Chapter 285: Chapter 151: Obtaining a Treasure

Cyan Wood Institute, Transmission Square.

The disciples gathered in small groups, their hushed discussions like the buzzing of countless bees.

"Did you hear? That bastard Xiao Bieli is coming again! Sect Leader Leng is bringing him personally!"

"How is this a friendly match? He’s clearly here to crash the party! He’s just trying to climb up by stepping on our Wutai Sect’s face!"

"This is too much! Does he really think our Wutai Sect is a pushover?!"

"Even Senior Brother Yan lost, and so quickly... Who can stop him this time? Senior Sister Nie?"

"Senior Sister Nie is powerful, but I heard Xiao Bieli is already close to Embracing Pill Power Perfection! Would anyone really dare to take him on?"

"Sigh, I’m afraid the position of Alliance Leader is going to the Cold Jade Valley..."

"Shh! Quiet down! The Chief Senior Brother is here!"

Chen Qing’s figure appeared at the edge of the Transmission Square. The discussions instantly died down, and the disciples all bowed in greeting.

"Chief Senior Brother!"

"Chief Senior Brother!"

Chen Qing’s expression was as calm as ever. His gaze swept over the crowd before landing on Luo Xinyi, who was walking quickly to greet him.

She held a scroll in her hands, her expression serious.

"Chief Senior Brother."

Luo Xinyi walked up to Chen Qing, her voice crisp. "This is the final list of Outer Courtyard disciples applying to enter the Inner Courtyard this month. As you instructed, I have removed those whose aptitude and temperament were not up to standard. There are three in total. Additionally, the distribution of Cultivation Resources for the Inner Courtyard Disciples for this month has been calculated. Please review it, Senior Brother."

She handed over the scroll, her report clear and methodical.

"I’m always at ease when you handle things."

Chen Qing took the scroll, a trace of approval in his eyes. "There have been many trivial matters in the institute lately. You’ve worked hard."

Hearing this, Luo Xinyi suppressed her excitement, but her voice became even more resolute. "It is my duty as your junior sister to share your burdens, Senior Brother! It’s no trouble at all!"

Receiving praise directly from the Chief Senior Brother was a tremendous encouragement for her.

Just then, a disciple hurried over, stopped before Chen Qing, and said respectfully, "Chief Senior Brother, Master Li requests your presence in the rear courtyard."

Chen Qing’s gaze narrowed slightly.

’Li Baichuan is looking for me of his own accord?’

"Understood."

He nodded, then said to Luo Xinyi, "Proceed with the list and distribution as planned. If anything is unclear, come find me."

"Yes, Senior Brother!" Luo Xinyi replied, watching Chen Qing walk toward the rear courtyard.

「The Rear Courtyard.」

Li Baichuan sat cross-legged on a cattail cushion beside the Pill Furnace, his eyes slightly closed as if he were regulating his breathing.

Chen Qing took a few steps forward and stopped about ten feet from Li Baichuan. He cupped his fist in his palm and bowed. "Master Li, your disciple Chen Qing has come as ordered."

Li Baichuan glanced at Chen Qing. "You know that Xiao Bieli is coming to challenge us again, don’t you?" 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Yes, this disciple is aware."

Chen Qing answered calmly, "Sect Leader Leng Qianqiu of the Cold Jade Valley will also be arriving in person to discuss matters of the Four Sects Alliance."

"Mm."

Li Baichuan said slowly, "The Sect Leader has issued an order. Anyone from within the Sect willing to step forward and fight a match against that Xiao Bieli—regardless of the outcome, as long as they don’t lose too disgracefully and can win back some face for us—will be rewarded with a drop of Three Hundred Years Earth Core Milk."

He paused, then continued, "He Yuzhou is certainly willing to put up the capital. This thing is quite beneficial for stabilizing one’s foundation, improving one’s Root Bone, and especially for breaking through to a higher Realm. Are you interested?"

Chen Qing met Li Baichuan’s gaze and said frankly, "Master Li, you see things clearly. This is a Sect treasure great enough to transform one’s very sinews and bones. This disciple is only a mortal man; how could I not be moved?"

He didn’t deny it, nor did he need to.

No disciple would be unmoved by the value of the Three Hundred Years Earth Core Milk.

Li Baichuan was reasonably satisfied with Chen Qing’s honesty.

Something moved within his wide sleeve, and then he gave it a light flick.

A Jade Bottle materialized from thin air, floating steadily in front of Chen Qing.

The moment the Jade Bottle appeared, an aura far more vast and pure than that of Centennial Earth Core Milk spread out.

The True Qi within Chen Qing’s body, especially the Cyan Wood True Qi he had only recently broken through with, began to circulate slightly faster of its own accord, pulsing with a yearning like a parched land greeting a timely rain!

’This aura... as vast as an abyss, as heavy as a mountain!’

It was the unique aura of the Three Hundred Years Earth Core Milk!

Chen Qing’s pupils contracted slightly. "Master Li, this is...?"

Li Baichuan didn’t even raise his eyelids, his voice as flat as if he were discussing some trivial matter. "Three Hundred Years Earth Core Milk."

"Three Hundred Years Earth Core Milk?"

Chen Qing repeated, "Master Li, this... is for me?"

This was too unexpected!

’Li Baichuan took out such a great treasure on his own initiative?’

’Has the sun risen from the west?’

’When has this Old Deng ever been so generous?’

"Of course."

Li Baichuan finally raised his eyelids. "What, now that it’s in your hands, you don’t dare to take it?"

Chen Qing took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the joy in his heart, and said with the utmost caution, "This disciple was just dazed for a moment, finding it hard to believe. I am overwhelmed by this favor."

His internal doubts grew stronger. ’Would Li Baichuan really give me a drop of Three Hundred Years Earth Core Milk for free?’

It was truly hard to believe.

Li Baichuan said slowly, "This item, I did indeed ask for it from He Yuzhou. However, it was not entirely for you."

"You should understand the Sect Leader’s intention in dangling this bait—offering the Three Hundred Years Earth Core Milk as a reward. His main goal is to change the atmosphere within the Sect, where everyone avoids the strong and hides their abilities to protect themselves, and to introduce healthy competition. Now that the mood has been stirred up, and that girl Nie Shanshan has also shown her edge, the objective is mostly achieved."

"As for who the reward ultimately goes to..."

Li Baichuan glanced at Chen Qing and said, "When you get down to it, there are only two or three people who can truly compete with that Xiao Bieli and win back some face for our Wutai Sect. Among them, the ones who can actually contend with him are none other than Nie Shanshan and you!"

Chen Qing’s heart skipped a beat, but his expression remained calm.

Li Baichuan continued, "The Sect Leader and I discussed it. Rather than have the two of you fight to the death within the Sect for that one drop of reward, revealing your trump cards and even getting injured, it’s better to bestow a drop upon each of you."