Chapter 278: Chapter 167: Paying Respects to a Golden Core, Wei Qixian’s Calculations

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen straightened the front of his robes.

He then followed the child into the main hall, moving around a screen painted with a scene of high mountains and flowing water.

Directly ahead of him was a vermilion-lacquered, square platform about six feet high, upon which sat a row of gilded thrones.

Six Golden Core True Men were seated on the thrones, and behind each of them stood a young boy and girl in attendance.

Ten stone pillars lined both sides of the hall, each carved with a different Ancient Divine Beast.

There were twin dragons playing with a pearl, a Qilin treading on clouds, a phoenix spreading its wings, a Pixiu presenting treasure... Each was vibrant yet majestic, all exquisitely lifelike.

Any cultivator visiting for the first time would feel the eyes of these Ancient Divine Beasts upon them the moment they looked up from the center of the hall.

It was enough to make one feel involuntarily tense.

But Xiao Chen was one of the rare few who remained perfectly composed, completely unaffected.

’Because,’ he thought, ’sooner or later, I’ll be able to keep creatures like these as pets.’

’Assuming they haven’t gone extinct by then.’

"Xiao Chen of the Li Huo Sect pays his respects to the esteemed Daoists."

Seeing Xiao Chen bow with a cupped-fist salute, his expression calm and his tone even, Master Ming Yan nodded in silent approval. ’Not bad. Neither servile nor overbearing. He hasn’t brought shame upon the Li Huo Sect.’

Although the Li Huo Sect was objectively somewhat weaker than the Lingyuan Sect, the two were of equal standing.

Some disciples, after just three months in Hezhou, would see its splendor and prosperity and begin to feel that Li State was inferior, making them feel ashamed and inadequate.

Master Ming Yan was naturally displeased by this phenomenon.

’Xiao Chen is also a cultivator from Li State, and he’s bringing us honor! He’s been number one in the monthly reports for two consecutive months. How is that any worse than the cultivators from Hezhou?’

"So, you are Xiao Chen. Impressive. A vibrant spirit and a dignified bearing indeed."

Thunder Sound True Man, who occupied the central throne, was the first to speak and offer praise.

But after that single sentence, he said no more.

Next, Master Ming Yan spoke up. "Xiao Chen, I hear you’ve already formed a Fake Pill?"

Xiao Chen replied, "While I was fighting demon cultivators recently, I was fortunate enough to obtain a Demon Beast Inner Core."

"At the time, I only thought to make an attempt, hoping that if I succeeded, I could better fight against the Four Great Wanderers."

"I never expected that I would actually succeed."

Master Ming Yan feigned a frown. "Why would you act so rashly?"

"For such an important undertaking, you neither chose an auspicious date nor applied for access to a Spirit Vein."

"You only had to ask, and our fellow Daoists at the Lingyuan Sect would certainly have lent you their aid."

"What did I tell you before you came? Treat this place as you would your own sect. Don’t be so formal."

Although Master Ming Yan’s tone was critical, there was a smile in his eyes as he spoke. Clearly, he was just saying what was expected for the occasion.

Xiao Chen lowered his head and replied, "Your guidance is correct, Master. I was thoughtless."

Thunder Sound True Man cut in with a laugh. "Ah, regardless, he has already succeeded. What’s the use of dwelling on such things?"

"During this Demon Cultivator invasion, the so-called Four Great Wanderers, in particular, have committed all sorts of evil and slaughtered innocents."

"Xiao Chen, your timely breakthrough and outstanding performance in slaying Demon Cultivators are deserving of a reward."

As he spoke, he gave a signal with his eyes, and a child attendant walked forward, holding a tray with both hands.

Before the tray even drew near, a faint, herbal fragrance wafted from it.

A single whiff was enough to make one feel as though they were witnessing the earth reviving in spring, a scene of all living things bursting with life.

Upon closer inspection, he saw a Spirit Medicine on the tray. It was as thick as a forearm and about a foot long.

Its surface was covered in fine, irregular lines that resembled Dragon Scales, which shimmered brightly in the light. Its overall color was a rich, dark gold, and its tangled rootlets looked just like a dragon’s claws.

Although he didn’t recognize it, a single glance was enough to tell him that this was an extraordinary item.

Master Yusha took a closer look and smiled. "This Hidden Dragon Ginseng is of excellent quality. Its stalk is plump and it’s brimming with Spiritual Mechanism. It must have been growing for at least three hundred years."

Thunder Sound True Man praised, "You have a keen eye, Yusha."

"All told, this Spirit Medicine has been growing in the Medicine Garden for precisely three hundred and six years."

Upon hearing the name, realization dawned on Xiao Chen.

No wonder he hadn’t recognized it at first glance. It was a Tier Three Spirit Medicine.

He had read about Hidden Dragon Ginseng in the book, *Traveling Hezhou: A Memoir of Wondrous Treasures*.

Its effects were similar to those of Red Fire Marrow, but far more comprehensive.

It could increase the cultivation speed of all Five Elements Magic, purify one’s Spiritual Qi, and thereby enhance the quality of one’s Magical Power.

It could also be used as a primary ingredient in alchemy, though only for Tier Three Pill Formulas.

For Xiao Chen, it was far more advantageous to consume it directly and absorb its benefits.

This was no small gift. Its importance lay not in how many Spirit Stones it was worth, but in its extreme rarity.

Even if an ordinary cultivator had the Spirit Stones, they would have no way to purchase one.

Xiao Chen offered a cupped-fist salute in thanks. "Thank you, Master, for this generous gift."

But Thunder Sound True Man replied, "This time, you not only killed Demon Cultivators but also stopped the Four Great Wanderers from deploying their array. Your merit has been exceptional."

"I’m just not sure what would be a fitting reward for you."

"If there is anything you need at present, you have only to ask."

?

’Does he mean he’ll grant me a wish?’

’Is he really that generous?’

Xiao Chen was sorely tempted to ask for something extravagant.

But that was just a fleeting thought; he didn’t let himself get carried away.

Since he wasn’t familiar with Thunder Sound True Man, he couldn’t be sure whether the man was genuinely generous or just making a grand gesture.

Some people make such promises verbally, but in their hearts, they only hope to hear a reasonable request.

That way, they can appear magnanimous without actually having to give up anything of value.

Onlookers would simply think that the other party wasn’t bold enough to ask for more.