Chapter 21: An Honor

The two wrestled for a while, but in the end, Shangguan Yun chose to compromise, reluctantly returning a Primordial Pill to Sima Changfeng, the middle-aged scholar.

They had known each other since their days in Qi Refining, supporting one another, establishing their respective families, joining the Four Seas Merchant Association, and achieving Nascent Soul cultivation; their bond was unlike any ordinary friendship.

Though the Primordial Pill was precious, it was not enough to make them forsake such feelings and truly turn against each other.

After lying on the ground for a bit, each using their magical power to dispel the bruises on their faces, the middle-aged scholar spoke, “We cannot keep all these Primordial Pills for ourselves. You give six, I give five, and we share them among the remaining eleven companions.”

Shangguan Yun was clearly unwilling, about to protest, but the scholar waved his hand to stop him, saying, “Hear me out first. What do you think of Master Chen?”

Shangguan Yun, unsure why the topic had shifted to Chen Yang, scratched the back of his head, “A late-stage cultivator?”

The scholar shook his head. “Though Master Chen is immensely powerful, the aura he displays when he acts does not match that of a true great cultivator.”

“Then...”

“Just over a year ago, this master emerged out of nowhere, with no trace of his existence beforehand. His first display of magical power was not particularly impressive, but within a few short months, he somehow controlled Nangong Yan, exterminating Nangong and his entire sect.”

At this, the scholar paused briefly, then sneered before continuing, “I originally thought he was an old monster who had seized a new body to cultivate anew. Now, it seems body-seizing is at play, but his origins may be far greater than we can imagine.”

Shangguan Yun’s expression changed, casting a suspicious glance around before lowering his voice, “A Divine Transformation powerhouse?”

The scholar nodded. “Not just any Divine Transformation expert—I suspect he’s a relic from ancient or medieval times.”

He took out a Primordial Pill and shook it. “Such a treasure, neither of us has seen nor heard of before. Yet this man, with a single gesture, produces dozens. This pill, which could secure our path to enlightenment, is nothing rare in his eyes.”

“What kind of person would regard such a pill as commonplace?”

“Only those old relics from ancient or medieval times, unfamiliar with our current cultivation environment, would be so nonchalant!”

The scholar answered his own question, leaving Shangguan Yun sweating coldly, his eyes darting about in fear that Chen Yang might suddenly appear and jokingly say, ‘You know too much.’

“For someone like him, only the entire Four Seas Merchant Association holds any value.”

“Brother Shangguan, this is another great opportunity after President Yu. If we seize it, there may yet be a day when we ascend to enlightenment.”

The scholar’s tone was solemn, his eyes burning with a hidden fire.

Shangguan Yun wiped the cold sweat from his brow, hurriedly stopping his friend, “All right, all right, I’ll listen to you, just don’t say any more—I feel uneasy in my heart.”

...

Later that day, the middle-aged scholar personally delivered several rare spiritual herbs promised to Chen Yang.

Chen Yang glanced at them, uprooting each plant, shaking his head internally. Still, he thought that, with time, he might refine True Water of Heaven One and perhaps save them.

“The divine metals Master requires are truly rare. They are difficult to find in a short time. We will do our utmost; please forgive us, Master.”

The scholar’s demeanor was exceedingly humble, clearly taking the posture of Chen Yang’s subordinate, leaving Fatty Xu stunned—he had no idea what had transpired.

Though Chen Yang had nearly slaughtered the pair in broad daylight, the Supreme Spirit Banner had shielded everyone, drawing them into a demonic illusion. Not only Fatty Xu, but even the maid who had led Chen Yang to the scholar’s pavilion, knew nothing of what had happened.

Chen Yang nodded, his face carrying a half-smile, “You’re very good, a clever man. But there are many clever people in this world, and few meet a good end. Let me give you a piece of advice: true wisdom is to appear foolish, not letting others see your cleverness.”

“Sir...” The scholar broke out in a cold sweat, bowing, trying to explain.

Chen Yang did not give him the chance, patting his shoulder, continuing, “Do your work well, and I will not treat you poorly. But if you harbor double intentions, you know something of my methods.”

“Yes... subordinate... understands.”

Truly a clever man, adapting to his new role with ease.

Chen Yang nodded in satisfaction, waving dismissively, “Very good, you may go.”

“Subordinate takes his leave.” Sima Changfeng bowed and slowly withdrew from the courtyard.

The next day.

Having finished absorbing the True Fire of the Sun to temper his body, Chen Yang took Fatty Xu with him to attend the Bao Hua Gathering.

Just as he stepped outside, he saw waiting in the courtyard a young woman in her early twenties, tall and graceful, clad in a pale yellow palace dress.

Her cultivation was not high, yet not low either—at the Purple Mansion stage.

“I am Sima Yan, junior, greeting the esteemed elder.”

No need to ask—she was clearly sent by Sima Changfeng, and undoubtedly his most trusted junior.

Chen Yang nodded, telling her not to stand on ceremony, and walked ahead. Sima Yan quickly rose and followed behind with Fatty Xu.

The Bao Hua Gathering was a grand event on Bao Hua Continent, attracting countless cultivators.

Even before reaching the main venue, the streets were lined with independent cultivators selling their wares.

Upon arrival, a hundred-zhang-tall grand hall soared in the center.

From outside, the hall appeared vast; once inside, it was a world unto itself, an exquisite spatial formation enlarging the interior hundreds of times.

To enter the official venue, one needed either formidable strength—Golden Core and above—or immense wealth and backing.

Even with such strict screening, the hall was packed, at least tens of thousands of people in view.

“Elder, please ascend to the third floor; my family patriarch has prepared a private suite for you.”

“Lead the way.” Chen Yang nodded.

“Please, elder.” Sima Yan bowed, guiding them to a private room on the third floor.

Though the suite was not large, it was lavishly furnished, with fine wine, spiritual fruits, and several maids in attendance.

Once Chen Yang was seated, Sima Yan presented a catalogue respectfully, “These are the treasures to be auctioned today. If you desire any, please instruct me in advance.”

Chen Yang chuckled, taking the catalogue, “Truth be told, I am not flush with wealth. Let’s give your patriarch a chance, then.”

He had originally refined the Primordial Pills to exchange for spirit stones and then acquire useful spiritual herbs and sword materials.

But the pills were so effective, they became difficult to trade.

Yesterday, Shangguan Yun’s unease was justified; every word and action of the pair was under Chen Yang’s gaze.

“To be of service to the elder is an honor for the Sima family,” Sima Yan replied joyfully, clearly following Sima Changfeng’s instructions.