Xiao Chen Is the Hidden Dao Heritage Successor (Happy New Year!)

To be fair, the food and wine at this Spirit Herb Banquet were truly excellent.

The craftsmanship is exquisite, encompassing all kinds of delicacies, from the finest to the rarest.

Moreover, the materials used are also extremely luxurious, with all kinds of third-tier Spirit Beast and Third-Order Spirit Material in sight.

Especially rare Spirit Beast in the Eastern Domain, such as the Wild Pattern Mammoth, the Golden Crown Pigeon, Star-Dot Sole, have all become dishes.

Just smelling it makes my mouth water.

One bite, and the lingering fragrance and unforgettable taste remain on your lips and teeth.

This was a hundred times more extravagant than the Chen Family's previous New Year's Eve dinner.

Of course, considering that this was a banquet arranged by Nascent Soul True Lord, everything is quite understandable.

However, there was one drawback: all the cultivators present were too refined.

When a dish is served, you'll only take one bite at most; there's absolutely no second time.

Seeing this, Xiao Chen felt a pang of regret. "Aren't you deliberately wasting food?"

Even setting aside the issue of whether or not they waste food, cultivators generally have large appetites.

Each person only gets such a tiny bit, are they feeding it to the cat?

It was purely for the sake of saving face, and in the end, everyone went hungry. This kind of red tape was clearly excessive.

The main reason was that no one else was eating, so it wasn't convenient for Xiao Chen to eat by himself, otherwise it would attract too much attention.

Another reason these people aren't eating properly is that they're busy chatting with each other.

Some of the more outgoing monks took the lead in introducing themselves, and then went to inquire about the identities of the others at the table.

You know what, it seems like everyone here has some kind of background.

Many people, after chatting with each other, can find common acquaintances.

There were eight people at Xiao Chen's table, four of whom were from local Lineage in the Southern Lao Sea, and could even be considered distant relatives.

This is not surprising, given that large Lineage of thousands of people Marriage Alliance and are already deeply intertwined.

The other two were from the Five Thunder Temple, and both were the Outer Affairs Elder leading the teams.

There was another person sitting to Xiao Chen's right who was rather special. His Lü Jingfu, and he came from the Far Crossing Merchant Guild.

The Far Crossing Merchant Guild is a small chamber of commerce whose main business is the transshipment of different goods between Inner and Outer Seas.

In the Eastern Domain, there are several such small forces.

However, the Far Crossing Merchant Guild is quite well-known in the Southern Lao Sea area, and has dealings with many islands, so it can basically be considered a semi-local entity.

"This fellow Daoist does look quite unfamiliar."

It was Lu Lihui, one of the locals, who started the conversation. He looked at Xiao Chen and asked, "May I ask your name, where you are from, and which sect you are a disciple of?"

Um?

Is this how you all greet each other here?

His question almost made Xiao Chen think he was from the Jin Family.

Fortunately, he had come prepared and immediately answered skillfully, "I am Golden Light Rogue Cultivator, from the Far South Land. I am a first-level rogue cultivator with no sect or affiliation."

Silence fell over the table after those words were spoken.

When the two Outer Affairs Elder of the Five Thunder Temple heard that he belonged to no sect or faction, although they did not show it on their faces, they immediately regarded him as a stranger in their hearts.

If Xiao Chen is telling the truth.

Those wandering ghosts without a sect are never on the same side as those from prestigious sects.

If Xiao Chen is lying and deliberately hiding his background.

Unfortunately, the Five Thunder Temple specializes in Thunder Method and values upright character; they despise such secretive individuals.

They are not like those hypocritical liars.

Lu Lihui and the other Lineage cultivators all smiled without saying a word.

How could a mere rogue cultivator get here?

Who would believe that?

At the same time, he became increasingly curious: was Xiao Chen a hidden master or just a slacker who paid a hefty price to get in?

If it's the former, you should try to win them over; if it's the latter, just recognize their faces and that's enough.

Only Lü Jingfu's focus was different.

What he cared about most were the words "the Far South Land".

The Southern Lao Sea is located to the south of the Eastern Domain. Further south lies the In-Between Sea, where Bandit Cultivator are active. About a million miles away, there is the boundless and Vast Boundary Sea.

Generally, cultivators will say they come from the Far West or Far East Land, and rarely use the description of the far south.

At the same time, Lü Jingfu from Xiao Chen's words and actions that he seemed rather unusual.

Although he couldn't quite put his finger on what was wrong, his years of experience in business and interpersonal skills told him that this person might be someone special.

The two of them happened to be sitting quite close together.

Lü Jingfu secretly made up his mind to observe Xiao Chen carefully.

After a brief introduction, Lu Lihui once again took the lead in recounting some strange and interesting anecdotes.

He made everyone smile with ease.

Midway through, he suggested, "Next summer, my family's fifty-year-old Drunken Immortal Wine will be ready to be unsealed."

"The clan is already making preparations to hold a Poetry and Wine Meet to celebrate."

"If any of you fellow cultivators are available at that time, we would be honored if you could take the time to attend."

Upon hearing this, Hou Xingyao from the Hou Family cupped his hands in congratulations. "So fast? Then I must congratulate Brother Lu in advance."

"However, speaking of next year, August is the opening time of the Sword Burial Secret Realm."

"The clan just acquired four new sword diagrams last time, and we're planning to go and investigate them. If any of you fellow cultivators or other relatives are interested, feel free to join us."

The Sword Burial Secret Realm is rich in Sword Embryo and Yin Spirit, and only Foundation Establishment and Golden Core cultivator are allowed to enter.

Sword Embryo are excellent materials for forging spirit swords, and it is said that one can occasionally find spirit swords buried by predecessors.

The Yin Spirit itself contains a large amount of Yin Qi; killing it will yield the Yin Spirit Heart.

Since yin gives rise to yang, the Yin Spirit Heart is an extremely yang substance, which is very helpful for cultivating Thunder Method.

Each time it opens, a large number of Sword Cultivator and Lightning Cultivator will go there, making it a small-scale event.

Hou Xingyao's words were mainly directed at the two Elder of the Five Thunder Temple.

Because the Sword Burial Secret Realm is located in the In-Between Sea, it is actually closer to the Black Rock Sea, so cultivators from the Five Thunder Temple always go there to participate each time.

If we can establish a connection in advance, it would be a win-win situation.

The two Outer Affairs Elder were clearly quite interested in this as well, and their conversation became much more enthusiastic.

People attend banquets like this to expand their networks, exchange confidential information, and ideally, reach new collaborations directly.

Before long, Lü Jingfu also revealed, "We run a small business, unlike you fellow Daoists, we don't have those big moves."

"However, next month, our Far Crossing Merchant Guild will launch a new funeral ship."

"We were just planning to hold a Tea Party on the ship, which would also help to liven up the new vessel."

"We don't plan on having a big celebration. We've only invited a few like-minded people for a get-together."

"Let's enjoy tea, Dao Discussion, and exchange insights on cultivation."

Lü Jingfu spoke very modestly, but in reality, he had made it very clear that this was a high-end Tea Party exclusively for Golden Core cultivator.

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Its core lies in the last sentence: exchanging cultivation experiences.

Under normal circumstances, renowned Golden Core Great Perfection would be invited to Dao Discussion together.

The saying goes, "The stones from other mountains can be used to polish jade," meaning that different approaches to cultivation can be very beneficial to one's own practice.

Everyone tries to speak freely, even though the speaker holds back and hides their most important insights.

However, sometimes what is considered basic common sense to one cultivator may be a revelation to another.

In addition, the Spirit Tea served at the Tea Party are mostly top-quality teas that are helpful for enlightenment.

Lü Jingfu's statement was rather vague, deliberately omitting these benefits.

For those in the know, there's no need to elaborate.

As for those who don't understand, that just means there's no connection between us.

After he finished speaking, he took out a stack of invitations and handed them out one by one, speaking earnestly and sincerely.

The rest of the people, except for one of the Outer Affairs Elder who needed to return promptly, readily agreed.

"If Daoist Jinguang has nothing urgent to attend to, please come and help boost the popularity of my new ship."

After handing out the invitations one by one, Lü Jingfu took the last one and handed it over with both hands.

"Great! If I have time that day, I'll definitely come over and try Fellow Daoist Lü's tea."

Xiao Chen didn't refuse outright, but instead accepted the invitation with a smile.

However, his words immediately took on several different meanings when heard by those around him.

Hou Xingyao's eyes flashed, a hint of mockery in them.

Surely no one really thinks they're just going there for tea, right?

Consequently, he mentally categorized Xiao Chen as a scoundrel, but that was all; he didn't reveal it.

Lu Lihui, however, was filled with doubt.

Something's not right; this Daoist Jinguang is being very secretive about his origins.

Did he genuinely never attend Tea Party, or was he deliberately pretending?

Lu Lihui felt a little confused.

Lü Jingfu's heart skipped a beat, sensing that he might be about to encounter a great fortuitous opportunity today.

He was close enough, and he had been paying close attention beforehand, so he could sense that Xiao Chen seemed to have never attended Tea Party like this before, which is why he misunderstood him.

If he weren't at the City Lord Manor today, he would most likely have the same thought as Hou Xingyao.

However, the judgment criteria need to be adjusted according to different regions.

If Xiao Chen were truly just an ordinary rogue cultivator, how could he have obtained Fourth-Order Spirit Pill and earned the qualification to enter?

Even if he was lucky, how do you explain his previous acquisition of twenty-two Demon Core in one go?

As a businessman, Lü Jingfu saw things very clearly.

When purchasing the Demon Core, Xiao Chen remained calm, showing little emotional fluctuation despite the high price of 680,000 Spirit Stone.

Such composure is truly remarkable.

To succeed in business, you need to see what ordinary people can't, and meticulously analyze to find hidden gems worth investing in.

Lü Jingfu frequently traveled between the Inner Sea and Outer Sea, making him extremely knowledgeable and experienced.

At that moment, a thought suddenly occurred to him, and he began to suspect that Golden Light Rogue Cultivator was just a fake name.

Xiao Chen's true identity is likely that he is the successor of a Hidden Dao Heritage from the Far South Land, who has come to enter the mortal world.

Of course, he's not entirely sure yet; he just has this feeling.

But that's okay. As long as there's a possibility, we might as well treat it as real and take the initiative to get to know the other person.

Once you get to know someone well, you can always find clues.

If he is truly Hidden Dao Heritage Successor, then that could open up a new Trade Route.

Soon, after several rounds of drinks and several dishes, the meal was served.

Everyone had almost finished eating, so the servants cleared away the dishes and bowls, replacing them with Fragrant Tea.

The Spirit Herb Banquet has officially begun.

The rules are actually quite simple: according to everyone's seating order, from left to right, each person takes out their Fourth-Order Spirit Pill and exchanges it with the other cultivators.

The first item to be presented was a Hundred Fragrance Hundred Herb Pill.

It is said that after a cultivator consumes it, they will be protected by hundreds of flowers and herbs, and will be immune to Immune to All Poisons for up to a hundred years.

If the medicine is taken first, even a fourth-tier Strange Poison will be useless.

If one has already been poisoned by a level four Strange Poison, taking the medicine before the poison takes effect can save one's life.

The surrounding cultivators immediately became interested.

They were mostly elites among the Golden Core cultivator, which is why they cherished their lives even more and coveted such life-saving elixirs.

Immediately, someone offered a high price: a Tier 4 Spirit Grass plus 100,000 Spirit Stone.

Then several people started scrambling for it, quickly pushing the price up by more than 100,000 Spirit Stone.

Unfortunately, Xiao Chen didn't really need it, so he didn't participate in the competition.

He wasn't very interested in the relatively common pills he encountered along the way.

When it was Gao Changgeng's turn halfway through, he reached out and raised a True Essence Nascent Soul Pill.

This is Rank-Breaking Spiritual Medicine that can increase a cultivator's success rate in forming their Nascent Soul Formation by 20%.

Logically speaking, it should absolutely not be here.

Even City Lord Huo, who was inside the pavilion, was somewhat surprised by this.

Then everyone heard Gao Changgeng loudly state his conditions. "True Essence Nascent Soul Pill, which helps in breaking through to the Nascent Soul. I don't need to say anything more."

"To exchange for secret techniques or precious medicines that can help me cultivate my Spirit Body."

"I possess Water Wood Dual Spirit Roots, so I can choose either path."

As soon as the words were spoken, all the cultivators present suddenly realized what was going on.

What followed was genuine envy and jealousy.

The Star Plucking Sword Pavilion is truly generous, willing to offer up the possibility of advancing to the Nascent Soul just to help their Chief Disciple obtain suitable Spirit Body medicine.

That's incredibly extravagant!

Immediately, someone asked, "Fellow Daoist Gao, if we don't have the secret techniques for Spirit Body, can we exchange them for something else?"

Gao Changgeng shook his head. "I don't lack anything else."

Another person immediately shouted, "Fellow Daoist Gao, I am willing to offer one Azure Lotus Transformation Pill, plus two million Spirit Stone!"

The room fell silent upon hearing such a high offer.

Many people secretly gasped; two million Spirit Stone was no small sum, even for everyone present.

However, Gao Changgeng gave the other person a cold glance. "Are you drunk?"

Do you think I would lack something like the Azure Lotus Transformation Pill?

"If I wanted to use the Azure Lotus Transformation Pill, would I need to come to you?"

The three questions in a row made the cultivator opposite him blush, but he gritted his teeth and sat back down, feeling extremely embarrassed.

Gao Changgeng was someone he couldn't afford to offend, so there was no point in making threats at this point; he could only keep it to himself.

The other cultivators also began to whisper among themselves, some secretly mocking, others filled with admiration.

After all, for many people, the Dharma Body is already a highly coveted possession, so it's unexpected that others don't even value it.

In the end, however, no one could produce the corresponding solution.

Cultivating Spirit Body is inherently extremely difficult; otherwise, the Star Plucking Sword Pavilion would have already helped resolve this issue.

Gao Changgeng came here today to try his luck, but it's clear he wasn't so lucky.

.

The rest were just a few ordinary pills.

Soon it was Wen Ruoxi's turn at the next table. She gently held up a Four-Turn Rejuvenation Pill with her delicate hands.

This is an advanced version of the Nine Luminaries Profound Pill, which can greatly enhance the strength of a cultivator's true essence.

Especially for Golden Core cultivator, one pill is ten times more effective than the Nine Luminaries Profound Pill.

Moreover, for some cultivators who have already consumed thirty-six Nine Luminaries Profound Pill and can no longer gain any improvement from taking more, the Four-Turn Rejuvenation Pill is even more precious.

Then Wen Ruoxi said softly, "This humble woman hopes to use this elixir to exchange for a treasure that can protect me, the stronger the effect, the better."

"If the value isn't enough, we can supplement it with other spiritual items; you definitely won't suffer a loss."

Her request was much more reasonable, which surprised many cultivators.

It's just Life-Preserving Treasure; who among us doesn't have one or two?

Immediately, someone shouted, "I'm willing to offer a third-grade Defensive Talisman Treasure, plus 200,000 Spirit Stones!"

Talisman?

What is this?

Xiao Chen also perked up. It didn't matter if he encountered unfamiliar things; one of his purposes in coming here tonight was to broaden his horizons.

He glanced left and right.

The Daoist priest from Five Thunder Temple on the left seems rather unapproachable.

So he turned to his right and asked, "Fellow Daoist Lü, may I ask what this talisman is?"

Although Xiao Chen's voice wasn't loud, the people around him still heard it.

Hou Xingyao chuckled inwardly.

Lu Lihui frowned slightly. He'd never even heard of a talisman treasure?

Instead, Lü Jingfu smiled and explained in a low voice, "Beyond Law Artifact are Spirit Artifact, and above Spirit Artifact are Law Treasure."

"The so-called talisman treasure is a special treasure created by a master of talisman cultivation, modeled after Law Treasure."

"Depending on the materials and technology used, it possesses some of the power of Law Treasure."

"Each rank preceding its name represents one-tenth of the original Law Treasure's power."

"Furthermore, since they originate from the Dao of Talismans, they are ultimately consumables. Talisman treasures have a limited number of uses, and their power is often strongest in the first few uses, decreasing by a third in subsequent uses."

"Most talismanic treasures are always superior to ordinary Spirit Artifact."

"Those top-tier Spirit Artifact that require three or four hundred strands of true essence to activate are only about as powerful as Fifth-Order Talisman Treasure treasures."

Lü Jingfu explained in exceptional detail, as if Xiao Chen were a newcomer who had been cultivating in seclusion for many years and had only recently arrived in the Eastern Domain.

"I see, thank you for clearing up my doubts, Fellow Daoist Lü."

"Daoist Xiao, there's no need to be so polite with me. I've always enjoyed teaching others and am always eager to have someone ask me questions."

Just as Lü Jingfu was explaining...

On the other side, someone had already offered a higher price. "I can offer a Life-Replacing Straw Man, but you have to give me an additional 400,000 Spirit Stone."

Um?

How dare they make Wen Ruoxi pay them back? What kind of nonsense is this?

Xiao Chen turned his head and asked, "Fellow Daoist Lü, may I ask what this Life-Replacing Straw Man is?"

Upon hearing him ask the question again, the Outer Affairs Elder the Five Thunder Temple on the left did not speak, but moved his body slightly away.

Lu Lihui finally confirmed that Xiao Chen in front of him was just a guy who had managed to sneak in by chance.

After all, the transaction was already halfway through, but the other party had never spoken up to participate in the transaction. Instead, they would only ask questions about things that were almost common sense.

In other words, Lü Jingfu was a businessman and had no time to bother with the other party.

What a pity, such a valuable seat wasted.

If it were a more valuable cultivator, perhaps they could invite one more distinguished guest to the Lu family's Poetry and Wine Meet next year.

But if this guy, who knows nothing, actually goes, we can just give him a jar of wine to get rid of him.

However, Lü Jingfu's eyes shone brightly, and he couldn't help but cheer inwardly.

He is now 70% certain that Xiao Chen is the Hidden Heir.

His reasoning was precisely because Xiao Chen was unaware of many details.

How could Golden Core cultivator grew up in the Eastern Domain be so lacking in information?

Xiao Chen seems to know nothing, yet he's incredibly wealthy. What does that tell us?

This suggests that he is most likely not from the Eastern Domain, but grew up in some remote place.

Thinking of this, Lü Jingfu's smile became more genuine, "It is said that the Life-Replacing Straw Man is Secret Treasure, crafted by the Jade Dawn Sect, Hidden Dao Heritage passed down from Ancient Heritage."

"The straw figure itself is only seven inches in size, requiring cultivators to use their Essence Blood to nurture it, and it must be carried at all times and cannot be stored in Storage Artifact."

"It can be activated actively, and it will also take effect automatically when a cultivator suffers a fatal attack."

"Legend has it that not only can the straw doll block a fatal blow for a cultivator, but it can also replace the cultivator's previous injuries, poisons, and Curse."

"It's like escaping a life-or-death crisis."

"But I won't hide it from you, fellow Daoist, these are just rumors among friends, and I really don't know the specifics."

Lü Jingfu made a special clarification at the end to prevent any misunderstanding.

At the same time, he explained things in great detail and with great patience, and it could be said that he answered almost everything he knew.

"Thank you again for clearing up my doubts, Fellow Daoist Lü. I never imagined that such a rare item existed in the world."

Xiao Chen looked up at the straw figure not far away. The cultivator had already reached a deal with Wen Ruoxi and was exchanging items.

The straw figure indeed appeared to be only seven inches long, with a rough surface, and looked quite unremarkable.

Unsuspecting cultivators would hardly imagine that such a petty person could possess the miraculous ability to substitute for another's life; truly worthy of being Hidden Dao Heritage Ancient Heritage.

That's great stuff, he wants some too.

Even though Xiao Chen already possessed the Night's Edge, who wouldn't want more life-saving tools?

It's okay, now that we know there are similar things, we can just keep an eye out and ask around in the future.

What's meant to happen will happen eventually; it can't be avoided.

Besides, he already remembered that this thing came from the Jade Dawn Sect.

The transaction continues.

When it was Xiao Chen's turn, his request was simple. "I hope to use this Fairy Mushroom Soul Cleansing Pill to exchange for Mutated Demon Core."

Do you still need Demon Core?

Now it was Lü Jingfu's turn to be surprised.

Xiao Chen already had twenty-two Demon Core, so it sounds like he's still short a lot.

Is this reasonable?

But soon, he figured out the Profound Mystery behind it.

Ordinary cultivators do not need a large number of Demon Core in a short period of time; even if they want to refine them, they usually need to take one every few dozen days.

Only the inheritors of Hidden Dao Heritage have needs that differ from those of ordinary cultivators.

That matches up!

Lü Jingfu speculated that Xiao Chen could either use the Demon Core to create an important heirloom artifact.

Either there's some Secret Method that allows for the rapid absorption of Demon Core, extremely quickly, perhaps requiring one every two or three days.

Or perhaps they are simply tasked with collecting Demon Core cores, needing to gather enough Demon Core for the sect to take back.

Only in this way could he have such a large demand.

Lü Jingfu could even deduce from this that Xiao Chen's combat strength was probably terrifying, to the point that his elders in his lineage felt at ease sending him out.

He is now 90% certain that Xiao Chen is the Hidden Dao Heritage Successor.

Attending the Spirit Herb Banquet today is definitely the right choice.

Next, we absolutely must win Xiao Chen over to our side.

A brand new Trade Route is right in front of us; this is an opportunity we absolutely cannot miss.

Tonight is Lunar New Year's Eve. Wishing everyone a happy new year and good health!