Chapter 257 - 145: Leaders Stand Guard, Assaulting the Marrow Cleansing Realm

Chapter 257: Chapter 145: Leaders Stand Guard, Assaulting the Marrow Cleansing Realm

Qi Yue waved his hand, interrupting him. "Wenqing, there’s no need for that. Twenty years of lifespan is not an unbearable price for a Wood Spirit Cultivator. Besides, desperate times call for desperate measures. The Lingshan New District must be in our own hands. This isn’t just for you; it’s for the bigger picture."

His gaze was deep as he looked at Yang Wenqing. "You just need to tell me: are you willing to give it a try? Do you dare to take on this heavy responsibility? As for the outcome, the risks and the costs, your Teacher Qin and I have already weighed them. If you’re willing, we’ll go all in. If it would damage your foundation, we’ll simply find another way."

With things put this way, Yang Wenqing could no longer refuse. He glanced at Teacher Qin, who gave him an imperceptible nod.

"Alright, I’ll give it a try."

A flash of satisfaction crossed Qi Yue’s eyes. "In that case, go with Secretary Li to a manor I own outside the city. Get yourself into peak condition. We’ll come later to help you circulate your energy and make a preliminary attempt. If the damage to you is too great, we’ll make other plans."

"Yes!" Yang Wenqing agreed, then stood up to take his leave. He left the office and walked down the silent corridor, his heart far less calm than his expression suggested.

Secretary Li must have been instructed beforehand. Upon seeing Yang Wenqing emerge, he immediately came forward and said, "Director Yang, this way, please."

Yang Wenqing nodded. He first used his badge to contact Yang Zhong, who was waiting elsewhere, and told him to go to the municipal bureau’s guest house on his own. Then, he followed Secretary Li and boarded a small, unmarked black Flying Shuttle.

The Flying Shuttle rose silently, soaring over the bustling city toward the suburbs. About fifteen minutes later, a manor surrounded by tall spirit trees appeared below. Its architecture was simple and understated, hidden amidst the lush woods. Only a few points of warm yellow light shone through, making it seem exceptionally tranquil.

The Flying Shuttle landed on an inconspicuous lawn within the manor. Secretary Li then led Yang Wenqing across a small stone-paved path to a detached two-story building.

"Director Yang, there are two Quiet Chambers on the second floor. You can choose either one. No one will disturb you. If you need anything, just press the Communication Talisman inside the room." After speaking, Secretary Li left the small courtyard.

Yang Wenqing pushed open the wooden door and walked in. The furnishings inside were simple yet elegant, and the air was filled with the faint scent of spiritual sandalwood. He went straight up to the second floor and pushed open the door to the nearest Quiet Chamber.

The Quiet Chamber wasn’t large, with only a single meditation cushion in the center. The four walls were made of a special sound-absorbing material. Inlaid in the ceiling was a Luminous Pearl that emitted a soft glow. The Spiritual Qi concentration was much higher than outside, a clear sign that a Gathering Spirit Array had been set up.

He sat cross-legged on the cushion and pondered for a moment before activating the Communication Array in his badge. He had the Lingshan Branch transfer the call to Xiao Liang. After a little over ten seconds, Xiao Liang’s voice came through. "Wenqing? What’s up?"

"Brother Xiao..."

Yang Wenqing started making small talk with Xiao Liang. They chatted about meaningless topics for over ten minutes, and Xiao Liang patiently conversed with him the entire time.

Suddenly, he abruptly changed the subject. "I’m at the municipal bureau. I just came from Director Qi’s office. He and Teacher Qin are planning to use a Secret Technique to help me break through to the Marrow Cleansing Realm."

It sounded a bit like a young man showing off to an older brother figure.

Xiao Liang was silent on the other end for two seconds, then replied, "I understand, Wenqing. Don’t worry."

"Yeah, I just wanted to let you know." Yang Wenqing’s tone lightened. "It’ll probably be done in a few days. I’ve been so busy these past few years. Thanks so much for taking care of my parents, Brother Xiao."

"We’re brothers. Why are you being so formal? I’ll leave it at that. It’s pretty busy on my end." Xiao Liang ended the communication decisively.

Putting down the badge, Yang Wenqing slowly exhaled.

「Qi Yue’s Office, Municipal Bureau.」

Qi Yue picked up his now-lukewarm tea, took a sip, and looked at Director Qin. "The kid is cautious enough."

A smile appeared on Director Qin’s face. "He rose from humble beginnings, carefully forging his own path every step of the way. He’s in the habit of weighing pros and cons and always preparing for the worst. It’s his way of survival. A reaction like this couldn’t be more normal."

Qi Yue nodded and set down his teacup, seemingly lost in thought. After a moment, he looked up at Director Qin and asked, "If he succeeds in advancing to the Marrow Cleansing Realm this time, do you plan to formally take him on as your disciple?"

The question was direct and pointed to a much deeper issue.

In the Cultivation World, especially in a nation like Wanxuan where government systems and cultivation lineages coexist, a formal master-disciple relationship was far more than a simple matter of passing on skills between two people.

It signified the continuation of a lineage. This, in turn, meant tightly binding together the two individuals’ fortunes, interests, and even the factional powers behind them. It represented a true factional allegiance.

Director Qin’s own master was Master Sea Guardian, one of the thirty Third Realm grand cultivators who helped establish Wanxuan. Over many years, however, this main line had spawned countless branches. Though plagued by both internal and external conflict, it was still recognized as one of the orthodox lineages.

Director Qin was silent for a moment before responding, "I have been observing him for ten years."

Qi Yue raised an eyebrow slightly. "Have you thought it through? Once his status is formally established, he’ll be a proper disciple of your Xuanyue Lineage. His future karma will be your karma, and..."

"I’ve thought it through very clearly," Director Qin interrupted. "Wenqing has a resilient character and is methodical in his actions. What’s rarer still is his tenacity, one that’s rooted in pragmatism. I will likely be stuck at the First Realm for the rest of my life. Advancing to the Second Realm is probably impossible for me. I’ll spend the rest of my time training him."