Chapter 52: Accepting the Mission

"Ximen Shimu, do not be impolite." The leading purple-clothed woman lightly reprimanded, then turned to apologize to Chu Jianqiu: "Little Brother Chu, please do not take offense. Ximen Shimu is always straightforward and means no harm."

Chu Jianqiu waved his hand, indicating that he did not mind. He was not unfamiliar with this woman; she was Wan Xiuying, the president of the Purple Mist Society. The more sharp-featured woman was Ximen Yiliu, a member of the Purple Mist Society.

Chu Jianqiu did not particularly dislike the members of the Purple Mist Society, but he also did not have much affection for them. If it were not for Fu Lingsnow being in the Purple Mist Society, he would not have much interaction with them.

Ximen Yiliu, though silenced by Wan Xiuying, still muttered under her breath, "So what if you get top marks in every course? You're still a waste of space."

She had once taken an elective course in pharmacology, studying for three whole years and taking the exam three times, barely managing to get a C. Chu Jianqiu, however, had only studied for half a year and, in that assessment, actually got an A. This made Ximen Yiliu feel extremely unbalanced.

If Chu Jianqiu were a naturally gifted genius, it would be one thing, but Chu Jianqiu was just a new disciple. Apart from his excellent exam results, he was a waste in cultivation, having struggled in the Ninth Level of the Body Tempering Realm for a full six months.

Being outshone by such a waste made the extremely vain Ximen Yiliu feel very embarrassed, so she found Chu Jianqiu increasingly unbearable to look at.

Wan Xiuying gave Ximen Yiliu another stern look, stopping her from further offending Chu Jianqiu.

Although Chu Jianqiu had not advanced in cultivation in the six months since joining, he had achieved an A in every course, which was an astonishing level of comprehension. It could be said that no one in the outer sect, or even the inner sect, could match him. Who knew if Chu Jianqiu might suddenly have a breakthrough in cultivation and advance rapidly, soaring to new heights.

Moreover, Wan Xiuying had heard that Chu Jianqiu had a conflict with inner sect disciple Si Fengkai over Fu Lingsnow and was taken away by the law enforcement disciples but returned unharmed.

Chu Jianqiu was definitely not as simple as he appeared, and offending such a person was not a wise move.

Fu Lingsnow ignored Ximen Yiliu's words and congratulated Chu Jianqiu, "Congratulations, Senior Brother Chu, on breaking through to the True Qi Realm!"

Chu Jianqiu smiled slightly and replied, "Congratulations to you, Senior Sister Fu, on your remarkable progress in cultivation."

Hearing Fu Lingsnow's words, Wan Xiuying and Ximen Yiliu only then noticed that Chu Jianqiu had indeed broken through to the True Qi Realm, and they were greatly surprised. After staying in the Ninth Level of the Body Tempering Realm for six months, this diligent scholar had finally broken through to the True Qi Realm.

However, they did not take this matter too seriously; a mere First Level True Qi Realm was not worth their attention.

"Would you like to join us on this mission, Senior Brother Chu?" Fu Lingsnow invited Chu Jianqiu.

Chu Jianqiu pondered for a moment and then agreed.

He had never taken on a mission before and was not familiar with these things. Going with them would be a good opportunity for training.

Ximen Yiliu was very displeased with Fu Lingsnow's decision, but with Wan Xiuying's gaze on her, she did not dare to speak up.

Wan Xiuying was also not very pleased with Chu Jianqiu joining the mission, but since Fu Lingsnow had invited him, she did not want to offend her too much.

Fu Lingsnow was a bloodline warrior and considered to be exceptionally talented in their Purple Mist Society, having advanced from the First Level to the Second Level of the True Qi Realm in just six months.

With Fu Lingsnow's talent, she was destined to become an inner sect disciple. Cultivating a good relationship with her now would mean that when she entered the inner sect, she could provide support for the Purple Mist Society.

"Rumor has it that the blood python in Zunlian City is very fierce. With your cultivation, you might just end up as its meal!"

At this moment, a voice full of mockery came from the side.

Everyone turned to see Han Anyi of the Mystic Cloud Society approaching with four or five people.

To Chu Jianqiu's surprise, among them were Si Fengkai and his loyal lackey, Huang Pengyi.

Given Si Fengkai's arrogant nature, it was quite surprising to see him associating with Han Anyi.

Si Fengkai glanced at Chu Jianqiu with disdain.

After learning of Chu Jianqiu's status as a direct disciple from his brother six months ago, Si Fengkai was genuinely frightened. After being severely reprimanded by Si Fengpo, he had become more restrained and dared not provoke Chu Jianqiu and Fu Lingsnow again.

However, as he advanced from the Third Level to the Fourth Level of the True Qi Realm in the past six months, while Chu Jianqiu remained stuck in the Ninth Level of the Body Tempering Realm, his thoughts began to stir again.

He was extremely resentful. Why should a waste like Chu Jianqiu become a direct disciple, while he, Si Fengkai, a prodigy, could only be an inner sect disciple?

He had been looking for an opportunity to find trouble with Chu Jianqiu to avenge his past humiliation.

After that incident six months ago, Si Fengkai no longer trusted his lackeys and dismissed all of them except for Huang Pengyi.

As an inner sect disciple, Si Fengkai enjoyed resources far beyond those of an outer sect disciple. He also received occasional care from Si Fengpo, so the cultivation resources he received not only met his needs but also left him with plenty to spare.

Si Fengkai did not forget Huang Pengyi's loyalty and shared some of the excess cultivation resources with him.

Huang Pengyi, who had decent talent, advanced from the Second Level to the Third Level of the True Qi Realm in the past six months with Si Fengkai's support.

Han Anyi had a grudge against Chu Jianqiu from the first day he joined. Being publicly warned by Zuoqiu Lianzhu that day had greatly embarrassed him, and he could no longer hold his head high among many outer sect disciples. His Mystic Cloud Society had also declined, with many core members defecting to other societies.

With Han Anyi's nature, he would not let this grudge go. However, he was wary of Zuoqiu Lianzhu, and since Chu Jianqiu had been diligently attending classes for the past six months, he had no chance to take revenge.

He had also noticed the conflict between Si Fengkai and Chu Jianqiu. With a common enemy, the two had formed an alliance.

However, with Si Fengkai's pride, he would never join the Mystic Cloud Society and be subordinate to anyone. He and Han Anyi were merely in a cooperative relationship.

Huang Pengyi, upon seeing Chu Jianqiu, had intended to say something harsh. After all, he had now reached the Third Level of the True Qi Realm and believed he was capable of defeating Chu Jianqiu.

But before he could speak, he suddenly realized that Chu Jianqiu had already advanced to the First Level of the True Qi Realm. The harsh words he was about to say were abruptly retracted, leaving only a surprised exclamation: "You've already advanced to the True Qi Realm!"

Chu Jianqiu, who could beat a Second Level True Qi Realm practitioner when he was at the Ninth Level of the Body Tempering Realm, would now, with both of them advancing one level, still be able to beat him.