Chapter 505 - 218: Probing (3)
He followed the disciple, leaving Xu Wang Mountain and stepping onto the Rainbow Bridge that led to the Inner Nine Peaks.
As one of the Inner Nine Peaks, the magnificence of Nine Heavens Peak was on a completely different level from Xu Wang Mountain.
Verdant peaks rose one after another, wreathed in clouds and mist. Pavilions and towers were nestled among them, their upturned eaves and ornate brackets all of extraordinary craftsmanship.
It was said that four of the Ten Great True Disciples hailed from the Nine Heavens Lineage. Lu Chenming, who ranked tenth and had once invited Wu Anren, was one such disciple of the Nine Heavens Vein.
The Nine Heavens Lineage’s power in the Sect was deeply entrenched and complex, making it the leader of the Four Veins.
The guiding disciple led Chen Qing to a rather quiet and secluded side hall halfway up the mountain.
"The Elder is waiting inside. Brother Chen, please go on in."
After speaking, the disciple stood quietly outside the door, waiting.
Chen Qing adjusted his robes and slowly stepped into the hall.
The hall was elegantly furnished, and a strange type of Soul-Calming Incense was burning.
On the main seat at the head of the hall sat an old man dressed in the deep purple, cloud-patterned robes of an Elder. He was holding a booklet in his hands. It was none other than Luo Ziming.
Chen Qing took a few steps forward, bowed, and cupped his fists. "Disciple Chen Qing pays his respects to Elder Luo."
Hearing this, Luo Ziming slowly raised his head. His gaze fell upon Chen Qing, scrutinizing him from top to bottom as if trying to see right through him.
His expression was unreadable. He just gave a slight nod. "Mm, no need for formalities. Chen Qing... a new disciple from Xu Wang Mountain, ranked twenty-ninth in the selection. Reached the twenty-sixth layer of the Celestial Treasure Tower on your first attempt. You have a solid foundation and impressive combat prowess."
Chen Qing’s heart tightened slightly. The man knew his situation like the back of his hand. "Elder, you praise me too highly. This disciple is unworthy."
Luo Ziming set down the booklet and asked casually, "I summoned you today for nothing of great importance. I simply heard that in the recent selection, your performance in the mental fortitude and comprehension trials was particularly outstanding, even faster than many disciples in the Mid- to Late Stage of the Astral Force realm. I wonder, when you were challenging the Seventh and Eighth Layers, did you happen to notice anything... unusual?"
’Here it comes!’
’Just as I thought, it’s about the Celestial Treasure Tower!’
Chen Qing’s Heart and Spirit tensed, but his face showed a look of confusion. "Unusual? This disciple is slow-witted; I don’t understand what Elder is referring to. The Seventh Layer was a test of mental fortitude, filled with illusions, but they were all manifestations of my Heart Demon. The Eighth Layer was a test of comprehension, understanding the Fragmented Formulas. This disciple was just lucky enough to be a little faster. I didn’t notice anything peculiar."
Luo Ziming raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? For example... a sudden, special palpitation in your Heart and Spirit? Or perhaps... sensing some kind of indescribable pressure?"
Chen Qing’s brow furrowed in feigned concentration. He then shook his head. "I was completely focused on passing the trial at the time, not daring to let my attention wander for even a moment. I didn’t notice anything like what you described, Elder."
Luo Ziming’s gaze was profound, staring intently into Chen Qing’s eyes as if trying to find the slightest flaw in his story.
The incense burning in this hall was True Words Soul-Calming Incense. Its fragrance could quietly break down one’s mental defenses and induce them to speak the truth.
It was specifically used for interrogations.
But Chen Qing was acting too normally. His tone and expression didn’t waver in the slightest.
’It can’t be this kid!’
Luo Ziming took in Chen Qing’s entire reaction, and the last shred of doubt in his heart finally dissipated—this boy had nothing to do with the strange fluctuation of will that had alarmed the Sect Leader and his own Master that day.
’It seems the Sect Leader and my Master either sensed it wrong, or some other fortuitous event happened somewhere else.’
A seemingly gentle smile appeared on Luo Ziming’s face. He casually asked a few inconsequential questions about Chen Qing’s Cultivation progress and whether he was adjusting to Xu Wang Mountain. His tone had already become flat and distant.
Chen Qing sneered inwardly, but on the surface, he respectfully answered each question.
"Alright, that will be all for today. Go back and focus on your Cultivation. Do not disappoint the Sect’s expectations."
Luo Ziming waved his hand. "Also, you are not to mention what happened here today to anyone."
"Yes, this disciple understands."
Chen Qing bowed, then turned and walked out of the hall.
Just as he was about to step over the threshold, Luo Ziming, as if suddenly remembering something, spoke again in a faint tone, "By the way, Chen Qing, your talent is acceptable. Are you willing to join my Nine Heavens Lineage to cultivate?"
Chen Qing stopped in his tracks, his mind racing.
’Join the Nine Heavens Vein?’
He immediately turned around and cupped his fists again. "Many thanks for Elder Luo’s high regard! It’s just that this disciple has only just entered the Inner Sect. My Cultivation is shallow and my experience is limited. I fear I am not worthy of the prestigious name of the Nine Heavens Vein’s elites."
Luo Ziming had only mentioned it casually. Seeing Chen Qing refuse, he didn’t mind and waved his hand. "If that’s the case, then do as you wish."
"Thank you, Elder."
Chen Qing bowed once more, then finally turned and left.
His brow remained tightly furrowed until he was far from the side hall and back on the Rainbow Bridge returning to Xu Wang Mountain.
’A test from a True Essence Realm Elder!?’
Ever since the Purple Light had opened his sea of consciousness, Chen Qing’s Spiritual Sense had become exceptionally sharp. He had noticed there was something wrong with the incense as soon as he entered.
’Luo Ziming... the Nine Heavens Lineage... It seems that Purple Light is far from simple!’
Chen Qing gazed toward the majestic Nine Heavens Peak deep within the clouds, his eyes growing incredibly profound.
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