Chapter 638 - 259: Grotto Heaven (2)

"Your successful challenge has certainly boosted the prestige of our True Martial Lineage, but it also interrupted Lu Chenming’s push for the True Essence Realm. More importantly, it has revealed an opportunity to others. You were able to defeat someone at the Perfection stage while only at the Late-stage Astral Force Realm because of your deep foundation and strength. But if someone manages to break through to the True Essence Realm before you, they will have the absolute advantage of True Essence over Astral Force. Challenging you and seizing the True Disciple seat would be a near certainty. Countless eyes are on you now, just waiting for you to slip up or for your progress to slow."

Although Chen Qing’s challenge against Lu Chenming was a success, it had also created an opportunity for many others.

Chen Qing remained calm. "Thank you for the warning, Brother Qu. I understand."

’I had long expected this. Now that I’ve taken Lu Chenming’s place, I have to bear the same pressure he did. In fact, since my Cultivation Realm is lower, the pressure will be even greater.’

’Only by demonstrating greater strength and faster progress can I intimidate those jackals and save myself a great deal of trouble.’

"I’m relieved you think that way," Qu River said, gratified.

The two of them stepped into Zhenwu Hall.

Inside the hall, Vein Master Han Guxi sat high on the main seat, his aura as profound as the ocean.

Chen Qing and Qu River came forward and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Vein Master," said Chen Qing. "Master," said Qu River.

Han Guxi looked down at Chen Qing, a rare, gratified smile spreading across his face. "Excellent! Chen Qing, you have done a great service for our True Martial Lineage and boosted our prestige. I am greatly pleased!"

The True Martial Lineage had been stagnant for too long. Chen Qing’s sudden rise was like a shot in the arm, allowing him, the Vein Master, to finally hold his head high with pride.

"It was merely my duty as a disciple. I dare not take credit for it," Chen Qing said humbly.

Han Guxi waved his hand dismissively and smiled. "There’s no need for such modesty. Those with merit shall be rewarded. This is the rule of the Sect, and it is also the tradition of our True Martial Lineage."

As he spoke, he flicked his sleeve, and a streak of light shot toward Chen Qing.

Chen Qing reached out and caught it. The object felt heavy, and a peculiar sensation, an intertwining of icy cold and scorching heat, instantly spread through his hand.

Looking closely, he saw it was a long spear. Its entire shaft was a deep, dark color, etched with faint dragon patterns.

The spear’s shaft was forged from an unknown metal, radiating a bone-chilling sharpness. A cold light pulsed at its tip, which seemed to breathe on its own, drawing in the surrounding Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi.

"This spear is called ’Profound Dragon.’ It is a Low-Grade Spiritual Treasure."

Han Guxi continued slowly, "It is the life’s work of an Artifact Refining Master from the Forging Hall, from two generations ago. It possesses considerable spirituality. You are skilled in Spear Technique, so I bestow this spear upon you. I hope you will use it well and not let its brilliance be dulled by dust."

’A Spiritual Treasure!’ Chen Qing’s heart jolted.

Spiritual Treasures were a class above Treasure Artifacts.

While ordinary Treasure Artifacts were merely known for their fine materials, durability, and sharpness, a Spiritual Treasure had already developed a trace of spirituality. It could form a subtle connection with its owner’s will, and if nurtured over time, its power could even increase. They were in a league far beyond that of Treasure Artifacts.

Refining a Spiritual Treasure was an extremely difficult process with exorbitant requirements for both materials and the artisan. In Wanxiang Hall, even the most common Spiritual Treasure cost tens of thousands of Contribution Points, and they were often listed with a price but were never actually available for purchase.

This Profound Dragon Spear in his hands was priceless.

"Thank you, Vein Master, for this generous gift!"

Chen Qing saluted solemnly with a cupped fist.

With this Spirit Treasure Long Spear, the power of his True Martial Demon-Vibrating Spear would surely rise to a whole new level.

"Think nothing of it."

Han Guxi stroked his beard. "Resources and Weapons are merely external aids. You must remember that your own Cultivation is the true foundation. I hope you will guard against arrogance and impatience, continue to cultivate diligently, and ascend to the True Essence Realm as soon as possible!"

"I will not fail the Vein Master’s high expectations!" Chen Qing replied in a solemn voice.

Afterward, Han Guxi offered a few more words of encouragement and asked about some miscellaneous details of Chen Qing’s cultivation before waving his hand, signaling for a Steward to lead Chen Qing to his new residence.

Only after Chen Qing’s figure had vanished from the hall did Qu River turn to Han Guxi and ask in a low voice, "Master, two days ago... did you go to Ten Thousand Laws Peak?"

The smile on Han Guxi’s face slowly faded. He nodded. "I did."

"And that... Elder Luo, what did he say?"

Qu River’s tone was laced with caution.

The one on Ten Thousand Laws Peak was an Elder Su of extremely high status within the Sect, and moreover, he was the senior brother of the Nine Heavens Vein Master, Li Yu-jun.

Han Guxi was silent for a moment before slowly shaking his head and uttering three words: "Hard to say."

Hearing this, Qu River understood. His master must have been met with a polite but firm rejection at Ten Thousand Laws Peak, or had received some kind of ambiguous reply.

He didn’t press the matter further.

The situation involved the grudges of the previous generation and the current political games between the lineages. The waters ran far too deep.

....

The Steward led Chen Qing to an elegant courtyard on True Martial Peak.

"Brother Chen, the courtyard has been cleaned and tidied. You can move your belongings in and settle down right away."

The courtyard was located halfway up the mountain, wreathed in clouds and mist. The Primordial Qi here was far richer than on Xu Wang Mountain. Outside, green pines and cypresses provided shade, creating an exceptionally tranquil environment that spoke to the status and privileges of a True Disciple.

Stepping into the courtyard, he saw four young women in elegant, light-colored dresses waiting respectfully. They were all quite beautiful.

Upon seeing Chen Qing, they all bowed in unison, their voices crisp and pleasant. "We welcome you back to your residence, Senior Brother."

Chen Qing’s gaze swept over them. The four women were all in their early twenties, with refined temperaments and Upper Grade looks. Their Cultivation was at the Early-stage Nascent Soul Realm, and they were clearly all Outer Disciples.

He gave a slight nod and asked, "And you are?"

The leading woman, who had an oval face and a steadier disposition, stepped forward and replied respectfully, "Senior Brother, my name is Qing Dai."

She pointed to the three beside her in turn. "These are Bai Zhi, Su Wen, and Perilla. We are all Outer Disciples. Brother Qu and Senior Sister Liu sent someone to specially select us to attend to your daily life, Brother Chen."

Upon hearing this, Chen Qing understood.

’It was common for True Disciples to have attendants within the Sect. They handled menial tasks and, in a way, were also an embellishment of one’s status.’