When the disciples on the Transmission Square saw him, a wave of greetings followed, each far more respectful than before.

Today, there was a new entry-level disciple.

The young man’s name was Wang Chuan. He came from the Outer Courtyard, and his Cultivation had just reached the initial stage of Transmutation Force. It was clear that after years of consuming Treasure Fish, his vitality was weak and unstable. He had relied on connections to enter the Inner Courtyard this time.

"Senior Brother!"

Upon seeing Chen Qing, Wang Chuan immediately stepped forward to greet him respectfully.

Chen Qing nodded and went over a few things to keep in mind. "If there’s nothing else, you can go about your business. In the future, if you don’t understand something, don’t go to Master Li. Just come and ask me."

"Yes!"

Wang Chuan had clearly done his homework. He acknowledged the instruction and departed.

A lively figure sidled up to him.

"Chief Brother! You’re back!"

Yu Bao’er said eagerly, "Brother Li Wang from the Li Fire Institute came by earlier. He wanted me to tell you to go find him as soon as you returned."

Her fawning enthusiasm practically had the word "sycophant" written all over her face.

Chen Qing asked, "What did he want to see me about?"

Yu Bao’er hurriedly replied, "It’s said that Elder Sang has a reward. Both you and Brother Li can go to the Sect’s Treasure Tower to select a Weapon."

"He came to ask if you’d go to the Treasure Tower with him this afternoon."

A reward!?

’The Treasure Tower is a great place!’

Chen Qing nodded. "Go pass a message to him for me. Just say I got it."

"You got it!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Bao’er scurried off toward the Li Fire Institute.

Not far away, an Embracing Pill Disciple named Xu Danyan witnessed this. He shook his head at Zhao Stone beside him and said in a low voice, "Junior Brother Zhao, take a look. Now *that’s* someone who knows how to play the game. That girl from the Yu Family... don’t be fooled by her age, she’s sharp as a tack. Back when Junior Brother Chen was just starting to make a name for himself, weren’t you two on pretty good terms? What happened...? Sigh, you missed a golden opportunity."

Zhao Stone watched Yu Bao’er bustling around Chen Qing, then glanced at himself. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end, all that came out was a nearly inaudible sigh.p>He remembered when Chen Qing had just broken through to the Embracing Pill Realm. He had gone to offer his congratulations, too, but his approach was nothing like Yu Bao’er’s current, unabashed fawning.

「That afternoon, the sun was bright.」

Chen Qing and Li Wang met at the appointed location.

Li Wang’s face was alight with joy. He strode forward to greet Chen Qing. "Junior Brother Chen, you’re finally here! Elder Sang sent word that our performance in the Grand Examination was satisfactory, so he has specially granted us a visit to the Treasure Tower to choose a suitable weapon or piece of armor. It’s the Sect’s way of investing in us new Chiefs."

Hearing this, Chen Qing understood.

He and Li Wang were, after all, new Chiefs. When they were out and about, they represented the Wutai Sect. Since both of them were currently at the Mid-stage of Embracing Pill Power, it was only normal for the Sect to lean in their favor with some resources.

"That’s very thoughtful of Elder Sang," Chen Qing said with a nod.

Li Wang also sighed emotionally. "Indeed. Elder Sang is fair in his dealings and looks after us newly promoted disciples. Come on, let’s go to the Treasure Tower and take a look. Hopefully, we can find something we like."

Without further delay, the two of them headed for the Treasure Tower, located in the core area of Lake Heart Island.

The Treasure Tower had a grand and ancient-looking exterior, with flying eaves and intricate archways.

The disciple guarding the door inspected their Chief Tokens, and after confirming their authenticity, respectfully allowed them to pass.

As soon as they stepped into the first-floor hall, a peculiar scent washed over them—a mixture of metal, leather, herbs, and the faint fluctuations of energy.

A dazzling array of Weapons, armor, Elixirs, and materials were neatly categorized and displayed in special showcases, shimmering with a brilliant light that was almost too much to take in at once.

An old man was already waiting for them.

Chen Qing recognized him. This was one of the senior Elders of the Treasure Tower, with the surname Han. Chen Qing had seen him on the viewing platform during the Grand Examination.

"Elder Han," the two said, stepping forward to bow.

Elder Han stroked his beard and smiled. His gaze swept over the two of them, lingering on Chen Qing for an extra moment. He clearly remembered his stunning performance during the Grand Examination. "Chief Chen, Chief Li, no need for formalities. Elder Sang has already given his instructions. You two may follow this old man directly to the third floor to make your selections."

"Everything stored on the third floor is either a Middle-Grade Treasure Artifact or a rare and exotic item—the finest treasures our Wutai Sect has accumulated over many years."

"Then we’ll trouble you to lead the way, Elder Han," they said in unison.

Following Elder Han up a winding stone staircase, they soon arrived at the Third Layer of the Treasure Tower.

The space here was much smaller than the two floors below, but the displays were far more exquisite.

Each Weapon, piece of armor, and strange object was placed individually on a custom-made jade or metal stand.

Elder Han was clearly an expert on this floor. He led the two forward at a slow pace, introducing each item with the familiarity of a collector showing off his prized possessions.

"Please look, you two. This entire row consists of high-quality Weapons. This ’Wave-Breaking Saber’ was forged from hundred-year-old Profound Iron found in the depths of Qianchuan Marsh, mixed with the powdered horn of a Water-Splitting Rhinoceros. Dean Hong of the Li Fire Institute personally oversaw its creation for forty-nine days. It is incomparably sharp, and a single swing can part the tides and break the waves. It may also have a suppressing effect on Attribute True Qi."

He pointed to a long saber that was a deep blue color, its blade undulating like a wave.

"This is the ’Rocky Shield.’ Its main material is Sinking Mountain Rock, which is found deep underground alongside Iron Armor Crocodile Scale Armor. Tempered with a Secret Technique, it is incredibly thick and heavy. Ordinary Treasure Artifacts can barely scratch it. It is an excellent tool for defense and survival."

He then pointed to a dark-yellow Giant Shield that was at least half a man’s height.

"And then there’s this Spirit Fox Armor. Its main material is the pelt of a Phantom Spirit Fox, woven together with Celestial Silkworm Silk. It’s light, thin, and tough, difficult for swords and sabers to pierce. It can also slightly mitigate the impact of True Qi. This armor is exceptionally light and form-fitting, so it won’t hinder movement."

Elder Han gestured toward a suit of Soft Armor that shimmered with a faint, silvery-white light.

Li Wang clicked his tongue in amazement, his eyes lingering on the various polearms and blades. He was clearly tempted by the Wave-Breaking Saber, but he restrained his eagerness and continued to browse.