Chapter 149: Guangqin Zhenren

Xiao Zhangqing didn't expect this disciple of Xingyue Palace to be so persistent; after he clearly refused, she still wouldn't let go.

Perhaps because she is a disciple of a Nascent Soul sect, she is born with a lofty attitude.

Even Character: Liyang Immortal City, the Da Yu Cultivation World's top Scattered Cultivator city, is still seen by them as a "small place," incomparable to their sect, so they look down on it.

As a fellow Nascent Soul sect disciple, Li Xuelian clashes with her; she can choose to temporarily avoid Li Xuelian's edge and not continue bargaining.

But Xiao Zhangqing won the Jiao Long Essence Pill at auction; she can come after the auction ends and forcefully demand the pill back.

It seems to her this is taken for granted.

If Xiao Zhangqing doesn't hand over the Jiao Long Essence Pill, it means he gives her no face, not recognizing good.

"I said, the Jiao Long Essence Pill is very important to me; no matter who comes, I cannot give it up."

"Even if Guangqin Zhenren comes, it's the same."

Xiao Zhangqing originally didn't want to make his words sound harsh nor offend a Nascent Soul sect disciple for no reason, but the woman was overly overbearing, treating him like a soft persimmon to squeeze, so it's no wonder he truly gave her no face.

As soon as his words fell, a young cultivator with silver‑white hair, looking dashing, walked over, smiling lightly: "Oh, you won't give me any face either? Seems the rumors about the Hundred Commander having a fiery temper and strong attitude are not false at all."

Guangqin Zhenren.

Chief of Character: Liyang's Seven Heroes!

Among dozens of disciples under Character: Liyang Zhenren, he is currently the only one who has successfully formed a Golden Core, a Golden Core cultivator with boundless prospects!

Xiao Zhangqing had never seen him before, but in Character: Liyang Immortal City, almost no cultivator hasn't heard of Guangqin Zhenren's name.

In this vast Immortal City, Guangqin Zhenren's strength may not be second to anyone, but in fame he is unquestionably the second, only behind his master Character: Liyang Zhenren!

Although now Character: Liyang Zhenren has handed the Character: Liyang Guard to Gu Zongyuan, the outside world believes Character: Liyang Zhenren's most favored disciple is him.

But if someday Character: Liyang Zhenren fails to successfully challenge the Nascent Soul True Lord, after the limit, the successor of Character: Liyang Immortal City still appears to be Guangqin Zhenren!

Unless Gu Zongyuan also forms a Golden Core in the future.

Currently in Character: Liyang Immortal City, Gu Zongyuan's influence is far less than Guangqin Zhenren's.

As for the position of Character: Liyang Guard commander, it may be because Guangqin Zhenren's future is promising; after forming a Golden Core he prefers to focus on cultivation rather than handling tedious affairs.

"I've met Guangqin Zhenren."

Xiao Zhangqing gave a slight bow.

Come to think of it, this is his first time facing a true Golden Core cultivator!

Previously he faced only Fake Core True Persons.

The two from Nanshan Fang, and the Song family head Song Wentian.

Not sure if it's an illusion, although the common view in the Cultivation World is that Fake Core True Persons and early‑stage Golden Core cultivators aren't vastly different in strength, this Guangqin Zhenren gave Xiao Zhangqing a feeling far stronger than the three Fake Core True Persons he previously met.

Of course, even if much stronger, Xiao Zhangqing wouldn't be trembling with fear or overly cautious.

It's just that as a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator, when facing a Golden Core True Person, the proper respect must be given.

"I've heard of the Hundred Commander's deeds; recently many cultivators in Character: Liyang Immortal City admire you greatly, considering you already the Foundation Establishment Realm's number one in Character: Liyang Immortal City, even comparable to the top Foundation talents of Xingyue Palace and the Seven Star Sword Sect…" Guangqin Zhenren said, also as if introducing Xiao Zhangqing to Ding Yanran beside him.

Ding Yanran was indeed a bit surprised, exclaiming with astonishment and doubt: "The Foundation Establishment Realm's number one of Character: Liyang Immortal City? Isn't that Gu Zongyuan of the Character: Liyang Guard? When did this Hundred Dao Companion become number one? And can he compare with Senior Brother Feng? That's an exaggeration, right?"

Guangqin Zhenren explained: "This Hundred Commander indeed hasn't yet achieved a record like your Qin Feng, who defeated Fake Core True Persons with Foundation Establishment cultivation. But not long ago, the young master of the Song family—one of the ten great families of Character: Liyang Immortal City—whose reputation is second only to my junior disciple, a Golden Core Perfected cultivator, was almost powerless before the Hundred Commander and was instantly slain. Therefore now within Character: Liyang Immortal City, the Hundred Commander's Soul Transformation secret technique's killing power is widely recognized as reaching the level of a Fake Core True Person."

Ding Yanran pursed her lips: "Killing a Golden Core Perfected cultivator to match Senior Brother Feng, seems the discernment of Character: Liyang Immortal City's cultivators is just that…"

Guangqin Zhenren laughed: "Yanran, saying Character: Liyang Immortal City is just so in front of me isn't very nice, right?"

"My sister told me, Brother Lu is magnanimous and definitely won't fuss over these," Ding Yanran stuck out her tongue, smiling charmingly.

It seems this heavenly‑proud daughter of the Nascent Soul sect subconsciously looks down on Foundation Establishment cultivators, yet she still shows enough respect for the Golden Core‑formed Guangqin Zhenren.

Indeed.

Even within Xingyue Palace, Fake Core True Persons may have average status, but any cultivator who can condense a genuine Golden Core is high‑rank.

Sufficient cultivation and strong talent can erase differences of origin.

Like Ding Yanran's sister, Ding Yanqiu, the heir of Xingyue Palace's most important lineage, already a Golden Core cultivator, yet she and Lu Guangqin are equal friends with a good friendship.

This time Ding Yanran came to Character: Liyang Immortal City for the auction, Ding Yanqiu asked Lu Guangqin to help look after her.

"Hundred Commander, could you part with the Jiao Long Essence Pill? This pill would greatly aid Yanran's cultivation; if you are willing to part with it, besides returning all the Spirit Stones you spent, I can offer you a condition," Guangqin Zhenren said, getting to the point, his gaze on Xiao Zhangqing.

Although earlier Xiao Zhangqing told Ding Yanran that even Guangqin Zhenren's face would not be given.

But Lu Guangqin thought that now he personally steps forward and asks for the Jiao Long Essence Pill, Xiao Zhangqing would still hand it over.

After all, speaking behind a Golden Core True Person and refusing face‑to‑face are completely different. This time, Lu Guangqin was clearly overconfident and miscalculated.

"Sorry, this Jiao Long Essence Pill is more important to me; I cannot comply."

Xiao Zhangqing, with almost no hesitation or thought, refused again.

"Um…" Guangqin Zhenren was now a bit surprised, squinting slightly, he said pointedly: "Hundred Commander, will you reconsider? If you are willing to part with it, I can mediate your relationship with Xue Ya Zhenren, guaranteeing he will no longer trouble you. How about it? After all, being constantly remembered by a Golden Core True Person is quite troublesome, isn't it?"

This sentence seems to discuss conditions, but actually carries a hidden threat.

If Xiao Zhangqing agrees to give up the Jiao Long Essence Pill, everything is easy; he can help Xiao Zhangqing solve the "trouble."

But if Xiao Zhangqing doesn't know better and refuses, then Xiao Zhangqing will not only be "remembered" by Xue Ya Zhenren, but later also by Guangqin Zhenren.

At the same time making enemies of two major Golden Core True Persons, and Guangqin Zhenren's identity is so special, being a disciple of Character: Liyang Zhenren! Even a true Fake Core cultivator probably couldn't withstand it.

Xiao Zhangqing heard that and simply smiled: "Thanks for Guangqin Zhenren's kindness. As for Xue Ya Zhenren, since I severely injured his nephew and killed the Song family mountain lord, I haven't feared his remembrance."

The subtext of Xiao Zhangqing's words is also very clear.

"You threatening me with Xue Ya Zhenren is useless, and I'm not afraid of an extra Guangqin Zhenren!" Guangqin Zhenren's smile froze, a forceful aura rose slowly from his body, "Really, there's no way to make the Hundred Commander part with it?"

Xiao Zhangqing said calmly: "Unless Character: Liyang Zhenren and the Nine Alliances Chamber intervene, declaring this auction null, abolishing Character: Liyang Immortal City's long‑standing rules today, then I have no choice; even if reluctant, I must return the Jiao Long Essence Pill. But for others, personally…"

Boom! As he finished, Xiao Zhangqing's powerful Soul Transformation surged, instantly repelling Guangqin Zhenren's pressure completely.

"What a strong Soul Transformation!"

Guangqin Zhenren's complexion darkened, and his heart was secretly startled.

It seems the rumors are indeed true; this Hundred Commander truly possesses a Soul Transformation strength comparable to a Fake Core True Person.

Moreover, he has likely inherited the legacy of the Jiuqiu Real Person from back then, and in Soul Transformation attainment he has indeed surpassed the limits of the Foundation Establishment Realm.

If it weren't for Ding Yiran, he wouldn't want to make an enemy of such a promising cultivator.

But Ding Yiran's status is special, and out of respect for her sister, he must help.

No longer pressuring others with his cultivation, Guangqin Real Person withdrew his intimidation and said calmly, "The auction and the rules of Character: Liyang Immortal City are naturally documented; my master and the Jiulian Business Association will not intervene. However, if Junior Brother Gu steps in, using his position as the commander of the Character: Liyang Guard, could you, Captain Bai, relinquish the Jiaolong Essence Pill?"

Before Xiao Zhangqing could answer, Guangqin Real Person already used a communication method to notify Gu Zongyuan to come over.

As the commander of the Character: Liyang Guard, Gu Zongyuan, for such a significant event as today's auction, naturally was also patrolling nearby.

So upon receiving the message, he arrived in a moment.

"Senior Brother Lu, what do you need from me? Huh, Brother Bai, you're also here…"

Gu Zongyuan, still unclear about what had happened, greeted with a smile.

But after Guangqin Real Person gave a rough account of the matter, Gu Zongyuan could no longer smile.

He frowned, looked at Xiao Zhangqing, then at Ding Yiran and Guangqin Real Person, and remained silent.

Guangqin Real Person said, "Junior Brother Gu, please persuade Captain Bai. Yiran came from afar as a guest; she traveled thousands of miles specifically to Character: Liyang Immortal City for the auction, and the only thing she covets is this Jiaolong Essence Pill. I hope Captain Bai can see the bigger picture."

Xiao Zhangqing didn't want to put Gu Zongyuan in a difficult position, and was about to speak.

Gu Zongyuan couldn't help but retort, "Senior Brother Lu, aren't you saying it wrong? Since she's a guest from afar, she should adhere even more to the host's rules. The Jiaolong Essence Pill is an auction item; if she wants it, she should keep bidding until she wins it outright. There's no way to force a sale after the auction ends."

Xiao Zhangqing was momentarily stunned, then smiled.

Guangqin Real Person and Ding Yiran's faces fell completely, looking increasingly grim.

"Junior Brother Gu! How can you be so oblivious to the bigger picture! Yiran is a disciple of Xingyue Palace and a distinguished guest!" Guangqin Real Person scolded.

Junior Brother Gu replied, "I know. But so what? Does Miss Ding represent Xingyue Palace? Would Xingyue Palace be dissatisfied with Character: Liyang Immortal City because of this? In the recent southwest outbreak war, Character: Liyang Immortal City contributed significantly; even Senior Brother Zuo went personally! I think Brother Bai is right; if Senior Brother Lu and Miss Ding refuse to back down, then we should go to our Master and see whether he intends to reclaim the Jiaolong Essence Pill. Otherwise, I also support Brother Bai keeping the Jiaolong Essence Pill."

Guangqin Real Person's gaze flickered uncertainly as he scanned Gu Zongyuan and Xiao Zhangqing standing together, then said in a deep voice, "Very well. Yiran, let's go."

Ding Yiran glared fiercely at the two, then reluctantly turned and left.

Watching them walk away, Xiao Zhangqing clasped his hands and said, "Thank you, Brother Gu."

Gu Zongyuan waved his hand, "No need to be formal, I did nothing. As for Senior Brother Lu, his ideas are always odd. He has astonishing talent, formed a Golden Core early, yet he constantly reveres the two major Nascent Soul sects. Brother Bai, you needn't take this to heart; this is Character: Liyang Immortal City, even if Ding Yiran is a disciple of Xingyue Palace, it won't cause any trouble."

Xiao Zhangqing smiled, "I'm not afraid of that. I'm just worried this matter will affect the relationship between you brothers."

Gu Zongyuan muttered to himself, "Our relationship wasn't that great to begin with."

Of course, he couldn't say that out loud.

(End of chapter)