Chapter 197: Top Secret

Surviving In A Martial Arts World To Become A Saint

Chen Qing's days in Gaolin County flowed like still, deep water, stable and peaceful.

This day, the morning light was dim, filtering through the window lattice and scattering mottled shadows inside the room.

Chen Qing pushed open the door, and a fragrance of cooked rice mixed with the familiar scent of pickled vegetables wafted toward him.

Lady Han was busy at the stove, the pot gurgling and steaming with heat.

"Mother, didn't I say to let Xiao Cui and the others handle these things?"

Chen Qing walked forward and took the bowl from her hands.

Xiao Cui was a maid arranged by Wu Manqing to serve them.

Lady Han wiped her hands with her apron, her face showing undisguised joy, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes smoothing out, "You rarely come home, and Mother can still move. What's the harm in making you a few hot meals? How can you get this flavor outside?"

She was referring to the braised pork with dried bamboo shoots simmering in the pot, with a side dish of crisp pickled cucumbers and several pieces of fragrant fermented tofu.

Though this couldn't compare to delicacies from land and sea, it was Lady Han's specialty home-cooked dish, and more importantly, such abundance was something they couldn't even dream of back in Mute Bay on the fishing boat.

Chen Qing said nothing more and quietly served the rice.

Mother and son sat across from each other at the small table, quietly eating their lunch.

That bowl of glossy, bright red braised pork with dried bamboo shoots filled the entire small room with its familiar, rich aroma.

"Eat more!"

Lady Han kept using her chopsticks to place large pieces of meat in Chen Qing's bowl, her gaze full of loving care, "With all that wind and sun exposure outside, you need to replenish yourself. No matter how expensive the restaurant dishes are, they're not as flavorful as home cooking."

This was the dish Chen Qing most looked forward to as a child.

In the past, they could only taste a bit of meat during festivals, and each time he would eat until the bowl was spotless, reluctant to leave even the sauce.

These days, Lady Han made it every few days.

Chen Qing ate earnestly, then after a while said, "Mother, I plan to set out and return in two days."

He had been back in Gaolin County for a month already, so it was about time to return to the Five Terraces Sect.

Lady Han's hand paused slightly as she picked up food, then as if nothing had happened, she placed the best piece of pork belly in his bowl, the smile on her face unchanged, only the light in her eyes dimming imperceptibly for a moment.

"Good, proper business is important. Mother understands."

She lowered her head, picking at the rice in her own bowl, her tone as usual, "You're a person with prospects now, how can you always stay in this small place? Mother is doing well, lacking nothing, and the neighbors are friendly too..."

She rambled on, as if trying to convince Chen Qing, and also as if trying to convince herself.

Only in that voice, she ultimately couldn't hide a trace of loneliness but she knew she couldn't, and wouldn't, become that thread that held him back.

Chen Qing saw his mother's subtle loneliness clearly. He put down his bowl and chopsticks and smiled, "Mother, your cooking skills surpass any chef outside."

"I can work outside with peace of mind precisely because I know everything is well at home. This is my root, and no matter where I go, I will ultimately return here."

Hearing Chen Qing's words, the bit of sourness in Lady Han's heart was immediately smoothed over.

She raised her head, the dimness in her eyes dispersing, a smile reappearing, "Only you know how to make Mother happy. Mother knows my son is someone who does great things."

She no longer dwelled on the separation and picked up her chopsticks again, enthusiastically placing a chopstick-full of crisp pickled cucumber in Chen Qing's bowl, "Try this, Mother just pickled it. See if it suits your taste? Alright, alright, eat quickly, the food is getting cold."

The atmosphere at the dining table became relaxed and warm again as mother and son continued to enjoy this homely lunch.

The next day, Chen Qing came to the Zhou Courtyard.

He handed two small jade bottles to Zhou Liang.

"Master, these two bottles of 'Stabilizing Origin Pills' have some benefit for solidifying one's foundation. Please keep them."

Zhou Liang accepted the jade bottles. He knew well that anything from Chen Qing's hands was no ordinary item, and in the end only heavily patted Chen Qing's shoulder, everything unspoken.

He then handed another slightly different jade bottle to Sun Shun, "Senior Brother Sun, these few 'Breakthrough Barrier Pills' may help you break through the bottleneck to the transformation realm."

Sun Shun accepted the jade bottle, his hands actually trembling slightly.

He had been stuck at the peak of hidden strength for a long time, and these pills were like timely rain after a long drought to him.

His eyes grew slightly moist, without any false modesty, he bowed deeply, "Junior Brother Chen... great kindness needs no thanks! Senior Brother will... definitely live up to your expectations!"

He knew that for Chen Qing this might just be a casual gesture, but for him it was an enormous opportunity.

Chen Qing smiled, "Senior Brother Sun, you're too kind."

After all, they were once fellow disciples, and back in those days at the courtyard, Sun Shun was the senior brother who treated people most generously and was most willing to look after him.

Afterward, Chen Qing chatted at length with the two before calmly informing them he would be leaving soon.

Zhou Liang and Sun Shun, upon hearing this, showed little surprise, their words expressing only concern for Chen Qing.

After Chen Qing left, in the study of the Zhou Courtyard's rear courtyard.

Zhou Liang sat in his usual spot, his gaze looking at the figures of disciples outside the window, somewhat lost in thought.

Lady Li gently tidied up the teacup Chen Qing had used, her movements slow, finally unable to suppress a soft sigh.

This sigh broke the indoor tranquility, and Zhou Liang came back to his senses, looking at his wife, "What's wrong?"

Lady Li finished putting away the teacup and walked to sit beside Zhou Liang, her eyes filled with complex emotions, including gratification, pride, but more than anything, a deep sense of regret.

"Nothing."

She shook her head, her voice carrying some sentiment, "Just seeing how Ah Qing has become now... so remarkable, my heart is truly filled with mixed feelings. It seems he still hasn't married to this day."

She paused, raising her eyes to look at Zhou Liang, her tone unable to conceal her regret, "Tell me... if back then Yu'er that girl... sigh, if Ah Qing had truly become our son-in-law, how wonderful that would have been? That would truly be adding intimacy to kinship, a tremendous joyous occasion."

Zhou Liang, hearing this, fell silent for a moment, full of sighs and regret.

Had he not had such thoughts himself?

Especially when Chen Qing displayed astonishing talent yet came from humble origins with a steady and reliable temperament, he had almost determined this was the most suitable son-in-law for his daughter and the one who could most bring glory to the Zhou Courtyard.

He slowly nodded, "Yes... this is indeed a matter of regret. Ah Qing, this child, values righteousness, has responsibility, and his talent is one in ten thousand. If he could truly form a union with Yu'er, it would be her blessing."

He thought of when he had tested his daughter's feelings, and her shy yet subtly resistant reaction.

At the time he thought perhaps the timing wasn't right, or that his daughter had other thoughts, but now looking back, they had missed a tremendous destiny.

"Yu'er, that child, was probably too young at the time, her thoughts uncertain, or perhaps... sigh, in the end there was no such fate."

Lady Li sighed again, "Now she's at the Sea Sand Sect, who knows how she's doing, but thinking about it... I'm afraid it will be hard to find someone like Ah Qing... ah."

She didn't finish her words, but the meaning was clear.

Even at the Sea Sand Sect, whatever match Zhou Yu might find would likely be incomparable to Chen Qing, who was now honored as the future sect master of the Five Terraces Sect.

Zhou Liang took a deep breath and slowly said, "Fate cannot be forced. That this child can have today's achievements, you and I as his master and master's wife should be happy for him. As for other matters... ultimately there was affinity but no destiny."

Lady Li nodded and said nothing more.

Two days later, before dawn broke.

Lady Han had already risen early to prepare Chen Qing's traveling provisions.

She took out the blue cloth bundle and carefully spread it on the bed, placing neatly folded clothes inside one by one.

"Look, they're all thoroughly dried, carrying the scent of sunshine."

She chattered on, then tucked several packages of dried bamboo shoots carefully wrapped in oil paper into the corners of the bundle, "Outside you have all kinds of delicacies, but it's never quite the same flavor. When you miss home, take some out and steam it, it can serve as a reminder."

Chen Qing stood quietly by the door, his gaze following his mother's hands, not interrupting.

After finishing the packing, Lady Han sat on the edge of the kang and patted the empty space beside her.

Chen Qing obediently walked over and sat down.

"This time when you go back... be careful with everything."

Lady Han's voice lowered a bit as she reached out to straighten Chen Qing's already neat collar, "Mother knows you're capable and can handle everything well, but in all matters... keep an extra eye out. Safety and peace are most important. Don't worry about home, Mother is doing well."

She paused, her tone suddenly becoming lighter, her eyes carrying some anticipation as she smiled softly, "Next time you come back... it's best if it's not just you alone. Two would be fine, three even better, four... Mother can manage that too."

Chen Qing couldn't help but smile and shook his head, "Mother, your thoughts reach quite far."

"Far? What's far about it?"

Lady Han scolded him with a light tap, "You're at the age where you should start a family. Mother isn't pressuring you, but in her heart she needs something to look forward to. Look at Aunt Li next door, she's already holding two grandsons..."

As she spoke, she started laughing first, "Alright, alright, Mother won't nag. In short, as long as you're well, Mother's heart is at ease."

Chen Qing nodded and said warmly, "I know. Don't worry about me, and don't overwork yourself. If anything comes up, feel free to send someone to find Commander Pang or the Wu family."

"I know, I know."

Lady Han nodded repeatedly, ultimately saying nothing more, only pushing the packed luggage closer to her son, "Be careful on the road. Next time you come back, Mother will stew pork knuckle for you... bring a few back, Mother will stew them all together!"

Chen Qing acknowledged this, picked up his luggage, and turned to leave.

Outside the eaves, the morning light was just breaking and a clear breeze brushed his face. He walked a few steps, then turned to look back.

Lady Han leaned against the doorway, waving to him until his figure gradually merged into the morning light.

At the dock, the crowd flowed like a weaving loom, bustling and lively.

Chen Qing boarded the passenger ship bound for the prefectural capital, standing alone at the stern.

Looking back, Gaolin County's outline gradually blurred in the misty vapor, finally transforming into an indistinct ink line.

The river water surged endlessly as the passenger ship drifted downstream.

Two days later, the magnificent city walls and dense buildings of Yunlin Prefecture capital could be seen in the distance.

The vessel docked, the gangplank lowered, and Chen Qing followed the crowd onto the prefectural capital's dock.

Without a moment's pause, he headed straight toward the Five Terraces Sect outside the city.

Familiar mountain gate, familiar atmosphere.

Before long, he had returned to the entrance of his small courtyard.

Chen Qing set down the simple luggage he carried with him. Inside were nothing but a few changes of clothes and hometown delicacies his mother had forcibly packed for him.

Just as he finished putting things in order, hurried footsteps came from outside the courtyard.

An administrative disciple under the sect master's direct command quickly arrived at the courtyard gate and cupped his hands, "Chief Chen, the sect master requests you go to the council hall. He has matters to discuss."

Chen Qing's brow moved slightly at these words.

He had just stepped into the sect, and the sect master's summons had already arrived.

"I understand. I'll go right away."

Chen Qing nodded, his tone calm.

He casually straightened his robe and without further delay, followed that administrative disciple, walking quickly toward the council hall.

Inside the council hall, sandalwood incense curled upward.

He Yuzhou's brow was tightly furrowed, his expression grave.

Two or three months had passed since the Xuanjia Gate turmoil. The surface waves had gradually subsided, and Yunlin Prefecture seemed to have returned to its former order.

However, in He Yuzhou's heart, a thorn was embedding itself ever deeper. The most important spy he had planted inside the Demon Sect had completely lost contact since the battle at Xuanjia Gate.

This defied all reason.

According to the plan, that spy's identity was well-concealed and his cultivation was considerable. He should have been able to protect himself in the chaos at Xuanjia Gate, and afterward should have been the first to find a way to send back news.

Yet to this day there was no word, as if a stone had sunk into the sea.

Was the situation too tense, making it temporarily impossible to act? Or had... something unexpected happened?

A chilling thought surfaced: Had Heart Devourer truly died?

That day, he and Leng Qianqiu had joined forces and personally witnessed Zhou Nianchu's head fly off, his body frozen and sealed.

But what if Heart Devourer wasn't Zhou Nianchu alone?

Or what if Zhou Nianchu wasn't the true Heart Devourer?

If Heart Devourer had used this opportunity to shed his shell like a golden cicada, faking his death to escape...

At this thought, a chill ran up He Yuzhou's spine.

If Heart Devourer hadn't died, then he had not only escaped all open pursuit and attention, but had also secretly taken over the vast resources of Xuanjia Gate's Earth Origin cave, truly turning disaster into fortune, like a submerged dragon entering the sea.

When he digested what he'd gained and made his comeback, the threat would far exceed anything before!

Now the illusion that Yunlin Prefecture's demon troubles had been eliminated was a result all parties were willing to accept. No one would investigate further...

At this thought, a chill ran up He Yuzhou's spine.

If this were true, then Heart Devourer lurking in the shadows would be far more terrifying than the Heart Devourer who openly commanded the branch altar!

Just then, footsteps came from outside the door, and Chen Qing's voice rang out, "Disciple Chen Qing pays respects to the sect master!"

He Yuzhou instantly concealed all his outward emotions, his face returning to peace as he called out, "Come in."

Chen Qing entered the hall and cupped his hands in salute.

He Yuzhou looked him over, feeling somewhat gratified, and smiled, "You've returned? Is everything well at home? Though Gaolin County is small, it is where your roots lie. It's good to go back and visit."

"Thank you for the sect master's concern. All is well." Chen Qing replied respectfully.

He Yuzhou nodded slightly and dispensed with further pleasantries, getting to the point, "I called you here mainly for several matters."

As his words fell, an attendant standing to the side stepped forward carrying a jade tray with two jade boxes of extraordinary material.

He Yuzhou pointed to the first jade box. As the lid opened, it revealed a pill as red as blood, and immediately a scorching, tremendous power of vital blood permeated the air.

"This is the 'Tyrannical Blood Pill' sent by Earth Origin Sect."

He Yuzhou slowly explained, "It's refined from the heart's blood essence of seven different demonic beasts, supplemented with many rare medicinal treasures. This pill offers ordinary benefits for True Aura cultivation, but has miraculous effects for tempering the physical body and strengthening vital blood. Regarding the Yu He matter, the sect has been negotiating all along. Getting those old fellows from Earth Origin Sect to produce this pill as compensation wasn't easy. You cultivate external martial arts as well, so this pill is perfectly suited for you."

Chen Qing's gaze fell on the Tyrannical Blood Pill, his heart stirring.

He could sense the surging vital blood power contained within. His Eight Extremes Vajra Body was already approaching a bottleneck. If he consumed this pill, he might be able to quickly advance to the next realm.

Earth Origin Sect was the local power of Lin'an Prefecture, their influence only stronger than the Five Terraces Sect, not weaker. That they could make concessions and produce this pill was already quite remarkable.

All of this was thanks to the sect master and the sect's mediation.

Chen Qing cupped his hands, "Thank you, sect master, for mediating on this disciple's behalf."

He Yuzhou waved his hand, his tone somewhat grave, "Our Five Terraces Sect's influence ultimately has difficulty extending to Lin'an Prefecture. That Earth Origin Sect gave compensation is already rare. Let this matter rest for now. In the future, you must be even more cautious in your actions."

"This disciple understands." Chen Qing nodded.

He Yuzhou then pointed to the second jade box, inside which was a spirit object resembling a snow-white lingzhi mushroom wreathed in faint cold mist.

"This is the Ice Marrow Mushroom unique to Hanyu Valley, growing at the bottom of extremely cold ice pools. It takes ten years to form, and consuming it directly is no weaker than a supreme-grade Aura Tempering Pill."

He Yuzhou explained, his eyes carrying a meaningful depth, "Valley Master Leng specifically designated this as a gift to you, saying it's to commend you for slaying Demon Sect experts in the Xuanjia Gate battle and establishing remarkable merit for the four-sect alliance."

This item greatly benefited True Aura cultivation. Even Hanyu Valley elders could only obtain it after establishing merit.

That Leng Qianqiu would gift this item to Chen Qing appeared on the surface to reward him for slaying Demon Sect experts, but there might well be deeper meaning.

Chen Qing was now already a leader among Yunlin Prefecture's younger generation, his momentum flourishing. Trying to suppress him further was already difficult for her, so she might as well go with the flow and show some goodwill.

Chen Qing's heart stirred slightly, thinking to himself that Hanyu Valley would actually proactively bestow this Ice Marrow Mushroom was quite beyond expectation.

He received the jade box with both hands and said, "Please have the sect master convey this disciple's thanks to Valley Master Leng for her generous gift."

Regardless, he currently welcomed any cultivation resources with open arms, the more the better.

He Yuzhou pondered for a moment, his expression becoming solemn, "There is one more matter that requires you to handle it."

He withdrew from his sleeve a letter sealed with fire wax. The letter's material was special, clearly no ordinary item.

"This letter needs you to personally deliver it to the Shen family in Tianbao City."

He Yuzhou's tone was grave, "Tianbao City is the core territory of Tianbao Upper Sect, where forces are intricate and complex. Though the Shen family hasn't yet been officially listed as a millennial aristocratic family, their foundation is deep. They've already touched the threshold of a millennial aristocratic family. Their family head, Shen Zhixian, is an unfathomably deep figure who advanced to the True Origin realm many years ago."

"True Origin realm!" Chen Qing's heart shook.

This was an existence that surpassed True Aura!

An expert who could reach this realm could use true origin to temper their body and increase their own lifespan, truly one of the top experts within the three paths.

He Yuzhou continued, "Years ago, our Five Terraces Sect's previous sect master had a deep friendship with Family Head Shen. Later, when our Five Terraces Sect openly and covertly contended with Chaoyong Sect and was in a difficult position, we also received the Shen family's secret assistance, which stabilized the situation. Otherwise, relying solely on our Five Terraces Sect, we would have found it difficult to resist Chaoyong Sect's flourishing momentum."

His gaze grew distant, as if recalling past events, "I also have some friendship with an old acquaintance of the Shen family. Having you deliver this letter serves two purposes: one is to renew old ties, and secondly... though Yunlin Prefecture seems to have weathered the storm, the Demon Sect ultimately hasn't been completely eradicated. Having another route means having another safeguard. You need only personally deliver this letter to the Shen family's Third Elder, Shen Qianshan. He will understand."

Chen Qing cupped his hands, "This disciple obeys the command! I will ensure this letter safely reaches Elder Shen Qianshan's hands!"

"Good!"

He Yuzhou nodded slightly, "This matter isn't urgent. You should first return and properly digest the medicinal power of the Tyrannical Blood Pill and Ice Marrow Mushroom to increase your strength. In one month you'll need to set out for Tianbao Mountain."

"Yes! This disciple takes his leave!"

Chen Qing carefully stored away the two jade boxes and the letter, bowed in salute, and withdrew from the council hall.