Lying Low in the Martial World to Become a Saint

Chapter 432: Chapter 195: News (2)

The two arrived at the Sect’s Council Hall, one walking behind the other.

Inside, the atmosphere was anything but ordinary.

Sect Leader He Yuzhou occupied the head seat, his expression serene, yet his gaze was far more profound than usual.

To his left and right, the deans of the four institutes—Peng Zhen, Chu Jinyun, Hong Yuandong, and Tan Yang—were all present, each sitting bolt upright with a solemn expression.

The Chief Disciples of each institute—Li Lei, Yan Yaoyang, Nie Shanshan, and Li Wang—had also arrived and were standing behind their respective Deans.

In addition, Shen Xiuyong and several of the Astral Force Elders stationed at the sect were also present.

In essence, the core leadership and the future hope of the Wutai Sect were almost all gathered here.

Li Baichuan sauntered in and gave He Yuzhou a casual, cupped-fist salute. He then walked over to an empty chair on the left, sat down, and closed his eyes to rest.

After bowing to He Yuzhou and the assembled Deans, Chen Qing quietly took his place beside Li Baichuan’s chair.

He Yuzhou’s gaze swept across the hall. Seeing that everyone had arrived, he slowly rose to his feet.

"I have gathered you all today to announce something of great importance—something that concerns the future of our Sect and, more significantly, your own prospects."

The hall instantly fell silent, every gaze fixed upon He Yuzhou.

"A decree from the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect has officially arrived."

He Yuzhou’s voice was steady. "The Xu Wang Mountain Hundred Sects Talent Initiative officially begins in three months!"

Even though rumors about the Xu Wang Mountain initiative had already been circulating for some time, hearing the official confirmation now still sent a buzz of discussion through the hall.

He Yuzhou continued, "The Upper Sect has decreed that within its domain of the Three Paths and Fifty-One Mansions, all registered Martial Arts Sects may participate. Any disciple under the age of forty who has reached Astral Force, and any disciple under thirty who has reached Late-stage Embracing Pill, is eligible for this selection!"

"The final selection will take place in three months at Celestial Treasure Mountain."

The Three Paths! The Fifty-One Mansions! Hundreds of Sects!

The combination of these criteria meant this would be a massive gathering of geniuses!

Every person who met these conditions would be a core elite, painstakingly nurtured by their sect—a true prodigy!

One could only imagine the difficulty of standing out from such a congregation of geniuses to earn a place on Xu Wang Mountain!

However, the rewards for success were equally unimaginable!

Not only would they receive training from the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect and gain access to more profound Cultivation Techniques and resources, making their future achievements limitless, but it would also be a chance to leap the Dragon Gate. Their status and standing would be completely transformed.

A glimmer of light flashed in Nie Shanshan’s eyes. Yan Yaoyang subconsciously clenched his fists. Even Li Lei’s breathing grew ragged.

The more they learned about the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect, the more they yearned to be a part of it.

"Furthermore,"

He Yuzhou took a deep breath. "For every disciple from a given sect who passes the final assessment and is formally accepted to cultivate on Xu Wang Mountain, that disciple’s home sect will be granted a five-year exemption from its tributes to the Upper Sect!"

At these words, even the Deans and Elders were visibly shaken.

Five years of tribute exemption!

For the Wutai Sect, this represented an enormous amount of resources—enough to send their overall strength soaring!

While the Sect Leader and Deans considered the sect’s broader strategy and long-term development, the disciples saw an opportunity for a meteoric rise in their own standing.

"This is, in essence, a win-win situation."

He Yuzhou’s gaze swept over the crowd, lingering on the young Chief Disciples. "The Sect strongly encourages and supports this endeavor. Of course, the competition at the Xu Wang Mountain selection will be brutal. Opportunity and risk go hand-in-hand. Whether you choose to go is entirely up to you. The Sect will not force anyone."

He paused, then asked in a booming voice, "Is there anyone willing to go?"

A brief silence fell over the hall as everyone digested the astonishing news, weighing the pros and cons.

After a moment, Shen Xiuyong was the first to rise. He laughed heartily and said, "Sect Leader, though I may be a bit older, I still have a few years before the age-forty limit, and my Cultivation just barely meets the mark. How could I possibly miss such a grand event? Even if it’s just to witness the caliber of the prodigies from the Three Paths, it would be worthwhile! I wish to go!"

He Yuzhou nodded slightly, a hint of admiration in his eyes.

Shen Xiuyong’s decision was not surprising.

"This disciple wishes to go!"

Yan Yaoyang was next, his voice resolute.

’He had failed his breakthrough to Astral Force and would need to accumulate power for a long time before he could try again. Reaching Astral Force before thirty was now basically hopeless. He might as well take a shot with the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect.’

’This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.’

Tan Yang, the Dean of the Geng Metal Institute, nodded in approval.

Nie Shanshan let out a soft breath. "This disciple also wishes to try."

Chu Jinyun, the Dean of the Gui Water Institute, looked at her beloved disciple and spoke slowly, "It is always good for Shanshan to go out, gain experience, and broaden her horizons."

Tan Yang of the Geng Metal Institute and Hong Yuandong of the Li Fire Institute also nodded, both clearly supportive of their most outstanding disciples vying for this opportunity.

At this, all eyes, whether consciously or not, turned to the silent Chen Qing.

He was undoubtedly the most competitive candidate among the Wutai Sect’s younger generation, perhaps even the only one with a strong chance of passing the selection.

Chen Qing’s expression was serene as he stated simply, "This disciple wishes to go."

A satisfied smile immediately spread across He Yuzhou’s face, and a great weight was lifted from his heart.

Chen Qing was, without a doubt, the one with the greatest chance of success among them—even greater than Shen Xiuyong.

Li Lei gritted his teeth and also stepped forward. "Sect Leader, this disciple... I also want to give it a try!"

’He knew his chances were slim, but he would regret it for the rest of his life if he didn’t at least participate in such a monumental event.’

The struggle on Li Wang’s face was even more pronounced. Finally, as if having made a great resolution, he declared loudly, "This disciple will go too!"

’The opportunity was right there. Although he knew he wasn’t strong enough, he wanted to try his luck. What if?’

Incredibly, all five of the Wutai Sect’s Chief Disciples had declared their willingness to go!

Furthermore, two Inner Sect Disciples who had reached the Late-stage of Embracing Pill also gathered their courage and stated their desire to attend.

He Yuzhou looked at the eager young faces before him, his heart filled with a myriad of emotions. He felt gratified, but also a trace of imperceptible worry.

’A place like Xu Wang Mountain was a gathering of geniuses. The brutality of the competition there would be far beyond their imagination.’

’For those with a less-than-solid will, suffering such a blow to their confidence would not be a good thing for their future.’

But He Yuzhou let none of this show on his face, saying in a deep voice, "Good! Since you all have such ambition, go back and prepare well! There are three months until the selection. You must seize every moment to raise your Cultivation and strive to arrive in peak condition!"

"During this period, the monthly stipend for all disciples planning to go will be doubled."

At this proclamation, the hearts of all the disciples present stirred with excitement.

This was especially true for Chen Qing and Shen Xiuyong, who had reached Astral Force.

Their need for Quenching Gang Pills was even greater.

And for Chen Qing, who wielded two streams of True Astral energy, the more Quenching Gang Pills he had, the better.

He Yuzhou waved his hand. "You are all dismissed. The specific itinerary and other details will be announced at a later date."

Filled with a complex mixture of excitement, anticipation, and nervousness, the disciples filed out of the Council Hall.

Just as Chen Qing stepped out of the hall, Elder Sang’s voice came from behind.

Chen Qing stopped, turned, and bowed respectfully. "Elder Sang."

Sang Yanping ambled forward, his gaze gentle beneath his grizzled eyebrows. "I hear you’re planning a trip back to Gaolin County?"

"I’ve been away from home for a long time, and I’ve made some progress in my Cultivation. It’s only right that I go back for a visit," Chen Qing replied.

Elder Sang nodded. After a moment’s thought, he asked, "Do you require the Sect to dispatch a team of skilled experts to escort you?"

Hearing this, Chen Qing smiled faintly. "Thank you for your kind offer, Elder Sang, but there’s no need to trouble our sect brothers. It will be more convenient to travel light."

Elder Sang did not insist. "Very well," he said instead. "There are indeed few people left who can get the better of you. But you are no longer an ordinary disciple. You are the Deputy Dean of our Wutai Sect’s Cyan Wood Institute. More than that, you are a future pillar of the Sect."

Elder Sang’s tone grew solemn. "If you have need of anything, or if you encounter any difficulties, do not hesitate to mobilize whatever is necessary—be it manpower, resources, or even... certain unconventional methods. Your safety and convenience are paramount. This is the consensus of the Sect Leader and us elders. Do you understand?"

Chen Qing cupped his fist in a salute. "This disciple understands. My thanks to you, Elder Sang, and my thanks to the Sect Leader for his great kindness. If the need arises, I will not hesitate to ask."

"Good. That is for the best."

Elder Sang stroked his beard in satisfaction. "Leave soon and return quickly. The affair on Xu Wang Mountain draws near, and the Sect still needs you."

"Yes. This disciple takes his leave."

Chen Qing bowed once more before turning to leave.

...