Staying Alive Cautiously in the Celestial Realm and Becoming the Strongest

After the third round of drinks, the atmosphere in the private room became even more fervent.

The impact of the previous friction between Wang Chen and the disciple surnamed Chen soon dissipated into the air.

The cultivator from the Noble Clan of the spiritual world quickly abandoned his reservation and began to fondle a charming and alluring female cultivator without restraint.

This certainly highlighted Wang Chen's aloofness.

Wang Chen neither summoned a dancing girl nor engaged in any deep conversations with others, sitting quietly by Mou Guangji's side, drinking and eating in silence.

Although this was the Yin Nether Realm, the food and drink provided by the Carefree Pavilion were in no way inferior to those in Wanling City.

Moreover, the pavilion was equipped with a special array, warm like spring and rich in spiritual energy, making one feel exceedingly comfortable and at ease.

One could only wish to be perennially intoxicated and never awaken.

When the banquet reached a state of disarray, Mou Guangji put down his cup and clapped his hands, signaling the maids to clear away the leftovers.

The musicians and dancing girls in the private room then withdrew.

So did those maidservants.

It was time to discuss serious matters, and the Inner Sect Disciples of the West Sea Sect sat up straight, appearing quite righteous and dignified.

Mou Guangji got straight to the point, "The reason I've gathered everyone here is to discuss an important matter with you all."

He turned to a cultivator sitting on his right and said, "Junior Brother Zhang, please bring out the item."

Junior Brother Zhang nodded, took out a plant from his Storage Bag, and placed it on the table.

All eyes instantly focused on it.

The plant had long stems and leaves, with serrated edges on the leaves that gleamed with a metallic luster, reminiscent of Cold Nether Iron.

It was entirely dark, with only the tips of the leaves showing specks of grey and white.

"Cold Nether Grass?"

Someone immediately recognized the origin of the plant!

"Correct,"

Junior Brother Zhang said with pride, "I gathered it a few days ago when I went into the mountains."

Everyone looked at each other with expressions of excitement.

The Cold Nether Grass itself wasn't of much value, nor was it something people would deliberately gather.

But this grass had a distinctive quality—it only grew atop the soil of Cold Nether deposits.

That is to say, the discovery of Cold Nether Grass meant the presence of a Cold Nether ore deposit—the only question was whether it was a rich or poor one.

Cold Nether Iron extracted from the ores is an excellent material for Artifact Refining, capable of crafting second and third-tier Magic Artifacts and considered strategic resources by the Sect.

The merit points that Cold Nether Iron could be exchanged for were also among the top of all resources in the Yin Nether Realm.

No wonder everyone was excited.

"Everyone, don't get too excited yet,"

Mou Guangji said, "Junior Brother Zhang has only found a few Cold Nether Grass plants so far, which doesn't necessarily mean he has discovered a mine. Further search and exploration are needed."

He paused for a moment then continued, "But the mountains are dangerous, and it's beyond the capability of Junior Brother Zhang alone to pioneer them. So, he wishes to cooperate with everyone to find the mine, and then share the resulting profits."

"Cooperate to search for a mine?"

Someone asked eagerly, "What are the terms?"

If they truly discovered a Cold Nether mine, even a small share would be enough to feast to one's heart's content!

But the expressions of some were subtle, their eyes revealing a hint of reservation.

The most problematic thing in this world, it would seem, is cooperation.

Everyone had their own Defense Area to maintain, and collaborating with Junior Brother Zhang meant temporarily abandoning the domains they had painstakingly established, with unpredictable risks.

The worst fear was to toil hard only to end up with nothing.

Such occurrences were all too common!

Everyone was making their own internal calculations, and many were unsatisfied with the partnership proposition made by Junior Brother Zhang.

The interested cultivators began to argue back and forth, their faces red and voices raised, almost coming to blows.

Those not interested simply watched the commotion, calm and unperturbed.

Like Wang Chen, for example.

Wang Chen was quite content farming at the Defense Area and had no interest in meddling in such matters.

He was not a dull person; how could he fail to see the disdain and contempt those so-called noble clan disciples had for him?

If he took the initiative to join them, it was eight or nine out of ten that he would be used as cannon fodder or a pawn to scout the way.

Was Wang Chen bored with his life?

"Junior Brother Wang, don't you want to join?"

Wang Chen longed for a peaceful life, but Mou Guangji, sitting beside him, wouldn't let him have his way, "This is a great opportunity."

In the eyes of this Senior Brother Mou, Junior Brother Zhang had discovered an opportunity and was willing to share it with everyone. Collaborating to find a mine was undoubtedly a wonderful thing.

If this endeavor turned out to be successful, then the Mutual Alliance Society would truly make a name for itself in one fell swoop!

"I'm too busy with the affairs of the Defense Area to participate."
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Wang Chen declined politely, "Thank you for your kind offer, Senior Brother."

"Is that so?"

A subtle displeasure flashed through Mou Guangji's eyes, but it was immediately replaced with a smiling face, "No problem, there will be other opportunities."

He looked around and then said, "Junior Brother, may I have a word with you in private?"

Wang Chen was stunned, not understanding what Mou Guangji's intentions were.

However, since he still needed the information Mou Guangji provided, he did not refuse again and followed his senior brother out of the private room.

The two of them went outside to the terrace, where Mou Guangji's gaze upon Wang Chen was intense, "Junior Brother Wang, do you know why Brother Chen doesn't like you?"

Wang Chen felt that he was not a spirit stone, so it was impossible for everyone to like him, but still he asked, "Why?"

Mou Guangji revealed a strange smile, "Our junior brother is very proud and has always wanted to become a disciple of Long River True Person. This expedition to the Yin Nether Realm is also to earn merits to exchange for the qualifications to join the Long River vein."

Wang Chen frowned, "What does this have to do with me?"

"It has a great deal to do with you."

Mou Guangji said, "Junior Brother Wang, it's been rumored within the Inner Sect that you have caught the appreciation of Long River True Person, and that if you gain enough merit in the Yin Nether Realm this time, you could become a disciple under the True Person!"

Wang Chen was speechless.

Who was spreading such rumors?

It wasn't wrong to say that he had caught the appreciation of Long River True Person, but the real reason was that he had recommended Meng Fei, a top-tier genius.

With Wang Chen's current Root Bone aptitude, it was impossible for him to catch the fancy of Long River True Person.

But joining the Long River vein was definitely not a problem.

"There's no such thing."

Wang Chen shook his head and said, "With my above-average Root Bone, how could I catch the True Person's discerning eye."

Without top-tier Root Bone, a Golden Core True Person couldn't be bothered to teach!

"Ah?"

Mou Guangji was greatly surprised, "So what others say is false?"

Wang Chen gave him a deep look, "It's impossible to become a disciple under the True Person, but joining the Long River vein might be possible."

He was crystal clear in his heart, this senior brother's enthusiasm was probably influenced by the rumors.

It was merely a bet placed ahead of time!

"That's not bad either."

Mou Guangji said awkwardly, "I thought that..."

Changing the subject, he continued, "Let's go back then. It's not good to be out too long."

"No need."

Wang Chen said, "Senior Brother Mou, I have some other matters to attend to, so I'll head back first. Oh, and..."

He took out ten Middle Spirit stones and handed them to the other, "This is my share."

Mou Guangji felt awkward, "Junior Brother Wang..."

But Wang Chen had already left.

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The second update is here.