Chapter 520 - 224: Qian Yu
Chen Qing no longer hesitated. He sought out Elder Deng Ziheng and declared his intention to join the True Martial Lineage.
Upon hearing this, Deng Ziheng clapped his hands and laughed. "The True Martial Lineage has a profound heritage! Though we’re in a bit of a slump at the moment, we’re in dire need of fresh blood like you! Come, I’ll take you to True Martial Peak right now to meet the Instructor Elder and get you registered!"
With that, Deng Ziheng led Chen Qing from Xu Wang Mountain, across the Rainbow Bridge, and toward True Martial Peak.
Deng Ziheng was in high spirits along the way. He gave Chen Qing detailed instructions, saying, "The Instructor Elder on True Martial Peak, Senior Brother Pei Tingchun, is an upright man. Of the four Veins’ Instructor Elders, he has the best temperament and is extremely patient."
"When you see him later, you just need to state your intentions honestly. Once you receive the True Martial Lineage’s Identity Jade Token, you will officially be a Core Disciple. From now on, if you need to cultivate any of the lineage’s Martial Arts, you can just go find him at the Dharma Transmission Hall."
Chen Qing nodded seriously, understanding completely.
The position of Instructor Elder was highly respected, second only to the Vein Master. They managed the lineage’s Martial Arts inheritance and were responsible for teaching all disciples. Their strength and prestige were bound to be extremely high, and they would have an encyclopedic knowledge of the Sect’s Martial Arts.
Soon, the two arrived at the Dharma Transmission Hall on True Martial Peak.
The hall was ancient and grand, filled with a quiet and solemn atmosphere.
Inside, a stern-faced elder sat cross-legged with his eyes closed. His aura seemed to merge with the entire hall, making him appear unfathomably deep.
This was none other than the True Martial Lineage’s Instructor Elder, Pei Tingchun.
"Senior Brother Pei." Deng Ziheng stepped forward, cupping his fist with a smile.
Pei Tingchun slowly opened his eyes and gave a slight nod, his gaze as calm as still water. "Junior Brother Deng, what brings you to my Dharma Transmission Hall today?"
"I’ve come specially to recommend a fine talent to you, Senior Brother."
Deng Ziheng stepped aside to reveal Chen Qing and made the introduction. "This is Chen Qing, a talented disciple from the Hundred Sects’ selection on Xu Wang Mountain. He hails from the Wutai Sect of Yunlin Prefecture, has passed the twenty-ninth floor of the Celestial Treasure Tower, and is ranked eighth among the new disciples. He has great potential, and he wishes to join our True Martial Lineage to continue his Cultivation."
At these words, Pei Tingchun’s gaze lingered on Chen Qing for a moment before he nodded slightly. "The twenty-ninth floor, Mid-stage Astral Force... your foundation is indeed solid. To enter our True Martial Lineage, you must abide by our rules. Have you thought this through?"
Chen Qing took a step forward, bowing with a cupped fist. "This disciple, Chen Qing, has thought it through. I wish to enter the True Martial Lineage, devote myself to Cultivation, and bring glory to the lineage."
"Good."
Pei Tingchun stood up. "In that case, first follow me to the Ancestral Hall. You must pay respects to the past patriarchs of our True Martial Lineage, burn incense to inform the heavens, and be entered into the genealogical records. Only then will you be considered an official member."
The ceremony was not complex, but it was solemn and dignified.
After burning incense and kowtowing before the portraits of the True Martial Lineage’s patriarchs, the ceremony was over.
Seeing this, Deng Ziheng quietly took his leave.
Returning to the Dharma Transmission Hall, Pei Tingchun said, "Your Identity Jade Token needs to be remade and branded with the True Martial Seal. Someone will deliver it to your residence later."
"Yes, thank you, Elder Pei," Chen Qing replied.
Pei Tingchun continued, "Now that you’ve joined the True Martial Lineage, you may study our Martial Arts. However, there are some rules you must know. Even as a Core Disciple, if you wish to learn the lineage’s core Martial Arts, you must spend Contribution Points to exchange for them."
Chen Qing acknowledged gravely, "This disciple understands."
He pondered for a moment before asking, "Elder Pei, this disciple has long admired the True Martial Demon-Vibrating Spear. May I ask how many Contribution Points are required to exchange for this technique?"
"Thirty thousand," Pei Tingchun said lightly.
’That price is considerably more expensive than the Hundred Blows of the Prairie Fire I saw in Wanxiang Hall. The price for the even more central Yingling Chapter, the True Martial Concentration Technique, must be astronomical.’
He couldn’t help but think of the True Martial Seal he had mastered. ’If I were to offer up this lost, unparalleled skill, it would surely be a monumental contribution. I wonder how many Contribution Points it would be worth.’
Chen Qing quickly suppressed the thought.
Revealing the True Martial Seal now would undoubtedly attract countless eyes and unpredictable trouble. The time was far from right.
Pei Tingchun chuckled. "Besides teaching Martial Arts, I can also resolve doubts and guide disciples through Cultivation bottlenecks—three hundred Contribution Points per hour, same price for everyone."
’Three hundred Contribution Points per hour!?’
Chen Qing heard the price and thought to himself that it was indeed steep. But on second thought, Pei Tingchun was an Instructor Elder with profound Cultivation and vast experience. For an ordinary disciple, getting his personal guidance for an hour for three hundred Contribution Points was probably a rare opportunity.
An idea sparked in his mind, and he asked tentatively, "Elder Pei, is the three hundred Contribution Points per hour limited to difficulties with Martial Arts, or can I also ask about other Cultivation-related problems?"
"Naturally, it refers exclusively to Martial Arts guidance."
Pei Tingchun glanced at him, his tone firm, as if worried Chen Qing had some ulterior motives. "Miscellaneous matters are off the table."
Chen Qing shook his head inwardly; he had indeed been thinking of something else.
It seemed Pei Tingchun was strictly professional, offering only "paid consultations," and only within the scope of Martial Arts.
’Does he need guidance!?’
’Obviously not!’
After a moment of thought, Chen Qing spoke again. "Elder Pei, this disciple still needs to build up his foundation. I’d like to first learn a Superior Spear Skill to prepare for cultivating an Unparalleled Spear Skill in the future. I was wondering, what’s the difference between exchanging for it here versus at Wanxiang Hall?"
"You’re a clever one, kid."
Pei Tingchun glanced at Chen Qing. "Here with me, it’s cheaper than at Wanxiang Hall."
"How much cheaper?"
"Twenty percent."
"Fifty percent!" Chen Qing tried to haggle.
"Deal!" Pei Tingchun agreed almost without hesitation.
"!?"
Chen Qing suddenly felt like he’d offered too high a price. He had cut the price by fifty percent in one go, yet Pei Tingchun had agreed instantly.
But he also understood now. Apparently, one could haggle when exchanging for Martial Arts in the Dharma Transmission Hall. He’d have more experience next time.