Chapter 114: Chapter 93: Spear Technique

Upon returning home, Chen Qing immediately took out the Imprint of the Cyan Wood Eternal Spring Technique.

[Cyan Wood Eternal Spring Technique, First Layer: (1/1000)]

He took out a Qi Nourishing Pill issued by the Sect and swallowed it.

The Elixir settled in his stomach. A moment later, a gentle yet powerful warmth rose from his Dantian and spread rapidly throughout his body. His blood and qi began to boil and surge as if they had been set ablaze!

Daring not to delay, he immediately began to guide this energy according to the Heart Method Mantra.

Deep within his Dantian, the faint, nascent Fire Seed flickered joyfully under the stimulation of this external force, growing stronger!

An hour later, the boiling, searing sensation finally began to subside.

Chen Qing was drenched in sweat, and a fiery, aching soreness pulsed through his meridians.

[Cyan Wood Eternal Spring Technique, First Layer: (3/1000)]

’One Qi Nourishing Pill only advances my progress by two points…’

Chen Qing calculated to himself, ’If I could take one every day, my Cultivation speed would increase by leaps and bounds.’

But the Sect only issued three Qi Nourishing Pills a month. Though far superior to Blood Qi Pills, it was a mere drop in the bucket.

To purchase more, he would have to go to the Sect’s Affairs Department, and they cost eighty taels of silver a piece!

’If I took one every day, that would be two thousand four hundred taels a month!’

For Chen Qing, who had lost his job at the Beize Fishery and with it his stable income, this was no small expense.

Imprinting the Heart Method had already cost him one thousand taels, leaving him with only a few hundred taels to his name.

’In a few days, I have to go to the Affairs Department and see if there are any suitable jobs.’

Chen Qing suppressed his sense of urgency, cast aside all distracting thoughts, and threw himself back into his monotonous Cultivation.

「A few days later.」

Chen Qing was in his courtyard, facing a custom-made hardwood training dummy. He was repeatedly honing the difficult angles and power-generation techniques of the Floating Light and Shadow Hand.

“KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK…”

A knock came from the courtyard gate.

Chen Qing relaxed his stance and opened the gate. Standing outside was none other than the Wu Family’s Steward.

“Master Chen.”

The Steward bowed respectfully. “My madam has returned from Gaolin County to the Prefecture City. She has arranged a banquet at Wangjiang Tower and would like to invite you for a small gathering, Master Chen. The carriage is already waiting outside.”

As he spoke, he gestured to a carriage parked a short distance away.

“Alright. Give me a moment.”

Chen Qing agreed.

He quickly bathed and changed into a crisp, deep cyan set of Martial Attire. He then boarded the Wu Family’s carriage and set off for Wangjiang Tower.

Wangjiang Tower overlooked the water. Outside its windows lay the bustling docks of Dingbo Lake, where countless sails vied for passage on the water.

Inside the private room, Wu Manqing had already prepared an exquisite spread. She had dismissed all other attendants, leaving only her personal handmaiden to stand guard outside the door.

When Chen Qing arrived, she rose to greet him. Dressed in a simple yet elegant long gown, her bearing was one of noble grace.

“Brother Chen, please have a seat.”

Wu Manqing offered a warm, gentle smile as she personally poured him a cup of fragrant tea. “It has been nearly two months since we last parted in the Prefecture City. I heard you have joined the Wutai Sect’s Cyan Wood Institute, Brother Chen. Congratulations are in order.”

“You flatter me, Madam Wu. It was merely a stroke of luck.”

Chen Qing took his seat, his expression calm.

’He knew Wu Manqing hadn’t arranged this banquet just to reminisce.’

Sure enough, after a few pleasantries, Wu Manqing sighed softly and got straight to the point. “Brother Chen, to be perfectly honest, I’ve invited you here today to discuss something. The Wu Family’s trade routes have been far from peaceful lately.”

She calmly explained the predicament her family was facing. Under her management, the Wu Family’s trade routes had expanded and profits had grown, but their security forces were struggling to keep up.

Her old steward, Wu Zhong, was as loyal as they come, but his advanced age meant his ability to deter threats was waning.

While they had a connection to Pang Qinhai, Captain Pang was still a Captain, a sensitive position. Moreover, favors eventually run out; he couldn’t be expected to look after the Wu Family’s business at all times.

Their maritime trade routes had been repeatedly harassed as of late. Even small groups of Water Bandits were daring to test their defenses. They were in urgent need of a Tributor who could truly take control of the situation.

“Brother Chen.”

Wu Manqing looked at Chen Qing, her gaze sincere. “I’ve thought long and hard about this. While there are many experts in the Prefecture City, their prices are too high, or their motives are difficult to discern. It is hard to find someone reliable.”

“You come from a good background, Brother Chen, and you already have a history with our Wu Family. Now, you are even an Inner Courtyard Disciple of the Wutai Sect, an extraordinary status. If you would not be opposed, the Wu Family would like to retain you as our Tributor for an annual stipend of ten thousand taels of silver. All you would need to do is lend us your name—revealing your identity on key routes to intimidate troublemakers. Wu Zhong and the others will handle the mundane affairs so as not to delay your Cultivation in the slightest. What are your thoughts, Brother Chen?”

’An annual stipend of ten thousand taels!’

That was considered an extremely high price for a Tributor in Yunlin Prefecture, especially for an Inner Courtyard Disciple at the Transmutation Force level.

The price reflected not only Wu Manqing’s sincerity but also her investment in Chen Qing’s future.

If Chen Qing could advance further in his Cultivation, Wu Manqing would be able to firmly establish her footing in the Prefecture City and might even have a chance to join the Yunlin Commerce Association. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Chen Qing pondered for a moment. For his current Cultivation expenses, ten thousand taels of silver was a godsend.

The position was that of a Tributor in name only. He would merely have to act as a deterrent by revealing his identity as an Inner Courtyard Disciple of the Wutai Sect. It wouldn’t interfere with his training and perfectly suited his needs.

Furthermore, by strengthening his ties with the Wu Family, they could also provide more support for his mother and cousin.

“I am honored that you think so highly of me, Madam.”

Chen Qing raised his teacup. “On this matter, I accept.”

A bright smile bloomed on Wu Manqing’s face, and she let out a sigh of relief. “Excellent! With you watching over us, Brother Chen, the Wu Family’s trade routes will be secure! This is the Tributor contract and this year’s stipend.”

She pushed a brocade box toward him. Inside was a thick stack of silver notes and a contract bearing the Wu Family’s seal.

Chen Qing accepted the brocade box, then added, “There is one other matter I must trouble you with, Madam. Could I ask you to have someone deliver this letter and five hundred taels of silver back to my home in Gaolin County?”

He took out a sealed letter and several silver notes.

’He had been away from home for some time. It was time to let his mother and cousin know he was safe and to make their lives a little more comfortable.’

“Your filial piety is commendable, Brother Chen. It’s a small matter. You can leave it to me.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep