Chapter 33

Zhuo Qingyan's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise, clearly taken aback by Bai Chen's performance.

Originally, she had thought that Bai Chen was just a regular friend of Mu Sansheng.

She didn't expect him to be a hidden expert, especially after his exchange with Nalan Ruyue, which showcased external martial techniques that were truly eye-opening.

"Mr. Bai, you have impressive skills. My daughter and I have some matters to attend to, so we will take our leave. Until we meet again."

Although Zhuo Qingyan now viewed Bai Chen differently, to avoid escalating the conflict between Nalan Ruyue and Bai Chen, she quickly pulled Nalan Ruyue away.

Long Tuxiao stepped forward with a smile, clasping his hands together. "Mr. Bai, you have remarkable skills."

"Just a minor trick, I'm embarrassed to show it."

In fact, Bai Chen was secretly pleased; it was the first time in his life that someone had praised his martial arts skills.

Entering the Martial Hall, Mu Sansheng first settled Bai Chen and Long Tuxiao, then bid farewell to go find his master.

Soon, Mu Sansheng returned with an elderly man who looked to be in his sixties or seventies but was actually over ninety, nearing the end of his life.

Dressed in a gray robe, he appeared like an old scholar, with his hair neatly combed and a graceful, detached demeanor.

His face showed signs of weariness, a sign of his advanced age, but his eyes sparkled with sharpness.

"You must be Mr. Bai Chen. I am Zhuo Bufan of the Iron Scroll Sect. I have heard much about you, and it's a pleasure to finally meet you in person." Zhuo Bufan's hearty laughter accompanied a mutual bow.

Bai Chen, however, did not agree with this assessment. He knew his own character, and he certainly didn't have any extraordinary aura.

If anything, he had a bit of a rascally and carefree demeanor, which he had developed in college.

His usual lax attitude made it hard for him to change, and he had to admit that the few people he had met in this world had more presence than he did.

Even Qin Youwei, a spoiled rich kid, had more presence, not to mention Long Tuxiao and Mu Sansheng, who had their own unique auras.

"Little Bai Chen, I greet you, Old Master Zhuo."

"Mr. Bai, your presence here brings honor to our sect. If you don't mind, you could stay for a while and perhaps offer some guidance to our disciples."

"Old Master Zhuo, you flatter me. What merit do I have to instruct your esteemed disciples?"

"If Mr. Bai had no merit, then the four young masters of Qingzhou would be nothing but scoundrels." Mu Sansheng joked from the side.

Long Tuxiao smiled but did not interject, though he was not entirely convinced by Mu Sansheng and Zhuo Bufan's behavior.

He thought they were being too humble, which made their relationship with Bai Chen more distant.

As the successor of the Dragon Tiger Sect, Long Tuxiao's abilities extended beyond cultivation; his interpersonal skills were also exceptional, or his master would not have entrusted him with such a significant role.

Mu Sansheng, as the successor of the Iron Scroll Sect, still had some shortcomings.

Especially in handling Bai Chen, he had been quite inappropriate.

Previously, Long Tuxiao had heard about Mu Sansheng's harsh words towards Bai Chen, whose background was unknown.

This had led to a rather lukewarm relationship, and now their overly friendly approach seemed forced and insincere.

Such an attitude would not bring them closer but would make Bai Chen feel more distant.

Bai Chen was not used to such mutual flattery and had to go through the motions, as he was not yet familiar with them, and they might not even become friends.

After several rounds of polite exchanges, they finally sat down to discuss the main matters.

Zhuo Bufan did not speak first, but Mu Sansheng did. "Mr. Bai, you should know our sect's current situation. If we weren't being pressured by the Danqi Sect, we wouldn't be seeking your help."

Bai Chen knew this very well. He had chosen to help the Iron Scroll Sect when they were in dire straits, to gain the maximum benefit.

He did not sympathize with Mu Sansheng's plight, as he believed Mu Sansheng had brought this upon himself.

Initially, Bai Chen had wanted to be friends with Mu Sansheng, but Mu Sansheng had not reciprocated.

Since Mu Sansheng did not appreciate his efforts, Bai Chen could only handle things formally. He glanced at Zhuo Bufan, who, despite his pride, was still reluctant to beg.

"What can I do to help your sect?"

"The Danqi Sect is not yet bold enough to push us too hard. I am at the peak of the ninth stage, and if pushed, I can fight to the death. However, my time is limited, and if I don't break through within three years, the future of the Iron Scroll Sect is bleak."

Long Tuxiao narrowed his eyes. Zhuo Bufan wanted the Lingdong Treasure Pill, but it was uncertain whether Bai Chen would agree.

Moreover, did the Iron Scroll Sect have the capital to request such a pill from Bai Chen?

Long Tuxiao did not want Bai Chen to agree, as the current stability in Qingzhou City would be disrupted if another innate expert appeared.

However, it was not appropriate for Long Tuxiao to speak up. Could he tell Bai Chen that if he agreed to Zhuo Bufan, the Dragon Tiger Sect would break ties with him?

Given Bai Chen's character, he would likely help the Iron Scroll Sect without hesitation.

"I know my own limits. Reaching my current stage is already a great achievement. To advance to the innate stage, I need Mr. Bai's help. I am willing to pay any price."

Politeness aside, this was a business deal, and Bai Chen had no particular affection for the Iron Scroll Sect.

Bai Chen was straightforward with Zhuo Bufan. "What can I get in return? Money? I don't need it. Martial arts manuals? I have plenty. The Iron Scroll Sect doesn't seem to have anything that would interest me."

Money was not an issue for Bai Chen. With his alchemy skills, he had no need to worry about finances.

The alchemy skills of the various sects in Qingzhou City were not on par with his.

Even the Danqi Sect did not have the same level of expertise, but the entire Shu region was different. For example, the Wanhua Valley, home to the Medicine Venerable and the Poison Venerable, was a formidable force in Shu.

Wanhua Valley and the Tang Sect were the two major sects in Shu, each controlling half of the region. These sects were not only formidable to Bai Chen but also to the leaders of Qingzhou City.

Although Bai Chen had little interaction with them, he remained cautious, as a habit.

If the Wuliang Sect ever threatened their interests, they might take action against it.

Currently, the Wuliang Sect was small, and whether it was the Wanhua Valley, the Tang Sect, or the other sects in Qingzhou City, they could easily crush it.

Zhuo Bufan's eyes flickered, and his expression showed hesitation. He knew that what Bai Chen wanted was not just money.

However, he also understood that if he offered the sect's resources, it could be like inviting a wolf into his home, which he had to guard against.

"May I ask what Mr. Bai wants?"

"The Wushi Stone, I want that Wushi Stone!"

Zhuo Bufan and Mu Sansheng's faces changed, and they looked at Bai Chen with shock and anger.

Even Long Tuxiao was surprised, as he had not expected Bai Chen to demand the sect's most valuable treasure.

This was akin to digging up their ancestral grave, and Long Tuxiao was worried for Bai Chen.

He silently blamed Bai Chen for making such a demand.

Zhuo Bufan's face turned cold. "If Mr. Bai is not sincere, then please leave."

Mu Sansheng's eyes flickered, but he did not speak.

"Then I will take my leave." Bai Chen bowed and turned to leave, showing no hesitation.

Bai Chen was not in a hurry; it was the Iron Scroll Sect and Zhuo Bufan who were.

If Zhuo Bufan could part with the Wushi Stone, there might be a chance, but without the Lingdong Treasure Pill, the Iron Scroll Sect would face more than just the loss of the Wushi Stone.

Having controlled the resources of Qingzhou City for years, many factions were already envious. Once Zhuo Bufan, one of the peak forces in Qingzhou City, passed away, the Iron Scroll Sect would lose everything.

Even if they gave up these resources, the grudges and enemies they had accumulated over the years would not let them off easily.

Zhuo Bufan was clearly angry, his eyes flashing with cold light as he watched Bai Chen leave.

"Master." Mu Sansheng was afraid his master might act rashly.

If it were before last night, he might not have hesitated, but after seeing Bai Chen tear apart Yin Wuqing, he felt a sense of fear towards this young man of similar age.

Especially considering the forces behind him, he dared not act rashly.

"This person is not as simple as he seems." Mu Sansheng recounted the events of last night and shared his suspicions with Zhuo Bufan.

Zhuo Bufan's surprise grew as he listened. By the time Bai Chen had left the hall, Zhuo Bufan's gaze remained fixed on the direction he had gone, his face showing shock and doubt. "Is what you say true?"

"Absolutely true. This person's cultivation is likely on par with you, and his external martial techniques are extraordinary, not ordinary low-level skills. He might be a representative of a top sect from another region or even a core disciple of a top sect on an external mission."

Zhuo Bufan's eyes flickered, and his expression remained unchanged. He let out a cold laugh. "Even if they are core disciples of top sects, this is Shu, this is Qingzhou City, not their territory. Even a powerful dragon must bow to the local snake!"