Lying Low in the Martial World to Become a Saint

Liao Chuan, despite also being in the Late-stage Astral Force, had been completely powerless against him, a testament to his strength.

Therefore, Chen Qing believed it was only natural for Luo Qianjue to have broken through the thirtieth floor this time.

Zhu Yu paused, then continued, "Wu Anren and He Shuang haven't made any moves since they passed the thirtieth floor. They haven't attempted to climb the tower again. I suspect they don't want to expose their true strength and hidden cards prematurely."

Once one became a True Successor Candidate, their circumstances certainly changed. Every step was watched by countless eyes. It was understandable that Wu Anren and He Shuang chose to conceal their abilities and bide their time.

"Both of them have a cultivation at the Late-stage Astral Force. They shouldn't be far from reaching Astral Force Perfection."

Zhu Yu lowered his voice. "My guess is that Wu Anren will be the first among them to reach Astral Force Perfection. He has the backing of the Nanzhao Huo Family, so he certainly doesn't lack resources, and his foundation is deeper."

"As for the original True Successor Candidates in the Inner Sect,"

Zhu Yu had clearly done his homework, rattling off the details with familiarity. "The strongest are widely recognized to be Meng Qianxue, Wan Shangyi, and Han Xiong. After Senior Sister Meng's challenge failed, she went into seclusion and has been keeping a very low profile. As for Han Xiong... he was the first to reach Astral Force Perfection. It's been three years now."

"He cultivates the Superior Heart Method, the Fiery Sun Heaven-Burning Technique. While it is certainly fierce and domineering, it's inherently a step below the Nine Heavens True Astral that Brother Lu and the others built their foundation on with a Supreme Heart Method. At the same realm, he's no match for Brother Lu. Therefore, if he wants to seize a True Inheritance position, his only option is to break through to the True Essence Realm before Brother Lu does."

"However," Zhu Yu's tone shifted, "the True Essence Realm is not so easily broken through. Brother Lu built his foundation for six years and still couldn't succeed in one attempt. Even with the Shen Family's support, I'd say Han Xiong's chances of breaking through in a short period of time... are slim."

"As for Wan Shangyi, he's the most low-key and inscrutable of them all. He advanced to Astral Force Perfection just six months after Han Xiong, and his foundation is exceptionally solid. It also seems he has the backing of a Noble Family, so he doesn't lack for resources. He's been holding back this whole time, which probably means he has grand ambitions and is just waiting for the perfect moment."

Finally, Zhu Yu concluded, "The fact that Brother Lu has held the tenth True Disciple seat securely for six years proves his strength is truly impressive. His Nine Heavens True Astral is peerlessly domineering, and his Saber Technique has captured the very essence of the Nine Heavens Lineage. Without breaking through to the True Essence Realm, defeating him within the Astral Force Realm... is basically impossible!"

Chen Qing glanced at Zhu Yu. "You've worked hard during this time."

To have investigated the situation of the main competitors in the Inner Sect so thoroughly and analyzed it all so cogently, he had clearly put in a great deal of effort.

He had never asked Zhu Yu to do any of this; Zhu Yu had done it all on his own initiative.

However, after this detailed summary, Chen Qing did indeed have a much clearer understanding of the strength and circumstances of the Inner Sect's True Successor Candidates.

'The path to becoming a True Disciple seems clear. Either I must possess overwhelming strength within the Astral Force Realm and defeat Lu Chenming head-on, or I must beat everyone to it and be the first to break through to the True Essence Realm.'

"It's my duty to help you with your burdens, Brother Chen."

Zhu Yu chuckled, feeling quite encouraged by Chen Qing's acknowledgment.

The two then chatted for a bit about recent interesting events within the Sect.

Just then, a gentle and familiar voice called from outside the courtyard, "Is Junior Brother Chen in?"p>

'It's Brother Qu He.'

Stirred, Chen Qing rose and went to open the door.

Seeing this, Zhu Yu also hurried to follow, his expression reverent.

Standing outside the door was none other than Qu He, a True Disciple of the True Martial Lineage.

"Brother Qu." Chen Qing cupped his hands in greeting.

Beside him, Zhu Yu bowed even more deeply and cupped his fist, not daring to show any disrespect. "Greetings, Brother Qu!"

He was filled with awe, facing this senior brother from the True Martial Lineage, a truly top-tier figure within the Sect.

Qu He gave Zhu Yu a slight nod in acknowledgment before turning his gaze to Chen Qing. "Junior Brother, take this Pure Yang Yuan Astral Pill."

As he spoke, he retrieved a lustrous Jade Bottle from his sleeve and handed it over.

"A Pure Yang Yuan Astral Pill?"

A glint of light instantly appeared in Chen Qing's eyes. He quickly accepted it with both hands. "Thank you, Senior Brother!"

Qu He then recounted the process of how the elixirs were allocated, describing it in an understated manner yet highlighting the key points.

"The Mystic Sun Lineage wanted our True Martial Lineage to take only a single pill this time. How could I possibly agree to that?"

Qu He's tone was placid as he recounted his dispute with Luo Chengxuan over the elixir distribution.

He didn't intentionally embellish his words, but he highlighted the subtlety of the situation at the time just enough.

The matter concerned the core interests of the True Martial Lineage, as well as his personal prestige within the Sect.

As for how much of this had been done purely for Chen Qing's sake, Qu He himself knew the answer as clearly as if looking in a mirror.

However, being well-versed in the ways of the world, he knew exactly how to phrase things to ensure this favor would be deeply imprinted on Chen Qing.

Chen Qing showed a perfectly measured expression of gratitude and said in a solemn voice, "I have troubled you, Senior Brother. For you and Senior Brother Luo to have friction on my account... this junior brother truly feels uneasy."

His words were earnest, but his mind was crystal clear.

'Qu He is the sixth True Disciple, a True Essence Realm expert with a respected status in the lineage. His insistence on fighting for these two pills was certainly partly to cultivate me, but to a larger degree, it was probably to save his own face. In a way, I just became the pretext for this power play. I have to acknowledge this favor, but there's no need to think it was all done for my sake.'

Seeing Chen Qing's sincere and emotional reaction, Qu He's face broke into a magnanimous smile. He waved his hand. "Junior Brother, you're overstating things. As for Luo Chengxuan, you needn't worry. I will handle him."

"Your most urgent task now is to make good use of this elixir, cultivate diligently, and raise your strength as quickly as possible. Only when you demonstrate the potential and value worthy of this resource will my struggle today have been worthwhile."

His words were gentle and encouraging, but inwardly, he was extremely satisfied with the gratitude and perceptiveness Chen Qing was showing. 'I don't need some arrogant genius who thinks the world owes him everything. I need a fellow disciple who knows his place, understands how to repay a favor, and can become a capable ally. Chen Qing's current attitude is exactly what I was hoping for. I genuinely hope he can mature quickly—not just as new blood for the True Martial Lineage, but as someone who can become my, Qu He's, capable right-hand man in the Sect's complex future.'

"I will take my senior brother's teachings to heart and will not fail to live up to your high expectations," Chen Qing promised solemnly once more.

Qu He nodded, offered a few more words of encouragement to Chen Qing, and then took his leave.

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