Chapter 195
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Chapter 195: In the Mortal Realm (Part 2)
At the Qianjing Grand Celestial Mansion,
Cao Chengping, the chief celestial guardian of the Yunyang Sect, received the eight newly appointed celestial guardians in the Star Observation Pavilion.
This Purple Palace master was ancient, his face gaunt and skin cracked, with long white hair trailing to the ground. His eyes were clouded, exuding a sense of settle energy.
It was evident to all that he was nearing the end of his lifespan.
A hundred years in Qi Training, two hundred in the Purple Palace, five hundred in Golden Core, and a thousand in Yuan Ying.
Though the world of cultivation offered various methods to extend life, it was already a rarity for an ordinary Purple Palace master to surpass two hundred years, as both practicing techniques and engaging in combat could deplete one’s lifespan.
For someone like Cao Chengping, with so little time left, to hold a celestial guardian position in the Mortal Realm easily brought to mind two words:
Discarded piece!
Yet Cao Chengping’s composure was profound, betraying no hint of resentment or discontent, his demeanor utterly serene.
He treated the eight new celestial guardians with great kindness.
He earnestly explained to his disciples the duties and authorities of the celestial guardians, along with crucial prohibitions.
There was a clear distinction between immortals and mortals. As representatives of the Yunyang Sect in Da Qian, while the celestial guardians wielded considerable power, they were not to act without restraint.
The Purple Palace master then specifically stressed the importance of collecting spiritual materials during their tenure.
Submitting spiritual materials would be rewarded, even with spirit pills!
The spirit pill was an exceedingly precious elixir, aiding cultivators with perfect mastery of Qi Training in breaking through to open a house.
Consuming it not only increased the likelihood of a successful breakthrough but also safeguarded the cultivator’s heart pulse and Dantians.
Even if the promotion failed, their lives would be spared.
A single spirit pill could fetch up to ten thousand contribution points in the Elder Teaching Hall!
Moreover, cultivators with perfect mastery of Qi Training should ideally prepare at least two spirit pills to maximize their success rate in breaking through to open a house.
Thus, upon hearing that spirit pills were among the rewards, many disciples showed keen interest.
Though these noble-born disciples held fairly prominent status, their limited talents made it difficult to receive substantial resource allocations from their families. Securing even a single spirit pill during their breakthrough was akin to ancestral blessings.
For them, a single spirit pill was indeed a treasure!
However, Wang Chen quietly found it peculiar.
The Mortal Realm was a land devoid of spiritual energy; without any natural spiritual power, cultivators would degrade in rank if they stayed long without replenishment.
So why were there still spiritual materials?
He wished to inquire further, but after Cao Chengping finished speaking, a trace of weariness appeared on his face. He waved his sleeve and said, “You will all stay here tonight. Tomorrow morning, you will each proceed to your posts.”
With that, the Purple Palace master closed his eyes.
The disciples exchanged glances.
Seeing Cao Chengping in such a state, no one wished to disturb him further, so they followed the maid out of the Star Observation Pavilion to their resting quarters.
Soon, the Star Observation Pavilion was enveloped in silence.
Cao Chengping sat cross-legged on the mat, utterly motionless. His breath was barely perceptible, and his heart only beat after long intervals.
After half an hour, the Purple Palace master abruptly opened his eyes.
A sharp gleam flashed in his gaze, replacing the previous dullness: “Enter.”
The door creaked open, and a young cultivator stepped in, kneeling and performing a deep bow: “Nephew Cao Depeng, paying respects to Uncle Ancestor!”
It was none other than Brother Cao, who had journeyed with Wang Chen!
In the presence of Cao Chengping, all his former arrogance vanished; he was now the picture of reverence and obedience.
“Rise.”
Cao Chengping gestured lightly: “Do you know why I sent you to Pingbo City?”
Cao Depeng replied cautiously: “Nephew is unaware. Please enlighten me, Uncle Ancestor.”
Cao Chengping stood and explained: “Pingbo City lies by the sea. Though it is a county capital, it is a hub for the rare treasures of the three seas, teeming with spiritual materials.”
“I don’t care how you do it, but you must secure these spiritual materials. Do you understand?”
Cao Depeng quickly responded, “Nephew understands.”
“In truth, you do not.”
Cao Chengping shook his head: “This matter concerns the survival of the Cao family. Though your role is small, there is no room for error. Do you understand?”
His tone was severe, and the atmosphere in the Star Observation Pavilion grew heavy.
Cao Depeng broke into a cold sweat and immediately knelt again: “Nephew understands!”
“Go.”
Cao Chengping waved his hand: “Do not fear challenges. With me here, you may act boldly.”
Cao Depeng trembled: “Yes.”
After dismissing his nephew, Cao Chengping couldn’t help but shake his head.
The Cao family was indeed declining with each generation; among the direct descendants, few were worthy.
Yet, in these uncertain times, he had no other choice.
When Cao Depeng returned to his quarters, five others were waiting for him.
In front of these fellow disciples, he immediately puffed up: “Rest assured, everyone. Once we arrive, we’ll do well. Uncle Ancestor will watch over us!”
These inner sect disciples hailed from various cultivation families; some were dependent on the Cao family, while others were allies.
Their status paled in comparison to Cao Depeng’s, so they formed a small group with him as their leader.
With Cao Depeng’s assurance, the disciples brightened: “We’re fortunate to follow Brother Cao!”
“Brother Cao is truly righteous!”
“Indeed.”
Cao Depeng accepted their flattery with a smile, saying, “Enough of that.”
He then asked: “Does anyone know who that Wang Chen is?”
One disciple hesitated before replying: “I only know he’s from Sunset Peak. For more details, we’d need to send word home for inquiries.”
“Never mind.”
Cao Depeng frowned: “As long as he doesn’t interfere with us, we need not concern ourselves with him.”
“If he’s foolish enough to cross us…”
A malicious glint flashed in his eyes: “In the Qian Kingdom’s one hundred and twenty-six counties, one less celestial guardian won’t matter!”
Cao Depeng’s words dripped with killing intent, and those around him nodded in agreement, seeing nothing amiss.
Someone asked: “What about Fei Xinghe?”
“Fei Xinghe?”
Cao Depeng sneered: “What use is that waste? If I tell him to go east, would he dare to go west?”
“Remember, our true rivals are the second batch of arrivals.”
“We must unite, or these three years will be wasted!”
The group swore oaths, pledging to follow Cao Depeng and work together.
Cao Depeng grew more pleased as he listened, clapping his hands: “Come! I’ll take you to the finest tavern in Qianjing to savor the flavors of the mortal world and witness its unique sights!”
In truth, no one cared much for the mortal world’s flavors or sights.
After all, with the divide between immortals and mortals, what could a land devoid of spiritual energy offer to cultivators?
But Cao Depeng was enthusiastic, and no one dared to spoil the moment.
Thus, they all chimed in agreement and followed him out of the Qianjing Grand Celestial Mansion.
