Chapter 529 - 227: The Gap
For the next few days, Chen Qing kept a low profile, remaining in his courtyard to diligently polish his Spear Technique.
The Five Elements True Astral within him surged ceaselessly, now even more vigorous and condensed than when he first reached the Mid-stage Astral Force.
Meanwhile, news that Meng Qianxue would be challenging the tenth True Disciple, Lu Chenming, on the Seven-Star Platform in three days’ time struck the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect like a boulder tossed into a calm lake, creating massive waves.
The position of True Disciple represented the highest honor and strength among the Sect’s younger generation. Every challenge captured the Heart and Spirit of countless people, let alone the first one after several years of silence.
On one side was Lu Chenming, who had securely held the tenth True Disciple’s seat for six long years.
On the other was the prodigy of the Jade Celestial Lineage and a True Successor Candidate—Meng Qianxue.
On this day, just as Chen Qing finished a set of his Spear Technique and stood at ease, the voices of Shen Xiuyong and Qiao Hongyun came from outside his courtyard.
"Chen Qing, come on, let’s go! We’re heading to the Seven-Star Platform! We can’t miss a grand event like this!" Shen Xiuyong’s voice was filled with excitement.
Qiao Hongyun also chuckled. "It’s a battle for True Inheritance. Observing it will be greatly beneficial to our Cultivation."
Chen Qing nodded. He had indeed been thinking the same thing.
Although he wasn’t currently concerned with the position of True Disciple, he wanted to witness the methods of a True Disciple firsthand, gauge the gap between himself and them, and get a better sense of where he stood.
More importantly, he wanted to see the Supreme Heart Method cultivated by the direct disciples of the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect in action and find out how it truly differed from his own Five Elements True Astral.
Chen Qing casually slid his Diancang Spear into its sheath, slung it over his back, and left the courtyard with the other two.
The Seven-Star Platform was located to the side of the main peak. It was a massive, suspended stone platform supported by seven stone pillars, serving as the place Within the Sect for resolving major disputes and holding important competitions.
By the time the three of them arrived, the area around the Seven-Star Platform was already a sea of people.
Not only were nearly all the geniuses from the Hundred Sects of Xu Wang Mountain present, but more than half of the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect’s original Inner Sect Disciples had also come. Various flying mounts circled in the sky, and there were even Elder Level figures observing from hidden pavilions. The atmosphere was incredibly charged.
"As expected of a contest between True Disciples."
Shen Xiuyong and Qiao Hongyun couldn’t help but marvel at the scene, lamenting the immense influence of the True Disciples.
Chen Qing’s gaze swept over the crowd, and he saw many familiar faces.
Zhu Yu, Liu Wu, and the others were naturally there. Upon seeing Chen Qing, Liu Wu even nodded to him from a distance, a seemingly friendly smile on his face.
He Shuang, Wu Anren, Luo Qianjue, and Shang Lujing had also arrived early, occupying spots with excellent views.
When Wu Anren saw Chen Qing, he smiled and nodded in greeting. He Shuang, however, gave him a cool glance and a slight nod before turning her attention back to the platform.
As for the several True Successor Candidates from the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect’s Inner Sect, Wan Shangyi, Han Xiong, Qian Baole, Liu Yun, and the others had all arrived as well.
Chen Qing’s gaze swept past Han Xiong before settling on the two women beside him.
Their faces were similar, like twin lotus blossoms. One of them was none other than Shen Xinyue, while the other had a gentler, more mature air, and her clothes were more magnificent and eye-catching.
Standing quietly beside the two women was a man dressed in the uniform of a Profound Sun Peak Core Disciple.
He appeared to be in his late thirties. His face wasn’t exactly handsome, but he had wide-set eyes, a high-bridged nose, and a faint, almost imperceptible smile that gave him an air of unhurried composure.
Chen Qing sized him up covertly. The man stood as straight and tall as a pine tree. Although he had intentionally restrained his aura, Chen Qing’s discerning eye could naturally perceive that this person’s Cultivation was profound and well-hidden.
’The one next to Shen Xinyue must be her third sister, Shen Xinrou. In that case, this man must be Luo Chengxuan,’ Chen Qing thought to himself.
Among the three True Disciples of the Mystic Sun Lineage, the seventh-ranked Luo Chengxuan had the deepest ties to the Shen Family. His marriage to Shen Xinrou bound the two sides firmly together.
Chen Qing’s thoughts turned. ’Han Xiong spread the news that Lu Chenming might be on the verge of a breakthrough, and now Luo Chengxuan himself has come to watch... The currents run deep and turbulent among the True Disciples.’
At that moment, the members of the Shen Family were talking in low voices.
Shen Xinrou held Luo Chengxuan’s arm intimately, but her gaze fell upon her younger sister and Han Xiong. With a beaming smile, she said, "Junior Brother Han, my little sister here holds you in the highest regard. She often says you are a future pillar of the Mystic Sun Lineage."
Her words seemed casual, but in reality, she was trying to play matchmaker for her sister and Han Xiong.
Upon hearing this, Han Xiong put on a humble smile and looked at Shen Xinyue. "Senior Sister Xinrou, you flatter me. Senior Brother Luo is the true model for our generation. Miss Xinyue is innocent and charming, with extraordinary talent as well. I am unworthy of such praise."
Though his words were modest, his eyes revealed a deep-seated confidence.
A True Successor Candidate was a renowned talent, even when compared to the members of thousand-year-old Noble Families.
Shen Xinyue had taken special care with her appearance today. A goose-yellow long dress complemented her snow-white skin, making her look delicate and lovely.
Hearing Han Xiong’s words, she laughed softly. "Brother Han, you’re the one being too modest. Everyone knows you’re one of the geniuses most likely to challenge for a True Disciple seat."
She had already calculated things clearly in her heart. Although Han Xiong’s background was not on par with the Shen Family’s, his potential as a True Successor Candidate was immense. Once he advanced to become a True Disciple, his status would rise accordingly.
Shen Xinyue knew perfectly well that Han Xiong was a rare and excellent match.
Luo Chengxuan smiled faintly and turned his gaze to the Seven-Star Platform. "Junior Brother Lu has been the defender for six years; his foundation is anything but shallow. Junior Sister Meng’s challenge is commendable for its courage, but the outcome is still up in the air. Junior Brother Han, you should watch closely."
His words were both a commentary and an implicit reminder and warning to Han Xiong.
Han Xiong quickly bowed. "Your teachings are wise, Senior Brother Luo. I will be sure to remember them."
He also wanted to see just how strong this Brother Lu had become and whether he himself still had a chance to be promoted to True Disciple.