Chapter 710
by fanqienovelChapter 710: Gaining Inch by Inch
The next evening, Wang Chen headed to the Moonlit Pavilion for the banquet.
The idea of dealing with the person causing problems was certainly tempting, but it was also a choice made out of necessity.
If he could spend some spirit stones to solve the issue, Wang Chen was willing to pay the price.
Thus, he prepared a congratulatory gift for his new superior.
One hundred Intermediate Spirits.
He placed the one hundred Intermediate Spirits into a small storage bag specifically designed for gifts and presented it when he met He Haoming.
The new chief steward of the library did not hide his greed at all, taking the bag without hesitation and weighing it in his hand, showing a faint smile that was not quite genuine. “Manager Wang, you are too kind. Please, have a seat.”
He Haoming had clearly checked the contents of the storage bag but did not show any signs of satisfaction.
If it were someone else, they would inevitably feel uneasy, unsure if the amount was too little.
But Wang Chen felt he had given plenty!
Attending the banquet, besides the five library managers, were also several of He Haoming’s relatives and friends, making for a lively gathering of dozens of people.
The atmosphere was quite pleasant.
However, what surprised Wang Chen was that the next day, the newly appointed He Haoming summoned him.
“Manager Wang.”
He Haoming sat in a high chair, wearing a light smile. “I heard that you used to be a constable in the Evil Suppression Division, but were injured while on duty, which led to your transfer to the library for recovery, is that right?”
Goodness, starting off by digging into a sore spot!
Wang Chen truly came to understand this immortal clan scion and calmly responded, “Yes.”
He Haoming displayed a sympathetic expression. “So, has your foundation recovered?”
Wang Chen shook his head. “No.”
In fact, his foundation had not only remained unscathed but had become even more solid over the past three years.
At the beginning of last year, Wang Chen had broken through to the ninth level of the Purple Palace.
Now he had reached the peak of the Purple Palace!
But under the disguise of the Thousand Transformations mask and the perfected Spirit Concealment Technique, no one knew this.
Outsiders still viewed Wang Chen as a loose cultivator whose luck had run out and whose journey of cultivation was dim.
If not for the care of Guan Shengping, the true master, he wouldn’t even hold the position of library manager!
The question was, did the current Guan Shengping even remember Wang Chen?
He Haoming was not surprised and blinked, saying, “As far as I know, your root bone talent is quite impressive; it’s indeed a pity such a thing happened to you.”
He wore an expression that seemed to genuinely lament for Wang Chen.
Wang Chen sensed something was off. “Perhaps it is a trial doomed by fate.”
“We cultivators are engaged in the act of altering fate against the heavens!”
He Haoming declared earnestly, “Manager Wang, you must not give up on yourself. I can arrange to get you a Heaven-Recovering Pill!”
Heaven-Recovering Pill?
Wang Chen was momentarily taken aback.
The Heaven-Recovering Pill was a top-tier third-grade elixir. Not only were its materials exceedingly rare, but the process of refining it was also incredibly challenging.
Such an elixir, capable of mending one’s foundation, was highly coveted; even a Golden Core true master might not be assured of obtaining one.
The notion that He Haoming could secure one for Wang Chen was utterly preposterous!
Wang Chen remained silent, eager to hear what else He Haoming had to say.
Noticing Wang Chen’s dazed expression and lack of response, He Haoming grew impatient and reminded him, “But you must understand, the Heaven-Recovering Pill is exceedingly precious. Merely possessing spirit stones may not suffice to purchase it.”
Wang Chen gave a wry smile, “I don’t have many spirit stones left.”
In truth, Wang Chen still possessed a considerable amount of spirit stones.
However, he neither needed the Heaven-Recovering Pill nor could he ignore the strong whiff of deceit in He Haoming’s offer!
“Don’t you own a house in the city?”
He Haoming laid his cards on the table: “It’s quite simple. Transfer the property to me, and I will cover all expenses for the Heaven-Recovering Pill and the necessary arrangements.”
“Surely, your cultivation is more important than this property, isn’t it?”
At this, Wang Chen fully grasped the situation—He Haoming was after his house!
Though Wang Chen was unsure of the exact value of a Heaven-Recovering Pill in spirit stones, he knew precisely how much his current residence was worth.
He Haoming was clearly trying to swindle him out of his house!
“Thank you for your concern, chief steward.”
Wang Chen, unwilling to engage in further pretense, stated bluntly, “The Heaven-Recovering Pill is far too precious; I dare not harbor such extravagant hopes. I can only appreciate your kind intentions!”
He Haoming was left speechless.
Wang Chen’s stance was unmistakably clear—he was not one to be easily duped.
“Very well then.”
He Haoming conceded reluctantly, “Should you change your mind, you’re welcome to seek me out anytime.”
“Thank you, chief steward.”
Thus, the matter was concluded.
While He Haoming gained nothing, Wang Chen’s troubles were just beginning!
In the days that followed, Wang Chen found himself increasingly burdened with work.
He Haoming, in his new role, was quick to assert his authority. From the chief steward’s hall, he issued a flurry of orders, not only overturning all the regulations established by Cao Ke but also introducing a slew of new initiatives.
Most notably, Wang Chen became the target of He Haoming’s schemes!
It became evident that someone in a position of power could devise countless ways to make life difficult for their subordinates.
He Haoming’s tactics reminded Wang Chen of his former superiors in his past life; the similarities were so striking, they could have been brothers!
Under these circumstances, Wang Chen made the decisive move to submit his resignation to the General Affairs Office, stepping down from his position as the library chief steward.
With only two of the eight treasures for condensing elixirs remaining, he had already met the basic requirements for condensing a Golden Core. To continue entangling with He Haoming would only squander his most valuable resource—time.
While He Haoming currently held the upper hand within the library, once Wang Chen stepped away, He Haoming would have no leverage over him.
Once Wang Chen ascended to the rank of Golden Core true master, seeking retribution would be a straightforward affair!
With this in mind, Wang Chen boldly stepped out of his comfort zone.
His resignation was promptly approved by the General Affairs Office.
Though the library was a quiet department within a generally unremarkable office, it held a veneer of prestige. Wang Chen had no desire to remain in a position that many would eagerly fill.
There was no shortage of eager successors!
Thus, Wang Chen left the library with a clear conscience, his head held high, without taking a single ancient tome with him.
Later, he heard that He Haoming had smashed three cups in a fit of rage.
He was also branded as “not knowing how to appreciate kindness.”
Wang Chen paid no heed to such remarks; free from his duties, he returned home to resume his closed-door cultivation.
He aimed to reach the pinnacle of the Purple Palace!
Half a month later, Wang Chen quietly emerged from his retreat.
To his surprise, a guest had arrived at his home during his absence.
A beautiful woman he hadn’t seen in a long time!