Peerless Divine Eyes
Chapter 371: Shang Qing’s Great Principles

Chapter 371: Chapter 371: Shang Qing’s Great Principles

The Shang family’s businesses span the entire world, and while their influence isn’t the most formidable, they still have connections with some third-rate sects.

Shang Qing didn’t know what Lu Chen was planning, so he prepared in advance.

After the last time Lu Chen left, he sent a letter to his family, which indirectly caused the Heavenly Pill Pavilion to seek out a menial worker.

The reasons behind this, apart from the Heavenly Pill Pavilion and the Shang family, were known to no one.

And at this moment, that very letter was instructing the head of the Shang family to pass the message through the Xuanji Sect to the Qingyun Sect!

Previously, Shang Qing had also received information from his family; not only had Shang Xiu died, but even the Xuanji Sect Master had vanished without a trace, very likely perished within the Heavenly Abyss!

That was a Core Formation Stage Martial Artist!

As a result, the Qingyun Sect became involved and dispatched a Core Formation elder to take residence in the Xuanji Sect.

This news, however, was unknown to ordinary martial artists.

After confirming that it was Lu Chen’s doing, Shang Qing naturally intended to pass on the message. But before he could, he received news of Lu Chen’s return!

"I should have sent it out personally yesterday!"

On his way to the inner courtyard, Shang Qing couldn’t help regretting his decision, but it was clearly too late.

Upon arriving at Li Mingru’s courtyard, Shang Qing had already put on a smiling face.

"Master Chen, what brings you here?"

Shang Qing offered a sycophantic smile, bowing deeply regardless of whether other elders were present, kowtowing three times with the utmost subservience.

Lu Chen sneered and said, "Shang Qing, I want to inquire about something. How much do you know about the Hehuan Sect?"

"The Hehuan Sect," Shang Qing was somewhat surprised, his eyes darting around as he thought to himself, could it be that Lu Chen wants to join the Hehuan Sect?

He knew a bit, but speaking it outright in a straightforward manner might vex Lu Chen.

Since the message had already been relayed to the Qingyun Sect, Lu Chen must join the Hehuan Sect, then the Qingyun Sect would naturally demand his release from Hehuan Sect!

Male disciples in the Hehuan Sect, unless at the Core Formation stage, had no status whatsoever.

When the time came, the Hehuan Sect would not offend the Qingyun Sect for the sake of a common disciple like Lu Chen.

These second-tier sects might be constantly engaged in covert conflicts, but on the surface, they all showed due diligence.

"The Hehuan Sect is a legitimate second-tier sect," Shang Qing began to articulate at length, wielding his glib tongue to embellish the virtues of the Hehuan Sect, all to encourage Lu Chen to join!

He talked for over an hour without pause, managing to answer all questions Lu Chen had posed.

This impressed the other elders, who began to see Shang Qing in a new light.

But in the end, Lu Chen asked a question.

"I hear that in the Hehuan Sect, women are esteemed over men. Is this true?"

The other elders, having sensed Shang Qing’s motives and hearing Lu Chen’s question, tensed up.

Shang Qing, however, candidly admitted to it, saying, "Master Chen, that is most definitely the case! However, isn’t it the same among us mortal martial artists, not to mention in the Cultivation World?"

Lu Chen narrowed his eyes and asked, "What do you mean by that?"

"Among mortals, wealth and power dictate respect."

"Among martial artists, strength is supreme!"

"In the Cultivation World, one’s realm is paramount!"

"In the Hehuan Sect, that women are venerated over men simply stems from the fact that women cultivate at a faster pace! Naturally, the Hehuan Sect prioritizes cultivation resources for women! But... if one is strong enough, they can break these rules! With your extraordinary talent, Master Chen, you are unlikely to be bound by such customs! And besides, as far as I know..."

These words were logical and coherent, making the other elders nod their heads in agreement.

What Shang Qing said had no issues at all.

"As far as I know, the more talented the women, the less likely they are to choose ordinary disciples for dual cultivation! So if you were to go there, your talents would surely attract the attention of countless female disciples! To make an imperfect comparison, and please don’t take offence, Master Chen, ’the rarer something is, the more valuable it is!’ This is the same principle we in the Shang family apply to our business!"

Lu Chen’s eyes lit up immediately.

If he demonstrated sufficient talent, perhaps the choice would actually be in his hands!

Then, he could select Qin Yaotiao and find an opportunity to escape the Hehuan Sect!

Or perhaps, he could lie low within the Hehuan Sect and cultivate with Qin Yaotiao.

"Good," Lu Chen said with a smirking smile as he stood up, "the information you’ve given me has been very helpful."

He glanced at the other elders and waved them away, saying, "To show my gratitude, I shall bestow upon Shang Qing a certain opportunity. Elders, I ask that you give us some privacy."

The group of elders, envious, reluctantly left.

"Master Chen, I do not desire any mystic opportunity, I only wish to return to my dedicated cultivation practice!"

Shang Qing sensed something was terribly wrong.

But in the next moment, his body stiffened with an incredulous expression, and he fell to the ground.

And as he lay dying, Lu Chen said indifferently, "Your enthusiasm was evident, but it betrayed a hint of murderous intent! Moreover, throughout your words, you were adamant about me joining the Hehuan Sect. Did you really think I wouldn’t know?"