Chapter 719 - 286: True Essence (2)

In any case, the fact that Nan Zhuoran possessed this inheritance was in itself a tremendous endorsement. All the Elders and seniors throughout the Sect held extremely high expectations for him, believing he was a peerless talent capable of recreating the glory of Ancestor Pan Wu.

"Indeed, the First Brother... He’s a heaven-sent prodigy."

Ruan Lingxiu couldn’t help but murmur in admiration.

Among this generation of disciples, Nan Zhuoran was like an insurmountable peak. His immense power and unfathomable potential placed his peers under almost suffocating pressure.

The two chatted for a while longer about matters of cultivation, and the atmosphere relaxed slightly.

Huo Qiushui’s gaze swept over Ruan Lingxiu’s profile. As if a thought had occurred to her, she casually changed the subject. "Speaking of which... how have you and Zhong Yu been lately? You two have been married for some years now. Have you ever thought about continuing the family line? Whether for your family or for yourselves, it’s good to leave behind a bloodline."

At these words, the hand Ruan Lingxiu was using to hold her teacup paused. A faint, bitter smile touched her lips as she gently shook her head. "You jest, Senior Sister."

She lowered her gaze, her voice placid. "The path of cultivation is long. With the Sect’s internal affairs so complex and the Demon Sect watching covetously from the outside, we True Disciples must be exceptionally diligent. We have no time for other concerns. Besides... Brother Zhong has also been busy with Sect affairs and his own cultivation lately. We... each have our own things to focus on."

Though her words were spoken lightly, Huo Qiushui was far too astute not to detect the hint of resignation in this seemingly ordinary reply.

She recalled Zhong Yu’s suspicious and highly controlling nature, and seeing Ruan Lingxiu’s expression, she began to understand.

’It seems this seemingly perfect couple has been experiencing some private friction of late. At the very least, things are not nearly as harmonious as they appear on the surface.’

Huo Qiushui took the hint and didn’t press the matter. Raising her teacup, she took a delicate sip and said lightly, "That is true. For us martial artists, the Martial Arts must always come first."

Her gaze returned to the boundless sea of clouds outside the window as she sighed inwardly.

’Everyone has their own cross to bear, it seems. Even a woman like Ruan Lingxiu, with her elite background, talent, and status, had her own unspeakable troubles.’

Inside Rain Listening Pavilion, the fragrance of tea curled through the air. The two women fell silent. The only sound was the wind brushing past the window, carrying with it the desolate stillness of the distant mountains.

.....

Within the Sect, news that Lu Chenming was challenging Chen Qing immediately after his breakthrough spread like a winter gale, sweeping through every peak and lineage and sparking heated debate.

"Brother Lu’s foundation is truly profound. Now that he’s broken through to the True Essence Realm, he’s immediately moving to take back what’s his!"

"Brother Chen is strong, but he’s only in the Astral Force Realm. How can he possibly contend with Brother Lu, who is in the True Essence Realm?"

"What a shame. I’m afraid Brother Chen’s time as a True Disciple is up. How long did he even hold the position? A real flash in the pan."

"There’s nothing to be done. Those are the Sect rules—strength reigns supreme. If anyone’s to blame, it’s Brother Chen for being a step too slow with his breakthrough."

The vast majority of disciples believed the outcome of this battle was a foregone conclusion.

The True Essence Realm’s advantage over the Astral Force Realm was fundamental. Moreover, Lu Chenming had a solid foundation, had just begun to grasp Saber Intent, and was riding a wave of momentum.

Even with his Body Refining Secret Technique and Multiple True Gangs, it was unlikely Chen Qing could perform a miracle in the face of such an absolute gulf in power.

In a Quiet Chamber on Nine Heavens Peak, where Li Yu-jun was in seclusion.

Blue smoke curled from an incense burner. She sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, her Heart and Spirit tranquil.

Just then, the respectful voice of a disciple came from outside the Quiet Chamber. "Vein Master, Master Han from True Martial Peak requests an audience."

Li Yu-jun’s closed eyes slowly opened, a flicker of surprise, nearly imperceptible, in their depths.

’Han Guxi?’

’Why is he visiting now?’

After a moment’s thought, she had a good idea of his purpose.

"Let him in." Li Yu-jun’s voice was calm and even.

A moment later, the door to the Quiet Chamber was pushed open, and the slightly stooped figure of Han Guxi walked in.

He wore his usual gentle smile and clasped his hands in greeting. "Junior Sister Li, forgive my intrusion on your cultivation."

Li Yu-jun did not rise. She simply gave a slight nod in return and gestured to the meditation cushion opposite her. "Please sit, Brother Han. What brings you here today?"

Han Guxi sat as instructed. The two exchanged a few pleasantries about the Sect’s recent affairs, but the atmosphere remained lukewarm.

Before long, Li Yu-jun’s patience wore thin. She cut straight to the point. "Brother Han, we both know you wouldn’t have come without a reason. Sect affairs are complicated, so if you have something to say, please be direct."

The smile on Han Guxi’s face faded slightly. He mulled it over for a long moment, as if carefully choosing his words, before finally speaking. "In that case, I will be direct. I’ve come today regarding my disciple, Chen Qing, and... certain matters between our two lineages."

He paused, meeting Li Yu-jun’s gaze before continuing, "Though Chen Qing has not yet reached the True Essence Realm, his talent and combat prowess are plain for the entire Sect to see. He achieved the rank of a True Disciple before the age of thirty and has even earned the high regard of Brother Luo. I believe that given his potential and current standing, he is qualified to be granted a special exemption for the Human Position in the Dubhe Pavilion."

He had stated his goal: to secure a spot in the Dubhe Pavilion for Chen Qing before the outcome of Lu Chenming’s challenge was decided.

Once admitted to the Dubhe Pavilion, even if he were to temporarily lose his seat as a True Disciple, Chen Qing could still use his status as a member to receive a fixed monthly stipend of extra Contribution Points and opportunities to cultivate in a Grotto Heaven. More importantly, he would gain access to the Sect’s core intelligence and be able to exchange for resources from the secret vaults. This was all crucial for his future cultivation and accumulation of power.

Otherwise, if they waited until after he lost the challenge and was stripped of his True Disciple seat, his next chance to enter the Dubhe Pavilion wouldn’t come until he finally broke through to the True Essence Realm, whenever that might be. The resources lost during that gap in time would be immense.