Chapter 131: Would Junior Brother Be Willing to Make a Move?

Chapter 131: Chapter 131: Would Junior Brother Be Willing to Make a Move?

"Senior Brother Ren, how are you feeling?"

After breakfast, Liu Chen looked at Ren Xunchun. He hadn’t really paid much attention to this senior brother recently. However, according to Senior Brother Yang, this was the previous owner of the Jade Sea Pearl, so Liu Chen gave him a bit more notice.

"Much better. If I weren’t worried that this poison might affect my breakthrough to the Meridian Passage Realm, I’d definitely go and try for the remaining pillars of light."

Ren Xunchun glanced at the pillars of light on the volcano, a desolate look in his eyes. He had thought this was a great opportunity to make a name for himself by breaking through to the Meridian Passage Realm. But in the end, if he hadn’t met these two junior brothers, he would have been just another disciple sacrificed in Purple Cloud Valley.

"Focus on your recovery. As long as you’re alive, there’s hope."

Liu Chen nodded, casually sweeping his Spiritual Sense over the other man. Only after confirming that his senior brother wasn’t just putting on a brave face did he relax. ’Since I went to the trouble of saving him, I naturally want him to live. If for no other reason, this senior brother still owes me a lot of Spirit Stones.’

"You’re right, Junior Brother. I was too hasty. After I get back, I plan to spend more time building my foundation and only attempt to break through to the Meridian Passage Realm when I’m absolutely certain of success."

Ren Xunchun nodded. He had walked through the gates of hell and back, after all. As he had neared death, he was filled with regret.

If he hadn’t let his competitive streak get the better of him and rashly activated the pillar of light, perhaps he wouldn’t have been poisoned. If he hadn’t been so anxious to break through to the Meridian Passage Realm, he wouldn’t have traded the Jade Sea Pearl for Spiritual Cuisine. And if he had still possessed the Jade Sea Pearl, perhaps he wouldn’t have been poisoned in the first place.

Now that he had been given a new lease on life, he was more determined to cultivate steadily. From now on, if he wasn’t absolutely sure of something, he would wait.

"Congratulations, Senior Brother Ren. Once you break through to the Meridian Passage Realm, you won’t be far from becoming a True Disciple."

Yang Haichen couldn’t help but speak up. Inner Sect Disciples followed a two-year cycle: one year stationed outside the sect, and the other cultivating within Purple Cloud Valley. If a disciple managed to advance their cultivation or display extraordinary administrative talent during this time, they could advance further within the sect.

Those with cultivation talent would become True Disciples, while those with administrative talent could become Stewards.

In a way, both paths led to the middle-management of Purple Cloud Valley. If they continued to perform exceptionally, they had a chance of reaching the upper echelons, rising from the lowest rank of Steward to Elder, or even Peak Master. But very few ever succeeded.

"I’m far from it. To become a True Disciple, your cultivation has to reach the Meridian Passage Middle Stage within thirty years."

Ren Xunchun shook his head. ’Forget about me, even someone like Xie Xichen probably isn’t very confident he can become a True Disciple right away. Cultivation is just the most basic requirement.’

"I’m going to get some rest. You two take your time."

Liu Chen slowly rose to his feet. ’Sitting here is torture. I’d rather go back and cultivate than suffer through this.’

After Liu Chen left, Ren Xunchun and Yang Haichen exchanged a look and fell silent.

"I have to go deliver Senior Brother Xie’s Spiritual Cuisine."

In the end, Yang Haichen was the first to get up and leave. Ren Xunchun returned to his room to continue expelling the poison.

The rest of the morning was calm and uneventful, at least in Liu Chen’s courtyard.

Liu Chen spent the entire two and a half hours cultivating. He spent one hour circulating his Meridian Passage Realm Technique, and used the remaining hour and a half to gain three thousand Proficiency points for his Soul Crossing Technique.

After lunch on September 13th, Liu Chen sat in the courtyard, enjoying a rare moment of leisure.

"Junior Brother, the Xiao Family came looking for me."

Yang Haichen, sitting across from him, recalled what had just happened, feeling utterly exasperated. He had been invited over by his own family, only to be met with the one-armed Xiao Shaojie.

The Xiao Family’s Young Master was not in a good state. His eyes were bloodshot and his hair was a mess. If not for the sliver of reason remaining in his speech, Yang Haichen would have thought he had suffered from cultivation deviation.

"The Xiao Family? I don’t think I’ve ever offended them, have I?"

Liu Chen looked over in astonishment. He had witnessed the Xiao Family’s internal conflict and knew they had obtained some information, but for them to track down Senior Brother Yang so quickly was still a bit unexpected.

"Junior Brother, do you remember the Black Market we went to together?"

Yang Haichen shook his head. ’Even if you had offended the Xiao Family, they’d probably still come fawning over you with a smile.’ That was what he thought, but he certainly couldn’t say it out loud.

"Of course, I remember. I bought four things at the Black Market: a Spirit Sword, a Sword Manual, a pearl of unknown use, and the Golden Sword Technique. What does that have to do with the Xiao Family?"

Liu Chen couldn’t help but look over, casually taking out the Snowflake Sword and the pearl and placing them on the table.

"The Snowflake Sword! Isn’t that the symbol of the Xiao Family Patriarch?"

Ren Xunchun, who was sitting nearby, couldn’t help but lean in for a closer look. He studied the Snowflake Sword on the table, then couldn’t resist glancing at Liu Chen a few more times.

He had heard a little about the rebellion within the Xiao Family. Based on recent news, the struggle between the two Young Masters, Xiao Shaojie and Xiao Chen, had undoubtedly ended with Xiao Shaojie’s victory. Xiao Shaojie had been hunting Xiao Chen precisely for this Snowflake Sword. ’So why is it in Junior Brother Liu’s hands?’

"I bought this at a Black Market near Purple Cloud Valley for two thousand Spirit Stones. I also bought a Swordsmanship technique for three thousand Spirit Stones."

Liu Chen shrugged. He already knew the origin of the Snowflake Sword. ’But if the Xiao Family wants it back, they’ll have to pay a price. In this whole messy affair, I’m the only innocent party.’

"The Xiao Family is interested in buying back the Snowflake Sword. I was wondering if you’d be willing to part with it, Junior Brother?"

The corner of Yang Haichen’s mouth twitched. ’I’ve been to the Black Market a few times myself. How come I’ve never stumbled upon a deal like this? Not only did he basically get a Xiao Family Swordsmanship for free out of this, but he could even earn some extra Spirit Stones.’

"How many Spirit Stones do you think would be a fair price, Senior Brother?"

Liu Chen couldn’t help but ask. He had originally acquired the Snowflake Sword to conceal his identity while killing Nangong Mu. Since he hadn’t needed it for that, there was no problem with selling it to recoup his costs. ’But there’s no way I’m selling it for just two thousand Spirit Stones.’

"One hundred thousand Spirit Stones?"

Yang Haichen narrowed his eyes. ’The Xiao Family would never agree to that amount. Even for a family of their size, taking out one hundred thousand Spirit Stones at once would definitely damage their foundation. But if the Snowflake Sword doesn’t return to them, the Xiao Family might descend into internal strife once again, which would also damage their foundation.’

"It’s the token of the Xiao Family Patriarch," Ren Xunchun chimed in. "The price is a bit high, but the Xiao Family will have to swallow this bitter pill. Anyone else might have to worry about the Xiao Family’s retaliation, but for you, Junior Brother, all they can do is suffer in silence."

Ren Xunchun nodded. He thought the price was reasonable. ’If that sword were in my hands, I’d ask for the same price. If the Xiao Family refused to pay up, I’d just put it up for auction. I’m sure those Noble Families who are at odds with the Xiao Family would be more than happy to buy it. Pair this sword with a Xiao Family disciple, and with the right maneuvering, one could potentially swallow the entire Xiao Family.’

"That would earn me their hatred. I’d rather wait until we leave Fire Dragon Valley and let the Hundred Affairs Hall handle it."

Liu Chen shook his head and put the Snowflake Sword away. ’If I ask for one hundred thousand Spirit Stones, the Xiao Family will have me in their sights. Who knows what kind of trouble that could bring? It’s better to let the Purple Cloud Valley’s Hundred Affairs Hall deal with them directly. I’ll still get a hefty sum of Spirit Stones, and I won’t have to bear the Xiao Family’s grudge.’