Lying Low in the Martial World to Become a Saint

Chapter 442: Chapter 198: Primordial

Li Baichuan didn’t even raise his eyelids, simply saying indifferently, "You know what you’re doing. I don’t need to teach you anything."

Chen Qing coughed lightly and seized the opening. "Actually, I came here today with two things to ask you, Master Li."

"Speak."

Li Baichuan glanced at Chen Qing, an "I knew it" look on his face.

"I was recently reading some ancient texts which explained that experts in the True Essence Realm can condense their spiritual will to generate a strand of Divine Sense. With it, they can perceive the finest details and probe the world around them. I was wondering... could such a profound ability easily see through the concealment of the Origin-Returning Breath-Sealing Art?" Chen Qing stopped there, his implication clear.

’The Celestial Treasure Upper Sect is nothing like the Wutai Sect. It’s a behemoth that holds dominion over the Land of the Three Paths, brimming with powerful experts and prodigies. If Li Baichuan can see through me, what about the other masters in the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect?’

’They might very well have similar abilities.’

’The Heaven Rewards Diligence Fate Plate is my biggest secret, but it’s always good to have a few more aces up my sleeve.’

’Li Baichuan was a man who had mastered the art of lying low; he surely had a solution.’

Li Baichuan shot Chen Qing a sidelong glance. The moment the kid opened his mouth, he knew what he was up to.

"Completely blocking a deliberate probe from a True Essence Realm expert is extremely difficult. But if you just want to evade a casual scan or their ordinary senses, making it hard for them to see your true foundation... well, it’s not that I don’t have a way."

The meaning in his eyes was obvious: that’ll be extra.

An idea struck Chen Qing, and he offered a placating smile. "Master Li, I’ve already promised to help you with that matter. If you help me now, I’ll be that much stronger and have another ace up my sleeve. Wouldn’t that enable me to serve you better?"

Li Baichuan wasn’t one to act without a guaranteed reward, and he clearly wasn’t buying it. "You think you can get what you want with just a silver tongue?"

"Then what are you suggesting, Master Li?" Chen Qing asked.

"The Danxia Pavilion of the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect has an exclusive Great Pill called the Nine Revolutions Rejuvenation Pill. If you get the chance, you need to find a way to procure one for me." Li Baichuan slowly laid out his terms.

’The Nine Revolutions Rejuvenation Pill!’

’Just from the name, Chen Qing knew this was no small matter. It had to be an incredibly precious and rare Treasure Pill.’

’But if it could be exchanged for a Secret Technique to shield him from the prying senses of a True Essence Realm expert, it would undoubtedly be worth it. This would vastly increase his ability to stay hidden and safe.’

"Alright. If I get the chance, I will do my utmost," Chen Qing agreed.

Li Baichuan wasted no more words. With a flick of his sleeve, a Parchment Scroll of ancient make floated lightly toward Chen Qing.

"The Technique is on here. Take it and see for yourself. How much of it you can comprehend will depend on your own aptitude."

Chen Qing took the Parchment Scroll and quickly unrolled it, his eyes scanning the contents. The cultivation routes, incantations, and Heart Method it described were exceedingly profound.

Almost at the same instant, a golden light flashed in his mind:

[Heaven Rewards Diligence ensures success.]

[Gui Cang Concealment Technique, entry-level: (1/2000)]

Chen Qing was first startled, then overjoyed.

’This Gui Cang Concealment Technique... just the requirement to reach the entry-level far surpasses that of many Upper-Grade Martial Arts! That alone is a testament to its profundity!’

’With this technique, the risk of exposing my true Cultivation and foundation will be greatly reduced.’

Chen Qing couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. He cupped his fists with genuine sincerity and said, "Thank you, Master Li!"

"If you have anything else to say, say it all now," Li Baichuan said with a wave of his hand.

Chen Qing hesitated for a moment before asking, "I have one more question for you, Master Li."

"Go on."

"Master Li, you once said that no matter how much trouble I get into, as long as... as long as the ’offering’ is right, you can help me handle it. Is... is that true?"

As he asked this, Chen Qing felt a little apprehensive.

’He had two reasons for asking: one was for the sake of his future, and the other was to use this chance to again probe the depths of this Old Deng’s power.’

"Heh."

Li Baichuan scoffed and looked Chen Qing up and down. "You kid... how much trouble could you possibly cause at your current level? Don’t worry. When I say something, I mean it."

Although his tone was teasing, his effortless composure sent a jolt through Chen Qing.

’The True Essence Realm!’

’Master Li has definitely reached the True Essence Realm, or even...’

’At this thought, a chill ran through Chen Qing’s heart. His assessment of this Old Deng rose by several more levels.’

"Nothing else?" Li Baichuan asked.

"Nothing."

Chen Qing sighed, a touch of melancholy in his voice. "I also came today to say farewell, Master Li. It’s a long road to Celestial Treasure City, and the outcome of the selection is uncertain. I’m afraid in the future... I won’t have many chances to be by your side and ’honor’ you, my elder."

"Hmph. Smooth talker."

Li Baichuan closed his eyes and said indifferently, "If you truly cared about me, would you need to worry about not having opportunities to show your respect?"

Chen Qing gave a dry laugh, knowing his little trick wouldn’t fool the old fox. He stood up and took his leave.

When he reached the courtyard gate, he paused for a moment. Turning back to the figure seated cross-legged on the cushion with eyes closed, he solemnly cupped his fists in a formal bow.

"Master Li, I’m leaving now."

With that, he lingered no longer, turning and leaving the silent rear courtyard.

Only when Chen Qing’s footsteps had completely faded away beyond the courtyard walls did Li Baichuan slowly open his eyes. His gaze seemed to pierce through the walls, fixed on the direction Chen Qing had gone. A barely perceptible glint of light flashed in his cloudy eyes. He muttered something under his breath before his expression returned to its usual state of placid indifference, as if nothing had happened at all.

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