Chapter 539 - 508: Recommending the Worthy Without Avoiding Kin

"I've been out hunting Evil Cultivators recently and only returned to the Sect three days ago. I heard the Valley Master had arrived today, so I came to see you at the first opportunity."

As Tang Linli spoke, he removed his cloak and mask.

His once-handsome face was now covered in scars. One, in particular, ran from his left eye all the way to his chin. The severity of his injuries alone told the story of what he had endured these past few months.

Moreover, Chen Che could sense that although the man's Realm was still at the Foundation Establishment Eighth Layer, his True Essence was full and clear, practically overflowing. He was on the verge of a breakthrough.

Clearly, the days of bitter fighting had been quite fruitful for him.

"How are things with the family?"

Chen Che gestured for him to sit and asked in a gentle voice.

"The territories under the Primordial Sect's control are in complete chaos. The number of Evil Cultivators has multiplied several times over. My kinsmen and I have been hunting them nonstop, but they're like weeds. No matter how many we cut down, more just keep sprouting."

Tang Linli shook his head and said with a bitter laugh,

"Half a month ago, we were ambushed on our way back to the city. One of the attackers was a True Master Fake Pill."

"Our squad of nearly fifty Foundation Establishment cultivators suffered over seventy percent casualties."

"Even among the seventeen Foundation Establishment members of my own family, six died. The situation was hopeless. If it weren't for the Pills, Magical Artifacts, and Weapons you gave us, Valley Master, I fear even I wouldn't have escaped that disaster."

Chen Che was silent for a moment. "My condolences."

The Tang Family had fallen to this state, and while he was partially responsible, the biggest reason was still Duobao.

After all, the hijacking of the Spiritual Boat was not something a mere Foundation Establishment Chief Steward should have to bear the responsibility for. In the end, Tang Linli had simply become the target of Duobao's displaced anger.

"It has always been this way for Cultivators. Born of heaven and earth, we die in heaven and earth. It was their fate."

Tang Linli forced a smile.

"By the way, I asked you to select two trustworthy members from your family..."

"I've already chosen them."

Tang Linli hesitated, then finally summoned his courage and said, "One is my own younger brother, Tang Lintao. You met him once outside the city. The other is my cousin, Tang Linhai..."

"There's no need to avoid recommending relatives if they are worthy."

Chen Che guessed the reason for Tang Linli's concern and gestured for him not to worry.

"One's own kin are naturally the most trustworthy. Since I've given my word, I won't go back on it. Today, in the main hall, Duobao gave me two hundred thousand Spirit Stones. Take these. I'll also give you some more Pills, just in case."

"Thank you, Valley Master."

Tang Linli was overjoyed.

Just as Chen Che had said, one's own kin were indeed the most trustworthy. Besides Tang Lintao, he had two other brothers, but unfortunately, their aptitude was too poor. They had indulged in pleasure for too long and were no longer of any use.

Before he left, he had decided to use the family's resources to support their path to Foundation Establishment, but to this day, there was still no sign of a breakthrough.

So, he had already given up on them.

And in that battle with the True Master Fake Pill, if his cousin Tang Linhai hadn't risked his life to save him, he would have been nothing but dust by now.

Thus, he had given this opportunity to his cousin.

However, since both were people closest to him, he worried Chen Che would think he was being selfish, which was why he had hesitated to speak. He never expected that not only would Chen Che not object, but he would even approve.

After expressing his thanks, Tang Linli took a Jade Scroll from his robes and placed it on the table.

"A few days ago, when I saw the emergency Summoning Order, I knew something was seriously wrong. I had my family members keep an eye on the visiting Golden Core Cultivators. This contains information on them... I don't know if all of them have come with sincere intentions. In case any of them turn traitor, I hope this helps you prepare, Valley Master."

Although he had been transferred out of the Sect, he had spent forty to fifty thousand Spirit Stones to preserve his family's position and avoid being uprooted completely.

As for this information, he had been rooted in the Primordial Sect for so many years that even after losing his standing, he still had his own network. It wasn't difficult to obtain.

"Good!"

A pleased expression appeared on Chen Che's face.

He had thought of this as well. These Golden Core Cultivators were a mixed bag, and he really couldn't trust them. With this information, he could guard against them at a critical moment. Giving Tang Linli a deep look, Chen Che continued,

"If this great ship of the Primordial Sect sinks, you can leave with us."

"Thank you, Valley Master!"

Tang Linli could hardly contain his joy.

With the recent loss of control in the various territories, even 'old-timers' of the Primordial Sect like him were mostly pessimistic, not believing the Sect could survive this crisis.

After all, there was no telling when the Sect Leader would emerge from seclusion, and many had already concluded that he had perished.

Some Loose Cultivators with no ties could just up and leave. But for people like them, unless they were ruthless enough to abandon their families, they couldn't possibly make a move. This was why Tang Linli had been pondering this matter for some time.

If the Primordial Sect were to fall, he had to find a way to preserve some of his family's bloodline, but he didn't know how to bring the matter up.

He never expected Chen Che to bring it up himself.

"Valley Master, I'll take my leave now. The morning after next, I have to go out of the city again to hunt Evil Cultivators. Duobao has spies in the city, and I'm afraid I'll attract his attention if I stay too long."

Calming his excitement, Tang Linli had no intention of staying long. He put on his bamboo hat and mask. Before leaving, he carefully asked for permission, "If I am unable to return, I wonder if I could have Tang Linhai and Tang Lintao come to pay their respects to you, Valley Master?"

'Valley Master Chen is willing to invest in the Tang Family, so I have to do everything I can to secure this connection. I can't let it break just because I die.'

"You may."

Chen Che approved immediately.

"I will take my leave."

Tang Linli cupped his fists to Chen Che and the other Golden Core Cultivators in the room before quietly slipping out.

"This information is quite comprehensive. You can tell he put a lot of thought into it."

Chen Xi said, toying with the Jade Scroll and nodding in satisfaction.

It didn't just contain information on the external Golden Core reinforcements, but also listed several of the Primordial Sect's own Golden Core Cultivators. Apparently, the betrayal of Zuo Qinlong from Celestial Ghost Ridge had made an impression on Tang Linli, and he was taking precautions to prevent it from happening again.

"Everyone, take a good look at this. It might come in handy."

Chen Che took a sip of tea and said lightly,

"The West Gate that Duobao has assigned us to defend may seem safe, but the tides of war can turn in an instant. One misstep, and we'll fall into an abyss. We need to be especially wary of Ping Miaohan, who will be stationed at the West Gate with us."

On the surface, there was nothing amiss with this defense assignment. If there were, it wouldn't have been up to him to speak out; the other Golden Core Cultivators would have expressed their dissatisfaction on the spot.

But he wracked his brains and still couldn't figure out the reason for Duobao's gesture of goodwill, or perhaps even apology.

Besides, their conflict wasn't some petty squabble.

He had destroyed more than half of Duobao's assets. No one would let something like that go so easily.

'Could it be that he really intends to set aside our grudges for now and face the external threat together?'

Chen Che mulled it over for a while and felt this was the only plausible explanation.

After all, among the many Chiefs of the Primordial Sect, not all of them were willing to go along with Duobao's nonsense.

After pondering for a moment to no avail, Chen Che decided to give up. There was simply too little key information.

'But no matter how he schemes, I'll just react to his changes without changing my own plans.'

Then, Chen Che glanced at the Jade Scroll and committed its contents to memory.

However, just as he was about to begin his Cultivation, someone came to report another visitor—a Golden Core Cultivator had come to call. Chen Che was puzzled. He didn't know any Golden Core Cultivators in Primordial City, so why would someone suddenly come to visit him?

But the visitor was a Golden Core Cultivator, after all, and he couldn't very well leave them waiting for too long.

'Huh, it's actually her.'

A moment later, a magnificently dressed woman strode in, respectfully led by an attendant.

Seeing Chen Che from a distance, she had already cupped her fists.

"Greetings, Valley Master Chen. May your fortune rival the heavens, and may you enjoy your Immortal Techniques for eternity."

"Fellow Daoist Ping, there's no need for such formalities."

Chen Che took two steps forward to greet her and personally poured her a cup of hot tea. "Your visit truly brightens my humble home, Fellow Daoist!"

"I only hope Valley Master Chen doesn't mind my unannounced visit."

The woman accepted the teacup and replied with a beaming smile.

This person was none other than Ping Miaohan, the defector from Mist Rain Tower.

Although this was the first time the two had met since leaving the Primordial Sect, they acted like old friends who had known each other for years, creating an atmosphere of perfect harmony. After they exchanged pleasantries for a moment, Chen Che decided to get straight to the point.

"Fellow Daoist Ping, what brings you here today?"

Unexpectedly, Ping Miaohan didn't answer. Instead, she posed a question of her own: "Valley Master Chen, what are your thoughts on the Primordial Sect's current crisis?"