Chapter 524 - 250: Xu Qingshan’s Gratification, the Giant Spirit Assassin Returns, Jiang Che Breaks Through to the Fifth Layer of True Master Realm

Xu Qingshan gazed at the mountain gate, a sense of unease creeping into his heart.

The enormous bundle on his back contained the last of the Cangyun Sect’s assets.

Ever since he last left, the more he thought about it, the more unsettled he felt.

Upon returning to the Sect, he had immediately sought out Sect Leader Xu Zhouzi to explain the stakes.

"Che’er is struggling over there. If his resources can’t keep up, getting kicked out of the Inner Sect would be a minor issue. But if his Dao Heart is damaged, then the future of our Cangyun Sect will be severed!"

After hearing this, Xu Zhouzi had gritted his teeth and immediately ordered the Sect’s Treasury to be opened.

This bundle contained not only Spirit Medicines the Sect had accumulated over many years, but also numerous Divine Weapons. It had nearly emptied the Treasury.

’Oh, Che’er...’

’Your master isn’t very capable; I can’t help you much.’

’But as long as I’m still breathing, I will never let you suffer from poverty out there!’

Xu Qingshan took a deep breath, straightened his slightly disheveled robes, and walked forward. He cupped his hands in a salute to the Mountain Guard Disciple, his tone humble.

"Excuse me, young man. This old one is Xu Qingshan of the Cangyun Sect from Cangzhou."

"I’ve come to visit a disciple named Jiang Che and deliver a package from home."

The Mountain Guard Disciple, who had been leaning against a stone pillar out of sheer boredom, lazily lifted his eyelids at the words.

"Which peak?"

Xu Qingshan quickly replied, "He should be... on Chuyang Peak. He’s a new disciple who joined through the Celestial Strategy Guard selection."

"Celestial Strategy Guard... Jiang Che?"

The disciple muttered the name, then shot upright as if struck by lightning, his eyes wide as he stared at Xu Qingshan.

"You mean... the new True Inheritor Candidate of Spirit Void Peak, Senior Brother Jiang Che?!"

"True... True Inheritor Candidate?"

Xu Qingshan was stunned. "Young man, are you mistaken? I remember he was still worrying about the assessment. How could he possibly be a True Inheritor Candidate?"

"If it’s the Jiang Che from the Celestial Strategy Guard, then there’s no mistake!"

The Mountain Guard Disciple’s attitude did a complete one-eighty, becoming incredibly respectful and enthusiastic.

"Senior Brother Jiang Che has been in the Sect for a year and has already cultivated the *Myriad Phenomena Infinite Dao* to the Tenth Layer of Great Perfection! He even crushed all competition in the assessment to take first place!"

"Even Vein Master Wu Wei personally issued an order, specially approving him as a True Inheritor Candidate! His status is honored and second only to the True Disciples!"

"Since you are Senior Brother Jiang’s elder, you are an honored guest of our Sect!"

After hearing all this, Xu Qingshan’s mind roared, and he was completely dumbfounded.

’Tenth Layer Great Perfection?’

’Crushed all competition?’

’True Inheritor... Candidate?!’

He understood each word, but when put together, it was like listening to a celestial scripture.

"This... this..." Xu Qingshan’s lips trembled, unable to form a complete sentence for a long time.

"Senior, please follow me! If Senior Brother Jiang found out you were stopped at the gate, this disciple would be in huge trouble!"

Without another word, the Mountain Guard Disciple personally led Xu Qingshan, heading straight for Spirit Void Peak.

Along the way, listening to the disciple’s endless narration of Jiang Che’s "glorious deeds," Xu Qingshan felt completely dizzy.

Although he had a general understanding, it still felt somewhat unreal.

Finally, the two arrived at Tingtai Garden.

Xu Qingshan looked at the luxurious, private courtyard before him, overflowing with Spiritual Qi, and then at the looks of awe from the surrounding disciples.

He was finally certain—

This wasn’t a dream!

His disciple, the same Jiang Che who had caused him so much worry...

...had truly soared to the heavens!

’As expected of Che’er... As expected of my good disciple!’

Tears streamed down Xu Qingshan’s old face. The great stone that had been weighing on his heart finally, thoroughly, fell, transforming into endless ecstasy and pride.

...

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.

Jiang Che was inside studying the advanced applications of the *Blood Burning Secret Technique* when he suddenly heard a knock.

A sweep of his Divine Thought left him stunned.

In the next instant, his figure flickered and appeared at the courtyard entrance, and he yanked the door open.

"Master?!"

Looking at the travel-worn old man outside the door, carrying an enormous bundle, Jiang Che’s eyes were filled with surprise and astonishment.

"Why are you here? And... what is this?"

He pointed at the massive bundle.

Seeing Jiang Che, Xu Qingshan was so agitated that even his beard trembled. He grabbed Jiang Che’s arm.

"Che’er! You boy... you kept your master in the dark for so long!"

Afterward, once they were inside and seated, Jiang Che looked at the precious resources piled high on the table. He learned that his master and the Sect Leader had "smashed the pot and sold the iron" to gather them.

He was both moved and unsure whether to laugh or cry.

"Master..."

Jiang Che shook his head helplessly and poured Xu Qingshan a cup of hot tea.

"Didn’t this disciple tell you before? I was confident I would pass the assessment."

"Don’t you know me, Master? When have I ever boasted? When have I ever done something I wasn’t sure of?"

"Yes... yes..."

Xu Qingshan cradled the hot tea, filled with emotion. "It was I who worried for nothing. My horizons were too narrow; I underestimated your talent!"

"Who would have thought that you’d not only pass but also become a True Inheritor Candidate!"

"This is a True Inheritor Candidate of a top-tier Major Sect... Our Cangyun Sect hasn’t produced such a figure in several hundred years!"

At this point, Xu Qingshan suddenly sensed the aura emanating from Jiang Che. Though restrained, it was as deep as an abyss and as vast as the sea.

He froze for a moment, then asked with some uncertainty:

"Che’er, your Cultivation...?"

Jiang Che didn’t hide it. He nodded and answered truthfully:

"Reporting to Master, this disciple is now at the Peak of the Fourth Layer of the True Master Realm."

"In a little while, I should be able to break through to the Fifth Layer."

HISS—

Xu Qingshan sucked in a breath of cold air, nearly dropping the teacup in his hand.

"T-True... a Fourth Layer True Master?!"

"And about to reach the Fifth Layer?!"