Chapter 407: Chapter 187: Disturbance (3)
Just then, Elder Quan came in again, a hint of hesitation on his face. "Young Master," he said in a low voice, "the Liu Family... Miss Lin Zhirou has sent someone with an invitation."
He held an exquisite, delicately scented invitation.
Li Wang frowned instinctively. His newfound resolution made him want to refuse, but his hand reached out and took it against his will.
The invitation felt smooth to the touch. The graceful calligraphy invited him to go boating on the lake with her the next day, stating that she had recently learned a new trick.
An image of Lin Zhirou’s charming smile surfaced in Li Wang’s mind, along with the memory of the easy, pleasant times they had enjoyed together.
The restlessness he had just suppressed surged up again, scratching at his heart like a kitten’s paw.
’The Lin Family and my Wutai Sect have always maintained good relations. It wouldn’t be right for me to refuse Miss Lin so bluntly. If our families’ relationship suffers because of this, it would be my fault.’
He grit his teeth, finding the perfect excuse for himself. ’Just one last time. This is absolutely the last time! I’m curious to see what kind of amazing new trick she’s boasting about... I’ll just consider it a final bit of relaxation before I say goodbye for good!’
The more he rationalized, the more he felt his reasons were perfectly valid—as if he were enduring a personal hardship for the good of the Sect.
’Yes, that’s exactly right!’
Li Wang nodded firmly, as if he had fully convinced himself. He then instructed Elder Quan, "Go send a reply. Say... say that I’ll be free tomorrow afternoon. Have her wait for me at the pavilion by Bibo Lake. And remember to tell her that my schedule is tight—I can only spare an hour!"
"Yes, Young Master."
Elder Quan looked like he wanted to say something, but in the end, he held his tongue.
.....
Early the next morning, just as the sky began to lighten, Chen Qing pushed open his courtyard gate to find a Steward already waiting outside.
"Chief Chen, Vice Commander Wang Yongsheng of the Jingwu Guard has come to visit. He says he’s here specifically to congratulate you on your breakthrough and is waiting in the front hall."
’Wang Yongsheng? A Vice Commander?’
A thought crossed Chen Qing’s mind.
He knew a little about the structure of the Jingwu Guard. Below the Commander were two Vice Commanders, both holding high positions and significant power. They were not people who made visits casually.
For such a man to come in person, it was definitely not just a simple congratulatory visit.
He straightened his robes and followed the Steward to the front hall.
As he stepped into the hall, he saw a man standing in the middle of the room with his hands clasped behind his back, admiring a landscape painting on the wall.
The man was tall, with broad shoulders and a powerful build, and he was dressed in the black uniform of the Jingwu Guard.
He heard the footsteps and turned, a hearty smile on his face.
"Hahaha! You must be Brother Chen Qing, then? It’s true what they say—heroes are born from the young. You have an extraordinary presence!" Wang Yongsheng boomed, striding forward to greet him, his voice resonant and full of vigor.
"Commander Wang, you flatter me," Chen Qing said, cupping his fists in return. "I am Chen Qing. I was unaware of your arrival and failed to give you a proper welcome. Please forgive me." His demeanor was neither servile nor arrogant.
"Nonsense, Brother Chen, no need to be so humble! Reaching the Astral Force realm at your age is an incredibly rare feat in Yunlin Prefecture! I came today especially to congratulate you and have brought a small gift to express my goodwill. I do hope you won’t refuse it, Brother Chen."
As he spoke, Wang Yongsheng retrieved a Purple Sandalwood Box from his sleeve and offered it to Chen Qing.
The lid opened to reveal three perfectly round elixirs lying quietly inside.
Quenching Gang Pills!
And judging by their quality, they were several degrees purer than the three pills the Sect distributed each month!
Chen Qing’s gaze sharpened, his mind racing.
’The Jingwu Guard truly has deep reserves,’ he thought. ’To produce three top-grade Quenching Gang Pills so casually... This "small gift" is anything but.’
"Commander Wang, this gift is far too valuable. I am unworthy of accepting it."
Chen Qing closed the lid, preparing to refuse.
"Nonsense! Treasure Swords for heroes, and potent elixirs for the brave! These are exactly what you need, Brother Chen, so how can they be too valuable? If you refuse, you must be looking down on a simple man like me."
Wang Yongsheng waved a hand, feigning displeasure. Then, his smile vanished. "Brother Chen, let’s speak plainly. I’m a straightforward man, not one for beating around the bush. I came today for two reasons: one, to congratulate you, and two, because I value talent! For a man of your genius to be confined to a single sect is a terrible waste. I wonder, Brother Chen, have you ever considered the Jingwu Guard?"
"If you’re willing to join the Jingwu Guard, Brother Chen, you’ll never have to worry about the limited resources Within the Sect again. For starters, I can guarantee you an unlimited supply of Quenching Gang Pills! You should know, the Jingwu Guard reports directly to the Royal Family. We patrol the realm, suppress dissent, and oversee both official and unofficial powers. Our resources are innumerable, far beyond what a single sect in Yunlin Prefecture could ever hope to match. Cultivation Techniques, Elixirs, Divine Weapons... as long as you earn merit, everything is within your reach!"
Having said his piece, Wang Yongsheng fell silent.
He was confident that he had said enough. The young man before him would surely understand the weight of the offer and the future it promised.
The hall fell silent.
Chen Qing mulled it over for a moment. "Commander Wang, I am deeply grateful for your generous offer. The Jingwu Guard’s reputation is formidable, and its abundant resources are certainly tempting. However..."
His tone shifted, becoming earnest. "I joined the Wutai Sect and owe a great debt to my masters for their guidance. My master is currently in seclusion, and with the many affairs of the institute, I cannot possibly leave. Besides, I am undisciplined by nature and fear I would not adapt well to the strict regulations of the Jingwu Guard. I would only end up disappointing you, Commander. I will humbly accept this generous gift, but as for the position, I must ask you to forgive my refusal."
Upon hearing this, Wang Yongsheng’s smile didn’t waver. "No matter! To each their own. The last thing I want is to force someone against their will. Should you ever change your mind, you can find me anytime."
"In that case, I won’t impose any longer. Brother Chen, until we meet again!"
"Take care, Commander."
After seeing Wang Yongsheng off, Chen Qing returned to the hall and fell into deep thought, gazing at the three Quenching Gang Pills in his hand.
The Jingwu Guard’s offer was undeniably tempting.
But he knew full well that accepting would mean being branded by the Jingwu Guard. The pros and cons involved were far too great to be weighed against a few pills.
Although the Wutai Sect’s resources were limited, it offered him sufficient freedom and a solid foundation.
Besides, from what Chen Qing had gathered through his own inquiries, the current relationship between the Court and the Six Great Upper Sects was not nearly as harmonious as it seemed.
Over the next few days, news of Chen Qing’s breakthrough to the Astral Force realm spread like wildfire, quickly reaching every corner of Yunlin Prefecture.
An Astral Force master in his early twenties!
Every major power knew exactly what that implied.
Simply getting on familiar terms with him was a guaranteed net gain.
Suddenly, an endless stream of horses and carriages flocked to the Wutai Sect’s main gate. Calling cards and invitations of every kind descended upon the Cyan Wood Institute like a snowstorm.
There were Elders from the other three major sects in Yunlin Prefecture sent to feel him out, and there were Patriarchs from prominent Noble Families across the region, arriving with extravagant gifts in hopes of forging an alliance.
Outside Chen Qing’s small courtyard, there was almost always someone waiting for an audience.
However, Chen Qing had only one response for all these visitors: he refused to see anyone.
For days on end, no matter how distinguished the guest or how extravagant the gift, no one could gain entry. Not even the Second Master of the Liu Family, who came in person, was able to set foot inside Chen Qing’s courtyard.
Chen Qing’s mind was as still as water. He simply consumed his elixirs and cultivated his energy day after day, refining his True Astral force as if the commotion of the outside world had nothing to do with him.
He knew with absolute certainty that personal strength was the only true foundation.
And so, the storm of visitors gradually subsided.
....
