Chapter 222: Fury |
Outside the Tianbao Tower, Shen Xiuyong and Qiao Hongyun hurriedly stepped forward.
Shen Xiuyong even took out a jade bottle, poured out a healing pill, and without allowing refusal, stuffed it into Chen Qing's hand, "Martial Nephew, quickly take this. Stabilizing your internal injuries is urgent!"
Chen Qing accepted it without declining. He took the pill and swallowed it, a gentle warm current instantly spreading through him.
"Many thanks, Uncle Shen, Uncle Qiao."
"Brother Chen, congratulations! The twenty-ninth level is truly... astonishing!"
Shang Lujing stepped forward, his expression complex, though he still offered congratulations.
He had originally thought himself solidly in the top ten, existing in a tier of his own within this small circle. He never expected Chen Qing to quietly come from behind and also reach the twenty-ninth level.
Zhuo Xiaoyun also softly offered congratulations, "Brother Chen has hidden himself truly deeply. This display of potential is sufficient to rank among True Disciple candidates."
At this time, quite a few talents from the hundred sects came forward, wanting to chat with Chen Qing and become familiar faces.
Seeing that his condition was indeed poor, everyone understandingly cleared a path.
It seemed that in breaking through the twenty-ninth level, he had exhausted all his trump cards and completely drained himself.
Chen Qing nodded to them, then under countless watching gazes, dragging his "exhausted" body, step by step left the noisy plaza and headed toward his small courtyard.
Once he returned to the quiet courtyard and closed the gate, the weakness on Chen Qing's face quickly faded.
He carefully sensed his internal condition. The superficial wound on his chest had already scabbed over under the Eight Extremes Vajra Body's powerful self-healing ability, and the slight internal shock had largely settled during the walk back.
"This Eight Extremes Vajra Body's Primordial Unity realm is truly remarkable."
Chen Qing was secretly satisfied.
His earlier weakness was seventy percent due to massive True Aura consumption, and thirty percent deliberately put on.
That night, the moon was bright and stars sparse.
After feeding the squawking, constantly hungry golden-feathered eagle chick that had grown another size larger, Chen Qing was preparing to sit in meditation when knocking sounds came from outside the courtyard gate again.
Chen Qing's heart stirred. Who would it be at this hour?
He straightened his garments and went forward to open the courtyard gate.
Outside the door stood an elderly man with a kind face and gentle eyes. It was none other than Elder Deng Ziheng.
Chen Qing hurriedly bowed in salute, "Disciple Chen Qing did not know Elder Deng was visiting. My failure to welcome you properly, please forgive me, Elder."
Deng Ziheng waved his hand, smiling warmly as he stepped into the small courtyard, "No need for such courtesy. This old man has come uninvited and disturbed your quiet cultivation."
"Elder is too kind. Your presence brings honor to this humble dwelling." Chen Qing respectfully guided Deng Ziheng to sit at the stone table.
Deng Ziheng stroked his beard and assessed Chen Qing, "Excellent, excellent. With mid-stage True Aura cultivation, consecutively breaking through the twenty-eighth and twenty-ninth levels, battling two late-stage True Aura puppets with seamless coordination, such achievements would be worthy of pride even among the veteran inner sect disciples."
Chen Qing said modestly, "Elder praises me too highly. This disciple merely exerted all his strength and was fortunate to win. I truly dare not accept such high praise."
He knew this Elder Deng's late-night visit was definitely not merely to praise him a few times.
Deng Ziheng smiled, as if seeing through his thoughts. No longer beating around the bush, his expression became slightly more serious, "That you possess such temperament, neither arrogant nor impatient, is very good. This old man has come tonight firstly to check on your condition, and secondly because there are some words I must remind you of."
He paused, then continued, "Today you charged into the top ten in one leap, displaying True Disciple candidate qualifications. This matter has likely already spread throughout the inner sect. You need to be prepared for what comes next. Within the sect, numerous aristocratic families, factions, and even our four lineages will likely cast their eyes upon you, with no shortage of intentions to win you over and recruit you."
Chen Qing's heart became solemn, knowing the main event had arrived. He listened intently.
Deng Ziheng spoke earnestly, "Within our Tianbao Upper Sect, forces are deeply entangled. There are thousand-year aristocratic families and sect elders, relationships intricately complex. Among them are benefits and drawbacks that you need to carefully weigh and prudently choose. Do not make hasty decisions for momentary gains."
These words could be called heartfelt, transparent with an elder's caring intent toward a junior.
Chen Qing nodded heavily, saying in a deep voice, "Many thanks for Elder's teachings. This disciple will take them to heart and will certainly act prudently."
Coming from humble origins, he deeply understood there were no benefits without reason in this world. He naturally understood these principles.
Seeing this, satisfaction flashed in Deng Ziheng's eyes. He continued, "Besides this, since you've revealed your potential, you've naturally entered the eyes of the four lineages' upper echelons. Many of the sect's profound martial arts and secret realm opportunities going forward are mostly connected to the four lineages. If you wish to climb higher peaks in the future, choosing one lineage for deep cultivation is almost an inevitable path."
Chen Qing's heart stirred. He cupped his fists and asked, "May I ask Elder Deng, which of the four lineages do you belong to?"
Although he had some guesses, he still wanted confirmation.
Deng Ziheng smiled slightly, "This old man comes from the True Martial lineage. Although I now serve at the Main Peak, my roots remain in True Martial. Speaking of which, the current Sect Master also comes from our True Martial lineage."
"The Sect Master is also from the True Martial lineage?" Hearing this, Chen Qing was indeed somewhat surprised.
The Sect Master's lineage should logically be the sect's strongest faction.
Deng Ziheng seemed to see through his thoughts. His smile dimmed somewhat as he sighed gently, "Although the Sect Master comes from True Martial, the True Martial lineage has actually encountered some problems in recent years, with a gap in talent succession. Compared to the ascendant Nine Heavens lineage, our momentum is indeed not as strong as in past years."
Encountered some problems?
Gap in talent succession?
Chen Qing keenly caught these few key words. He immediately understood in his heart that things were definitely not as simple as they sounded on the surface.
A sect master's faction actually declining instead, the waters here were probably very deep indeed.
He naturally wouldn't rashly pursue specific reasons, merely burying this doubt in his heart.
"Now that you possess True Disciple candidate potential with boundless prospects, you need even more diligent, unceasing effort."
Deng Ziheng pulled the topic back to Chen Qing, his tone becoming serious, "You must know, those eyeing True Disciple positions are as numerous as fish crossing a river, but those who truly succeed are few and far between. Take that gatekeeper Lu Chenming, who comes from the Nine Heavens lineage. He's held the tenth True Disciple position for six years. Several powerful True Disciple candidates within the sect have challenged him, all ending in defeat. One person's fate was particularly miserable. This person has a deep foundation, having long reached True Aura perfection with numerous trump cards. He's definitely not someone to trifle with."
"Many thanks for Elder's information. This disciple understands." Chen Qing cupped his fists heavily.
He naturally knew the cruelty of competing for True Disciple positions. He had long heard of Lu Chenming's banquet invitation and "gatekeeping" deeds.
For him, the most important matter currently was to steadily improve his strength, advancing his cultivation to late-stage or even perfection of True Aura as soon as possible before seeking other things, rather than overreaching for those True Disciple positions.
"Mm, good that you understand."
Deng Ziheng nodded and stood up, "Each of the four lineages has its own inheritance characteristics. You can learn more about them yourself in the future and consider carefully, choosing the path most suitable for you. This old man's visit this time is not to act as a persuader for the True Martial lineage, forcibly recruiting you."
"I simply saw you as excellent material and couldn't bear to see you stumble or go astray due to ignorance of worldly affairs, so I've spoken a few extra words. As for those aristocratic family recruitments, this old man still says the same, you must be clear-headed and choose prudently."
Deng Ziheng's words were sincere. Chen Qing could feel the caring intent within them. He bowed in salute again, "Elder's words today are like enlightenment. This disciple is endlessly grateful!"
"Good, rest and recover well then." Deng Ziheng waved his hand, saying no more, and turned to walk out of the courtyard.
After seeing Deng Ziheng off, Chen Qing stood in the courtyard, pondering at length.
"True Martial lineage, Nine Heavens lineage..." he murmured softly.
The Nine Heavens lineage had Lu Chenming, as well as that Luo Ziming who had come to probe him. He had already mentally placed them in the category requiring distance.
Now that he'd displayed some strength, presumably they wouldn't test him as casually as before.
As for the True Martial lineage, although it had the great banner of the Sect Master, there seemed to be other hidden circumstances internally that Elder Deng was vague about.
…
At the Shen family courtyard, deep among blooming flowers.
In an octagonal pavilion, tea fragrance wafted.
Miss Shen Xinyue, ninth daughter of the Shen family, was sitting leisurely chatting with her close friend and fellow Tianbao City aristocratic family daughter, Miss Zhao Man from the Zhao family.
"If you ask me, although Senior Martial Brother Lu Chenming ranks tenth, his foundation is deep. I heard he's already reached True Aura perfection. His future prospects may not be limited."
Zhao Man gently waved her round fan, her eyes carrying longing and admiration for True Disciples, "The ten great True Disciples are each dragons and phoenixes among people. If one could..."
Before finishing her words, she glanced teasingly at Shen Xinyue, "Like your Third Sister who found a True Disciple as an excellent husband, that would be a truly fine match."
Shen Xinyue picked up her teacup and took an elegant sip, her manner carrying a trace of the reserve and faint pride inherent to aristocratic family daughters, "The True Disciple position is not easily obtained. Senior Brother Lu is sufficient in maintaining position but appears insufficient in forging ahead. Rather, several ranked higher, like Senior Brother Yan Chi, are those truly capable of competing for great momentum."
Her words seemed to know the True Disciples' strengths and weaknesses like the back of her hand, her perspective extremely high.
As they were talking, a personal maidservant hurried through the flower path to the pavilion entrance, her face showing suppressed shock and urgency. She curtsied, "Miss."
Shen Xinyue's dark brows furrowed slightly, as if displeased at being disturbed, "What matter makes you so flustered?"
The maidservant quickly stepped forward, urgently reporting in low tones.
After hearing just a few sentences, Shen Xinyue's hand holding the teacup paused. Those beautiful eyes suddenly widened as she exclaimed, "Is this true? Chen Qing? He passed the twenty-ninth level of the Tianbao Tower?! Ranked eighth at Xuwang Mountain?"
Her voice unconsciously rose, transparent with uncontrollable shock.
"Absolutely true, Miss!"
The maidservant's tone was certain. She described the Tianbao Tower scene in detail, as well as how this matter was now being discussed throughout Xuwang Mountain and even the inner sect, "Everyone outside is talking about it, all saying that although Young Master Chen ranks eighth, he already possesses 'True Disciple candidate' qualifications and is the third person following closely behind Wu Anren and He Shuang!"
Listening, Shen Xinyue's heart felt like a lake surface struck by a giant stone, waves suddenly rising and rippling endlessly.
True Disciple candidate!
The weight of these four words, she understood all too clearly.
This meant Chen Qing had leaped to become one of the sect's most top-tier potential rising stars, possessing qualification to compete for that supremely exalted position in the future!
His status would be completely different from before!
In her mind instantly flashed the first meeting, that youth from Yunlin Prefecture who seemed steady but had nothing particularly special about him. She also recalled Third Uncle Shen Qianshan's words that day...
Third Uncle's words actually came true?
Eighth Sister's words came true too?
Zhao Man at her side listened in confusion. Seeing Shen Xinyue so agitated, she couldn't help but curiously pursue, "Xinyue, who are you talking about? Which Chen Qing? True Disciple candidate? Aren't the only new True Disciple candidates Wu Anren and He Shuang?"
Shen Xinyue took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the turmoil in her heart, struggling to restore calm to her face.
She picked up her teacup, feigning nonchalance, "Oh, nothing. Just a disciple the family previously took note of, from Yunlin Prefecture's Five Terraces Sect, named Chen Qing. I didn't expect he'd quietly make such a name for himself."
"Five Terraces Sect? Never heard of such a small sect, right?"
Zhao Man grew increasingly curious, "It can actually produce a True Disciple candidate? Incredible! Xinyue, your Shen family noticed him early on? Truly a discerning eye!"
Shen Xinyue enjoyed the unconscious admiration in her friend's tone, a sense of superiority and relief rising in her heart.
She went along with Zhao Man's words, her tone appearing even more casual, as if everything was under control:
"Mm, the family does have some insight. This person... can also be considered to have past connections with my Shen family. The family elders previously had some intention of a marriage alliance. Looking at it now, their judgment wasn't mistaken."
"Marriage alliance?"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Man's voice immediately rose eight octaves, her eyes instantly filling with surprise and unconcealed envy, even a trace of imperceptible sourness, "A marriage alliance with a True Disciple candidate? Xinyue, this... this is an enormous blessing! Congratulations, congratulations! If he truly ranks among True Disciples in the future, then you..."
A potential True Disciple candidate was enough to make the hearts of most aristocratic family daughters in Tianbao City flutter with envy.
Zhao Man's face still smiled, but in her congratulatory words, that slightly sour flavor quietly permeated.
Shen Xinyue's heart was pleased. The corners of her mouth couldn't help but slightly rise. Her earlier slight contempt for Chen Qing had long been cast to the ninth heaven. She began seriously contemplating Third Uncle's deep meaning and the family's strategy.
She nodded reservedly, "Speaking of this now is still premature. He's only just begun to show his edge. Little He—"
She turned toward the waiting maidservant, "Go now and write a letter in my name to be sent to Chen Qing at Xuwang Mountain. Say... the day after tomorrow at noon, I'm hosting a simple banquet at 'Azure Ripple Pavilion' in the city, inviting him to sample newly arrived 'Cloud Mist Spirit Tea' and discuss cultivation insights."
She deliberately chose "Azure Ripple Pavilion," an elegant and quite renowned teahouse, and specified the valuable "Cloud Mist Spirit Tea" to show importance and sincerity.
"Yes, Miss." The maidservant accepted the order and hurriedly left.
Zhao Man heard everything clearly. The envious expression on her face grew thicker. She said many more flattering words, the envy in her tone almost impossible to conceal.
Shen Xinyue was in an excellent mood. She continued chatting leisurely with Zhao Man, her conversation inevitably carrying several hints of vague longing and calculation about the future.
Now that Chen Qing was a True Disciple candidate, if by chance he truly became a True Disciple in the future, then...
About half an hour later, Zhao Man was preparing to rise and take her leave when she saw the maidservant who had delivered the letter hurrying back, her face no longer excited but instead carrying some trepidation and ugliness.
Seeing her return so quickly, Shen Xinyue felt an inexplicable lurch in her heart. She raised her eyebrow and asked, "The letter was delivered? What did he say? What time is convenient the day after tomorrow?"
The maidservant hesitated, not daring to raise her head to look at her, voice like a mosquito's hum, "Re-returning to Miss, the letter was delivered... Young Master Chen, he, he looked at the letter..."
"What did he say?" Shen Xinyue's tone sank.
The maidservant bit her teeth, steeling herself, "Young Master Chen said... said his cultivation is currently at a critical juncture, temporarily... temporarily he cannot spare time to attend the banquet. He appreciates Miss's kind intention, and in the future, if there's an opportunity, he'll speak of it then..."
"Speak of it in the future?"
The shallow smile and reserve on Shen Xinyue's face instantly froze, becoming deathly pale.
She only felt as if someone had viciously slapped her face, burning with pain!
She, ninth daughter of the Shen family, one of the "Nine Fragrant Phoenixes," had personally invited Chen Qing, and was actually... refused so decisively and cleanly?!
With such an extremely perfunctory excuse!
Zhao Man at her side also froze, the envy and flattery on her face instantly solidifying, then becoming somewhat strange.
It seemed things weren't so simple after all!
She quickly lowered her head, pretending to arrange her sleeves, afraid her eyes would reveal the schadenfreude about to overflow.
The atmosphere in the pavilion instantly dropped to freezing, awkwardness almost suffocating.
Shen Xinyue's chest heaved violently several times, her fingernails digging deeply into her palms.
She struggled to maintain her last shred of dignity, "Good... what fine words, 'speak of it in the future'! I understand. You may go."
Hearing this, the maidservant quickly left, afraid of becoming collateral damage.
Seeing this, Zhao Man also hurriedly stood and took her leave, "Xinyue, I suddenly remembered there are some matters at home. I'll take my leave first."
After speaking, she left the pavilion almost as if fleeing.
When Zhao Man's figure completely disappeared at the end of the flower path, Shen Xinyue suddenly swept her sleeve!
"Crack!"
The porcelain cup worth a thousand gold in her hand was viciously smashed to the ground!
"Chen Qing!"
She could no longer suppress the humiliation and fury in her heart, "What makes you so great! You're merely a True Disciple candidate! Not even a True Disciple yet! How dare you insult me like this!"
Inside and outside the pavilion, the attending maids were frightened into silence, all lowering their heads, not daring to breathe loudly.
Shen Xinyue stood in place, her chest heaving violently, her face alternating between red and white, only feeling today's humiliation was unprecedented.
The name Chen Qing at this moment was like a sharp thorn, viciously stabbed into her pride.
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