Chapter 316: Returning to the Sect |
Chen Qing slowly walked out from the quiet room.
Qingdai had been waiting outside the door. Seeing him emerge, she quickly stepped forward and softly reported, "Senior Brother, Senior Brother Qu He sent someone with a message saying that in a few days, Elixir Glow Peak will open a furnace of 'Pure Yang Origin Aura Pills.' He asks whether you need to attend."
Hearing this, Chen Qing's gaze flickered slightly.
Pure Yang Origin Aura Pills...
He naturally remembered this pill.
Back when he was still at the middle True Aura stage, Senior Brother Qu He had fought for one of these pills for him at Elixir Glow Peak, even getting into a dispute with Luo Chengxuan from the Profound Yang lineage.
It was precisely because of that pill that Han Xiong became covetous, ultimately setting a wager with him at Seven Stars Platform. After defeating Han Xiong, he had won thirty thousand contribution points.
This pill had miraculous effects for True Aura cultivation, refining True Aura and solidifying one's foundation. It even indirectly helped with breaking through to the True Origin realm. It could be called a top-grade treasure pill for the True Aura stage.
However, for him who had already stepped into the True Origin realm and completed two refinements, its usefulness was indeed limited now. At most, it would be icing on the cake, better than nothing.
This was probably considering that the pill had limited effects on the True Origin realm and not wanting him to expend mental energy on it or create unnecessary friction with the other lineages.
After all, among Tianbao Upper Sect's four lineages now, aside from the Nine Heavens lineage, the Profound Yang lineage also had considerable complaints about Chen Qing.
"I understand."
Chen Qing nodded and said to Qingdai, "Reply to Senior Brother Qu that I'll trouble him to make the trip this time. I won't go."
"Yes, Senior Brother." Qingdai acknowledged and withdrew.
After handling this matter, Chen Qing's thoughts stirred, and he casually walked toward Jade Wave Pool.
Besides cultivation, fishing to calm his mind had become his habitual form of recreation.
Jade Wave Pool remained misty with water vapor, tranquil and peaceful.
Chen Qing found his usual spot and sat down, casting his line into the water. His mind also settled down with it.
Before long, footsteps sounded behind him, and Zhu Yu's voice rang out, "Senior Brother Chen!"
Chen Qing didn't turn his head, only nodding slightly in acknowledgment.
Zhu Yu familiarly sat down beside him and also took out fishing equipment. The two quietly fished, occasionally chatting about recent sect matters.
After about an incense stick's worth of time, Chen Qing flicked his wrist. The fishing line instantly went taut. The water surface broke, and a treasure fish with scales flickering with faint spiritual light was flung onto the shore, flopping about vigorously.
"Congratulations, Senior Brother, on catching another treasure fish." Zhu Yu smiled in congratulation.
Chen Qing placed the fish into a specially made fish basket and said indifferently, "This fish is a bit small."
Seeing this, Zhu Yu moved closer and lowered his voice, "Senior Brother, there are several matters I need to report to you."
"Speak."
"The first matter concerns the Shen family. Five days ago at Shen family head Shen Jiuhe's birthday banquet, Senior Brother, you didn't attend, but Zhong Yu from the Nine Heavens lineage went and received extremely grand treatment from the Shen family, far exceeding ordinary guests in protocol. After all, the Shen family has an alliance pact with Five Terraces Sect from years past. The Shen family could be said to have shown kindness to Five Terraces Sect. Now the Shen family so ostentatiously hosting Zhong Yu, who is not on good terms with you, Senior Brother... ahem, with the True Martial lineage..."
Chen Qing's expression remained calm as he said indifferently, "I'm aware of this matter."
Zhong Yu personally attending the Shen family birthday banquet and receiving high-protocol treatment, the deep meaning contained within went without saying.
This was both the Nine Heavens lineage courting the Shen family and perhaps also indirect pressure on him for refusing Nan Zhuoran at Cloud Viewing Pavilion.
After all, the relationship between Five Terraces Sect and the Shen family wasn't a secret.
And the Shen family's high-protocol reception was worth pondering.
However, Chen Qing didn't care about this. After all, his relationship with the Shen family couldn't be called particularly close.
Seeing Chen Qing's indifferent reaction, Zhu Yu continued, "The second matter concerns the Demon Sect. Recently, the Demon Sect has been unusually quiet. Their experts' whereabouts are hidden, and branch altars everywhere have also contracted their activities, greatly different from their previous style."
Chen Qing nodded, "I understand."
The Demon Sect being so low-key had only two possibilities.
One was that they had suffered heavy losses previously, especially with Qi Yu's capture making Qi Xunnan cautious and temporarily avoiding confrontation.
The second possibility was that they were secretly brewing an even larger conspiracy. After all, Qi Yu was still imprisoned at Prison Peak. Qi Xunnan would definitely not let this rest.
Beneath this calm surface, undercurrents probably surged.
However, these weren't matters for Chen Qing to worry about.
"Also,"
Zhu Yu paused, then said, "Recently at Xuwang Mountain, quite a few disciples who came up through the hundred sects selection have chosen to leave Tianbao Upper Sect and return to their respective sects. Xiao Bieli from Yunlin Prefecture returned to Hanyu Valley just a few days ago."
"Xiao Bieli returned to Hanyu Valley?" This time Chen Qing raised his brows slightly and asked a question.
"That's right." Zhu Yu explained, "Though the talents selected from the hundred sects have exceptional gifts, competition at Tianbao Upper Sect is fierce and resources limited. Some people feel tremendous pressure yet see dim prospects. After languishing for several years unable to break through to the True Origin realm, after much deliberation, they voluntarily requested to leave and returned to their local sects."
"After all, with their current strength, returning to local sects, they would absolutely be top-tier existences, sufficient to assume elder or even sect master positions, far more carefree than being ordinary inner sect disciples here. Moreover, these few years at Xuwang Mountain have at least allowed them to accumulate some resources and experience."
Hearing this, Chen Qing remained silent for a moment before nodding.
Though Tianbao Upper Sect was indeed a martial holy land, it wasn't a smooth path for everyone.
The talents selected from Xuwang Mountain's hundred sects were outstanding in their original regions, but here they might become mediocre.
Without sufficient background, resources, or amazing luck, trying to break through to the True Origin realm was indeed extremely difficult.
Choosing to return locally was not a bad wise choice.
People each had their own aspirations. It couldn't be forced.
Zhu Yu's voice dropped even lower, "Wu Anren, He Shuang, Luo Juejue, and those few True Disciple candidates originally from the inner sect, like Meng Qianxue and Wan Shangyi, have all been staying indoors lately, seemingly in closed-door cultivation attempting to impact the True Origin realm."
Chen Qing nodded slightly. This was within expectations.
The True Disciple candidate position was ultimately just a candidacy. Only by stepping into the True Origin realm could one truly enter the sect's core and participate in higher-level resource competition.
These people had all reached the moment where they must fight with all their might.
After hearing Zhu Yu's report, Chen Qing's thoughts turned.
The materials on the list Li Baichuan had him prepare, he had long ago collected completely using contribution points and various opportunities.
It was also time to return and fulfill their initial agreement, delivering those materials on the list to that old elder.
Since breaking through to the True Origin realm, he hadn't returned to Yunlin Prefecture and hadn't seen Li Baichuan.
This return trip would be perfect for seeing this mysterious and inscrutable old man.
Li Baichuan had broad knowledge and strange methods. He might well possess certain unknown divine abilities and secret arts. Perhaps from him, Chen Qing could obtain clues about top-tier evasion or movement technique divine abilities.
Thinking of this, Chen Qing's spirits lifted slightly.
He put away his fishing rod and stood up, saying to Zhu Yu, "I need to leave the sect for a time. At shortest ten days, at longest half a month before returning. If there are important matters at the sect, we'll discuss them when I return."
Zhu Yu immediately responded solemnly, "Senior Brother, rest assured. Zhu Yu understands."
Chen Qing said no more. His form flashed and he left Jade Wave Pool, returning to his small courtyard on True Martial Peak.
Returning to the courtyard, Chen Qing summoned Qingdai.
"Qingdai, I need to leave the sect to handle business. My return date is uncertain but won't be too long. Courtyard affairs remain in your care."
Qingdai respectfully bowed, "Yes, Senior Brother. Qingdai will definitely handle things properly and await Senior Brother's return."
That evening, the moonlight was like water.
In the quiet room, Chen Qing checked the items Li Baichuan needed one by one. After confirming everything was correct, he packed them into several specially made jade boxes.
With everything prepared, he went to the side courtyard, to the Golden Feather Eagle's enclosure.
The Golden Feather Eagle let out a joyful clear cry, affectionately rubbing its head against Chen Qing.
Chen Qing patted its broad back and mounted it.
"Screech—!"
The Golden Feather Eagle spread its enormous golden wings. Its feet pushed off powerfully, transforming into a golden streak of light shooting into the sky, instantly disappearing into the thick cloud layer, racing like lightning toward Yunlin Prefecture.
The night wind howled, blowing Chen Qing's robes.
Three days later, Five Terraces Sect.
Sect Master He Yuzhou finished handling the last sect matter at hand and rubbed his slightly weary brow, just preparing to enter the inner chamber to cultivate and meditate to recover his expended mental energy.
Just at that moment—
"Screech—!"
A clear, cloud-piercing eagle cry suddenly shattered the tranquility above Five Terraces Sect without warning.
He Yuzhou's movements abruptly stopped, brilliant light flashing in his eyes, "This is... Tianbao Upper Sect's Golden Feather Eagle?"
This unique eagle cry, he had heard it once a year ago when the Golden Feather Eagle descended to deliver the good news about Chen Qing, and the memory remained fresh to this day.
Hearing it again now, his heart couldn't help but stir, sensing a premonition. He immediately set everything aside and quickly walked outside.
He saw above the Heart Lake Island, an extraordinarily magnificent golden giant eagle, far larger than ordinary hawks and falcons—circling downward.
Its wings spread, blocking out the sun. Its golden feathers flowed with dazzling brilliance in the sunlight. A powerful aura pervaded the area, causing all ordinary birds and beasts raised within Five Terraces Sect to prostrate on the ground, trembling.
This suddenly appearing exotic beast instantly attracted the gazes of all Five Terraces Sect disciples and servants.
"Heavens! What a huge eagle!"
"It's golden! What kind of exotic beast is this?"
"Such... such powerful momentum!"
Many disciples who had entered late were seeing for the first time this legendary signature mount of Tianbao Upper Sect they had only heard about. Their hearts were all shocked beyond measure. They looked up at that golden figure in the sky, their gazes full of awe and curiosity.
"There seems to be someone on the eagle's back?" a sharp-eyed disciple exclaimed in surprise.
"Why does that figure look so familiar?"
Lihuo Courtyard Head Hong Yuandong, who was conversing with disciple Li Wang nearby, unconsciously stopped his wine gourd in mid-air, squinting at the eagle's back as it gradually lowered.
Li Wang beside him raised his brow. He had already made out some of the outline and cried out, "Master! That person... that person looks like Senior Brother Chen Qing!"
Hearing Li Wang say this, Hong Yuandong looked intently. As the Golden Feather Eagle drew closer, that youth standing on the eagle's back with upright bearing and calm expression, if not Chen Qing, who else could it be?
"Chen Qing! It's Senior Brother Chen Qing returned!" An old disciple who recognized Chen Qing shouted excitedly.
"It really is Senior Brother Chen!"
"Good heavens! Is that the legendary Senior Brother Chen who ranks among the True Disciples at Tianbao Upper Sect?!"
"Senior Brother Chen has returned!"
Instantly, all of Five Terraces Sect erupted. Exclamations and discussion surged like a tide from all directions. All disciples rushed toward Heart Lake Island, wanting to witness this legendary figure of their sect.
He Yuzhou, Elder Sang Yanping, Tan Yang, Peng Zhen, Chu Jinyun and other courtyard heads, as well as chief disciples like Yan Yaoyang, Li Lei, and Luo Xinya were all startled and came out one after another, quickly arriving at Heart Lake Island.
They looked up at that outstanding youth figure standing on the Golden Feather Eagle's back. Each seemed unable to believe their own eyes, their faces full of delight and disbelief.
Chen Qing had returned!?
This person who was now a True Disciple of Tianbao Upper Sect, renowned across several neighboring prefectures, had actually returned to Five Terraces Sect!
Here's a polished, fluent version:
Chen Qing’s Golden Feather Eagle was a variant species with exceptional intelligence. Under everyone’s watchful gaze, its wings gave a slight tremor, stirring up a gentle current of air. Despite its massive size, it descended as lightly as a feather, landing steadily in the open space at the center of Heart Lake Island.
Chen Qing stepped off the eagle’s back with a calm demeanor. His gaze swept over the familiar faces before him, each one filled with excitement and awe and a warm smile rose on his lips. He cupped his fists and gave a respectful bow toward the gathered crowd.
“Sect Master, Elder Sang, all courtyard heads, junior brothers and sisters, it has been a long time.”
His voice clearly reached everyone's ears.
"I didn't expect... it's really you."
He Yuzhou's heart at this moment also surged with emotions he could barely contain. He quickly stepped forward, carefully examining Chen Qing.
Here is a smooth, faithful rendering:
He could see that Chen Qing’s aura was now completely restrained, deep as an abyss, steady as a towering mountain. Even without deliberately revealing anything, the profound bearing that naturally radiated from him was already far stronger than when he had departed.
This was the Five Terraces Sect’s most outstanding disciple, returning after tempering himself in the wider world.
“He’s really come back!” Elder Sang Yanping’s voice trembled slightly, filled with heartfelt gratification.
Back when he and Chu Jinyun personally escorted Chen Qing to the Tianbao Upper Sect to participate in the assessment, they had carried a lingering worry that in a place where talents gathered like clouds, this unpolished jade might be buried.
Who could have thought that not only was Chen Qing not buried, but rather like a hidden dragon emerging from the abyss, he soared to the heavens and now had such glory?
A True Disciple of Tianbao Upper Sect, this already meant entering Tianbao Upper Sect's upper-middle levels. His status was revered, far beyond what sect masters and elders from their local sects could compare to.
Chu Jinyun, Peng Zhen and others were also filled with emotion, their hearts shaken tremendously.
Who was Chen Qing?
He was the most sought-after existence in Yunlin Prefecture in recent decades, truly legendary.
Even though he had long since left Yunlin Prefecture, throughout Yunlin Prefecture and even neighboring prefectures, rumors about him circulated everywhere. Now seeing him before their eyes gave them a feeling of being in another world.
Yan Yaoyang, Li Wang, Li Lei and other chief disciples looked at Chen Qing with even more complex feelings.
They felt Chen Qing looked as if he hadn't changed much, still that calm appearance but the intangible sense of distance clearly told them that the gap between them had become as vast as heaven and earth.
It felt like nothing had changed, yet everything had changed greatly.
Among the crowd, Qingmu Courtyard chief disciple Luo Xinya looked at Chen Qing with the most excitement, "Senior Brother Chen!"
Her voice carried barely concealed joy.
Chen Qing smiled and nodded at everyone as a greeting, then said to He Yuzhou, "Sect Master, this disciple has returned."
He Yuzhou forcefully suppressed the excitement in his heart, took a deep breath, and kept his voice steady, "Good, good! It's good you've returned! Come inside to talk."
He pointed toward the council hall nearby.
Chen Qing nodded, "Alright."
Then, under the excited gazes of all Five Terraces Sect disciples, he followed He Yuzhou, Sang Yanping and several other lineage heads into that hall that symbolized Five Terraces Sect.
Inside the hall, everyone took their seats.
He Yuzhou looked at Chen Qing sitting below with a composed bearing far exceeding his own. His heart filled with mixed emotions as he spoke, "Chen Qing, we've heard bits and pieces about your affairs at Tianbao Upper Sect. Breaking through to the True Origin realm, ranking eighth among True Disciples... we're all happy and proud of you."
His tone carried sincere gratification.
Chen Qing hadn't yet tell Five Terraces Sect that he had become seventh-ranked True Disciple, so naturally he wouldn't deliberately explain, "Sect Master flatters me. This disciple only fortunately made small progress and dare not forget the sect's cultivation grace."
He Yuzhou waved his hand and inquired about the main business, "Why have you suddenly returned this time? If you need anything, Five Terraces Sect will definitely do everything in its power."
He knew that Chen Qing's status was different now. His sudden return must have a reason.
Chen Qing considered briefly, "This trip indeed has important business to handle. Passing through Yunlin Prefecture, I conveniently returned to see the sect, to see Sect Master and all the senior teachers."
At this time, Guishui Courtyard Head Chu Jinyun couldn't help but concernedly ask, "Chen Qing, that girl Shanshan... is she doing well at Tianbao Upper Sect?"
Nie Shanshan was her beloved disciple and also her greatest concern.
Chen Qing looked toward Chu Jinyun, a smile appearing on his face, "Courtyard Head Chu, rest assured. Junior Sister Nie is very well. Master Shen, Junior Sister Nie, and I often dined together when in the inner sect. Junior Sister Nie has good talent and cultivates diligently. Since entering the inner sect, her progress has been rapid. I heard that not long ago she successfully broke through to middle True Aura stage. Among inner sect disciples, she can also be considered outstanding."
Hearing that her beloved disciple was not only safe but had even broken through to middle True Aura stage, Chu Jinyun's face immediately show unconcealed joy and gratification.
She knew Nie Shanshan had broken through to True Aura but didn't know specifically that it was middle stage.
Middle True Aura stage, that was already about the same as her current cultivation!
Thinking that her disciple could have such achievements in a place like Tianbao Upper Sect, she as the master naturally felt extremely gratified.
Though this achievement was not incomparable to Chen Qing's, it already far exceeded her expectations.
Chen Qing chatted with Peng Zhen, Sang Yanping and others for a while, inquiring about some recent sect matters and briefly mentioning some observations from Tianbao Upper Sect, though matters involving core secrets he mentioned only in passing.
After about an incense stick's worth of time, Sang Yanping and the others knew the Sect Master and Chen Qing must have important matters to discuss privately, so they tactfully took their leave first.
Soon, only He Yuzhou and Chen Qing remained in the council hall.
The atmosphere quieted down somewhat.
He Yuzhou looked at Chen Qing, his expression becoming somewhat more solemn, "Brother Shen Qianshan previously mentioned some things obliquely in letters about matters between you and the Shen family. The Shen family's internal relationships are complex with intertwined interests. If the Shen family isn't an entity worthy of your complete trust, certain matters... you can judge for yourself. You needn't have any concerns on account of Five Terraces Sect's past relationship with the Shen family."
He spoke quite frankly, clearly aware of possible rifts between the Shen family and Chen Qing.
Regardless of any purpose, he naturally stood firmly on Chen Qing's side.
Hearing this, Chen Qing's heart warmed. He nodded, "Sect Master, rest assured. I understand this and will exercise proper judgment."
With He Yuzhou's statement of position, he felt much more at ease.
After all, the Shen family and Five Terraces Sect had previously had good relations, and Shen Qianshan could be said to have shown him kindness. If he truly wanted to draw clear boundaries with certain Shen family members, he would inevitably consider Five Terraces Sect's attitude.
"Mm, as long as you understand."
He Yuzhou nodded. He was confident in Chen Qing's ability to handle affairs.
He pondered for a long while, seemingly weighing his words, then lowered his voice, "By the way, there's another urgent matter I must tell you."
"Sect Master, please speak freely." Chen Qing's expression became serious.
He Yuzhou's gaze became profound as he slowly said, "This matter is of great importance and is Five Terraces Sect's absolute secret. Currently only I know of it. Your strength and status are now sufficient, so there's no harm telling you. Do you know that back when the Demon Sect's Yunlin branch altar was rampant, actually... there was an undercover agent planted by Five Terraces Sect as an inside contact."
"An undercover agent?" Hearing this, a trace of surprise flashed through Chen Qing's eyes, though he wasn't overly shocked.
After all, though this Sect Master He wasn't of noble birth, his schemes and methods were all superior. Five Terraces Sect's gradual growth under his leadership was definitely not by chance.
Planting chess pieces in the Demon Sect, though risky, was within reason.
"Correct."
A trace of complexity appeared on He Yuzhou's face, a nostalgia and regret, "That inside contact was my junior brother. In terms of talent and ability, back then he was not inferior to me. If he had remained at Five Terraces Sect, breaking through to the True Origin realm would have been no difficult matter. If he could have entered Tianbao Upper Sect and received better cultivation, he might even... have had a chance to reach late True Origin realm."
He paused, his tone carrying heaviness, "However, his temperament and certain philosophies differed somewhat from mine and the sect mainstream. Ultimately, he voluntarily chose that most dangerous path, infiltrating the Demon Sect to become our deepest-planted nail in the Yunlin branch altar."
"However, after Heart Devourer's death, the Demon Sect's Yunlin branch altar scattered like monkeys when their tree falls. He also... disappeared without a trace. No sign of him alive, no corpse if dead."
Chen Qing quietly listened without interrupting.
He Yuzhou continued, his brow tightly furrowed, "You were also present when Heart Devourer was executed that year. But afterward, thinking carefully, I always felt some aspects seemed suspicious. First, on Zhou Nianzhu's body, we didn't find any of the core resources originally seized from Xuanjia Gate's Earth Origin Cave, those treasures that would make even experts covetous vanished without a trace. Second, looking back carefully now at how many clues connected that year, some links seemed too 'natural,' as if an invisible hand was guiding us to identify Zhou Nianzhu as Heart Devourer."
He looked at Chen Qing, his gaze sharp, "Also, that matter of Feng Shuhao cultivating demon arts, if Zhou Nianzhu truly was the crafty and cautious Heart Devourer, given his personality and depth of infiltration at the time, how could he easily let someone like Feng Shuhao contact core demon arts, thus leaving such an obvious mistake?"
He Yuzhou took a deep breath and word by word stated the speculation he had buried in his heart for many years, "I suspect... that Zhou Nianzhu may have just been a puppet Heart Devourer pushed forward! The real Heart Devourer may not have died at all!"
Chen Qing couldn't help but focus his gaze, his brow furrowing slightly.
Back then, he had personally witnessed 'Heart Devourer' being killed by the combined forces of He Yuzhou and Leng Qianqiu—head flying, corpse frozen.
Now He Yuzhou was personally telling him that Heart Devourer might not have died?
This was indeed somewhat unexpected!
If Heart Devourer hadn't died, then Zhou Nianzhu's death was an elaborately planned golden cicada shedding its shell scheme?
Then who exactly was the real Heart Devourer?
Where was he now?
Also, what about Sect Master's junior brother who disappeared mysteriously after executing the undercover mission? Was his disappearance related to this?
For a moment, countless questions flashed through Chen Qing's mind. He only felt the fog before him seemed even thicker, everything becoming mysterious and unfathomable.
"These are still just my speculations. Currently there's no definite evidence."
He Yuzhou took a deep breath, calming his emotions somewhat, "This matter is of great importance with wide implications. I haven't even revealed it to Valley Master Leng. I'm telling you hoping you'll have this in mind. Now that you're at Tianbao Upper Sect, you're exposed to higher levels with broader information channels. If the opportunity arises, perhaps you can secretly pay attention and investigate."
"This disciple understands." Chen Qing solemnly nodded.
This matter was indeed no small thing.
If Heart Devourer truly hadn't died, he might make a comeback. When that time came, first to bear the brunt would be Five Terraces Sect, Hanyu Valley and other forces that participated in the encirclement that year.
This couldn't be left unguarded against.
Next, the two chatted for a while longer. He Yuzhou concernedly asked about Chen Qing's recent situation at Tianbao Upper Sect. Though he knew Chen Qing reported good news but not bad, he could imagine how fierce the competition was inside that colossal entity.
Finally, Chen Qing took out a warm white jade bottle from his robes and handed it to He Yuzhou.
"Sect Master, please accept this bottle of pills."
He Yuzhou accepted it somewhat puzzlingly. Upon opening the bottle stopper, a pure and powerful vital energy immediately dispersed, invigorating his spirit.
He poured a single pill into his palm. The pill was smooth and lustrous, adorned with swirling cloud patterns on its surface, and radiated a pure aura far surpassing that of ordinary pills.
"This... this is a True Origin Pill!?" He Yuzhou's brow furrowed slightly.
As a True Origin realm cultivator, though he rarely had opportunity to take them, he recognized this precious pill specifically for True Origin realm experts to enhance cultivation.
Its value, for a sect like Five Terraces Sect, could be called astronomical!
"This thing is too precious! I can't accept it!" He Yuzhou immediately put the pill back in the bottle and declined.
He knew very clearly how precious True Origin Pills were. This small bottle alone was worth an enormous sum.
But Chen Qing insisted on pushing the jade bottle back, saying sincerely, "Sect Master, for me now, this item isn't indispensable, but for you, for you who needs to stabilize True Origin realm cultivation and protect the sect, it's more necessary."
He paused and smiled, "Moreover, as a True Disciple of Tianbao Upper Sect, I generally have somewhat more channels for obtaining such pills than when I was at the sect."
He Yuzhou looked at Chen Qing's sincere gaze, then at the jade bottle in his hand, his heart filled with mixed feelings.
He knew that though Chen Qing's words are consolation, True Origin Pills were hard currency anywhere, and even for True Disciples they were definitely not "abundant."
Chen Qing was remembering old feelings and repaying the sect in his own way.
"Alright then... I'll shamelessly accept it."
He Yuzhou sighed and stopped declining, solemnly putting away the jade bottle, "You've worked hard too."
He knew well that though Chen Qing had status at Tianbao Upper Sect, all resources were probably fought for punch by punch, kick by kick.
Tianbao Upper Sect was too large, with factions everywhere and cruel competition. Strength was the hard truth. No one would freely gift such precious resources.
Chen Qing smiled and said, "Sect Master speaks too highly. This is what this disciple should do. Well, if Sect Master has no other matters, this disciple wishes to visit Qingmu Courtyard to pay respects to Master Li."
"Go ahead."
He Yuzhou nodded, "Master Uncle Li is still the same, staying indoors, rarely going out. Since you left, these past few years he seems even more immersed in the pill Dao. Most of his time is spent in that pill room in Qingmu Courtyard's rear courtyard. Who knows what he's refining."
Chen Qing nodded, then stood up and bowed to He Yuzhou before turning and walking out of the council hall.
By now, the sky outside had darkened, and the sunset’s afterglow dyed the horizon a deep orange-red.
Chen Qing walked toward the Qingmu Courtyard in his memory.
Qingmu Courtyard's rear courtyard remained as before—secluded, with green bamboo swaying by the courtyard wall. Inside the courtyard, wild grass grew thickly, carrying a kind of neglected yet vigorous simple charm, as if forming its own world, isolated from the outside clamor.
Standing before that familiar wooden door, Chen Qing took a deep breath, calming his slightly turbulent emotions.
Returning this time, he had broken through to the True Origin realm. His spiritual perception far surpassed what it had been before. Perhaps… this time he could pierce the mysterious veil surrounding Master Li and finally discern the true strength of this “old elder,” which had always seemed shrouded in mist.
Thinking this, a spark of anticipation flared in Chen Qing’s heart.
Old man… oh, old man, let’s see if you can still hide from me this time.
He restrained his aura and respectfully bowed toward the wooden door, his voice carrying clearly into the courtyard.
“Master Li, disciple Chen Qing has returned to pay his respects.”
The courtyard fell silent for a moment. Then that familiar voice, tinged with a somewhat lazy, aged quality, drifted slowly from within, "Come in."
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