desire to publicize it and immediately responded, "This disciple understands. Everything is at Sect Master's arrangement."
"Good."
He Yuzhou was even more satisfied. After pondering for a moment, he said, "Master Uncle Li is about to enter retreat, so Qingmu Courtyard affairs will need you to temporarily manage. Moreover, since you have already broken through, your cultivation resources should naturally match accordingly."
"From today, you may enter Langya Pavilion to cultivate at any time, no longer restricted by time limits. The fourth floor of Tide Listening Martial Repository is also open to you, and you may freely browse and study the collections within. Additionally, your monthly allotment increases to five drops of Hundred-Year Earth Heart Milk and three Aura Tempering Pills."
Upon hearing this, Chen Qing's heart also filled with joy.
Access to Langya Pavilion and the fourth floor of Tide Listening Martial Repository was crucial for cultivating his remaining four elemental true qi types and finding suitable martial techniques. The Earth Heart Milk and Aura Tempering Pills were even more precious resources for consolidating True Aura and advancing his cultivation.
The Sect Master's generosity this time could not be called anything but magnanimous.
"Thank you for Sect Master's generous bestowal! This disciple will certainly cultivate diligently and not disappoint the sect's high expectations!"
Chen Qing bowed solemnly.
He Yuzhou nodded and encouraged, "On the path of martial Dao, guard against arrogance and rashness, only then can you hope to glimpse even higher realms."
"This disciple respectfully remembers Sect Master's teachings."
"Go. Prepare well. Qingmu Courtyard is temporarily entrusted to you."
"This disciple takes his leave."
Chen Qing cupped his hands and left the council hall.
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