Chapter 402

Chapter 402: Difficult to Escape from the Mundane World

Everything in the world, including all humanity, cannot escape the law of true fragrance.

Wang Chen is no exception.

After clarifying the rights and responsibilities of being a family protector, he accepted the employment contract handed to him by Xu Xinlan with both hands.

He left his magical seal on it.

“Thank you, honored one.”

Xu Xinlan looked at him with sparkling eyes and bowed deeply, “From now on, the Xu family will rely on your protection!”

It was clear that this young woman was very happy, her eyes filled with the joy of relief.

She probably felt a lot of pressure during this time.

“Of course.”

Wang Chen returned the contract to her, “If you encounter any problems that cannot be solved, just send me a message.”

According to the agreement in the contract, Wang Chen would serve as the protector of the Xu family for three years.

During this period, he would receive 30% of the profits from the Xu family’s businesses each month.

Plus three liang and three qian of essence of the wood element!

Wang Chen didn’t care where Xu Xinlan obtained this essence of the wood element, as this heavenly material and treasure would undoubtedly benefit his cultivation greatly.

In return, he was obligated to personally solve any troubles that arose for the Xu family, as long as they were within his ability.

If the Xu family stayed safe and sound, then Wang Chen’s cultivation in the sect would remain unaffected.

It amounted to free protection!

It was precisely because Xu Xinlan offered such generous conditions, along with the temptation of the essence of the wood element, that prompted Wang Chen to sign the contract in the end.

Xu Xinlan was quite discerning: “Unless necessary, I wouldn’t dare to disturb the honored one.”

Wang Chen nodded, “Good.”

With that, it was settled.

After Xu Xinlan left with the contract, Zuo Xiaomo raised his goblet to thank Wang Chen, “Thank you, Brother Wang.”

“It’s nothing.”

Wang Chen raised his cup, “I benefit from it too.”

The two shared a smile.

After downing the spiritual wine in their cups, Wang Chen asked, “When are you participating in the outer sect assessment, Zuo Xiaomo?”

Long ago, he had promised to be Zuo Xiaomo’s guardian, to protect him during his participation in the Nine Dragons underground palace for the outer sect assessment.

However, a long time had passed, and Zuo Xiaomo had not made a move.

It seemed like he had forgotten about it.

So Wang Chen was a bit curious and naturally wanted to ask when they met today.

"I was just about to tell you," Zuo Xiaomo said, setting down his goblet with a bitter smile. "This year’s outer sect assessment has been postponed to early next year. The Nine Dragons underground palace has been sealed off by the sect, and disciples are strictly forbidden from entering."

Wang Chen was taken aback. "What happened?"

The Nine Dragons underground palace, located three hundred miles south of Wailing City beneath the ruins of a vast ancient city, was of an immense scale. Due to the restrictions within this vast Subterranean Palace, cultivators with higher cultivation levels faced greater suppression inside.

For centuries, the West Sea Sect had invested significant manpower and resources to explore and excavate the secrets of this Subterranean Palace, reaping substantial rewards. The main force of the exploration included Qi Training and Purple Palace cultivators. In the task halls of both the inner and outer sects, tasks related to the Nine Dragons underground palace were abundant. It had long become an adventure paradise for the disciples of the West Sea Sect!

However, this paradise was not without its dangers. The Nine Dragons underground palace was home to many spirit beasts and giants, and its unique environment made it quite perilous. Just half a month ago, a surge of evil energy erupted within the Subterranean Palace, causing heavy casualties among the cultivators training and exploring inside. The protector of the Xu family perished in this disaster!

Consequently, the West Sea Sect closed the entrance to the Subterranean Palace, planning to reopen it after determining the cause. They also postponed the outer sect assessment.

"So that’s what happened," Wang Chen realized. He had been so focused on his cultivation and, having no friends in West Sea City and not participating in social gatherings with fellow disciples, had inevitably missed the news. He only found out about this incident now.

"The Nine Dragons underground palace will definitely reopen," Zuo Xiaomo said. "When that time comes, I will have to trouble you to help me."

Wang Chen nodded, "Of course." He had originally thought he could repay this favor to Zuo Xiaomo before the new year, but now it seemed it would be delayed until after the new year. The new year was approaching. Wang Chen briefly lost focus. Time was passing so quickly!

Returning to his residence in West Sea City, Wang Chen took out the recently acquired essence of the wood element in the quiet room. He was eager to try out the cultivation effects of this heavenly material and treasure. Stored in the spiritual jade bottle, the essence of the wood element resembled stalactite, appearing in a semi-solid state. Wang Chen had read about how to extract this kind of spiritual liquid in the texts, and he immediately used Object Manipulation to take out a piece the size of a finger. Then he swallowed it and activated his magical power to refine it.

The essence of the wood element contained an extremely high purity of elemental energy, and as it dissolved, it quickly merged into Wang Chen’s magical power, flowing through his meridians to reach every part of his body. Wang Chen felt as if he was immersed in a hot spring, completely warm and incredibly comfortable. He wanted to close his eyes and drift into a deep sleep.

But he knew very well that if he fell asleep, the essence of the wood element would be wasted.

So Wang Chen focused his mind and activated the Preheaven Five Element Technique, allowing the magical power infused with the essence to circulate within his body to fully absorb the effects of this heavenly materials and treasures.

It took nearly two hours for Wang Chen to completely refine the swallowed essence of the wood element.

【Preheaven Five Element Technique · Experience +1】

The effect of the cultivation made Wang Chen very satisfied.

Not only did he gain 1 point of experience, but he also clearly felt a fundamental improvement in his magical power.

Although the increase was small, this was just the beginning. If he continued to consume the essence of the wood element over many years, the enhancement to his magical power would undoubtedly be tremendous.

Unfortunately, Wang Chen could only receive a supply of three taels and three qian each month.

He estimated that this bottle of essence would be enough for about ten training sessions, and taking it daily would be far from sufficient.

However, Wang Chen was still quite content.

At his current cultivation pace, he would undoubtedly break through to the third level of the Purple Palace in a shorter time.

In the days that followed, Wang Chen continued his training.

The new year unexpectedly arrived.

In fact, the atmosphere in the inner sect of the West Sea Sect might lack any festive spirit because it seemed too distant from the mundane world.

West Sea City felt much the same as usual.

But the outer sect area was noticeably more lively, especially in a grand immortal city like Wailing City. The streets and alleys were adorned with lanterns and colorful decorations, people’s faces filled with joy, and there was a bustling scene as they purchased festive goods in the shops.

The day before New Year’s Eve, Wang Chen received a message from Xu Xinlan.

This cousin of Zuo Xiaomo and Wang Chen’s "employer" invited him to her home as a guest.

To celebrate New Year’s Eve together.

Wang Chen thought about it for a moment.

He agreed.

Many cultivators had little else to do besides practice, thoroughly separating themselves from the mundane world.

But Wang Chen was not such a harsh practitioner.

Cultivators are also human; unless they reach a truly transcendent state, it is impossible not to be touched by the mortal world.

Detachment from the world is cultivation, and engagement with the world is also cultivation!

It is difficult to escape the worldly ties while living in it.