Chapter 35: Mingyan Zhenren Steps In
Chapter 35: Mingyan Zhenren Steps In
Xiao Chen almost wanted to laugh. He hadn’t expected the sect’s grand elder to make such a shortsighted decision.
Wasn’t it precisely because he was an ordinary disciple without any background or influence that they dared to act so self-righteously? Their hypocrisy was nauseating.
Still, Jiang Shiyou’s words about “preferring to err on the side of caution” made him keenly aware of the cultivation world’s brutal reality. Most of the time, a single thought from those in power could determine the fate of those below.
Yet Xiao Chen remained calm. He could easily prove his breakthrough had been legitimate.
Recently, he’d acquired several spirit-enhancing treasures: Purple Peach Blossom, Green Wood Spirit Essence, Li Guquan, and two Qi Gathering Pills. Each of these could explain his rapid progress.
Even the Yangqi Tuna Method he’d initially chosen was a cultivation manual specifically designed to reduce breakthrough difficulties for disciples with mediocre talent.
While Xiao Chen had secretly benefited from a tenfold enhancement of the manual’s effects, that was something he couldn’t quantify. Who could say he wasn’t simply a disciple with higher innate aptitude?
As he systematically explained these five factors, murmurs spread among the elders.
“That’s true. The Yangqi Tuna Method’s primary purpose is to help disciples with poor spirit roots overcome breakthrough obstacles.”
“Purple Peach Blossom can solidify a cultivator’s foundation, accelerating their progress.”
“Xiao Chen has a low-grade wood spirit root, as recorded. Refining Green Wood Spirit Essence would naturally improve his efficiency.”
“That Su family brat actually dared to gift Li Guquan to someone? What excellent judgment—and generosity!”
“He consumed two Qi Gathering Pills after the trial. That’s equivalent to five months of cultivation at the Foundation Building sixth layer. The timeline makes sense.”
This final point swayed many.
Even the legendary ancestor with the heavenly fire spirit root had taken ten months without any pills or treasures. Xiao Chen’s seven-month breakthrough, though aided by external resources, still paled in comparison to a true heavenly spirit root’s speed.
This reasoning made his achievement seem acceptable.
Only Jiang Shiyou remained obstinate. “Not enough! Even a dual spirit root disciple using these treasures couldn’t possibly match his speed!”
Technically correct—without the hex, these resources alone wouldn’t have sufficed. But by now, his objections sounded like stubborn posturing.
Elder Qi of Azure Water Peak finally interjected, her clear voice cutting through the tension. “Senior Sect Brother Jiang, Xiao Chen has already provided multiple valid reasons. Why insist on cornering him?”
Her words drew immediate attention. Her icy composure and striking beauty had always commanded respect.
Other neutral elders, previously silent, now voiced support. They agreed that with spirit treasures involved, such results weren’t implausible.
Jiang Shiyou refused to yield. “Don’t let this brat’s silver tongue fool you! These treasures, while rare, aren’t irreplaceable. For the sect’s safety, detain Xiao Chen immediately and test other disciples using the same method. We can decide in seven months.”
Elder Chen shot back, “Utter nonsense! You have no evidence yet want to imprison my disciple for seven months? Why not seven years—seventy while you’re at it!”
“Does the sect still have rules? Or has the Enforcement Hall become your personal fiefdom?”
Elder Qi added, “Each disciple’s cultivation journey is unique—affected by talent, aptitude, and mindset. A single test would be meaningless. And who would fund such large-scale trials?”
Another elder chimed in, “Testing is easy, but who provides the resources? Are we to spend the sect’s wealth helping Jiang family disciples breakthrough?”
Jiang Shiyou glared at Elder Qi.
As one of the newly risen Five Great Families, Jiang lacked the influence to sway neutral elders like Qi. Her public support for Xiao Chen—and the momentum it created—left him on the defensive.
If he’d known things would escalate this far, he’d never have gotten involved.
But now, this wasn’t just about him—it had become a public contest between the Chen and Jiang families for dominance within the sect.
The outer sect’s Twelve Sub-Academies, the entire Enforcement Hall, and all the grand elders were watching.
Retreating now would shame not just him, but the entire Jiang family’s reputation.
Elder Chen exhaled, surprised by Jiang’s stubbornness. What should’ve been a minor issue had spiraled.
Thankfully, Elder Qi’s support had turned the tide.
As the elders prepared to mediate, Jiang suddenly declared, “I invoke the Enforcement Hall’s Special Regulation!”
Gasps erupted. The regulation allowed indefinite detention of disciples posing potential threats to the sect.
“I’ll detain Xiao Chen for investigation under this clause. I’ll present findings in the sect hall within seven days.”
The elders exchanged confused glances—what more was there to investigate?
But Jiang had already decided: once Xiao Chen was locked away, he’d be branded a spy regardless of innocence. Years in the Enforcement Hall had honed his skill in framing others.
“This won’t be necessary,” a deep voice rumbled.
All turned to see a middle-aged man in a wide-collared robe, his presence commanding. He strode forward effortlessly, covering hundreds of feet in seconds—clearly a Golden Core Zhenren.
The grand elder bowed. “Mingyan Zhenren!”
The crowd followed suit, kowtowing.
Mingyan Zhenren raised a hand, his spiritual energy lifting everyone effortlessly.
The grand elder reported, “This is Xiao Chen, the disciple in question.”
All eyes returned to Xiao Chen.
Who would’ve thought this obscure outer sect disciple with a lowly spirit root would draw the personal attention of a Golden Core Zhenren?
Xiao Chen inhaled slightly, then bowed deeply. “Disciple Xiao Chen greets the Zhenren.”
(End of Chapter)
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