Cultivation Starts from Farming-Chapter 619 - 303: Rumors and Exclusion
In these three years, Xu Ping stayed secluded on Celestial Cyan Peak, hardly ever setting foot outside.
He spent most of his time on cultivation.
However, somehow, unfavorable rumors about him began spreading in the Valley of Ten Thousand Demons.
"Yan Zhenren is timid as a mouse, having been in the Valley of Ten Thousand Demons for so many years, yet never accepting an outside task."
"Yan Zhenren is all appearance but in fact extremely weak, just here to freeload on Valley of Ten Thousand Demons’ resources and spiritual places!"
Once these statements were released, they spread like wildfire among the many disciples of the Valley of Ten Thousand Demons, sparking considerable debate and dissatisfaction.
After all, amidst the current disputes between the Valley of Ten Thousand Demons and the Red Gauze Sect, the valley was slightly at a disadvantage, and many disciples were risking their lives to fight the Red Sand Sect.
Yet Elder Yan, favored by True Monarch Lan Ling, was able to safely remain on the mountain and cultivate, naturally arousing jealousy and resentment from some.
Some even radical disciples proposed assigning mandatory tasks to Elder Yan, so he too could contribute to the Valley of Ten Thousand Demons.
Though Xu Ping had heard of these rumors, he paid them no mind.
The Spirit Platform Cyan Clarity Skill was nearing perfection, and he certainly wouldn’t be distracted by external tasks at this critical moment.
Moreover, the contract signed with True Monarch Lan Ling initially did not specify he had to complete any mandatory tasks.
However, although Xu Ping ignored these statements, the servants on Celestial Cyan Peak had to face the exclusion from other Valley of Ten Thousand Demons disciples.
The disciples dared not directly offend Xu Ping, a powerful Golden Core elder, but undermining the servants on Celestial Cyan Peak was an easy task.
Contribution Hall.
The Contribution Hall was located in the central area of the Valley of Ten Thousand Demons, a massive three-story pavilion entirely built of cyan Spirit Stones.
Hanging from the eaves was a plaque with the words "Contribution Hall" inscribed, the script bold and strong, said to be penned by the sect’s founding ancestor.
This place is where many disciples of the Valley of Ten Thousand Demons exchange contribution points for various treasures.
On this day, the Contribution Hall was bustling, with numerous disciples coming and going, smiles of satisfaction on their faces.
Some had just exchanged for handy magical artifacts, while others held newly acquired spirit beast eggs, eyes full of anticipation.
However, amid this harmonious atmosphere, a sound of dispute suddenly caught the attention of everyone in the hall.
"My contribution points are clearly sufficient, why won’t you let me exchange for a Foundation Establishment Pill?"
Although the voice was filled with strong questioning, it seemed somewhat powerless due to the speaker’s inherent demeanor.
Following the sound, everyone saw a female cultivator in a light green long dress standing at window number one, the chief steward of Xu Ping, Xie Lu.
Xie Lu, weak in demeanor, now looked pale from agitation.
"I’ve told you that Foundation Establishment Pills are strategic resources and need allocation adjustments. Come back later!"
The Law Enforcement Disciple at the window was a burly male cultivator, rough-featured, with a hint of arrogance between his brows.
He impatiently waved his hand, as if dismissing an annoying fly.
"But the rule clearly states that you can exchange with contribution points." Xie Lu pointed to the exchange rules hanging on the wall, arguing based on reason.
The Law Enforcement Disciple sneered: "Rules are dead, people are alive."
"Currently, the conflict with the Red Gauze Sect is escalating. Foundation Establishment Pills must prioritize frontline disciples. Don’t you understand?"
"Then why was that disciple able to exchange for a Foundation Establishment Pill? He’s not a frontline disciple either!"
Xie Lu pointed at a male cultivator not far away who had just left the window, eyes full of unwillingness.
The Law Enforcement Disciple’s expression froze, then he grew furious out of shame: "Are you questioning my fairness? I’ll tell you, rules can change, I make the final decisions!"
"If you’re not satisfied, you can go find that renowned Elder Yan on Celestial Cyan Peak for a judgment!"
His tone was full of sarcasm, especially emphasizing "Elder Yan."
Several disciples around had originally wanted to step forward to defend.
But hearing Xie Lu was the steward of Elder Yan on Celestial Cyan Peak, their sympathy instantly vanished without a trace, replaced by subtle contempt.
"Oh, she’s from Celestial Cyan Peak, no wonder she’s so assertive."
"Yes, her family’s Elder Yan is famous as the ’precious treasure’ of the Valley of Ten Thousand Demons, hiding on the mountain, surviving without accepting any decent task."
"I heard True Monarch Lan Ling treats him specially, I wonder what method he used."
These murmurs clearly entered Xie Lu’s ears, each word a thorn in her heart.
She wanted to retort, but had no grounds to speak.
As an ordinary Qi Cultivator, she knew little about the elder she served, only that Xu Ping rarely went out, but was unclear on the specific reasons.
Eventually, Xie Lu could only bite her lip and leave the Contribution Hall empty-handed.
...
That night.
Moonlight like water seeped through the window grille into Xie Lu’s modest room, cloaking everything in a layer of silver light.
Xie Lu sat alone on the edge of the bed, her mind repeatedly replaying the day’s events at Contribution Hall.
Just as she was immersed in her thoughts, a flash of cold light suddenly shot in from outside the window, piercing directly into the room.
With a "bang," it nailed into the opposite wall.
Xie Lu was startled, and upon closer inspection, she found it was a gleaming cold dagger, with a piece of paper attached to it.
"Who is it?"
Xie Lu got up cautiously, first walking carefully to the window, leaning out to check outside.
