Chapter 474 - 208: Shen Family
"Of course!"
Shen Xiuyong spoke with certainty. "By fusing Three True Astrals, the richness and quality of her True Astral are nearly on par with geniuses who built their foundation on a Supreme Heart Method. What’s more, her Cultivation is already at the Late-stage Astral Force, and her foundation is incredibly solid. Her fundamentals are even a notch stronger than many of the top-tier Inner Sect disciples trained by the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect itself. She’s practically touching the threshold of a True Disciple! It’s only natural that a True Essence Realm Elder would take notice of her."
Shen Xiuyong paused, his tone filled with emotion. "I’ve heard that among the Inner Sect Elites of the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect, especially the ten True Disciples, every single one built their foundation on a Supreme Heart Method. The True Astral they cultivate is overwhelmingly powerful, far surpassing what one gets from an Upper Grade Heart Method. But if someone, like He Shuang, can fuse several Upper Grade Heart Methods to create a True Astral comparable to that from a Supreme Heart Method, their potential is just as immense."
Chen Qing slowly exhaled, understanding dawning on him.
Shen Xiuyong continued for a moment, explaining that geniuses from the Hundred Sects were now gathered on Xu Wang Mountain. Many had already begun forming private alliances, either in small groups or by attaching themselves to stronger individuals, rather than trying to go it alone.
He suggested that Chen Qing should take the time to connect with old acquaintances like Qiao Hongyun and Shang Lujing, so they could all look out for one another.
Chen Qing nodded in agreement. "You’re absolutely right, Senior Shen."
’Connecting with others will not only let us trade for things we need and exchange information about the Sect,’ he thought, ’but maybe I can also trade for some urgently needed items, just like last time.’
Hearing this, Shen Xiuyong’s face filled with emotion. "Indeed. The sheer abundance of resources in the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect is far beyond our imagination. Inside Wanxiang Hall, you can find Cultivation Techniques, Elixirs, Divine Weapons, Exotic Treasures... it has almost everything. As long as you have enough Contribution Points, you can obtain many things we once only dreamed of."
"But these Contribution Points are truly precious and hard to come by. The monthly stipend is small, and the missions aren’t easy. You and I have just arrived, so remember to be frugal. For now, it’s most important to exchange for some Elixirs that can aid your Cultivation and solidify your foundation."
Chen Qing replied, "I understand. Thank you for the advice, Senior Shen."
The two chatted for a little longer about some recent rumors within the Sect before Shen Xiuyong finally got up to leave.
After seeing Shen Xiuyong off, Chen Qing returned to his Quiet Chamber and mused for a long moment.
"The selection is over, and my residence is settled. It’s time..."
He took the letter that Sect Leader He Yuzhou had solemnly entrusted to him from the Storage Pouch he wore close to his body.
"Time to deliver the letter."
When he had first arrived in Celestial Treasure City, his top priority had been the Xu Wang Mountain selection, leaving no time for anything else.
Now that everything was settled, delivering this letter, which concerned the old friendship between the Wutai Sect and the Shen Family, had become his primary task.
’The Sect Leader must have had a reason for sending me to deliver the letter alone, but I can’t guess what it might be.’
With that thought, Chen Qing delayed no longer. He straightened himself up and headed out the door.
He crossed the Rainbow Bridge connecting the various peaks, clouds and mist flowing beneath his feet. Occasionally, figures riding strange, flying beasts would flit past—all of them disciples of the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect.
After descending from the Rainbow Bridge, he reached the Outer Peak area. The foot traffic increased noticeably, and buildings of all kinds, each with a different purpose, stood packed tightly together.
Passing through the mountain gate of the Outer Peak, he officially entered the bounds of the Celestial Treasure Giant City.
Only by stepping into this giant city, which dominated the Three Paths, could one truly feel its overwhelming and majestic presence.
The city walls towered like a mountain range, and the streets within were so wide that ten horse-drawn carriages could ride abreast.
Soaring buildings, diverse in style yet harmoniously blended, stood everywhere. Markets were as dense as a forest, and the streets teemed with people. A thunderous clamor rose to the heavens.
The scale of Celestial Treasure City was immense, roughly divided into five major districts: East, South, West, North, and Central.
The Central District was the core, a territory directly administered by the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect. Important Sect institutions and the mansions of the great thousand-year Noble Families were mostly located here.
The East District was home to many chambers of commerce and auction houses; the South District had numerous taverns, inns, and information brokers; the West District was a residential area for many small and mid-sized families and ordinary martial practitioners; and the North District was where workshops and warehouses were concentrated.
Although the Shen Family couldn’t be called a thousand-year Noble Family, its strength and foundation were so profound that it was already touching that threshold. It was a top-tier power in Celestial Treasure City, second only to the five great clans. Naturally, its mansion was located in the Central District, where every inch of land was worth its weight in gold.
Chen Qing made his way there, asking for directions and crossing several bustling thoroughfares. The deeper he went into the Central District, the cleaner and more solemn the streets became.
Finally, at the end of an exceptionally wide street, he saw a sprawling complex of magnificent buildings.
A towering vermilion wall stretched out, seeming to go on forever.
Glazed tiles shimmered with a golden brilliance under the sun, and its upturned eaves and ornate brackets were exceptionally grand.
In front of the main gate stood two enormous, lifelike stone sculptures of Spirit Beasts.
A gilded plaque reading "Shen Mansion" hung high above, the calligraphy powerful and imposing.
The guards at the gate were not ordinary soldiers, but several Martial Artists with imposing auras. All of them had Cultivation at the Embracing Pill Force level, and their leader was even at the Late-stage Embracing Pill. They were all dressed in uniform blue Martial Attire.
Chen Qing straightened his clothes and walked forward slowly.
Before he even got close to the gate, a guard who looked like the leader glanced over. Although he saw that Chen Qing was young, he noted his calm and steady demeanor. Cupping his fist, he asked, "Young Hero, please halt. This is the private residence of the Shen Mansion. May I ask what business you have here?"
Chen Qing stopped, returned the cupped-fist salute, and said in a calm tone, "I am Chen Qing, a new disciple of the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect’s Xu Wang Mountain. On the order of a sect elder, I have come to call on your esteemed mansion’s Third Elder, Senior Shen Qianshan, with a letter to present to him in person."
Upon hearing "Celestial Treasure Upper Sect’s Xu Wang Mountain," the guard leader’s expression immediately grew more solemn.
The recent Xu Wang Mountain selection had caused a sensation throughout the city. Anyone who was chosen was a genius from some great power, and their futures were boundless.
He didn’t dare to obstruct him and said at once, "So you are a distinguished disciple of the Upper Sect. Please wait a moment, Young Master, while I announce your arrival."
With that, he turned and quickly entered the mansion through a side door.
Before long, the side door opened again, and an old man in a brocade robe walked out, following the guard leader.
The old man’s aura was restrained, but his Cultivation was clearly extraordinary.
The old man’s gaze fell upon Chen Qing, and he gave a warm smile. He cupped his fist and said, "I am Shen Liang, a Steward of the Shen Mansion. I was unaware of Young Hero Chen’s arrival and failed to give you a proper welcome. Please forgive me. I hear you wish to see the Third Elder?"
Chen Qing cupped his fist again. "Steward Shen, you’re too kind. I have indeed been entrusted by my master to deliver a letter to Elder Shen Qianshan personally."
Hearing this, Shen Liang stepped aside to clear a path and made an inviting gesture. "Young Master Chen, please follow me into the mansion. The Third Elder happens to be in residence today. Allow me to go and announce you."
"I’ll have to trouble you, Steward Shen."
Chen Qing nodded and followed Shen Liang through the magnificent main gate of the Shen Mansion.
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