Chapter 22: Is Xiao Chen the Heaven's Chosen?

Chapter 22: Is Xiao Chen the Heaven’s Chosen?

Elder Chen continued, “You may not have heard of this, but long ago, a theory of ‘celestial fortune’ circulated among cultivators.”

“Some individuals are born with heaven’s favor above and the mandate’s blessing below, known as the heaven’s chosen.”

“This concept of celestial fortune is elusive, as intangible as clouds obscuring the sun or water flowing without direction. Normally, it’s not worth dwelling on.”

“However, your situation closely resembles someone blessed with fortune-enhanced luck, which explains your smooth progress recently.”

Xiao Chen exhaled inwardly. So he’s talking about that. For a moment, I thought he’d discovered the hex.

Steward Chen’s mouth hung open in shock. “Could Xiao Chen actually be the heaven’s chosen?”

Elder Chen waved a hand. “Not quite. His case clearly doesn’t meet the criteria. In my opinion, he simply carries a faint trace of celestial fortune.”

“Compared to true heaven’s chosen, it’s like a single grain in the vast sea—insignificant yet not negligible. If nurtured properly, Foundation Building is within reach.”

At this, Steward Chen broke into a grin.

In Li Zhou, achieving Foundation Building was already extraordinary. Traveling cultivators across the realms would respectfully address even a novice Foundation Builder as a grand elder. Some smaller cultivation clans considered a Foundation Building adept at early-stage cultivation to be their ultimate authority.

Xiao Chen, however, remained calm. His immediate goal was merely to break through to the late Lian Qi stage and obtain new hextech enhancements.

As for the future, Foundation Building was just the beginning. His ultimate aim was to transcend calamities and ascend as an immortal, proving his path to eternal life.

No cultivator who didn’t dream of becoming a celestial being was truly worthy of the title.

Elder Chen observed Xiao Chen’s expression carefully and nodded approvingly.

Good, he thought. Hearing such promising news yet remaining composed—this one truly has potential.

He reached into his sleeve and retrieved a luminous pearl. “Judging from your progress, you’ll likely overcome the minor bottleneck of late lian qi stage within two years and advance to the Inner Sect.”

“Once there, you’ll undertake missions representing our sect—upholding justice, slaying demons, and rectifying the path.”

“I happen to have this Golden Light Pearl. Consider it an early gift; it’ll serve you well when the time comes.”

Steward Chen nudged Xiao Chen with a glance. “Quickly thank the elder! I’ve heard you’ve yet to acquire any magic artifacts since joining. This pearl suits you perfectly.”

After Xiao Chen expressed his gratitude and accepted the gift, Steward Chen added, “Magic artifacts like the Golden Light Pearl require cultivation energy to attune them. Carry it with you often, and its power will multiply.”

Many magic artifacts shared this trait—their potency grew when kept close to a cultivator’s energy, becoming second nature in battle.

This was precisely why disciples from prominent families all favored the Three-Star Synergy Technique. While some secured alternative versions of the manual through back channels, such methods were taboo. Practicing it openly was far more advantageous.

Elder Chen then produced a peach blossom. “I heard from Zhi’an that you’ve broken through multiple stages in half a year. Such rapid advancement risks unstable energy, which could hinder future cultivation.”

“This Purple Peach Blossom is yours as well. It stabilizes one’s core and reinforces foundations—ideal for solidifying your base.”

Steward Chen added, “Consuming the Purple Peach Blossom has one requirement: immediately circulate your cultivation technique after ingestion to disperse its potency.”

“Prepare at least two hours for this process to avoid wasting its effects.”

Xiao Chen accepted the gift with both hands. “Thank you for the elder’s kindness. I’ll cherish this forever.”

“Mm.” Elder Chen nodded again. “Remember to stay grounded. Don’t let pride cloud your judgment.”

“I’ve seen many gifted disciples surge ahead of their peers, even reaching lian qi stage 9’s pinnacle before thirty.”

“Yet some grew arrogant, dismissing all others, only to later stagnate at bottlenecks and squander their talents.”

“Avoid their mistakes. Emulate exemplary seniors like Song Zhongwen and Jiang Cungang.”

Seeing Xiao Chen’s puzzled expression, Elder Chen slapped his thigh. “Ah, I forgot—you’re not a clan disciple.”

“Jiang Cungang is the third son of the Jiang clan’s main branch. He joined the Outer Sect two and a half years ago and broke through to lian qi stage 7.”

“He’s now reached the Eighth Layer of Qi Cultivation and was personally taken in by Elder Jiang of the Alchemy Hall. He officially became a First-Rank Alchemist two years ago and holds a position within the sect.”

“Song Zhongwen, eldest son of the sixth branch of the Song family, advanced to the Inner Sect in just two years.”

“He’s now at lian qi stage 9 and was personally accepted by Elder Song of the Bazaar as a direct disciple. He embarked on a journey cultivation three years ago seeking breakthroughs, hence your unfamiliarity.”

As Xiao Chen listened to the endless mentions of “Elder Jiang” and “Elder Song,” he couldn’t help but suspect favoritism.

But this wasn’t the time to dwell. “I understand, Senior. I’ll take these two as role models and strive to enter the Inner Sect as soon as possible.”

Elder Chen smiled warmly. "Good, good. When you first broke through to the Qi Condensation Fifth Layer, Zhi’an spoke highly of you. I told him then that your potential was long-term—and now it’s proven true."

Beside him, Steward Chen’s eyes widened in disbelief. You said that? I distinctly remember you calling him unpromising.

Still, he chimed in to save face. “Indeed, Third Uncle saw your potential from the start. Cultivate diligently and honor his expectations.”

Xiao Chen vowed earnestly, “I’ll discipline myself rigorously and dedicate my cultivation to surpassing late lian qi stage soon.”

After some casual conversation, Steward Chen led Xiao Chen out.

Exiting the garden, Steward Chen retrieved a small jade vial. “I have nothing grand to gift, but this Qi Gathering Pill should aid you.”

Stronger than the nourishing qi pill, the Qi Gathering Pill was a renowned cultivation aid.

“Thank you, Manager—”

Steward Chen interrupted with a wave. “No need for thanks. Just heed the elder’s advice.”

“I have another matter to attend to. Return safely.”

Xiao Chen watched him vanish into the peaks. “Understood. Take care, Manager.”

Retracing his steps to the Second Sub-Academy, Xiao Chen finally reached his cottage.

The trial’s aftermath left him with treasures worth dozens of times his previous wealth. Now, he finally had time to organize his haul.

Beyond spirit stones, he’d acquired a suspected beast core, a Storage Box, a Cloak of Hidden Tracks, and the Star-Gazing Aura-Reading Technique.

Adding the newly gifted Golden Light Pearl, Purple Peach Blossom, and Qi Gathering Pill, his arms nearly overflowed.

In moments like this, he yearned to advance to the Inner Sect and claim the sect-issued storage bag.

With the Purple Peach Blossom and Qi Gathering Pill accelerating his progress, this goal felt closer than ever.

Yet one urgent task remained—identifying the beast core.

This was paramount upon returning to the sect.

Confirming it as a genuine beast core would make it his greatest trial reward, eclipsing all else.

A spirit beast’s core could prove pivotal, whether breaking through late lian qi stage or ascending to Foundation Building.

Of course, all hinged on its authenticity—not a mistaken illusion.

Normally, such critical research required the Grand Scripture Pavilion atop the Main Peak, inaccessible to Outer Sect disciples.

Fortunately, Xiao Chen had discovered a loophole three years prior—one he intended to exploit immediately.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end