Chapter 26 Upgrade: Seventh Stage of Qi Refining (Part 2)

Du Yuan might not necessarily treat the protagonist very well, but she would not go so far as excessive abuse either. When the apocalypse descended in the future, the protagonist’s fortune would soar to the heavens. Du Yuan, who still had some mother-son affection with him, might even be able to change the ending.

As for interfering with the protagonist’s life right now, Chen Yi had never even considered it. How did that saying go again… when parents are sacrificed to the heavens, one’s power becomes boundless.

A protagonist’s closest relatives existed to send the protagonist down the path of an orphan and strengthen his convictions.

Stay far away from the protagonist and live to a ripe old age. Amitabha!

Seeing Chen Yi nod, Tang Qirui smiled and said, “Then Sect Master Chen should make some preparations over the next couple of days. When the time comes, we’ll make the arrangements and send you to the interview.”

“Interview?” Chen Yi was puzzled. He had thought they would simply arrange it directly.

“We still need something for the records. It’s not that we can’t arrange it directly, but recently I’ve seen that you’ve stayed inside the sect for quite a long time. Once this mission is complete, would you like to go out and move around a bit?”

Chen Yi stared into Tang Qirui’s eyes and gradually understood.

Maybe the place he was going for the interview had another aberration causing trouble. Even if there was no aberration there, if he went over and made a round, like Tang Monk traveling abroad, he could attract some muddle-headed aberrations and help reduce the pressure on the local area.

Chen Yi thought about how he would advance to the seventh stage of Qi Refining that night, officially entering the late stage of Qi Refining.

Although this level of strength, at the beginning of the book, might not be enough to deal with the [Urban Legend: Seven Nights] boss that casually slaughtered entire cities, at the current early stage of the Spiritual Energy Revival, he was practically invincible.

Under the premise of safety, Chen Yi was still willing to help within his ability.

“Then we’ll trouble Sect Master Chen to make the trip.”

That matter was settled. When Tang Qirui spoke again, he sounded a little hesitant. “How will you handle Ms. Du’s side? Also, the reply from above has come down. The five slots you requested have all been approved. Among the remaining five slots, Captain Ye is tentatively taking one. As for the rest, they still hope you will use Disciple Aptitude Inquiry. Among the team members who recently entered the sect, are there none like Captain Ye?”

Chen Yi shook his head.

Never mind someone with the same “as rare as phoenix feathers and qilin horns” aptitude as Captain Ye. Even someone with the same “surpassing the masses” aptitude as Xun Shiming only amounted to Wang Xiaosi.

However, the lower limit for the special training team members selected by the country was very standardized. Not one of them was below outstanding. As long as they found the correct aptitude standards, it should not be difficult to select excellent talent.

Tang Qirui was a little disappointed, but he quickly hid it with a smile and said, “Your son and daughter have outstanding talent, especially Qianqian, whose talent is currently the highest we’ve seen. It’s just that he’s too young and still can’t cultivate. I wanted to ask you: regarding early education and training, do you plan to have us arrange for them to be sent to an institutional kindergarten in the capital, or should we follow the principle of proximity?”

Chen Yi did not even think before making his choice. “Proximity.”

The children absolutely had to stay by his side. He was not afraid of trouble.

Tang Qirui was not surprised by this choice and said, “After all, they are not ordinary children. That day, I saw they could even pick up Da Huang. Da Huang must weigh at least a hundred kilograms now, right? Forget children their age. Even a weaker adult couldn’t do that.

“Linlin and Qianqian’s situation made me think of a possibility. According to what you said, the folded space will open fifteen years later. At that time, this batch of children will be the true main force. Perhaps we should use part of our resources to cultivate children in this age group from a young age.”

In his heart, Chen Yi was frantically giving Tang Qirui a thumbs-up.

No wonder this man could become a minister while he could not.

This future-oriented big-picture view, along with that keen insight, allowed him to sense what earth-shaking changes this batch of children, led by Linbao and Qianbao, who lived in the same era as the protagonist, would bring.

With this, the problem of early childhood enlightenment education that had always worried Chen Yi was more or less solved.

Once the country took action, it would definitely be both fast and effective.

After discussing a few more details, Chen Yi called over the sleepy dragon-phoenix twins, who were eating steamed buns in a daze, took his phone, and went out.

He had to call Du Yuan. The explanation that ought to be given still had to be given. Besides, what was wrong with a mother caring about where her children had gone?

After leaving the sect, the outside of the sect had already changed.

The small grove outside the terraced fields had been flattened in only five days, and a two-story temporary office building had been built there. Beside it was also a helicopter landing pad.

The road in front of the building was also under repair, with every effort made to ensure smooth traffic.

In addition, checkpoints had been set up outside the village. On the surface, there did not seem to be anything special, but everyone entering or leaving Lishui Village would be strictly inspected.

There were also small huts hidden behind trees at high points on several nearby hills. Each one was an observation point, with soldiers on duty and keeping watch every day.

The embryonic form of the secret base was still far from complete, but it could already block most curious, prying gazes.

Chen Yi brought the children to sit on the ridge between the fields and called Du Yuan.

The moment the call connected, Du Yuan unleashed a stream of curses. “Are you in prison? Were you planning to play missing if I didn’t call the police?” Then she added, “Send the children back to me immediately!”

Chen Yi had never been married before, after all. He had not known that even after a divorced couple was no longer together, one could still curse the other so harshly. Even though he dodged away in time, the children still heard some of it.

Avoiding the children’s innocent gazes, Chen Yi said, “I’ve been busy taking the establishment exam recently and haven’t had time. Let’s wait until I finish this busy period.”

“Establishment? You’re taking the establishment exam? The last time I saw you, you were still nothing. Don’t lie to me. I know you don’t want to give me the children. I advise you to think carefully, otherwise I’ll apply for compulsory enforcement. You’re back in your hometown now, right? I know you’re there. Don’t make this so ugly that the whole village finds out and embarrasses your parents.”

She was an “ex-wife” he had no feelings for, after all. The moment Chen Yi heard her threaten him with his family, his expression instantly turned cold and dark. “The children are doing very well with me right now. I’ll also pass the establishment exam very soon. The children’s custody can indeed be redefined. I’ll wait for you to sue.”

“Chen Yi, you!”

Du Yuan was so angry she exploded, and Chen Yi hung up directly.

When Du Yuan called again, Chen Yi did not answer. Instead, he filmed a video of the children playing on the field ridge.

Green mountains, clear waters, and an endless blue sky that looked washed clean. Emerald rice seedlings swayed in the morning light. In that ethereal and breathtakingly beautiful environment, the children laughed happily and freely.

Watching the children play, Chen Yi could not help smiling too. In an earnest tone, he said, “You still haven’t found a stable job, right? The children are so young. There’s no reason for them to follow you around and suffer hardship. I’ll find them a good kindergarten and take time every day to keep them company. Once I pass the establishment exam, I’ll also have a stable income. Du Yuan, calm down and think it over. We’ll talk again next time.”

After the video was sent, it sank like a stone into the sea. Chen Yi did not want to push too hard either. He casually stuffed the phone into his pants pocket and squatted between the two children. “Isn’t this General Ant? It’s leading its army on a long campaign, and you two discovered it just like that? Quick, see what provisions they’re carrying. This is… Qianbao and Linbao’s steamed bun crumbs? So this ant nest was raised by you?”

Chen Yi’s exaggerated tone and amusing perspective made the children laugh with loud quacks. Before long, one was in his arms and the other was on his back. Chen Yi easily held one child in each arm and took them around inside and outside the village until the sun grew hot. Only when Da Huang came over wagging his tail did he place the children on Da Huang’s back and let them go find their grandmother.

Chen Yi returned to the sect and continued cultivating, striving to upgrade and complete the mission as soon as possible.

As early as three days ago, the mission objective of five first-stage Qi Refining disciples had already been completed. As for the mission to slay demons and eliminate devils, that had been completed even faster. On the day he received the mission, he had happened to go on a business trip to Modu, so he completed it along the way.

His initial premonition had been correct. Even with idling, his own cultivation was still the main constraint on completing missions.

For the next step, the cultivation requirement placed on him would probably have to be the peak ninth stage, right?

[Ding!]

[Main Mission: Disciple Cultivation Completed]

Reward: Outer Sect Disciple Residences, Storehouse, Low-Grade Spirit Stones X10

[Main Mission: Sect Development]

[Reward: Alchemy Pavilion, Artifact Refining Pavilion, Talisman Pavilion, Spirit Beast Pavilion, Spirit Field X1, Spirit Seed X1, Opening of Yellow-Level Pill Formulas, Blueprints, Low-Grade Spirit Stones X20]

Ninth Stage of Qi Refining (0/1 Incomplete)

Slay Demons and Eliminate Devils (0/5 Incomplete)

Widely Accept Disciples (103/100 Complete)

When he saw the new mission refresh, that long row of reward items were all “professional buildings” that everyone had been looking forward to. Chen Yi was so excited he almost clenched his fist and jumped up.

Moreover, it only required the ninth stage of Qi Refining, just as he had expected. In just over a month, the sect would become completely different!

One had to know that the opening of professions would bring not only the diversification of the sect system. More importantly, the appearance of these buildings would not only increase the disciples’ cultivation speed, but also add to their methods against enemies.

In other words, as long as Chen Yi opened the professions, the sect would very soon cultivate a batch of true combat talents.

Compared to a half-baked person like him, did Captain Ye and the others lack combat quality? Or did they lack a sense of responsibility?

Taking ten thousand steps back.

As the strongest non-scientific individual combat power among humanity so far, with the foundation of using spirit stones for idling, there was a high probability that he would also be the strongest individual combat power in the future.

Did he need to cultivate combat quality?

Of course it was necessary.

It was just that what mattered more was the absolute strength that allowed him to crush every current problem.

When one could crush the other party to death with one finger, something like combat quality was no longer that especially important.

Chen Yi was delighted.

The newly completed mission had unlocked two buildings. Everyone finally had their own houses to live in, and the storehouse might even contain something. Both were quite worth looking forward to.

Aside from that, the system also refreshed a side mission.

[Chain Mission: Sect Reputation (1)]

[Reward: For Each Completed Mission, Random Rewards Such as Pills, Talismans, Spirit Stones, Experience, and More]

Sect Reputation: 4211/300 (Complete)

Select complete.

[Ding!]

[Chain Mission (Sect Reputation 1) Completed.]

[Reward: Qi Refining Pills X5]

The Qi Refining Pills were contained in a white porcelain bottle that landed in Chen Yi’s hand. When he opened it, a fresh medicinal fragrance wafted out. The pills were yellowish brown, round in shape, and glossy on the outside, comparable to Western pills produced with modern craftsmanship.

Speaking of it, these Qi Refining Pills were basically “experience pills.” After being consumed, they could increase cultivation speed. They belonged to the cultivation resources of the sect’s initial-stage disciples.

Normally, they should be distributed monthly. It was just that with the Alchemy Pavilion not yet available, they could only rely on Chen Yi, the sect master, to grind missions for them.

Holding this thing in his hand, he barely needed to hesitate. He would turn around and give it to Tang Qirui, letting him arrange it.

Once the mission was submitted, a new chain mission immediately refreshed.

[Chain Mission: Disciple Cultivation (2)]

[Reward: For Each Completed Mission, Random Rewards Such as Pills, Talismans, Spirit Stones, Experience, and More]

Disciple Cultivation to First Stage of Qi Refining: 11/6 (Complete)

Heihei!

Sorry about that. After completing the main mission, there was still a surplus. These past two days, three more people had also successively advanced to first-stage Qi Refining, so the mission was instantly submitted!

[Ding!]

[Chain Mission (Disciple Cultivation 2) Completed.]

[Reward: Strength Talismans X5]

After obtaining the Strength Talismans, five stacked together, Chen Yi was already impatient to look at the next chain mission.

[Chain Mission: Teaching and Resolving Doubts (3)]

[Reward: For Each Completed Mission, Random Rewards Such as Pills, Talismans, Spirit Stones, Experience, and More]

Teach and Resolve Doubts for Disciples: 0/3 (Incomplete)

Chen Yi sprang up with a jolt.

The main missions were not easy to complete, but this chain mission was simply his lifeblood!

Since the third mission could not be submitted for the time being, Chen Yi rose from beneath the peach tree.

By now, this peach tree counted as his personal cultivation area. It was near the Scripture Pavilion, and he could also enjoy the double effect of the Spirit-Gathering Array. On top of that, beneath this peach tree, he could calm his mind more easily during cultivation, so he had settled here long term.

After getting up, Chen Yi walked quickly in the direction of the Sect Main Hall.

He only felt that after entering the seventh stage of Qi Refining, his body had become even lighter and more agile, while his meridians were tough and resilient, as if he had inexhaustible strength.

In addition, Aura Concealment, Gale Legs, and Delusion-Piercing Eye Technique had all reached expert level, while Sword Manipulation had even reached master level. One step further up would be “perfection,” the maximum level.

Chen Yi felt that the current him was very strong. Among the special training team, as long as they did not use hot weapons, he could fight thirty of them alone. Easily, without any difficulty.

Seeing Tang Qirui from afar, Chen Yi shouted, “Minister Tang, I upgraded!”

Tang Qirui stood up from his office desk and hurried toward the outside of the hall.

Ever since the steward’s table and chair had appeared, he had been sitting there to work. Just as Chen Yi liked being under the peach tree, Tang Qirui said that when he sat in that position, it refreshed his mind and made his thoughts more agile.

Clearly, there was some mechanism in this seat that they still could not understand for now, and it was of great benefit to the person holding the corresponding position.

Tang Qirui arrived in front of him, delighted. “Sect Master Chen truly has extraordinary talent. The further one cultivates, the slower cultivation becomes, yet Sect Master Chen only spent a little over a week to rise five stages.”

Chen Yi: “…”

From the moment he had initially decided to hide the idling function, Chen Yi had discovered that his lies were snowballing. He wanted to be honest, but since he had not said it at first, later on, he no longer knew how to say it.

If there was no method to conceal his cultivation, then it would be better to be honest as soon as possible.

Chen Yi still failed to open his mouth today. Tang Qirui grabbed his wrist and dragged him behind the hall. “Come! Build the storehouse first. I’ve been waiting for a long time.”

Chen Yi did not even have a chance to take out the pills and Strength Talismans tucked in his clothing pocket.

Chen Yi was dragged back to the Scripture Pavilion. Lou Ting had planned this area as the core zone, which would later be guarded layer upon layer. The storehouse, which was obviously relatively important, was placed here.

Tang Qirui said, “You can place it anywhere in this area as you see fit. If Lou Ting’s prediction is correct and the space expands again later, it won’t be too late to build separate isolation then.

“Come, come, come. Place it.” Even with Tang Qirui’s steadiness, joy still appeared in his brows and eyes.

Captain Ye, Pang Xiaolei, Lou Ting, and the others who followed afterward were practically rubbing their hands together like flies.

Come on, come on, hurry up!

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