prynovel Chapter 153 Cooperation
Chapter 153 Cooperation
Chapter 153 Cooperation
The moment the sphere of qi condensed into shape, a terrifying pressure, like a hurricane, instantly filled the entire VIP room.
The palm-sized sphere seemed to be compressed to its limit, with faint flashes of electricity inside, as if it were filled with power capable of destroying the world.
The first to be affected was Liu Chengzhi, who had not yet broken through to the Gang Jin level. Under the impact of this pressure, the hair on his body stood on end, and he felt as if he was suffocating, so he involuntarily took a few steps back.
Even Liu Donglin couldn't help but change his expression slightly, and caught off guard, he was almost forced to take a step back by the impact. Of course, he only moved his body slightly to offset the impact.
Chu Xuan quickly withdrew his internal energy.
His refined internal energy was only one-tenth of the Prison Suppression Internal Energy, but it should be about the same as the Four Harmonies True Internal Energy.
"Such domineering internal energy! Such powerful pressure! It's definitely the Four Directions True Qi!"
Liu Donglin's eyes lit up, and he was overjoyed.
Chu Xuan actually mastered the Four Harmonies True Qi. If the news gets out, his ranking on the Wind and Cloud Ranking will definitely be in the top twenty!
If a cooperation can be reached, the Liu family will have struck gold!
It was only because the Liu family was the first to learn about Chu Xuan's situation that they were the first to make contact. Otherwise, once the news spread, other second-rate forces would have followed suit, and even first-rate forces might have extended olive branches to Chu Xuan.
"Nephew Chu, you truly amaze me! I never expected you to master the Four Harmonies True Qi so quickly! Your Qi seems even more profound than the Four Harmonies True Qi that others have condensed! This shows that this technique is very suitable for you. If you cultivate it to perfection, you might really have a chance to condense the Prison Suppressing Qi!" Liu Donglin said excitedly.
"Uncle Liu, you flatter me. Mastering the Prison Suppression Technique is extremely difficult!" Chu Xuan said modestly.
"Haha, Nephew Chu, there's no need to belittle yourself!"
Liu Donglin laughed and comforted him, "The Eight Desolate Prison Suppressing Force is an unparalleled martial art created by the Great Ancestor of the Great Yong Dynasty! Not to mention our Lingxiao Mansion, even in the entire Great Yong Dynasty, apart from the royal family, there are very few who have mastered it! Even if one masters the Four Harmony True Qi, it would be enough to dominate the younger generation."
After exchanging pleasantries, everyone sat down again.
Liu Donglin quickly revealed the purpose of his visit to Chu Xuan: "Nephew Chu, to be honest, the reason I had Cheng Zhi invite you here is to ask you to become a retainer of my Liu family! Of course, this retainer is different from what Cheng Zhi mentioned last time. To be precise, it should be said that my Liu family wants to sponsor you!"
"Sponsorship?"
Chu Xuan raised an eyebrow.
Liu Donglin's expression also turned serious as he said, "That's right, it's a grant, unconditionally! At the very least, before you break through to True Essence, or even Core Formation, our Liu family doesn't need you to do anything! If one day you really break through to Core Formation, our Liu family still doesn't need you to do anything, we just hope that you can provide protection for our Liu family to the best of your ability."
Chu Xuan was surprised.
These conditions are far too lenient!
Before he could even make any promises to the Liu family, the Liu family was already making promises for him to make to the Liu family themselves?
Chu Xuan asked in surprise, "Don't you need me to perform some tasks? Such as sheltering, escorting, or finding spiritual herbs?"
As far as I know, other families also perform these rituals in their offerings.
Liu Donglin smiled and shook his head, saying, "These are things that ordinary worshippers do. Of course, the other worshippers in my Liu family also have to do them, otherwise wouldn't it be a waste of effort? But to ask a prodigy like you, Nephew Chu, to do these tasks is a bit like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. It's a pure waste and will only delay your cultivation."
My Liu family has no shortage of martial artists with the Qi Refining Realm! These tasks will naturally be assigned to others. Nephew Chu, what you need to do is cultivate, quickly enter the True Essence Realm, and even condense the Core Formation—”
Chu Xuan didn't speak, but listened attentively.
Liu Donglin continued, "Of course, there are still some restrictions. For example, if your cultivation progresses slowly in the later stages, and you do not break through to the True Essence realm within ten years, or if you do not make any further progress after breaking through to the True Essence realm, my Liu family can choose to terminate the cooperation. We can part ways amicably, and as for the resources provided in the past, you do not need to repay them."
I hope my nephew Chu can understand this. After all, the Liu family's resources are also limited.
Chu Xuan nodded in understanding.
For him, this restriction was practically nonexistent.
However, the Liu family's conditions were far too good, so good that he hesitated.
Although Liu Donglin has not yet mentioned the specifics of the funding, it is unlikely to be low, otherwise Liu Donglin would not have needed to personally intervene.
After a moment, Chu Xuan asked his question: "Uncle Liu, my ranking on the Popularity Ranking isn't very high. The Liu family should have had better options, right? Why did they choose me?"
Liu Donglin smiled but didn't answer immediately. Instead, he asked, "Nephew Chu, do you know how first-rate and second-rate forces are distinguished within Lingxiao Prefecture?"
Chu Xuan shook his head.
He only knew the general outline; it was something Liu Chengzhi had mentioned casually.
Liu Donglin said, "There's no need to talk about third-rate forces. With your current strength, Nephew Chu, you are capable of creating a third-rate force in Lingxiao Prefecture!"
Second-rate forces are also divided into three tiers. Those without True Essence are at the bottom, while those with True Essence are in the middle.
With a Core Formation Realm elder presiding over them, they are considered the top of the second-rate forces!
As for first-rate forces—”
He paused for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "Only with a stable core-condensing realm expert in place can a force be considered a first-rate power!"
The so-called stability naturally means continuous and uninterrupted.
A Core Formation Realm expert's lifespan exceeds three hundred years, far surpassing that of ordinary people, but even they can die of old age or from accidents. The strength of a top-tier power lies in the ability to produce another Core Formation Realm expert, or even create a new one, after the death of such an expert!
"I see!" Chu Xuan exclaimed in realization.
Previously, he really didn't understand the division of these forces.
However, after understanding the situation clearly, I felt the power of the Xuan Yang Sect even more!
As expected of the overlord of Lingxiao Prefecture, a transcendent being above all other forces.
Almost all the elders of the Xuan Yang Sect are Core Formation experts! There are dozens of such experts in the Xuan Yang Sect!
As for the peak masters and sect leaders, they are undoubtedly more powerful, but they are too far removed from him. He can't even hear rumors about them, let alone come into contact with them.
Liu Donglin continued, "My Liu family's ancestor was a powerful cultivator at the Core Formation Realm! This is the key to the Liu family's position at the top of the second-rate forces. To be honest, my nephew, my ancestor is nearing the end of his life and can probably only live for another twenty or thirty years at most."
Once our ancestor passes away, my Liu family will be completely unable to produce a second Core Formation Realm expert. At that time, let alone advancing to the first-class level, the entire Liu family will probably become fish meat to be slaughtered by other forces!
"Our Liu family must prepare in advance! Since there are no outstanding talents in our family to shoulder the responsibility, we can only look for them within the Xuan Yang Sect!"
Chu Xuan nodded.
It's easy to tell that Liu Donglin is genuinely sincere, and he doesn't even mind revealing his own shortcomings.
Of course, what he said wasn't any secret information; it could be found out with a little inquiry.
"As for the question you asked, Nephew Chu—"
After a moment of silence, Liu Donglin said, "The top ten, or even the top twenty, geniuses on the Wind and Cloud Ranking are either descendants of those peak masters and elders, who don't need the resources of my Liu family at all, or they have already been recruited by the major first-class forces!"
Of course, even so, my Liu family still has many choices. There are two reasons why we chose you:
Firstly, we value your character; after all, we don't want to raise an ungrateful child. In fact, our Liu family had already started paying attention to you and collecting information about you as early as when Cheng Zhi first met you.
They even sent people to Qingshan City to investigate. Of course, it was just to inquire; they had no intention of disturbing your family. Even so, your master and senior brother still discovered and warned them!
Secondly, we believe your potential has been underestimated! Your ranking on the popularity charts is far more than your current twenty-seventh place!
Liu Donglin's main point was sincerity, and he told all the details, clearly not wanting Chu Xuan to have any resentment.
If they cooperate, Chu Xuan will inevitably learn from Lu Tong that the Liu family investigated him when he returns home. Anyone would feel uncomfortable if they found out then, so it's better to say it now.
Of course, the most important point was not mentioned!
That is, City Lord Jiang Wang seems to think highly of Chu Xuan, and has personally received him. There are even rumors that Jiang Wang has adopted Chu Xuan as his godson!
This is the key reason why the Liu family decided to bet on Chu Xuan!
Chu Xuan pondered for a moment, then remained silent.
Undeterred, Liu Donglin smiled and continued, "As for the support my Liu family can provide, it will be no less than what a top-tier power offers! Before you reach the True Essence realm, we can provide five Nine-Turn True Essence Pills or other pills of equivalent quality every month. If you can break through to the True Essence realm within ten years, it's simple, the support will still be the same as a top-tier power. If you can break through to the True Essence realm within five years—"
Liu Donglin smiled and said, "That's even simpler! No limits! Whatever you want, if my Liu family has it, we can give it to you!"
Chu Xuan couldn't help but show a moved expression.
The Liu family is going all in, risking everything on themselves, with a "do or die" mentality.
Of course, breaking through to the True Essence realm within ten years is not difficult, and one would be considered an outstanding individual among the inner disciples.
As for breaking through to True Essence within five years, that puts Tong Hao and his ilk on the same level, and they would definitely be accepted as disciples by the elders.
Of course, the Liu family didn't lose out either. Although they didn't have a Core Formation Realm expert in charge, they had established a connection with one, and there was some mutual respect between them.
After pondering for a moment, Chu Xuan finally decided to agree.
The Liu family showed great sincerity and imposed few restrictions on him.
With the resources provided by the Liu family, he can dedicate more time to cultivation. While he's weak now, the Liu family can offer him some protection; once he becomes stronger, he can repay the Liu family—it's a win-win situation!
Of course, another point is that without a beneficiary, his shady income would be impossible to clean up.
For example, the contribution points he obtained from the Qian family this time are all stuck in his hands and he can't spend them at all. After all, since he entered the Xuan Yang Sect, he has hardly carried out any missions except for staying in the Hundred Beast Garden.
If there are too many contribution points, even a fool would know there's a problem.
If they received financial assistance from the Liu family, then they wouldn't have this concern.
"Thank you for your high regard, Uncle Liu. I am willing to cooperate with the Liu family!" Chu Xuan said solemnly.
"Ha ha----"
Liu Donglin burst into laughter, "Nephew, you're too kind! From now on, we're family."
Chu Xuan thought they were going to sign a contract or something, but Liu Donglin waved his hand dismissively and said it wasn't necessary!
With Chu Xuan's current strength, if the Liu family wants to break the contract, does Chu Xuan dare to say anything? Similarly, if Chu Xuan becomes powerful and is unwilling to protect the Liu family, does the Liu family think they can take the contract to the Xuan Yang Sect to sue Chu Xuan?
So-called contracts are nothing but worthless pieces of paper!
The key is still action.
After chatting for a while, Chu Xuan politely declined Liu Donglin's invitation to a banquet and then took his leave.
"Junior Brother Chu, becoming a retainer of my Liu family brings more than just these obvious benefits. There are many more that my uncle hasn't mentioned."
For example, you'll receive 3,000 contribution points every month. Also, you'll enjoy a 20% discount when participating in auctions in the future!
As they walked, Liu Chengzhi explained to Chu Xuan, "By the way, there's an auction the day after tomorrow. Do you want to attend?"
"The day after tomorrow? Please save me a seat."
Chu Xuan nodded, then casually said, "By the way, Senior Brother Liu, are there any high-end black markets in Lingxiao City, such as resources for Gang Jin martial artists? I'm planning to sell some things."
"Sell the items? You can sell them directly to Wanbaolou—"
Liu Chengzhi said subconsciously, but he understood Chu Xuan's meaning halfway through his sentence.
Clearly, what Chu Xuan wanted to sell was something that couldn't be done openly; otherwise, he would have sold it directly to Wanbaolou instead of asking him for advice.
He chuckled and said, "Junior Brother Chu, are you looking for information about Wuyi Lane?"
"Wuyi Lane?" Chu Xuan raised an eyebrow.
Liu Chengzhi laughed and said, "Wuyi Lane is not an alley, but an organization, similar to our Wanbaolou, except one is overt and the other covert. What they buy and sell is mostly—well, you know."
They don't have many requirements regarding the origin of the goods or the identity of the clients. They also organize underground auctions, which attract many powerful groups, but everyone keeps their identities hidden.
Chu Xuan asked a few more questions, and after understanding the general situation, he took his leave.
However, he did not leave, but planned to stay in Lingxiao City for two days and wait until after the auction.
His purpose was not the auction, but to sell the goods he had bought from the Qian family during this time.
Of course, before that, you need to buy a house so you have a place to stay in Lingxiao City.
the other side.
After seeing Chu Xuan off, Liu Chengzhi returned to the VIP room.
Liu Donglin remained seated, his expression somewhat grave, seemingly tinged with worry, but showing no joy whatsoever at having reached an agreement with Chu Xuan.
"Uncle, you don't think highly of Chu Xuan?" Liu Chengzhi asked in surprise.
Liu Donglin said with a wry smile, "So what if they don't think it's a good idea? My Liu family has no other choice!"
There was one thing he didn't actually tell Chu Xuan the truth: the old ancestor of the Liu family who had reached the Core Formation stage didn't have another twenty or thirty years to live, but at most fifteen!
This is still an optimistic estimate. If he were to fight someone, he might only live for ten years at most!
Given Chu Xuan's current potential, there is virtually no possibility of him condensing his core.
Their expectation of Chu Xuan was never that he could condense his core, but that after entering the inner sect, he would be lucky enough to become a disciple of a core-condensing elder.
In that case, the Liu family could also be associated with a Core Formation expert, and by keeping a low profile, they could at least prolong their existence.
Otherwise, once the patriarch passes away, the Liu family will likely face utter ruin!
Liu Donglin sighed, "My Liu family has treated him with sincerity, and we hope—he can live up to the Liu family's expectations!"
1