Chapter 858

Chapter 858: Arrivals in Succession

In the small hall of the back courtyard, the Lu family cultivator sat across from Wang Chen.

This unexpected guest, named Lu Huaizhen, was an elder of the Sanqun Lu Family.

Qianxing Immortal City was vast, divided into ten Sanqun Families, resembling the ring concept of large cities from Wang Chen’s past life. The core area comprised the first to the sixth regions, housing thousands of merchant families.

In Qianxing Immortal City, no family could thrive without business. To have a foothold in the Sanqun meant that one was indeed a powerful and influential family!

However, with both the Wang Family and the Lu family present in the Sanqun, Wang Chen felt that it was highly likely that Lu’s sudden visit was not a good omen!

Lu Huaizhen put down his teacup and sighed. “Fellow traveler Wang, as a Golden Core cultivator, it is indeed such a waste for you to be tucked away in this small talisman shop in the Seven Mountains!”

Not waiting for a response, he looked directly at Wang Chen and said, “Let me get straight to the point. Our Lu family wishes to invite you to be a Golden Core guest elder. What do you think?”

Wang Chen smiled and replied, “Thank you for the Lu family’s deep affection, but I currently have no plans to join any family.”

The intentions of the Lu family and Wang Chenming were clearly the same, but since Wang Chen had already declined the Wang Family, he wouldn’t accept the Lu family’s offer either.

With both families reaching out to him, he felt the situation was murky, and he had no intention of getting involved.

“Don’t you want to hear the conditions of our Lu family?”

Lu Huaizhen, however, wasn’t ready to give up. He continued, “As a Golden Core guest elder, you would receive treatment equivalent to that of a family elder. You would have a cultivating cave and a spiritual plant estate, along with a generous annual stipend…”

“The most important part is that our Lu family can give you an opportunity to descend to the lower realms!”

Now that was interesting.

Wang Chen thoughtfully stroked his chin.

Compared to the Wang Family, the Lu family’s sincerity was much greater; at least they clearly stated their conditions, unlike Wang Chenming’s vague promises.

For example, the precious opportunity to descend to the lower realms; Wang Chenming only mentioned striving for it, while Lu Huaizhen stated he could actually provide one.

The difference was quite clear!

Seeing Wang Chen remain silent, Lu Huaizhen looked a bit displeased and said, “Fellow traveler Wang, our Lu family truly has sincerity. It’s not that we can’t offer more; we just fear you might not be able to handle it!”

“I know that Wang Chenming from the Wang Family has approached you, but do you know that the Wang Family is on the verge of collapse?”

Hmm?

Wang Chen was slightly taken aback. “I would like to hear more.”

“Ha!”

Lu Huaizhen scoffed. “The Yuan Ying Ancestor of the Wang Family is nearing the end of his life, and among the Golden Core elders, only one, Wang Hongyi, has reached the ninth level peak. However, he failed to condense the Yuan Ying five years ago and has only barely recovered now.”

“If the ancestor of the Wang Family passes away, there will be no one among the descendants to take his place, and then the Sanqun will have no footing for them!”

“So, the Wang Family is currently desperate to gather a large number of spiritual resources from the lower realms for Wang Hongyi to attempt once more to break through to the Yuan Ying realm!”

“If you join the Wang Family, you will undoubtedly be sent to explore the lower realms; even if you succeed in gathering spiritual resources, how much do you think you could retain?”

That’s a cunning play!

Wang Chen had to admit that while Lu Huaizhen’s attitude was arrogant, his eloquence was indeed impressive. In just a few words, he highlighted the seriousness of the situation and brought the Wang Family into a dismal light.

Anyone who heard this would surely feel doubt; even if they did not want to serve the Lu family, they could not possibly rejoin the Wang Family.

“The situation of the Wang Family is not a secret…”

Lu Huaizhen clapped his hands and said, “Fellow traveler, you are free to inquire and verify the truth of my words. I am not speaking behind anyone’s back; I merely wish to prevent you from being misled and straying onto the wrong path.”

Seeing Wang Chen deep in contemplation, Lu Huaizhen rose and declared, “Fellow traveler Wang, as a tree that stands tall in the forest attracts the wind, so too must you, if you wish to establish yourself in Qianxing Immortal City, cultivate in peace, and achieve Yuan Ying condensation, align yourself with a powerful family.”

“Our Lu family may not be your ultimate choice, but we are undoubtedly ten, even a hundred times better than the Wang family!”

“Reflect on this carefully and contact me once you’ve made your decision.”

“I shall take my leave now; there’s no need to see me off.”

With these words, he placed a letter symbol on the table and gracefully departed.

Wang Chen remained seated, his brow furrowed as he gazed at the letter symbol on the table.

Frankly, he was quite displeased.

Lu Huaizhen was not mistaken; after uncovering the secrets of Yuan Ying condensation, Wang Chen understood that to ascend to greater heights, he needed access to the most valuable resources.

These resources, however, were monopolized by the upper echelons of Qianxing Immortal City, leaving someone of his modest origins with little chance of acquiring them.

Unless he was willing to sell his allegiance!

But the Lu family was certainly not an option for Wang Chen.

The reason was straightforward: while Lu Huaizhen’s offer was enticing, it was clear that his intentions were aimed at undermining the Wang family. If he were to completely sever ties with the Wang family, how could Wang Chen possibly enjoy the benefits offered?

Perhaps he could, but the cost would be uncertain!

Take, for example, the opportunity to descend to the lower realms: the Wang family offered to split it equally; would the Lu family grant him the entire share?

Wang Chen was not so naive!

Most importantly, the condescension that Lu Huaizhen exuded, though subtly concealed, did not escape Wang Chen’s keen perception.

He, a Golden Core true master, had no need to subordinate himself to others!

With these thoughts in mind, Wang Chen made a firm decision.

Whether it was the Lu family, the Wang family, or any other powerful clan, he would not join any of them!

Wasn’t it better to remain free and unbound?

As for the spiritual resources required for Yuan Ying condensation, he was in no hurry and saw no need to act rashly.

And if rejecting these families led to unavoidable consequences, he could always relocate to another immortal city.

Wang Chen was no stranger to moving on!

However, plans often change swiftly. To his surprise, shortly after Lu Huaizhen’s departure, Wang Chenming arrived in haste, eager to speak with him.

“Fellow traveler Wang, did Lu Huaizhen from the Lu family visit you just now?”

Seeing the other’s agitated demeanor, Wang Chen frowned and asked in a deep voice, “Fellow traveler Wang, are you interrogating me?”

Wang Chenming was immediately silenced.

Though Wang Chen lacked deep roots, he was still a Golden Core true master; and since he had not committed to joining the Wang family, what right did Wang Chenming have to demand answers?

Moreover, Wang Chen was in the business of hospitality, and he had no reason to turn away guests!

“My apologies.”

Wang Chenming offered a bitter smile and bowed slightly to Wang Chen, saying, “I spoke out of turn; please forgive my thoughtlessness.”

Wang Chen waved his hand dismissively, “It’s fine.”

His cold demeanor left Wang Chenming feeling awkward and guilty; he could only apologize again, “I truly am sorry, fellow traveler Wang. I acted impulsively, but you must not trust Lu Huaizhen; there isn’t a single honorable person in the Lu family!”

“Oh?”

Wang Chen retorted, “Is it also false that Lu Huaizhen mentioned your Wang family’s Yuan Ying Ancestor is nearing the end of his life, and that one of your ninth level Golden Cores must attempt Yuan Ying condensation again?”

Wang Chenming’s face instantly turned crimson, wishing he could vanish into the ground.

After a moment, he sighed and admitted, “All of that is true.”