Chapter 532 - 228: Evil Qi
The next day, he went to Wanxiang Hall and carefully looked through the mission scrolls.
The missions on offer—hunting specific Exotic Beasts, gathering rare minerals, and so on—mostly awarded between a few dozen and a few hundred Contribution Points. For him, who urgently needed two thousand points, the payout was too low.
The high-paying missions, however, were mostly for hunting down Sect traitors, eliminating Demon Sect strongholds, or exploring uncharted, dangerous territories. Not only were they time-consuming, but they were also extremely risky.
’Looks like Luoxing Slope is still the most practical choice.’ Chen Qing quickly made his decision.
For one, he had experience there and knew the terrain. For another, hunting Stone Lions provided a steady and sizable income of Contribution Points.
With his current strength at the Mid-stage of Astral Force, bolstered by his dual Spear Momentum, hunting Stone Lions should be well within his capabilities.
’I need to earn a lot of Contribution Points this time. When I get back, I’ll finally get my hands on the "True Martial Demon-Vibrating Spear".’ Chen Qing thought to himself.
Since he had decided to return to Luoxing Slope, aerial reconnaissance and a means of transport were especially important.
Chen Qing spent one hundred Contribution Points on a Wind-Riding Saddle, specially crafted for his Golden Feathered Eagle.
The saddle’s frame was meticulously forged from a blend of a special metal called Cloud Pattern Steel and Light Feather Wood. It was hard enough to withstand the slash of an ordinary sword, yet extremely light, making it perfect for a raptor like the Golden Feathered Eagle.
Among the available types of eagle saddles, this Wind-Riding Saddle was a mid-tier model, far superior to the most basic Weight-bearing Saddle.
With the exchange complete, Chen Qing returned to his courtyard, new saddle in hand.
As he reached the courtyard gate, he saw an elderly man in gray robes standing there, waiting for him.
"Pardon my asking, but are you Young Hero Chen Qing?" the old man asked, stepping forward and bowing respectfully as Chen Qing arrived.
"I am. And you are?" Chen Qing asked.
"I have come on my master’s orders to invite you for a talk, Young Hero. My master is Qu River of the True Martial Lineage," the old man said calmly.
Chen Qing raised an eyebrow at this.
Qu River!
The sixth-ranked True Disciple, and currently the only one from the True Martial Lineage among the Ten Great True Inheritance!
His strength and status were far above Lu Chenming’s.
Faced with an invitation from the leading brother of his own lineage, there was no way he could reasonably refuse.
Chen Qing immediately cupped his hands. "So the invitation is from Brother Qu. How could I refuse? Please, senior, lead the way."
"Please follow me, Young Hero." The old man stepped aside and led the way.
Chen Qing followed the old man, arriving once again at True Martial Peak. This time, however, they did not go to the Dharma Transmission Hall, but to a quiet and elegant pavilion halfway up the mountain.
Outside the pavilion, a sea of clouds churned and rolled. Inside, the gentle scent of sandalwood smoke curled into the air.
A refined-looking man who appeared to be in his mid-thirties was sitting leisurely, sipping tea. Two beautiful maids with impressive auras stood attentively by his side.
This man was Qu River.
Upon seeing Chen Qing, a warm smile spread across Qu River’s face. He set down his teacup and greeted him warmly, "Junior Brother Chen, you’ve arrived! Please, have a seat!"
"Greetings, Brother Qu!" Chen Qing said, stepping forward and saluting with cupped fists.
’This man was the current public face of the True Martial Lineage, a man who would very likely become the next Vein Master.’
"Please, no need for such ceremony. Have a seat."
Qu River pointed to the stone stool opposite him with a friendly and casual air. "I’ve long heard that our lineage has produced a remarkable junior brother. To have cleared the twenty-ninth level while only in your early twenties makes you worthy of being a True Successor Candidate. Now that I’ve met you, I can see your bearing is truly extraordinary."
Chen Qing sat down as instructed and said humbly, "Brother Qu, you flatter me. I am still a long way from reaching your Realm."
Qu River gave a noncommittal smile and personally poured Chen Qing a cup of Spirit Tea. Its rich aroma indicated it was no common vintage. "We are of the same lineage, so we are family. There’s no need to be so reserved. Try this Cloud Mist Spirit Heart Tea. It is slightly beneficial for Concentrating and Calming the Mind."
Chen Qing thanked him and accepted the cup. He took a small sip and immediately felt a warm current spread throughout his body.
After some small talk and a few sips of tea, Qu River got straight to the point.
"Junior Brother Chen,"
Qu River set down his teacup, his expression turning serious. "You have already proven yourself worthy of being a True Successor Candidate. You must understand that the position of a True Disciple isn’t just about personal glory; it is intrinsically linked to the rise and fall of one’s lineage. Our True Martial Lineage has been in decline in recent years, and we urgently need new blood to bolster our standing. If you intend to compete for a seat among the True Inheritance, the True Martial Lineage will do everything in its power to support you."
Chen Qing cupped his fists and said, "I am deeply grateful for your high regard, Brother Qu. However, the path to becoming a True Disciple is filled with experts. Everyone has witnessed the strength of someone like Brother Lu Chenming. I am well aware that my own strength still falls far short."
Qu River nodded. "There’s no need to sell yourself short, Junior Brother," he said lightly. "The path of cultivation is long; there’s no need to rush. Just take your time. With your age and potential, you have a very promising future."
His tone then shifted. "But aside from the prestigious title, do you know what the specific benefits of becoming a True Disciple are?"
Chen Qing looked eager to hear more. "Please, enlighten me, Brother Qu."
Qu River said slowly, "First, of course, is the allocation of resources. The monthly share of Contribution Points a True Disciple receives far surpasses that of an Inner Sect Disciple—enough to support the consumption of top-tier Elixirs. Second, True Disciples are the future pillars of the Sect and are qualified to participate in its core assemblies. Their status is revered, and they may even have the opportunity to be nominated as a candidate for Sect Leader."
’A candidate for Sect Leader!’
’This was something Chen Qing already knew. It was also why every True Disciple had the backing of a Noble Family.’
’Becoming the Sect Leader would inevitably change the entire Celestial Treasure Upper Sect, and even alter the balance of power among the Three Paths.’
Qu River continued, "Third, and this is the most crucial point: True Disciples gain the right to enter the Grotto Heaven for their cultivation."
"Grotto Heaven?"
’Grotto Heaven?’ Chen Qing muttered. It wasn’t the first time he had heard the term, but he didn’t know the specifics.
"That’s right."
Qu River nodded. "The Grotto Heaven is the greatest secret domain of our Celestial Treasure Upper Sect. You could also call it a profound Secret Realm, entirely separate from the outside world. When you have the chance to enter it yourself one day, you will understand."