Staying Alive Cautiously in the Celestial Realm and Becoming the Strongest

Wang Chen had not been aware of the value of Merit Points in the West Sea Sect.

After all, different Sects have different valuations of merit points, some highly valued in Spirit Stones, and others with much inflation.

But he knew that the qualification of an Inner Sect Disciple in the West Sea Sect was absolutely not something that could be measured with Spirit Stones!

Wang Chen had braved great dangers to traverse the Jade Dragon Mountain Range, traveling hundreds of thousands of miles to the West Sea Spirit Domain, all with the goal of entering the West Sea Sect, and ultimately finding that path to ascend to the heavens.

He never expected to get so close to his goal so quickly!

However, Wang Chen did not let this immense surprise cloud his judgment.

"Those unfit for their position will invite disaster; the outshining tree in the forest will be ravaged by the wind." How much coveting would the merit that moved Luo Zhen so deeply attract?n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Wang Chen could not estimate.

Therefore, he decisively chose to share it with Luo Zhen — "to the finder belong the spoils."

Because the only disciple of the West Sea Sect Wang Chen could currently connect with was this Guard Cultivator from the Southern Domain Patrol Department right before him.

If he could not bear to part with this merit, how could he possibly gain the other's support and assistance?

Indeed, Luo Zhen had previously "sold" him the qualification for the entrance examination task for the price of 30,000 Spirit Stones.

No matter the intention behind it, this high-tier Purple Mansion disciple had given him a hand.

In life, one must know gratitude, and even more so, the importance of sharing!

Wang Chen's words were completely heartfelt, without a hint of reluctance or pretense.

Luo Zhen, being who he was, could surely discern the truth of those words, couldn't he?

He said with a profound meaning, "Taoist Friend Wang, I haven't finished speaking yet. Besides the 5,000 Merit Points that can be exchanged for an Inner Sect Disciple Rank, there are also high bounties posted by seven families, adding up to at least 20,000 Merit Points!"

Luo Zhen gazed at Wang Chen, "Are you also willing to share these as well?"

"Agreed!"

Wang Chen clapped his hands in response, "It's settled then!"

Luo Zhen was at first stunned, and then he laughed, "Taoist Friend Wang..."

Perhaps not knowing quite what to say, he laughed while shaking his head as if to mock Wang Chen's foolishness.

But that was not the case at all!

"You're overthinking it."

After laughing, Luo Zhen's face became serious as he said, "As a member of the respected Luo Family from the Central Region, how could I possibly covet or greed after someone else's merit? All of these are rightfully yours!"

Seeing Wang Chen about to speak, he raised his hand to interrupt, "If you trust me, then take those villagers back first. Wait in Datian Village for my message."

"Then I shall trouble you," said Wang Chen without a moment's hesitation, and immediately bowed in respect, "Wang shall await the good news in Datian Village!"

If he chose to trust the other man, then he must trust him completely, wagering all his bets.

If he bet wrong, Wang Chen would consider himself simply unlucky.

If he bet right, he would have taken the most important step on his path to the heavens.

Moreover, becoming an Inner Sect Disciple of the West Sea Sect meant that in the future, he would have the best channels to exchange for Cultivation Techniques, Spiritual Artifacts, Spirit Talismans, Spirit Pills, etc., without being extorted by the Four Seas Commerce Association.

The potential benefits were enormous, well worth the gamble.

Of course, Wang Chen dared to wager because he was confident of winning, since from the beginning until now, this high-tier Purple Mansion cultivator had not shown the slightest hint of malice or ill intent.

Wang Chen left,

He left with decisive clean strides, without any hesitation or delay.

He returned to the surface mine, leading the miners who had been waiting there back home.

The journey back was rugged and peaceful, without any incidents.

When Wang Chen returned to Datian Village with hundreds of miners in tattered clothing and emaciated faces, it caused a huge commotion in the village.

The news spread quickly, and people came from all directions to see.

Among those rescued were not only the two villagers who had been abducted earlier, but also about a dozen others who had previously gone missing.

Everyone thought they had died, only for an unexpected surprise to greet them.

"Husband!"

"Chen Daniu!"

"Brother Wu!"

Relatives who had not seen each other for a long time embraced and wept, freely expressing their emotions, as the scene descended into chaos.

Apart from the locals of Datian Village, most of those rescued belonged to other villages, but for centuries, the interconnectedness through marriages across eight neighboring villages meant that many shared kith and kin.

After recognizing each other, the atmosphere became even livelier.

In the midst of the uproar, Chen Anhe arrived.

This Patriarch Chen gave a long bow to Wang Chen and said, "Sir, your rescue of the villagers is a grace higher than the heavens, please accept an old man's deepest respects!"

His words overpowered all other noise, clearly entering the ears of everyone present.

The excited villagers realized the truth and hastily followed suit in offering their respects, "Thank you, Sir!"

Wang Chen extended his hand to help Chen Anhe up and said with a smile, "Patriarch Chen, an official should naturally bring blessings to their jurisdiction. Since I have assumed the role of the village head, it is my duty to protect the villagers, so there's no need for such formalities."

Chen Anhe truly intended to kneel in sincerity, but he just couldn't bring himself to do it. Catching the smile on Wang Chen's face, a chill ran through him from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet.

He became completely stiff.

Wang Chen did not pay any more attention to the old fellow and turned to the villagers, "All of you, disperse now and return home to your farming with peace of mind."

Chen Anhe's acting wasn't bad, but Wang Chen's perception was too strong, easily sensing the other's guilt and panic.

The question arose, what exactly was Chen Anhe feeling guilty about, and what was he frightened of?

Wang Chen did not show his anger on the spot.

It wasn't just because he lacked evidence; the most crucial factor lay with Luo Zhen.

To Wang Chen, both Chen Anhe and that Huang Deqi were nothing more than insignificant pests.

With a single slap, he could smash them to death if he wanted!

After Wang Chen returned to the Village Head Residence, Chen Anhe rushed back to the ancestral hall.

"Master Huang, what should we do now?"

He said anxiously, "The village head has rescued everyone, the Grey Wolf Bandits are probably doomed, we might have been exposed as well. We should run now!"

Slap!

Before Chen Anhe could finish, a slap from the Xu family's old crone next to him landed across his face.

This Empire Land Temple Priest said with disgust, "What a waste, just look at what you've become!"

"Run?"

Huang Deqi sneered, "Where can we run to now? Leave behind so many of our clansmen, our vast family business?"

"Chen Anhe, I think it's your head that's been kicked by a donkey!"

Chen Anhe, clutching his burning, swollen face, said bitterly, "Then what do you suggest we do?"

"Promote!"

Huang Deqi stood up, a sinister smile on his face, "Since he killed the Grey Wolf Bandits and saved so many people, let's give him a good push and elevate him to the skies!"

"Then let out a rumor that our village head discovered the secret treasure of Many Treasures Taoist in the hands of the Grey Eye Thieves!"

Chen Anhe was shocked, "Are you talking about the Azure Drop Heaven Secret Realm?"

"Exactly."

Huang Deqi said, "I just received a piece of information that the Azure Drop Heaven Secret Realm has appeared in the West Sea Spirit Domain."

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"The secret treasure of Many Treasures Taoist is incredibly valuable, just you watch, let's see how he suffers!"

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The second update is here.