Chapter 98: Chapter 97: An Unexpected Person, Attending a Lecture at the Inheritance Hall

"We have to listen carefully to the lectures from the Elder and stewards today. If we learn something, it could save us from taking a lot of wrong turns."

Xiao Chen said on the way, his voice filled with anticipation.

"It’s true that having guidance on the path of cultivation can save you from many missteps."

Fang Han deeply agreed.

When they arrived at the Inheritance Hall, they found the spacious hall already filled with disciples—about sixty or seventy of them. They were gathered in small groups, conversing in hushed tones. The atmosphere was solemn, yet tinged with anticipation.

Fang Han scanned the crowd.

Li Feng stood alone in a corner, cradling his saber with his eyes closed. A cold, unapproachable aura radiated from him.

Yun Qianyue, her face still covered by a light veil, sat in the front row. Her posture was perfectly straight, and she was as cold and aloof as frost.

Huang Ling’er, meanwhile, was huddled with a few female disciples she knew, whispering amongst themselves and occasionally letting out cheerful laughs.

His gaze swept past them, pausing on a figure not far away.

Wang Meng was sitting near the front, surrounded by five disciples, both men and women. They were speaking to her in low voices, their attitudes clearly fawning and obsequious.

Wang Meng’s expression was placid. She offered an occasional nod but said little, obviously long accustomed to such scenes.

Xiao Chen noticed Fang Han’s gaze and followed it. Seeing Wang Meng surrounded by the crowd, he couldn’t help but chuckle and whisper:

"Are you looking at Wang Meng? I asked around—her older brother is Brother Wang Miao, ranked ninety-fifth on the Celestial Pride List. Tch, tch. With a brother like that, it’s no wonder she draws attention wherever she goes."

"I should warn you, though. Someone like her probably has high standards. Ordinary guys don’t stand a chance."

Fang Han withdrew his gaze at Xiao Chen’s words. He just smiled faintly, not bothering to explain that he already knew Wang Meng and that their relationship was rather awkward.

He changed the subject, saying, "Figures on the Celestial Pride List are certainly something to aspire to."

Seeing that Fang Han didn’t want to discuss it further, Xiao Chen tactfully dropped the subject. Instead, they began to speculate about what the lecture might cover.

The two found a spot near the back and sat down to wait quietly.

As time passed, more and more disciples arrived at the Inheritance Hall. The number soon surpassed a hundred, and it seemed nearly all the new disciples were present.

About half an hour later, a side door at the front of the hall was pushed open. An invisible pressure immediately filled the air, and the hall, which had been filled with soft murmurs, fell completely silent.

Elder Chen walked in at a steady pace. He was dressed in formal Elder’s robes today. His face was lean, and his gaze, though calm, held an innate authority.

Behind him followed seven or eight Stewards, each with a profound aura, sharp eyes, and deep Cultivation.

However, to the surprise of all the disciples, walking alongside Elder Chen and the Stewards was a young man.

This man appeared to be about twenty-five or twenty-six. He wore a deep cyan long robe, strikingly different from the standard Disciple’s Robe, with intricate and beautiful cloud patterns embroidered in silver thread on the cuffs and collar.

His bearing was calm and his features handsome, and he carried himself with a steady confidence. It was Wang Miao!

His appearance immediately drew the eyes of everyone in the hall.

The eyes of the many disciples who knew who he was instantly filled with intense awe and admiration.

Ninety-fifth on the Celestial Pride List!

To new disciples like them, he was practically a figure of legend.

Some disciples couldn’t help but glance toward Wang Meng in the front row, clearly aware of her connection to Wang Miao.

Elder Chen walked to the head of the hall and stopped. His gaze swept over the packed crowd of disciples below as he began to speak, his voice carrying clearly to every ear.

"Today, for our lecture, in addition to myself and the Stewards, we have also invited Wang Miao, a True Inheritor ranked ninety-fifth on the Celestial Pride List, to share his Cultivation insights with you."

He turned to gesture at Wang Miao, his tone grave:

"True Inheritor Wang Miao is one of the most outstanding True Inheritors of the Qingxuan Sect’s current generation. He is ranked on the Celestial Pride List, and his Cultivation experience will be of great benefit to you. I expect you to listen with your full attention."

A wave of suppressed gasps swept through the hall. All the disciples held their breath, their gazes fixed intently on Wang Miao, afraid they might miss a single word.

"Fellow brothers and sisters, allow me to share some of my insights on Cultivation..."

Wang Miao took a step forward. Facing the hundred-plus gazes—filled with awe, curiosity, and admiration—his expression remained perfectly composed.

He wasted no time on pleasantries and cut straight to the chase, beginning to recount his insights on Cultivation from the time he first entered the Inner Qi Realm to the present day.

He spoke of everything from condensing Inner Qi to breaking through the barriers of one’s acupoints.

From the forms of Martial Technique Cultivation to the comprehension of Momentum.

He even touched upon how to find an opponent’s opening in the heat of battle.

His words were plain and easy to grasp. Many questions that had long troubled the new disciples were suddenly illuminated by just a few of his pointers, bringing a sense of sudden enlightenment.

Fang Han listened with extreme focus, filled with silent admiration.

Wang Miao’s explanation of the subtle control of Inner Qi, in particular, was a revelation for him. ’He truly lives up to his place on the Celestial Pride List,’ Fang Han thought. ’His skill is on another level.’

After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Wang Miao concluded his talk. He gave a slight nod and stepped aside.

"Within Qingyang County, there are Seven Major Sects. Besides our own Qingxuan Sect, the other six are..."

Elder Chen then stepped forward and began his lecture.

He began by introducing the other six major sects.

The Lingyun Sword Sect, which excels in Swordsmanship.

The Vajra Temple, known for its Body Refining Techniques.

The Netherworld Pavilion, with its mysterious methods.

The Overlord Blade Sect, famous for its Saber Technique.

The Baihua Valley, whose disciples are mostly women.

And the extremely mysterious Tingyu Building.

The Seven Major Sects coexisted in Qingyang County, each with its own specialty, together forming the county’s top-tier power structure.

This gave new disciples like Fang Han, who hailed from a small town, a preliminary understanding of the power dynamics in Qingyang County.

Next, he moved on to explain in detail the divisions and characteristics of the nine grades within the Inner Qi Realm.

"The Inner Qi Realm has nine grades, and every three grades represents a major threshold. The difference in power between these thresholds is immense."

Elder Chen’s voice was heavy.

"The Lower Three Grades are a stage for accumulating Inner Qi and opening basic acupoints. The acupoints opened are mostly auxiliary, and the Divine Treasure abilities obtained are relatively common. However, this is a critical period for laying a solid foundation. You must avoid trying to rush your progress."

"In the Middle Three Grades, your Inner Qi becomes progressively purer and more condensed. You begin to assault the body’s major acupoints. With each major acupoint you open, your strength will leap forward, and your Divine Treasure abilities will begin to show extraordinary qualities. Only then can you be considered a true expert within the Inner Qi Realm."

"As for the Upper Three Grades, the Inner Qi liquefies, becoming as dense as mercury and flowing without end."

Elder Chen’s tone intensified as his gaze swept over the disciples below, their eyes shining with excitement.

"The acupoints opened at this stage are all of the body’s core, hidden acupoints. Each corresponding Divine Treasure ability is incredibly powerful. Anyone who reaches this stage is a master in their own right, no matter where they go. They are the core strength of our Qingxuan Sect."

He said encouragingly.

"All of you were chosen by the Qingxuan Sect for your talent. Your foundations are solid. I hope you will cultivate diligently and without pause, so that one day you may break into the Middle Three Grades, or even the Upper Three Grades. Bring glory to the Sect, and do not let your own Talent go to waste."

After Elder Chen finished speaking, the various Stewards took turns coming forward to give lectures based on their own areas of expertise.

There were lectures on Fist Technique, Saber Technique, Swordsmanship, and Body Technique. There was even a lecture on common problems in Inner Qi Cultivation and how to resolve them. The range of topics was comprehensive, a clear and deliberate arrangement.

What Fang Han was most interested in was the lecture by Steward Liu Chong, who specialized in Swordsmanship.

Steward Liu Chong had a straight posture and a gaze as sharp as a sword. He lectured on the essentials of "speed," "precision," and "ruthlessness" in Swordsmanship, as well as how to more effectively infuse Inner Qi into one’s Sword Techniques to enhance their power.

He even demonstrated a Low Grade Sword Technique at the Perfection Level, dissecting its movements to show everyone the meaning of "Momentum."

Fang Han listened with intense concentration, relating the lecture to his own experience cultivating Xunfeng Swordsmanship. He felt previously vague concepts solidifying, and many of his ingrained mistakes were pointed out. It was as if his understanding of Swordsmanship had been completely reorganized, becoming clearer than ever before.

The insights gained from this lecture would save him from countless wrong turns in his practice of Xunfeng Swordsmanship. The time it would take him to reach the Realm of Perfection would now be drastically reduced.

The lecture continued for nearly four hours before finally concluding.

The disciples all rose, bowed respectfully to Elder Chen, the various Stewards, and Wang Miao, and then began to file out.

Wang Miao didn’t leave right away. Instead, he called Wang Meng to his side and began asking her quietly about her recent Cultivation and life, his gentle expression showing his deep concern as an older brother.

Many disciples shot them envious glances, but none dared to approach and interrupt.

Fang Han, naturally, made no move to approach them.

He had only met the Wang siblings a few times and had traveled with them for a short period. Their relationship was nowhere near close enough for casual conversation.

He was about to leave with Xiao Chen when, unexpectedly, Wang Miao’s gaze shifted and landed on him. Wang Miao then addressed him directly:

"Brother Fang Han."

Fang Han paused, startled, then quickly stopped and cupped his fist in a salute. "Brother Wang Miao."

Wang Miao approached Fang Han with a gentle smile.

"I saw you listening very intently just now, Brother Fang Han. I trust you had some gains. Our families have known each other for generations. If you run into any trouble in the sect from now on, feel free to come find me."

Fang Han was taken aback and felt overwhelmingly flattered. "Thank you, Brother Wang Miao!" he said quickly.

Wang Miao smiled, offered a few more words of encouragement, and then left with Wang Meng.

Though their conversation was brief, it didn’t escape the notice of the many disciples who hadn’t yet left, drawing numerous gazes of surprise and curiosity.

Who would have thought that Fang Han, a disciple from a minor family in Liangshui City, actually knew Brother Wang Miao of the Celestial Pride List?

And judging by Brother Wang Miao’s attitude, he seemed quite friendly toward him.

Xiao Chen’s eyes were wide with shock. Once Wang Miao was a safe distance away, he sidled up to Fang Han and whispered, his face a mask of disbelief:

"Fang Han, you... you actually know Brother Wang Miao? Then you and Wang Meng..."

He instantly put two and two together. His eyes darted between the retreating figures of Wang Miao and Wang Meng, his expression shifting from sudden realization to intense curiosity.

"Well, well, you really know how to keep a secret! Spill it, what’s the deal between you two? You were acting like you didn’t even know her before?"

Fang Han looked at the burning curiosity in Xiao Chen’s eyes and shook his head with a helpless sigh.

"Brother Xiao, it’s a long story, and not what you think. Our elders are just acquainted, and we traveled together for a while, that’s all. We’re not close."

He had no desire to discuss the awkward "matchmaking" incident involving Wang Meng, so he glossed over the details.

Seeing that Fang Han was reluctant to elaborate, Xiao Chen, though his curiosity was far from satisfied, knew better than to press the issue. He just clicked his tongue in amazement.

"Still, getting a promise like that from Brother Wang Miao is a huge deal. I never would’ve guessed you were such a dark horse."

The two of them left the Inheritance Hall, chatting as they went.