Lying Low in the Martial World to Become a Saint

"I heard the Sect Leader will personally assess the elites of each institute. Those who perform exceptionally well will receive great rewards and might even be granted core secret teachings."

.....

The disciples of the institute were all abuzz, the main topic of conversation being the upcoming grand celebration for the Wutai Sect.

News of the Wutai Sect’s 700th anniversary celebration had already spread throughout Yunlin Prefecture, drawing attention from all quarters. Within the Sect, the Elders were busy with preparations.

Luo Xinyi’s gaze lingered on Chen Qing for a moment. She faintly sensed that his aura seemed even more powerful than the last time they met. She didn’t dwell on it, merely giving a slight nod as a greeting.

A familiar, warm smile spread across Xu Qi’s face as he clasped his hands from a distance. "I heard Junior Brother Chen participated in the siege of Nine Waves Island. I trust the expedition went well?"

Chen Qing calmly returned the salute with clasped fists. "Thank you for your concern, Brother Xu. All is well."

His gaze swept over the crowd, and he saw Zhao Stone standing near Xu Qi.

Zhao Stone saw him too and gave him a nod.

Just then, with a CREAK, the tightly shut courtyard gate was pushed open.

Dressed in a deep cyan Daoist robe, Li Baichuan strolled out. He had the white hair of an old man but the youthful face of a child, and his eyes were as placid as an ancient well.

The entire Transmission Square fell instantly silent. You could have heard a pin drop.

All the disciples held their breath, their attention focused, and straightened their backs.

Li Baichuan’s gaze was as tranquil as a still well as it slowly swept across the disciples on the square. Without a single wasted word, he said, "Let’s begin. The Embracing Pill Disciples will go first."

Luo Xinyi was the first to step forward, her imposing figure standing tall like a mountain.

She took a deep breath, and Cyan Wood True Qi erupted from her body, forming a tangible cyan cyclone that swirled around her. It was vibrant, vigorous, and unending. Her aura was clearly that of the Mid-stage Embracing Pill Power, drawing gasps from many of the disciples.

Li Baichuan gave a slight nod. "Next."

Next was Xu Qi.

With a confident smile on his face, he also circulated the Cyan Wood Eternal Spring Technique. The flow of his cyan True Qi carried a sense of smooth perfection. He was also firmly at the Mid-stage Embracing Pill Power. Although his momentum was slightly weaker than Luo Xinyi’s, it was still quite solid.

Li Baichuan nodded in approval as well.

After him, a few senior brothers and sisters at the Early-stage Embracing Pill, such as Li Danyan, Hong Liangcai, and Ji Yilan, came forward one by one to demonstrate.

Li Baichuan assessed them quickly. His gaze lingered slightly longer on a few of them, but in the end, he remained noncommittal.

It was Chen Qing’s turn.

He strode forward steadily and came to a stop.

’In front of an expert like Li Baichuan, there’s no need to hide my strength. It would only be counterproductive.’

With a slight shift in his thoughts, the small cycle of Cyan Wood True Qi in his Dantian Sea of Qi, formed by the connection of four Main Meridians, instantly accelerated!

"HUMMM—!"

A surge of cyan True Qi suddenly erupted from within him. The True Qi rushed forth like a surging wave, yet it remained condensed and did not disperse, forming a thick pillar of energy that coiled around his body, faintly emitting a majestic aura.

The thickness of the True Qi, the smoothness of its circulation—it formed a perfect small cycle. He was unmistakably at the Mid-stage Embracing Pill Power!

"HISS..."

"Mid-stage Embracing Pill?!"

"Brother Chen... He’s actually at the Middle Stage?!"

"This... How is this possible?! How long has it been since he broke through to the Embracing Pill Realm?!"

.....

A wave of incredulous gasps instantly swept through the square.

It was as if a giant boulder had been thrown into a calm lake, and the ripples spread out rapidly.

Every gaze—whether from the nervous Transmutation Force Disciples or the Embracing Pill Disciples—was now locked onto Chen Qing, filled with utter shock and bewilderment.

Zhao Stone’s mouth hung slightly open, his eyes wide with astonishment and disbelief.

He had only recently broken through to the Early-stage Embracing Pill and knew full well how difficult it was. And yet, Chen Qing had silently advanced to the Middle Stage?!

This... This was simply unheard-of!

The smile on Xu Qi’s face froze instantly, his pupils contracting slightly.

He stared intently at the thick, solid cyan True Qi surrounding Chen Qing, and a sense of pressure welled up inside him.

He had painstakingly schemed, gathered allies, and vied for the position of head disciple, believing himself to be among the top Embracing Pill Disciples in the Cyan Wood Institute. He never imagined that this low-key Chen Qing, who almost never involved himself in conflicts, would suddenly pull ahead.

Luo Xinyi was even more shocked, her imposing body tensing up.

Mid-stage Embracing Pill Power!

This junior brother, whom she had personally guided during his entry into the sect, had now reached the exact same level as her—Mid-stage Embracing Pill Power?

The scene before her felt like a dream.

Li Baichuan’s gaze rested on Chen Qing for a moment, and he smiled. "Hm, Mid-stage Embracing Pill Power? A stable foundation, condensed True Qi... Very good."

Master Li’s words completely confirmed Chen Qing’s Realm.

Amidst everyone’s astonishment, the assessment continued. A few older disciples who had been stuck at the Transmutation Force for a long time with slow progress were called out by Li Baichuan and left dejectedly.

When all the disciples had finished their demonstrations.

Li Baichuan spoke again, his voice as calm as ever. "The Sect’s grand celebration is imminent. All Five Institutes will celebrate together, and we must not lack etiquette. Each institute will have representatives to participate in the ceremony. You all must cultivate diligently and not slack off."

Having said his piece, Li Baichuan spoke no more. He turned indifferently and returned to the back courtyard.

The moment the gate closed, the disciples of the Cyan Wood Institute seemed to finally snap out of their earlier shock.

"From Master Li’s last words, it seems the head disciple of our Cyan Wood Institute will be chosen soon," someone guessed in a low voice.

Many disciples nodded in agreement.

Both Xu Qi and Luo Xinyi felt a jolt of alarm and grew tense, secretly resolving to ’work harder’ in the coming days.

After a brief discussion, the crowd immediately began to stir.

The other disciples at Early-stage Embracing Pill also rushed forward.

"Congratulations, Brother Chen!"

"Your progress is astonishing, Senior Brother! Truly admirable!"

"Congratulations on your great advancement in Cultivation, Brother Chen!"

The senior brothers and sisters at the Embracing Pill level, regardless of which faction they previously belonged to, were now all smiles as they came forward, clasping their hands in salute.

Even the few Embracing Pill Disciples who weren’t familiar with Chen Qing before now showed no trace of reserve, adopting an extremely humble posture.

Their form of address was quietly changing, shifting from "Junior Brother" to "Senior Brother." The rule that strength earns respect was on full display.

Just then, two figures parted the crowd almost simultaneously and walked toward Chen Qing, who was surrounded by everyone.

Luo Xinyi came before Chen Qing and smiled. "Junior Brother Chen! Congratulations on your great advancement in Cultivation!"

’Although Chen Qing has broken through to the Middle Stage, he hasn’t been there for long, so his foundation isn’t deep enough. Plus, he usually keeps a low profile and has shallow roots in the institute. The position of head disciple ultimately depends on a combination of foundational strength, reputation, and seniority. If I can win him over to my side, I can completely suppress Xu Qi.’

Almost at the same time, Xu Qi also approached.

Beaming, he spoke with a friendly voice, "Junior Brother Chen! What a wonderful surprise! You’re a classic dark horse—quiet for ages, then you stun everyone! I, Xu Qi, congratulate you on your breakthrough in Cultivation. This is truly a blessing for our Cyan Wood Institute!"

He clasped his hands in salute, his posture even more humble than Luo Xinyi’s, making him appear far more eager.

The two most outstanding disciples of the Cyan Wood Institute were now simultaneously congratulating this newcomer, Chen Qing. The atmosphere suddenly became a little delicate.

"Now things are getting interesting. It used to be a contest between Brother Xu and Senior Sister Luo, but now..." a disciple in the crowd murmured suggestively.

Naturally, both Luo Xinyi and Xu Qi heard it.

Their expressions remained impassive, but an indescribable, subtle shift occurred in both their hearts.

Chen Qing’s sudden rise had undoubtedly disrupted their original competitive dynamic, making the outcome for the head disciple position shrouded in mystery.

However, this subtle apprehension lasted only for a moment.

The two of them adjusted their mindsets almost immediately.

Although Chen Qing had broken through to Mid-stage Embracing Pill Power, neither of them believed he could pose a threat to them.

Luo Xinyi smiled. "Your breakthrough is a joyous occasion, Junior Brother Chen. If you encounter any difficulties in your cultivation in the future, perhaps I, Xinya, can offer my humble assistance, and we can discuss them together."

She adopted a very humble stance, appearing full of sincerity.

Chen Qing smiled and said, "Thank you, Senior Sister Luo."

Standing to the side, Xu Qi took in Chen Qing’s expression but said nothing.

After another round of pleasantries, the crowd dispersed.

Chen Qing left the Cyan Wood Institute and prepared to head to the Affairs Department.

"Junior Brother Chen!"

Xu Qi hurried to catch up.

Chen Qing asked, "Brother Xu, is something the matter?"

Xu Qi walked over, his tone intimate. "Junior Brother, there’s no time like the present. Your breakthrough today is a major event for our Cyan Wood Institute. Why don’t I treat you to a few drinks at the Drunken Immortal Tower later?"

He extended the invitation directly.

"You’re too kind, Brother Xu."

Chen Qing shook his head and said, "Perhaps not. I still have some important matters to attend to. How about I treat you next time I’m free, Senior Brother?"

Xu Qi’s smile was amiable. "Cultivation is a serious matter, so of course your business comes first, Junior Brother. As for the banquet, we can do that anytime. Whenever you’re free, just say the word, and I’ll be there at your beck and call!"

He then changed his tone, becoming incredibly sincere. "In the future, Junior Brother, if you need any errands run within the institute, or have some trivial matters you can’t handle personally, please don’t hesitate to ask. Though I may not be much, I have a few connections here and will certainly help you with your troubles!"

Chen Qing clasped his fists. "Thank you."

’Compared to Luo Xinyi, Xu Qi is undoubtedly much shrewder, but I don’t want to get involved in their conflict.’

.......