C20 Lau Qi Had Broken Through to the Grade Eight Sect
Lau Qi was eager to take the Marrow Cleansing Pill. Chen Feng looked at him and inquired, "Have you made it through the Body Refining Pavilion at 100 times gravity?"
Lau Qi gave an awkward smile. "Not yet."
Lau Qi had spent the last few days alternating between missions and training in the Body Refining Pavilion. Despite not having succeeded, his strength had noticeably improved, something Chen Feng had observed without judgment.
Chen Feng nodded at Lau Qi, "Later, when you enter the Body Refining Pavilion with 100 times gravity, take the Marrow Cleansing Pill. If you pass, your talent will be further enhanced. But failure could compromise your foundation. The choice is yours."
He added with gravity, "Alternatively, you can take it here and now, and I'll safeguard you during the process."
Chen Feng preferred Lau Qi to face the trial in the Body Refining Pavilion, where the pill's potency could reach its zenith under extreme pressure. A First-rate Talent might even ascend to Top Talent status. However, failure could significantly damage his foundation.
Previously known for his playful demeanor, Lau Qi was unusually solemn. To catch up with Lu Xueqi and Xiao Yan, he had to take the risk as Chen Feng suggested.
Failure would mean a setback to his foundation, risking being outpaced by his peers in the Profound Heaven Sect and losing his status as a True Inheritance Disciple.
After a moment of contemplation, Lau Qi addressed Chen Feng with earnest resolve, "I am willing to take the chance."
Chen Feng nodded, pleased. Should Lau Qi fail, he was prepared to invest in restoring his foundation. The System Merchant Shop certainly had the necessary pills; it was just a question of points. To Chen Feng, any issue solvable with points was no issue at all.
Su Yu and the others rallied behind Lau Qi's decision. Faced with the same crossroads, they too would have chosen to brave the Body Refining Pavilion, for it was the only way to stay abreast of the Profound Heaven Sect's pace.
When Lau Qi entered the Body Refining Pavilion, Chen Feng and the others were extremely concerned. The rest of the group waited outside with patience, their bond akin to that of siblings despite the brief time they had known each other.
"Congratulations to Lau Qi for passing the secret realm with a hundredfold difficulty," announced the system's mechanical voice.
A collective sigh of relief washed over everyone as they relaxed.
Upon seeing Lau Qi emerge, Chen Feng quickly went to her aid, propping her up and administering a Beginner Recovery Pill and a Beginner Healing Pill.
Lau Qi cast a grateful glance at Chen Feng and began to slowly assimilate the medicinal power within her. She was solely driven by her sheer willpower at this point. Without Chen Feng's support and the pills, she would have likely passed out much earlier.
Eventually, Lau Qi's strength returned. The ordeal had been grueling, but the rewards were substantial.
Name: Lau Qi (Top Talent)
Strength: Seventh Layer of Body Refining
Cultivation Techniques: Tendon Altering Marrow Cleansing Sutra, Wave-like Subtle Step (Small Completion), Wind Breaking Slash (Entry)
Physique: Light Spirit Body
Qualifications: Comprehension 8, Bone Root 9, Predestined Blessing 8, Willpower 9
Chen Feng beamed at Lau Qi, "Not only has your strength increased, but your talent has undergone a transformation. You've now successfully ascended to the ranks of Top Talent."
Lau Qi, buoyed by Chen Feng's words, felt his hardships were worthwhile, having moved a step closer to his goals.
The other disciples offered their congratulations to Lau Qi, and even Lu Xueqi gave him an approving nod, which moved him deeply.
"Ding!"
"Congratulations to the host's personal disciple, Lau Qi, for evolving into a Top Talent!"
"Reward: Exclusive Cultivation Method: Hundred-change Celestial Sutra!"
Chen Feng paused, puzzled. Weren't Exclusive Cultivation Methods only awarded to personal disciples? Why then, did Lau Qi receive one?
Name: Hundred-change Celestial Sutra (Exclusive to Lau Qi)
Level: Holy Grade Cultivation Method
Description: The Heaven's Secrets are ever-changing, and this technique allows for the transformation of all things, creating illusions indistinguishable from reality. The secrets of the heavens remain elusive.
This cultivation technique is incredible! If I ever make a breakthrough and the Heavenly Dao unleashes the Thunder Tribulation, I could simply transform into someone else and sail through the breakthrough.
It can also create illusions of all sorts, perfect for deceiving and ambushing others—a must-have for any nefarious deed!
Chen Feng clapped Lau Qi on the shoulder with enthusiasm, exclaiming, "Nicely done!"
Lau Qi winced and convulsed in response. Chen Feng's pat wasn't particularly forceful, but Lau Qi was completely drained of strength, making the gesture feel immensely heavy to him.
Chen Feng handed the Hundred-change Celestial Sutra to Lau Qi, advising, "Rest up. I'll need your help with something this afternoon."
With that, Chen Feng departed, casting a glance at the Profound Heaven Sect. It was time to elevate it to a Grade Eight Sect.
...
By noon, all the disciples had assembled in the grand hall.
Lau Qi's gaze towards Chen Feng had transformed, filled with newfound respect. He hadn't anticipated receiving a Holy Grade Cultivation Method from Chen Feng, one that seemed custom-made for him.
Lu Xueqi watched Chen Feng with a hint of awe, murmuring, "What other secrets do you hold?"
Chen Feng's casual distribution of Divine and Holy Grade Cultivation Methods was unheard of, even in ancient times!
Chen Feng addressed the gathered crowd, turning to Lau Qi, "You're the quickest among us. Head to Essence Opening City immediately and request the Sect Association's certification for our advancement."
He then handed a Low Grade Essence Stone to Lau Qi, adding, "Take this Essence Stone, just in case you run into trouble."
The disciples buzzed with excitement at Chen Feng's announcement. Their sect was on the brink of becoming a Grade Eight Sect. A stronger sect meant stronger members, and the difference between disciples of a Grade Eight Sect and a Grade Nine Sect was night and day.
Lau Qi accepted the Essence Stone from Chen Feng, nodded, and with a flourish of the Wave-like Subtle Step, vanished in an instant.
The others watched Lau Qi's swift departure in awe, realizing why the Sect Master had declared him the fastest among them.
Xiao Yan and Lau Qi were contemplating the unique talents of each disciple recruited by their Sect Master. Lau Qi, with her Light Spirit Body, excels in speed, and after mastering the latter parts of the Hundred-change Celestial Sutra, she is bound to grow even stronger. Dao Kun had previously demonstrated his impressive Blade Dao Talent, which took everyone by surprise.
Chen Feng opened his eyes, sensing that Lau Qi had returned to the sect with an elder in tow, likely a representative from the Sect Association. Chen Feng hurried to the outer court, knowing that even after the sect's promotion, he would need to continue his secluded cultivation.
Meanwhile, an elder was praising Lau Qi, "Young Lau truly possesses a remarkable gift. Your abilities are astonishing for someone so young!" He beamed at Lau Qi, having been unable to keep pace with her on their journey, despite his own status at the Body Refining Peak, compared to Lau Qi's Level Seven.
Lau Qi responded with a smile, "I still have a long way to go before I can compare to you, Senior." The elder stroked his beard, pleased with Lau Qi's humility. Not only was she immensely talented, but she also showed respect for her elders and kindness to the younger generation—a truly promising prospect. He admired the grandeur of the Profound Heaven Sect's architecture, noting that it surpassed the Blazing Fire Sect in every aspect. It was clear to him that only a sect of this caliber could cultivate a talent like Lau Qi.
Chen Feng appeared before Lau Qi. She introduced him to the elder, "This is Chen Feng, the Sect Master of our Profound Heaven Sect." Turning to Chen Feng, she said, "And this is Elder Wang Yuan from the Essence Opening City's Sect Association."
Chen Feng greeted Elder Wang with a bow, "Elder Wang, thank you for visiting our Profound Heaven Sect despite your busy schedule. If there's anything lacking in our hospitality, please accept my apologies." Elder Wang was startled by Chen Feng's sudden appearance, confirming the rumors of the Sect Master's formidable strength.
Elder Wang, not daring to assume the posture of a Sect Association elder, quickly responded, "Young Lau has been a gracious host. Without further ado, let us proceed with the assessment."
Chen Feng nodded in agreement. Elder Wang then stated solemnly, "To elevate from a Grade Nine to a Grade Eight Sect, the first requirement is for the Sect Master to achieve a breakthrough to the Golden Core Stage."
Wang Yuan glanced at Chen Feng and quickly added, "I'm aware that Sect Master Chen must be at the Golden Core Stage, but according to the rules of the Sect Association, we still need Sect Master Chen to demonstrate his power."
Wang Yuan was simply following protocol, and Chen Feng had no intention of making an issue out of it. Without hesitation, he revealed the formidable presence of his Golden Core Level Two.
Both Wang Yuan and Lau Qi were taken aback, struggling to withstand the sudden onslaught of Chen Feng's aura. They hadn't expected him to reveal his strength so abruptly, catching them off guard.
Wang Yuan found himself struggling to keep up. Age had taken its toll on him, and his vitality had waned. Despite possessing the strength of Body Refining Peak, he felt somewhat less capable than Lau Qi.
"Please, Sect Master Chen, withdraw your aura," Wang Yuan implored urgently.
Chen Feng withdrew his aura, offering a slight smile. This demonstration was also a strategic move to showcase the might of the Profound Heaven Sect.
Wiping the beads of sweat from his brow, Wang Yuan noted that Chen Feng's aura surpassed even that of the Blazing Fire Sect's fiercest flames. At just twenty years old, Chen Feng seemed to possess the power of Golden Core Level Seven, perhaps even approaching Level Eight.
However, Wang Yuan was overthinking it. Chen Feng was currently at Golden Core Level Two, yet his capabilities might very well rival those at Golden Core Level Seven.
After regaining his composure, Wang Yuan continued, "Sect Master Chen has met the first requirement, and Lau Qi possesses the strength of the Body Refining Stage. The Profound Heaven Sect is certainly eligible for promotion to a Grade Eight Sect."
In reality, the criteria for promotion to a Grade Eight Sect were straightforward: the sect master had to reach the Golden Core Stage, and there had to be disciples at the Body Refining Stage.
Wang Yuan produced an Essence Iron Level Token, engraved with the name Profound Heaven Sect, signifying its status as a Grade Eight Sect.
Chen Feng paused, slightly taken aback. Was it really this straightforward?
The incident at Essence Opening City, where Chen Feng had slain Wey Feng, the great elder of the Blazing Fire Sect, was common knowledge in the surrounding areas. It was only a matter of time before Sect Master Chen Feng of the Profound Heaven Sect would ascend to the Golden Core Stage and the sect would be promoted.
Thus, the Hundred Sect Alliance had prepared the Profound Heaven Sect's token well in advance. The promotion of the sect was expected, and they had brought the token with them. Normally, crafting a sect promotion token would take about three days—how could it be ready so quickly?
Wang Yuan passed the token to Chen Feng with a smile, "Congratulations, Sect Master Chen. The Profound Heaven Sect is now officially a Grade Eight Sect."
Chen Feng returned the smile, "My thanks, Elder Wang. Why not stay for a simple meal? It would be my pleasure to extend our hospitality."
Wang Yuan, eager to return and deliver his report, had no time for a meal and declined the invitation without a second thought.
Seeing this, Chen Feng didn't press further and simply instructed Lau Qi to escort Wang Yuan down the mountain.
As they reached the base of Kunlun Mountain, Lau Qi presented a Low Grade Essence Stone to Wang Yuan.
"This is a token of appreciation from the Sect Master. Please, Elder Wang, accept this humble gesture."
Wang Yuan eyed the Low Grade Essence Stone with desire. In his line of work, benefits were common from any sect, but none showed the largesse of the Profound Heaven Sect, offering a Low Grade Essence Stone outright.
Without showing any emotion, Wang Yuan accepted the stone. Despite not needing it for himself, he knew it would be invaluable for the cultivation of his younger relatives.
