Chapter 195: News |
Chen Qing returned to the technique training grounds and was just about to go to Langya Pavilion to cultivate when an executive disciple of the Five Terraces Sect quickly stepped forward and respectfully bowed, "Chief Chen."
"What is it?" Chen Qing stopped and asked.
The executive disciple lowered his voice and cupped his fists, "Second Master Liu Mingyuan of the Liu family has come to pay a visit. He's currently waiting in the guest hall and stated clearly that he came specifically to see you."
When Chen Qing heard this, his eyebrows lifted slightly, "The Liu family is here again?"
Previously, when news of his breakthrough to True Aura spread, Liu Mingyuan had also come calling, but at that time he had closed his doors to visitors and refused to see anyone.
However, the Liu family was after all recognized as the foremost clan in Yunlin Prefecture, controlling the vast Yunlin Commerce Association with abundant financial resources.
Although they had recently lost some retainers, it was said they had spent heavily to recruit many new experts. There were even rumors that True Aura experts had been drawn into their network. Their foundation remained deep.
Chen Qing nodded slightly, "I'll go now."
Afterward, he went to the Five Terraces Sect's guest hall.
"Second Master Liu is too polite. Please sit."
Chen Qing's expression remained calm as he gestured for the other party to take a seat. He also sat down in the main position, and disciples soon brought tea.
After Liu Mingyuan sat down, he first exchanged pleasantries with a smile, then his tone became more serious, "Chief Chen, first let me congratulate you on your great advancement in cultivation, stepping into the True Aura realm! To have such achievements at such a young age truly puts people like us to shame. Your future prospects are surely limitless!"
Chen Qing smiled faintly, "Second Master Liu flatters me."
Liu Mingyuan waved his hand, his expression becoming even more sincere, "Liu's visit today has two purposes. The first is to offer congratulations, and the second, the most important point, is to specifically thank Chief Chen for avenging my Liu family!"
His tone carried gratitude, "That demonic Zuo Feng killed my nephew Liu Han and seized my Liu family's supreme treasure. He was our Liu family's mortal enemy! I heard that in the battle at Xuanjia Gate, it was you, Chief Chen, who personally slew him in the forest. Such a favor, my entire Liu family will remember in our hearts!"
As he spoke, Liu Mingyuan took out a jade box from his bosom and gently pushed it in front of Chen Qing.
When the lid opened, inside were three perfectly round pills, none other than Aura Tempering Pills!
"A small token of gratitude. I sincerely hope Chief Chen won't refuse."
Liu Mingyuan's tone was sincere, "Originally I should have come to express thanks earlier, but clan affairs were numerous, and we were troubled by remaining demonic sect villains, which delayed things for some time. I hope Chief Chen will forgive us."
Chen Qing's gaze swept over the three Aura Tempering Pills, and his heart immediately understood.
Liu Mingyuan's words were beautifully spoken, but they were all just excuses.
The real reason, he didn't need to think to know.
At the beginning of the shocking change at Xuanjia Gate, when the situation was unclear, the Liu family had closer relations with Hanyu Valley, and core clan disciples were cultivating at Hanyu Valley.
If the Liu family had immediately made a great show of coming to thank Chen Qing of the Five Terraces Sect, it would inevitably have displeased Hanyu Valley.
Now that the dust had settled and the Limitless Demon Sect's Yunlin branch had vanished like smoke, the pattern of the Five Terraces Sect and Hanyu Valley standing as twin powers was crystal clear.
While maintaining relations with Hanyu Valley, the Liu family was now turning to extend goodwill to the ascendant Five Terraces Sect.
"Second Master Liu speaks too seriously."
Chen Qing smiled and didn't refuse much. He reached out and accepted the jade box, "Eliminating demonic cultivators is our duty. Since the Liu family shows such sincerity, Chen would be disrespectful to refuse."
Seeing Chen Qing accept the pills, the smile on Liu Mingyuan's face became even warmer. He chatted casually about the current situation in Yunlin Prefecture, repeatedly hinting that the Liu family had abundant resources and extensive connections. As long as Chen Qing had any needs in the future, the Liu family would certainly provide full support.
His intention to establish relations was abundantly clear.
After all, Chen Qing was already the undisputed leader among the younger generation in Yunlin Prefecture, his strength and potential visible to all.
As long as nothing unexpected happened, him taking control of the Five Terraces Sect in the future was almost a certainty. Providing help now in times of need was far better than adding flowers to brocade later.
After sitting for a while longer, Liu Mingyuan saw that his purpose had been achieved and tactfully rose to take his leave.
Watching Liu Mingyuan's retreating back as he left with his attendants, Chen Qing shook his head.
This Liu family's "returning good for evil" truly left him with no way to take action.
Especially when Liu Mingyuan had casually mentioned during their chat that the Liu family would no longer pursue the matter of the Surging Waves Mysterious Flood Dragon Armor, the meaning was extremely clear.
Chen Qing didn't think much more about it and instead headed to Langya Pavilion to cultivate.
The storm of the Limitless Demon Sect's Yunlin branch being destroyed and Heart Devourer being executed gradually subsided over time, and Yunlin Prefecture's martial world welcomed tranquility.
All major powers were digesting the impact and changes to the power structure brought by this battle. On the surface, everything was calm and peaceful.
Chen Qing planned to find time to return to Gaolin County.
Having reached True Aura cultivation, his status was completely different from before. It was time to go back and see.
On this day, he came to the Qingmu Courtyard technique training grounds and was explaining some courtyard affairs to Luo Xinya for after his departure.
"For ordinary matters in the courtyard, you can handle them yourself." Chen Qing instructed.
Luo Xinya respectfully acknowledged, "Senior Brother Chief, rest assured. Xinya will certainly do her utmost."
Just then, an executive under the Sect Master's command hurriedly came to Qingmu Courtyard with a respectful expression, "Chief Chen, the Sect Master has urgent matters. He requests that Courtyard Master Li and Chief Chen come to the conference hall immediately."
Chen Qing's heart stirred.
A summons from the Sect Master wasn't rare, but for even Li Baichuan, who had been holed up in the back courtyard for years and barely managed affairs, to also be summoned, it seemed this discussion would be no ordinary matter.
"I understand. I'll go right away." Chen Qing nodded.
He first went to the back courtyard to inform Li Baichuan of the Sect Master's summons.
When Li Baichuan heard this, he lifted his eyelids and slowly stood up, dusting off non-existent dust from his robe, "Let's go."
The two then proceeded one after another to the sect's conference hall.
Inside the hall, the atmosphere was already unusual.
Sect Master He Yuzhou sat high in the main position, his face calm but his eyes deeper than usual.
To his left and right, the four courtyard masters Peng Zhen, Chu Jinyun, Hong Yuandong, and Tan Yang had all arrived, each sitting upright with solemn expressions.
The chief disciples of each courtyard, Li Lei, Yan Yaoyang, Nie Shanshan, and Li Wang had also all arrived, standing behind their respective courtyard masters.
In addition, Shen Xiuyong and several True Aura elders who remained at the sect were also present.
It could be said that the core high-level members and future hopes of the Five Terraces Sect were almost all gathered here.
Li Baichuan ambled in and casually cupped his hands toward He Yuzhou, then walked to an empty chair on the left and sat down, closing his eyes to rest.
Chen Qing bowed to He Yuzhou and the courtyard masters, then quietly stood beside Li Baichuan's seat.
He Yuzhou's gaze swept across the entire hall. Seeing that everyone had arrived, he slowly stood up.
"I've gathered everyone today because there is a matter that concerns the sect's future and, even more, your own prospects."
The hall immediately fell silent. All eyes focused on He Yuzhou.
"The edict from Tianbao Upper Sect has officially reached our Five Terraces Sect."
He Yuzhou's voice was steady, "The Xuwang Mountain Hundred Sects Elite Training Program will officially begin in three months!"
Although rumors of the Xuwang Mountain program had already spread far and wide, hearing the definite news now, a wave of discussion still rose in the hall.
He Yuzhou continued, "The Upper Sect's decree states that across the three circuits and fifty-one prefectures under their jurisdiction, all registered martial sects whose disciples are under forty years old with True Aura, or under thirty years old with late-stage embracing elixir strength, are all qualified to participate in this selection!"
"The final selection will be held at Tianbao Mountain in three months."
Three circuits! Fifty-one prefectures! Over a hundred sects!
These conditions combined meant this would be a vast gathering of geniuses!
Those able to meet the participation requirements were without exception core elites carefully cultivated by their sects, true children of heaven!
Wanting to stand out from this assembly of geniuses and enter Xuwang Mountain, one could imagine the difficulty!
However, once successful, the benefits one could obtain were beyond imagination!
Not only could they receive Tianbao Upper Sect's cultivation and access more profound techniques and resources with limitless future achievements, but it was truly like a carp leaping through the dragon gate. Their status and position would undergo earth-shaking changes.
A gleam flashed in Nie Shanshan's eyes. Yan Yaoyang unconsciously clenched his fists. Even Li Lei's breathing involuntarily quickened somewhat.
The more they understood about Tianbao Upper Sect, the more they yearned for it.
"Additionally."
He Yuzhou took a deep breath, "For every disciple sent by each sect who ultimately passes the assessment and officially stays at Xuwang Mountain to cultivate, that disciple's sect will receive a reduction of five years' tribute quota to the Upper Sect!"
As soon as these words came out, even the eyes of several courtyard masters and elders shook inwardly.
Five years of tribute quota!
For the Five Terraces Sect, this was a massive resource that could make their overall strength soar!
The Sect Master and courtyard masters considered the sect's overall situation and long-term development, while the disciples saw an opportunity to reach heaven in a single step.
"It can be said this is a win-win situation."
He Yuzhou's gaze swept over everyone, especially the young chief disciples, "The sect is very encouraging and supportive of this. Of course, the Xuwang Mountain selection is brutally competitive, with opportunities and risks coexisting. Whether to go or not is entirely up to your personal wishes. The sect absolutely won't force anyone."
He paused and announced loudly, "Is anyone willing to go?"
The hall fell into brief silence as everyone digested this shocking news and weighed the pros and cons.
After a moment, Shen Xiuyong was the first to stand up with a hearty laugh, "Sect Master, though I'm somewhat older, I still have a few years before the forty-year limit, and my cultivation barely qualifies. How could I miss such a gathering? Even if just to witness the splendor of the three circuits' elites, it would be worthwhile! I'm willing to go!"
He Yuzhou nodded slightly, a trace of approval showing in his eyes.
Shen Xiuyong making this decision wasn't surprising.
"Disciple is willing to go!"
Yan Yaoyang immediately followed, his voice firm.
He had failed to break through to True Aura and would need to accumulate for a long time before attempting again. Breaking through to True Aura before age thirty was basically hopeless now. Better to take a gamble at Tianbao Upper Sect.
This opportunity was once in a lifetime.
Gengjin Courtyard Master Tan Yang nodded, expressing approval.
Nie Shanshan let out a light breath, "Disciple is also willing to go and try."
Guishui Courtyard Master Chu Jinyun looked at her beloved disciple and slowly spoke, "It's good for Shanshan to experience and broaden her horizons."
Gengjin Courtyard's Tan Yang and Lihuo Courtyard's Hong Yuandong also nodded one after another, clearly supporting their most outstanding disciples going to compete for this opportunity.
At this moment, everyone's gazes, intentionally or not, turned toward the silent Chen Qing.
He was undoubtedly the most competitive candidate among the Five Terraces Sect's younger generation, possibly even the only one with a relatively high chance of passing the selection.
Chen Qing's face remained calm as he stated frankly, "Disciple is willing to go."
He Yuzhou's face immediately showed a satisfied smile, a weight lifting from his heart.
Chen Qing was undoubtedly the one with the greatest hope among them, even higher than Shen Xiuyong.
Li Lei bit his lip and also stepped forward, "Sect Master, disciple... disciple also wants to give it a try!"
He knew his chances were slim, but if he didn't personally participate in such a gathering, he would surely regret it for life.
The struggle on Li Wang's face was even more intense. Finally, as if making a great decision, he called out loudly, "Disciple will also go!"
The opportunity was right before them. Though he knew his strength was insufficient, he still wanted to try his luck. What if?
All five chief disciples of the Five Terraces Sect had expressed their willingness to go!
In addition, two more inner disciples whose cultivation had reached late-stage embracing elixir also mustered their courage to express their wish to go along.
He Yuzhou looked at these eager young faces before him, his heart filled with mixed emotions, both gratified and with a trace of imperceptible worry.
A place like Xuwang Mountain gathered geniuses, and the brutality of competition far exceeded their imagination.
For those whose wills weren't firm, suffering setbacks might not be good for their futures.
But He Yuzhou showed none of this on his face. He said in a deep voice, "Good! Since you all have this ambition, then go back and prepare well! There are still three months until the selection. You must seize every moment to improve your cultivation and strive to go in the best condition!"
"During this period, all disciples planning to go will receive monthly stipends at double the standard rate."
As soon as these words came out, all the disciples present were moved.
Especially Chen Qing and Shen Xiuyong, who had reached True Aura.
Their need for Aura Tempering Pills was even greater.
And Chen Qing, bearing two True Auras, found Aura Tempering Pills even more valuable, the more the better.
He Yuzhou waved his hand, "You're all dismissed. Specific itineraries and details will be announced separately later."
The disciples present left the conference hall one after another with complex feelings of excitement, anticipation, and nervousness.
Just as Chen Qing had walked out for a moment, Elder Sang's voice came from behind.
Chen Qing stopped and turned to respectfully bow, "Elder Sang."
Sang Yanping walked forward, his gaze gentle beneath his graying eyebrows, "I heard you're planning to return to Gaolin County?"
"I've been away from home for a long time, and my cultivation has advanced. It's proper to go back and see." Chen Qing replied.
Elder Sang nodded and pondered for a moment, "Do you need the sect to assign a team of skilled hands to escort you?"
Chen Qing smiled slightly upon hearing this, "Thank you for Elder Sang's kind intention, but there's no need to trouble the sect's brothers. Traveling light and simple will actually be more convenient."
Elder Sang didn't insist further and instead said, "Very well. Indeed, there are few people who can cause you trouble now. However, you are no longer an ordinary disciple, but the acting courtyard master of our Five Terraces Sect's Qingmu Courtyard, and even more, the future pillar supporting the sect."
Elder Sang's tone became solemn, "If you have any needs or encounter any difficulties, don't hesitate. Feel free to mobilize resources, whether manpower, materials, or even... certain unconventional means. Everything should prioritize your own safety and convenience. This is the shared intent of the Sect Master and us elders. Do you understand?"
Chen Qing cupped his fists upon hearing this, "Disciple understands. Thank you, Elder Sang. Thank you for the Sect Master's favor. If needed, disciple won't be polite."
"Mm, that's good then."
Elder Sang nodded with satisfaction and stroked his beard, "Go early and return early. The Xuwang Mountain matter is approaching, and the sect still needs your efforts."
"Yes, disciple takes his leave."
Chen Qing bowed again before turning away.