379: Chapter 373: How about giving away a few sets of defensive array plates?

After all, making a Golden Core Cultivator who has lived for over a hundred years call a twenty-something-year-old girl Junior Martial Aunt truly requires immense psychological preparation.

Huang Xia was startled.

She hurriedly tried to mimic Chen Jielai's actions, clumsily returning the salute.

Her small Face flushed red, and her voice was as faint as a mosquito's buzzing.

"Mu... Senior Jielai, you are too kind."

"Junior Huang Xia greets the Hall Master."

Her palms were sweating from nervousness.

She didn't dare look these high-and-mighty big shots in the eye at all.

Chen Zhiwen sat to the side, watching Huang Xia's awkward appearance.

He couldn't help but chuckle softly.

He extended a finger and gestured vaguely at Chen Jielai a few times.

"Jielai, as the Hall Master of the Formation Hall, you are usually quite stingy."

"My Junior Sister is new here."

"Don't you think you should show some gesture and gift a few defensive Formation Plates?"

Chen Zhiwen interjected half-jokingly.

He tried to use this relaxed tone to bridge the relationship between Huang Xia and these high-level Sect members.

Hearing this, Chen Jielai smiled bitterly and helplessly.

He reached out and wiped his hand across the Storage Pouch at his waist.

A flash of light passed.

Three exquisite Formation Plates appeared in his hand.

"Grand Elder is joking."

"This is the 'Lesser Sumeru Defensive Formation' I crafted myself."

"Although it is only a Tier 3 Formation, it is enough to withstand a full-force blow from a Late Golden Core Stage Cultivator."

"Please, Junior Martial Aunt, do not look down on it."

He handed the Formation Plates to Huang Xia with both hands.

His attitude was extremely respectful.

Since the Grand Elder had spoken, he had to give enough Face.

Huang Xia looked at Chen Zhiwen, feeling at a loss.

Seeing Chen Zhiwen nod slightly.

She then carefully accepted the Formation Plates with both hands.

She thanked Chen Jielai repeatedly.

Next.

The Golden Core Cultivators in the courtyard rose one after another.

They introduced themselves to Huang Xia one by one.

The Alchemy Hall Master, the Enforcement Hall Master, the External Affairs Pavilion Master...

These big shots who usually exuded great authority.

Were now all being extremely polite to this little girl in the Qi Refinement Stage.

Huang Xia returned the greetings one by one.

Although still a bit nervous, it was much better than at the beginning.

Chen Zhiwen would occasionally interject with a few words from the side.

Sometimes teasing them, other times pointing out their strengths.

The atmosphere in the entire courtyard gradually became harmonious.

Until the last guest elder, Yu Yuanliu, took his seat.

The introduction phase finally came to an end.

Everyone sat back down.

Their gazes converged uniformly on Chen Zhiwen.

They were all waiting.

Waiting for the final pronouncement from this Grand Elder.

Chen Zhiwen put away the smile on his Face.

His expression became unprecedentedly solemn.

He slowly stood up.

He walked to Huang Xia's side and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Everyone."

Chen Zhiwen's voice was low and powerful.

It echoed clearly through the hall.

"Earlier was just a preliminary introduction."

"Now, I formally announce to you all."

"Huang Xia is my newly accepted direct Junior Sister, taken on behalf of my Master!"

"From now on, her status within the Sect is equal to mine!"

His words were filled with an irresistible will.

Like an emperor reading an imperial decree.

"Hiss—"

A chorus of gasps suddenly rang out in the courtyard.

Everyone was shocked.

Although they had guessed it earlier, when Chen Zhiwen truly announced this decision, they still found it hard to believe.

Everyone looked at each other.

Their eyes were filled with extreme confusion.

Chen Linlin frowned slightly.

As the Family's Fourth Elder, she knew Chen Zhiwen's background better than anyone.

Chen Zhiwen was clearly a native-born Family Cultivator.

Having grown up in the Ten Thousand Swords Sect since childhood.

He also cultivated the Family's Legacy Cultivation Technique.

When did he acquire a "Master"?

Moreover, looking at his solemn demeanor.

That never-before-seen "Master" clearly held an extremely lofty status.

"This... Grand Elder."

Chen Zhengchu hesitated for a moment but couldn't help but speak up.

He was a veteran in the Sect and had always been straightforward.

"It is not that we are unwilling to address Miss Huang respectfully."

"It is just that... our Chen Family has been passed down for generations, and we have never heard that you, Grand Elder, had a Master."

"Now, this suddenly appearing Junior Martial Aunt really leaves us quite confused."

Chen Zhengchu's words voiced the inner thoughts of everyone present.

Everyone stared intently at Chen Zhiwen, hoping to get a reasonable explanation.

Chen Zhiwen's gaze turned cold.

He swept a glance at Chen Zhengchu.

That gaze carried an unquestionable authority.

"My lineage is a massive secret."

"Do not ask what you should not ask."

Chen Zhiwen's tone was blunt, directly blocking everyone's curiosity.

Of course, he would not tell them.

That he was a Transmigrator, and this so-called "taking a disciple on behalf of the Master" was merely to find a reasonable identity for Huang Xia.

Seeing Chen Zhiwen get angry, the crowd fell silent.

They were suddenly as quiet as cicadas in winter, and no one dared to say another word.

They knew in their hearts that once this Grand Elder decided on something, no one could change it.

"Xiaer."

Chen Zhiwen turned to look at Huang Xia.

His tone softened instantly.

"You must be tired tonight."

"Go back to the side room in the back and rest."

He patted Huang Xia's shoulder, signaling that she could withdraw.

Huang Xia felt as if she had been granted a reprieve.

She had long been unable to catch her breath from this oppressive atmosphere.

"Yes, Senior Brother."

"Seniors, this Junior will take her leave."

Huang Xia bowed respectfully.

Then, with her head lowered, she walked quickly into the side room deep within the courtyard.

Chen Zhiwen watched her departing figure.

Calculating inwardly.

Once the situation stabilized in a few days.

He must open up an absolutely secret Immortal Cave for Huang Xia behind Fu Ge Mountain.

And set up the highest level of shielding Formation.

Her Heaven-Defying Aptitude of a mutated Ice Spiritual Root was simply too extreme.

Before she had fully grown, not a single whisper of news could be leaked.

Otherwise, it would surely attract the covetousness and assassination attempts of old monsters from other Sects.

Just as Chen Zhiwen was pondering.

A sound of heavy footsteps interrupted his thoughts.

Chen Dazhi stood up abruptly from his seat.

He strode to the center of the courtyard.

Cupping his hands, his posture was as straight as a pine tree.

His whole body exuded the iron-blooded, murderous aura of a battle-hardened commander.

"Grand Elder."

Chen Dazhi's voice was loud, going straight to the point.

His thick eyebrows were tightly knitted together, looking extremely serious.

"This subordinate has something unclear."

"I ask the Grand Elder to enlighten me!"

Chen Zhiwen withdrew his gaze.

Sitting back in the main seat.

He picked up his teacup and blew, unhurriedly, at the floating tea leaves.

"Speak."

Only one word.

Yet it exuded a composure that controlled everything.

Chen Dazhi took a deep breath.

Suppressing the doubts and a trace of dissatisfaction in his heart.

"This subordinate was ordered to lead the expansion war in the Northern Territory."

"The entire army fought bravely, and the front-line battle situation progressed extremely smoothly."

"We have already broken through three of the enemy's defense lines in a row, and we were about to strike at their heart."

"Why..."

He raised his head, looking directly into Chen Zhiwen's eyes.

His tone carried a hint of questioning.

"Why at this critical juncture..."

"Would Senior Nie suddenly take your shadow recording pearl and recall all of our main frontline commanders back to Fu Ge Mountain?"

As soon as these words were spoken.

The atmosphere in the courtyard became tense again.

Chen Zhengchu, Tu Longfei, and others all nodded one after another.

They were all urgently recalled.

The fruits of victory on the front line were right before their eyes, yet they were forcibly hit with a pause button.

For any Cultivator who led troops in battle, this was extremely agonizing.

Everyone did not understand what kind of incident had occurred at the Sect's headquarters.

Chen Zhiwen put down the teacup.

His gaze calmly swept over these agitated commanders.

He did not answer immediately.

Instead, he tapped his fingers gently on the table.

"Tap, tap, tap..."

The crisp tapping sound echoed in the silent courtyard.

Each tap seemed to strike at everyone's heart, making people feel inexplicably oppressed.

A full while passed.

Chen Zhiwen then spoke slowly.

"The reason, I cannot tell you right now."

His voice was very cold, leaving no room for discussion.

Chen Dazhi grew anxious.

He suddenly stepped forward, opening his mouth to argue.

"But..."

"There are no buts!"

Chen Zhiwen slammed the table suddenly.

"Bang!"

The hard spiritual wood table instantly developed cracks.

A terrifying aura erupted suddenly.

Directly forcing Chen Dazhi to retreat three steps.

"Ten days!"

Chen Zhiwen stood up, looking down at everyone from above.

His eyes were as sharp as knife blades.

"Within ten days at most."

"I will give you a satisfactory explanation myself!"

His tone was filled with an irresistible domineering aura.

He didn't need to explain his decisions to anyone.

He only needed them to obey.

"During this period."

"Pass on my decree."

Chen Zhiwen waved his large sleeve.

A cold order was issued.

"Everyone present, including the core commanders under your command."

"Must not leave Fu Ge Island for even a single step in the near future!"

"Everyone must go into secluded meditation in their Immortal Cave."

"Adjust your state to the absolute Peak for me!"

He stared fixedly at Chen Dazhi.

His gaze revealed intense killing intent.

"If anyone violates the order and leaves the island without authorization."

"Regardless of their status."

"They shall all be executed on the spot for the crime of betraying the Family!"

"No leniency!"

As soon as these words were spoken.

The entire courtyard immediately fell silent.

Everyone was intimidated by Chen Zhiwen's cold and ruthless killing intent.

Chen Dazhi gritted his teeth.

Although there was still boundless unwillingness in his heart.

But he knew that military orders were like mountains.

Especially in front of this iron-blooded Grand Elder, there was no room for bargaining.

"This subordinate... obeys!"

He lowered his head and cupped his hands heavily in agreement.

The other Golden Core Cultivators also stood up one after another to accept the order.

Although they were forcibly kept on the island and not allowed to go out.

But they were all old foxes who had lived for over a hundred years.

Combined with Chen Zhiwen's various arrangements just now, and the strict order to "maintain the Peak state."

Everyone's heart coincidentally produced the same guess.

The Sect was about to have a heaven-shaking battle erupt!

And the enemy that could make Chen Zhiwen mobilize so many people, even at the cost of giving up the excellent situation in the Northern Territory.

In this sea area, there was only one.

The Reverse Star Sect!

Thinking about going to war with that old-established hegemon that had been pressing down on their heads for many years.

That trace of unwillingness in everyone's hearts instantly vanished like smoke.

Replacing it was.

Uncontrollable excitement and fanaticism.

The world of Cultivators was inherently about the strong preying on the weak.

To acquire more resources, one could only plunder through war.

If they could really take down the Reverse Star Sect.

Then the foundation of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect would undergo earth-shaking changes.

They, these core Elders, would also obtain unimaginable, massive benefits.

The atmosphere, which had been a bit restless, actually became stable because of this self-imagined guess.

"You may all withdraw."

Chen Zhiwen waved his hand.

Sitting back on the chair.

He appeared somewhat tired.

The display of both authority and grace just now consumed a lot of mental energy.

Everyone dared not linger any longer.

Bowing one after another.

Then exited the courtyard one by one.

Soon.

In the large courtyard, only three people were left.

Chen Zhiwen, Nie Chunxia.

And Ye Yuhang, who had been shrinking in the corner, trying his best to minimize his sense of presence.

Nie Chunxia was an extremely intelligent woman.

She glanced at Ye Yuhang, who had stayed behind.

Immediately understanding that Chen Zhiwen still had extremely confidential matters to discuss.

"I will return to my Immortal Cave to rest first."

Nie Chunxia stood up.

The water-blue skirt hem traced an elegant arc in the night breeze.

She looked deeply at Chen Zhiwen.

A trace of heartache flashed in her eyes.

"Alright."

Chen Zhiwen raised his head, looking at her.

On his cold, hard Face, a rare, gentle smile appeared.

"Do not overwork yourself either, rest early."

His tone was filled with a gentleness that only appeared when he was facing her.

Nie Chunxia did not say much else.

She just nodded slightly.

Then turned into a streak of light and quietly left the courtyard.

The wooden door slowly closed behind her.

Making a soft sound.

The courtyard became completely quiet.

Chen Zhiwen withdrew his gaze.

The gentleness on his Face instantly disappeared.

Replacing it was unprecedented solemnity.

He did not speak immediately.

Instead, he quickly formed hand seals with both hands.

Mysterious incantations flew from his fingertips.

Merging into the Void Realm around the courtyard.

"Hum—"

A layer of faint golden light shield appeared out of thin air.

Completely enveloping the entire courtyard.

This was the highest-level soundproofing Restriction of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect.

Even if a Late Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator tried to forcibly spy with Divine Sense, they wouldn't be able to hear a single sound from inside.

After doing all this.

Chen Zhiwen then turned his head.

Staring with burning eyes at Ye Yuhang, who was standing below.

"Speak."

"What is the result of the survey?"

Chen Zhiwen's voice was kept very low.

But the trace of urgency in his tone could not be hidden no matter what.

Ye Yuhang swallowed his saliva.

He appeared extremely nervous.

His hands were clutching his clothes tightly, and his palms were full of sweat.

As the top vein-seeker in the Sect.

He knew too well what the content he was about to report meant.

That was a heaven-shaking fortune enough to drive the entire Cultivation World crazy.

"Re... Report to the Grand Elder."

Ye Yuhang spoke stutteringly.

His voice sounded somewhat hoarse due to extreme excitement.

"This Junior was ordered to carry out a carpet-style deep survey of the sea area within a thousand miles of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect's main island."

As he spoke, he took out a dense Formation map from his Storage Pouch.

Handing it to Chen Zhiwen with trembling hands.

"After repeated confirmation..."

"Within this thousand-mile range."

"A total of eighteen micro-sized spirit ore veins were discovered."

"Four small-sized spirit ore veins."

"And... one medium-sized spirit ore vein!"