Chapter 400: Chapter 185: Great Reward
Just then, a Steward announced respectfully from outside, "Sect Leader, Master Li of the Cyan Wood Institute is here to see you."
’Junior Martial Uncle Li!?’
’This junior martial uncle spends all his years cooped up in the Cyan Wood Institute, almost never setting foot outside. What could he possibly want with me?’
He Yuzhou’s mind stirred. He composed his expression, tucked the secret letter into his sleeve, and called out, "Please show my junior martial uncle in."
Li Baichuan, still dressed in a cyan robe, strolled leisurely into the hall as if he were just dropping by for a casual visit.
"How is it that you have the leisure to visit me today, Junior Martial Uncle?"
He Yuzhou rose and greeted him with a smile, gesturing for him to take a seat.
Li Baichuan waved a hand dismissively and looked at He Yuzhou. "Martial Nephew, do you recall the agreement between us?"
"Agreement?"
The smile on He Yuzhou’s face didn’t falter, though his mind was racing. "I’m not sure which agreement you’re referring to, Junior Martial Uncle."
Li Baichuan shot him a look and said flatly, "Stop pretending you don’t know. The agreement regarding the Earth Core Milk Cave."
He Yuzhou nodded as if in realization. "Oh, that matter."
’Back when Xiao Bieli issued the Lifeng challenge, he had indeed promised that if Chen Qing could save the Wutai Sect’s face, he would allow Li Baichuan to enter the Earth Core Milk Cave to pursue his Cultivation.’
’That place was a secret retreat exclusive to the Sect Leader, where the Primordial Qi was incredibly dense. It was also the Sect’s greatest secret and the very foundation of its power.’
’Letting Li Baichuan in would be fine. At worst, I just wouldn’t do any Cultivation myself for that period.’
Li Baichuan said, "I have recently had some insights and need to borrow the Earth Core Milk Cave for a period of seclusion to quietly contemplate the profound mysteries."
He Yuzhou hesitated for a moment, a troubled look on his face. "Since I promised you, Junior Martial Uncle, I certainly won’t go back on my word. It’s just..."
He trailed off, his gaze sweeping over Li Baichuan. "The Earth Core Milk Cave is a matter of great importance. Moreover, it is something the Upper Sect keeps a close eye on..."
"Don’t worry."
Li Baichuan gave a faint smile. "Every blade of grass and every tree, every stone and every drop of milk within the cave belongs to the Upper Sect. I won’t touch a single thing. I understand that much."
He Yuzhou felt somewhat relieved. What he feared most was this unpredictable junior martial uncle acting recklessly.
’If anything were to go wrong in the Earth Core Milk Cave, the entire Wutai Sect would be implicated.’
’Since Junior Martial Uncle Li had given his word, things were manageable.’
He Yuzhou immediately asked, "If that’s the case, when do you plan to enter the cave, Junior Martial Uncle, and for how long will you remain in seclusion?"
"I’ll go tomorrow. It could be as short as three months, or as long as half a year," Li Baichuan said, his words shocking.
"Half a year?"
He Yuzhou’s brows locked tightly. "Junior Martial Uncle, isn’t that too long?"
’Opening the Earth Core Milk Cave consumed a great deal of resources each time. Moreover, having it occupied for so long would be a major hindrance to his own Cultivation.’
Li Baichuan’s eyelids lifted slightly. "What? Have you sat in the Sect Leader’s chair for so long that you won’t even grant your junior martial uncle this small courtesy?"
"You speak too harshly, Junior Martial Uncle."
He Yuzhou waved his hands in protest. "It’s not that I’m unwilling. It’s just that you are the Dean of the Cyan Wood Institute, Junior Martial Uncle. If you enter seclusion for that long, what about the institute’s affairs...?"
Li Baichuan said dismissively, "Just have Chen Qing serve as the Deputy Dean."
"Chen Qing?"
He Yuzhou was taken aback, then laughed in disbelief. "You must be joking, Junior Martial Uncle. Chen Qing may be the First Disciple, and exceptionally talented, but he is still young. His Cultivation... is only at the Embracing Pill Realm. How could he command respect from others? How could he possibly take on the heavy responsibility of a Dean?"
’The deans of the Five Institutes are the core pillars of the Sect. The position can only be held by someone of great prestige and profound Cultivation.’
’No matter how outstanding Chen Qing was, in his eyes, he was still a junior who needed more tempering.’
A sharp glint flashed through Li Baichuan’s murky eyes as he said blandly, "And who told you he’s merely at the Embracing Pill Realm?"
He Yuzhou’s smile froze. "What do you mean by that, Junior Martial Uncle?"
"He has already broken through to the Astral Force Realm. He is more than capable of overseeing the Cyan Wood Institute." Li Baichuan’s tone was placid, but his words landed like a thunderclap in He Yuzhou’s ears.
"What!?"
He Yuzhou was inwardly shaken. He took a deep breath and asked, "Junior Martial Uncle, is this... is this truly real?!"
Despite his usual calm and steady disposition, he couldn’t help but be astonished.
’Chen Qing has broken through to the Astral Force Realm!?’
’Did he break through all at once?!’
"The disciple I personally nurtured has reached the Astral Force Realm, adding another pillar of support to our Wutai Sect. For such a meritorious achievement, is it not worth a little extra time?"
Li Baichuan’s face was impassive. "If you don’t believe me, you can summon him yourself and find out."
He Yuzhou’s chest rose and fell slightly as he quickly suppressed his inner turmoil.
’He knew Li Baichuan. The man never made empty boasts about matters of such importance.’
He took a deep breath, slowly sank back into his chair, and his mind began to race, weighing the implications.
’If Chen Qing truly has broken through to the Astral Force Realm... an Astral Force master in his early twenties!’
’What did this mean?’
’The fate of the Wutai Sect for the next century might rest entirely on this one boy!’
After a moment of silence, He Yuzhou’s eyes were filled with clarity and resolve. He said in a deep voice, "If Chen Qing has indeed reached the Astral Force Realm... then half a year it is! The Earth Core Milk Cave will be opened for you immediately, Junior Martial Uncle! And as of today, Chen Qing will temporarily preside over the affairs of the Cyan Wood Institute!"
"Good."
Li Baichuan nodded in satisfaction. Without another word, he turned and ambled out.
As soon as Li Baichuan’s figure vanished, He Yuzhou immediately summoned his Trusted Steward with a grave voice, "Hurry to the Cyan Wood Institute and have Chen Qing come see me! And be quick about it!"
Seeing the Sect Leader’s solemn expression, the Steward dared not tarry and bolted away.
In no more than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Chen Qing arrived with the Steward outside the Council Hall.
He had just finished breakfast and was about to go fishing at Dingbo Lake when he was urgently summoned. He already had a suspicion as to why: ’Master Li must have spoken to the Sect Leader.’
’The last time they spoke, Master Li had mentioned he was going into seclusion for a period and would inform the Sect Leader of the situation, but he hadn’t said much more beyond that.’
Entering the hall, Chen Qing cupped his fist and said, "Disciple Chen Qing greets the Sect Leader!"
He Yuzhou waved a hand and cut straight to the chase. "Junior Martial Uncle Li says you’ve broken through to the Astral Force Realm. Is it true?"
Chen Qing met the Sect Leader’s gaze and answered frankly, "To answer the Sect Leader, this disciple did indeed break through to the next realm a few days ago."
’He knew it was useless to hide anything from a man of the Sect Leader’s stature; being forthright would likely earn him more support.’
"Good! Good! Good!"
He Yuzhou said "Good!" three times in a row, a broad, delighted smile instantly spreading across his face. The gloom from the secret letter seemed to have been largely swept away by this joyful surprise.
’When Shen Xiuyong broke through, he had merely been pleased. But Chen Qing’s breakthrough brought with it shock and immense anticipation!’
’An Astral Force master this young... his potential was simply immeasurable!’
"Hahaha!"
He Yuzhou clapped his hands and laughed aloud, looking at Chen Qing with growing satisfaction. His eyes were filled with fervent admiration.
’Isn’t this a genius born from proper motivation!?’
’If you don’t invest resources, how can they develop their talents so quickly!?’
’It seems Junior Martial Uncle Li really has a gift for nurturing disciples!’
’Could it be that he has an Astral Condensing Pill!?’
A flicker of suspicion arose in He Yuzhou’s mind, but it vanished as quickly as it came.
’As the Sect Leader, he knew that some matters were worth investigating deeply, while others were best left unexamined.’
"It is all thanks to the Sect’s nurturing and the teachings of the Sect Leader and other masters. This disciple wouldn’t dare claim the credit," Chen Qing said respectfully, attributing his success to the Sect.
Although these were diplomatic words, they were also heartfelt. Without the Sect pouring its resources into him, he certainly wouldn’t have broken through to the Astral Force Realm so quickly.
He Yuzhou nodded inwardly upon hearing this. ’The boy’s talent is extraordinary, yet he hasn’t forgotten his roots. Such a disposition is truly rare.’
His smile receded, and his expression turned serious. "It is good that you feel this way. However, there are dark undercurrents stirring both within and outside the Sect recently. Times are not peaceful. Your breakthrough is a great blessing for our Sect, but in my view, it would be best not to publicize it for now. We should wait for the current troubles to blow over before announcing it. What do you think?"
’He thought of the secret letter and of Feng Shuhao, who was currently riding a wave of popularity and had been thrust into the spotlight. He felt that having Chen Qing conceal his abilities for the time being was perhaps the better choice.’
It would be best to announce it to the public after this storm had passed.
Chen Qing had no intention of showing off anyway, so he immediately responded, "I understand. I will follow the Sect Leader’s arrangements."
"Mm."
He Yuzhou grew even more satisfied. After a moment’s thought, he said, "Junior Martial Uncle Li will soon be entering seclusion, so you will need to take charge of the Cyan Wood Institute’s affairs for the time being. Furthermore, now that you have broken through, your Cultivation resources must be adjusted to match."
"Effective immediately, you may enter Langya Pavilion to practice your Cultivation at any time, with no hourly restrictions. The Fourth Layer of the Tingchao Armory will also be open to you; you may freely peruse and study any of the techniques collected within. Additionally, your monthly stipend will be increased to five drops of Centennial Earth Core Milk and three Quenching Gang Pills."
Chen Qing’s heart leaped with joy upon hearing this.
’Access to Langya Pavilion and the Fourth Layer of the Tingchao Armory were crucial for his Cultivation of the other Four Elements True Qi and for finding suitable Martial Arts techniques. The Earth Core Milk and Quenching Gang Pills were even more precious resources for consolidating his Astral Force and advancing his Cultivation.’
’The Sect Leader’s gesture could not be described as anything but generous.’
"Thank you for your generous rewards, Sect Leader! I will surely cultivate diligently and not fail the Sect’s high expectations!"
Chen Qing gave a solemn bow.
He Yuzhou nodded and offered a word of encouragement. "On the path of the Martial Arts, guard against arrogance and impatience. Only then can you hope to glimpse higher Realms."
"I will remember the Sect Leader’s teachings."
"Go now, and prepare yourself. The Cyan Wood Institute is temporarily in your hands."
"I take my leave."
Chen Qing cupped his hands in a parting salute and left the Council Hall.
...
