Chapter 187: Storm |
Shen Xiuyong looked at Chen Qing and let out a chuckle.
"Good lad, breaking through to True Aura so quietly! As your martial uncle, I feel both gratified and a bit sour inside."
He let out an exaggerated sigh, "Ah, back when your martial uncle broke through, it was a narrow escape from death, and I exhausted my entire fortune. How could it have been as smooth as yours?"
Shen Xiuyong had indeed expended considerable effort and energy to break through to True Aura.
Hearing this, Chen Qing couldn't help but smile slightly, "Martial Uncle jests. This disciple's fortunate breakthrough is inseparable from the sect's cultivation, and even more so from Martial Uncle's devoted assistance."
The pleased smile on Shen Xiuyong's face slightly subsided. He patted Chen Qing's shoulder and walked alongside him out of the council hall, arriving at the corridor.
Shen Xiuyong put away his smile, his expression becoming more serious, "The Aura Tempering Pills that the Sect Master grants you monthly are treasures for consolidating embracing elixir cultivation and tempering True Aura. Their medicinal efficacy far surpasses the Element Refining Pills and Condensing True Aura Pills of the past. You've just entered this realm, and foundation is paramount. You must use these pills well, first polish your cultivation to perfection, and never rashly advance seeking speed."
Chen Qing nodded.
He had taken Aura Tempering Pills before and naturally knew their benefits.
More importantly, he could clearly sense that with this medicinal assistance, the cultivation progress feedback from his "Heaven Rewards Diligence, Success Guaranteed" fate pattern was indeed somewhat faster than absorbing Earth Heart Milk mist in Langya Pavilion.
Although this increase in speed wasn't earth-shattering, accumulated over time, the difference would become apparent.
Chen Qing pondered for a moment before speaking, "The Aura Tempering Pills are indeed extraordinary, with vast and pure medicinal power, greatly beneficial for tempering True Aura. However, three pills per month always feels like a drop in the bucket."
Back when he was still a chief disciple, although he didn't completely rely on pills, the sect's monthly supply of premium Condensing True Aura Pills and Element Refining Pills numbered ten, sufficient for rapidly accumulating true qi.
Now that his realm was higher and the pills more precious, the quantity had actually decreased.
If he had sufficient pills, combined with "Heaven Rewards Diligence," his cultivation speed could certainly rise another level.
Hearing this, Shen Xiuyong shook his head, his tone carrying some helplessness, "You lad, be content! These Aura Tempering Pills are extremely difficult to refine. The main ingredients required are all rare precious medicines of considerable age, difficult to collect, and the refinement success rate is not high. That our Five Terraces Sect can stably supply these pills monthly to several True Aura elders already exhausts our resources and is quite difficult."
He paused, then gave an example, "Do you know about Qixia Manor? Apart from the First Manor Lord and Second Manor Lord who can stably obtain Aura Tempering Pills, the other several True Aura elders have inconsistent allocations and must perform meritorious deeds to exchange for them. Comparatively, the treatment the Sect Master gives you is already extremely generous."
Chen Qing nodded.
After True Aura, cultivation emphasized quality over quantity, requiring the slow tempering of True Aura with heaven and earth elemental qi. Ordinary precious medicines had minimal effect.
That the Five Terraces Sect could provide stable supply truly demonstrated the sect's foundation.
If one were an unaffiliated rogue cultivator at True Aura, they would probably have to go to the black market and purchase at high prices from forces like the Myriad Treasures Tower, with costs necessarily enormous. Otherwise, they could only rely on grinding effort, spending decades slowly polishing their skills, with breaking through even minor realms as difficult as ascending to heaven.
Most seemingly unaffiliated experts wandering the jianghu were actually defectors from other sects or forces.
Those who could truly cultivate to True Aura as rogue cultivators were definitely not simple characters.
Each and every one had experienced narrow escapes from death, struggling and climbing up from the very bottom.
"Only places like Tianbao Upper Sect, or those aristocratic families with millennium-long inheritances."
Shen Xiuyong sighed, his expression somewhat complex, "They control resources across multiple circuits, with unfathomably deep foundations, able to continuously provide cultivation resources for True Aura and even higher levels to their disciples, making their martial path much smoother..."
Chen Qing nodded, "The Upper Sect's foundation is indeed extraordinary."
This martial uncle of his seemed to know quite a bit, likely having previously encountered some disciples from Upper Sects or aristocratic families.
"Now that you've stepped into this realm, you should see some matters more clearly."
Shen Xiuyong took a deep breath and said, "In the end, sects like our Five Terraces Sect, as well as the other three sects in Yunlin Prefecture, and even renowned sects like Fenghua and Qiulong, are actually all vassals of Tianbao Upper Sect."
He paused slightly, his gaze distant, "Our existence, to a large extent, is to help the Upper Sect manage resources within this vast territory, paying tribute on schedule. Those truly core things, such as peerless martial arts, supreme scriptures that can condense divine consciousness and temper the body with True Origin, or secret transmitted pills, are all firmly controlled by the Upper Sect, rarely flowing out. If subordinate sects wish to obtain them, they invariably need to perform earth-shaking great merits, or pay unimaginable prices."
Chen Qing listened quietly, silently agreeing in his heart.
He had just glimpsed a trace of the True Origin realm's mysteries in the "Records of Observations" in the Tide Listening Martial Repository. Now hearing Martial Uncle Shen's words, his understanding deepened.
The Upper Sect, through controlling profound techniques and resources, strictly constrained subordinate sects. This was precisely the foundation of its transcendent position.
Shen Xiuyong's words took a turn as he looked at Chen Qing, "If you can use this opportunity to enter Xuwang Mountain, or even ultimately gain the Upper Sect's favor and obtain even the slightest bit of true transmission, perhaps there truly would be a thread of opportunity to touch the realm above True Aura, the True Origin realm!"
When speaking the three words "True Origin realm," Shen Xiuyong's voice involuntarily lowered.
For any True Aura expert, the temptation of extending life by several decades and exploring higher mysteries of the martial path was sufficient to make their hearts surge.
Chen Qing nodded, "This disciple understands."
He was also very eager for the True Origin realm, the so-called divine consciousness, and the life extension from True Origin tempering.
If he wanted to advance further, resources were important, but techniques were even more critical.
However, he also knew that the road must be walked step by step. Having just broken through to True Aura, stabilizing his foundation was currently the top priority.
Harboring unrealistic ambitions and seeking quick success often resulted in unimaginable bitter consequences.
Seeing Chen Qing so composed, Shen Xiuyong secretly praised him, knowing this martial nephew had extraordinary temperament and wouldn't be easily overwhelmed.
He smiled and said, "However, this matter is still far off. The Upper Sect's specific regulations haven't been issued yet. The selection method and timing are all undetermined. For now, we two should celebrate properly."
Chen Qing smiled and cupped his fists, "Then I'll trouble Martial Uncle."
Chu Jinyun returned to Guishui Courtyard, where water vapor filled the cold courtyard.
After pondering for a moment, she finally had someone summon Nie Shanshan to her presence.
Nie Shanshan, wearing a moon-white disciple robe, hurried over, "Master, you were looking for me?"
Chu Jinyun looked at her most accomplished disciple with a complex gaze and slowly said, "Just now the Sect Master summoned us for a meeting and announced something. Chen Qing has already broken through to True Aura."
"Master, is this truly so?"
Nie Shanshan's beautiful eyes widened as she blurted out.
She found it hard to believe. She had obtained three hundred years' worth of Earth Heart Milk to improve her root bones to nine-form, yet her first attempt at breaking through to True Aura had ended in failure. Chen Qing had actually succeeded in one try?
"Did he, did he break through on his first attempt?"
"The Sect Master announced it personally, in front of all the courtyard masters and elders. There's absolutely no possibility of falsification."
Chu Jinyun nodded and said slowly, "This child truly cannot be measured by normal reasoning. Li Baichuan has never been involved in affairs, so perhaps the Sect Master secretly poured in unimaginable resources, or even used certain foundations we don't know about."
She paused, her tone becoming gentler, "Shanshan, you needn't belittle yourself over this. Your foundation is already extremely solid. This time when you drew qi into your body, your true qi was purified even more after being washed by heaven and earth elemental qi. Next time you break through, your chances are very high. In the martial path, it's not whoever arrives first who reaches the endpoint. Steady progress is the true way."
Nie Shanshan lowered her eyes for a moment, then when she raised them again, "Master, please be at ease. This disciple won't entertain wild thoughts. I will take Junior Martial Brother Chen as an example, no, as a goal, and cultivate even more diligently without rest."
The image of Chen Qing's seemingly calm face flashed through her mind. She secretly steeled her resolve, and her tone became even firmer.
Chu Jinyun carefully observed her disciple's expression. Seeing that she had aroused an even stronger will to compete, she relaxed slightly and nodded, "That you can think this way puts your master's mind at ease."
"Master, if there's nothing else, this disciple would like to return and cultivate," Nie Shanshan suddenly cupped her fists.
Chu Jinyun was slightly taken aback, "Didn't you just finish sword practice?"
She remembered that Nie Shanshan had completed today's cultivation tasks.
However, Nie Shanshan shook her head, her eyes resolute, "This disciple wishes to seize every moment to polish my true qi and prepare for the next closed-door cultivation. I cannot let Junior Martial Brother Chen leave me too far behind."
Her words were calm yet revealed determination.
Seeing this, Chu Jinyun nodded with satisfaction, "Go then. Remember that haste makes waste. Seek progress while maintaining stability."
"This disciple understands."
Nie Shanshan respectfully bowed and walked directly toward her cultivation chamber.
Chu Jinyun watched her disciple's back disappear outside the courtyard gate. Moonlight fell on the bluestone slabs where she had just stood, a stretch of cold luminescence.
Perhaps Chen Qing's breakthrough wasn't a bad thing for Shanshan.
This enormous pressure might instead become a powerful driving force pushing her to continuously break through her limits.
…
Li Wang's small courtyard.
Upon learning the news of Chen Qing's breakthrough to True Aura, his heart was filled with mixed feelings.
Setting aside the strength differences among the five chief disciples, even within Lihuo Courtyard itself there were now disciples reaching late-stage True Aura, their cultivation about to catch up.
He was, after all, the chief disciple enjoying chief disciple-level resources.
At this moment, he sat cross-legged in his courtyard, looking at his reflection in the pond.
"I've been injured by wine and women."
Thinking of how Chen Qing cultivated diligently every day while he himself lingered in the tender embrace of various aristocratic young ladies, although he hadn't completely abandoned daily practice, his mind had long flown to pleasure boats, spring outings, and lake viewing.
As chief disciple, he faced too many temptations. Countless young ladies from aristocratic families favored him, actively inviting him out, making it difficult for him to completely settle his mind.
"Young Master, it's time for the evening meal."
At this moment, an elderly man walked over and bowed.
This elder was Steward Quan from the family, who had cared for him since childhood. When he came to the Five Terraces Sect, he came along as well.
"Steward Quan, do you think I've been too indulgent recently?"
Li Wang said in a heavy voice, his gaze still fixed on the wavering reflection in the pond.
Steward Quan pondered for a moment. Having watched Li Wang grow up, he knew his temperament well, then cautiously spoke, "Young Master is young and accomplished, with superior talent. Now honored as Lihuo Courtyard's chief disciple of the Five Terraces Sect, having achieved success at a young age, some social entertainment is normal. However, compared to when you first entered the inner courtyard with determined spirit and progress, recently you have indeed lacked some focus and ruthlessness."
Hearing this, Li Wang immediately took a deep breath, as if wanting to exhale all distracting thoughts, "Good! Steward Quan, you're right! Starting today, I abstain from wine and women and cultivate properly! If I don't rouse myself again, forget competing with the other three courtyard chief disciples, I'm afraid even junior martial brothers within the courtyard will surpass me!"
Having said this, Li Wang suddenly stood up and strode toward the dining hall.
Several exquisite and delicious dishes were already arranged on the table. Beside them, two comely maidservants stood with lowered hands, ready to serve his meal.
Li Wang sat down, picked up his chopsticks, and while eating without tasting, planned out his evening cultivation schedule in his mind, determined to make up for wasted time.
Just then, Steward Quan walked in again, his face carrying a trace of hesitation as he said in a low voice, "Young Master, from the Li family, Miss Li Zhirou has sent someone with an invitation."
In his hands, he held an elegantly fragrant, exquisite letter.
Li Wang's brow instinctively furrowed. His just-made resolution made him instinctively want to refuse, but his hand involuntarily reached out to take it.
The invitation felt warm and smooth to the touch. The writing on it was delicate, inviting him to go boating on the lake tomorrow, mentioning she had recently learned a new trick.
Li Wang's mind seemed to conjure up Li Zhirou's charming smile and the relaxed contentment of past outings together.
The restlessness just suppressed in his heart immediately surged up again, like kitten claws scratching at his heart.
"The Li family has always had dealings with our Five Terraces Sect. By reason and sentiment, I shouldn't too greatly refuse Miss Li's kindness. If this affects relations between our two families, it would instead be my fault."
He secretly gritted his teeth and found himself a perfect excuse, "I'll go one last time, absolutely the last time! I want to see what new trick it is that she boasts of so, consider it a relaxation before completely bidding farewell!"
The more he spoke, the more sufficient his reasons seemed. He was practically bearing humiliation for the sect's interests.
"Yes, exactly so!"
Li Wang nodded heavily, as if convincing himself, then instructed Steward Quan, "Go reply, say that I'll be free tomorrow afternoon. Have her wait for me at the Bibo Lake pavilion. Remember to tell her my schedule is tight, I can only spare one hour!"
"Yes, Young Master."
Steward Quan hesitated to speak but ultimately said nothing.
…
The next morning, as dawn light appeared, Chen Qing had just pushed open his courtyard gate when he saw a steward already waiting outside.
"Chief Disciple Chen, Wang Yongsheng, Deputy Commander of the Pacification Guard, has come to visit. He says he's specifically here to congratulate you on your breakthrough and is currently waiting in the front hall."
"Wang Yongsheng? Deputy Commander?"
Chen Qing's heart stirred.
He knew a bit about the Pacification Guard's structure. Below the Commander were two Deputy Commanders, who held high positions and power and wouldn't easily mobilize.
This person coming in person was definitely not a simple congratulatory visit.
He straightened his robes and followed the steward toward the front hall.
Entering the hall, he saw a man standing with his hands behind his back, admiring a landscape painting on the wall.
This person was tall with broad shoulders and a thick back, wearing a black Pacification Guard official robe.
Hearing footsteps, he turned around, his face carrying a hearty smile.
"Hahaha! This must be Brother Chen Qing? Truly a hero emerging in youth, extraordinary bearing!" Wang Yongsheng laughed as he stepped forward, his voice loud and resonant with vigorous energy.
"Deputy Commander Wang is too kind. This junior is Chen Qing. Not knowing the Deputy Commander was gracing us with his presence, I failed to welcome you properly. Please forgive me." Chen Qing cupped his fists in return, his attitude neither servile nor overbearing.
"Eh, Brother Chen, why be so modest? Advancing to True Aura at such an age is exceedingly rare in Yunlin Prefecture! Wang has come specially today to offer congratulations, bringing a small gift to express my sentiments. I hope Brother Chen won't refuse."
As Wang Yongsheng spoke, he took out a rosewood box from his sleeve and handed it over.
Opening the lid revealed three perfectly round pills lying quietly inside.
Aura Tempering Pills!
Moreover, judging by their quality, they were actually several degrees purer than the three pills the sect distributed monthly!
Chen Qing's gaze focused slightly, his thoughts racing.
The Pacification Guard truly had deep foundations. With one gesture, three supreme Aura Tempering Pills, this "small gift" was not small at all.
"Deputy Commander Wang, this congratulatory gift is too valuable. Chen cannot accept it with a clear conscience."
Chen Qing closed the box lid, about to decline.
"Eh, a precious sword is gifted to a hero, a spiritual pill to a heroic man! This item is perfectly suited for Brother Chen's use. How can it be called valuable? If you refuse, you look down on this crude fellow Wang."
Wang Yongsheng waved his large hand, feigning displeasure, then his smile faded, "Brother Chen, let me speak plainly. Wang is straightforward and won't beat around the bush. I've come today for two reasons: first to congratulate, second to cherish talent! With Brother Chen's natural gifts, being confined within a single sect is truly a waste. I wonder if Brother Chen has any thoughts about my Pacification Guard?"
"As long as Brother Chen is willing to take a post in my Pacification Guard, you needn't worry about the sect's resource allocations anymore. Forget other things, these Aura Tempering Pills will be sufficient! You should know that my Pacification Guard is directly under the imperial household, patrolling the realm, suppressing the disloyal, and moreover supervising two circuits. The resources within are countless, far surpassing what a single region's single sect can compare to. Techniques, pills, divine weapons, as long as you perform meritorious deeds, you'll have everything you need!"
Having spoken to this point, Wang Yongsheng stopped.
He believed that having said this much, the prospects and weight should be clear enough for this young man to measure.
The hall quieted for a moment.
Chen Qing pondered briefly, "Deputy Commander Wang's regard, Chen is deeply grateful. The Pacification Guard's prestigious reputation and abundant resources are indeed tempting. However..."
His words took a turn, his tone sincere, "Chen entered the Five Terraces Sect and received deep kindness from the sect's cultivation. Now my teacher is in closed-door cultivation, and courtyard affairs are complicated, making it truly difficult to divide my attention. Moreover, Chen's nature is casual, and I fear I cannot adapt to the Pacification Guard's rules and regulations. I would likely fail the Deputy Commander's kind intentions. For this generous gift, Chen accepts it shamefacedly, but regarding the posting, please forgive me, Deputy Commander."
Hearing this, Wang Yongsheng's smile remained unchanged, "No matter! Everyone has their own aspirations. Wang dislikes forcing people against their will most. If you ever change your mind, you can come find me anytime."
"Since that's the case, Wang won't linger. Brother Chen, until we meet again!"
"Deputy Commander, take care."
After seeing off Wang Yongsheng, Chen Qing returned to the hall, looking at the three Aura Tempering Pills in his hand and falling into contemplation.
The Pacification Guard's recruitment offer was undeniably enticing in its conditions but he knew well that once he accepted, it would mean being branded with the Pacification Guard's mark. The advantages and disadvantages within couldn't be measured by the few pills before his eyes.
Although the Five Terraces Sect had limited resources, it had given him sufficient freedom and foundation.
Moreover, according to Chen Qing's secret understanding, the current court and the Six Great Upper Sects weren't as harmonious as they appeared on the surface.
Over the following days, news of Chen Qing's breakthrough to True Aura spread throughout Yunlin Prefecture as if on wings.
A True Aura expert in his early twenties!
What this meant, all forces understood clearly.
Being able to establish connections early was guaranteed profit without loss.
For a time, carriages and horses streamed endlessly before the Five Terraces Sect's mountain gate. Various calling cards and invitations flew toward Qingmu Courtyard like snowflakes.
There were elders from Yunlin Prefecture's other three major sects coming to probe, and family heads from various local aristocratic families bringing heavy gifts to establish connections.
Outside Chen Qing's small courtyard, people waiting to request audience were present almost constantly. However, Chen Qing's response to all these visitors was only one thing: refusing visitors behind closed doors.
For several days running, regardless of how noble the visitor's status, how precious their gifts, even when Second Master Liu personally came, none could step even half a step into Chen Qing's small courtyard.
Chen Qing's heart was like still water. Each day he merely took pills, practiced qi cultivation, and tempered his True Aura, as if all the outside world's disturbances had nothing to do with him.
He knew well that only his own strength was fundamental.
This storm gradually subsided as well.
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