Chapter 514
by fanqienovelChapter 514: Out of the Loop
After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere in the private room grew even livelier.
The tension between Wang Chen and the Chen clan disciple quickly dissipated.
The cultivator from a Family of Cultivators soon let go of his reservations, embracing a captivating female cultivator with bold familiarity.
This starkly highlighted Wang Chen’s sense of isolation.
He neither summoned entertainers nor engaged in lively debates with others, instead sitting quietly beside Mou Guangji, sipping his drink and enjoying the meal.
Though they were in the Underworld Realm, the food and drink served by the Xiaoyao Pavilion were of exceptional quality, rivaling those in Wailing City.
Moreover, the pavilion was equipped with special formations that maintained a spring-like warmth and an abundance of spiritual energy, creating an atmosphere of unparalleled comfort.
One could easily wish to remain in this blissful state forever.
By the time the banquet reached its chaotic peak, with cups and plates scattered across the table, Mou Guangji set down his goblet and clapped his hands, signaling the maids to clear away the remnants of the feast.
The musicians and dancers, along with the female attendants, quietly exited the room.
As the time came to discuss serious matters, the inner sect disciples of the West Sea Sect straightened their postures, adopting an air of solemnity.
Mou Guangji cut straight to the point, “I’ve gathered everyone here to discuss an important matter.”
He turned to the disciple seated to his right and said, “Zhang, bring out the item.”
Zhang nodded and retrieved a plant from his storage bag, placing it on the table.
All eyes instantly focused on it.
The plant had long stems and leaves, their edges serrated and gleaming with a metallic sheen. It was entirely black, save for the faint grayish-white tips of its leaves.
“Cold Underworld Grass?”
Someone immediately recognized it.
“Exactly,” Zhang replied with pride. “I found this a few days ago while exploring the mountains.”
The others exchanged glances, many of them visibly excited.
Cold Underworld Grass itself held little intrinsic value, and few would go out of their way to collect it.
However, this plant had a unique characteristic: it only grew above Cold Underworld mineral soil.
Thus, the discovery of Cold Underworld Grass hinted at the presence of a Cold Underworld mine—whether rich or poor remained to be seen.
The Cold Underworld Iron extracted from such mines was an exceptional material for weapon refining, suitable for crafting second or third-grade magical tools. It was a strategic resource for the sect.
The merit points that Cold Underworld Iron could be exchanged for ranked among the highest of all resources in the Underworld Realm.
No wonder everyone was thrilled.
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Mou Guangji interjected. “Zhang has only found a few Cold Underworld Grass plants. This doesn’t necessarily confirm the presence of a mineral deposit. Further exploration and investigation are still required.”
He paused briefly before continuing, “However, the mountains are dangerous. Zhang feels overwhelmed trying to explore alone, so he wants to collaborate with everyone to find the ore and share the profits.”
“Collaborate to find the ore?”
Someone asked eagerly, “What are the terms?”
If they truly found a Cold Underworld mine, even a small share would be more than enough!
Yet some expressions turned subtle, revealing a sense of restraint in their eyes.
The most problematic situation in this world is probably cooperation.
Everyone has their own Wei Hall to defend, and working with Zhang would mean temporarily disrupting the territory they had painstakingly established, making the risks hard to predict.
The greatest fear is the effort ending in nothing.
Such situations happen everywhere!
Everyone calculated their options, and many were not satisfied with Zhang’s proposal for cooperation.
Those interested in the idea soon began arguing, their faces turning red, almost to the point of fighting.
Those uninterested watched the commotion, remaining calm and unfazed.
For instance, Wang Chen.
Wang Chen was happily farming in the Wei Hall, having no interest in getting involved in such matters.
He wasn’t foolish; he could clearly see the disdain and contempt that the so-called noble disciples had for him.
If he were to approach them, there was a ten out of nine chance he would become cannon fodder.
Was Wang Chen looking for trouble?
“Wang, don’t you want to join?”
Wang Chen wanted a quiet time, but Mou Guangji seated next to him wouldn’t let him be: “This is a great opportunity!”
In Mou Guangji’s view, Zhang had discovered a chance and was willing to share it through cooperation, which was undoubtedly a wonderful thing.
If successful, the alliance meeting would truly become famous!
“I’m too busy with matters at the Wei Hall, so I won’t participate.”
Wang Chen politely declined, “Thank you for your kind offer, Senior Brother.”
“Oh, I see.”
A flicker of subtle displeasure crossed Mou Guangji’s eyes, but he quickly smiled and said, “It’s alright, there will be other opportunities.”
He looked around and said, “Brother, let’s speak in private for a moment.”
Wang Chen was taken aback, unsure of what Mou Guangji was really after.
However, he needed the intelligence and information that Mou Guangji could provide, so he did not refuse. He followed the senior brother out of the private room.
They stepped out onto the terrace, where Mou Guangji’s gaze towards Wang Chen was bright and intense: “Wang, do you know why Chen dislikes you?”
Wang Chen felt that he wasn’t a spirit stone, unable to please everyone, but still asked, “Why?”
Mou Guangji revealed a strange smile: “Our brother has quite an ambition; he has always wanted to become a disciple of Changhe Zhenren. His trip into the Underworld Realm is also an attempt to earn merit points to qualify for the Changhe lineage.”
Wang Chen frowned, “What does that have to do with me?”
“It has a lot to do with you.”
Mou Guangji replied, “Within the inner sect, everyone is saying that you have gained the favor of Changhe Zhenren. If you can establish enough merits in the Underworld Realm this time, you’ll be able to join the true master!”
Wang Chen was speechless.
Who was spreading such rumors?
It wasn’t entirely untrue that he earned Changhe Zhenren’s appreciation, but that was mainly because he had recommended Meng Fei, a top genius.
With Wang Chen’s root bone qualifications, it was impossible for him to gain Changhe Zhenren’s favor.
But joining the Changhe lineage was definitely not a problem.
“There’s no such thing.”
Wang Chen shook his head and said, “My root bone is average; how could I possibly catch the true master’s eye?”
Without superior root bones, Golden Core true masters wouldn’t bother teaching!
“Huh?”
Mou Guangji was taken aback: “So everything others said was a lie?”
Wang Chen looked deeply at him: “Joining the true master’s ranks is impossible, but entering the Changhe lineage is feasible.”
He understood perfectly; this senior brother was so enthusiastic likely due to being influenced by the rumors.
He was simply placing bets in advance!
“Well, that’s still something.”
Mou Guangji replied awkwardly, “I thought…”
He suddenly changed the subject: “Let’s head back; it’s not good to be out for too long.”
“No, thank you.”
Wang Chen said, “I have something else to take care of, so I’ll head back first. By the way…”
He pulled out ten Intermediate Spirits and handed them to Mou Guangji: “This is my share.”
Mou Guangji felt embarrassed: “Wang…”
But Wang Chen had already walked away.