NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 372: Sage Realm Sixth Stage
Chapter 372: Sage Realm Sixth Stage
Under the personal supervision of Huangpu Yan, Xu Lian behaved himself, sitting cross-legged beneath the high furnace with his hands forming cultivation seals to power its operation. He worked diligently on refining Metamorphosis Elixir for the Qian Dynasty.
Once the furnace reached the “rest period”, he would be able to leave the altar and rest. He planned to take Huangpu Shuyi back to their residence and enjoy a fulfilling life as a Dao Companion.
Senior Sister Ning Meixue was considerate, creating opportunities for her junior brother and Huangpu Shuyi to spend time alone. After all, with Huangpu Yan, the Supreme Elder, personally overseeing them, it was an excellent chance for Xu Lian to make a good impression. If he could earn the favor of a Supreme, his future prospects would shine even brighter.
In truth, the Imperial Court had already shown Xu Lian enough favors-otherwise, they wouldn’t have given him the title of Imperial Preceptor. But human desires are insatiable, and Ning Meixue wanted more.
As a Supreme, how could Huangpu Yan not understand the thoughts of those below him?
He summoned Xu Lian and Huangpu Shuyi for a talk. Addressing Xu Lian, he asked, “Your alchemy skills are unparalleled, truly extraordinary. To my knowledge, there is no other alchemist in the world who can produce two doses of Metamorphosis Elixir from a single batch of ingredients. Since you’ve dedicated yourself to refining elixirs for the dynasty, we’ll naturally reward you accordingly. What kind of reward do you want?”
Of course, Xu Lian couldn’t say that he wanted more Metamorphosis Elixir – he was currently playing the role of Qin Feng, at the fifth stage of the Unity Realm, far from being a Sage. He respectfully replied, “Esteemed Supreme, the dynasty has already been extremely generous to me. Every time I refine Metamorphosis Elixir, the Ministry of Revenue provides me with two Roots of Passage, which are sufficient for my cultivation needs. I am deeply satisfied… In addition, the dynasty has also taken great care of my family, the Marquis Qin household. How could I be greedy and ask for more rewards?”
Huangpu Yan was satisfied with this answer. “According to the historical records of our Qian Dynasty’s royal family, the ancestors of your Marquis Qin household were loyal followers of our royal lineage, among the first group to join our ancestors in founding the dynasty. The royal family knows your Marquis Qin household well and recognizes your unwavering loyalty.
If anyone from your Marquis Qin household demonstrates exceptional talent, our royal family would gladly provide cultivation resources to nurture them. Unfortunately, while your alchemical talents are extraordinary, your cultivation aptitude is average-not poor, but unlikely to reach the Origin Tracing Realm, let alone become a Sage or Supreme. Even if we wanted to give you additional cultivation resources, they would be wasted.”
Xu Lian inwardly thought, No problem, give them to me – I’m just worried that the Qian Dynasty won’t be able to afford it…
Of course, he could only think this way; he couldn’t display too much talent under the guise of Qin Feng, lest it raise suspicion.
Since he was Chi Sui’s direct disciple, it was acceptable for Qin Feng to possess extraordinary alchemical skills – this was expected. However, if Qin Feng’s cultivation talent suddenly skyrocketed, rapidly advancing to the Sage Realm and demanding Metamorphosis Elixir from the dynasty, that would certainly raise eyebrows.
Huangpu Shuyi interjected, “Esteemed Supreme Grandfather, my husband’s cultivation potential is limited, so he doesn’t need many cultivation resources. But I have a high cultivation potential – I need them! Can you give me more cultivation resources?”
Huangpu Yan chuckled dryly. “I’ve already checked with the Ministry of Revenue. Among the younger generation of the dynasty, you receive the most cultivation resources – even the direct descendants of the Crown Prince don’t receive as much as you. This should be enough for your cultivation. Be satisfied.”
Huangpu Shuyi playfully stuck out her tongue, unable to argue any further.
Huangpu Yan continued, “My elder brother and I have discussed this matter. Considering the immense value your husband Qin Feng brings to the dynasty, and given that he doesn’t require many cultivation resources, we’ve decided to allocate the resources meant for Qin Feng to you instead. The dynasty will provide you with enough cultivation resources to reach the Supreme Realm-a full set of Supreme-level cultivation resources.”
A Supreme package? Xu Lian was quite familiar with this concept, having enjoyed such a package in the Nine Heavenly Sacred Lands.
Huangpu Shuyi was overjoyed and jumped up in excitement. “Thank you, Esteemed Supreme Grandfather!”
Huangpu Yan laughed. “You should thank Qin Feng, and also thank yourself for your wisdom in finding such a valuable alchemist for the dynasty.”
Huangpu Shuyi quickly said, “Thank you, husband, and thank myself too!”
She couldn’t help but burst into laughter, clearly in high spirits. Her gaze toward Xu Lian brimmed with affection.
However, Xu Lian remained unfazed by her tender looks. Without seeing her affection meter, he might have believed her sincerity. Her affection level remained steady at 70, showing almost no fluctuation.
As for Ning Meixue’s level of affection, it was completely invisible. This was because Ning Meixue’s deep bond with Qin Feng, forged over two thousand years, was something that Xu Lian couldn’t easily shake.
From another perspective, Ning Meixue’s affection could be divided into two parts: the majority stemmed from her feelings for the original Qin Feng, while only a small portion represented her current feelings for Qin Feng (or rather, Xu Lian). Unless her current affection surpassed her past affection, it wouldn’t show up.
However, Xu Lian could sense that Ning Meixue’s affection for him was steadily increasing. It was only a matter of time before it surpassed her feelings for the original Qin Feng.
However, some unexpected variables had come into play. Since Xu Lian had grown closer to Huangpu Shuyi, Ning Meixue couldn’t help but feel a tinge of resentment, which was bound to affect the growth of her affection.
In addition, after Xu Lian moved into the Imperial Preceptor’s residence and held a housewarming banquet, the noblewomen brought by the nobles and ministers stayed behind. This also had an effect on Ning Meixue.
After all, Ning Meixue’s bond with him was rooted in her past relationship with Qin Feng – it wasn’t the same as his connections with other women.
Fortunately, Xu Lian treated Ning Meixue differently from the others, and he also took good care of Marquis Ning’s household. As a result, Ning Meixue didn’t develop any significant rift with him.
Time passed day by day.
More than thirty years later.
It was time to refine another batch of Metamorphosis Elixir.
As expected, Xu Lian successfully refined two doses of Metamorphosis Elixir!
Huangpu Yan was pleased and granted him a two-month vacation.
Thus,
Xu Lian, Ning Meixue, and Huangpu Shuyi returned to the imperial capital.
First, they visited Marquis Qin’s household and enjoyed a family banquet.
Marquis Qin and Qin Song couldn’t stop smiling throughout the meal. Ever since Xu Lian became the Imperial Preceptor, the new Crown Prince had shown immense favor to the Marquis Qin’s household. Their power and status now far exceeded that of all other nobles and ministers.
Moreover, the Ministry of Revenue had increased the allocation of cultivation resources to the Marquis Qin household. Whether it was Origin Tracing Light for Marquis Qin or Roots of Passage for Qin Song, they had more than enough to support their cultivation needs.
After the family banquet ended,
Xu Lian, Ning Meixue, and Huangpu Shuyi returned to the Imperial Preceptor’s residence.
Since he had not been back for over thirty years, he naturally took the time to inspect each of the main halls and check the affection levels of the mistresses residing there. If any mistress’s affection had dropped significantly, it would indicate a potential issue.
After reviewing, he found that their affection levels generally ranged between 60 and 75. Breaking through the 90-point threshold was out of the question, but since he wasn’t lacking in progression points, he hadn’t made any deliberate efforts to cultivate their affection. As long as they were above the passing line, it was sufficient.
After spending a month at the Imperial Preceptor’s residence, he returned to the Heavenly Mystic Sacred Land and ascended to the thirty-first stage. Of course, his itinerary included a visit to the palace where the Goddess of the Nine Heavens resided.
Over the course of ten days, the Goddess of Nine Heavens’ affection for him grew rapidly, approaching the 90 point threshold.
Finally, Xu Lian ascended to the thirty-third stage.
Time Supreme, who had been meditating, opened her beautiful eyes and tossed over thirty vials of Metamorphosis Elixir to him.
Xu Lian caught them with a smile, adjusted the value, added the necessary ingredients, and completed the advancement!
【Name: Xu Lian】
【Realm: Sage Realm – Sixth Stage】
【Skills: Divine Kingdom Laws, Sacred Spirit Record (Complete Immortal Techniques), Great Desolate Dragon Grasping Technique, Nine Elements Escape Techniques, Four Symbols Battle Tactics, Breaking Wind Sword Technique (Volume 123)…】
【Items: Left Arm Bone (Divine Bone), Skull Bone (Divine Bone), Sword of Destruction (Not Equipped)】
【Note: You currently have 27 progression points available for use.】