Chapter 345

Chapter 345: Shifting Calamity

Wang Chen had not previously understood the value of contribution points within the West Sea Sect.

Indeed, the valuation of contribution points varies greatly among different sects; some are worth a significant amount in spirit stones, while others are largely inflated.

However, Wang Chen was certain that the qualification to become an inner sect disciple of the West Sea Sect was beyond any measure in spirit stones!

Having braved immense dangers to traverse the Yulong Mountain Range and journeyed hundreds of thousands of miles to reach the West Sea Spiritual Realm, his sole aim was to enter the West Sea Sect and discover the path to ascension.

He never anticipated coming so close to his goal so swiftly!

Yet, Wang Chen did not let this overwhelming surprise cloud his judgment.

He knew that undeserved rewards bring calamity, and that the tallest trees are the first to fall in a storm. If this achievement had moved Luo Zhen so deeply, how much envy would it inevitably attract?

Wang Chen could not begin to estimate.

Thus, he decisively chose to share the spoils with Luo Zhen—after all, those who witness should partake.

Currently, the only West Sea Sect disciple he could connect with was this leader from the South Region Patrol Division.

If he were unwilling to share this achievement, how could he expect their support and assistance?

To be honest, Luo Zhen had previously "sold" him the qualification for the entry assessment task for thirty thousand spirit stones.

Regardless of his intentions, this high-level Purple Palace cultivator had indeed done him a favor.

One must learn to be grateful, and even more so, to share!

Wang Chen’s words were sincere, devoid of any reluctance or affectation.

Luo Zhen was no ordinary man; how could he not discern this?

He spoke with a meaningful tone: “Fellow traveler Wang, I haven’t finished yet. Besides the five thousand contribution points that can be exchanged for a position among the inner sect disciples, there are also seven high rewards offered by various families, which add up to at least twenty thousand contribution points!”

Luo Zhen gazed intently at Wang Chen: “Are you willing to share that as well?”

“Absolutely!”

Wang Chen clapped his hands in agreement: “It’s settled then!”

Luo Zhen was initially taken aback, then laughed: “Fellow traveler Wang…”

Perhaps he truly didn’t know what to say; he laughed while shaking his head, as if mocking Wang Chen’s naivety.

But the reality was quite the opposite!

“You think too much.”

After his laughter subsided, Luo Zhen turned serious and said, “How could I, a scion of the Luo family from the Central Region, covet the achievements of others? These are all rightfully yours!”

Seeing that Wang Chen wished to speak further, he raised his hand to interrupt: “If you trust me, then take those villagers back and wait for my news in Datian Village.”

“Then I will trouble you.”

Wang Chen showed no hesitation and immediately bowed: “I will await good news in Datian Village!”

Having chosen to trust him, Wang Chen decided to trust him fully, staking everything on this bet.

If he bet wrong, Wang Chen would count himself unfortunate.

But if he bet right, he would have taken the most crucial step toward the path to the heavens.

Moreover, becoming an inner sect disciple of the West Sea Sect would provide the best channel to exchange techniques, spirit tools, spiritual symbols, spirit pills, and more, without being exploited by the Four Seas Trading Association.

The benefits were immense, making it worth taking a gamble.

Of course, Wang Chen had the confidence to take the risk, as from the start until now, this high-level Purple Palace figure had shown no signs of malice or evil intent.

Wang Chen left.

He left decisively and without dragging his feet.

He returned to the ground mine and, accompanied by the miners waiting there, set off on his way back.

The journey home was rugged yet calm, with no unforeseen incidents.

When Wang Chen returned to Datian Village with hundreds of ragged and emaciated miners, it immediately caused a huge stir in the village.

The news spread quickly, and people rushed over from all directions.

Among the rescued individuals were not only the two villagers who had been abducted earlier but also about ten who had gone missing before.

Everyone thought they were dead, but they were met with an unexpected surprise.

“Father of the child!”

“Chen Daniu!”

“Brother Five!”

Relatives reunited after a long separation, embracing and weeping while expressing their emotions, creating a chaotic scene.

Besides the villagers from Datian Village, most of the rescued were from other villages; however, due to marriages and connections over centuries within ten miles, they were not strangers to each other, making the scene even livelier as many recognized one another.

Amidst the noise, Chen Anhe arrived.

The chief of the Chen family bowed deeply to Wang Chen: “Sir, you have rescued the people from disaster, your grace is greater than the heavens; please allow this old man to bow to you!”

His words drowned out all the noise, clearly reaching everyone’s ears.

The excited villagers suddenly understood and quickly followed suit in bowing: “Thank you, Sir!”

Wang Chen reached out to help Chen Anhe up, smiling as he said, “Chief Chen, as an official, one should naturally benefit one’s people. Since I have taken on the role of village chief, it is my duty to protect the villagers, so there is no need for formalities.”

Chen Anhe truly wished to kneel, but he couldn’t bring himself to do so; seeing the smile on Wang Chen’s face made him uneasy, and he felt a chill running from his forehead down to his feet.

He became completely stiff.

Wang Chen ignored this old man further and addressed the villagers: “You all should disperse now, return to your homes and continue with your farming.”

Chen Anhe was quite good at acting, but his perceptiveness was too strong, easily sensing the other man’s nervousness and fear.

The question arose: what was Chen Anhe anxious about, and what was he afraid of?

Wang Chen chose not to confront him on the spot.

Not only because there was no evidence, but more importantly, it was about Luo Zhen.

Whether it was Chen Anhe or Huang Deqi, to Wang Chen, they were nothing more than flies vying for scraps.

As long as he wanted, he could crush them with a single palm!

Once Wang Chen returned to the village chief’s residence, Chen Anhe hurried back to the ancestral hall.

“Lord Huang, what should we do now?”

He said anxiously, “The village chief has rescued everyone; the Gray Wolf Bandits are likely in grave danger, and we might be exposed as well. We should flee quickly!”

Slap!

Before Chen Anhe could finish his words, the elderly woman from the Xu family standing beside him slapped him across the face.

As the priestess of Houtu Temple, she said with disdain, “What a useless fool! Look at what you’ve become!”

“Flee?”

Huang Deqi sneered, “Where can we run to now, with so many clansmen and such a large estate at stake?”

“Chen Anhe, I think your head has been kicked by a donkey!”

Chen Anhe covered his swollen and burning face, gritting his teeth: “Then what do you suggest?”

“Support him!”

Huang Deqi stood up, grinning maliciously: “Since he has taken down the Gray Wolf Bandits and saved so many people, let’s support him well and send him to great heights!”

“Let’s spread the word that our village chief has acquired the secret storehouse of Daobao Daoist from the gray-eyed thieves!”

Chen Anhe was astonished: “You mean the Biluotian secret realm?”

“Exactly.”

Huang Deqi replied, “I just received news that the Biluotian secret realm has appeared in the West Sea Spiritual Realm.”

“The secret storehouse of Daobao Daoist is incredibly precious; just watch how he falls into misfortune!”