Chapter 332 - 303: I Want to Join Forces with You Against Thousand Eyes

Chapter 332: Chapter 303: I Want to Join Forces with You Against Thousand Eyes

The power structure of the Primordial Sect was incredibly complex.

This sect, with the Primordial Sect at its core, encompassed more than ten Golden Core Races across the Sixteen States. While they could unite into a sharp spear against external threats, the Primordial Ancestor’s deliberate indulgence had led to a proliferation of factions below, all constantly scheming and attacking one another in secret.

For the Primordial Sect, this was a means of maintaining its own power.

But for the many factions below, the situation was not nearly as favorable.

Unfortunately, Thousand Eyes’ faction was one of the weaker ones. No one knew if he would be able to hold out to the end in this latest round of infighting. But Chen Che would soon find out the answer.

For after learning that Chen Che had successfully refined a Yang God Pill, Thousand Eyes made a special trip to Jinyun Valley.

"Tributor Chen."

Thousand Eyes looked at Chen Che.

"You’ve likely guessed why I’m here."

"I know."

Chen Che lowered his gaze in a show of respect, but inwardly he grumbled,

’It’s just to reassure your followers and prevent unrest. You act so high and mighty on a normal day, but the moment your faction’s strength is compared to others, your true colors show. An old monster who’s lived for nearly two thousand years, and yet your network is this pathetic.’

"Your natural talent is exceptional, and you’re a rare genius in Alchemy. In the future, you are bound to become an existence far surpassing the likes of True Master Chixia."

Thousand Eyes held his teacup, his tone filled with unreserved praise, along with a hint of surprise.

When he recruited the young man, he was only at the Foundation Establishment Fourth Layer. It had only been a few years, and now he was on the verge of Core Formation. Although Thousand Eyes had always promised to ensure his success, he never imagined this day would arrive so quickly.

’Why don’t I have talent like this?’

"You flatter me, True Master."

Chen Che gave a slight bow with his hands clasped.

"You’re too modest."

Thousand Eyes let out a hearty laugh, but his tone suddenly grew serious.

"Rest assured. I promised I would see you through your Core Formation, and I will absolutely keep my word..."

Chen Che frowned inwardly. He recognized this kind of setup; it was usually followed by a ’but’.

"However, now is not the ideal time for Core Formation. I’ve observed that your Cultivation speed is too fast, leaving your foundation unstable. In my experience, I’d advise you to suppress your Realm for a while—wait at least thirty years. Otherwise, there’s a high probability that your Core Formation will fail. Do you understand?"

Anyone else might have believed eighty percent of his words.

After all, advice from a Golden Core True Master was a rare opportunity. Sacrificing thirty years for a guaranteed chance at Core Formation would seem like a fair trade to most.

But Chen Che saw through it all as if looking into a clear mirror:

’You’re unwilling to fight the Ye Race to the death for our sake, yet you can’t bear to lose my Alchemy Skill. You’re afraid I’ll succeed in Core Formation without you and turn on you later, so you’re deliberately trying to stall me.’

’As if I don’t know whether my own Realm is stable or not.’

’Core Formation after thirty years? What is that supposed to mean?’

’You want to hold me back for thirty years?’

"I understand."

Having come to this conclusion, Chen Che replied.

"Of course, if you want to attempt Core Formation in the next few years, that’s also fine."

Thousand Eyes rose slowly and took out a Token.

"Years ago, I did a favor for the Primordial Ancestor, and he still owes me one. If you take this Token and enter the main sect to undergo your Core Formation, no one will be able to harm you."

With that, he produced a list and pushed it across to Chen Che.

"We’ll be resting for half a year after the trip to the Black Tortoise Calm Sea. In the meantime, refine some more Pills for me."

"...Yes."

Chen Che took the list.

...

"You’ve been cautious your entire life. This move was surprisingly bold—choosing to attempt Core Formation directly."

Within a brilliantly lit and impossibly lavish hall in the Ye Race’s estate, Ye Qiankun looked at Ye Juming standing before him, his tone tinged with mockery.

Having succeeded in Core Formation, Ye Juming’s half-decrepit appearance had transformed into that of a middle-aged man. This was primarily because his Dao Foundation had been extended, leading to a massive boost in his Spirit, Essence, and Qi. Even so, he remained utterly deferential before Ye Qiankun.

With a wave of his hand, a Pumpon landed on the floor.

"Never mind. Your success in Core Formation can be considered an atonement. From now on, you too are a Golden Core True Master. Sit."

"Thank you, Grand-uncle."

Ye Juming breathed a silent sigh of relief.

He was Ye Qiankun’s grandnephew. Now that he had been acknowledged, he could naturally reclaim his status as a direct descendant. But Ye Xiuyu, who had failed at Core Formation, was not qualified to take a seat and could only stand obediently to the side.

"By the way, Grand-uncle, what should our race do next? Not only has Meng Qianxun successfully achieved Core Formation, but Meng Changtu and Chen Che could also reach it within the next few years. If we let them mature..."

"No need to rush."

Ye Qiankun, however, appeared unconcerned. "So what if they both succeed in Core Formation? With my current strength, killing a new True Master in the early stages of Core Formation is as simple as slaughtering a pig or a dog."

"Besides, they haven’t formed their Cores yet, have they? It’s all too easy to interfere during the process. Oh, and have someone find out where Meng Qianxun underwent Core Formation."

...

’Good thing I never expected too much from him.’

After Thousand Eyes left, Chen Che toyed with the list in his hands, unable to resist complaining to himself:

’Rest for half a year before we go? Do you people get summer and winter vacations? Hundreds of Pills... Are you planning to have me refine a century’s worth of Pills for you? Or are you just trying to squeeze every last drop of value out of me?’

He was initially surprised by how poor Thousand Eyes’ network was, but on second thought, it was inevitable.

Divine Dao Cultivators were just that despised.

Every time they conquered a new territory, they had to destroy its spiritual traditions, establishing their own as supreme. As a single True Master, he monopolized two entire states; it would be a miracle if any other Golden Core Cultivators looked upon him favorably. Furthermore, his previous conquest of Hunzhou had also earned him the enmity of True Master Duobao.

’To be safe, I should probably stay at Zhurong Daoist School for my Tribulation Crossing...’

The thought of going to the Primordial Sect for his Tribulation Crossing never even crossed his mind. ’If that favor from the Primordial Ancestor was really so useful, Thousand Eyes would have used it for himself long ago,’ he thought. ’Why would he be so generous as to pass it on to me?’

’The Primordial Sect is full of people and complications; it would be far too easy for someone to interfere there.’

「The next day.」

Chen Yin came over to deliver some Materials and pick up the Armor. The two had a small gathering, and while they were discussing the Ye Race, Chen Yin calmly poured Chen Che a cup of tea and revealed an extremely confidential piece of information:

"I can achieve Core Formation at any time."

"You?"

Chen Che raised an eyebrow.

"We’ve worked together for so long, I won’t hide it from you."

Chen Yin said with a faint smile,

"Three hundred and fifty years ago, my Great Chen Royal Family sought a path to Core Formation, but because we infringed upon True Master Thousand Eyes’ authority, our entire lineage was purged in a bloodbath. I only survived because I had just begun my Cultivation and was considered insignificant."

"Ever since then, I have acted with extreme caution. That man, Thousand Eyes, is incredibly stingy and petty, yet prides himself on his skill at manipulating people. Haven’t you noticed? You’ve been his Tributor for so long, but from start to finish, has he given you anything more than an empty promise?"

"Crystal clear."

Chen Che grinned. ’Isn’t that just how empty promises work? If you believe them, you’ll spill your blood and guts for them. If you don’t, you’ll naturally stay on your guard.’

Fortunately, having been tempered by two lifetimes, he had understood this point long ago.

’Don’t believe the fancy words; what matters is what they actually do.’

"For all these years, I’ve been putting on a show while secretly siphoning his Power of Faith. After our trip to the Traveling Palace, I’ve finally accumulated enough. However, with Thousand Eyes keeping me under his thumb, I can’t break through whenever I wish."

Chen Yin slowly shook his head.

The Great Chen Royal Family may seem glorious, but in reality, a Household Slave is still just a Household Slave.

"Why are you telling me something so important?"

Even though he had already guessed, Chen Che asked without a change in his expression.

Chen Yin lowered his voice.

"I want to join forces with you against Thousand Eyes..."