Lying Low in the Martial World to Become a Saint

Chapter 439: Chapter 197: Top Secret (3)

But to this day, there had been no word, as if they had vanished without a trace.

’Are things too tense, preventing any action for now? Or... has there been an accident?’

A chilling thought surfaced in his mind. ’Is Heart Devourer really dead?’

He had joined forces with Leng Qianqiu that day and had seen Zhou Nianchu beheaded with his own eyes, his corpse then frozen solid.

’But what if Heart Devourer wasn’t just Zhou Nianchu?’

’Or what if Zhou Nianchu wasn’t the real Heart Devourer at all?’

’If Heart Devourer had used this opportunity to fake his death and escape...’

At this thought, a chill ran up He Yuzhou’s spine.

’If Heart Devourer isn’t dead, then he’s not only escaped all public pursuit and scrutiny but has also secretly acquired the vast resources from the Xuanjia Sect’s Earth Element Cave. It would be a blessing in disguise for him—a hidden dragon disappearing into the vast ocean.’

’Once he assimilates his gains and makes a comeback, the threat he poses will be far greater than before!’

’This current illusion, that the demonic scourge in Yunlin Prefecture has been eliminated, is a result all the major powers are willing to accept. No one will dig any deeper...’

The thought sent another chill running up He Yuzhou’s spine.

’If that’s true, then a Heart Devourer lurking in the shadows is a far more terrifying threat than the one who openly led a Sub-Pavilion!’

Just then, footsteps approached from outside the door, followed by Chen Qing’s voice. "Disciple Chen Qing pays his respects to the Sect Leader!"

He Yuzhou instantly masked his emotions, his expression becoming placid as he called out, "Come in."

Chen Qing stepped into the hall and cupped his fist in a salute.

He Yuzhou sized him up, feeling a sense of satisfaction. He smiled. "You’re back. Is everything well at home? Gaolin County may be small, but it’s where your roots are. It’s good that you went back for a visit."

"Thank you for your concern, Sect Leader. All is well," Chen Qing replied respectfully.

He Yuzhou nodded slightly, then cut to the chase. "I’ve called you here today for a few matters."

As soon as he finished speaking, a Steward who had been standing by stepped forward with a Jade Plate. On it rested two Jade Boxes of exceptional quality.

He Yuzhou gestured to the first Jade Box. As the lid was opened, it revealed an Elixir as red as blood. A scorching, immense wave of Qi Blood Power immediately filled the air.

"This is a Blood Dominator Pill from the Earth Element Sect."

He Yuzhou explained slowly, "It’s refined from the Essence Blood drawn from the hearts of seven different Exotic Beasts, supplemented by numerous rare Treasure Medicines. This Pill is of little help for True Astral cultivation, but it works wonders for tempering the Flesh Body and strengthening one’s Qi Blood Power. The Sect has been in negotiations regarding the incident at the Yu River. Getting those old men from the Earth Element Sect to part with this Pill as compensation was no easy feat. Since you also practice External Skills, this Pill is perfectly suited for you."

Chen Qing’s eyes landed on the Blood Dominator Pill, and his heart stirred.

He could sense the surging Qi Blood Power contained within it. ’My Eight Extremes Vajra Body is already nearing a bottleneck. If I take this Pill, it might help me quickly break through to the next realm.’

The Earth Element Sect were the Local Bullies of Lin’an Prefecture, their power greater than, not lesser than, the Wutai Sect’s. For them to concede and offer this Elixir was already an impressive achievement.

’This was all thanks to the Sect Leader and the Sect’s negotiations.’

Chen Qing cupped his hands. "Thank you, Sect Leader, for negotiating on my behalf."

He Yuzhou waved his hand, his tone growing serious. "The Wutai Sect’s influence, after all, barely reaches into Lin’an Prefecture. Getting the Earth Element Sect to provide compensation was a considerable achievement. We’ll consider this matter closed for now, but you must be more cautious in your future dealings."

"I understand," Chen Qing nodded.

He Yuzhou then pointed to the second Jade Box. Inside was a snow-white, Lingzhi-shaped Spiritual Object wreathed in a faint, cold mist.

"This is an Ice Marrow Mushroom, unique to Cold Jade Valley. It grows at the bottom of the coldest Ice Pools and takes ten years to mature. If consumed directly, its effects are no less potent than a Top-grade Quenching Gang Pill."

He Yuzhou explained with a meaningful look in his eyes, "The Cold Valley Master specifically designated this for you. She said it’s to commend you for slaying a Demon Sect expert during the battle at the Xuanjia Sect, a great contribution to the Four Sects Alliance."

This item was highly beneficial for Astral Force cultivation. Even the Cold Jade Valley Elders could only receive it as a reward for meritorious service.

For Leng Qianqiu to give this item to Chen Qing... while on the surface it was to praise him for killing a Demon Sect expert, it was not without a deeper meaning.

Chen Qing was now a leading figure among the younger generation of Yunlin Prefecture. His Momentum was strong, and it would be difficult for her to suppress him any longer. It was better to just Go with the Flow and extend an olive branch.

Chen Qing was intrigued. ’For Cold Jade Valley to take the initiative and bestow this Ice Marrow Mushroom... that’s unexpected,’ he mused.

He accepted the Jade Box with both hands. "Sect Leader, please thank the Cold Valley Master on my behalf for her generous gift."

Regardless, when it came to Cultivation Resources, he would take all he could get. The more, the better.

He Yuzhou pondered for a moment, his expression turning solemn. "There is one more thing I need you to do."

He took a letter sealed with wax from his sleeve. The parchment was of a special quality, clearly no ordinary item.

"You must personally deliver this letter to the Shen Family in Celestial Treasure City."

He Yuzhou’s tone was grave. "Celestial Treasure City is the heart of the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect’s territory, and the powers there are tangled and complex. Although the Shen Family has yet to be officially recognized as a thousand-year Noble Family, their heritage is profound, and they have already reached that threshold. Their Patriarch, Shen Zhixian, is an unfathomable figure who reached the True Essence Realm many years ago."

"The True Essence Realm!" Chen Qing was inwardly stunned.

’That’s a realm beyond Astral Force!’

’Experts who reach such a realm can perform True Essence Body Tempering to increase their own lifespan. They’re considered top-tier masters within the Three Paths.’

He Yuzhou continued, "Years ago, the previous Sect Leader of our Wutai Sect shared a deep friendship with Patriarch Shen. Later, when our Sect was in a difficult position, locked in open and hidden struggles with the Chaoyang Sect, we received clandestine aid from the Shen Family. That was how we stabilized our position. Otherwise, the Wutai Sect alone would have found it difficult to stand against the Chaoyang Sect, which was then at the height of its power."

His gaze grew distant, as if lost in memory. "I also have some history with an old acquaintance in the Shen Family. I’m having you deliver this letter for two reasons. First, to renew old ties. Second... while things in Yunlin Prefecture seem to have calmed down, the Demon Sect has not been truly eradicated. It’s always wise to have another path, another guarantee. Just hand this letter to the Shen Family’s Third Elder, Shen Qianshan, in person. He will understand."

Chen Qing cupped his fist. "As you command, Sect Leader! I will ensure this letter reaches Elder Shen Qianshan safely!"

"Good."

He Yuzhou nodded slightly. "There is no rush. Go back for now. Properly absorb the medicinal power of the Blood Dominator Pill and the Ice Marrow Condensing Pill to increase your strength. You are to set out for Celestial Treasure Mountain in one month."

"Yes! I will take my leave!"

Chen Qing carefully put away the two Jade Boxes and the letter, gave a deep bow, and exited the Council Hall.

.....