Chapter 219

Chapter 219

"Young Master Mu." A man in purple robes, seeing Mu Chen enter, immediately stood.

The man's robe bore an antique cauldron, the symbol of the Dan Qi Pavilion.

"Greetings, Manager Qi," Mu Chen said respectfully.

This man was the last Dan Qi Pavilion manager in the Four Nations. With his Seven Star Warrior Emperor strength, he could likely retreat safely even during a beast tide.

"Young Master Mu, your reputation precedes you. Lately, all I've heard are tales of your and Young Master Shi's deeds. The next generation surpasses the last; in a few years, the continent might belong to you two," Qi Ling remarked with a smile.

"Manager, you're too kind. We've only just reached the emperor level. Your praise is overwhelming," Mu Chen modestly replied.

"You're too modest. Here's what you requested." Qi Ling opened a box to reveal a diamond-shaped crystal. Upon its appearance, a wave of heat hit Ye Shi.

"What is this?" Ye Shi asked curiously.

"This is a Starshine Stone," Qi Ling began. "Originally, it was a star that burned endlessly. When it reached the end of its life, it transformed into a meteorite."

Ye Shi nodded, "So that's the story! What a treasure!"

"Of course it's a treasure. Otherwise, it wouldn't have caught the eyes of you two," Qi Ling replied calmly.

As Ye Shi looked at Qi Leng's unperturbed expression, he instantly realized his error. To negotiate, he should've appeared indifferent.

"Honestly, it's just a simple rock," Ye Shi waved dismissively, his face inscrutable.

Qi Leng gazed at Ye Shi with a gentle smile, showing no hint of annoyance.

Ye Shi stared at Qi Leng's all-embracing grin, grinding his teeth. Qi Leng looked at him as if he were a clueless child, utterly exasperating.

Mu Chen, with arms crossed, asked Qi Leng in an aloof tone, "How much?"

"Ten sixth-tier pills," Qi Leng responded.

Mu Chen frowned slightly and coldly smirked, "Manager Qi, you surely don’t think sixth-tier pills grow on trees. Five."

Qi Leng nonchalantly replied, "Young Master Mu, this is a Radiant Star Stone! It encapsulates all the essence of the Radiant Star from times past."

Mu Chen retorted, "Manager Qi, are you implying I'm uninformed? While the Radiant Star Stone is valuable, it's ancient. The fiery energy inside might be a mere tenth of its original."

Qi Leng, hands behind his back, maintained his grin, "Regardless, this gem is priceless. With it, your Qingming Flame could potentially reach the seventh tier."

Mu Chen countered, "Sixth-tier pills are also priceless. Moreover, advancing the Qingming Flame to the seventh tier is risky. One misstep could lead to self-immolation."

"Eight," Qi Leng hesitated and said after weighing his options.

"Six," Mu Chen replied calmly.

"Seven, and not a pill less," Qi Leng said with a tight face.

Mu Chen paused, then agreed, "Alright."

Qi Leng examined the pill in his hand, a hint of intrigue in his eyes, "This pill was refined from a beast core."

Mu Chen frowned, "Is there an issue?"

"Not at all." Pills made from beast cores tend to be more effective than those from herbs, but beast cores are unstable, challenging for most alchemists to handle.

Having dealt with many sixth-tier pills, Qi Leng could tell the one in his hand was extraordinary, hinting at Mu Chen's formidable alchemical skills.

"Young Master Mu, the Four Kingdoms have become a hotbed of strife. With your intelligence, why not withdraw?" Qi Leng inquired, looking at Mu Chen.

Mu Chen sighed with a hint of resignation, "There are things one must do, and things one mustn’t. I, too, am left with no choice."

Once some events are set into motion, they are not easily halted. The Xuanfeng Empire now has many hoping for him to make a difference.

Qi Leng gazed intently at Mu Chen, then sighed, "It's been a while since I've seen someone as loyal and righteous as you."

Mu Chen countered, "There are many like me; perhaps you haven't noticed them."

"Young Master Mu, the beast tide in your Four Kingdoms must've been caused by a sixth-tier, nine-star peak demon beast. The spilled blood during the man-beast wars could help it break through to the seventh tier. Once it achieves that, you'd stand no chance," Qi Leng stated seriously.

Ye Shi's eyes widened, a flicker of panic evident.

Qi Leng studied Mu Chen with a peculiar coldness. Mu Chen's demeanor was placid. Qi Leng had expected surprise, but Mu Chen seemed to have anticipated this.

"In your opinion, how long until this demon beast levels up?" Mu Chen asked, tapping the table lightly.

Qi Leng met Mu Chen's eyes, "At most six months, but possibly as soon as three. Our Pill and Instrument Pavilion plans to evacuate within two months."

Mu Chen looked puzzled, "This information should be classified. Why share it with me?" Qi Leng smiled, "I see potential in you. Should you survive this, you'll undoubtedly make a significant mark. The Pavilion might rely on you in the future." Mu Chen laughed it off, "Manager Qi, you overestimate me."

"Young Master Mu, you seem unsurprised by my revelation," Qi Leng observed with a smile.

Mu Chen nodded, "This beast tide differs from previous ones. High-tier demon beasts appeared early on. I surmised something was amiss since every man-beast war results in blood being siphoned."

Qi Leng narrowed his eyes, "You seem quite confident, given the situation."

Mu Chen chuckled wryly, "Elder, you jest. I'm merely resigned to the situation, prepared to face the inevitable."

Qi Leng raised an eyebrow, his heart carrying a hint of skepticism.

"Elder, do you think we can strike the beast before its advancement?" Mu Chen inquired.

Qi Leng shook his head, "Unlikely. That demon beast is cunning. Its absence indicates it would hide at any sign of danger before leveling up."

Mu Chen's expression shifted as he sold a large batch of fifth and sixth-tier inscriptions, as well as several pills to Qi Leng, earning him nearly two million yuan stones.

"Young Master Mu, I shall take my leave," Qi Leng said, a broad smile on his face after the successful transaction.

"Thank you for making the journey, Manager Qi," Mu Chen replied with a smile.

Qi Ling smiled at Mu Chen and handed him a jade pendant, saying, "Young Master Mu, this is my communication charm. Should you ever change your mind and wish to leave, contact me anytime. I'll be heading back to the headquarters of the Danqi Pavilion in Lingta State. You might not know about Lingta State and what it holds."

"It's vast and filled with rich spiritual energy, housing numerous talented individuals. With five spiritual towers, I assure you, you won't be disappointed."

"Spiritual towers?" Mu Chen inquired with curiosity.

Nodding, Qi Ling explained, "Yes. In Lingta State, we have the Dan Tower, Fu Tower, Array Tower, Inscription Tower, and the Refining Tower. Each holds deep and intricate knowledge. If, before turning thirty, you comprehend the knowledge of the seventh level, you may ascend to the seventh floor."

"Legend says that any cultivator who reaches the seventh floor of all five towers by the age of thirty and masters the seventh-level techniques will be transported to the Central State," Qi Ling added.

A peculiar glint appeared in Ye Shi's eyes. Central State? Rumor had it that his so-called stepfather hailed from there.

Mu Chen's eyes were in constant flux.

Qi Ling, catching a glimpse of their reactions, chuckled softly. "It's said that the five towers in Lingta State were established by individuals from Central State, aiming to scout and recruit young prodigies under thirty who master the seventh-level techniques. Whether this is true, can't say. I've never witnessed any young talent being transported to Central State."

"If the rumor holds any truth, considering both Mu Chen and Ye Shi are already at the sixth level despite their youth, they might indeed be eligible for transportation to Central State."

Watching Qi Ling's retreating figure, Ye Shi murmured, "Mu Chen, he mentioned... reaching the seventh floor and being transported to Central State."

Mu Chen nodded, saying, "Yes, he did. But he also hinted at the imminent appearance of a seventh-level beast. Let's deal with the matters at hand first before delving into the tales of Lingta State."

Ye Shi jolted to attention, "Right, right. We need to address the beast tide first."

"Have you contacted your grandfather?" Mu Chen inquired.

Ye Shi nodded, "I have."

"I've prepared eight Blood Essence Pills made from the purest blood of a sixth-level beast. Consuming the Rainbow Lotus seeds should suffice. We also have two hundred billion Yuan stones. Do you have any techniques that might help your grandfather break through to the Martial Master realm?"

Ye Shi nodded, "I do."

Mu Chen expressed surprise, "What might that be?"

Blinking, Ye Shi replied, "In my stepfather's book, there's an array that can significantly enhance the chances of breaking through to become a Martial Master."

Mu Chen looked at Ye Shi in disbelief, "Such an array exists in your father's book?"

"That book is indeed mysterious. It encompasses various arcane array knowledge. From the method of integrating the array into one's body to its status in Central State, whether it's commonplace or a priceless gem, it's astounding."

Ye Shi nodded, "Indeed."

"What materials do we need for this array? We must make all necessary preparations to enhance your grandfather's chances of promotion," said Mu Chen with a stern expression.

Ye Shi nodded in understanding.

Clenching his teeth, Ye Shi thought, if they allow that beast to successfully advance, the four nations might be in grave peril.