Chapter 518 - 223: Demon-Vanquishing_2
Chen Qing politely declined each of these enthusiastic visitors.
He was well aware that prominence attracted unwanted attention. Having just entered Mid-stage Astral Force, his foundation still needed time to be polished and solidified. This was hardly the time to become complacent or draw attention to himself.
More importantly, he did not want to bind himself to any single power faction too early and get drawn into the Sect’s complex internal strife.
「By the third day, the commotion had gradually subsided.」
On that same day, the Sect announced the new monthly stipend standards for the Xu Wang Mountain disciples. Just as the rumors had suggested, the stipends were strictly tied to their final rankings.
Chen Qing, having ranked eighth, would receive three hundred Contribution Points per month—a full three times his previous amount.
Those ranked from tenth to thirtieth would receive two hundred Contribution Points per month; those from thirtieth to fiftieth would receive one hundred; and anyone ranked below fiftieth would only receive fifty points. The disparity was immediately obvious.
’Three hundred points a month... That’s thirty-six hundred a year. It’s a pretty substantial and stable income.’
Chen Qing calculated, feeling quite satisfied.
The extra two hundred points would be enough to support his daily consumption of High-quality Quenching Gang Pills, which would significantly boost his Cultivation speed.
The Sect’s method of encouraging competition was cruel, but it was also simple and direct.
「That afternoon, a knock came from the courtyard gate once again.」
When Chen Qing opened the gate, he saw two people standing outside.
The one in the lead was an elder with a calm and steady demeanor. His aura was restrained, giving Chen Qing the sense that he was unfathomably deep.
Behind the elder was a young woman with a beautiful face and lively eyes. Her Cultivation was at Mid-stage Embracing Pill Power, and she was currently studying Chen Qing with curiosity.
"Might you be Chen Xiaoyou?"
The elder smiled and clasped his hands in a salute. "I am Hou’en of the Nanzhao Huo Family. Please forgive my presumptuous visit."
Chen Qing’s heart stirred.
The Nanzhao Huo Family—a Noble Family with a thousand-year history and a profound heritage. He had, of course, heard of them.
He had also heard that Wu Anren had been personally invited to a banquet by Huo Qiushui, the fifth-ranked True Disciple, in an attempt to recruit him.
’I didn’t expect the Huo Family to come looking for me so soon.’
"So it is Elder Huo. I’ve heard a great deal about you. Please, come in."
Chen Qing stepped aside, ushering the two into his courtyard and leading them to the stone table to sit.
After taking a seat, Hou’en dispensed with the pleasantries and got straight to the point. "Chen Xiaoyou, for you to rank among the top ten of Xu Wang Mountain at such a young age, earning the qualifications of a True Successor Candidate, is truly astonishing. I have come today on behalf of the Huo Family to sincerely invite you to become our family’s Guest Minister."
’A Guest Minister for the Huo Family?’
Chen Qing thought to himself, but his expression remained impassive.
"You must be aware, Chen Xiaoyou, that each of the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect’s Four Veins has its own core inheritance, True Scripture, and Ultimate Skill. Choosing one vein to specialize in is almost inevitable. My Huo Family’s Huo Qiushui is the fifth True Disciple of the Jade Celestial Lineage and holds considerable influence within it. If you are willing to become a Guest Minister for the Huo Family, we can help you integrate smoothly into the Jade Celestial Lineage. Qiushui can also look out for you, saving you from a great deal of unnecessary trouble."
"Furthermore, the Huo Family’s businesses are spread across the Three Paths, with vast channels for resources. We can provide you with support in areas like Elixirs, precious materials, intelligence, and even entry slots for certain special Secret Realms."
At this point, Hou’en paused slightly, then mentioned as if in passing, "Take the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, for example. That is one of my family’s businesses. Should you have any needs, you will naturally be offered certain conveniences."
’The Hundred Treasures Pavilion?’ Chen Qing’s gaze sharpened as he immediately recalled the faction near the Ten Thousand Poison Swamp.
’So that’s also a Huo Family business!’
The reach of a thousand-year-old Noble Family was truly everywhere. The depth of their heritage was plain to see.
Hou’en observed Chen Qing’s expression and continued, "You should know, Chen Xiaoyou, that between Xu Wang Mountain and the Inner Sect, there are currently eight publicly recognized True Successor Candidates. With only ten True Disciple seats available, you can imagine how fierce the competition is. Without powerful external support, trying to stand out among so many geniuses and secure one of those seats on your own is next to impossible."
"The Huo Family recognizes your potential and is willing to invest heavily to lend you a helping hand. For you, this is a shortcut to becoming a True Disciple."
Hou’en’s words were logical and clear, laying out the pros and cons distinctly.
Chen Qing mulled it over for a moment but did not agree immediately.
He knew that the status of a Guest Minister came with certain responsibilities and ties. Though not as restrictive as being a Household Servant, it was by no means a position of complete freedom.
"Elder Huo, I am deeply grateful for your generous offer."
Chen Qing clasped his fist, his tone sincere. "However, this matter is of great importance and concerns my future path in cultivation. Might you allow me a few days to consider it carefully?"
Upon hearing this, Hou’en showed no displeasure. Instead, he nodded. "That is only right. It is always good to be cautious. In that case, I shall await your good news."
He stood up, and the young woman beside him, Huo Yan, quickly rose as well.
"This is my Token. Once you have made your decision, you may use it to find the Steward at the Hundred Treasures Pavilion in the city and have them send me a message." Hou’en placed a Token on the stone table, then clasped his hands and took his leave.
Chen Qing saw the two of them to the courtyard gate.
After they had walked some distance from Chen Qing’s small courtyard, Huo Yan couldn’t help but ask in a low voice, "Eighth Elder, it seems that Chen Qing wasn’t immediately swayed?"
Hou’en replied calmly, "It doesn’t matter. It is enough to have shown our goodwill. It’s perfectly normal for a newly minted True Successor Candidate to be cautious and thoughtful. We only need to let him know of the Huo Family’s sincerity and strength. The seed has been planted; when it sprouts will depend on fate."
"After all, he is not a True Disciple yet. The fact that my Huo Family has taken the initiative to recruit him is already a sign of high regard. The rest is up to him to decide."
For the Huo Family, showing goodwill to a True Successor Candidate was sufficient; there was no need to excessively humble themselves.
「Meanwhile, Chen Qing’s mind was in turmoil.」
’The Jade Celestial Lineage... Huo Qiushui... the Hundred Treasures Pavilion...’
He muttered to himself. The terms offered by the Huo Family were indeed tempting, especially the part about helping him integrate into one of the Four Veins, which was particularly attractive to him.