Chapter 557

Chapter 557: Making an Impression

In the main hall of the sect, at the Merit Department.

After completing the procedures at the Sect Management Department, Wang Chen made his way to the Merit Department.

He presented his identity token and promptly checked his current contribution points.

The one hundred thousand contribution points awarded by Master Bai Jun had been credited!

Wang Chen’s confidence surged.

As the saying goes, money is the lifeblood of heroes, but in the West Sea Sect, the value of contribution points far surpasses that of spirit stones.

Many precious techniques and cultivation resources, even opportunities to enhance one’s own strength, cannot be purchased with spirit stones but can be exchanged for with contribution points.

In the past, when Wang Chen visited the Merit Department, he could only gaze longingly at the extensive exchange list.

Now, with one hundred thousand points, aside from a few extremely rare items and higher-level heavenly materials and treasures, he could generally exchange for anything he desired.

But the more points he had, the more cautious he became.

He meticulously browsed through the exchange list in the Merit Department, committing it all to memory.

Then he exchanged nothing!

In fact, Wang Chen had not intended to exchange anything during this visit to the Merit Department.

However, this list was essential to remember.

Wang Chen’s plan was to use these contribution points to exchange for materials to refine his life treasure. He had not yet even determined what kind of life treasure he needed, so how could he exchange for materials?

If he spent his points recklessly without a plan, in case he found he did not have enough contribution points to gather all the materials needed for refining his life treasure in the future, there would be no time for regret!

In the end, Wang Chen left the Merit Department under someone’s disapproving gaze.

Next, he headed for Wailing City.

When Wang Chen arrived at Wailing City, it was already dusk, and the immortal city was illuminated under the bright lights, presenting a completely different scene from the daytime.

Wang Chen went to Xiaoyao Pavilion.

Tonight, he had come at the invitation of Zuo Xiaomo.

“Senior Brother Wang!”

Zuo Xiaomo had been waiting at the door of Xiaoyao Pavilion, and upon seeing Wang Chen, he immediately broke into a joyful smile.

Wang Chen smiled back slightly, “Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Not at all!”

Zuo Xiaomo shook his head vigorously, “I arrived early.”

Under his guidance, the two of them entered a private room on the fifth floor of Xiaoyao Pavilion.

In fact, given Wang Chen’s current status, he was entirely qualified to go up to the sixth level.

However, as a newcomer to the Changhe lineage who did not want to draw attention, he chose not to use his status to book a higher floor for Zuo Xiaomo.

The private room was already filled with a dozen or so young cultivators, both male and female.

Upon seeing Wang Chen and Zuo Xiaomo, everyone stood up together.

“Come, come, come! Let me introduce everyone!”

Zuo Xiaomo laughed heartily, “This is Senior Brother Wang Chen, the true disciple of Changhe Zhenren!”

Wang Chen’s current status was not widely known, and only a select few were aware of it, but it wasn’t a closely guarded secret.

In fact, he was here tonight to back Zuo Xiaomo!

According to the sect’s rules, Meridian Disciples could sponsor a fellow disciple in their cultivation journey—somewhat akin to a mentor-student relationship.

But it was not a master and servant dynamic.

Although the sponsored disciple could not directly enter the veins, they held a preparatory status that would make entering the veins easier compared to other disciples.

There would also be more opportunities.

Originally, Wang Chen had intended to offer this chance to Zuo Xiaomo.

Zuo Xiaomo was initially very tempted, but after some reflection, he politely declined Wang Chen’s offer.

Zuo Xiaomo felt that his own abilities were insufficient to join the Changhe lineage for cultivation; he would only hold Wang Chen back and become a burden.

He relinquished this precious opportunity and instead asked Wang Chen to support him as a Meridian Disciple.

Thus, tonight’s banquet came to be.

“Greetings, Senior Brother Wang!”

All those present bowed to Wang Chen in unison.

Wang Chen returned the greeting, “Hello, everyone.”

Among the crowd, he recognized only one person—Lu Ling Shan.

Lu Ling Shan was Zuo Xiaomo’s partner, and the two were deeply in love. However, due to opposition from her family, they had not yet become true partners, and their relationship had faced many challenges.

Wang Chen had met Lu Ling Shan once when he served as Zuo Xiaomo’s guardian.

He had formed a very favorable impression of the intelligent and graceful female cultivator.

Tonight, Wang Chen’s support for Zuo Xiaomo was of great significance to Lu Ling Shan.

Most of the young cultivators present were members of the Lu family!

The primary reason Zuo Xiaomo had not gained the Lu family’s approval was his low status—whether as a member of the Zuo family’s side branch or as a former Outer Sect Disciple, he was deemed unworthy in the eyes of Lu Ling Shan’s family.

Lu Ling Shan was not only the daughter of the Lu family’s main lineage but also possessed exceptional cultivation talent, showing signs of reaching the Golden Core stage.

Thus, Zuo Xiaomo was like a toad lusting after a swan; if it weren’t for Lu Ling Shan’s determination, the two would have been forcibly separated long ago.

Recently, the Lu family had spread word that they were seeking a suitable partner for Lu Ling Shan.

This had left Zuo Xiaomo in a state of panic.

He had even considered eloping with Lu Ling Shan.

Fortunately, Wang Chen had returned.

Moreover, he had joined the Changhe Sect and become a true disciple of a Golden Core true master.

For the sake of his lifelong happiness, Zuo Xiaomo swallowed his pride and begged Wang Chen for assistance.

With Wang Chen, a Golden Core disciple, stepping in, the Lu family would have no choice but to show some respect and would not dare to force Lu Ling Shan to sever ties with Zuo Xiaomo.

Wang Chen understood his role perfectly, so after taking his seat, he engaged in lively conversation with the Lu family disciples.

Some of these disciples had come with the intention of testing the waters; upon witnessing the close bond between Wang Chen and Zuo Xiaomo, they exchanged uneasy glances.

They knew better than to offend a Golden Core disciple.

The Lu family was also in a difficult position!

It should be noted that Changhe Zhenren was no ordinary Golden Core cultivator; he was ranked within the top ten in the sect, with a promising chance of breaking through to the Golden Core stage.

If this Golden Core cultivator were to speak up, how many of the numerous cultivation families within the West Sea Sect would dare to refuse him respect?

A few Lu family disciples pondered this and decided to set aside their pride and reservations to curry favor with Wang Chen.

As for Zuo Xiaomo and Lu Ling Shan, who had been exchanging secret glances and subtle gestures, they were now completely ignored.

The atmosphere at the banquet was lively and warm.

Just as the festivities reached their peak, a cold voice suddenly rang out from outside the private room: “Where is Wang Chen?”

As the voice echoed, the door to the room was forcefully flung open with a loud bang.

Zuo Xiaomo was incensed and was about to rise and berate the intruder, but his sleeve was tugged by the visibly anxious Lu Ling Shan beside him.

Her face was filled with urgency as she signaled to him.

Zuo Xiaomo froze in place.

Standing at the doorway was a stunningly beautiful woman dressed in snow-white robes.

Though her features were exquisitely delicate, her icy gaze sent a chill through the room.

As her eyes swept across the gathering, the Lu family disciples instinctively lowered their heads.

None dared to meet her gaze!

This woman radiated an extraordinary aura, and her cultivation level had reached the higher level of the Purple Palace.

The white-clad woman’s gaze finally settled on Wang Chen.

In an instant, her eyes were as sharp as blades, “You are Wang Chen?”