Chapter 404: Chapter 186: Peer
’He actually... really broke through? An Astral Force master this young?!’
Her red lips parted slightly, but for a moment, she was speechless.
Tan Yang’s gaze was locked on Chen Qing, the tempest raging in his heart no less than anyone else’s.
His mind couldn’t help but flash back to when he’d first seen Chen Qing’s name on the cross-review list.
’Chen Qing?’
’How long has it been?’
’He’d actually broken through the Astral Force bottleneck that had stumped countless geniuses, and now stood on equal footing with old-timers like them who had cultivated for decades?’
Peng Zhen, the Dean of the Kun Earth Institute, first widened his eyes in utter disbelief. That disbelief quickly morphed into an extremely complex mix of emotions, finally settling into an expression of unconcealable awe.
He subconsciously glanced at Hong Yuandong, the Dean of the Li Fire Institute, beside him, only to find the man wearing the exact same "seen-a-ghost" expression.
As for the two senior Astral Force Elders and the Wutai Army’s Marshal, the calm composure on their faces had long since vanished, replaced by an expression of immense gravity.
’This boy... just how does he cultivate?’
Shen Xiuyong’s gaze toward Chen Qing was filled with admiration and gratification.
’This kid, he really manages to surprise people every time.’
He was genuinely happy for his martial nephew.
Elder Sang also looked deeply at Chen Qing, feeling immense joy in his heart.
’For a prodigy like this to appear within the Sect is a powerful assurance for a Sect like the Wutai Sect.’
A dead silence lasted for several breaths.
Finally, it was the Sect Leader, He Yuzhou, who broke the tense atmosphere. He concluded in a steady voice, "Alright, the matter of the Demon Sect is of great importance. All Institutes are to act on their orders immediately, without delay. If there is nothing else, you are dismissed."
With that, He Yuzhou walked toward the back hall.
Only then did the others seem to snap out of their daze, each suppressing the massive waves crashing within their hearts.
Chu Jinyun was the first to compose herself. She gave Chen Qing a slight nod, her tone carrying a distinctly greater weight than before. "Master Chen... Chen Qing, congratulations!"
She had corrected herself in time, no longer viewing him purely from the perspective of a senior.
’Now that Chen Qing has broken through to Astral Force, it’s only a matter of time before he reaches the Mid-stage Astral Force at his age. In the future, it’s highly likely he’ll be just like Sect Leader He Yuzhou, breaking through to the Late-stage Astral Force or even Perfection.’
Chen Qing cupped his fist. "You’re too kind, Master Chu."
Tan Yang took a deep breath and said, "The younger generation is truly formidable... Congratulations."
His congratulations were sincere, yet tinged with a hint of wistfulness at being so rapidly surpassed by a junior.
Peng Zhen, on the other hand, let out a hearty laugh, appearing much more forthright, though he couldn’t hide his amazement. "Good kid! You really did it! I knew you weren’t destined to stay in a small pond! Congratulations, congratulations! In the future, the disciples of my Kun Earth Institute might just have to rely on you for help!"
His words were half-joking and half-serious, showing that he now viewed Chen Qing as an equal.
"Very good!"
Elder Sang praised as he looked at Chen Qing.
He had watched Chen Qing grow, step by step, and felt an inexplicable sense of pride.
Hong Yuandong, the other Elders, and the Marshal also came forward one by one. Their attitudes were completely different from a moment ago as they clasped their hands and offered their congratulations with solemn tones:
"Congratulations! Congratulations!"
"For your Martial Arts to flourish so is truly a great fortune for our Sect!"
At that moment, no one cared about his youth or his former status as a disciple.
From this moment on, the name Chen Qing carried a completely different weight in their hearts.
Great strength was the foundation of everything.
Chen Qing rose, calm and composed. He returned their courtesies one by one, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant. "Thank you, Deans and Elders. I am unworthy of such praise. I will still need the guidance of all my seniors in the future."
He appeared perfectly composed, without a trace of arrogance or conceit.
With their own thoughts swirling in their minds, the group gradually left the Council Hall amidst a complex chorus of congratulations.
Soon, only Chen Qing and Shen Xiuyong remained.
....
