Chapter 348 Everyone has their own concerns
Chapter 348 Everyone has their own concerns
As evening fell, Lin Changsheng left the Liuyan Sect's mountain gate and returned to the Qingxia Peak Dojo.
As a guest elder, one cannot stay overnight within the sect without permission.
After all, he is a Golden Core cultivator, and he has the ability to damage the sect's defensive formations. With the help of both inside and outside forces, it is possible to break through the mountain-protecting formation.
But recalling what Sect Master Huang Jia said earlier, one can't help but ponder deeply.
Combining this with his previous conversation with Master Lu, Lin Changsheng had a rough idea of what was going on.
The former statement is true. The current Supreme Elder of the Willow Smoke Sect, "True Lord Yunmiao," has lost heart and no longer has any intention of developing the sect because of the estrangement he had with his sect in his early years.
Therefore, the sect does not reject juniors who have the potential to advance to the Nascent Soul stage; on the contrary, it intends to support them.
Without other intervention, it is highly likely that the next Supreme Elder of the Willow Smoke Sect will be Chen Xingzhou.
In reality, regardless of whether Chen Xingzhou can become the Supreme Elder, as long as he successfully advances to the Nascent Soul stage, he will most likely immediately turn around and seek revenge against Lin Changsheng for the past grievances.
Even with the guarantor of the mid-Nascent Soul stage 'True Monarch Yunmiao', it probably wouldn't be that safe.
After all, Chen Xingzhou was an elder of the Liuyan Sect, while Lin Changsheng was merely a guest elder from outside. From Yunmiao Zhenjun's perspective, it was self-evident who was closer and who was more distant.
Moreover, if Chen Xingzhou also reaches the True Monarch realm, even if he is not a match for the mid-Nascent Soul stage True Monarch Yunmiao, he will not be too restricted by him.
The only thing that surprised Lin Changsheng was the somewhat intriguing attitude of Sect Master Huang Jia.
Chen Xingzhou has different philosophies from Sect Master Huang. If he becomes a Supreme Elder, he may not be as detached from worldly affairs as True Monarch Yunmiao. Instead, he may interfere in sect affairs and restrain the power in the hands of the Sect Master.
"It seems that Sect Leader Huang...does not want to see this situation."
Lin Changsheng's expression was somewhat amused.
Although Huang Jia did not explicitly state the implications of his words today, he repeatedly hinted at the impact Chen Xingzhou would have on Lin Changsheng should Chen gain power.
Both being seasoned foxes, they understood the implication perfectly.
If Chen Xingzhou successfully breaks through to the Nascent Soul stage and succeeds as the Supreme Elder, the power in the hands of Sect Master Huang will be greatly reduced.
Lin Changsheng, who killed a third-tier demon beast and nearly posed a threat to the opponent, was naturally targeted.
This kind of targeted attack from a Nascent Soul True Monarch is not something a mere Golden Core True Person can withstand.
"Could it be that Sect Leader Huang... dares to secretly intervene?"
Lin Changsheng couldn't help but feel curious.
As for his own safety, there is no need to worry about it at the moment.
Since Chen Xingzhou is preparing to break through to the Nascent Soul stage, he will not cause any trouble at this juncture.
After all, even the slightest mistake could affect future promotions.
Lin Changsheng is safe at least until the other party advances to the Nascent Soul stage.
Moreover, he had a transaction contract with True Monarch Yunmiao, which required him to provide the other party with puppets.
Furthermore, competition exists wherever there are people.
Lin Changsheng's current cultivation level requires a very high level of skill in creating a suitable cultivation environment.
High-level spiritual veins are rare, and if he wants to advance further, he will inevitably compete with others. This is unavoidable and cannot be completely avoided simply by running away.
For example, he competed with Cui Kuishi to join the Willow Smoke Sect.
He also offended Chen Xingzhou by purchasing a late-stage third-tier demon core.
If one were to flee prematurely simply because of potential future risks, one would only be wasting years of time and the cultivation environment one has worked so hard to acquire.
"Let's leave it at that for now. If there's an opportunity in the future, we can try to interfere with Chen Xingzhou's attempt to break through to the Nascent Soul stage."
Lin Changsheng made up his mind, but for the time being, he needed to wait and see how things developed.
At least for now, it seems that Sect Master Huang Jia is even more unwilling to see Chen Xingzhou advance, and may take action in the future.
However, this matter must be done discreetly to avoid Yunmiao Zhenjun finding out.
……
This morning.
Outside the cave at Qingxia Peak, Han Xinlan, dressed in a light blue silk dress, stood gracefully and elegantly. Although her appearance had not changed since then, she was more mature and confident.
Soon, a man in white appeared.
"Indeed, you haven't been greedy for quick success over the years, and you've honed your foundation very well. Now you've reached the peak of Qi Condensation."
Lin Changsheng glanced at him briefly, a look of satisfaction in his eyes, and spoke in a gentle tone.
"Master Lin, news came from the clan a few days ago that Uncle Han Feng has already successfully transformed into a core and will try to break through to the Golden Core realm again in a few months."
"But I'm worried that Master Zhuo, who borrowed the Han family's spiritual vein, will interfere again..."
"Xinlan humbly requests that Master Lin temporarily lend the Qingxia Peak Daoist temple to my Uncle Han Feng for his attempt to break through to the Golden Core stage."
"Our Han family is also willing to pay a premium for the lease, and we will never let Master Lin suffer a loss."
Han Xinlan's lips trembled slightly, her eyes sparkled, and her expression was uneasy.
Over the years following Lin Changsheng, after settling on Qingxia Peak, almost all of his daily cultivation resources came from this Master Lin.
Han Xinlan's identity is also particularly special here.
She occasionally did some maid work, serving Lin Changsheng with daily chores.
But the really strenuous work was done by the servants sent by Liu Yanzong. Han Xinlan was more like a disciple of Lin Changsheng, receiving guidance every now and then and being tested from time to time.
She had a general idea of Lin Zhenren's personality; as long as it didn't involve any matters of principle, she would almost never displease him.
Even so, Han Xinlan has always been sensible and has almost never made any other demands over the years.
However, this time, it concerns the future development of the Han family, which is why they had no choice but to take the initiative to beg.
“Qingxia Peak belongs to Liuyan Sect after all. Although I am a guest elder, I am still an outsider. It is inappropriate for me to borrow the spiritual vein.”
"However, the third-tier spiritual veins that your Han family currently possesses are sufficient for breaking through to the Golden Core stage. As for that True Person Zhuo, I, Lin, will personally go there, and I believe that will be enough to resolve this matter."
After a moment's thought, Lin Changsheng refused to borrow the dojo, but quickly proposed another feasible solution.
Currently, his relationship with Chen Xingzhou is tense. If Chen Xingzhou were to actually advance to the Nascent Soul stage in the future, the Han family, being too close to him, might be implicated.
Lin Changsheng benefited from the memory inheritance of 'Heavenly Poison Master', so naturally he could not allow his descendants to bear the risks.
"Thank you very much, Master Lin!"
Han Xinlan's expression darkened for a moment, then her eyes lit up again.
If Uncle Han Feng can advance to the Golden Core stage at Qingxia Peak, it will likely connect the Han family with the Liuyan Sect to some extent once the news gets out.
But since Master Lin refused, she dared not ask for more. It was already a great favor that he agreed to help.
……
Inside Liuyanzong.
A man dressed in a Taoist robe and sporting a mustache descended from the sky.
"It's been many days since I last saw Elder Chen. His magical power has improved even more. It seems that it won't be long before our Willow Smoke Sect will have a family with two Nascent Soul cultivators."
Huang Jia was dressed in the magnificent robes of a sect leader, her appearance radiant, and her demeanor dignified and elegant.
After only a brief glance, I was amazed by the pure aura of Dan power within Chen Xingzhou's body, and I sincerely congratulate him.
"Hehe, Sect Master Huang, you flatter me. The Nascent Soul realm is extremely difficult. Although I have made some preparations, I am not very confident."
Faced with the sect leader's congratulations, Chen Xingzhou couldn't hide his smugness. He appeared humble, but couldn't suppress the upturned corners of his mouth as he continued:
"I wonder if there's been any progress on the crucial item that I asked the sect to inquire about?"
"Don't worry, Master Chen. A fourth-grade 'Earth Infant Fruit' will be sold at an auction in a neighboring country in six months. I, the sect master, will go there personally and will do my best to bring it back for you."
Huang Jia agreed in person.
The 'Earth Infant Fruit' is one of the main ingredients for refining the fourth-tier pill 'Condensing Infant Pill'.
Other fruits of equal renyingguo (human infant fruit) and tianyingguo (heavenly infant fruit) are also famous.
Although they have different names, they are all the same fourth-tier spiritual fruit, but their effects differ due to the different years they are harvested.
Among them, the 'Earth Infant Fruit' is less effective than the 'Heaven Infant Fruit', but ranks above the 'Human Infant Fruit', and has a small probability of being refined into a flawless genuine 'Infant Condensation Pill'.
“That’s very good. However, this fruit is extremely important to me, so I will accompany Sect Master Huang.”
Upon hearing this, Chen Xingzhou's eyes lit up with surprise. After a moment's thought, he immediately made a decision.
EBE