Chapter 63: Li Mo's Wedding and the Bidding from All Sides

Chapter 63: Li Mo’s Wedding and the Bidding from All Sides

“The first matter concerns Xiao Chen’s cultivation breakthrough…”

Hong Ming briefly addressed the group. Since Li Mo and the others already knew about Su Chen’s advancement, they weren’t particularly surprised.

However, Zhou Tao and the rest were visibly stunned. Su Chen’s rapid progress left them in shock—how could he have broken through again in such a short time?

Zhou Tao glanced at Qin Hao, who remained expressionless. Sensing something, he held his tongue and joined the others in congratulating Su Chen, who politely acknowledged each greeting.

After the well-wishes subsided, Hong Ming announced the second matter. His gaze settled on Li Mo as he said, “The second matter concerns Li Mo’s wedding. Let Li Mo share the details personally.”

Li Mo nodded, stepped forward, and addressed the group: “Esteemed seniors, juniors, and peers, I will be getting married in half a month. All of you are warmly invited to attend.”

The suddenness of the news left everyone momentarily speechless. Once Li Mo finished, they quickly offered their congratulations, and he distributed the wedding invitations.

With the two announcements concluded, Hong Ming invited everyone to stay for lunch—simple home-cooked dishes. The group chatted casually as they ate.

After the meal, the guests took their leave. Before Su Chen could depart, Hong Ming called him back.

“Xiao Chen, with your current strength, you’ve become a notable figure among White Stone City’s younger generation. Today, I want to offer you some advice,” Hong Ming said earnestly.

Su Chen’s expression turned solemn. “Please, Master, speak freely.”

“Word of your cultivation breakthrough will spread to major factions soon. They’ll undoubtedly seek to recruit you. Don’t feel bound by loyalty to me—choose based on your own needs.”

Hong Ming then outlined the inner city and outer city factions to prevent Su Chen from recklessly joining an unsuitable group.

“I originally planned to send you to Wei Ping’s Weiyuan Escort Agency for training, but these are turbulent times. Bandits plague the outskirts, making caravan escort duty too dangerous for you. Consider instead one of the factions I’ve mentioned.”

He detailed the Three Great Clans and Three Major Gangs. While the clans might not prioritize Su Chen, they’d likely have their disciples cultivate his favor. The gangs, however, might offer substantial incentives. Hong Ming particularly favored the Broken Blade Sect due to Fang Rou’s connection and its long-standing stability in White Stone City, ensuring better security during upheavals.

“Yes, Master,” Su Chen replied thoughtfully, withholding immediate commitment. At his current level, joining a faction wasn’t urgent, but if he did, he’d choose strategically.

Hong Ming then highlighted other factions to avoid, giving Su Chen a clearer picture of White Stone City’s power dynamics.

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave,” Su Chen said.

“One last thing,” Hong Ming interjected, his eyes gleaming with a warm smile. “Let me test your current abilities.”

After the assessment, Su Chen calmly exited the courtyard, leaving behind Hong Ming’s delighted laughter: “Hahaha…”

In the following days, as Hong Ming predicted, factions flocked to Su Chen.

First came the Three Great Clans’ disciples, bearing gifts and inviting him to banquets. After one such event, Su Chen declined further invitations, preferring quiet cultivation and study over their indulgent revelries.

Smaller factions also approached with offers, but Su Chen politely refused after weighing their pros and cons.

The Jade White Gang, one of the Three Major Gangs, extended an invitation, but its restrictive terms led to another refusal.

For five days, Su Chen endured constant interruptions until he finally chose the Long River Gang—offering the highest pay with the fewest constraints. He joined as an affiliate member at a monthly salary of fifty taels of gold.

Unexpectedly, Fang Rou personally increased his compensation from fifteen to thirty taels monthly, which Su Chen accepted without objection.

Once his affiliation with Long River Gang spread, the influx of offers dwindled. Three days later, his life regained peace.

He visited the Martial Arts Institute to inform Hong Ming, who merely advised him to remain tactful in dealings.

Before he left, Hong Ming handed him five pouches of Vital Energy Powder, startling Su Chen.

“These are recent batches I’ve prepared. Use them as needed. At your current cultivation realm, their effect will be mild, so use them sparingly,” Hong Ming explained.

“Thank you, Master!” Su Chen bowed gratefully. “But I thought we lacked ingredients…”

“Ah, your Third Senior Sister secured new supplies. That’s how I managed these,” Hong Ming chuckled.

Indeed, Third Senior Sister’s connections had replenished the herbs, enabling Hong Ming to produce more.

“Also, the outer city has grown chaotic. Stay vigilant and report any issues to me,” Hong Ming warned.

“Yes, Master!”

Carrying the five pouches, Su Chen consumed two that day. To test his limits, he took a third. Though initially uneasy, his body stabilized after several hours.

“My limit is three pouches for now,” he concluded, halting at three to avoid harm.

With only two pouches left, he decided to refine the remaining six portions of herbs he’d saved. The high success rate yielded four unnamed medicines and two Vital Energy Powders—enough for two more cultivation days.

“Still far short of what the Progress Panel requires. Since Third Senior Sister has connections, I’ll ask her about sourcing more Red Bloodgrass.”

Sighing, he added, “These times grow increasingly unstable. I must strengthen myself swiftly.”

Indeed, daily reports of bandit raids flooded the city, driving waves of refugees and skyrocketing food prices. With the city authorities turning a blind eye, rival factions clashed more fiercely, heightening the sense of impending storm.

Determined, Su Chen resolved to hasten his progress to weather whatever turmoil lay ahead.

Seizing a free moment, he headed to Third Senior Sister’s mansion.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end