Chapter 9: Progress

Wei Qing City retained most of its former industrial systems. It stood atop a hill, surrounded by low-lying plains where numerous bases were established. These bases relied on Wei Qing City for existence while naturally serving as a protective barrier for the city.

To its west lay a broken ring of mountains. Beyond them was Tian Ying City territory. The mountains were rich in resources; the primary point of friction between Wei Qing and Tian Ying.

Large numbers of people entered and exited Wei Qing City daily, but none could settle without permission. Unauthorized residence inside the city carried obvious consequences.

Su Qi’s aircraft parked on a docking tower outside the city. A straight pathway from the tower connected to the interior; using it also required permission.

As a first-class enforcer, Su Qi had that privilege. He could have flown directly in, but after consulting Zhang Yujun, he abandoned the flashy idea.

The main road to Wei Qing City was crowded. Traffic jammed as expected.

“Exalted One, I’ll notify the guards to clear the road.” Su Qi said to Chen Zhao. He had asked how to address him; Chen Zhao simply replied.

“No need. We have plenty of time; waiting a bit is nothing.” Chen Zhao said calmly.

The vehicle moved forward. At a fork, Zhang Yujun saw a squad of heavily armed guards ahead, escorting a car slowly through.

Su Qi glanced once, then turned away.

“That’s Young Master Li’s car. His father is Municipal Minister Li Yongnian, an old acquaintance of the city lord.”

“We’ll wait.” Zhang Yujun turned her head, secretly extending her perception.

Source users inside Wei Qing City were far denser than outside.

Roughly one in ten, most mid-tier; equivalent to Qi Refining third layer.

In the city center, Zhang Yujun noted several spots that blocked her divine sense probing. Not necessarily Foundation-level source users; possibly just technology to shield detection.

The road cleared afterward. Su Qi led Zhang Yujun to an exquisitely decorated villa.

“This was gifted to me, but I’ve been too busy to manage it. Exalted Ones, you and Lily can stay here for now.”

Zhang Yujun and Chen Zhao showed no reaction. One had seen every immortal cave mansion in the Ask Immortal Sect; the other had endured hardships since childhood, steady by nature.

Lily’s eyes widened. Such a big house; if Mister Xu were here too, he wouldn’t freeze at night anymore. Thinking of Xu Cheng, her eyes reddened.

“Lily, don’t worry. You and Teacher Xu will meet again.”

Su Qi saw this and sighed inwardly.

Back when he studied under Xu Cheng, the man hadn’t treated him this way.

Otherwise he wouldn’t have attacked without hesitation.

Hearing this, Lily looked at Su Qi hopefully. “Will Mister Xu come too?”

“Hehe, rest assured. Teacher Xu offended many people. Now in false recovery, temporarily suppressing Source disease, he’ll definitely return for revenge. Just a matter of when.”

Su Qi thought he understood Xu Cheng somewhat.

Don’t judge by his current frail appearance; young Xu Cheng killed without blinking, making countless enemies.

Being able to hide in one place now was already the result of Su Qi’s efforts.

Consider it repaying past mentorship.

“Exalted Ones, I’ll head to the Enforcement Department to hand over duties. I’ll come back later.” Su Qi said.

Chen Zhao nodded slightly. Su Qi drove off. Zhang Yujun led Lily into the house.

The house had three floors; each alone hundreds of square meters, fully equipped.

Zhang Yujun skimmed some info and understood the devices’ functions. In the sect, she’d studied other worlds.

Zhang Yujun found an open space, closed her eyes, and circulated the Fundamental Immortal Scripture.

This was the mainstream method for Ask Immortal Sect Foundation disciples; also the strongest. It flexibly produced the most suitable mana based on personality and talent.

This mana was called Fundamental Mana; convertible to any attribute, perfectly matching the user. One reason Ask Immortal Sect dominated the starry domain.

Unified from Qi Refining, centralized training via the free top-tier scripture allowed screening any potential disciple.

True divergence came after Golden Core.

Any disciple reaching Golden Core could choose the sect’s top dao arts; the Four Books and Seven Classics. If incompatible, lower ones; but those cost contribution.

Only those cultivating the eleven Four Books and Seven Classics were the sect’s backbone.

Her elder brother Zhang Wudao cultivated the Supreme Ultimate Formless Myriad Spirits True Scripture.

Time reached afternoon. Zhang Yujun slowly opened her eyes; her mana had advanced a little.

Freshly awakened Dao Body effects were still unclear; currently only the universal protective true domain and faster cultivation.

More abilities would awaken in later realms.

Zhang Yujun toured around, finding Chen Zhao in another open space.

Chen Zhao breathed steadily; five-colored lights flickered around him.

“Five Elements Dao Body…” Zhang Yujun’s eyes flashed. Five Elements was top-tier though inferior to Supreme Yin. Fully developed, limitless future.

But sect records listed his as Cloud Mist Dao Body; trash.

“Junior Sister?” Chen Zhao opened his eyes, startled to see her quietly watching. He hadn’t noticed her approach.

“Senior Brother, Five Elements Dao Body?” Zhang Yujun asked directly.

Chen Zhao’s eyes flashed vigilance, but seeing her aloof, exquisite face, he nodded.

“Yes. Due to certain unspeakable reasons, I didn’t report it to the sect before.”

“Everyone has difficulties; I understand.” Zhang Yujun nodded. Though inexperienced in worldly affairs, she knew sect struggles. Chen Zhao likely offended someone and hid his talent.

But slaying a snake demon in Qi Refining; even if most dismissed it as joke, it thrust him into spotlight.

“Upon returning to the sect, Senior Brother, interested in some support?”

Chen Zhao’s talent and strength weren’t as simple as they appeared.

Though unaware of his circumstances, Zhang Yujun was willing to help.

“Is this Junior Sister’s personal offer, or…” Chen Zhao trailed off; he believed she’d understand.

Zhang Yujun paused.

Indeed, she’d overlooked sect faction fights.

The mentioned struggles were exactly that. The entire Ask Immortal Sect split into aristocratic families and master-disciple lineages; two inheritance styles. One blood-tied, one mentor-based. They fought endlessly over resources.

Her Zhang family was a giant in the aristocratic faction.

Not just her father the Azure Abyss Hall Lord; many family members held key sect positions. Their influence reached everywhere.

Chen Zhao, no family background, close to Senior Brother Li; likely already master-disciple faction.

Her unsolicited friendship might harm him instead.