Chapter 71: A Few Empty Honors

At the same time.

Chen Zhao sat in meditation at Juxian Pavilion.

Two Water Ink Incarnations chanted the Sutra for Guiding Souls, light smoke curling around their bodies.

Another one recited the Death Transference Mantra, its ink color gradually fading as spiritual energy slowly depleted.

Chen Zhao's acupoints absorbed incense offerings; his sinews and bones swelled, and several scriptures trembled as they crept up his shoulders.

The Merit Wheel behind his head was only a faint corner, nowhere near as striking as when Xiaoer performed the spell.

Even so, his physical body had the strength of Qi Refining sixth layer—single punch could send a mid-grade Dharma Treasure flying.

Moreover, after collecting incense offerings, his cultivation could temporarily reach Qi Refining ninth layer, and his body would grow stronger.

But since it was an enemy sect's technique, he'd keep it as a hidden card.

Half an hour later, the incarnations serving as mediums exhausted their spiritual energy; the rest spontaneously ignited and vanished into the heavens and earth.

Chen Zhao's cultivation dropped; the scriptures on his shoulders dissolved, but his physical strength remained.

"Pity—the incense offerings from two incarnations were limited; it'll take years before my body cultivation advances further."

He breathed in and restored his energy; his muscles grew noticeably firmer.

Tap tap.

The knocking was barely audible, afraid of disturbing Chen Zhao's meditation.

"Enter."

He didn't even need to open his eyes—he knew the visitor must be Su Muqing.

"Master, the Chen Family reports: Chen Qingmeng committed suicide, and Yan Xiaoqian died by his side."

She knelt on the ground, offering a sealed letter with both hands.

In seven years, Su Muqing had reached the peak of Qi Refining eighth layer.

Yet in terms of spiritual energy and spiritual awareness, she was far inferior to this younger brother—she had long been utterly subdued by him.

Chen Zhao opened the letter and skimmed it, raising an eyebrow slightly.

With intelligence from the Su, Zhang, and Liu factions, he knew Tiankui was setting a trap.

Then why let these two die?

When the big fish bites, the bait becomes useless.

Ban Ruo Men has remained silent—likely because Xuan She Dong has been exposed.

The letter said nothing about it, confirming his suspicions.

"Also, Su Boyi successfully achieved Foundation Establishment; my offerings have been cut by three-tenths."

Su Muqing's voice trembled, filled with fear.

"Please, Master, don't abandon Xiaoqian—I can still perform Alchemy, giving you time to cultivate…"

Chen Zhao looked down at the woman cowering like a quail, and smiled gently.

"I don't want to abandon you either."

Su Muqing's nose tingled with emotion; she was about to lift her head.

Chen Zhao changed his tone.

"But you must proactively create value, show me your strengths—I don't keep idle people. How many are eager to serve me? If you don't strive, someone else will step in and take over the Gu Insects."

She'd never heard such rhetoric before.

Her body shook like a sieve, terrified her sub-insect would be removed and her soul destroyed.

After all,

Chen Zhao's killing of Ban Ruo Men's inner disciples had spread far and wide; his fearsome reputation was well-known, and there truly were many admirers.

Especially that one who had entered six years ago, nicknamed "Demon-Slaying Sword," Duan Yu, who held Chen Zhao in the highest esteem.

She also carried the title "Widow of the Fang Clan," which had been dredged up again after this incident.

At this moment,

If she were like Duan Yu, composing songs to praise Chen Zhao…

Good heavens, just thinking about it was explosive.

Su Muqing pressed her forehead to the ground, thinking left and right, desperately searching for any unique advantage she possessed.

Cold sweat poured down her.

She was worse than Chen Zhao at Alchemy, and her cultivation wasn't high.

Even herself…

Su Muqing's lips quivered, sounding uncertain.

With Chen Qingmeng dead,

the sect was spreading rumors that Chen Zhao had an affair with Yan Xiaoqian, and that his Storage Bag held countless intimate garments.

Even so, many female cultivators stuck at bottlenecks still wished to please him, hoping to break through via unorthodox means.

Not to mention Xin Tong, that towering presence.

"You needn't carry such a heavy burden,"

Chen Zhao pinched her chin, soothing her.

"Elder Fang approved yesterday—you're now the manager of this place."

This woman excelled at managing subordinates.

For seven years, the He Family Brothers had been perfectly controlled by her; Alchemy required no intervention from Chen Zhao.

All intelligence had been neatly organized, saving him considerable trouble.

Upon hearing this, Su Muqing felt as if granted a pardon.

The position of manager pays a commission based on sales volume, at least ten mid-grade Spirit Stones per month—more than what the Su Family offers.

How many Outer Sect Disciples dream of this? Yet Chen Zhao dares to fight for it himself?

She smiled, adding a touch of allure to her face.

Past feelings had long taken root and sprouted, yet she dared only a graceful bow, cautious and timid.

"Thank you for your kindness, Elder."

Su Muqing stepped out and happened to meet the He Family Brothers.

The three exchanged glances; the two brothers were excited and delighted, while she showed a hint of disdain.

Of course—not everyone is Chen Zhao.

Afternoon.

Dan Tang Wu Shi Liu Dian, Yun Miao Dian.

Li Zhiwei sat at the head of the three Foundation Establishment Elders.

Not an Elder, yet more than an Elder.

Passing disciples were astonished, mistaking her for Li Shijie giving a lecture, and gathered in droves.

Then a white robe settled at the very end, stirring a commotion among the crowd.

"How can an Outer Sect Disciple sit alongside Elders? Who has such fortune?"

Most of the black-robed disciples present looked startled.

Normally, when they sought private guidance from Elders, the Elders were eager to end the conversation quickly, sparing every word—how could they possibly speak at length?

Now, three Elders arrived at once.

"You, as an Outer Sect Disciple, slew an Inner Sect Disciple with a sword—upholding Tiankui's prestige. You deserve at least a B+ rating."

The slender Elder stroked his beard, paused thoughtfully, then nodded and smiled at Chen Zhao:

"In my view, counting your aid to Zhiwei in slaying the enemy, it's at least an A-."

The hall had not activated a soundproof Array—perhaps the Elders did not wish to hide anything.

The disciples heard clearly; those unaware glanced around, pointing and whispering at Chen Zhao.

"Brother, who is this man?"

"Chen Zhao, Brother Chen? Don't you know him?"

"Please enlighten me."

"That 'Human Wife Killer'..."

"Oh—"

Jokes aside, no one here dared show real disrespect.

Inner Sect Disciples have deep foundations; defeating one at the same level is already difficult.

Not to mention "aiding Li Zhiwei in slaying the enemy."

The weight of that name was known to none in the Inner Sect.

Chen Zhao's lip twitched.

The shop assistant's true level—did the disciples know? But surely the Elders and Li Zhiwei knew.

Yet she remained expressionless, appearing detached from the world.

Chen Zhao sighed inwardly.

Enough.

Concerning the Sect's and Dan Tang's honor, this false reputation must be accepted even if unwanted.

"Brother Meng's evaluation is high—what reward will you offer?"

The plump woman chuckled:

"We can't let the Discipline Hall outdo us and demoralize the disciples. How about a Foundation Establishment Pill?"

At these words, the entire hall erupted.

Some Qi Refining Great Perfection disciples immediately turned red-eyed, rolled up their sleeves, ready to fight the Ban Ruo Men's True Disciples to the death.

The woman swept her gaze across the crowd, satisfied.

Elder Meng's smile froze.

Who doesn't know how to give away someone else's things?

He had only one Foundation Establishment Pill—hoarded for fifty years, just warmed up, his great-grandson barely a month old—how could he give it to a stranger?

Besides, this gift of the pill isn't entirely his to give.

In broad daylight, the word "no" spun on his lips again and again, yet he could not utter it.

"The Foundation Establishment Pill is too precious. Please, Elder, revoke your decree."

Chen Zhao waved his hand to defuse the situation, calm and unruffled.

They dared offer it—he dared not openly accept it.

Of course.

Most importantly, he already had one Foundation Establishment Pill.

"Chen Shixian, noble and upright—truly a promising youth!"

Elder Meng said sincerely, a flicker of relief in his eyes.

What a perceptive child!

But the reward could not go ungiven. After long thought, he flipped his hand and produced a pill.

"The leap from Qi Refining Eighth Layer to Ninth Layer is a major barrier. When you break through, this Du Ling Pill will help you shatter the bottleneck."

"I have only this one—it is a personal gift from me alone."

The hearts of the crowd, just grown cold, began to warm again.

This pill is rare and unobtainable, its value approaching that of a Top-Grade Magical Tool!