Lying Low in the Martial World to Become a Saint

"Young Master Han, I’ve come on behalf of the Second Elder. He said that this is a critical time for you to advance, so you must not lack for resources. This Jade Token contains three thousand contribution points for you to use. If it’s not enough, please don’t hesitate to ask. The Shen Family will give you our full support to help you attain the position of True Disciple as soon as possible." Steward Shen’s tone was earnest and sincere.

Han Xiong glanced at the Jade Token, his heart stirring.

Three thousand contribution points wasn’t a fortune to him, but it was by no means a small sum.

More importantly, it represented the Shen Family’s unequivocal stance. From this day forward, the Shen Family was fully invested in him, Han Xiong. The two parties were now firmly bound.

He accepted the Jade Token and cupped his fist solemnly. "Please convey my immense gratitude to the Second Elder, Steward Shen. I will remember the Shen Family’s great kindness and will not disappoint you."

Seeing Han Xiong’s response, the smile on Steward Shen’s face widened, and his tone became even more solicitous. "Young Master Han, you’re too kind. We’re all family now, no need for such formalities. With your talent and strength, plus the full backing of the Shen Family, the position of a True Disciple is practically in the bag. In the future, the Shen Family may have to rely on you, our son-in-law."

He said the term "son-in-law" so naturally, it was clear he already considered Han Xiong family.

Han Xiong was pleased to hear this, but he maintained a humble expression. He exchanged a few more pleasantries with Steward Shen, reiterating his gratitude.

Seeing that his objective was met, Steward Shen did not linger. He rose to take his leave and respectfully exited the courtyard.

’Shen Xinyue...’

A charming figure flashed through Han Xiong’s mind, and his expression shifted subtly.

’The marriage alliance is a means to an end. Mutual benefit is the true goal.’

’He needed the Shen Family’s support, and they needed his future potential to solidify their position. It was a matter of mutual convenience.’

With the full support of the Shen Family, he felt more confident in everything from acquiring resources to navigating the network of connections Within the Sect. His chances of successfully challenging for a True Disciple position had indeed increased.

He was just contemplating how to use these contribution points to exchange for the Elixirs or Martial Arts he needed when he heard footsteps outside the courtyard again.

"Brother Han." The newcomer was one of his subordinates, a disciple named Liu Bo who was skilled at gathering information—one of his eyes and ears.

"Mm." Han Xiong nodded, putting away the Jade Token. He looked at the other man. "What is it?"

Liu Bo hurried forward and lowered his voice. "Brother Han, as you instructed, I’ve been keeping an eye on Xu Wang Mountain... That Chen Qing is the same as always. He’s either practicing in his courtyard or fishing at Emerald Waves Pool. He’s living a quiet, secluded life, acting as if... as if the business with the Shen Family didn’t affect him at all."

Hearing this, Han Xiong frowned slightly. "Fishing and practicing? Exactly the same as before? No other reaction?"

"That’s right."

His lackey nodded in confirmation. "It’s like nothing happened. He just goes about his business."

"Forget it. There’s no need to pay him any more special attention."

Han Xiong waved his hand dismissively. "A mere Mid-stage Astral Force cultivator who chose the declining True Martial Lineage and has now lost the potential support of the Shen Family... He won’t be a threat anytime soon. My rivals now are Lu Chenming, Wan Shangyi, and the others like them."

’He wasn’t a fool.’

’He had connected with the Shen Family through Luo Chengxuan. When he’d vaguely heard from Shen Xinyue that the family had initially considered Chen Qing, he knew he had inadvertently made an enemy of the man.’

’Since he had already made an enemy, he had simply excluded Chen Qing from the last banquet. It was a way to declare his own position and signal his alignment with the other factions that ostracized the True Martial Lineage.’

’He had expected Chen Qing, being young and hot-headed, to make a move—or at least show some sign of displeasure. He never thought the man would be so composed.’

Liu Bo quickly offered a fawning smile. "Exactly. That Chen Qing is only at Mid-stage Astral Force. His Cultivation and strength are worlds apart from yours, Brother Han. He’s not worth a second thought."

Han Xiong nodded, clearly pleased by the assessment.

’His main priority right now is to use the Shen Family’s resources to build up his strength and find an opportunity to challenge for a True Disciple position.’

’At the same time, he has to keep a close eye on Wan Shangyi, Qian Baole, and the other True Successor Candidates. They’re all watching hungrily, and as potential competitors, he must be on his guard against them.’

’As for Chen Qing... a man who posed no immediate threat was not worth wasting any more of his Heart and Spirit on.’

"You’re dismissed. Continue monitoring the others," Han Xiong instructed.

"Yes, Brother Han."

Liu Bo answered respectfully and left the courtyard.

.....