Chapter 88 - 87: Do Me a Favor (First update, seeking initial subscription.)
“However, I still have one more favor to ask of you, the Dean.” Pei Xuanjing said, wearing a slight smile.
Qingyang Zi looked taken aback and asked, “What kind of favor?”
“After this trip is over, and some time has passed, I would like to visit Taihe Mountain to browse the True Martial Sect Scripture Pavilion,” Pei Xuanjing declared his intention.
In stillness there is movement; he envisioned a trip to the Taihe Mountain True Martial Sect.
For Pei Xuanjing, his mission to the Tiandu Martial Academy was nearly complete. In about a year and a half or so, the help offered to him by the Martial Academy would be inconsequential.
The next step for him was naturally to find the next place that could help him enhance his power.
The Taihe Mountain True Martial Sect, where the dean was born, was an extremely commendable destination.
Let’s not mention his brief acquaintance with Qingyang Zi. The True Martial Sect had shown goodwill in their previous exchange.
Once he had broken through to the rank of a first-grade martial artist, naturally, he would want to uncover the world’s true secrets. The True Martial Sect, with its long-standing influence, was the most appropriate point of entry.
Hearing Pei Xuanjing’s request, Qingyang Zi was startled, then burst into hearty laughter, “Ha ha ha…”
Pei Xuanjing found it odd. Why was he laughing? He then heard Qingyang Zi say, “It seems you really are destined to be connected to my Taihe Mountain.”
“Not long ago, I received a message from the Sect leader inviting you to visit Taihe Mountain if you had the chance. But I never expected you to take the initiative and bring this up yourself before I even had to,” Qingyang Zi said.
The leader of the True Martial Sect personally invited him to Taihe Mountain.
Pei Xuanjing was surprised.
The sect’s leader was indeed a first-grade martial artist and was amongst the strongest of the first-grade martial artists to hold such a high position within the top-tier organization, the True Martial Sect.
Even after Pei Xuanjing had broken through to a second-grade martial artist, it was still incredibly difficult for average first-grade martial artists to receive such an invitation.
What was even more surprising was that the invitation was sent at a time when he had not yet broken through, so he was just an inconsequential third-grade martial artist.
The fact that even a third-grade martial artist could receive an invitation from the sect leader of the True Martial Sect would be incredibly shocking to many if the news were to get out.
“Why does he want to invite me?” Xuanjing asked.
Qingyang Zi shook his head, “I don’t know. The actions of my brother Sect Leader have always been secretive, and I can never second-guess his motives.”
Having finished speaking, Qingyang Zi got up, “Alright, it’s getting late. I should head back.”
After seeing Qingyang Zi off, Xuanjing returned to his place.
“Master.” Pang Hong came in, his face flushed, his expression excited.
He had heard about Pei Xuanjing’s exploits from the others and was extremely happy.
Seeing the youth who had been under his guidance for almost two years, Pei Xuanjing also smiled, “How’s your training going? When do you think you’ll break through?”
Just as all students fear being asked about their grades by their parents, upon hearing Xuanjing’s inquiry, Pang Hong looked dejected and replied with a hint of disappointment, “I feel as though I am still lacking some necessary readiness.”
As a young kid, Pang Hong had experienced hardships, and his daily training was quite rigorous. However, due to his insufficient talent, even with diligent cultivation, his progress could only be considered average.
Pei Xuanjing had noticed the boy’S slow progress. Seeing his disappointment, he smiled, “Wait here.” After speaking, Xuanjing went into his room and came out quickly with a porcelain bottle in his hand.
“Here.” He passed the porcelain bottle to Pang Hong.
“Master!” Pang Hong appeared hesitant.
With a desire to accept the gift yet a reluctance to do so, his reaction reminded Xuanjing of how he used to receive red envelopes during Chinese New Year in his previous life.
“Heh heh, just take it. This thing is only useful to you.” Xuanjing placed the porcelain bottle in Pang Hong’s hands.
Pang Hong clenched the bottle tightly, as if afraid it would disappear. He asked somewhat awkwardly, “Master, what is this?”
Pei Xuanjing smiled and replied, “You would know if you open it.”
The boy listened, uncorked the porcelain bottle, and immediately a fragrance of elixir filled the air. He widened his eyes and exclaimed in surprise, “Human Yuan Pill.”
“Master, this is too valuable. I can’t accept it,” Pang Hong said hurriedly, capping the bottle and trying to give it back.
Xuanjing shook his head, “This is of no use to me.”
“But, Master, for taking me in and teaching me martial arts, I am already very grateful. This elixir is too precious,” Pang Hong denied.
This boy knew how to be content. Pei Xuanjing had already been so kind to him. Many janitors in the Academy were in the same position as Hong, but few were fortunate enough to receive guidance from martial arts experts; only Xuanjing was so kind to him.
“This is my gift to you. If you don’t take it, throw it away,” Pei Xuanjing threatened.
He had acquired this item from the Yinshi Assassins earlier in the day. Initially, he didn’t even bother to pick it up, since such a thing was not of much value to him.
But later he realized that Pang Hong might find it useful, so he decided to bring it back.
“Ah!”
“So just keep it, train well, and don’t let me down,” Xuanjing said.
“Master, I will train diligently and not let you down,” Pang Hong firmly and earnestly answered.
Seeing the youth’s determined gaze, Xuanjing grinned and said, “It’s getting late. You should go back and get some rest.”
After sending Pang Hong off to rest, Xuanjing returned to the training room to continue his own cultivation.
Cycling the True Qi within his body, he continued purifying his Blood Qi.
Meanwhile, within the Xi Factory, Zha Xiaobo was reporting the day’s events to the supervisor.
Gu Dayong, the Supervisor of the Xi Factory.
Despite being nominally on par with the Dong Factory Brocade Guards, Gu Dayong knew well that his position as the supervisor of the Xi Factory was not comparable to the Dong Factory or the Brocade Guards.
Since he had previously joined the wrong faction and was subordinate to the former supervisor of the Xi Factory.
If not for the emperor’s mercy, considering his many years of service, he not only wouldn’t be sitting in the position of the supervisor, but he also might have lost his life.
However, even so, Gu Dayong had been treading on thin ice over the years, being extremely careful not to allow any slip-ups.
Because he Imew, not only were many people coveting his position, there were also people who would love to see the emperor deem the Xi Factory redundant and absorb its power.
Because ultimately, the Xi Factory, having been established not too long ago, lacked a strong foundation compared to the Brocade Guards, the Dong Factory, or even the Six Gates.
The current Xi Factory was in quite an awkward situation, with overlapping jurisdictions with the Dong Factory and Brocade Guards, often facing the squeeze from both sides.
However, after hearing Zha Xiaobo?s report, he suddenly had an idea. If he handled it well, it could turn the tides for the Xi Factory, which was currently in a precarious situation.
Thinking about this, Gu Dayong said, “Come closer!”
He whispered something into Zha Xiaobo’s ear. Xiaobo nodded in understanding and left to carry out his orders..