Chapter 142
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Chapter 142: Troubling Figures
Wang Chen managed to persuade Yuan Yuan to return all the Tongtong fruits to her storage bag after much convincing.
The Tongtong fruits gifted by the old turtle to the little guy were undoubtedly treasures.
Just a whiff of them invigorated the spirit, and consuming one would be even more remarkable!
Wang Chen was certain that these Tongtong fruits would significantly aid his cultivation.
However, he also believed that Yuan Yuan might need them more!
The little guy had been consuming a large amount of magical beast meat, about three to five pounds per meal, three or four times a day.
Yet, there had been no noticeable change in his size.
Perhaps these Tongtong fruits could help him grow faster.
Therefore, Wang Chen decided he couldn’t possibly take them!
He reboarded the flying boat and continued his journey.
Upon arriving in Yunshan City, Wang Chen met Wei Xiong again at an inn.
“Brother Wei, sorry to have kept you waiting!”
In the private room, he smiled and inquired, “How have you been recently?”
Having been secluded at home for a long time, focusing on hidden cultivation and avoiding the sect’s trivial matters,
Wang Chen had very few friends within the Yunyang Sect.
Wei Xiong was not only his ally but also a genuinely trustworthy friend!
This inn was their usual meeting spot.
Earlier, Wang Chen had sent a letter of crane paper to Wei Xiong, who had then reserved a private room in anticipation of his arrival.
“I’ve been getting by, just so-so.”
Wei Xiong laughed heartily and poured a cup of rice wine for Wang Chen. “Come, let’s drink!”
Their relationship had evolved beyond the need for formalities.
Actually, Wang Chen had arranged to meet Wei Xiong without any important matters to discuss.
It was primarily for the sake of catching up and chatting.
Cultivators, after all, are still human; unless they achieve true transcendence, they always need to interact with others.
During this period, Wang Chen had been quietly cultivating at home.
Occasionally stepping out to relax was also beneficial.
While he could endure the monotony and tedium of cultivation, there was no need to live as an ascetic.
Balancing exertion with relaxation is also part of the way of cultivation!
As they conversed, Wei Xiong brought up his sister, Wei Lian.
He shared some good news with Wang Chen.
Wei Lian has already ascended to the innate stage!
Next, after consolidating her realm, she will begin to attempt to draw qi into her body and become a true cultivator.
Upon hearing this news, Wang Chen felt genuinely happy for the siblings.
He had long known that Wei Xiong wished to guide Wei Lian onto the path of cultivation.
He was even willing to sacrifice his own life for it!
Wei Lian not only possesses a complete balance of the five elements but also has excellent root bone potential.
With her innate cultivation level as a foundation, she should face no major issues in completing the qi absorption process.
If she were to obtain a Foundation Establishment Pill, her success would be nearly guaranteed.
As a maid of Xie Yao, one of the Seven Talents of Tianyun, how could she not secure a mere Foundation Establishment Pill?
Thus, Wang Chen congratulated Wei Xiong in advance, pleased that his wish was coming to fruition.
The two engaged in a lively conversation and shared drinks until late in the day, finally parting ways.
Before leaving, Wang Chen presented Wei Xiong with a blood storage talisman.
This talisman could be activated simply by applying blood.
Although its effects were not as potent as genuine legal symbols, it could still be used by ordinary people.
The storage talisman he gave contained two hundred pounds of fragrant pears from his own harvest.
He planned to wait until the spiritual grains matured
before sending Wei Xiong some spiritual rice and black sesame.
These two types of spiritual rice greatly benefit cultivation, offering stronger effects than white corn.
Afterward, he visited the outer sect punishment hall and sent Brother Cao a few hundred pounds of the same fragrant pears.
Though not particularly valuable, it was primarily a gesture of goodwill.
After strolling around Yunshan City, Wang Chen returned to Sunset Peak Manor.
However, before he could even land, he noticed someone clearing land very close to his spirit fields!
Wang Chen was quite surprised.
Although the estate assigned to him was near Sunset Peak, it was actually in a relatively secluded location.
His nearest neighbor was still three miles away.
Yet, this sudden newcomer was clearing land right next to his spirit fields.
After some consideration, Wang Chen landed a hundred steps away.
Then he walked over to investigate.
Regardless of who the person was, he felt compelled to inquire; otherwise, how could he be at ease?
The land clearer was a young cultivator, with a jade token hanging from his waist that signified his status as an inner sect disciple.
He naturally noticed Wang Chen’s approach, gripping his hoe with a wary expression.
“Wang Chen of Sunset Peak greets you, Senior Brother.”
Wang Chen halted about twenty paces away from the other man, clasped his fists in a respectful bow. “May I inquire your esteemed name, Senior Brother?”
Noticing Wang Chen’s courteous and measured demeanor, the young cultivator’s wary expression softened slightly, though his attitude remained frosty. “I am Zhao Huai’an of Sunset Peak.”
Zhao Huai’an?
The name struck Wang Chen as familiar, as if he had heard it mentioned somewhere before.
Suddenly, it dawned on him, and he blurted out, “You are the loose cultivator Zhao Huai’an who dared to confront the Golden Core true master and pleaded for justice?”
Wang Chen had been present at that event.
However, he had been quite a distance from the city gate, and amidst the throng of people, he had only heard Zhao Huai’an’s voice without catching a glimpse of his face.
Now, he felt as though he was meeting him for the first time.
Zhao Huai’an was quite handsome, with sharp features that radiated a resolute aura.
Yet, a scar at the corner of his left eye slightly marred his attractiveness.
The young cultivator replied lightly, “Indeed, I am the loose cultivator Zhao Huai’an!”
“My apologies.”
Wang Chen quickly realized his blunder—this man was now an inner sect disciple, just like himself!
Wang Chen had not anticipated that Zhao Huai’an was also a disciple of Sunset Peak.
After all, he had once been a central figure!
A mere loose cultivator who boldly exposed a human hunting case to a Golden Core true master, leading to a significant purge in the outer sect of the Yunyang Sect and altering the entire landscape of Yunshan City.
Some speculated that Zhao Huai’an was merely a pawn used by Grandmaster Ji Guandao to cleanse the sect.
Yet, it was undeniable that this loose cultivator had gained considerable fame from the ordeal.
Moreover, he was rewarded with a direct promotion to the inner sect, enjoying the privileges of a true disciple.
Were the privileges of a true disciple merely about farming?
Wang Chen pondered silently.
“It’s fine.”
Zhao Huai’an, expressionless, inquired, “Wang Shidi, do you have any other business?”
Wang Chen shook his head and said, “Senior Brother Zhao, I reside over there; you are welcome to visit my home sometime.”
As he spoke, Wang Chen gestured towards his dwelling.
Zhao Huai’an simply responded, “Hmm.”
Zhao Huai’an’s cold demeanor left Wang Chen feeling somewhat disgruntled.
He hadn’t taken anything from the man, and they were strangers without any grievances, so why the stern face?
Perhaps it would be wise to keep a respectful distance in the future!
Wang Chen concluded that this individual might be more trouble than he was worth.
And yet, he had settled right next to him.
It was rather irksome.
Initially, Wang Chen had intended to offer his assistance, believing that a good neighbor was better than a distant relative.
But he decided against it, swallowing his words.
Upon returning home, Wang Chen suddenly pondered a question.
The planting season had long passed.
The rice for this season was nearly ripe, so what was Zhao Huai’an doing plowing his spirit fields?
Even if he intended to plant rice, it would have to wait until next spring!
Could he be planning to grow vegetables?
Would the Administrative Hall permit such a thing?
Never mind.
Wang Chen stroked his chin, too indifferent to dwell on Zhao Huai’an’s affairs any longer.
In the next moment, his attention was captured by the five Tongtong fruits on the table.
Wang Chen instinctively reached for the spirit beast bag hanging from his belt.
Yuan Yuan had slipped away unnoticed!
Gazing at the Tongtong fruits, Wang Chen felt a mix of amusement and warmth.
Pe551
Thanks for the chapter 🍎