Chapter 660 - 266: Dongji (2)

Zhong Yu, who had been sitting calmly beside Nan Zhuoran, narrowed his eyes as his thoughts raced.

’Chen Qing’s talent is already astonishing, and he’s a True Disciple. If he also receives Luo Zhixian’s full tutelage and obtains the true inheritance of his Spear Path, wouldn’t he be like a tiger that has grown wings?’

This was definitely not good news for the Nine Heavens Lineage.

’He and Chen Qing had already had a falling-out over the distribution of the Nourishing God and Nourishing Soul Pills. If I let him grow stronger...’

Facing the focused gazes of the crowd, Chen Qing grew wary.

’Nan Zhuoran suddenly brought this up in public. His intention is definitely not as simple as a show of goodwill or an attempt to win me over.’

’Is he trying to add a "Nine Heavens" connection to my True Martial Lineage identity to ease the tension?’

’Or is he deliberately putting me in the spotlight, trying to attract more attention and even jealousy?’

’Or is there some deeper purpose?’

Chen Qing couldn’t be sure, but he knew this was no time to get complacent.

With a calm expression, he rose and cupped his hands. "Brother Nan, you flatter me. I am grateful that Master Luo was willing to take me in and teach me his Spear Technique. I can only train diligently so as not to disappoint my master’s high expectations. As for your kind words, I am a disciple of the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect. All of us brothers and sisters are one family and should naturally strive to improve together."

He had cleverly responded to Nan Zhuoran by calling him "Master Luo," a term emphasizing the teaching of a craft, instead of "Elder Luo."

Hearing this, the smile on Nan Zhuoran’s face didn’t change. He nodded and said no more.

After a bit more small talk, the atmosphere of the banquet gradually died down. When everyone saw that Nan Zhuoran was hinting that it was time to leave, they rose one by one to say their goodbyes.

Once the figures of Chen Qing, Qu River, and the others had disappeared outside Moon Embracing Pavilion, only Nan Zhuoran, Zhong Yu, and Yanchi remained inside.

Zhong Yu took a step forward, cupped his fist, and asked in a low voice, "Eldest Brother, that Chen Qing... was he really accepted as a Direct Disciple by Elder Luo?"

Nan Zhuoran picked up the lukewarm tea from the table, took a light sip, and gazed at the deep night outside the window. "A Named Disciple," he said faintly.

Zhong Yu felt a sense of relief.

Although Named Disciple and Direct Disciple differed by only a single word, their meanings were worlds apart.

A Direct Disciple implied the inheritance of a master’s legacy and a close relationship, while a Named Disciple was more about the transmission of skills, with a comparatively looser connection.

If Chen Qing had truly become Luo Zhixian’s Direct Disciple, given Luo’s protective nature, they would have to consider his attitude in any future matters concerning Chen Qing. Things would be much trickier.

Now that he was just a Named Disciple, although it still represented Luo Zhixian’s approval, there was undoubtedly much more room to maneuver.

Nan Zhuoran set down his teacup.

There was a secret he had never told anyone. Back then, his master, Li Yu-jun, had hoped he would also cultivate the Spear Path. She had even personally approached her martial senior, Luo Zhixian, wanting him to take Nan Zhuoran as a Direct Disciple and teach him every secret of his Spear Path.

But Nan Zhuoran’s ambitions lay elsewhere. He had a singular passion for the Archery Path and ultimately declined.

Now, he saw that Luo Zhixian had finally found a successor he deemed worthy, even if only a Named Disciple.

’This Chen Qing, it seems his talent in the Spear Path is truly something special.’

"Alright, that’s enough about this for now."

Nan Zhuoran waved his hand, interrupting Zhong Yu’s thoughts. "The matter of the Infinite Demon Sect is the current priority. The Sect will be making arrangements soon. You all need to be prepared."

"Yes, Eldest Brother," Zhong Yu and Yanchi replied in unison.

....

Chen Qing and Qu River walked toward True Martial Peak. The night wind rustled through the forest, bringing a hint of a chill.

"So, Peak Master Luo has taken you as a disciple?"

Qu River glanced sideways at Chen Qing.

Back in the Moon Embracing Pavilion, Nan Zhuoran’s public announcement had taken him by surprise as well.

Chen Qing nodded, his tone calm. "Just a Named Disciple, to learn the Spear Path from Master Luo."

"A Named Disciple is still a disciple!"

Qu River laughed and clapped Chen Qing on the shoulder. "Don’t worry, that’s already excellent. Back in the day, Elder Luo was one of the foremost experts in the Sect. His prowess was so great that he was even a contender for the position of Sect Leader. Although his ambitions lay elsewhere and he withdrew voluntarily, his Cultivation, especially his attainments in the Spear Path, remains top-tier in the Sect to this day—truly unfathomable."

"It’s just that he has a peculiar personality and still doesn’t have a true successor to his legacy. The fact that he accepted you, even as a Named Disciple, proves that your talent in the Spear Path has caught his eye."

He paused, his tone turning serious. "Those two Spear Path Divine Techniques he possesses are his ultimate skills. If you are fortunate enough to learn even one of them in the future, once you reach the True Essence Realm, your strength will experience a qualitative leap!"

Chen Qing could hear the reverence for Luo Zhixian’s strength in Qu River’s words.

"I understand," he replied with a nod.

Qu River’s smile faded slightly. He lowered his voice to remind him, "It is a great opportunity for you that Elder Luo has taken you as a Named Disciple to teach you his Spear Technique. But you must remember, he is ultimately from the Nine Heavens Lineage. He might teach you everything he knows about the Spear Path, but when it comes to factional conflicts over resources and differing stances, he won’t necessarily side with you."

"You still need to be careful. Don’t assume that just because of this master-disciple relationship, the Nine Heavens Lineage will go easy on you when competing for resources. They will fight for what they believe is theirs, and they probably won’t hold back when it comes to suppressing you."

Chen Qing’s gaze was tranquil. "Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother."

He had never placed his hopes in the favoritism of others. His own strength was all that truly mattered.

Zhong Yu’s actions back at Yundan Hall had made that lesson crystal clear.

Qu River nodded slightly, relieved. He then changed the subject. "Also, with the return of Eldest Brother and Brother Yan, the Sect will soon dispatch other True Disciples, and even experts from the various peaks, as reinforcements. Since you are now a True Disciple, you definitely won’t be able to avoid this matter. you need to prepare early."