Chapter 168: Paying Homage to Golden Core Wei Qixian

Chapter 168: Paying Homage to Golden Core Wei Qixian

Xiao Chen straightened his robe with a casual gesture before following the young attendant into the grand hall. They passed a painted screen depicting flowing rivers and towering mountains, beyond which stood a vermilion platform six feet high. Upon it rested six gilded thrones arranged in a row.

Six Golden Core Zhenren sat upon the thrones, each flanked by a pair of attendants—one male, one female. Ten stone pillars lined the hall, each carved with ancient divine beasts: twin dragons playing with a luminous pearl, a qilin treading clouds, a phoenix spreading its wings, and a pixiu offering treasures. The carvings radiated both vitality and majesty, so lifelike that first-time visitors often felt the beasts’ eyes following them, sending shivers down their spines.

Yet Xiao Chen remained unfazed. He had long since decided that one day, he would tame such creatures as companions—if they hadn’t gone extinct by then.

“Li Huo Sect’s Xiao Chen pays homage to the esteemed Zhenren,” he declared, bowing with calm precision.

Mingyan Zhenren observed him approvingly. Not a trace of nervousness—excellent. He upholds Li Huo’s dignity. Though Li Huo lagged behind Spirit Origin Sect in strength, their status was equal. Many disciples from Li Zhou grew awestruck by He Zhou’s splendor, feeling inferior. But Xiao Chen, topping the monthly reports for two months straight, clearly held his own against He Zhou cultivators.

The central figure, Lei Yin Zhenren, spoke first: “So you’re Xiao Chen. Indeed, sharp-eyed and dignified.” He fell silent after the compliment, leaving Mingyan to continue.

“I heard you formed a False Core?”

“During the demon-slaying campaign, I obtained a medicinal beast’s internal elixir,” Xiao Chen replied. “I attempted the core formation on impulse to counter the Four Great Wanderers. Fortune favored me—it succeeded.”

Mingyan feigned a frown. “Reckless! No proper timing, no application to use the spirit vein?”

“Had you spoken up, our sect’s cultivators would’ve aided you,” he added, softening his tone. “Remember—treat this place as your home.”

Xiao Chen lowered his head. “Your guidance is wise, Master. My judgment was lacking.”

Lei Yin chuckled. “Enough scolding. Success is success.” He gestured, and an attendant approached bearing a tray exuding a fragrant herbal aroma. Resting atop it lay a medicinal root as thick as an arm, a foot long, its surface etched with dragon-scale patterns glowing gold.

Yu Sha Cultivator, a female disciple, leaned closer. “A Fu Long Root! Three centuries old, at least.”

“Precisely 306 years,” Lei Yin confirmed. “Plucked from our medicinal gardens.”

Xiao Chen recognized the name. A third-tier treasure, its effects rivaled Crimson Flame Marrow but enhanced all elemental spells while purifying spiritual energy. Consuming it directly would grant him a significant boost.

“Your generosity humbles me,” he bowed.

Lei Yin leaned forward. “You’ve earned more than this. Name your wish—what do you desire?”

An open request? Xiao Chen hesitated. Was this genuine generosity or a test of humility? He demurred, “The Fu Long Root suffices, Master.”

“Nonsense,” Lei Yin insisted. “Speak freely. What do you seek?”

A moment of inspiration struck. “Might I access the Scripture Pavilion’s archives? Ancient records, travelogues, biographies…”

The Zhenren exchanged glances. Biographies? Such texts appealed only to elderly cultivators past their prime or those who’d abandoned cultivation for poetry. They’d heard Xiao Chen’s low-grade spirit root and reliance on herbs doomed his Golden Core aspirations. Had he resigned himself to scholarly pursuits—or sought an unconventional path?

Lei Yin finally spoke. “Few your age seek such wisdom.” He summoned a jade token inscribed with “Ling Yuan” and “Scripture Pavilion,” its reverse warning: Grip tightly within—loosen, and the pavilion’s formation strikes.

“Also,” Sword-Bearer Zhenren interjected, tossing a scroll, “a Sword Essence Diagram I once studied. Even without sword cultivation, its insights will aid your blade techniques.”

Xiao Chen caught it. The diagram’s reverse bore the Liu Huo Sword Technique—an Earth-tier masterpiece.

“Master cultivators are generous,” he bowed again, retreating with the treasures.

Xiao Chen chose to cultivate both paths.

Kids make choices—adults take everything.

He’d already decided: in the future, he’d use the False Core technique to forge his Flying Sword, but he’d still follow the arcane path to rapidly cultivate and unlock new hexes.

“I’ve spent most of my time lately at Xunmei Mountain,” said Sword-Bearer Zhenren. “If you encounter any issues while practicing the Liuhuo Sword Technique, feel free to come ask me directly.”

Wait, I never said I wanted to switch to the sword path.

Still, the offer came from a good place, so Xiao Chen politely bowed in thanks.

Lei Yin Zhenren then offered some encouraging words before summoning an apprentice to escort Xiao Chen to the Demon-Slaying Hall to complete his mission handover and officially become a Demon-Slaying Guard.

He’d also get familiar with the route to the Scripture Pavilion, making it easier to access books later.

The handover process was simple.

Xiao Chen only needed to confirm his name and merit points—the apprentice handled the rest.

When Xiao Chen retrieved his sect token, the apprentice even ran to the sect warehouse to exchange it for a vial of Six Harmonies Spirit Water, saving him the trouble.

The apprentice also arranged a private room for Xiao Chen within the Spirit Origin Sect’s quarters.

“Senior Xiao, rest here tonight. At the latest, by tomorrow afternoon, all the ancient texts will be ready for you.”

“No rush. Take your time.”

After the apprentice left, Xiao Chen turned his attention to the newly acquired sword intent diagram.

Though he had no plans to switch to the Liuhuo Sword Technique, he wanted to test his luck at grasping the sword intent.

As it turned out, the diagram actually worked.

The moment he focused on it, he sensed a chilling, battle-ready aura within the strokes.

But when he tried to study it further, he found nothing more revealed itself easily.

“I wonder how many spirit stones this would fetch if I sold it.” Xiao Chen flipped the diagram over. “A Golden Core Zhenren personally inscribed an Earth-Tier sword technique—it should fetch at least ten thousand stones.”

Of course, unless he was desperate for funds, he’d never part with it.

Reviewing it occasionally might eventually help him grasp some true sword intent.

Knock Knock Knock!

A sudden knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.

Huh?

He’d just moved in—how could someone already be here?

Opening the door, Xiao Chen found a burly man with a sharp chin, high cheekbones, and a broad waist.

The man wore a top-grade magic artifact—a robe shimmering with spiritual light—and sported a Jade Pendant from Zhu Yu Studio. He carried no Flying Sword, but a string of colorful scented sachets hung at his waist.

In one hand, he held a wine gourd, bowing with a grin. "Wei Qixian of Yichuan’s Wei Clan, here specially to meet Senior Xiao."

“I’ve long heard of your reputation as a prodigy, but today I see the rumors undersold you.”

“Young Cultivator Xiao is even younger than I imagined—truly, heroes rise early!”

So it was him they were after.

News traveled fast.

Xiao Chen had seen Yichuan County on a map—it lay southwest of Yuan Ci Peak, near the border between the Spirit Origin Sect and Wan Hua Valley, bordering the Heiyan Mountains to the east.

But he’d never heard of the Wei Clan before arriving in Hezhou.

“Cultivator Wei, please come in.” Xiao Chen stepped aside, ushering him in.

As they sat at a small tea table, Xiao Chen asked, “What brings you here today?”

“No urgent matter, really.” He poured. “Cultivator Xiao might not know—I’ve always admired those who slay demons and protect the realm.”

“Today, I happened upon a fine vintage and heard of your Flying Sword’s demon-slaying feats.”

“I couldn’t resist expressing my admiration—hence this visit.”

Huh? That’s the reason?

Xiao Chen raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

Wei Qixian pushed a cup forward. “This spirit wine isn’t rare, but it’s brewed from Yichuan’s crimson dates and aged here at Yuan Ci Peak for twenty years.”

“A local specialty—unavailable elsewhere. Its true charm reveals itself only to those who taste it.”

Without hesitation, Xiao Chen lifted the cup and drank.

“Cultivator Xiao, wait—!”

Too late.

Wei Qixian had meant to build suspense, but Xiao Chen downed the entire cup in one go.

Watching him, Wei’s heart sank.

They’d just met—didn’t this kid suspect poison? How… trusting.

But Yichuan Hong was a body cultivation secret. It required sipping.

One full cup could send blood surging, leaving the drinker flushed and embarrassed.

Now how would they discuss serious matters?

Xiao Chen swallowed the wine. A rich stream of mana flooded his chest, igniting his blood, leaving him invigorated.

After half a moment, the warmth faded, the mana seeping into his flesh, slightly boosting his vital energy.

The effect stunned him—it was like drinking a rare tonic.

Remember, Xiao Chen’s body cultivation alone rivaled a mid-stage Foundation Building cultivator.

His vital energy far surpassed ordinary arcane cultivators—most elixirs that aided them did nothing for him.

Yet this wine had strengthened him.

This was no ordinary spirit wine.

Wei Qixian hesitated. “Cultivator Xiao, it’s quite strong. Are you alright?”

Xiao Chen waved him off, already dissipating the heat. “Fine. Your spirit wine really delivers.”

Seeing Xiao Chen’s calm demeanor, Wei’s mind raced.

As a brewer, he knew Yichuan Hong’s potency.

Even he, who sipped occasionally, dared not overindulge.

Yet Xiao Chen drank it like water—and showed no reaction.

Only one possibility: a body cultivator.

Not just any body cultivator—this one was skilled.

But he’d investigated thoroughly beforehand.

The rumors all said Xiao Chen was an arcane and sword cultivator.

Who’d have guessed he’d also mastered body cultivation?

Bad. I’ve learned something I shouldn’t.

Had he come here to probe Xiao Chen’s secrets?

Wei Qixian stole a glance, finding Xiao Chen watching him.

Cold sweat beaded his brow.

In the coming centuries, Xiao Chen would shape the sect’s fate.

He’d come to curry favor—but if he’d already offended him…

Wei Qixian regretted his showmanship.

Now what?

“Cultivator Wei? You alright? You’re sweating.”

“Fine, fine—I’m just not used to drinking.” He shook his head, hoping to deflect.

Xiao Chen didn’t press him.

The Wei Clan’s facade of prosperity masked a crisis—they stood at the edge of ruin.

If he couldn’t secure an ally, the Dong and Liang families would swarm like vultures, devouring the Wei Clan to curry favor with Xiao Chen.

“Cultivator Wei?” Xiao Chen’s voice snapped him back. “You’ve had your drink. What’s the real reason you’re here?”

“This spirit wine—surely it’s not just a gift for meeting me?”

“Let’s speak plainly.”

Wei Qixian steadied himself, then spilled the truth.

Thirty years ago, a forbidden realm opened in Hezhou.

Wei Qixian gambled his fortune for entry, emerging with a secret body-cultivation wine formula.

After five years of experimentation, he brewed the first batch of Yichuan Hong.

To maximize profits, he hid the discovery from the Spirit Origin Sect.

Only the clan’s inner circle knew—until a reckless heir spilled the secret at Yi Xiang Courtyard.

The Dong and Liang families, neighbors to Yichuan, seized the chance.

They demanded the formula, threatening to expose him to the sect.

But the formula represented(End of Chapter)

Chapter end