MTLNOVEL Chapter 7: Accepting Gifts, Imperial Armory
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"To not endure the small pains is to spoil the larger plans."
"I am born into a noble family, how could I stoop to the level of a mere commoner? Let him have his moment of pride for now."
Li Yi, the Ninth Young Master of the Li Family, kept comforting himself, searching for a reason in his heart.
After taking a deep breath and adjusting his emotions, he slowly bowed his head and said, "Lord Shen, if I offended you earlier, please do not take it to heart."
Li Yi thought he hid it well, but everyone around could see the subtle restraint in his words.
Seeing this, Shen Qing chuckled lightly and didn't pursue the matter further. He reached out to grab the wooden box raised by his opponent and, under the gaze of a few, gently opened it.
Immediately, a rich medicinal fragrance wafted out, invigorating the spirit.
Shen Qing looked down into the box.
Inside was an Old Ginseng Pill of a grayish soil color, unremarkable yet full of spiritual energy, not a common item.
Wei Chengye, standing nearby, exclaimed in a low voice, "What a treasure, what a treasure!"
His eyes shining, he continued to praise the Old Ginseng Pill while examining it, "I've heard that the Old Ginseng Pill is immensely beneficial for Martial Cultivators in condensing their Primordial Spirit, it truly is a rare precious medicine. Marquis's sincerity this time is indeed generous."
While speaking softly, Wei Chengye couldn't help but glance at Shen Qing a few more times, thinking his luck was incredible.
Killing someone's people, yet still receiving an apology from them, was indeed unheard of.
He couldn't help but feel a bit jealous, even thinking that if he had been the one to act at that time, perhaps these treasures would have been his.
The thought brought a deeper sense of regret.
After hearing Wei Chengye's words, Shen Qing had a good grasp of the value of the Old Ginseng Pill.
He closed the wooden box and put it in his arms, his gaze falling on Li Yi again: "Since the Ninth Young Master is so sincere, let's put this matter behind us. Marquis, having traveled from afar, why not enjoy a cup of tea at the government office before leaving?"
The Marquis heard it, understanding Shen Qing was issuing an indirect invitation to leave. He stood up and said, "I have business to attend to today, so no need for tea. There will be other opportunities in the future."
Li Zhen Tian seemed to remember something and said, "Oh, Lord Shen, you attended the Jing Luan Assembly not long ago, didn't you?"
"Indeed."
It wasn't a secret matter, one could find out easily, so Shen Qing had no reason to hide it and admitted openly.
Li Zhen Tian continued to ask, "During this Jing Luan Assembly, quite a few of my Li family members participated, yet they died mysteriously. I want to ask, did they really die at the hands of the Huang Tian Sect as rumored?"
"Yes," Shen Qing confirmed emphatically, "To be precise, within the Huang Tian Sect's murderous formation."
"Good, I trust you." Marquis Li Zhen Tian signaled to Li Yi and said, "Let's go!"
Li Yi quickly followed.
Once their figures completely disappeared from the government office of the Military Department, Wei Chengye slumped into a chair, his heart pounding furiously.
He felt today was the most terrifying day since he became the General of the Army, and recalling it felt like a dream.
Wei Chengye looked at Shen Qing, lost in thought.
If he wasn't mistaken, Marquis Li Zhen Tian's attention was entirely on Shen Qing earlier, his gaze examining Shen Qing as if trying to see completely through him.
Could there be a background behind Shen Qing?
For a moment, Wei Chengye's heart clenched, thinking it was very possible.
Lord Lan held him in high regard, and so did the Marquis.
Surely, the big figures knew more than he did; this Shen Qing must have something unusual about him.
He resolved to be more cautious in the future, never to offend, but to build a good relationship.
Shen Qing, unaware of Wei Chengye's thoughts, stood expressionless in place.
He had sensed Marquis Li Zhen Tian's secret probe with a wisp of Divine Sense, partly stopped by his own Divine Sense.
From that single wisp of Primordial Spirit, it seemed Li Zhen Tian's strength was likely on par with Xue Zhao, far surpassing Qintian Bureau's Xie Rui and Mountain Sea Department's Li Wenze.
Shen Qing couldn't help but feel a chill in his heart.
He knew well that today's success was merely luck; although he didn't know Marquis Li Zhen Tian's exact thoughts, he surely wasn't being 'courteous' for his sake.
Should he ever truly take himself seriously, the price would be terrible.
Shen Qing quickly regained his clarity of mind, unblinded by this temporary success.
He placed his hand on his chest, feeling the raised patterns of the Beautiful Pattern Jade Token, thinking to himself, "With my current strength insufficient, I must visit the Imperial Armory soon."
...
Outside the Military Department's government office.
Marquis Li Zhen Tian walked out with Li Yi.
Seeing Li Yi's dejected look, with discontent and resentment not completely extinguished, rather burning like a suppressed flame in the dark, Li Zhen Tian asked, "What, are you discontent?"
Li Yi, asked, responded, "Father, not discontent. Father's decision surely has its reason. It's just that there's a pent-up frustration in me not yet released, feeling a bit uneasy."
"Feeling uneasy is just right." Li Zhen Tian gazed forward, hands clasped behind his back, walking through the street said, "Currently, your cultivation is inferior to others, your position also inferior to others, without relying on the family, what do you have to compete with?"
Li Yi's complex gaze stirred a ripple in his heart.
He understood Li Zhen Tian's words were truthful.
In Li Zhen Tian's view, though he was born into nobility with outstanding talent, his son was always arrogant and dismissive of others.
If he hadn't suffered a setback this time, he would likely grow even more presumptuous.
By then, should he hit a concrete wall, getting past wouldn't be as easy.
Marquis Li Zhen Tian advised sincerely, "A true strongman not only has exceptional strength but also a heart that embraces the world. You are far from it. This time, take Shen Qing as a stepping stone, a lesson. Learn from this mistake, and later resolve to surpass him."
"You, a noble son, can't even surpass a mere hunter? If you remain like this, blame my poor judgment."
Marquis Li Zhen Tian's words left Li Yi shaken, his heart in turmoil.
Li Zhen Tian turned and left, leaving Li Yi to face his inner struggle and decisions alone.
After a while, Li Yi clenched his fists and earnestly declared, "I will not fail my father's expectations and, one day in the future, will take Shen Qing as a stepping stone to avenge today's shame."
Li Zhen Tian's face showed a faint, nearly imperceptible smile.
...
In some corner of the royal palace.
Shen Qing stood before an unremarkable palace.
This palace was low and ancient, even somewhat shabby and dilapidated, forming a stark contrast with the magnificent palace buildings around it.
Without guidance from insiders, who would guess that this inconspicuous building was the renowned Imperial Armory.
A place gathering the essence of martial arts from all over the world.
Shen Qing walked forward with his knife, reaching the palace gate.
The gate was slightly ajar, and two armored palace guards stood like sculptures, unmoving.
When Shen Qing appeared before them, they each extended their spears to stop him.
"Who goes there?"
Shen Qing took out the Beautiful Pattern Jade Token, proving his identity, "I am Shen Qing from the Military Department, specially permitted by His Majesty to freely enter and exit the Imperial Armory. I hope you two will grant passage."
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The guards took the token, inspecting it carefully, and once confirmed, nodded respectfully.
The doors were gently pushed open by the two, and Shen Qing strode in.
Upon entering the armory, a potent smell of medicinal herbs mixed with ancient oils and inks greeted him, invigorating his spirit.
Shen Qing looked up and surveyed the area, seeing rows of neatly arranged wooden shelves filled with various white porcelain bottles and miscellaneous books.
As he approached to look, he saw that these bottles were labeled with names like Blood Replenishing Pill, Qi Recovery Pill, Foundation Building Pill... a plethora of choices.
He mentally estimated that just on this floor, there must be thousands of kinds of pills stored, dazzling and overwhelming to behold.
Merely ingesting these pills would take no less than three to five years to achieve.
Besides these pills, there were also numerous martial arts manuals, all in vast quantity.
While Shen Qing marveled at the sight, an elderly man in a splendid robe, with a kindly appearance, approached slowly.
Seeing Shen Qing, he cupped his hands and asked, "How should I address Your Excellence?"
Shen Qing's Divine Sense scanned the elderly man, discovering him to be a mighty figure in an Empty Reality Realm, his heart skipped a beat.
He didn't expect such a significant person to willingly oversee affairs in the armory.
But upon reflection, it made sense.
The Imperial Armory had been painstakingly collected and built by the Zhou royal family over hundreds of years, expending countless efforts.
It only made sense for it to be guarded by a notable figure.
Shen Qing returned the gesture with cupped hands, "I am Shen Qing, the General of the Army."
"Ah, it's Lord Shen Qing in person, a pleasure to meet you." The elder smiled and introduced himself, "I am Ji Bochu, the governor of this Imperial Armory."
"Governor Ji, an honor to meet you."
The Armory Governor Ji Bochu smiled, gesturing around, introducing, "This armory holds weapons, magical treasures, techniques, pills, and willpower beads in abundance. What might Lord Shen need?"
"I've just stepped into this Imperial Armory and am unfamiliar with the surroundings. Could I trouble you, Governor, for an introduction?" Shen Qing asked politely.
"Of course." The Armory Governor Ji Bochu smiled, explaining, "The Imperial Armory is divided into five levels. The first and second floors house popular martial arts and pills for strengthening and consolidating cultivation. These pills are for the use of the Ji family. Though His Majesty allowed Lord Shen free access to the Imperial Armory, the removed pills and artifacts are prohibited."
Shen Qing was prepared for this, nodding, "Got it."
"By the way, you mentioned the Imperial Armory has five levels? It appeared only one story tall from the outside, how come?"
"Is there a possibility it's built underground!"
Shen Qing stood stunned, realizing he hadn't considered this.
The Armory Governor Ji Bochu asked, "The first and second floors are all of these items. Is there anything Lord Shen wishes to see?"
Shen Qing pondered, glancing at the martial arts shown on the ink panel.
These martial arts he had cultivated and transcended, many though ordinary, were enhanced through the ink panel, vastly surpassing typical martial arts.
Therefore, the so-called common martial arts on the first floor held no appeal to him.
"What about the third and the lower levels?"
"The third floor treasures martial art legacies from all schools, more profound and potent than the first two floors, with higher-tier pills targeting martial masters of the Qi Sea Realm and above."
The elder spoke with a light-hearted tone as he led Shen Qing through the shelves, poised and leisurely.
"Similarly, the fourth and fifth floors contain more profound techniques and higher quality pills, with some martial arts directly leading to the Unity Realm, akin to supreme immortal methods." The Armory Governor Ji Bochu smiled, saying, "Moreover, the fifth floor has a spirit eye, training in which for a day equals ten days outside."
Shen Qing was awe-struck.
He hadn't expected such depths in the fifth floor of the Imperial Armory, his heart stirred with enthusiasm.
The Armory Governor Ji Bochu turned, stating to Shen Qing, "Does Lord Shen plan to directly proceed to the third floor and below, or would you like to explore the first and second floors first?"
Shen Qing's gaze swept among the shelves.
He was already at the Grand Void Realm, aiming to break into the Primordial Spirit Realm.
Normally, with his ink panel capabilities, any low-tier martial art could continuously elevate to high-tier, benefiting him.
However, an advanced martial art could save considerable effort when integrated with the ink panel.
As known, the more profound a technique, the easier it is.
Notably, the fifth floor has a spirit eye, greatly assisting his practice.
However, Shen Qing did not decide immediately, smiling slightly, saying, "Governor Ji, currently, I'm at the Grand Void Realm. Where do you suggest I go? Incidentally, I still don't know where Governor Ji's residence is. His Majesty not long ago rewarded me with ten thousand willpower beads, which I ponder how to use, perhaps Governor Ji could assist in spending them?"
Ji Bochu was momentarily stunned, swiftly catching Shen Qing's meaning.
He laughed heartily, "Lord Shen is not from the Ji family, hence the armory's treasures and pills are out of reach. What you need most is a cultivation site, needing external aid, techniques are less crucial. Let's head to the fifth floor."
"Thank you, Governor Ji."
"No trouble."
Ji Bochu led Shen Qing through a routed staircase, descending continuously.
As they delved deeper, the light dimmed, and the air filled with warmth.
Through the levels, Shen Qing noticed many young heirs, surely successors of the Ji family.
He occasionally encountered older martial masters donned in official attire, likely state-rewarded officers similar to himself.
Ji Bochu guided Shen Qing all the way down to the deepest level.
"Lord Shen, we've arrived."
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