Chapter 473 - 208: Shen Family (Part 2)
Only by advancing to the True Essence Realm, where one’s very existence underwent a fundamental leap, could True Essence be used as a key to begin opening the gate to the Sea of Consciousness.
By continuously refining and strengthening the Sea of Consciousness, one could give birth to Divine Sense. Its uses were wondrous and endless. Not only could it perceive the most minute details and peer into heaven and earth, but at a sufficiently high realm of cultivation, it could even leave the body to form an invisible attack.
Further on, the text mentioned that when the Sea of Consciousness was cultivated to an incredible Extreme Realm, and one’s spiritual will was condensed to its absolute limit, it could give rise to the even more mysterious "Intention."
This so-called "Intention" was a special existence—a wisp of highly concentrated energy containing a spiritual imprint and a portion of one’s thoughts. It was said to be capable of lasting for eons without dissipating, making it exceptionally profound. It could attach itself to specific objects to pass down a Cultivation Technique or leave a warning.
Reading this, Chen Qing’s heart suddenly jolted in shock!
’Intention? Capable of lasting forever? Attached to an object?’
’Could it be that the mysterious purple light that suddenly appeared in my mind wasn’t some kind of test or attack, but a strand of Intention left by a powerful senior?’
’Whose Intention was it?’
’Why was it hidden deep within the Celestial Treasure Tower?’
’And why was I the one to trigger it?’
The notes only recorded this much about Intention. Clearly, this "Wanderer Jingxu" only had a partial understanding of the subject and had not delved deeply into it.
Chen Qing flipped through a few more books but didn’t find much else.
Just as he reached for a thin booklet titled *Ancient Explanation of Divine Origin*, another slender, jade-like hand landed on the same booklet at almost the exact same time.
The fingers were long and fair, with well-shaped nails that had a healthy, pinkish sheen.
"Oh, you want to read this one too?" a clear and pleasant voice, like spring water striking stone, sounded beside him.
Chen Qing looked up to see a woman standing next to him. She looked to be in her early twenties, and the simple white robes she wore could not conceal her graceful figure.
Her dark hair was coiled up in a simple bun, her face exquisitely beautiful, her features picturesque. Her pair of bright eyes were crystal clear, and she was currently looking at him with a hint of curiosity.
Even though Chen Qing had seen beauties like Nie Shanshan and Wu Manqing, he couldn’t help but marvel inwardly at this woman’s exceptional looks and disposition. She was like a secluded orchid in a quiet valley, possessing an ineffable Spirit Charm within her elegant and otherworldly air.
"You can read it first."
The woman smiled slightly, offering the *Ancient Explanation of Divine Origin* in her hand to Chen Qing.
That smile was like the first thaw of winter ice or the blooming of spring flowers, seeming to brighten the solemn Scripture Repository.
"It’s alright. Thank you, Senior Sister, but I’m not going to read it."
Chen Qing snapped back to his senses and quickly shook his head.
He had been secretly keeping track of the time; his one-hour limit was almost up! If he stayed any longer, another fifty Contribution Points would be deducted!
That was half a month’s stipend!
He had no time to worry about who this woman was. He hastily put down the few booklets he was holding, gave her a slight nod, and then hurried downstairs.
Watching Chen Qing’s almost-fleeing back, the woman was momentarily taken aback. Then, as if she understood something, she couldn’t help but break into a knowing smile.
Chen Qing strode quickly out of the Scripture Repository. Only after confirming he had just made it within the one-hour time limit did he breathe a sigh of relief.
Fifty Contribution Points. That really stung.
He started walking toward his small courtyard, but his mind couldn’t help but drift back to the woman he had just met.
’To appear on the upper three floors at that time, reading a profound classic like the *Ancient Explanation of Divine Origin*... this woman is no ordinary person. Judging by her aura, she also seems to be at the Astral Force realm, but I can’t quite see her specific level. Either she has an extremely brilliant Concealing Breath Technique, or... her cultivation foundation far surpasses others at the same stage.’
Chen Qing wondered to himself, ’Is she a genius disciple cultivated locally by the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect? Or is she a newly promoted Inner Sect Disciple like me? I don’t recall seeing anyone like her during the selection...’
After thinking for a moment without reaching any conclusion, Chen Qing shook his head and cast these distracting thoughts aside.
Whoever that woman was, it had nothing to do with him at the moment.
His priorities were to familiarize himself with his new environment, increase his strength, earn Contribution Points, and try to figure out the origin of the purple light.
Over the next two days, Chen Qing discovered that it wasn’t just him. Almost all the prodigies from the Hundred Sects who had newly entered Xu Wang Mountain were being unusually quiet.
No one was rushing to the Celestial Treasure Tower to challenge higher floors for Contribution Points, nor was anyone immediately going to Wanxiang Hall to accept missions.
Most, like him, chose to temporarily remain in their courtyards to consolidate their cultivation and adapt to the environment. Others went to places like Ten Thousand Laws Peak to read basic Cultivation Insights or books on general sect knowledge, all acting with extreme caution.
None who had made it this far were fools. They all understood that upon arriving in a new place, the best course of action was to keep a low profile and figure out the rules.
Two days later, Chen Qing was in his Quiet Chamber polishing the three newly fused True Astrals when he heard a knock on his courtyard gate.
Chen Qing finished his practice and opened the door to find Shen Xiuyong standing outside.
"Junior Martial Uncle Shen, what is it?" Chen Qing asked, noticing Shen Xiuyong’s complicated expression.
"I just got some news,"
Shen Xiuyong walked into the courtyard, lowered his voice, and said with unconcealable envy, "He Shuang has been accepted as a Direct Disciple by Gong Nansong, a True Essence Realm Elder from the main peak!"
"Oh?"
Chen Qing was also quite surprised to hear this.
He naturally knew of He Shuang. She was one of the top three geniuses from the recent selection, had also cultivated the Three True Astrals, and her cultivation had already reached the Late-stage Astral Force. She was hailed as a prodigy with the potential to become a True Inheritance disciple.
"Is the news reliable?"
"Absolutely certain!"
Shen Xiuyong nodded emphatically. "I heard that Elder has been famous for a long time. He broke through to the True Essence Realm over fifty years ago and is a highly respected veteran expert in the Sect. This is a true leap to the heavens! Becoming the Direct Disciple of a True Essence Realm Elder."
"Is it because she also cultivated the Three True Astrals?" Chen Qing asked.
He thought of himself, who now also possessed the Three True Astrals.