Chapter 627 257: True Inheritance

A calm voice came from within.

Qu River pushed the door open and entered. He saw Han Guxi, the Vein Master of the True Martial Lineage, sitting cross-legged on a simple rush cushion. His eyes were slightly closed as if he were resting his spirit.

"Master," Qu River said, bowing in respect.

Han Guxi slowly opened his eyes, which were incredibly profound.

He looked at Qu River and asked directly, "Why have you come?"

"It's about Junior Brother Chen."

Qu River took a deep breath and reported in detail Chen Qing's decision to challenge Lu Chenming, and how the duel was set for five days from now.

The Quiet Chamber fell into a brief silence, with only the scent of sandalwood smoke curling upwards.

After a moment, Han Guxi looked at Qu River, his gaze as calm as still water. "What are your thoughts on this matter?"

Qu River had already mulled this over repeatedly. He pondered for a moment before organizing his thoughts. "Master, based on my observations and estimations recently, Junior Brother Chen has a calm and steady temperament. He is reserved and cautious, not an impulsive or reckless person. Since he dares to issue a challenge at this time, he must have thought it through carefully and has his own reasons and assurances."

He paused before continuing, "Perhaps he had some fortuitous encounter while on duty at the Black Water Abyss Prison, or he's had a breakthrough in his Spear Technique or Body Refining that we are not yet fully aware of."

"But... to say that Junior Brother Chen is completely confident he can defeat Lu Chenming right now... I... I admit I find it a bit hard to believe, even fantastical."

This was a judgment based on common sense, and it was the view held by the vast majority Within the Sect.

Lu Chenming had been immersed in Astral Force Perfection for nearly eight years. The purity and depth of his Nine Heavens True Astral and the vicious cunning of his Saber Technique were all honed through countless real battles.

His foundation was so solid it could be considered top-tier within the Astral Force Realm.

Chen Qing was extraordinarily talented and possessed immense potential.

But as of now... he had been cultivating for too short a time. His accumulated foundation was likely still lacking.

"Mm."

After listening to Qu River's analysis, Han Guxi nodded slightly, his expression unreadable.

He was silent for a moment before speaking slowly, "Since our True Martial Lineage began to decline, it has been a long time since any disciple dared to challenge for a True Disciple's seat. Regardless of victory or defeat, this battle will bolster the prestige of our True Martial Lineage. It will show the entire Sect that we are not a pool of stagnant water, that we still have younger generations with the ambition to press forward."

His words carried a hint of imperceptible gratification.

For the long-dormant True Martial Lineage, what was needed wasn't just ultimate success, but this very spirit—the courage to draw one's sword and contend for supremacy.

Chen Qing's action was undoubtedly a shot of adrenaline for the moribund True Martial Lineage.

"You must be present for this challenge," Han Guxi said, looking at Qu River.

Qu River immediately bowed. "Yes, Master. I understand."

He naturally understood Han Guxi's deeper meaning.

Although challenges between True Disciples were protected by sect rules—which strictly forbade deliberately crippling a fellow disciple—fists and feet have no eyes. The clash of Astral Force was incredibly dangerous, and "accidents" were always inevitable.

Especially given the delicate situation between the two lineages, there was no guarantee someone from the Nine Heavens Lineage wouldn't secretly instruct Lu Chenming to strike a heavy blow, so long as it remained within reasonable limits.

Lu Chenming himself might be wary of the sect rules and the consequences, not daring to deliver a fatal blow openly. However, if he were to accidentally inflict severe injuries on his opponent during an intense clash, the Sect would often turn a blind eye, as long as he didn't go too far.

With him—the First Senior Brother of the True Martial Lineage and the sixth-ranked True Disciple—personally presiding, it would serve as an intangible deterrent.

At the very least, it would ensure that Lu Chenming wouldn't dare to go too far, and that he could intervene at a critical moment if necessary to protect Chen Qing's foundation.

This was both a sign of the Vein Master's care for an outstanding disciple and a measure to preserve the future hope of the True Martial Lineage.

"Regardless of victory or defeat, this battle is of extraordinary significance to our True Martial Lineage."

Han Guxi waved his hand and closed his eyes again.

"This disciple will take his leave."

Qu River bowed once more and quietly exited the Quiet Chamber.

Closing the door to the Quiet Chamber, Qu River stood under the eaves of Zhenwu Hall's rear palace, gazing at the distant, cloud-wreathed mountains as thoughts churned in his mind.

'Junior Brother Chen... I hope your confidence is well-founded.'

Qu River muttered to himself, his eyes filled with both anticipation and a trace of worry.

.....

The news of Chen Qing's audacious challenge to Lu Chenming was like a giant boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly stirring up massive waves that swept through the entire Celestial Treasure Upper Sect at an astonishing speed.

The shockwaves it created far surpassed those from when he had previously cleared the thirty-first floor of the Celestial Treasure Tower.

After all, clearing the tower was merely a testament to one's potential, whereas challenging a True Disciple was a real, high-stakes struggle for status—one that concerned resources, power, and the future landscape of the Sect.

The news first exploded among the geniuses of the Hundred Sects on Xu Wang Mountain, then spread like wildfire.

Every challenge issued by a True Successor Candidate to a reigning True Disciple was a major, highly anticipated event Within the Sect.

However, unlike the widespread fervent discussion and anticipation sparked by Meng Qianxue and He Shuang's previous challenges, Chen Qing's attempt, while drawing countless eyes, was met mostly with doubt and regret.

For nearly eight years, Lu Chenming had held fast to his position as the tenth True Disciple, successively defeating powerful enemies. His reputation as being "unbeatable in the Astral Force Realm" was too potent and had long been ingrained in everyone's minds. He was like a towering mountain standing before all the True Successor Candidates, inspiring awe and dread.

"Brother Chen... he's being too impulsive!"

A disciple from Xu Wang Mountain wrung his hands and sighed, "He's so young and has limitless potential. Why not let his skills settle for a few more years? If he waited until his Cultivation reached Perfection, or even glimpsed the threshold of True Essence, wouldn't his chances of winning be much greater?"

"Exactly. Brother Lu's strength is unfathomable. Sister He Shuang had merged Three True Astrals and had such a profound foundation, yet she only lasted a hundred moves. Brother Chen is strong, but he's been cultivating for a short time. I'm afraid..." Another person shook his head in agreement, his unfinished sentence filled with pessimism.