https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-539-The-Angry-Zhu-Ming-Gong-Palace-Lord/13013447/
Chapter 538: Qiu Xiyu's Invitation, the Qiu Family
Chapter 538: Qiu Xiyu's Invitation, the Qiu Family
January 1st, 2025
Su Chen didn't show any signs of impatience.
He listened attentively to Qiu Xiyu's introduction, especially when she mentioned Qiu Ruofang.
"Has your younger cousin returned to the Qiu family?" Su Chen asked.
"The family will hold a memorial ceremony for our ancestors in the late Second Month. If there aren't any urgent matters, she will definitely return home in advance," Qiu Xiyu replied.
Su Chen nodded, understanding the situation.
It was already November, and not long until the late Twelfth Month. It seemed likely that Qiu Ruofang had indeed returned to the Qiu family.
The two of them went to a pavilion in the courtyard.
With Su Chen's identity as a Sixth Rank Array Master, they were seated directly in a private room.
"I got to enjoy this privilege thanks to Su Chen. If I came here on my own, I wouldn't have the qualifications to sit here and eat," Qiu Xiyu smiled.
She wasn't too concerned about this special treatment, being a member of the Qiu family.
But she couldn't help but praise Su Chen for it.
Su Chen sampled the food from the Array Alliance and found it passable, but not entirely to his satisfaction.
When Qiu Xiyu asked, he didn't lie.
"The food here is decent, and the ingredients are of high quality. However, it's not as delicious as it could be. Perhaps you've been too tired lately, and that's why everything tastes good to you."
Su Chen offered his critique and a guess.
Qiu Xiyu pondered his words.
"I don't think it's because I'm tired. I've been feeling quite relaxed lately, much more so than when I was cultivating at the Qiu family. Maybe it's because my mood is better, and my appetite has improved."
Qiu Xiyu's smile grew brighter as she spoke, hinting at something.
She was alluding to something, but Su Chen didn't catch it.
He thought she was just happy about passing the Eighth Rank Array Master examination.
This made sense; as a young Array Master, passing the examination was indeed a reason for celebration.
Moreover, the Eighth Rank Array Master examination was notoriously difficult, with only a handful of people passing out of hundreds of candidates.
Those who obtained the title of Eighth Rank Array Master in the Jin State would become the backbone of the Array Masters in the future.
Their status would be permanently elevated within the Jin State.
Naturally, passing the examination was a cause for joy.
After lunch, Su Chen followed Qiu Xiyu as they strolled around.
Before long, someone came to call Qiu Xiyu away.
The Array Master who was guiding her wanted to speak with her.
Su Chen continued his walk alone, in no hurry.
His actions in recent times had been smooth, and the Wuluan Manor had undoubtedly been affected significantly.
The martial arts prowess he displayed had been proven, matching that of the younger generation from the Great Sects.
This result gave Su Chen a sense of stability.
His talent in martial arts was sufficient, and he felt more determined.
He believed he could reach even higher in the martial arts world.
To resolve those dangerous crises, he just needed to continue improving as he had been, and opportunities would come.
After waiting and resting for about an hour, Qiu Xiyu returned from her meeting, her brows furrowed in worry.
She seemed to be in a dilemma, deep in thought.
"Master Jin just called me. He wants us to accompany them to the eastern border. There have been many demonic beasts there recently, and we need to be vigilant. The demand for array formations is also quite high. Master Jin said that this task cannot be refused in principle."
Qiu Xiyu's face was filled with concern.
She had just obtained the title of Eighth Rank Array Master, and her footing wasn't stable yet. Refusing her first task would be inappropriate.
How would the masters in the Array Alliance view her in the future?
Qiu Xiyu was a member of the prestigious Qiu family.
However, this identity didn't bring her many benefits within the Array Alliance.
Instead, it caused her significant trouble.
The biggest issue was that Qiu Xiyu was easily misunderstood.
For example, if she refused Master Jin's invitation in this situation, people would talk behind her back, accusing her of being arrogant because of her family background.
Qiu Xiyu hadn't expected Su Chen to come so soon.
Moreover, as a new Eighth Rank Array Master, she wouldn't have the opportunity to set up arrays in the wilderness in a short time.
Such a task would typically require her to settle down for half a year before accepting it.
At this moment, Su Chen had arrived, and coincidentally, it was just as she was about to assign him a task.
She felt a bit helpless, wondering why the timing was so coincidental.
On her face, beneath the helplessness, there was also a hint of hope.
After speaking, Qiu Xiyu lowered her voice slightly.
She cautiously asked, "Senior Brother Su, are you willing to accompany me on this external mission? You are a Sixth Rank Array Master, and as long as you're willing to participate, Master Jin definitely won't refuse."
As Qiu Xiyu spoke, her gaze was fixed on Su Chen, hoping to find an answer in his expression.
In fact, she did see a glimpse of an answer.
But this answer wasn't what she had hoped for.
Upon hearing her request, Su Chen barely hesitated before shaking his head.
"During this period, I probably won't be focusing on Array Formation research.
Since Junior Sister Qiu can't refuse, I'll let her carry out this mission first.
After you complete these tasks, I can visit your Qiu family."
Qiu Xiyu nodded. Indeed, it was difficult for her to refuse this mission.
But what affected her even more was Su Chen's response, which made her overthink.
Even though she had taken the initiative to ask, she still received a rejection, leaving her with a hint of resentment.
In his hesitation, Su Chen continued to explain his reasons.
"Currently, I want to focus more on my Martial Arts cultivation.
I'll put Array Formations aside for now.
I've already discussed these thoughts with Master You.
After declining Master You, I can't accompany you, Junior Sister Qiu, on this Array Formation mission.
If Master You finds out, he might be unhappy.
He might blame not only me but you as well."
After hearing this explanation, Qiu Xiyu's discomfort seemed to dissipate instantly.
Su Chen was merely stating a fact, but Qiu Xiyu only heard what she wanted to hear.
She felt that Su Chen was concerned about how this matter might affect her, and he was considering her well-being.
Indeed, Su Chen had considered her, but not solely because of her.
"It's my fault for wasting Senior Brother Su's time and making you come here in vain.
If Master Jin had informed me earlier, I could have notified Senior Brother Su sooner."
"It's fine. I didn't have any plans for these days anyway.
It's better to go out for a walk than to stay cooped up in my courtyard, deep in thought."
Given the current situation, the Wuluan Mansion must have made thorough preparations.
They were undoubtedly on guard against him from all angles.
If he were to take action against the people of Wuluan Mansion now, it would only bring them more crisis and potentially put himself in danger.
They were already in a state of panic and worry, and there was no need for him to put himself at risk.
Su Chen wasn't lying to Qiu Xiyu.
Recently, he had indeed spent a lot of time contemplating what he should do next.
It hadn't been long since he advanced to the Fifth Rank Intermediate Realm.
In his opinion, his strength had already reached a stable level.
His realm and strength were solid, and when he fought against Liu Siyun, he felt that his strength had improved significantly.
Now, he was looking for an opportunity.
An opportunity to break through the Fifth Rank Intermediate Realm.
To outsiders, he might seem a bit hasty.
But according to Su Chen's judgment, the time was right.
His strength was sufficient to make another breakthrough.
With the Fifth Rank Snow Essence Realm Perfection, he was qualified to enter.
Of course, the promotion to the Fifth Rank wasn't that crucial.
What required attention and emphasis was the Transformation Realm.
Only by stepping into the Transformation Realm could one truly touch upon the Martial Arts.
When Su Chen was at Yunyang Sect, his understanding of the Transformation Realm wasn't profound.
He didn't know what it meant to be a Transformation Realm powerhouse.
But now, as his strength grew, he could increasingly sense the power of the Transformation Realm.
Only through understanding and knowledge could one comprehend the gap.
Back when he was at the Eighth and Seventh Ranks, he didn't hold the Transformation Realm in such awe.
Hearing Su Chen's concern about his Martial Arts, Qiu Xiyu paused to think.
Then, she led Su Chen to her residence.
Soon, Qiu Xiyu took out a jade token from her room.
"Senior Brother Su, there's still about twenty days left. Immortal Cliff is holding a trial during this time.
With this token and a letter from me, you can participate.
I haven't focused on Martial Arts cultivation for many years.
It's been over three years since I last went, but I'm certain you'll gain significant benefits there."
Qiu Xiyu directly handed the token to Su Chen.
Then, she returned to her room and began writing a letter.
The letter was written, and Qiu Xiuyu quickly handed it over to Su Chen.
With these two tokens as proof, it should guarantee Su Chen's participation in this trial.
"Senior Brother, hold on to these two items. The trial at Immortal Cliff will definitely allow you to participate."
"You've never been there for a trial before, so your first time, the benefits you'll gain will definitely be greater."
Qiu Xiuyu and Su Chen discussed the situation at Immortal Cliff.
Su Chen also felt grateful.
These trial opportunities spoken of by the Great Sect are actually extremely precious.
To give these to himself is considered a huge favor.
Seeing this, Su Chen also felt he should repay something.
There was still some time today, so Su Chen went with Qiu Xiuyu to try out the simulated array formation.
Su Chen used his abilities to give Qiu Xiuyu reminders, providing her with all he could.
Especially when it came to technique-related issues.
With the help of his Heaven's Fate Ability, 【Skillful Artisan】, Su Chen could do many things that ordinary people couldn't.
At the same time, he also learned a lot from this person.
Some things, one could only truly understand by experiencing them personally.
And the first success is usually difficult.
But with the boost from Heaven's Fate, Su Chen could first succeed with his exquisite techniques and then gradually become proficient from there.
This is an enormous advantage that others can't match.
With this advantage, even if Su Chen doesn't use his Heaven's Fate Ability, he is still superior to many in array formation setups and high-grade elixir crafting.
This is the powerful effect of experience.
Additionally, Su Chen's innate potential is also not bad.
To have reached this point today, his innate potential has played a very important role.
Heaven's Fate is important, but it has always been a form of assistance.
The two of them discussed the array formation setup in the Array Alliance's simulation area.
Meanwhile, two people were watching them from the side.
One of them was someone Su Chen knew; she was Qiu Xiuyu's aunt, Qiu Yi Nan.
"Yi Nan, aren't you worried? This young disciple and Qiu Xiuyu seem to be getting too close, don't they?"
The speaker was Qiu Xiuyu's current close-range bodyguard.
After Qiu Xiuyu obtained the identity of an Eighth Rank Array Master, her family immediately arranged for a bodyguard to protect her safety.
Even within the Array Alliance's grounds, they were constantly on alert.
This top-tier array formation genius, even within Qiu's family, was an extremely rare existence.
Arranging for a bodyguard was only natural.
Qiu Yi Nan, standing nearby, smiled at these words.
"Young people have their own connections. We elders, when disciplining them, should grasp a proper degree.
Don't meddle in everything.
It's not beneficial for them either."
Qiu Yi Nan's words left the bodyguard beside her at a loss.
"Yi Nan, I can't believe these words are coming from you.
Just a few days ago, there was a male disciple who wanted to get closer to Xiuyu.
What you said back then seemed different, didn't it?"
Qiu Yi Nan was a bit flustered by these words.
She actually felt her double standards, but due to face-saving, she couldn't admit it.
"What?
Has this young man passed your test, and you've acknowledged him?"
The nearby bodyguard seemed to know Qiu Yi Nan well.
Her words hit the mark.
"This young man is indeed quite impressive, and his speech and manners are also proper.
In front of Xiuyu, he doesn't try to curry favor either.
From all aspects, at least I do acknowledge him."
Qiu Yi Nan's evaluation was all positive.
But the bodyguard beside her, upon hearing these words, smiled even more.
"In my impression, these things should be secondary, right? Yi Nan, are you going to value a young man because of these things?
If I may say, is it that this young man has an innate talent for array formations?"
Qiu Yi Nan, upon hearing this, looked at her with a light smile.
"You've been at the Array Alliance's grounds for a month now, right?
Can't you tell the difference between each type of robe, representing the rank of Array Masters? Go and examine the robe this young disciple is wearing; see if it represents an Eighth Rank Array Master."
Qiu Yi Nan finished speaking with a smile, and didn't say more.
And the bodyguard beside her, when looking at Su Chen, became even more serious.
At this moment, she finally realized.
The robe Su Chen was wearing had a different pattern from the other young disciples.
And the overall color tone was also darker.
Could he be an Eighth Rank Array Master?
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
