Chapter 123: Chapter 97: Rain Momentum

He soon returned with a report. “Dean, I’ve investigated. According to the disciples who were nearby, the one who tested his skill on this post was a disciple from the Cyan Wood Institute named Chen Qing.”

“Chen Qing?”

Peng Zhen was unfamiliar with the name. ’A disciple from the Cyan Wood Institute possesses such an aptitude for the Spear Technique? What’s his Root Bone? When did he enter the Inner Courtyard?’

The Steward quickly found the information. “Dean, his name is Chen Qing. He’s eighteen years old, from a family of Fishermen in Gaolin County, and has a Four Forms Root Bone. Five months ago, he passed the joint review and was accepted into the Cyan Wood Institute under Master Li. His Root Bone was assessed as below average. However…”

The Steward paused before adding, “I also found that some days ago at Black Flood Dragon Beach, he single-handedly annihilated the Five River-Flipping Flood Dragons, who had been entrenched there for years. All five Transmutation Force Water Bandits were killed. His practical combat ability is quite impressive; he should be considered among the best of the Transmutation Force Disciples.”

’Four Forms Root Bone? Transmutation Force Cultivation? And he wiped out five Water Bandits of the same level?’

A flicker of interest showed on Peng Zhen’s face. ’A mediocre Root Bone, yet his aptitude far exceeds his assessment, and he’s ferocious in real combat. The Cyan Wood Institute doesn’t even teach its disciples. Did they stumble upon a diamond in the rough?’

’During the joint review, didn’t his file cross my desk?’

He vaguely recalled seeing a name with a Four Forms Root Bone who had reached Transmutation Force at eighteen. Back then, he had dismissed it as a stroke of incredible luck or the result of being propped up by Treasure Medicines. Besides, there were two more outstanding prospects, so he hadn’t paid it much mind and had casually passed the file to the next Dean.

’Now it seems this boy’s aptitude is far more than just “above average”!’

’And that level of combat prowess can’t be chalked up to mere luck!’

’This boy is a great prospect for the spear!’

Peng Zhen stroked his beard and muttered, “To leave him in the Cyan Wood Institute… what a waste.”

He had already made up his mind. Since he was about to visit the Cyan Wood Institute anyway, he might as well try to claim this disciple for himself.

….

The spring rain drizzled, fine as silk and mist, shrouding Dingbo Lake in a hazy vapor.

Deep within the Cyan Wood Institute, the herb garden grew even more lush under the rain’s gentle nourishment. The crisp scent of plants mingled with the damp smell of earth, filling the air.

In the small, secluded courtyard where Li Baichuan lived, the gnarled branches of ancient trees looked even more stark and powerful in the fine rain.

The courtyard gate was ajar. A figure stood silently outside.

Strangely, the threads of rain drifting down from the sky seemed to part in fear, sliding away from him at a distance of three feet, leaving his robes completely untouched.

The visitor was none other than the Dean of the Kun Earth Institute, Peng Zhen.

He did not push the door open at once. Instead, facing the closed door of the house, he bowed slightly. His voice, though not loud, cut cleanly through the curtain of rain.

“Disciple Peng Zhen pays his respects to Junior Martial Uncle Li.”

The room was silent for a moment before a hoarse voice replied, “Ah, Nephew Peng. Come in.”

Peng Zhen pushed the door and entered, bringing a gust of cool, damp air with him.

The room was dimly lit, filled with a thick, mixed aroma of sandalwood and medicinal herbs.

Li Baichuan was not meditating on a prayer mat but was seated cross-legged before a low table. An unfinished game of Go lay upon it, the black and white stones starkly arranged.

He held a black stone between his fingers, seemingly lost in thought, and did not look up.

Peng Zhen stopped at the doorway and bowed once more. “Forgive me for disturbing your peaceful Cultivation, Junior Martial Uncle.”

Only then did Li Baichuan look up, his gaze sweeping over Peng Zhen. “Sit. You’re a busy man. What brings you to my humble abode in this rain? Surely you didn’t come to help me with this dead game, did you?”

Peng Zhen sat opposite Li Baichuan, his expression grave. “Junior Martial Uncle, you are wise. I have come today to discuss a matter of great importance. Sect Leader sent word a few days ago. The remnants of the Infinite Demon Sect have become increasingly rampant within Yunlin Prefecture. You, of all people, should know how vicious and treacherous they are.”

“The Sect Leader has already contacted the leaders of Qixia Manor, the Xuanjia Sect, and Cold Jade Valley. We now have leads on the Demon Sect’s hidden Sub-Pavilion in Yunlin Prefecture. The plan is to launch a joint operation to eradicate their underground network, sever their reach into the Prefecture City, and eliminate this threat once and for all!”

“This is no small matter. The Sect Leader specifically dispatched me to, one, inform you, Junior Martial Uncle, and two, to hear your thoughts on the situation.”

He spoke while carefully observing Li Baichuan’s reaction.

Li Baichuan listened without the slightest change in his expression.

He slowly placed the black stone in his hand onto the board, creating a crisp click. Only then did he speak, “The Infinite… Hmm, yes, they are quite troublesome.”

He picked up the small clay teapot beside him and took a sip of hot tea. “Our Sect Leader is a man of great ambition and strategy. You deans are all in your prime with profound Cultivation. The great responsibility of eradicating the Demon Sect’s remnants and upholding the Righteous Path is for you to bear. These old bones of mine can no longer get involved in such grand affairs.”

A chill went down Peng Zhen’s spine.

Li Baichuan’s words seemed humble and reclusive, but they were actually airtight.

The result of his probing was clear: this junior martial uncle couldn’t care less about wiping out the Demon Sect.

’That’s right,’ Peng Zhen thought. ’This junior martial uncle hasn’t concerned himself with worldly affairs for over twenty years. He’s completely engrossed in the Yellow Emperor’s Alchemy Skill, and the Cyan Wood Institute is his sanctuary, a world apart.’

Peng Zhen shook his head inwardly and decided not to press the matter. He changed the subject. “Junior Martial Uncle, your noble character and indifference to fame and fortune are truly admirable. I also came today regarding a small matter… it concerns a disciple of your institute, Chen Qing.”

“Chen Qing?”

Li Baichuan’s fingers, holding a game piece, paused. His brow furrowed for a moment before his expression cleared. “Oh… that ’Golden Scale Welcomes Spring’ boy? What is it? Did he get into trouble?”

His tone was tinged with indifference.

Peng Zhen said quickly, “Not at all. I was teaching at the Martial Arts Cliff today and happened to notice that the boy has a remarkable aptitude for the way of the spear. His foundation is solid, and his Power is dense. Even though he’s in the Cyan Wood Institute, he cultivates the Spear Technique, and his aptitude for it is astonishing.”

“From what I’ve seen of his talent, he is truly a prime prospect for the spear. If he were in my Kun Earth Institute, with careful nurturing, he would surely become a great talent in time. Therefore, I’ve come to presumptuously ask for a favor. I wonder if you would be willing to part with him and allow Chen Qing to transfer to my Kun Earth Institute?”

“Oh?”

Li Baichuan gave a faint smile, his gaze falling back to the game board. “If Nephew Peng has truly taken a liking to him and wants to take him… it’s not impossible.”

Peng Zhen cupped his fists. “Please, Junior Martial Uncle, state your terms.”

Li Baichuan slowly placed a stone on the board and calmly stated a figure: “One million taels of silver.”

“W-what?”

Peng Zhen thought he had misheard. The astonishment on his face was almost impossible to hide.

’One million taels? That’s an astronomical sum!’

’That’s more than enough to buy out two minor clans!’

Li Baichuan spoke as if it were a trivial matter. “One million taels of silver. It’s not much. As long as you can produce it and that boy Chen Qing is willing to go with you, then you can take him.”

Peng Zhen was rendered speechless.

’A single disciple, even one with a supreme Root Bone, isn’t worth that price!’

’A million taels of silver! You wouldn’t even need that much to craft a life-sized statue out of pure gold and jade!’

An awkward silence fell over the room, broken only by the patter of rain outside and the occasional soft click of a game piece on the board.

After a long moment, Peng Zhen took a deep breath, slowly rose to his feet, and gave a deep bow to Li Baichuan, who remained focused on the game board. “I understand. If you have no other instructions, Junior Martial Uncle, I will take my leave.”

Li Baichuan waved a hand, his gaze never leaving the board. “Go on. The rain is heavy and the path is slick. Be careful, Nephew Peng.”

Peng Zhen bowed again, turned in silence, and pushed the door open, stepping out into the fine spring rain.

He glanced back at the courtyard gate as it swung shut, and shook his head.

The closing door shut out the damp air and Peng Zhen’s figure completely.

Inside the house, sandalwood smoke curled into the tranquil air.

Li Baichuan remained seated before the low table, as if nothing had just happened.

He picked up a black stone, holding it suspended over the board, unmoving for a long time.

Black and white were locked in a delicate balance on the board.

Outside, the rain seemed to intensify.

Suddenly!

KRA-KOOM—!!!

A deafening thunderclap tore through the curtain of rain. A flash of pale, stark lightning instantly illuminated the dim room, casting Li Baichuan’s impassive face in a harsh light.

In the very instant the thunder cracked, his hovering fingers descended with unshakable steadiness.

“Click.”

The crisp sound of the stone landing on the board echoed clearly in the thunder’s fading rumble.

The black stone he placed fit precisely into a gap in the white formation, instantly capturing three key white stones.

Outside, the patter of the rain was endless.

…..

…..

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