C13 Essence Opening City Lord Golden Essence Sword Body(2)

Chen Feng was surprisingly amenable, but little did anyone know that it was only after seeing the mission posted by the system that he became so agreeable.

Lee Tongxuan expressed his gratitude, "Then I must thank Sect Master Chen. Although Essence Opening City doesn't offer rewards as lavish as County City and the Kingdom, we will still ensure that the participants are duly rewarded."

At that moment, Lee Tongxuan was filled with joy. The rift with the Blazing Fire Sect was widening, and if they were to represent Essence Opening City in the Grand Competition, it would be a blow to his pride.

"The Essence Opening City selection will take place in ten days, followed by the County City selection. The Kingdom selection will commence in three months. Sect Master Chen, please make sure you're prepared."

Chen Feng pondered briefly. There was ample time. Lu Xueqi should have no trouble breaking through to the Extreme Stage within ten days.

Rising to his feet, Chen Feng offered a respectful gesture, "Then I shall take my leave to make preparations. My thanks for your hospitality today, City Lord."

Lee Tongxuan also stood and signaled to Lee Qian, "Please escort Sect Master Chen on his way."

Without objection, Chen Feng paused before voicing his innermost thoughts, "The Royal Family can be most heartless. City Lord, please proceed with caution."

Lee Tongxuan was taken aback by Chen Feng's words. Did Chen Feng know something? Anger swelled within him – even here, at the fringes of civilization, they were relentless in their pursuit.

As a prince of the kingdom and a cultivator at the Golden Core Level Six, Lee Tongxuan's rightful place was in the Royal Capital. His presence in Essence Opening City suggested he might be facing pressure from the capital.

Lee Tongxuan clearly understood Chen Feng's warning, "I appreciate your counsel, Sect Master Chen. I will indeed tread carefully."

The poison within Lee Tongxuan remained latent. Practicing the Fire Attribute Cultivation Method, which dominates over metal, could potentially harm his meridians. Now, with the poison acting up, a breakthrough could sever his meridians and put his life at risk.

Chen Feng purchased a Beginner Antidote Pill and a Healing Pill from the System Merchant Shop and handed them to Lee Tongxuan, saying, "Should any danger arise, these items should help preserve your life."

Spending 100 points on the pills was also a gesture of gratitude for the City Lord's Demonic Beast Feast. When Chen Feng saw his remaining balance was just 99 points, he couldn't help but wince at the expense.

He chose not to share this with Lee Tongxuan, fearing it might strain their current relationship. After all, even if he spoke the truth, Tongxuan might not believe him and could grow more suspicious.

As Chen Feng walked away, Lee Tongxuan examined the pills in his hand, his surprise evident. He wondered if Chen Feng could possibly be an Alchemist.

Despite being classified as Grade One Pills, the Low-Grade Beginner Healing Pill and Antidote Pill were no ordinary items, coming from the system. With their Three-color Pill Pattern, these supreme Grade One Pills were even more effective than the average Grade Two Pills. In the Royal Capital, a Grade Two Pill Master was rare, and a Grade One Pill Master was revered and welcomed by all the major powers.

"This Chen Feng is extraordinary," Lee Tongxuan mused. "It'll be difficult to repay this kindness in the future."

If Chen Feng's warning held truth, the situation must be grave, potentially life-threatening, which explained the gift of such valuable pills. Lee Tongxuan felt a surge of relief, pleased with his decision to host Chen Feng.

Meanwhile, Chen Feng and Lu Xueqi strolled leisurely, savoring the moment together.

"The Three-pattern Grade One Pill is comparable to a Grade Two Pill, and yet you gave it away so freely. Doesn't that bother you?" Lu Xueqi inquired, looking at Chen Feng.

Chen Feng gazed back at Lu Xueqi, admiring her exquisite features—her oval face, pink lips, and rosy cheeks. "We have a connection, and Lee Tongxuan is no ordinary man. Moreover, I can obtain as many of these pills as I desire," he replied nonchalantly.

With a hint of boastfulness, Chen Feng alluded to the abundance of points at his disposal, ensuring he could secure as many pills as needed.

Lu Xueqi remained silent upon hearing Chen Feng's words. It was no surprise to her that the Sect Master, a bearer of Ancient Inheritance, possessed such items.

Unbeknownst to her, her confidence in Chen Feng was steadily growing.

...

The next morning, Chen Feng and Lu Xueqi rose early. The Profound Heaven Sect was in need of supplies, and Chen Feng was determined to make some purchases. It would be quite embarrassing for the Sect Master if the disciples arrived to find nothing at their disposal. All the items were conveniently stored in Lu Xueqi's storage ring.

Having money to spend was truly delightful, and the thrill of shopping was quite addictive. Chen Feng felt a bit drained, but despite the expense, he was pleased that the Profound Heaven Sect was now on the right path.

Chen Feng marveled at the storage ring in Lu Xueqi's hand, impressed by its capacity to hold so many items. He mused over their collective wealth; his own storage space would have been overflowing by now.

Chen Feng and Lu Xueqi reached the meeting place they had arranged with the others the day before. The disciples had been eagerly awaiting their arrival and quickly approached to offer their greetings.

"Sect Master!"

"Eldest Senior Sister!"

They called out affectionately.

All eleven disciples were present, each carrying their belongings with expressions of happiness on their faces.

Chen Feng's gaze swept over Xiao Yan, Lau Qi, Su Yu, Jiang Chen, Lin Goudan, Ye Xuan, Dao Kun, Zhang Rann, Lyi Tong, Su Chen, and Yuen Yang. These were the future disciples of the Profound Heaven Sect. He yearned to proclaim that from this moment forward, the stage belonged to the Profound Heaven Sect.

With a grand gesture, Chen Feng announced, "Let's set out and aim to return to the sect by this afternoon."

The crowd parted ways for them, having heard of the Profound Heaven Sect's growing reputation. Just yesterday, Sect Master Chen Feng's sword skills had overwhelmed the four elders, among whom was a Golden Core Stage powerhouse. The disciples following Chen Feng looked on with envy.

"Sect Master Chen, please wait a moment."

Chen Feng turned, a puzzled expression on his face, and asked, "And you are?"

"I am the patriarch of the Xiao family, Xiao Yan's father," the newcomer stated with a solemn and respectful demeanor.

Xiao Yan, recognizing his father, stepped forward from the group and addressed Chen Feng, "Sect Master, this is my father."

Chen Feng gave a nod of acknowledgment.

Xiao Yan presented a box to Chen Feng, his expression earnest as he spoke, "I hope Sect Master Chen will accept this modest gift. I ask that you look after my son within the sect."

Overcome with emotion, Xiao Yan found himself at a loss for words. His father had spent a considerable fortune on his cultivation over the years, depleting his savings. Though Xiao Yan was unaware of the contents of the box, he knew it was no trivial offering to the Sect Master.

Chen Feng accepted the box without hesitation. A quick scan by the system revealed ten Low Grade Spirit Stones inside, each faintly glowing and brimming with Spiritual Qi – indeed, items that could aid a martial artist's cultivation.

The Profound Heaven Sect was in a phase of growth, which naturally required various resources. Chen Feng passed the box to Lu Xueqi. Refusing the gift might have left the Xiao family patriarch uneasy. Accepting it would not only reassure him but also serve as an investment in Xiao Yan's future training.

The Xiao family patriarch watched as Chen Feng took the box and breathed a sigh of relief. Turning to Xiao Yan, he said, "You have chosen your own path. Train diligently at the Profound Heaven Sect. Should you be expelled, do not return; I will consider myself without a son."

He then addressed Chen Feng, "Please take good care of him, Sect Master Chen. I wish you a smooth journey ahead."

Chen Feng responded with a respectful bow, "Your trust will not be misplaced, patriarch."

With that, Chen Feng led the group towards the city gates.

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