Chapter 598 - 249: The General Outline

Chen Qing emerged from Zhenwu Hall, his mind still replaying Vein Master Han Guxi’s words.

As he walked slowly down the bluestone path, a familiar figure appeared ahead.

The man was dressed in an Elder’s robes. It was none other than Deng Ziheng, Elder Deng.

"Greetings, Elder Deng," Chen Qing said, stepping forward and cupping his fist respectfully.

A smile appeared on Deng Ziheng’s face. He looked Chen Qing up and down, then nodded. "No need for such formalities. Have you just come from the Vein Master’s?"

"Yes," Chen Qing replied.

"Mm, come with me." With that, Deng Ziheng led Chen Qing toward a quieter, more secluded side hall nearby.

The side hall was simply furnished. Deng Ziheng gestured for Chen Qing to sit, then took two quaintly shaped Jade Bottles from his sleeve and placed them on the wooden table between them.

"This bottle contains Dust Suppressing Pills."

Deng Ziheng pointed to one of the White Jade Bottles. "This Pill can calm the mind and clear distracting thoughts. It’s a great benefit to one’s Martial Arts Cultivation, especially when comprehending profound techniques. It effectively reduces the risk of succumbing to inner demons and is quite difficult to refine."

He then pointed to the other Jade Bottle, which glowed with a reddish luster. "This bottle holds Dragon and Tiger Nourishing Essence Pills. They are refined using the Essence of Exotic Beasts with dragon and tiger bloodlines but tempered with gentle Treasure Medicines. The effect is balanced and mild, perfect for nourishing the meridians and consolidating one’s foundation. It is perfectly suited for you at your current stage."

A flash of astonishment crossed Chen Qing’s eyes.

One of these two types of Elixirs could calm the mind and prevent one from succumbing to inner demons.

The other could nourish the meridians and solidify one’s foundation—a rare treasure that paves the way for long-term progress in Martial Arts.

Their value was plain to see.

Deng Ziheng said slowly, "These are part of the top-tier resources offered as tribute by the Hundred Sects Alliance and its subordinate powers. The Sect collects them centrally, then distributes them among the Four Veins according to established rules. Rare Elixirs like the Dust Suppressing Pill and the Dragon and Tiger Nourishing Essence Pill are extremely difficult to refine, so each vein’s monthly share is limited. They can only be allocated to specific disciples with the Vein Master’s personal approval."

"The Vein Master has already given the order. From now on, you will receive a share of these resources every month, and that includes rare Elixirs like these."

Chen Qing’s heart jolted.

’A regular monthly share of resources! And it even includes treasures like the Dust Suppressing Pill and the Dragon and Tiger Nourishing Essence Pill!’

This was no longer a simple matter of being highly regarded. The True Martial Lineage was beginning to divert a significant portion of its resources to him!

He immediately cupped his fist and said in a solemn voice, "I thank the Vein Master and Elder Deng! I will not fail our lineage’s high hopes!"

Deng Ziheng nodded, his tone tinged with a hint of emotion. "Compared to the other Three Veins, our True Martial Lineage has few disciples to begin with. Many of them are old-timers whose potential has been exhausted. To be honest, the total amount of resources we receive from the Sect’s monthly distribution... is not much."

"Take the Pure Yang Yuan Astral Pill you received before. The Sect actually produces a batch of them periodically, which the Four Veins then share according to protocol. It’s just that in the past, the True Martial Lineage’s share was small, and the competition was... well, let’s not talk about the past."

He looked at Chen Qing and said gravely, "The Vein Master’s intention is clear: we will concentrate our resources to help you ascend to the rank of True Disciple as soon as possible!"

"If you can become a True Disciple, the True Martial Lineage’s influence within the Sect will increase greatly. When it comes time for the next resource allocation, the share we can fight for will naturally grow as well. This isn’t just about you; it concerns the overall interests and future of our entire True Martial Lineage."

Chen Qing understood.

’The factional struggles within the Sect, in the end, are all about the competition for resources and influence.’

’If I want the full support of my lineage, I have to demonstrate potential and value worthy of their investment.’

Clearly, the strength and potential he had displayed in his fight with Han Xiong had completely won over the Vein Master and the upper echelons of the True Martial Lineage.

This monthly, preferential allocation of resources was the most direct proof of that.

"I understand."

Chen Qing said solemnly, "I will do everything in my power to become a True Disciple!"

A look of relief appeared on Deng Ziheng’s face. He then changed the subject, asking, "I hear you’ve been on duty at Prison Peak recently? How do you find it?"

"All is well, Elder," Chen Qing replied.

"Mm, it’s good that you’re adapting. The place may be gloomy, but it’s a quiet place for Cultivation, and the Contribution Points are generous."

Deng Ziheng nodded, then sighed softly. "Unfortunately, I have been reassigned to a post on the main peak. If I were still in charge at Martial Discussion Peak, I could have found a way to transfer you there. It’s much more convenient for earning Contribution Points than Prison Peak, and better for networking and building your reputation."

Chen Qing’s heart stirred.

’Martial Discussion Peak is the place in the Sect specifically responsible for organizing Martial Arts lectures and exchanges. Gaining a foothold there, or even holding an important position, would be extremely helpful for expanding one’s influence among the disciples.’

’Elder Deng’s words subtly revealed that the shifts in high-level positions within the Sect also involved strategic maneuvering between the various lineages.’

’The True Martial Lineage losing its leadership position at Martial Discussion Peak was undoubtedly a weakening of its influence.’

However, Chen Qing didn’t say much, only replying respectfully, "Elder Deng can still look after me from the main peak. For now, guard duty at Prison Peak is perfect for me to focus on my Cultivation."

Deng Ziheng glanced at Chen Qing and smiled. "It’s good that you think that way. Strength is the foundation of everything. The True Martial Lineage’s resources may not be abundant right now, but since we’ve decided to back you, we will support you to the best of our ability."

"Yes! I understand," Chen Qing said, bowing again.

After leaving, Chen Qing did not return directly to his small courtyard. Instead, he walked alone at a slow pace, lost in thought.

’The matter of the Five Elements True Astral is fundamental and no small thing. If I want to get to the bottom of this, I’ll have to ask Li Lao Deng in person or discuss it with him in detail. Relying on letters alone will take too long, and it’ll be hard to explain everything clearly.’