Lying Low in the Martial World to Become a Saint

Chapter 436: Chapter 196: Return Journey (4)

Speaking of disciples, Zhou Liang looked toward Sun Shun. "We do have two or three promising students at the institute right now. Their Root Bone and temperament are both top-notch. I think they have a good chance of breaking through the Transmutation Force bottleneck."

Hearing this, Sun Shun gave a bitter smile and shook his head. "Master, you don’t have to console me. Transmutation Force... Sigh. I’ve tried to break through five or six times now. Each time, I feel like I’m just one step away, but I can never cross that threshold."

For the past few years, he had been trying to reach Transmutation Force, but he had never been able to break through this barrier.

Sun Shun suddenly looked up at Chen Qing, his curiosity piqued. "Junior Brother Chen, you... what Realm have you reached? You were already far beyond us when you left. You must be even more unfathomable now, right?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Liang and Mrs. Li also fixed their gazes on Chen Qing.

They knew Chen Qing was exceptionally talented, but they couldn’t imagine how far he had come.

Chen Qing set down his teacup and smiled faintly. "I appreciate your concern, Master, Senior Brother. I only just managed to break through to the Astral Force realm not long ago."

"Astral Force!?"

Sun Shun gasped, his eyes flying wide. He nearly dropped the teacup in his hand.

Although he had mentally prepared himself, knowing Chen Qing was surely far beyond him, the impact of the two words "Astral Force" still struck him like a clap of thunder.

That was a Realm so high he could barely even fathom it!

Zhou Liang sucked in a sharp breath, completely oblivious as tea sloshed from his cup.

He had spent time in the Haisa Sect’s Outer Courtyard and understood, far better than Sun Shun, what the two words "Astral Force" signified!

That was the level of a true master, an Elder or even a Sect Leader!

They could shatter monuments and split rocks, projecting their True Astral energy!

’What Realm was my disciple at when he left Gaolin County?’

’It’s only been a few years! And he’s... Astral Force?!’

’And he’s not even thirty, is he?!’

Zhou Liang’s heart pounded wildly, leaving him speechless for a moment.

Mrs. Li’s mouth was slightly agape, her eyes filled with disbelief.

Even in the Haisa Sect, an Astral Force master was an existence of extraordinary status!

After a long while, Zhou Liang finally spoke. "Astral Force! A disciple of I, Zhou Liang! Heaven has been good to me! This life... it’s been worth it! Worth it!"

He laughed heartily, but the corners of his eyes glistened with unshed tears.

What greater honor was there than to have taught an Astral Force master?

After his excitement subsided, Zhou Liang insisted that Chen Qing stay for a meal, sending Mrs. Li to prepare the finest food and wine.

Seeing his master’s ecstatic expression, Chen Qing didn’t refuse.

For the next half month, Chen Qing stayed in Gaolin County.

Besides visiting the Zhou Institute to reminisce with his master and Sun Shun, he also paid visits to his old acquaintances, Cheng Ming and Pang Qinhai.

As for the Wu Family, Wu Manqing’s branch had long since moved to the Prefecture City. Those who remained in Gaolin County were from a lesser branch with whom he had no relationship, so there was no need to visit.

He spent most of his time at home with his mother, Ms. Han, living a peaceful and warm life.

However, though Chen Qing kept a low profile, the news of his return to Gaolin County still spread within the small circle of prominent powers in the Inner City.

Those who could interact at Captain Pang’s level had all heard whispers that this young man, who had left Gaolin County, now held an extremely high position in the Wutai Sect and was a person of great importance.

One day, the Han Family Master and the Luo Family Head, along with Liu Suifeng, the master of the Guangchang Martial Arts Hall; Zhao Kaishan, the master of the Tianju Martial Arts Hall; and Lin Hongyu, the master of the Hongyun Martial Arts Hall, all paid a visit to Captain Pang.

The several prominent figures of Gaolin County gathered, carefully probing with their words.

"Captain Pang."

Patriarch Han chose his words carefully before speaking. "I’ve heard that Chief Chen of the Wutai Sect has returned home to visit his family. Should we... perhaps prepare a humble gift and pay him a visit? It would be a way to show our hospitality as the local hosts."

Beside him, Liu Suifeng stroked his beard, a look of disbelief still in his eyes. "I never would have thought... I truly never would have thought. Back at the Cyan Scale Association competition, that boy was just beginning to show his talent. Defeating Qu Yaohui was astounding enough, but it’s only been a few years..."

He shook his head, as if he still couldn’t connect the boy from his memory with the "Chief Chen" Captain Pang spoke of.

Zhao Kaishan was also quite emotional. "Who could have predicted that the kid from the tournament ring back then would reach such heights? Captain Pang, he’s now..."

His words trailed off, but the question was clear.

Although Lin Hongyu didn’t ask directly, her eyes shone with a complex light. She was clearly just as deeply moved by the news and awaited Captain Pang’s answer.

Pang Qinhai glanced at them and slowly shook his head. "There’s no need. Chief Chen returned this time to spend time with his mother and doesn’t wish to be disturbed. Besides..."

He paused, then looked at them and spoke bluntly. "You had no prior connection with him, so it’s too late to try and curry favor now. Take my advice: just pretend you don’t know about this. It’s best for everyone to keep to themselves."

Awkwardness and regret immediately appeared on their faces.

Patriarch Luo was still unwilling to give up. He couldn’t help but press, "Captain Pang, forgive my audacity, but this Chief Chen... what exactly is his status within the Wutai Sect? To make even you..."

Pang Qinhai was silent for a moment before saying in a low voice, "His status? I can only tell you this: if nothing unexpected happens, he will be the future Sect Leader of the Wutai Sect. Do you understand now?"

"The... the future Sect Leader!?"

Patriarch Han, Patriarch Luo, Liu Suifeng, Zhao Kaishan, and Lin Hongyu all cried out in shock. The news struck their hearts like a sledgehammer, unleashing a tidal wave of astonishment.

A Sect Leader!?

That’s a titan who commands all the Martial Arts powers in an entire prefecture!

A true figure who stands among the clouds!

The difference between them—families and Martial Arts Halls confined to a single county—and him was like that of the heavens and the earth!

A small place like Gaolin County actually produced such a True Dragon?!

And they had watched with their own eyes as this True Dragon took flight, yet they had failed to establish even the slightest bit of goodwill with him!

They all stared at one another, seeing the same immense shock in each other’s eyes.

This was especially true for Liu Suifeng and Zhao Kaishan. The image of the young man from the Cyan Scale Association competition—slightly green but with his talent already on full display—surfaced in their minds. Comparing that boy to the untouchable figure Captain Pang now described, their hearts filled with a whirlwind of emotions. They lamented how unpredictable life was, and how an opportunity, once missed, could never be reclaimed.

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