Chapter 241: Prison Peak |
Over the next two days, Chen Qing's small courtyard underwent a complete change from its usual tranquility.
Quite a few inner sect disciples, even some stewards, came to visit.
Most of these people came from aristocratic families or were attached to certain factions.
Their purposes were nothing more than probing Chen Qing's attitude and position. Secondly, they wanted to establish familiarity and form good relations, paving the way for possible future interactions.
Regarding these social obligations, Chen Qing's heart was extremely clear.
By nature he disliked noise and clamor, and even less did he wish to be prematurely drawn into complex factional whirlpools.
Therefore, he mostly just politely received them, exchanged a few simple pleasantries, then used the excuse of needing to consolidate his cultivation to send them off one by one. His attitude was neither enthusiastic nor discourteous.
Meanwhile, Zhu Yu's status at Xuwang Mountain rose with the tide.
Everyone knew he was Chen Qing's 'lackey.' Quite a few small groups at Xuwang Mountain, knowing they couldn't directly contact the reclusive Chen Qing, turned instead to curry favor with Zhu Yu, extending invitations to join their small circles.
He deeply knew everything he had was tied to Chen Qing. If at this time he tried to be all things to all people, it would instead provoke Chen Qing's displeasure.
Therefore, he politely declined all other small circles' invitations.
What made him truly feel the change was at Myriad Manifestations Hall.
When he went as usual to check sect missions, planning to accept some tasks to earn contribution points, a Steward Ruan who normally treated him coldly actually took the initiative to recommend him a long-term mission guarding one of the sect's precious medicine gardens.
This mission required no running about outside, no fighting others. One only needed to patrol at regular intervals, yet could stably obtain three hundred contribution points each month!
One must know that Zhu Yu ranked in the seventies at Xuwang Mountain. His fixed monthly allowance was only fifty contribution points.
These three hundred points monthly were undoubtedly an enormous fortune for him, sufficient to support his daily cultivation pill consumption, with even some surplus remaining.
He understood clearly that such easy and well-compensated missions had always been internally digested or reserved by family disciples. They absolutely never fell to disciples without any foundation like him.
Myriad Manifestations Hall steward's action was obviously for Chen Qing's sake.
"So these are the benefits of clinging to a powerful patron..." Zhu Yu secretly sighed in his heart. He was even more grateful to Chen Qing and became increasingly diligent in his work.
He devoted all his energy to this guard mission while also paying more attention to various news within the sect, prepared to report to Chen Qing at any time.
This day, after finishing spear practice and tidying up simply, Chen Qing prepared to go out.
"First go repay the nine thousand points owed to Elder Pei, then go find Senior Brother Qu."
Chen Qing pondered inwardly.
The nine thousand contribution points Elder Pei had advanced, previously his pockets had been empty. Now that Han Xiong had "delivered" the enormous sum of thirty thousand, naturally he should repay it at the first opportunity.
Repaying it early would also settle one matter weighing on his mind.
The second matter was to find Senior Brother Qu He.
Just as Chen Qing was preparing to set out for True Martial Peak, knocking sounds came from outside the courtyard gate once more.
Chen Qing went forward to open the gate. He saw a middle-aged man in brocade robes standing outside, his face carrying a kind smile.
"Young Hero Chen, pardon the intrusion."
The visitor cupped his fists in salute, introducing himself, "This humble one is Shen Ming. On orders from the Second Elder, I've come specially to pay my respects."
Someone from the Shen family Second Elder's faction?
Chen Qing stepped aside to let him enter the courtyard, "Please come in."
The two sat down at the stone table in the courtyard.
Shen Ming’s eyes quietly surveyed the small courtyard before landing on Chen Qing. “Young Hero Chen’s awe-inspiring bearing on the Seven Stars Platform has now circulated throughout the Upper Sects, evoking much admiration. Our Shen family has always had old ties with Five Terraces Sect. To have such a shockingly talented performance, when the clan members heard, they were all very gratified."
Chen Qing's expression remained calm. Hearing this, he only smiled faintly, "Steward Shen flatters me too much. Within the sect, hidden dragons and crouching tigers abound. Chen dare not be arrogant."
Seeing Chen Qing's tepid reaction, Shen Ming changed topics, "To be honest with Young Hero Chen, previously regarding the family's internal considerations for marriage alliance candidates, there were indeed some oversights. That Han Xiong... Ai, aristocratic families' actions inevitably involve weighing multiple factors. If anything caused displeasure to the young hero, please be magnanimous. The family has decided to withdraw all resource support from Han Xiong."
As he spoke, he observed Chen Qing's expression. Seeing the other maintained an air of complete indifference, his heart relaxed slightly.
It seemed this youngster wasn't narrow-minded or petty, at least on the surface.
Chen Qing's face remained impassive, but inwardly he thought how aristocratic families were heartless. Seeing value, they immediately invested. Once seeing no value, they immediately discarded. Han Xiong had just lost on the front foot, and on the back foot the Shen family abandoned him like worn shoes. Truly chilling, yet also realistic.
Shen Ming felt the groundwork was sufficient and directly cut to the main point, his expression becoming solemn, "Senior Brother Chen, this humble one's visit represents the Second Elder and the family in sincerely inviting senior brother to serve as our Shen family's Consecrated Expert!"
He deliberately emphasized the two words 'Consecrated Expert,' "Absolutely incomparable to ordinary guest minister positions. The family is willing to fully support senior brother—resources, intelligence, connections. Whatever is needed, as long as the Shen family can manage it, we will definitely spare no effort to assist senior brother in ascending to True Disciple position as soon as possible!"
After listening, Chen Qing didn't immediately respond but pondered for a long while.
Full support from a top-tier clan would be enormous assistance for any disciple aspiring to True Disciple position.
Not only could one obtain secret information, but when needed, one could directly request aid from the Shen family. However, Chen Qing didn't directly agree.
The Shen family's relationship with the thousand-year Ruan family wasn't harmonious. And because of Senior Sister Ruan Lingxiu's connection, he had formed good relations with the Ruan family.
Directly throwing himself under the Shen family's banner would undoubtedly sour relations with the Ruan family.
When he had nothing, with lowly status, if the Shen family had extended an olive branch, he might have agreed seeking protection and development but circumstances were different now. He was already a True Disciple candidate with more room for choice.
Chen Qing had long seen through these intricacies clearly.
Becoming the Shen family's Consecrated Expert would certainly bring tangible benefits, but likewise he'd be drawn into the Shen family's grudges and entanglements.
What one gained, one must bear responsibility for.
For Chen Qing, currently the most important thing remained accumulating strength and developing steadily, not falling into the vortex center of sect factions and aristocratic family struggles.
Chen Qing raised his eyes to Shen Ming and politely declined, "Many thanks for the Shen family's and Second Elder's regard. It's just that Chen entered the sect not long ago. My cultivation is meager. I fear I cannot shoulder such heavy responsibility and would disappoint the Shen family's expectations. Right now I only wish to devote myself to cultivation, stabilize my realm. Regarding True Disciple matters, I dare not think too much about them."
Seeing Chen Qing refuse, Shen Ming's brows furrowed inwardly. He continued persuading, "Young Hero Chen is too modest. With your natural talent and strength, how could the True Disciple position be delusion? Within the sect, factions stand in forests. Although the True Martial faction is good, in recent years its relationship with the Profound Yang faction represented by the thousand-year Wang family and the Nine Heavens faction led by the Li family has been rather delicate. Being in their midst, one inevitably suffers invisible pressure."
"With our Shen family's support, your path will naturally be much smoother. Moreover, True Disciple Luo also has close relations with our Shen family. Supporting each other, only then can one establish firmer footing within this sect."
With these words, he directly pointed out the stakes involved, his intention being to increase the bargaining chips.
Hearing this, Chen Qing still shook his head, "The Shen family's goodwill, Chen appreciates it. It's just this matter concerns my future path. Chen must be cautious. Currently I truly have no such intention."
Shen Ming saw Chen Qing's attitude was resolute. He knew further persuasion would be futile and might even provoke disgust.
Although in his heart he felt some regret at not being able to completely bind this potential stock to the Shen family's chariot, reconsidering, this trip had at least expressed the Shen family's goodwill, easing any possible grudge from the previous marriage alliance choice.
After all, no matter how capable Chen Qing was now, he was ultimately just a True Disciple candidate. Whether he could break through the True Origin realm shackle in the future was still uncertain.
The Shen family had extended its promise and shown its intentions. If he persisted further, it would undoubtedly lower his own status and drop his class.
Thinking of this, Shen Ming's face broke into a smile again as he cupped his fists, "Since the young hero has other considerations, then Shen will no longer insist. If you change your mind in the future, the Shen family's door will always be open."
"Take care." Chen Qing stood up and saw Shen Ming to the courtyard gate.
Watching Shen Ming's departing back, Chen Qing's gaze flashed slightly as he pondered.
The Shen family's overture was also reasonable. After all, from others' perspectives, the Shen family's actions could be considered having "wronged" him.
Through the Han Xiong matter, Chen Qing saw even more clearly aristocratic families' heartlessness and coldness.
Chen Qing left his small courtyard and headed straight for True Martial Peak's Technique Transmission Hall.
Entering that familiar great hall, Elder Pei Tingchun still sat cross-legged on the central prayer mat.
When Chen Qing approached, his seemingly closed eyes opened slightly, restrained brilliant light falling on Chen Qing.
"Disciple Chen Qing pays respects to Elder Pei."
Chen Qing stepped forward, respectfully saluting, then withdrew his identity token, "Disciple has come to repay the nine thousand contribution points previously owed."
Pei Tingchun didn't immediately take the token but looked Chen Qing up and down.
News of the Seven Stars Platform battle had long spread through the sect like wind. Naturally he'd already learned of it.
"Mm."
Pei Tingchun responded indifferently, receiving the token and casually asking, "That True Martial Demon-Quelling Spear... you've already entered the threshold?"
Others might only be shocked by Chen Qing's three force manifestations, but Pei Tingchun keenly caught something else.
How long had this youngster exchanged for this peerless spear technique?
All told, only two or three months.
For others cultivating peerless martial arts, the entry barrier alone might require months of bitter effort. Some never crossed its threshold their entire lives.
Chen Qing's expression remained calm as he frankly nodded, "Replying to Elder, disciple has indeed entered the threshold."
He didn't mention that he'd actually already reached minor achievement realm.
Being able to enter so quickly, besides the [Heaven Rewards Diligence, Success Guaranteed] fate pattern, the main reason was his exceptionally solid foundation.
Three spear techniques all at extreme, comprehending mountain, thunder, and rain three-fold spear force manifestations, with initial fusion.
Such foundation, looking across all Tianbao Upper Sect's External Aura disciples, not many could be found.
Cultivating the True Martial Demon-Quelling Spear, which also belonged to the spear Dao, naturally proceeded with twice the result for half the effort, a natural outcome.
"Entered the threshold..." Pei Tingchun repeated in a low voice.
He'd vaguely suspected this before. Now receiving confirmation, waves still inevitably rose in his heart.
Seems previously he'd still underestimated this youngster's comprehension and talent in spear Dao.
"Not bad, very good indeed."
Pei Tingchun looked at Chen Qing, appreciation growing thicker in his gaze, "Unfortunately, although this old man presides over Technique Transmission Hall with broad knowledge, regarding spear Dao I'm not particularly skilled and cannot give you more guidance."
"In our Tianbao Upper Sect, if discussing spear Dao, only Myriad Techniques Peak's Peak Master is a true spear Dao grandmaster. His spear techniques have reached the transformation realm, his fame shakes the Yan Kingdom. He's an expert ranked on the Grandmaster List."
"Grandmaster!?" Chen Qing's heart suddenly stirred.
Grandmaster!
These two characters weighed heavy as mountains in the Yan Kingdom martial Dao world!
That represented those truly standing at martial Dao's pinnacle, famous in all directions, revered by countless people, a realm countless pursued their entire lives yet remained beyond reach.
Chen Qing had heard others mention it before, but these matters were currently too distant for him.
"Grandmaster, how difficult it is to become a grandmaster."
Pei Tingchun's tone carried deep emotion, "Our Tianbao Upper Sect has deep foundation, experts like clouds, yet those able to reach this realm can be counted on one hand."
He felt secretly regretful in his heart.
That Myriad Techniques Peak Master's strength was transcendent, truly the unparalleled expert of spear Dao. But that person's temperament was eccentric and solitary. To this day he hadn't accepted disciples or left behind mantle inheritance.
Moreover, the Myriad Techniques Peak Master's relationship with the True Martial faction was delicate.
Otherwise, with Chen Qing's displayed spear Dao talent, perhaps he could try striving for it. If he could receive even slight guidance, it would greatly benefit Chen Qing's future martial Dao path.
Pei Tingchun didn't explicitly state this relationship obstacle. He restrained his thoughts and said, "Your talent is outstanding, foundation solid. Cultivate well. Don't fail this natural endowment."
Chen Qing cupped his fists, "Elder Pei's teachings, disciple keeps in heart! Will definitely cultivate diligently without cease, not failing high expectations!"
"Go on. This old man will deduct the contribution points himself."
Pei Tingchun waved his hand and closed his eyes again.
Chen Qing saluted once more before turning to leave Technique Transmission Hall.
Walking out of the great hall, he raised his head toward the distant cloud-wreathed Myriad Techniques Peak direction. In his heart, curiosity arose toward that spear Dao grandmaster he'd never met.
Spear Dao grandmaster!?
Restraining his thoughts, Chen Qing strode quickly toward Senior Brother Qu He's residence.
Leaving Transmission Hall, Chen Qing headed straight for Qu He's residence.
As a True Disciple, Qu He's residence was located in True Martial Peak's core area.
Led by a maid in elegant dress, Chen Qing passed through an ingeniously arranged courtyard and entered the reception hall.
"Junior Brother Chen has arrived. Sit."
Qu He had long been waiting in the hall. Seeing him enter, a warm smile appeared on his face as he pointed to the wooden chair beside him.
"Senior Brother Qu."
Chen Qing cupped his fists in salute and sat as indicated.
After the maid served tea and quietly withdrew, only the two martial brothers remained in the hall.
Qu He looked at Chen Qing, his eyes carrying undisguised appreciation, "Your Seven Stars Platform battle could be called a stunning debut. After this battle, you're not merely a True Disciple candidate but among the top tier of candidates. Once a True Disciple seat becomes vacant, you'll have an extremely high chance of filling it. Now quite a few people have begun paying attention to you."
His tone paused slightly, his expression becoming more serious, "However, besides needing to watch out for fellow True Disciple candidates, you need to be especially careful of one person—Lu Chenming."
Chen Qing nodded, "Many thanks for senior brother's reminder."
Naturally he knew of Lu Chenming.
When Wu Anren and He Shuang first emerged, he'd hosted a banquet to invite them. Later in his battle with Meng Qianxue, he displayed strength far exceeding ordinary perfected External Aura.
This person not only possessed formidable strength but also extremely meticulous thinking.
Probably he'd already noticed Chen Qing.
Qu He took a sip of tea and said, "This Lu Chenming is extremely skilled at observation. He'll use all resources to grasp all information about potential opponents. Moreover, behind him stands the most powerful Nine Heavens faction, with the thousand-year Li family supporting him. He lacks neither resources nor intelligence."
"Although he previously failed to break through to True Origin realm, this caused his Nine Heavens True Aura to be tempered increasingly pure. Within the External Aura realm, he has few rivals."
Chen Qing silently committed this information to memory.
"True Disciple candidates, no matter how well it sounds, ultimately they're just inner sect elites, not true True Disciples."
Qu He spoke earnestly, "Only by becoming a True Disciple can one possess greater voice within the sect and access core secrets. Moreover, only True Disciples have the qualification to regularly enter the 'Grotto Heaven' for cultivation."
"Grotto Heaven!?" Chen Qing's gaze sharpened as he repeated in a low voice.
This wasn't the first time he'd heard this term, but it had always been shrouded in mysterious veils.
"That's right."
Qu He confirmed, "The Grotto Heaven is our Tianbao Upper Sect's true secret realm, also the sect's most core foundation, concerning sect absolute secrets. I cannot say more about specific details, but you only need to know that cultivating within brings many benefits, greatly aiding in breaking through barriers or cultivation."
"Many thanks for senior brother's guidance." Chen Qing solemnly cupped his fists.
Qu He nodded slightly.
Naturally he hoped Chen Qing could rapidly grow, becoming another pillar of the True Martial faction, helping him share pressure from other factions.
But he also deeply knew one couldn't force growth. The True Disciple position competition involved all aspects, especially since the True Martial faction still faced enormous external pressure.
Qu He brought the topic back to Chen Qing, smiling, "This confrontation's result also exceeded my expectations. I didn't expect that not only is your spear technique shocking, but your body-refining technique has also been cultivated to such a refined realm! Truly impressive."
"Senior brother flatters me too much."
Chen Qing replied modestly, "Body refinement is merely a side path. I've just fortunately achieved some small success."
"No, you're wrong."
Qu He shook his head, his expression serious, "Hard body tempering is profound and extensive, absolutely not a side path. If cultivated deeply, achieving physical body sanctification with qi and blood like dragons, it's equally world-shocking, and no weaker than purely cultivating heart methods and true scriptures, even possessing more advantages in close combat and preserving life."
"It's just this path is too difficult and painful, with bottlenecks requiring vast resources. Therefore, specialists are rare. But one absolutely cannot underestimate its potential."
Hearing this, Chen Qing's heart stirred.
Since cultivating the Eight Extremes Vajra Body, he had come to deeply understand the power that body tempering could bring. But there weren’t many experts like Qu He who held such a high opinion of the body-tempering path.
"Your body-refining hard technique obviously has certain accomplishments."
Qu He looked at him and got to the main point, "Summoning you this time, I have a matter."
"Senior brother, please speak." Chen Qing said.
Qu He said, "Recently, news came from Prison Peak. They need a disciple to go assist with guard duties. That place is called 'Blackwater Abyss Prison,' specifically imprisoning various criminals our Tianbao Upper Sect has captured, among them quite a few former experts and Demon Sect members. Because the malevolent qi is extremely heavy, ordinary disciples staying there long easily suffer malevolent qi erosion, damaging their foundation. However, this duty can only be assumed by the four factions' core disciples."
He paused, looking at Chen Qing, "You cultivate hard techniques. Your qi and blood are masculine, physique resilient. Your ability to resist malevolent qi far exceeds ordinary people, making you the best candidate. Moreover, sect experts are permanently stationed in the prison. Those imprisoned are all bound by secret seals and restrictions, their strength completely lost. There's no danger. If not for the malevolent qi issue, such an easy duty with generous contribution points would've been fought over long ago."
"Prison Peak... Blackwater Abyss Prison?" Chen Qing's gaze flashed slightly.
Malevolent qi was trouble for ordinary people, but for body-refining experts, it actually brought great benefits.
"Correct."
Qu He confirmed, "This duty provides one thousand contribution points monthly. Mainly patrolling fixed areas, confirming prohibitions are intact. Very easy. Are you willing to go?"
One thousand contribution points monthly!
This was almost several times his current monthly allowance, truly an extremely considerable stable income.
Although Chen Qing now had Han Xiong's thirty thousand contribution points, who would complain about having too many contribution points?
After brief consideration, he nodded in agreement, "I'm willing to go."
"Good."
Qu He's face showed a smile. He withdrew a token and handed it to Chen Qing, "This is the passage token. Three days from now, take this token directly to Prison Peak to report. Someone will naturally receive and arrange things."
Chen Qing received the token with both hands, "Many thanks, senior brother!"
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