NOVEL NEXT Chapter 13: The path to power
The Path to Power
Li Chen, having completed his transaction with Ya Fei, left the auction house with a satisfied smirk. His newly acquired wealth of 90,000 gold coins was enough to fund his cultivation journey for the foreseeable future. However, the real reward wasn't the gold—it was the connection he had established with Ya Fei and the progress he'd made toward his ultimate goal: absolute power.
---
**[Ding! Mission Completed: Auction Items Successfully. Reward: +10 Ya Fei Favorability, Lv3 Magical Eagle Beast, 500 System Points.]**
**[New Mission Unlocked: Obtain a high-grade cultivation technique from Wu Tan City. Reward: 1000 System Points, a random Tier 4 Treasure.]**
Li Chen's eyes sparkled as he glanced at the system screen. A high-grade cultivation technique in a city like Wu Tan? It would take effort, but it wasn't impossible.
---
Back at the Miteer Auction House, Ya Fei was still basking in the afterglow of her power surge. Her cultivation had jumped from a 4-star Dou Shi to an 8-star Dou Shi, a feat that would normally take years of effort. She clenched her fists, feeling the raw power coursing through her body, and her thoughts drifted back to Li Chen.
"Who exactly is this man? To possess pills that can directly enhance talent... and such confidence." A faint blush crept onto her cheeks as she replayed his bold words: *'If you want to become even more powerful, marry me.'*
Her heart raced at the thought, but she quickly shook her head. "Focus, Ya Fei. He could be your key to rising above the family's oppression."
---
Li Chen's next stop was the bustling marketplace of Wu Tan City. He blended into the crowd, scanning the stalls and observing the local cultivators. His target was clear: find someone or something that could lead him to a high-grade cultivation technique.
As he wandered, the system suddenly chimed.
**[Ding! New Encounter Detected: Xiao Clan Elder Approaching. Trigger Side Mission: Gain Xiao Clan's Trust.]**
Li Chen turned his head slightly, spotting an elderly man with a sharp gaze and a long beard walking toward him. The man wore the Xiao Clan emblem on his robes, indicating his status as a senior member.
"Young man," the elder said, his voice calm but commanding, "I couldn't help but notice your extraordinary aura. Are you, perhaps, a wandering alchemist?"
Li Chen smirked inwardly. This was an opportunity he couldn't let slip. He clasped his fists respectfully and replied, "Elder, you are perceptive. Indeed, I am a humble alchemist seeking to make my way in the world."
The elder's eyes lit up. "If that's the case, might I trouble you to visit the Xiao Clan? We have a matter requiring someone of your expertise. Of course, the Xiao Clan will not let your efforts go unrewarded."
Li Chen nodded. "Very well. Lead the way."
---
At the Xiao Clan, Li Chen was introduced to several clan members, all of whom were polite but cautious around him. The elder explained their predicament: a promising young clan member was suffering from a mysterious illness that seemed to block his cultivation progress. None of the clan's alchemists had been able to diagnose or cure it.
Li Chen's system chimed again.
**[Ding! Hidden Mission Unlocked: Cure Xiao Ning's Condition. Reward: Xiao Clan Favorability +20, Tier 3 Cultivation Technique, 200 System Points.]**
Li Chen stepped forward confidently. "Allow me to examine him."
Xiao Ning, a robust young man with a pale complexion, sat cross-legged in a private chamber. Li Chen placed his hand on Xiao Ning's wrist and closed his eyes. The system provided a detailed analysis:
**[Diagnosis: Poisonous Qi Blockage caused by a defective cultivation technique. Solution: Refine and administer a Detoxifying Pill (Tier 2) combined with a Qi-Stabilizing Formation.]**
Li Chen withdrew his hand and looked at the elder. "I can cure him, but I'll need specific ingredients and a quiet place to work."
The elder nodded quickly. "Anything you require will be provided."
---
Later that evening, Li Chen stood in an isolated courtyard provided by the Xiao Clan. A blazing cauldron glowed before him as he expertly refined the Detoxifying Pill. His movements were smooth and confident, each step guided by the system's precise instructions.
The pill was completed in record time. Its golden hue shimmered with potency, and the air around it was filled with a faint medicinal fragrance.
Returning to Xiao Ning's chamber, Li Chen administered the pill and activated the Qi-Stabilizing Formation. Moments later, Xiao Ning's pale face regained its color, and his aura began to stabilize and grow stronger.
The elder and other clan members watched in awe as Xiao Ning opened his eyes, filled with vitality and gratitude. "I… I feel incredible! Thank you, Master Li!"
---
**[Ding! Mission Completed: Cure Xiao Ning's Condition. Reward: Xiao Clan Favorability +20, Tier 3 Cultivation Technique "Flame Serpent Art," 200 System Points.]**
Li Chen received the cultivation technique with satisfaction, though he didn't let his emotions show. He turned to the elder. "The young man will recover fully within a few days. However, I must warn you to replace his cultivation technique. It was the root of his problem."
The elder nodded solemnly. "We owe you a great debt, Master Li. If there's anything you need, the Xiao Clan will do its best to assist you."
Li Chen smiled faintly. "I will remember your words."
---
As he left the Xiao Clan, Li Chen's system chimed once more.
**[Ding! Hidden Mission Unlocked: Gain the Favor of Xiao Xun'er. Reward: 1000 System Points, Tier 4 Flame Lotus Pill.]**
Li Chen's smirk deepened. *Xun'er, huh? Interesting. Looks like my path through Wu Tan City is far from over.*
---
**To Be Continued...**