Chapter 223: Demon-Quelling |
Profound Yang Peak, one of the Inner Nine Peaks, differed from Nine Heavens Peak's ethereal grace and elegance. This peak's terrain was imposingly rugged and precipitous.
At the summit stood Profound Yang Hall, towering majestically.
At this moment, seated at the head of the great hall was an elderly man.
This person was extremely tall and burly. Even while seated, he emanated a mountain-like sense of oppression.
His hair and beard were both dark crimson in color, as if containing molten lava within, casually draped over his shoulders.
This was none other than the Profound Yang lineage's master, Ke Tianzong!
Standing respectfully below on the left and right were two people.
On the left stood an elder wearing the Profound Yang lineage elder's robes. He was the Profound Yang lineage's Technique Transmission Elder, named Gongyang Ming.
On the right was a composed young man of about thirty-some years, whose features, while not handsome, were sharply defined.
"Lineage Master!"
Seeing Ke Tianzong's gaze sweep over, Gongyang Ming and Ji Yunliang simultaneously bowed and cupped their fists respectfully.
Ke Tianzong nodded slightly, "No need for such formalities."
Gongyang Ming stepped forward, asking with concern, "Lineage Master, regarding your recent trip to the Northern Border to probe that old monster Chaoping from Cloudwater Upper Sect, what was the result?"
Ke Tianzong waved his hand dismissively, his expression bland, as if discussing some trivial matter, "It's nothing. That old fellow does indeed have some ability, slippery as an eel. We exchanged a few probing moves. Neither could do anything to the other, so we each withdrew."
Though his tone was casual, both Gongyang Ming and Ji Yunliang knew full well that this probing encounter had likely been extremely perilous.
Then Ke Tianzong's gaze fell upon Ji Yunliang, "Yunliang, you secluded yourself for several months within the 'Grotto Heaven.' Have you made any gains?"
Ji Yunliang bowed in response, his tone steady, "Reporting to Lineage Master, during this seclusion, this disciple gained some insights into the 'Profound Yang True Solution,' and my grasp of Profound Yang momentum has also improved somewhat. However..."
He pondered for a long while before continuing, "Regarding the matter of the Ancestor's inheritance that Lineage Master previously instructed this disciple to secretly search for, I have traversed nearly all the known regions of the Grotto Heaven and expended much mental energy sensing, yet still... I have found no trace whatsoever."
At the mention of the Ancestor's inheritance, ripples stirred in both Gongyang Ming and Ji Yunliang's hearts.
Even within the upper echelons of the Profound Yang lineage, this matter was classified as top secret.
Hearing this, Ke Tianzong said slowly, "It's alright. This matter cannot be rushed. Our Ancestor was brilliantly talented. If his inheritance were so easily obtained, it wouldn't be our turn as descendants."
Ji Yunliang hesitated for a moment before still asking, "Lineage Master, forgive this disciple's directness, but what exactly is this Ancestor's inheritance? Though there are rumors within the sect, for thousands of years it has remained elusive. When searching, this disciple also felt completely without direction."
The truth of this Ancestor's inheritance was illusory and insubstantial, with no one able to verify it.
Ji Yunliang had always maintained a skeptical attitude toward it.
Ke Tianzong's gaze grew profound as he said gravely, "The Ancestor's inheritance should truly exist. It does not refer to the four great sect-protecting true scriptures that have been passed down, but rather... the supreme mystery that connects the core of the four great true scriptures, and may even include... divine techniques and secret arts that far exceed the scope of true scriptures!"
"Divine techniques and secret arts?"
Gongyang Ming couldn't help but exclaim softly, while even Ji Yunliang's breathing hitched slightly.
Divine techniques and secret arts beyond true scriptures were already approaching legendary realms!
"Correct."
Ke Tianzong confirmed, "According to generations of predecessors' speculation, whoever obtains this core inheritance will essentially possess a key, able to glimpse the mystery of the four great true scriptures sharing a common origin and method! It's almost unimaginable!"
He paused, looking at Ji Yunliang with a grave tone, "Over these thousands of years, those within the sect who have secretly and openly sought the inheritor are not few, but all have come up empty-handed."
"However, based on fragmentary records and speculation from predecessors, the inheritance most likely exists in three places. First is the deepest part of Tianbao Tower, the most mysterious location said to contain the Ancestor's will. Second is the top-floor forbidden area of the Scripture Repository on Myriad Techniques Peak that has never been opened to outsiders. Third is within the secret realm Grotto Heaven opened by the Ancestor himself, isolated from the world."
Hearing this, the two exchanged glances.
Gongyang Ming said slowly, "It seems whoever obtains the Ancestor's inheritance will be able to completely change the current structure of the four lineages."
Ke Tianzong paced slowly, saying, "Indeed, whoever obtains the Ancestor's inheritance would certainly be sufficient to change the sect's structure, even shake the entire Yan Kingdom. But precisely because of this, the matter becomes increasingly thorny. Those eyeing this inheritance are hardly limited to within Tianbao Upper Sect."
"The imperial court, the other five sects, and even some old monsters hidden from the world, who doesn't want a share? My Profound Yang lineage and the True Martial lineage have pursued this tirelessly for hundreds of years, not only for the sect's continuation, but also to preemptively secure it lest the inheritance fall into enemy hands and cause the sect's collapse."
"However, this matter can only be encountered by fate, not sought by force."
Ji Yunliang's expression became solemn as he bowed deeply, "Lineage Master's teachings, this disciple understands. Only by becoming powerful oneself can one seize opportunities. Otherwise, even if the inheritance were right before one's eyes, one would lack the fortune to receive it."
"Mm, good that you understand." Ke Tianzong nodded slightly, his face showing a trace of satisfaction, "You may go. Properly consolidate what you've gained from this seclusion."
Ji Yunliang and Gongyang Ming bowed again and respectfully withdrew from Profound Yang Hall.
The hall doors slowly closed, leaving only Ke Tianzong alone in the vast chamber.
He gazed toward the exterior, murmuring to himself, "The Ancestor's inheritance? How difficult it is! Does such a heaven-defying prodigy truly exist in this world!?"
…
Xuwang Mountain, small courtyard.
For several consecutive days, Chen Qing's small courtyard had changed from its usual tranquility to become bustling with visitors.
Various major clan stewards and descendants from within Tianbao City, as well as inner sect senior brothers and sisters intending to establish connections, came to visit in an endless stream.
Some presented calling cards and generous gifts, earnestly inviting him to banquets with sincere words. Others directly expressed recruitment intentions, promising various resource commitments.
Facing these enthusiastic visitors, Chen Qing politely declined them all.
He deeply understood the principle that a tall tree attracts wind. Having just entered mid-stage True Aura, his foundation still needed time to be polished and perfected. He was far from the point where he could be ostentatious or relaxed.
More importantly, he didn't want to bind himself too early to any faction's interests or become embroiled in the sect's complex factional disputes.
It wasn't until the third day that the commotion gradually subsided.
On that very day, the sect issued the subsequent monthly stipend standards for Xuwang Mountain disciples, exactly as previously rumored, strictly tied to final rankings.
Chen Qing ranked eighth and could receive three hundred contribution points monthly, fully three times what he'd received before.
Those ranked tenth to thirtieth received two hundred contribution points monthly. Thirty-first to fiftieth received one hundred monthly. Beyond fiftieth received only fifty points. The disparity was immediately apparent.
"Three hundred points per month... that's three thousand six hundred points per year. It truly is a considerable stable income."
Chen Qing calculated, fairly satisfied in his heart.
These additional two hundred points were sufficient to support his daily consumption of premium Aura Tempering Pills, significantly improving his cultivation speed.
The sect used this method to stimulate competition. Though cruel, it was also simple and direct.
In the afternoon, another knock came from outside the courtyard.
Chen Qing opened the door to find two people standing outside.
Leading them was an elder with a composed bearing whose aura was contained without revelation, giving Chen Qing a sense of unfathomable depth.
Behind the elder followed a young woman with delicate features and lively eyes. Her cultivation was at mid-stage True Aura, and she was currently curiously observing Chen Qing.
"Might you be young friend Chen Qing?"
The elder smiled and cupped his fists, "This old one is Huo En of the Nanzhao Huo Clan. Excuse this presumptuous visit."
Chen Qing's heart stirred.
The Nanzhao Huo Clan, a thousand-year-old clan with deep foundations. He had naturally heard of their reputation.
He had also heard about Wu Anren being personally invited to a banquet and recruited by Huo Qiushui, the fifth-ranked True Disciple.
He hadn't expected the Huo Clan to find him so quickly.
"So it's Senior Huo. I've long admired your name. Please, come in quickly."
Chen Qing stepped aside to invite the two into the courtyard, leading them to sit at the stone table.
After Huo En took his seat, he didn't exchange excessive pleasantries but directly cut to the main topic, "Young friend Chen is so young yet has already entered the top ten of Xuwang Mountain, possessing the qualifications of a True Disciple candidate. It's truly astonishing. This old one has come today on behalf of the Huo Clan to sincerely invite young friend to become a guest elder of our Huo Clan."
A Huo Clan guest elder?
Chen Qing thought to himself, though his expression remained unchanged.
"Young friend should know that Tianbao Upper Sect's four lineages each have core inheritances and true scripture supreme techniques. Choosing to deeply enter one lineage is almost inevitable. My Huo Clan's Huo Qiushui is the fifth-ranked True Disciple of the Jade Palace lineage and has considerable influence within the Jade Palace lineage. If young friend is willing to become a guest elder of the Huo Clan, the Huo Clan can help young friend smoothly integrate into the Jade Palace lineage. Qiushui can also provide more care, saving much unnecessary trouble."
"Additionally, the Huo Clan's enterprises span three circuits with broad resource channels. Whether pills, precious materials, intelligence, or even certain special secret realm quotas, we can provide corresponding support for young friend."
Speaking to this point, Huo En paused slightly, as if casually mentioning, "For instance, that 'Myriad Treasures Tower' is one of my Huo Clan's enterprises. Should young friend have any needs, there will naturally be conveniences."
"Myriad Treasures Tower?" Chen Qing's gaze focused slightly as he immediately recalled the force near Ten Thousand Poisons Marsh.
So that was also a Huo Clan enterprise!
The tentacles of a thousand-year-old clan were truly everywhere. One could see at a glance how deep their foundations ran.
Huo En observed Chen Qing's expression and continued, "Young friend should know that currently including both Xuwang Mountain and the inner sect, there are eight publicly recognized True Disciple candidates, while there are only ten True Disciple positions. The intensity of competition can be imagined. Without powerful external support, relying solely on oneself to stand out among numerous geniuses and seize a position would be as difficult as ascending to heaven."
"My Huo Clan values young friend's potential and is willing to invest fully, helping young friend. For young friend, this is a shortcut to becoming a True Disciple."
Huo En's words were logically clear, with benefits and drawbacks plainly stated.
Chen Qing pondered for a moment but didn't immediately agree.
He knew full well that guest elder status meant certain responsibilities and entanglements. Though not as binding as a family retainer, it was definitely not a free position either.
"Senior Huo's high regard, Chen Qing is deeply grateful."
Chen Qing cupped his fists, his tone sincere, "However, this matter is of great importance, concerning this junior's future path. Might Senior allow this junior a few days to carefully consider?"
Hearing this, Huo En's face showed no displeasure. Instead, he nodded, "As it should be. Being cautious is always good. Then this old one will await young friend's favorable reply."
He stood up, and the young woman Huo Yan beside him also quickly followed suit.
"This is this old one's token. Should young friend reach a decision, you may take this token to the Myriad Treasures Tower steward in the city to send word to this old one." Huo En placed a token on the stone table, then cupped his fists in farewell.
Chen Qing saw the two off to the courtyard gate.
After leaving Chen Qing's courtyard for some distance, Huo Yan couldn't help asking in a low voice, "Eighth Elder, this Chen Qing doesn't seem to have been immediately moved?"
Huo En said indifferently, "It's alright. The goodwill has been released, that's sufficient. For a newly advanced True Disciple candidate, being cautious and thoughtful is normal. We only need to let him know the Huo Clan's sincerity and strength. The seed is planted. When it will sprout depends on fate."
"After all, he's not yet a True Disciple. That my Huo Clan would proactively recruit him already shows our regard. What remains is for him to decide for himself."
For the Huo Clan, releasing goodwill toward a True Disciple candidate was already sufficient. There was no need to be excessively humble.
On the other side, Chen Qing's thoughts churned.
"Jade Palace lineage... Huo Qiushui... Myriad Treasures Tower..."
He murmured softly. The conditions the Huo Clan offered were indeed tempting, especially the ability to help him integrate into the four lineages, which held considerable appeal for him.
But Elder Deng Ziheng's warnings involuntarily surfaced in his mind, along with the circumstances of Luo Ziming's probing that day.
The sect's internal forces were deeply entrenched and interconnected.
Currently, there were eight True Disciple candidates, making the competition quite fierce.
Chen Qing calculated in his heart. According to his progress, breaking through to late-stage True Aura would require at least another two to three years.
At that time, he could directly aim for the True Origin realm!
Unlike ordinary people, Chen Qing's greatest advantage was that he didn't need to experience the bottleneck of True Aura perfection.
He knew in his heart that the top priority right now was to solidify his foundation and elevate his own strength, rather than compete for that True Disciple title.
Chen Qing's mind sank, and the panel appeared.
[Heaven Rewards Diligence, Success Guaranteed]
[Mixed Five Elements True Aura: Sixth Layer (165/20000)]
[Eight Extremes Vajra Body: Primordial Unity (3356/10000)]
[True Martial Seal: Minor Achievement (165/5000)]
[Guicang Spirit Concealment Art: Minor Achievement (56/3000)]
[Nine Heavens Thunderclap Finger: Perfection (820/3000)]
[Startling Swan Escaping Shadow Formula: Evasion Void (4689/5000)]
[Mountain Suppressing Prison Spear: Extreme Realm]
[Mountain-Splitting Thunder Spear: Extreme Realm]
[Floating Light Passing Shadow Hand: Extreme Realm]
[Hundred Changes Thousand Faces Manual: Perfection]
[Turtle Breath Hibernating Dragon Art: Perfection]
[Golden Cicada Molting Form Technique: Perfection]
After contemplating for a moment, Chen Qing decided to first go to Myriad Techniques Peak to examine detailed information about the four lineages before making his decision.
This matter concerned his future martial path's foundation and could not be overlooked.
He came to Myriad Techniques Peak once more.
This time, his goal was clear. He walked directly toward the pavilion that specifically stored sect history, lineage introductions, geographical records, and other miscellaneous documentation.
Inside the pavilion, the collection of texts was as vast as the sea. Chen Qing patiently searched and finally found detailed introductions to Tianbao Upper Sect's four lineage systems.
He found a secluded corner and carefully began reading.
According to the book's records, Tianbao Upper Sect was centered on four great sect-protecting true scriptures, from which evolved four lineage inheritances.
These four great true scriptures were not singular heart methods or martial techniques, but rather complete comprehensive systems encompassing everything, including fundamental heart methods, offensive martial arts, protective secret techniques, and even will tempering, True Aura condensation, and even supreme methods involving divine sense application.
The Nine Heavens lineage's core true scripture was the "Nine Heavens Thunder Control True Scripture."
This lineage pursued ultimate speed and explosive power. Their True Aura attributes mostly leaned toward wind and thunder, swift and forceful, emphasizing overwhelming enemies with thunderous momentum.
The True Origin chapter "Nine Heavens Thunder Summoning Art" was reportedly related to drawing upon heaven and earth's thunder qi to temper will and initially accessing divine sense application, extremely profound.
The Profound Yang lineage's core true scripture was the "Profound Yang True Solution."
This lineage followed the path of extreme yang and extreme strength, with True Aura blazing like fire, vast and magnificent.
There were also several supreme martial techniques. Chen Qing saw a spear technique, the "Great Sun Heaven-Burning Spear," which was precisely the Profound Yang lineage's supreme spear technique. When the spear struck, it was like a blazing sun falling from the sky, burning mountains and boiling seas.
Its True Origin chapter "Profound Yang Spirit Refinement Chapter" focused on tempering the spirit with pure yang true intent, making one's will like the sun, brilliantly inviolable.
The Jade Palace lineage's core true scripture was the "Jade Palace Treasure Record."
This lineage's inheritance was the most ancient. Its True Aura attributes were often inclusive and accommodating, excelling at transformation and control.
Its True Origin chapter "Jade Palace Spirit Nourishing Formula" gently nurtured divine sense like a gentle rain, having unique insights into the growth and control of will.
The True Martial lineage's core true scripture was the "True Martial Scripture."
This lineage emphasized balance and momentum doctrine. Its True Aura was condensed and heavy like mountains and peaks, yet contained hidden changes, integrating offense and defense.
Its martial techniques emphasized intent over form, excelling at borrowing and accumulating momentum. Once momentum was achieved, it possessed the might to suppress all directions and cleanse demonic miasma.
Chen Qing's gaze focused as he saw the True Martial lineage's supreme spear technique, the "True Martial Demon-Quelling Spear!"
And its True Origin chapter True Martial Spirit Condensing Method focused on the condensation and sublimation of will, pursuing unity of heart and spirit, with will like iron, immovable as mountains.
Chen Qing understood clearly. The martial techniques he'd previously seen in the inner sect disciple exchange catalog, though also precious, were merely branches and leaves of Tianbao Upper Sect's inheritance. Only these four lineages' true scripture systems were the true core trunk, pointing directly to the sect's highest mysteries.
To learn supreme techniques like the "Great Sun Heaven-Burning Spear" or "True Martial Demon-Quelling Spear," one must enter the corresponding lineage and become core members.
However, when he saw the specific introduction about the True Martial lineage, his heart stirred!
It clearly mentioned that the True Martial lineage's inheritance, due to a great catastrophe two hundred years ago, had parts of its core technique "True Martial Scripture" lost, including several critically important core martial techniques. There was even a special notation in small dim characters listing the lost techniques.
Chen Qing's gaze fixed intently on one name, the True Martial Seal!
"True Martial Seal... so it really is a lost martial technique of the True Martial lineage?!"
Chen Qing's heart immediately surged like crashing waves, as if thunder exploded within, "Old Man Li... how could he possibly have learned Tianbao Upper Sect's True Martial lineage core secret transmission that was lost long ago?"
He immediately recalled how when Li Baichuan had initially transmitted the True Martial Seal to him, he'd casually claimed it was something he'd fortunately obtained while traveling in his youth.
Looking at it now, that explanation was full of holes!
A core martial technique lost by Tianbao Upper Sect two hundred years ago, how could it be "fortunately" obtained through ordinary jianghu travels?
Li Baichuan's transmission of the True Martial Seal to him was definitely not on a whim. It must have deep significance!
Who exactly was he?
What connection did he have with the True Martial lineage, with Tianbao Upper Sect?
Chen Qing's thoughts raced, but Li Baichuan's actions had always been unfathomably mysterious, like looking at flowers in fog. It was truly difficult to fathom his true intentions.
The Nine Heavens lineage, with Luo Ziming's previous probing attempts, he instinctively rejected it and eliminated it first.
The Jade Palace lineage, though the Huo Clan had extended an olive branch, as he sensed, the Huo Clan had already recruited Wu Anren. Their interest in him was more of a casting-a-wide-net style investment with limited sincerity.
Once he chose the Jade Palace lineage, he would inevitably become too deeply bound to the Huo Clan, and would be in direct competition with Wu Anren. Initially, he might gain some convenience, but in the long run, it might not be beneficial.
The Profound Yang lineage's "Great Sun Heaven-Burning Spear" was indeed heart-stirring. In the past few days, there had indeed been a Profound Yang Peak steward who came to express preliminary interest, but their attitude wasn't particularly enthusiastic.
In contrast, Elder Deng Ziheng of the True Martial lineage had visited late at night, speaking heart-to-heart, with genuine care evident in his words.
Though the True Martial lineage's current momentum was inferior to Nine Heavens and even had concerns about incomplete inheritance, the Sect Master came from this lineage after all, so their foundations remained.
More importantly, he himself possessed their lost secret technique, the True Martial Seal. This connection was impossible to sever. Choosing the True Martial lineage might allow him to explore the mystery of this seal's origins, and perhaps even... it could be an unexpected opportunity.
"Old Man Li transmitted this seal to me. He surely wouldn't mean to harm me... Perhaps the True Martial lineage is actually my best choice at present."
Chen Qing's mind gradually cleared, "My goal is to learn true scriptures and elevate my strength, not to rush to compete for a True Disciple position. The True Martial lineage is relatively low-key, which suits my intentions perfectly."
He suppressed his swirling thoughts and returned the book to its place.
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