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Chapter 543: The Upper Invitation
Chapter 543: The Upper Invitation
January 6th, 2025
The crowd around Su Chen also caught the meaning behind his words and seized upon the term he had used.
"May I ask what your relationship is with the Fairy of Qiu Creek Rain?" one of them probed.
"We are acquainted friends," Su Chen replied simply, causing Xu Qiming's face to darken even further.
The others' laughter grew more boisterous, and some even patted Xu Qiming on the shoulder, chuckling as they did so.
"You see, they're just friends, not siblings!" someone teased, making Xu Qiming feel even more uncomfortable.
Su Chen, too, discerned something from their words.
As he had anticipated, their mockery was indeed related to Qiu Creek Rain.
Instead of arguing with them, Su Chen waited patiently for their response.
After a while, the laughter subsided.
Xu Qiming, with a cold glint in his eyes, approached Su Chen.
"Your name and background, please," he demanded.
"I'm Su Xing, from a small country neighboring the Jin State," Su Chen answered, choosing not to reveal his entire background, maintaining a cautious demeanor.
Upon hearing this, Xu Qiming felt his head heat up.
The laughter that had momentarily subsided among the onlookers resurfaced.
The fact that Su Chen wasn't from the Jin State and didn't appear to have grown up with Qiu Creek Rain from a young age made their relationship seem even more extraordinary.
For Qiu Creek Rain to bestow such a jade token of trust upon Su Chen and invite him to this training session was a clear indication of their special connection.
Xu Qiming's heart sank, and after stewing in his discomfort for a while, he continued his interrogation.
"So, you're not a disciple of some major sect, then?"
Su Chen nodded in response.
"I'm not from the Jin State, nor am I a member of any sect there," he clarified.
At this, a hint of disdain flashed in the eyes of the surrounding crowd, but no one voiced their thoughts.
Openly ridiculing someone would be foolish, but the disdain was palpable among them, including Xu Qiming.
After learning of Su Chen's origins in a small country, Xu Qiming didn't even bother to inquire about his sect or background.
He felt it would be pointless to ask, as he wouldn't know any sects from a small country.
"I mean, we're familiar with disciples from the major sects of the Jin State.
When someone with an unfamiliar face shows up, it's only natural that they wouldn't be from those prominent sects," Xu Qiming said, a hint of superiority creeping into his tone.
His speech had an intentionally languid tone, as if he was trying to regain the face he had lost earlier.
Su Chen understood that Xu Qiming was likely trying to salvage his pride after being mocked by his peers.
While seeking validation from Su Chen might not be effective, it probably made Xu Qiming feel better.
When ridiculed, one might try to ridicule others in return.
"The Fairy of Qiu mentioned that this token is sufficient for participation in the training.
Is there an issue with that?" Su Chen asked, ignoring Xu Qiming's words.
Ever since entering the courtyard, no one had discussed the matter at hand with him.
They had been inquiring about his identity and Qiu Creek Rain's situation.
Su Chen had no interest in dwelling on these topics; he was here for the training, not an interrogation.
As soon as Su Chen finished speaking, someone from the crowd stepped forward to respond.
"Don't misunderstand, my friend. Since you hold the token, you are naturally eligible to participate in the Celestial Vortex Town's training.
We were just asking a few extra questions; rest assured, we won't break any rules here."
One of the onlookers stepped forward to explain.
In Celestial Vortex Town, rules held utmost importance, especially with six powers jointly governing the region.
Their respect for rules was likely higher than in other places, preventing chaos from erupting and maintaining the current peace.
Su Chen observed their reactions, and his suspicions about the situation were further confirmed.
His earlier guesses seemed to be validated.
These young people were likely the younger generation of the six powers ruling the region, and their audacity stemmed from their proximity to the core circle.
The jade token of trust Su Chen received from Qiu Creek Rain was most likely given to her by Xu Qiming himself.
Seeing Su Chen holding the token, Xu Qiming was likely displeased, but he dared not break the rules.
Su Chen felt confident in his deductions.
Each of these individuals dared not defy the established rules. Breaking them could mean losing the right to represent their respective powerful backers.
"Since I'm participating in this training, I have no other questions. I'm a bit tired from the journey here." Su Chen seized the opportunity to further inquire.
The onlookers exchanged glances, and their gazes eventually settled on Xu Qiming.
"Of course, there's no such rule. If you're tired, you're welcome to rest in the rooms inside," someone from the crowd replied.
Apparently, rules held significant importance for them, and they dared not transgress.
Upon hearing this response, Su Chen didn't hesitate and immediately headed towards the inner courtyard.
The attendant who had guided him earlier hurried forward and followed Su Chen. Noticing Su Chen's unfamiliarity with the surroundings, the attendant promptly led him to the guest rooms.
As Su Chen departed, the young people who remained behind still wore looks of disdain.
"Although he's of humble origins and average abilities, his mind is rather sharp. He understands the importance of adhering to the rules here," one of them commented.
"If someone doesn't have the skills, how could they possibly obtain this qualification? It's just a pity for a certain someone who gave away their Upper Invitation, only for it to be passed on to another. It's quite comical when you think about it. All that fawning for nothing," another person added, followed by a burst of laughter from the crowd.
Xu Qiming's face turned grim, feeling utterly exasperated. When he heard that someone had come with his jade token, his initial pride now turned into deep embarrassment.
He had assumed that the visitor would be Qiu Xi Yu, the Fairy of the Qiu family. Seeing Su Chen instead, he felt suffocated, as if his mouth and nose were being covered, making it hard to breathe.
He had indeed become a laughingstock.
At that moment, Su Chen, guided by the attendant, had reached the guest rooms. The attendant led Su Chen into a small courtyard with only two rooms, but it was a separate courtyard nonetheless.
After entering the room, the attendant stood in the courtyard, awaiting further instructions.
Su Chen took a brief rest and then called the attendant inside.
"Don't you need to attend to others?" Su Chen inquired.
Su Chen had just learned about the Upper Invitation. However, if there was an Upper Invitation, there were likely Lower or Middle Invitations as well.
Xu Qiming's anger seemed primarily due to Su Chen possessing his Upper Invitation.
"Is the Upper Invitation a rare item? Can you tell me about the rules?" Su Chen asked.
The attendant didn't find Su Chen's questions strange, perhaps because many visitors had inquired about the same topic.
"Does the younger generation of the master families get only one Upper Invitation for their entire life?" Su Chen asked, unable to contain his curiosity.
"As you said, sir, only the direct descendants of the master families have this qualification," the attendant clarified.
Indeed, the Upper Invitation was quite precious. The younger generation could obtain only one in their lifetime, and it was originally meant for Qiu Xi Yu as a token of affection. But now, it had been transferred to Su Chen.
Su Chen felt a hint of sympathy.
"No wonder there are so many young people from these six families. Now I understand the benefits they receive," Su Chen sighed, and the attendant didn't dare respond.
He wouldn't dare joke about the master families' ability to procreate.
However, if the Upper Invitation was so valuable, why not have more descendants to gain these benefits while expanding the family?
"What's your name?" Su Chen asked, realizing he didn't know the attendant's name after their conversation.
"Sir, you may call me Tao Mu," the attendant replied.
Su Chen nodded, understanding that Tao Mu was a formidable opponent. He wondered if this attendant possessed the same level of skill as Tao Mu.
"If the Upper Invitation is as valuable as you say, it must offer many benefits."
Su Chen was curious about the advantages it held over the Middle and Lower Invitations.
Tao Mu anticipated Su Chen's question and began listing them one by one.
Firstly, Su Chen had already experienced the exclusive residence in the private courtyard.
Additionally, the attendant services were exceptional, with dedicated staff to address any issue.
Su Chen was provided with an extremely high-standard of living.
Hearing this, Su Chen wasn't surprised.
Given the rarity of the Upper Invitation, such basic treatment was to be expected.
However, there must be more benefits to justify the term 'Upper'.
"For the Celestial Vortex Waterfall training, a guest with an Upper Invitation like yourself can directly participate in the final training."
They could join the ultimate training without the need for related assessments.
"On the other hand, those with Middle and Lower Invitations must undergo specific evaluations to qualify for the final training."
Su Chen now understood the true value of the Upper Invitation.
It seemed challenging to pass these assessments.
Otherwise, the Upper Invitation wouldn't be held in such high regard.
Tao Mu sensed Su Chen's confusion and continued his explanation.
"Participating in the final training and passing these assessments isn't overly difficult.
However, the training opportunities at the Celestial Vortex Waterfall are limited each year.
It's not just about passing the assessments; there's also a ranking system in place.
Participants are not only competing against themselves but also against their peers.
You might be exceptional, but if a group of even more powerful individuals arrives, you might not make the cut."
This highlighted the significance of the Upper Invitation.
With it, one could directly join the Celestial Vortex Waterfall training without worrying about the competition from others.
(End of Chapter)
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