Lying Low in the Martial World to Become a Saint-Chapter 127 - 100: Cold Chilong

Prefecture City. Before the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion.

The carriage came to a steady halt beneath the imposing, seven-story pavilion.

Chen Qing lifted the curtain and stepped out, his gaze lifting upwards.

The pavilion featured flying eaves and intricate brackets, projecting an air of grandeur. A gold-lacquered plaque bore the powerful, archaic calligraphy for ’Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion’.

The guards at the entrance wore martial attire. Their auras were fierce, their gazes sharp; they were all clearly masters of Dark Force.

Yang Zhicheng, who had been waiting, greeted him enthusiastically, his face brimming with irrepressible excitement. "Brother Chen, you’re finally here! Steward Liu is in a private room catching up with my uncle!"

He paused, his voice filled with relieved ease and delight. "My uncle has come back for good this time! He’s not planning to roam around anymore. He’s bought property in Prefecture City and will be staying here permanently!"

"Oh?"

A hint of a smile appeared in Chen Qing’s eyes. "That is indeed good news."

He remembered Yang Zhicheng mentioning that it was thanks to this uncle that he had obtained the recommendation letter for the Wutai Sect.

Yang Zhicheng’s uncle was Wu Tieshan, nicknamed "Thunder Saber." He was a former disciple of the Li Fire Institute who had left the Wutai Sect to become an assassin, living a dangerous and nomadic life on the edge of a blade.

For Yang Zhicheng, his uncle settling down in Prefecture City was undoubtedly a huge source of support.

Yang Zhicheng nodded, then added, "Brother Chen, I’ve seen the spear with my own eyes. It has a frigid glint and is extremely heavy to the touch. It’s no ordinary item. Steward Liu’s eye for appraisal is famous. He says it’s a masterpiece among Lower-Grade Treasure Artifacts, so there’s no mistake."

A Treasure Artifact!

Chen Qing’s heart stirred.

He already knew that Weapons were divided into different grades.

Those forged from ordinary Refined Iron or hundred-times-smelted steel could only be called Sharp Weapons.

Only Weapons infused with special Ore, forged through unique techniques, and imbued with special powers could be called Treasure Artifacts!

The difference between a Treasure Artifact and an ordinary weapon was like heaven and earth.

Yang Zhicheng led Chen Qing straight to the third floor.

In a private room, two middle-aged men were sipping tea.

One wore the uniform of a Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion Steward. He had a capable-looking face, a hidden glint in his eyes, and an aura as deep as the sea. This was Steward Liu of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion.

The other, dressed in a dark red brocade robe, was tall and powerfully built. His face bore a striking resemblance to Yang Zhicheng, especially his thick eyebrows, which were nearly identical.

The two were chatting and laughing amiably. The atmosphere was harmonious, and it was clear they were old friends.

’This must be Yang Zhicheng’s uncle, ’Thunder Saber’ Wu Tieshan.’

"Brother Chen, this is Steward Liu Chengzong of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion,"

Yang Zhicheng quickly made the introductions. "And this is my uncle, Wu Tieshan."

He turned to the two elders. "Uncle, Uncle Liu, this is Chen Qing."

Chen Qing stepped forward, cupped his fist in salute, and said, "Junior Chen Qing greets Steward Liu and Elder Wu."

Wu Tieshan’s gaze rested on Chen Qing for a moment. He gave a slight nod but said nothing more.

Liu Chengzong smiled. "I hear from Zhicheng that you’re looking for a good spear, young friend? Please, follow me."

With that, he led Chen Qing out of the private room to a special weapon rack.

Resting horizontally on the rack was a long spear, deep blue from end to end and about twelve feet in length.

The shaft wasn’t smooth but was covered in fine, natural, scale-like patterns. It was bone-chillingly cold to the touch and radiated a heavy, murderous aura.

"This spear is named Cold Chilong."

Steward Liu explained, "It was forged with Cold Iron from the depths of Qianchuan Marsh as the primary material, supplemented with Star Pattern Steel and sinking silver. It was tempered by Earth Fire and cold-forged in a cold spring nine times. Its nature is extremely cold and incomparably tough. It can channel True Qi and amplify the Power of Ice Cold Attribute techniques. Although it’s a Lower-Grade Treasure Artifact, its materials and craftsmanship are both Upper Grade, making it top-tier among its peers."

Chen Qing stepped forward and gripped the shaft with one hand.

A heavy chill spread up his arm. The blood and qi in his body surged, and a wave of warmth instantly dispelled the discomfort.

"A fine spear!"

Chen Qing praised it sincerely. This Cold Chilong was even better than he had expected. "Steward Liu, how much does this spear cost?"

Liu Chengzong smiled. "The price for this spear is thirty-two thousand taels of silver. Since you were introduced by Zhicheng, this is already our lowest internal price, and it’s non-negotiable."

Thirty-two thousand taels of silver!

The price was indeed steep. Chen Qing knew his annual stipend as a Tributor was only ten thousand taels of silver.

Three years of his stipend for a single Treasure Spear.

But Chen Qing felt it was well worth it.

He immediately took out two heavy parcels from his robes—the gold, silver, and treasures he had acquired from wiping out the Five River-Flipping Flood Dragons.

At a signal from Liu Chengzong, a professional accountant immediately came forward to tally the items.

Soon, the accountant reported back, "Steward, the total value is approximately forty-seven thousand taels of silver." 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Chen Qing nodded to himself. The amount was very close to his own estimate.

Liu Chengzong nodded and said, "Young friend, after deducting the cost of the spear, you have fifteen thousand taels remaining. Would you like to exchange it for silver notes, or would you like to browse the other items in the pavilion? My Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion has everything you could want, from Elixirs and Secret Manuals to strange artifacts."

"I’d be grateful if Steward Liu could show me around." Chen Qing was eager to see what they had.

"This way, please!" Liu Chengzong gestured for Chen Qing to proceed.

Led by Liu Chengzong, Chen Qing walked through the interior of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion.

The various halls were dazzling. The Dan Ding Pavilion was filled with the fragrant scent of medicine, with Jade Bottles on display. The Treasure Pavilion shimmered with jewels and precious items, with a vast array of Exotic Beast Materials. The Secret Record Pavilion had the rich scent of scrolls. There was even a "Li Ren Inn," where graceful figures could be seen through beaded curtains, clearly housing beautifully trained women.

Chen Qing kept his eyes forward, focusing mainly on the Elixir and Secret Manual sections.

Here, a single Qi Nourishing Pill sold for as much as one hundred and twenty taels, far higher than the internal price at the Wutai Sect.

Some Elixirs that aided in breaking through bottlenecks or nourishing one’s bloodline and meridians were sold at astronomical prices.

In the Secret Manual section, there were many Lower-Grade and Middle-Grade Martial Arts, but for Upper-Grade Martial Arts, there were only fragments or introductions. Core Heart Methods were not for sale at all.

As he walked to a corner of the Treasure Pavilion, Chen Qing’s steps came to a sudden halt.

His gaze was drawn to several pigeon-egg-sized stones displayed under a crystal cover. Their surfaces were riddled with irregular holes.

’These stones... they aren’t very different from the one he got from Jiang Baoqing.’

Liu Chengzong noticed his gaze and explained with a smile, "Is Chen Xiaoyou interested in these? They are Poisonous Insect Eggs."

"Poisonous Insect Eggs?"

"Indeed."

Liu Chengzong explained, "The world is full of strange insects and Exotic Beasts. Poisonous insects are born with unique gifts—they can breathe Poisonous Miasma, secrete deadly venoms, and some are even impervious to fire, water, blades, and spears."

"If one can find their eggs and hatch them with a Secret Technique, then feed them with Essence Blood and specific poisons, they can become a great asset. Once they mature and recognize a master, they can be used to fight enemies, launch sneak attacks, and are even a great aid for those who cultivate Poison Skills."

"These before you are the eggs of the ’Bone Decay Worm,’ ranked eighty-seventh on the list of poisonous insects. After hatching, this worm is as fine as a strand of hair and exceptionally tough. It can penetrate Protective True Qi to inject a bone-decaying poison. The victim’s flesh and bones will melt away in excruciating pain, making it an excellent tool for sinister ambushes. These eggs were captured at the edge of the Ten Thousand Poison Swamp, and each one is priced at three thousand taels."

A single insect egg costs three thousand taels of silver!

Chen Qing now understood. No wonder Jiang Baoqing had treasured it so carefully.

He asked nonchalantly, "Steward Liu, do these eggs require special conditions to hatch?"

"Naturally."

Liu Chengzong nodded. "Different poisonous insects require different environments to hatch. The Bone Decay Worm must be soaked in a mixture of juices from several potent poisons, such as ’Seven-step Intestine-breaking Grass’ and ’Heartrot Flower.’ It then needs to be placed in a dark, cold place for forty-nine days for a chance to hatch successfully. How to raise and tame it after hatching requires a specialized nurturing Secret Technique. Our pavilion also sells related booklets."

Chen Qing pondered for a moment before saying, "Steward Liu, I’m quite interested in the way of poisonous insects. I was wondering if you could gift me a booklet that records common poisonous insects and their habits? Just to broaden my horizons."

"A trivial matter."

Liu Chengzong readily agreed and signaled for an attendant to fetch a slim volume. The cover read *Brief Introduction to Hundred Poisonous Insects*. "This booklet records the characteristics, rankings, and general habitats of one hundred common poisonous insects. Although it doesn’t contain specific nurturing Secret Techniques, it’s more than enough as an entry-level reference."

"Thank you, Steward Liu."

Chen Qing accepted the Booklet, stowing it away along with the fifteen thousand taels in silver notes and the ’Cold Chilong’ Treasure Spear.

With his business concluded, Chen Qing took his leave. "Thank you again, Steward Liu."

Liu Chengzong replied warmly, "Of course. Next time you need anything, young friend, just come to the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion and find me directly."

Every talented young martial artist was a potential major client for the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion in the future. He was naturally happy to foster a good relationship.

Chen Qing then returned to the private room to bid farewell to Yang Zhicheng and Wu Tieshan.

Just before leaving, he discreetly slipped a silver note for one thousand taels into Yang Zhicheng’s hand.

Yang Zhicheng was stunned. A glint flashed in his eyes, but he quickly tried to refuse. "Brother Chen, this... this is too much. You’re treating me like a stranger."

Chen Qing smiled. "Business is business. Your uncle’s return and decision to settle down is a happy occasion; consider this a small token of my congratulations. Besides, I have you to thank for the recommendation to buy this spear."

Unable to refuse any further, Yang Zhicheng finally accepted the silver note.

One thousand taels of silver was no small sum.

"Brother Chen, take care on your journey," Yang Zhicheng said, cupping his fist in farewell.

"Alright. Let’s get together again when we have time."

After speaking, Chen Qing turned and boarded the carriage.

Just then, Wu Tieshan walked out of the private room. "Chen Xiaoyou, wait a moment."

Chen Qing and Yang Zhicheng both turned to look at him.

Wu Tieshan said in a deep voice, "I haven’t been back to Prefecture City in many years, and I was planning to visit some old friends at the Wutai Sect. Why don’t we travel together? We can look out for each other on the road. What do you say?"

Wu Tieshan had been a disciple of the Li Fire Institute. Given his current strength at the Mid-stage of Embracing Pill Power, he would have been considered of average rank back when he was in the Sect.

He had many old friends still holding positions Within the Sect.

Having come to Prefecture City to settle down, it was normal for him to pay a visit to one or two of them along the way.

"That would be excellent. I’ll have to trouble you to look after me on the road, Elder."

Chen Qing naturally wouldn’t refuse. The man was Yang Zhicheng’s uncle and a Mid-stage Embracing Pill Power master. Traveling with him wasn’t just acceptable; it was safer.

Wu Tieshan nodded and then boarded the spacious carriage with Chen Qing.

The driver cracked his whip, and the carriage slowly set off, leaving the bustling Yunlin Prefecture City behind as it headed toward Dingbo Lake, where the Wutai Sect was located.

Inside the carriage, Wu Tieshan and Chen Qing exchanged a few pleasantries before closing their eyes to rest.

Chen Qing was happy for the quiet and took out the *Brief Introduction to Hundred Poisonous Insects* to start reading.

The carriage traveled onward, the main road flanked by shady green trees. Sunlight dappled through the leaves, casting mottled shadows.

This place was about thirty *li* from Yunlin City, a rather desolate spot on the way to the Wutai Sect.

The main road took a wide turn here, flanked by rolling hills and dense forests. The view from the top of the slope was open, but the road below was relatively narrow—a perfect place for an ambush.

Four figures, like ghosts melting into the shadows, were already lying in wait in the forest at the top of the slope. They were Sun Kui, Li Xiao, Qian Tong, and Hu Sifang.

"They’re here!"

Hu Sifang, who had been sensing the distant auras with his eyes closed, suddenly snapped them open. A flicker of excitement and cruelty passed through them.

A dark energy flashed in Sun Kui’s eyes as he hissed, "Stick to the plan! Second and Sixth Brother, you’re with me for the frontal assault. Fifth Brother, circle around from behind. We must kill him in a single strike and give him no chance to recover!"

"Yes!"

Qian Tong’s figure seemed to melt, disappearing silently into the shadows of the grass on the lower slope, his aura suppressed to the absolute minimum.

Sun Kui, Li Xiao, and Hu Sifang were like three savage beasts lying in wait, their eyes locked on the approaching carriage on the road below.

Inside the carriage, Wu Tieshan, who had his eyes closed, opened them, his brow furrowing slightly.

At almost the same moment, Chen Qing closed his booklet and looked outside.

The driver, completely unaware, continued to urge the carriage forward.

Just as the carriage reached the middle of the slope, at its narrowest point—

"Attack!"

Sun Kui’s roar was like a clap of thunder!

......