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Chapter 613: Chu Ning? The Chamberlain of Longsky Hall?
Chapter 613: Chu Ning? The Chamberlain of Longsky Hall?
After many years of absence, Chu Ning's sudden appearance before the two of them caught Chang Lingshan and Xi Wenxia off guard, leaving them momentarily stunned.
"It's been a long time, you two!" Chu Ning's gentle voice finally broke the silence.
Chang Lingshan's eyes widened in surprise, while Xi Wenxia's cold and beautiful face lit up with joy.
At this moment, Chu Ning wasn't deliberately revealing his cultivation aura, so Chang Lingshan didn't pay much attention to it. Unconsciously, he asked, "Fellow Daoist Chu, were you also invited by Longsky Hall..."
Before he could finish his sentence, he felt something was amiss.
He had vaguely sensed that Chu Ning's cultivation was higher than Wu Lingwei's.
Combining this with Wu Lingwei's previous words, a thought flashed through Chang Lingshan's mind.
"Could it be that Fellow Daoist Chu..."
Compared to Chang Lingshan, Xi Wenxia's cultivation was slightly lower.
At this moment, unable to accurately perceive Chu Ning and Wu Lingwei's cultivation, and hearing Chang Lingshan's words about Chu Ning being invited, the joy that had just appeared on Xi Wenxia's face instantly vanished.
Instead, she felt a sense of dread.
"If a Nascent Soul Elder from Longsky Hall has taken a liking to me, will I drag Fellow Daoist Chu into this? Or does Longsky Hall already know that Fellow Daoist Chu has been taking care of me, so they invited him here to clarify things?"
As this thought flashed through her mind, Xi Wenxia's heart filled with even more dread.
She quickly took a step forward and interrupted Chang Lingshan and Chu Ning.
"Fellow Daoist Chu, why are you here too? Let's go!"
Hearing Xi Wenxia's first words to him, which were telling him to leave, Chu Ning was also momentarily stunned.
He turned to look at Wu Lingwei, curious about what she had said.
At this moment, Wu Lingwei shook her head and smiled at Chu Ning.
"Chamberlain, I didn't explain things clearly to the two of you earlier, so you might have some misunderstandings."
As soon as Wu Lingwei spoke, the expressions of both Chang Lingshan and Xi Wenxia changed dramatically.
Chang Lingshan's gaze towards Chu Ning was filled with astonishment and confusion.
Xi Wenxia's eyes, on the other hand, showed a more complex mix of emotions, shifting from dread to bewilderment, with hints of joy and incomprehension.
Both of them stared at Chu Ning in a daze.
Chu Ning? The Chamberlain of Longsky Hall?
Chu Ning observed their expressions of surprise and astonishment, then smiled.
He thought it was quite normal.
Even he would probably be stunned for half a day if the roles were reversed.
"Chamberlain, since you two have met an old friend, I'll take my leave for now." Wu Lingwei spoke again, finally snapping the two of them out of their daze.
After she left Heavenly Long Pavilion, Chang Lingshan finally came back to his senses.
He immediately cupped his hands and bowed slightly to show his respect.
However, just as he started to bow, he found that he couldn't bend any further.
At the same time, he heard Chu Ning's laughter in his ear.
"Brother Chang, it's been a long time. Why are you so formal now?"
If Chang Lingshan couldn't even bow, it was even more so for Xi Wenxia.
The two of them stood there, momentarily at a loss, looking at Chu Ning.
"This story is a long one, but I'll slowly explain it to you later," Chu Ning said as he glanced at the two of them.
"Brother Chang has already advanced to the late Golden Core stage for many years. With the right opportunities, progressing further won't be difficult. It's truly a cause for celebration."
Hearing this, Chang Lingshan couldn't help but smile wryly.
"Fellow Daoist Chu is too kind. It's your advancement in cultivation that truly makes people look at you with new respect.
Back then, when I first met you, you were only at the early Golden Core stage, but now you've already reached the Nascent Soul stage..."
At this point, Chang Lingshan paused slightly.
Although he could tell that Chu Ning's cultivation was higher than Wu Lingwei's, he couldn't pinpoint the exact level.
He didn't want to risk saying something wrong.
Chu Ning continued, "I'm currently at the middle stage of the Nascent Soul. It will take some time before I reach the late stage."
"Middle stage of Nascent Soul!"
Hearing Chu Ning's words, Chang Lingshan felt a bit dazed.
In just over a hundred years, Chu Ning had advanced directly from the early Golden Core stage to the middle stage of the Nascent Soul.
Such cultivation was truly beyond comprehension.
Given this, it wasn't so surprising that Chu Ning could be the Chamberlain of Longsky Hall.
At this moment, Chu Ning turned his gaze towards Xi Wenxia.
Compared to the past, Xi Wenxia seemed more mature, but due to her early Foundation Establishment, her appearance hadn't changed much. Instead, her cold and beautiful aura had become even more captivating.
What truly caught Chu Ning's attention was that Xi Wenxia's cultivation had already reached the early Golden Core stage.
Although she had just formed her Golden Core, Chu Ning couldn't help but smile.
"You've formed your Golden Core, well done. It seems you've endured many hardships over the years."
"Fellow Daoist Chu, I..."
Hearing Chu Ning's words, Xi Wenxia, who had always maintained a cold and beautiful demeanor since her parents' passing, couldn't help but feel her eyes welling up with tears.
Over the years, a sense of hardship and injustice seemed to suddenly surge in her heart.
However, she was already a Core Formation Cultivator, and Chang Lingshan was by her side, so she quickly composed herself.
"It's all thanks to Senior for laying the foundation for me back then. These years, I've also had some fortuitous encounters."
Sensing the slight emotional fluctuations in Xi Wenxia, Chu Ning nodded slightly and did not go to the main seat, but instead sat down beside the two of them.
"I know you both have many questions, and you didn't mishear just now. I am indeed the new Chamberlain of Longsky Hall that you heard about outside."
Chu Ning personally acknowledged this, and both Xi Wenxia and Chang Lingshan listened attentively.
"The truth isn't that complicated. When the Void Abyss opened, I happened to be the first to arrive, and that's how I came into contact with the Nascent Soul Cultivator of Longsky Hall.
In fact, I had already joined Longsky Hall long ago, but in recent years, I've either been cultivating in the hall or traveling to other places.
I've only just returned to the Northern Cold Region recently, so I haven't been in contact with you."
Chu Ning's explanation had been discussed with Lu Ziyou and Ren Heng beforehand.
It was the official version of Longsky Hall's story.
"Longsky Hall had an old Chamberlain who passed away a hundred years ago, but since there wasn't a suitable candidate, the position remained vacant.
This time, after I returned to the Northern Cold Region, my two Senior Brothers saw that my cultivation had progressed rapidly.
Moreover, as they were both about to enter closed-door cultivation, they decided to have me take over as the new Chamberlain."
Chu Ning spoke briefly, and indeed, there was no need to elaborate further.
At this moment, both of them had looks of sudden realization on their faces.
"So that's how it is!" Chang Lingshan exclaimed, looking at Chu Ning with admiration. He laughed and said, "Not only has Senior Chu achieved a high level of cultivation, but he also has deep blessings.
With the two Chamberlains choosing to enter closed-door cultivation and appointing you as the new Chamberlain, Longsky Hall will be under your leadership from now on.
It's truly a cause for celebration! It's a pity I didn't bring any wine, or I would have loved to share a few cups with you!"
"There will be opportunities in the future," Chu Ning replied with a smile, indicating his agreement with Chang Lingshan's words.
Chang Lingshan was no ordinary person; having spent many years in Ice Island Immortal City, he immediately understood the underlying meaning.
He couldn't help but marvel at it in his heart.
"I never imagined that the Chu brother I befriended by chance would achieve such great success.
To be in charge of Longsky Hall is to be among the top powers in the Northern Cold Region.
It's truly fortunate for me to have befriended him."
As Chang Lingshan was thinking this, Chu Ning asked, "Senior Chang, Wenxia, how has your cultivation progressed over the years in the Northern Cold Region?"
"I can sum it up in four words: calm and uneventful," Chang Lingshan replied with a smile.
"When I met Senior Chu decades ago, I was already at the middle stage of the Golden Core.
These years, I've been cultivating as usual, and thirty years ago, I was fortunate to advance to the late stage of the Golden Core.
Unfortunately, my aptitude is not as good as Senior Chu's, so it will be difficult to progress further."
Upon hearing this, Chu Ning smiled and said meaningfully, "It's not necessarily that difficult. If there's an opportunity, Senior Chang, with your further advancement, it's not impossible for you to reach the Nascent Soul stage."
After hearing this, Chang Lingshan's heart stirred, and when he looked at Chu Ning again, he found that Chu Ning had already turned to Xi Wenxia.
"Wenxia, have you been cultivating in Ice Island Immortal City all these years?
When we parted ways, you were close to the middle stage of Foundation Establishment, and now you've reached the early stage of the Golden Core.
It seems you've had some fortuitous encounters as well."
Hearing Chu Ning's question, Xi Wenxia immediately expressed her gratitude.
"It's all thanks to Senior for teaching me the Charm Crafting Technique back then. With it, I was able to establish myself in Ice Island Immortal City and obtain many cultivation resources through charm crafting.
Moreover, I often ventured to the Snow Peak Mountains and the Boundless Sea, and each time, I gained something.
Eight years ago, with the help of a fortuitous opportunity, I was fortunate enough to successfully form my Golden Core."
Chu Ning nodded slightly. The Charm Crafting Technique was not widespread in the Northern Cold Region, so the technique he had taught Xi Wenxia was indeed top-notch in Ice Island Immortal City.
It seemed that this woman was diligent in both charm crafting and cultivation.
From Xi Wenxia's words, it was clear that she didn't just focus on cultivation but also frequently ventured to the Snow Peak Mountains and the Boundless Sea for training.
However, Xi Wenxia's description was rather vague, and Chu Ning wasn't sure if she had truly experienced life-and-death battles.
"Senior Xi is being too modest," Chang Lingshan said with a smile.
"Although Senior Xi has only recently advanced to the Golden Core stage, I've heard some things about her.
Senior Xi has killed beasts of the same level in both the Boundless Sea and the Snow Peak Mountains, proving that she is a formidable woman."
Hearing this, Chu Ning couldn't help but glance at Xi Wenxia again.
Even Chang Lingshan spoke in this manner, indicating that she had indeed gained a lot of experience during her adventures.
This further pleased Chu Ning.
After confirming that both of them were still unaffiliated cultivators, Chu Ning turned to them and said, "The reason I asked Elder Wu to bring you here is that, on one hand, I wanted to catch up with old friends after returning.
On the other hand, my time in Long Sky Hall is limited, and there's no one here I can truly trust. I want to invite you to join Long Sky Hall and assist me."
Chu Ning spoke his intentions frankly.
The main reason he accepted the position of Chamberlain in Long Sky Hall was for its abundant resources.
And after half a month of interaction, this place indeed seemed ideal.
For his next step in cultivating the second layer of the Primordial Divine Art and creating the required resources and environment, the Jiuhua Sect couldn't meet his needs.
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So, what he needed most now was a good cultivation environment.
However, Chu Ning was also well aware that even if Lu Ziyou and Ren Heng appeared willing on the surface, they might still have some hidden thoughts.
To truly ensure his cultivation wasn't affected, he had to firmly grasp control of Long Sky Hall.
Developing his own trusted followers would be the logical next step.
Although he told Chang Lingshan and Xi Wenxia that they had joined Long Sky Hall a long time ago, they were actually parachuted in.
He didn't trust anyone from within, so he thought of Chang Lingshan and Xi Wenxia.
Xi Wenxia had previously assisted him with many tasks, and she was talented and loyal to him.
Now, she had even advanced to the early stage of the Golden Core. She was the ideal choice.
Chang Lingshan was also a suitable candidate. He had spent time in Ice Island Immortal City and had interacted with many Golden Core cultivators there and even within Long Sky Hall.
Although he wasn't as versatile as Wu Lingwei, he was still well-connected.
More importantly, Chu Ning had known Chang Lingshan for over thirty years and trusted his character.
Moreover, the two of them had faced life-and-death situations together, and Chu Ning believed that Chang Lingshan was grateful to him.
As soon as Chu Ning expressed his intention to find them, Xi Wenxia immediately stood up, her expression slightly excited.
"Senior, Junior is willing to follow you!"
As she spoke, Xi Wenxia's expression was filled with excitement.
For Xi Wenxia, the events of this day were truly unexpected.
Initially, she had worried that Long Sky Hall might have some ill intentions towards her, or that an old monster at the Nascent Soul stage had taken an interest in her.
But unexpectedly, there was no old monster; instead, it was Chu Ning, whom she hadn't seen for many years.
Back then, she had proactively offered to be Chu Ning's consort, wanting to follow him, but he had refused.
Now, after several decades, when she met Chu Ning again, he directly invited her to join him.
This sudden change in her fortunes from low to high filled her with excitement.
"Good!"
Chu Ning smiled and nodded.
He had expected Xi Wenxia's agreement, but her decisiveness delighted him.
He turned to look at Chang Lingshan.
Although Chang Lingshan didn't show the same excitement as Xi Wenxia, his face was also filled with a smile.
"If I don't accept the Chamberlain's kind offer, I would be ungrateful."
Hearing this, Chu Ning smiled and bowed to Chang Lingshan, saying, "Thank you, Brother Chang, for your straightforwardness. Chu is grateful."
Chang Lingshan's immediate acceptance did surprise Chu Ning.
But he didn't know that after Chang Lingshan reached the late stage of the Golden Core, he had realized how difficult it was to further improve his cultivation.
The reason Chang Lingshan hadn't joined Long Sky Hall earlier was twofold. First, he didn't entirely agree with some of Long Sky Hall's practices.
Second, joining a major power midway wouldn't grant him a high status.
But now that Chu Ning was there, he no longer had any reservations.
Moreover, with Chu Ning extending an olive branch, why wouldn't he accept?
Hearing Chu Ning's words, Chang Lingshan immediately stood up and bowed, saying, "Chamberlain, your words are too kind. The fact that you remember our old friendship and are willing to consider me has already made me very grateful."
"Let's not stand on ceremony," Chu Ning said with a smile, waving his hand.
"I've already explained my intentions for inviting you here, and I will make arrangements for you.
Brother Chang, since you've reached the late stage of the Golden Core, you can take up the position of Guardian in this hall, and I assure you that the authority you'll hold will satisfy you."
Chang Lingshan was filled with gratitude.
At this moment, Chu Ning turned to Xi Wenxia.
"You've just reached the early stage of the Golden Core, and others might not accept you as a Guardian..."
Chu Ning paused and smiled, "But if you become my personal disciple, I believe no one will object.
Wenxia, what do you think?"
(End of Chapter)
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