Chapter 613 - 253: Second Layer, Part 2

Zhu Yu continued via voice transmission, his tone grave. "I’ve also received some news. Wu Hanhai himself has considerable aptitude and a very resilient temperament. However, his children’s Martial Arts talents are all mediocre, with none being particularly outstanding. He has a son named Wu Lian, and thanks to Wu Hanhai sparing no expense to pile resources on him, he has now reached Mid-stage Astral Force. What’s worth noting is that this man is on very good terms with Lu Chenming, the tenth-ranked True Disciple. Brother Lu has often invited him out for drinks in the past."

At this, Zhu Yu couldn’t help but sigh wistfully.

That Wu Lian had ordinary aptitude, but simply because he had a good father, he was propped up to Mid-stage Astral Force with sheer resources.

After all, many rather talented disciples were still struggling at Early-stage Astral Force, or even the Embracing Pill realm.

Such were the benefits of having a powerful background.

Hearing this, Chen Qing quietly committed it to memory.

Ever since those three hundred Contribution Points had been withheld from him, he had instructed Zhu Yu to thoroughly investigate Wu Hanhai.

The results of Zhu Yu’s investigation were not unexpected.

"I understand." Chen Qing nodded.

"Oh, right. There are two other matters."

Zhu Yu continued the transmission, his expression growing more serious than before. "First, within the True Martial Lineage, resources are now being funneled toward you, Brother Chen. While this follows the general trend, some of the more senior disciples on the peak, such as Brother Zhao Ganjun and Sister Hu Jiuyuan, have voiced some complaints. They’ve been discussing it privately."

Zhu Yu was truly diligent. Even though he wasn’t a disciple of the True Martial Lineage, he had investigated the goings-on on True Martial Peak with extreme detail and clarity.

Chen Qing had already heard rumors about this.

The True Martial Lineage was in decline, and the resources it received from the Sect each month were already scarce. Now, the Vein Master and Brother Qu River had decided to concentrate those resources to support his bid to become a True Disciple. The monthly supply of rare elixirs like Dust Suppressing Pills and Dragon and Tiger Nourishing Essence Pills would naturally infringe upon the interests of some of the older disciples.

It was only normal for those disciples who had been stuck at Astral Force Perfection for years—who considered themselves veterans yet lacked resources—to feel some dissatisfaction.

’As long as I display sufficient strength, these whispers won’t matter.’

"And the second matter?" Chen Qing asked, his expression unchanged.

"The second concerns the rankings of the Celestial Treasure Tower."

Zhu Yu’s speech quickened slightly. "You were previously ranked eighth on Xu Wang Mountain, Brother. But a short while ago, Brother Bai and Senior Brother Lin both successfully cleared a new layer of the tower. Your ranking has now been surpassed by both of them, putting you temporarily in tenth place."

Chen Qing gave a slight nod. He wasn’t worried.

He was still in tenth place, which meant he still qualified for the Sect’s additional resource rewards for Xu Wang Mountain’s top ten disciples.

"Thank you for your hard work." Chen Qing nodded again.

"These are minor matters. It’s my honor to be able to help ease your burdens, Brother Chen." Zhu Yu smiled.

Just then, a Servant Disciple from the dining hall approached, carrying several fragrant dishes. They were made from the three Ice Crystal Silver Cod.

The steamed fish was as white as jade, preserving its original, savory flavor. The broth was a milky white, sprinkled with vibrant green scallions, its fresh aroma wafting invitingly.

The braised version was a deep, soy-sauce red, looking absolutely mouth-watering.

"Let’s eat."

Chen Qing picked up his chopsticks and motioned for Zhu Yu to begin eating. At the same time, he asked in a seemingly casual tone, "I noticed you were frowning when you came in. Is there something else on your mind? You didn’t seem to be troubled by the things we just discussed."

"SIGH."

Zhu Yu sighed. He picked up a piece of the steamed fish, popped it into his mouth, and chewed and swallowed before saying with a hint of resignation, "It’s not exactly bad news, but... I think I might be getting married."

"Getting married?"

Chen Qing was taken aback for a moment. He remembered clearly that Zhu Yu had once told him he already had four concubines. Why was he suddenly getting married again?

Besides, from what he remembered, Zhu Yu wasn’t exactly young. "I recall... you’ll be turning forty after the new year, won’t you?"

Zhu Yu chuckled sheepishly and lowered his voice. "It’s a junior sister from the Outer Sect... Her family is putting a lot of pressure on her, and I... I really had no other choice."

"A junior sister from the Outer Sect?"

Chen Qing glanced up at him and said pointedly, "Quite the smooth operator."

It was unclear whether he was complimenting the junior sister’s methods or Zhu Yu’s.

Zhu Yu looked as if Chen Qing had hit a nerve. He cleared his throat twice and quickly adopted a serious expression. "Brother Chen, you of all people should know me. My true intention was to follow you with all my heart and immerse myself in the path of Martial Arts. But alas... alas, fate has come knocking, and who am I to stop it? Besides, what’s wrong with being forty? Forty is the prime of a man’s life! A perfect time to expand the family tree!!"

As he spoke, he straightened his back, his expression earnest, as if to prove he was still in his prime and as vigorous as ever.

Chen Qing just shook his head and said no more. The two continued to enjoy the delicious fish feast, idly chatting about various trivial matters both within and outside the Sect.

After they finished their meal, Chen Qing returned directly to his small courtyard on Xu Wang Mountain.

He had just sat down in the Quiet Chamber and was preparing to continue his comprehension of the *Dragon Elephant Wisdom Vajra Body* when a soft knock came from the courtyard gate.

Opening the door, he found a young man dressed in the uniform of a Prison Peak Servant Disciple. The man bowed immediately upon seeing Chen Qing. "Brother Chen, Master of the Seven Sufferings sent me with a message. The source of the Evil Qi deep within the Black Water Abyss Prison seems to be growing restless again. The Evil Qi leaking out is much denser than before. The Master requests that you patrol the area more frequently when you have time, just in case."

"The Evil Qi is acting up again?"

Hearing this, Chen Qing’s interest was piqued.

Master of the Seven Sufferings had mentioned before that the source of the Evil Qi at the prison’s depths had been unstable lately. It seemed purifying the Evil Qi wasn’t a permanent solution.

"Alright, I understand. Tell the Master I’ll head over after making a few preparations."

Chen Qing nodded in acknowledgment.

The Servant Disciple bowed once more before turning to leave.

Closing the courtyard gate, Chen Qing’s eyes glinted.

’For an ordinary person, a resurgence of Evil Qi would be a problem. But for me, having cultivated the *Dragon Elephant Wisdom Vajra Body* to the Third Layer, my vital energy and blood burn like a yang furnace. This sinister Evil Qi is the perfect environment for tempering my blood and honing my Flesh Body.’