Chapter 320: Undercurrents |
"I'll need more and more True Origin Pills going forward."
Chen Qing thought to himself, his brow furrowing imperceptibly.
Originally, the True Martial lineage's fixed monthly allocation, plus the extra portions that Elder Zhang Yi and Elder Pei Tingchun privately provided him, already amounted to a considerable sum, enough for ordinary True Disciples to carefully budget their cultivation for several months.
But Chen Qing was different from others.
When others cultivated, they needed to maintain balance, harmonize their mental state, lest their foundation become unstable or they fall into bottlenecks.
But he possessed the [Heaven Rewards Diligence, Success Guaranteed] fate pattern. Each cultivation session inevitably yielded results, with absolutely no waste.
This made his demand for resources like True Origin Pills that could directly convert into cultivation extremely high.
Especially as his cultivation of the Supreme Void True Scripture deepened and he advanced toward the three True Origin refinement, the True Origin consumed with each circulation became increasingly vast. Naturally, his dependence on and consumption of True Origin Pills also rose accordingly.
True Origin Pills were difficult to refine. Both primary and supplementary ingredients were rare items, and the sect's control over them was extremely strict.
As for other elders from Elixir Glow Peak, that was even less possible.
"In that case, I can only purchase some through secret channels." Chen Qing thought to himself.
The aboveboard routes were already blocked, but in the vast Tianbao Upper Sect, and indeed throughout all of Yan Kingdom, there were always corners where sunlight didn't reach, where channels existed whose sources were unclear yet possessed considerable influence.
These channels might be expensive or their origins questionable, but as long as they could obtain actual True Origin Pills, they would be a source of relief for his current situation.
For instance, the five great thousand-year families. They had occupied the Three Paths for a millennium with deep foundations. They must have stable sources or reserves of True Origin Pills internally. There would surely be channels to obtain some.
The Ruan family had vast properties in Black Water Giant City, intertwined with various factions, and could purchase them through certain methods.
There were also certainly some unsavory trading channels within the sect itself, certain figures who held resource allocation authority, or those capable of scraping resources from between their fingers.
As his thoughts raced, Chen Qing began rapidly calculating possible targets.
"The five great thousand-year families... The Gu family's foundation is in East Pole City, relatively far from Tianbao Upper Sect's core sphere of influence. Their influence here is relatively weak, so their channels may be unstable."
"The Li family definitely won't work." Chen Qing immediately rejected this option.
Nine Heavens lineage master Li Yujun came from the Li family. Both sides had already clearly chosen their stances.
"The Ruan family won't work either." Chen Qing shook his head inwardly.
One family after another flashed through his mind, then was quickly eliminated.
Just then, a name suddenly appeared.
Meng Qianxue!
Ruan Lingxiu's junior sister, that woman who had once been a True Disciple candidate along with him.
She came from the Meng family!
Though the Meng family wasn't as illustrious as the five great thousand-year families, they were still a family renowned for medicine and pill Dao. Their family business spread across several prefectures, especially in the pill circulation field, where they possessed considerable influence and connections.
Moreover, his relationship with Meng Qianxue was fairly good. They had frequently met socially before.
Thinking of this, Chen Qing took a deep breath.
He couldn't hesitate any longer. Cultivation was like rowing upstream against the current. The shortage of resources had to be resolved as soon as possible.
Whether it succeeded or not, he had to at least try.
He stood up, straightened his robes, didn't disturb the women in the courtyard, and left the small courtyard directly. His figure moved, sweeping toward Jade Palace Peak's direction.
Due to the characteristics of their cultivation methods, Jade Palace Peak had many female disciples, and the environment also appeared more quiet and elegant.
As soon as Chen Qing arrived at Jade Palace Peak's mountain gate, he drew many disciples' attention.
His reputation within Tianbao Upper Sect was currently at its peak. Many people recognized his face.
Quite a few female disciples saw him and were first surprised, then respectfully saluted and greeted him, "Senior Brother Chen, well met."
"Greetings, Senior Brother Chen."
Chen Qing nodded in response, his footsteps not stopping as he walked directly into the peak.
After he passed, whispered conversations immediately broke out behind him.
"Is that Senior Brother Chen Qing from the True Martial lineage? Why has he come to our Jade Palace Peak?"
"It looks like he's searching for someone? I wonder which senior sister or junior sister has such an honor..."
"Honor? I'd say it may not be a good thing. Haven't you heard? Some days ago, he not only slapped Senior Brother Luo Chengxuan from the Profound Yang lineage in the face at the Pill Nurturing Hall, seizing six Spirit Nurturing Soul Stabilizing Pills, but also publicly contradicted Senior Brother Nan Zhuoran at the Cloud Viewing Pavilion! What kind of person is Senior Brother Nan! Offending him, how could there be good consequences?"
"That's right! As long as Senior Brother Nan is here, the Nine Heavens lineage will be unstoppable. The True Martial lineage probably won't have a day to rise. Though Senior Brother Chen's talent is astonishing, his future path will be difficult..."
"Shh! Keep your voice down, don't bring trouble on yourself!"
These discussions brushed past Chen Qing's ears like a gentle breeze.
Chen Qing paid no attention to the various gazes and whispers along the way, directly arriving at Meng Qianxue's residence in the inner sect area.
Meng Qianxue's dwelling was located in a quiet courtyard halfway up the mountain in the Jade Palace lineage area, surrounded by green bamboo.
After Chen Qing knocked on the door knocker, an old woman answered.
Upon hearing Chen Qing introduce himself, the old woman's attitude immediately became respectful. She led Chen Qing through the front courtyard to an elegantly furnished reception hall.
Light calming incense burned in the reception hall. Chen Qing had just sat down when he heard slightly hurried footsteps from outside the door.
Immediately, Meng Qianxue's figure appeared in the doorway.
She wore a neat blue martial outfit, and sweat dampened her temples.
Seeing Chen Qing, surprise first flashed through her eyes, then transformed into a bright smile.
"Senior Brother Chen? What a rare guest. I was just practicing, so I'm a bit late."
As Meng Qianxue spoke, she naturally walked to the host's seat and sat down. At this time, a maidservant brought her warm towels and clear water.
She simply wiped the perspiration from her temples, her movements crisp and efficient.
"No matter."
Chen Qing smiled slightly. His gaze swept over her as he praised, "Junior Sister Meng's aura has become increasingly condensed and profound, your vigorous energy perfectly harmonized. The distance to the True Origin realm probably only lacks that final opportune moment."
Hearing this, Meng Qianxue gently shook her head. She picked up her teacup and took a sip, sighing, "Senior Brother Chen praises me too much. The threshold of the True Origin realm is like a heavenly moat. Who knows how many brilliant talents it has stopped? I know my own limited talent. I can only cultivate diligently without cease. If I don't succeed once, I'll try twice. If not twice, then thrice... The martial path is rowing upstream against the current. I at least have this much perseverance."
Her tone was calm, her eyes clear and focused.
She had clearly long prepared herself for this hurdle of the True Origin realm.
"With Junior Sister Meng's determination, why worry about not succeeding in the martial path?"
Chen Qing smiled, then changed the subject, stating his purpose, "To be honest, this senior brother's presumptuous visit today is to ask a favor."
"Senior Brother Chen, please speak freely. If I can help, Qianxue absolutely won't refuse." Meng Qianxue set down her teacup, looking directly at Chen Qing.
"I need True Origin Pills, quite a large quantity."
Chen Qing spoke directly, "I've heard the Meng family also has channels to obtain these pills. I wonder if Junior Sister could help make connections or provide some leads? As for price, everything is negotiable."
"True Origin Pills?"
Meng Qianxue's delicate brows furrowed slightly as she pondered for a moment, "These pills are indeed rare and difficult to refine. All parties control them extremely strictly. Though my Meng family has some allocation, the surplus we can mobilize is truly not much, and moreover... it's not something I alone can easily mobilize."
She paused, looking at Chen Qing, "However, since Senior Brother Chen has asked, I'll certainly do my utmost to inquire with family elders about whether we can coordinate a portion. But... I'll need time to work on this, and I don't dare guarantee success. I hope Senior Brother understands."
Chen Qing cupped his fists, saying solemnly, "That Junior Sister Meng is willing to help already fills Chen with gratitude. Whether it succeeds or not, I've noted this favor."
Meng Qianxue waved her hand, laughing heartily, "Senior Brother Chen is too polite. It's just a small effort."
Her smile faded slightly as a hesitant expression appeared on her face.
Chen Qing observed her expression and asked, "Does Junior Sister Meng have more to say?"
Meng Qianxue hesitated briefly before speaking, lowering her voice somewhat, "Senior Brother Chen, have you... seen Senior Brother Qu He recently?"
"Senior Brother Qu?"
Chen Qing's brow furrowed slightly, "I left the sect on business a few days ago and just returned recently. I haven't seen him yet. What happened to him?"
"Senior Brother Chen, you truly don't know?"
Meng Qianxue appeared somewhat surprised, "Just a few days ago, when Elixir Glow Peak opened the furnace to distribute 'Pure Yang Origin Aura Pills,' Senior Brother Qu represented the True Martial lineage to attend. He got into an argument with Senior Brother Zhong Yu from the Nine Heavens lineage over allocation issues, and then... they fought."
Chen Qing's eyes sharpened, "What was the result?"
Qu He and Zhong Yu had fought!?
"They say... Senior Brother Qu suffered a bit and was somewhat injured."
Meng Qianxue's tone carried a trace of gravity. She carefully glanced at Chen Qing before continuing, "Moreover, there are some rumors within the sect saying that Senior Brother Chen deliberately avoided appearing this time, letting Senior Brother Qu face Zhong Yu alone, that you... were intimidated by Zhong Yu's momentum."
Hearing this, Chen Qing's expression suddenly darkened.
He understood Qu He, whose character was steady and took the big picture into account. Unless his bottom line was touched or someone deliberately provoked him, he would never easily fight with others, especially when he knew he was outmatched.
This conflict was probably eighty percent because of him. The Nine Heavens lineage was deliberately suppressing them, and Zhong Yu had directed his spearhead at Qu He.
Thinking of this, Chen Qing also understood Qingdai's earlier expression.
He took a deep breath, suppressing his churning emotions, and said to Meng Qianxue, "Thank you for informing me of this matter, Junior Sister Meng."
Seeing his expression was off, Meng Qianxue quickly advised, "Senior Brother Chen, the Nine Heavens lineage is powerful with deep roots. That Senior Brother Zhong Yu advanced to the True Origin realm over a decade ago with profound foundation. They say he's not far from his sixth True Origin refinement. His strength absolutely cannot compare to Senior Brother Luo."
"Moreover, the entire Nine Heavens lineage stands behind him, along with the support of a thousand-year family like the Ruan family... He and Senior Brother Luo you faced before are completely different concepts."
She spoke these words earnestly, clearly genuinely considering Chen Qing's welfare.
Whether in personal strength, background influence, or impact within the sect, Zhong Yu far surpassed Luo Chengxuan. He was truly one of those standing at the pinnacle among True Disciples.
Chen Qing nodded, his face showing no excess emotion, "I understand the stakes involved. Junior Sister, rest assured."
After chatting briefly, Chen Qing rose to take his leave.
After leaving Meng Qianxue's dwelling, his expression darkened.
Chen Qing didn't return to his own small courtyard but walked directly toward the courtyard where Qu He lived.
Qu He's courtyard was located in a rather quiet spot on True Martial Peak, with several vigorous ancient pines outside the courtyard gate.
Chen Qing stepped forward and knocked on the door knocker.
Before long, the door opened a crack. A plainly dressed maidservant peeked out. Seeing it was Chen Qing, her face immediately showed respect. She quickly opened the door fully, stepped aside, and bowed.
"True Disciple Chen."
"Is Senior Brother in?" Chen Qing stepped inside.
"Yes, the master and mistress are in the reception hall." The maidservant replied softly, leading the way ahead.
Crossing the front courtyard, they arrived at the reception hall.
He saw Qu He sitting in the hall conversing with his wife, Lady Liu.
Qu He was leaning back in a rosewood chair cushioned with soft padding. His complexion was indeed paler than usual, his aura also slightly unstable, but his spirits were passable.
Lady Liu sat beside him, a trace of lingering worry between her brows.
"Junior Brother Chen, you've come!" Seeing Chen Qing, Qu He's face showed a smile. He was about to stand up.
"Senior Brother is injured. No need for such formality."
Chen Qing quickly stepped forward. His gaze fell on Qu He's face as he asked, "Senior Brother Qu, how are your injuries?"
"No matter, just minor injuries. A few days of rest and I'll be fine."
Qu He waved his hand dismissively, speaking as if it were nothing.
"How is this a minor injury!"
Lady Liu beside him couldn't help frowning and speaking up, her tone carrying both distress and lingering fear, "That Zhong Yu struck ruthlessly. If you hadn't forcibly activated your 'Black Tortoise Spirit Armor Art' at the last moment despite the backlash to protect your vital acupoints, you'd probably be lying in bed right now..."
"Wife!" Qu He interrupted with a voice tinged with reproach, glancing at Lady Liu to signal she needn't say more.
Lady Liu's lips moved as she swallowed her remaining words, only silently lowering her head, wringing a handkerchief in her hands.
In her heart, she couldn't help but feel some resentment. If Chen Qing hadn't been so high-profile, offending the Nine Heavens lineage's Nan Zhuoran and Zhong Yu, why would Qu He have to take this lightning strike for him and suffer this injustice?
But this thought she only dared turn over in her heart, absolutely not daring to speak it aloud.
Chen Qing took in Lady Liu's expression completely, understanding in his heart, yet didn't expose it. He only frowned at Qu He, pressing, "Senior Brother Qu, what exactly happened? What was the situation at this Elixir Glow Peak pill distribution?"
Qu He sighed, "What else could it be but using it as an excuse? The yield of Pure Yang Origin Aura Pills this time didn't meet expectations. Each lineage's allocation was already limited."
"That Zhong Yu claimed that the Nine Heavens lineage has had many disciples in recent years with numerous talented individuals emerging, so they should naturally receive more resources. He actually proposed deducting another thirty percent from our True Martial lineage's already scarce allocation. As a True Martial True Disciple, if I can't even defend this small allocation, what face would I have to stand? Naturally, I argued on principle."
Hearing this, Chen Qing's eyes narrowed to slits, his heart extremely clear.
Where was this about competing for pills? This was clearly Zhong Yu deliberately picking a fight, using this opportunity to suppress the True Martial lineage, and moreover, making a show for him, Chen Qing!
The purpose was to force him to appear, or to use this to humiliate the True Martial lineage's face.
"I had business outside and couldn't attend personally, implicating Senior Brother." Chen Qing explained, his tone carrying a trace of apology.
He truly hadn't expected Zhong Yu would be so impatient, launching this show of force before the Profound Yang Spirit Fusion Pills were even ready.
"No matter, it's all trivial."
Qu He waved his hand, appearing unconcerned.
He pondered for a moment, his expression becoming grave as he looked at Chen Qing, "Junior Brother Chen, Elder Pei and I discussed privately. The Nine Heavens lineage is determined to suppress us this time, especially that Zhong Yu, whose momentum is surging. Those 'Profound Yang Spirit Fusion Pills'... the competition will inevitably be extremely fierce. At that time, he'll definitely do everything to obstruct us."
"This senior brother has thought it over repeatedly. Though those pills are good, if because of them we completely tear our faces with the Nine Heavens lineage, or even... get injured and damage our foundation, that wouldn't be ideal. If it really doesn't work... let's yield those Profound Yang Spirit Fusion Pills this time, temporarily avoid the sharp edge, and wait for the future."
Lady Liu listened from the side. Though she didn't speak, approval showed in her eyes.
She only hoped her husband could remain safe and sound.
Chen Qing said slowly, "We can discuss this matter when the time comes."
Those Profound Yang Spirit Fusion Pills concerned his subsequent True Origin refinements and were extremely important. Both publicly and privately, he couldn't easily give them up.
Zhong Yu said he wouldn't get a single one? That also depended on whether he, Chen Qing, agreed!
Seeing Chen Qing's attitude, Qu He seemed to want to say something.
Zhong Yu was definitely not easy to deal with. Behind him stood True Disciple Chief Nan Zhuoran and the massive Nine Heavens lineage.
The two chatted for a bit longer. Chen Qing carefully inquired about Qu He's injuries. After confirming they truly hadn't damaged his foundation and he only needed quiet rest for a period before recovering, he finally felt relieved.
"Senior Brother, rest easy and recuperate. Don't worry about the pills. Everything is on me." Chen Qing rose to take his leave.
"Good, safe travels, Junior Brother." Qu He stood with Lady Liu's support to see him off.
Watching Chen Qing's departing back disappear at the courtyard gate, Qu He sighed softly.
"Now you know to sigh? Weren't you acting tough earlier?"
Lady Liu helped him sit down again, chiding, "I already said, since Junior Brother Chen said he has his own plans, you should just rest easy and recover. Don't worry anymore."
"Alright, alright, I know."
Qu He smiled, grasping his wife's hand and saying gently, "You've had a hard time these past days. Haven't you always wanted to visit Qingyi Garden to admire the lotus flowers? In a few days when my aura stabilizes more, I'll accompany you for an outing."
Hearing this, Lady Liu's face finally showed some genuine smile as she nodded, "Good, but you have to keep your word. Eat your medicine properly and no more secret cultivation."
"As you command, wife." Qu He agreed with a smile.