Chapter 354

Chapter 354: A Well-Deserved Reputation

Inside the village chief’s residence in Datian Village, the quiet room was enveloped in silence. Points of spiritual light shimmered on the floor, encircling Wang Chen as he sat cross-legged.

The spiritual energy from the surrounding space, propelled by the spirit gathering formation, continuously flowed into his body, merging into his energy field and coursing through his meridians to reach every part of his body.

At that moment, Wang Chen’s Heavenly Apex acupoint opened wide, absorbing the gathering spiritual energy and cycling it through his body.

A thread of pure Preheaven Five Element True Qi gradually condensed within his energy field.

He did not know how much time had passed when suddenly, Wang Chen opened his eyes.

A glimmer of divine light flashed in his dark eyes, illuminating the dim quiet room.

【Preheaven Five Element Technique · Experience +1】

That wasn’t easy!

Wang Chen let out a long sigh.

After advancing to the Purple Palace, he spent a substantial amount of money to purchase the “Preheaven Five Element Technique,” making it his new primary cultivation technique.

The Preheaven Five Element Technique is an advanced version of the Five Element Technique; although it has just two more words, its profound and extensive knowledge far surpasses that of the latter.

With Wang Chen’s current root bone and comprehension, practicing this technique is exceptionally challenging.

Reflected in his Cultivation Panel, gaining even 1 experience point for the Preheaven Five Element Technique is no simple feat.

Even after a full day of closed-door cultivation, completing three circulations of the heavenly cycle might not yield a single experience point.

Now, he could only earn 1 point by successfully condensing a thread of Preheaven Five Element True Qi.

This means Wang Chen must condense a hundred threads of Preheaven Five Element True Qi to fully accumulate the experience points for the first level of this technique.

He exhaled and checked his Cultivation Panel.

Master: Preheaven Five Element Technique (Level 1): 27/100

The path of cultivation is long, and the responsibilities are heavy!

“Master.”

At that moment, Little He’s voice called from outside the door, tinged with a hint of hesitation.

Wang Chen remained seated, sweeping his robe sleeve, which caused the door to swing open automatically.

He asked, “What is it?”

Seeing that she hadn’t interrupted Wang Chen’s cultivation, Little He immediately felt relieved and quickly reported, “Master, the three elders have all come. They said they have replaced the exorcising drum and need you to strike it personally.”

The exorcising drum has been exchanged?

Wang Chen smiled and said, “Good!”

Without motivation, there is no pressure; if these old fellows do not squeeze a little harder, one wonders how much they can actually manage.

In just three days, they had brought a drum worth tens of thousands of spirit stones.

Moreover, the three elders had returned with a high-quality exorcising drum.

The second-tier spirit tool remained stationed at the entrance of the Houtu Temple.

Amidst the biting cold, with the north wind howling and snowflakes swirling, the villagers of Datian Village, who had been sheltering indoors for the winter, gathered in front of the Houtu Temple.

They formed multiple layers, creating an impenetrable crowd.

These villagers had come to witness the spectacle after hearing the news, their faces alight with excitement and anticipation.

Not long ago, the village had been haunted by Evil Spirits, and the tragic annihilation of Huang Ze’s family had left the villagers in a state of unease. Even though Wang Chen had vanquished the true culprit, it had not fully restored their peace of mind.

Now that the exorcising drum had been reinstated, the villagers felt a wave of reassurance, as though they had swallowed a calming elixir.

It would indeed be strange not to feel joy!

“Heave ho!” “Heave ho!”

Accompanied by robust and synchronized chants, eight muscular men, their upper bodies bare, carried the three-thousand-pound exorcising drum step by step from the village entrance to the front of the Houtu Temple, using thick wooden poles.

A town guardian tool, unlike ordinary spirit tools, carries a special significance.

The more remote the area, the greater the reverence people hold for their town guardian, viewing it as the protector of their homeland.

Thus, a town guardian tool is not “bought” but “invited.”

This exorcising drum had been brought back by the eight strong villagers from Wancheng, fifty miles away.

As a gesture of reverence!

Under the watchful eyes of hundreds of villagers, the exorcising drum, crafted from Qingtong stone, thunderstruck wood, and beast skins, was carefully placed on the drum stand in front of the Houtu Temple.

The drum stand was already in place; the previous exorcising drum had been seized by Huang Deqi, leaving only a square stone pedestal behind.

This was also one of the reasons Huang Deqi had fallen out of favor with the villagers. In the past, everyone had been too intimidated by his tyranny to voice their grievances, but now, clarity had emerged like the parting of clouds.

“Master, please strike the drum!”

The three elders stepped forward, bowing deeply to Wang Chen in a gesture of respect.

The first strike of the exorcising drum must be made by a cultivator to imbue it with spirit and righteousness, ensuring its optimal protective power.

Only a Purple Palace cultivator is qualified to strike the exorcising drum.

If Datian Village lacked a Purple Palace cultivator, they would have to seek assistance from Wancheng.

Wang Chen, being both the village chief and a Purple Palace cultivator, was the rightful person to perform the drum ceremony.

“Very well.”

Wang Chen gave a slight nod.

Under the gaze of all present, he approached the exorcising drum.

The method of striking the drum was simple: he needed only to channel a thread of spiritual energy into the drum, activating the formations within to produce a resonant vibration.

Wang Chen raised his right hand, gathering a thread of Preheaven Five Element True Qi from his energy field into his palm.

Then, with a swift motion, he struck the drum.

Boom—

The massive exorcising drum shuddered violently, emitting a crimson glow. An invisible force, accompanied by a deafening roar, radiated outward in all directions.

The onlookers felt as though a fierce gale had struck their faces, their heads ringing.

They swayed like drunken men, their faces flushed!

Their spirits were profoundly shaken.

The thunderous sound of the drum reverberated across Datian Village in an instant, and plumes of gray smoke rose from various spots, only to dissipate into the wind and snow.

Not only that, but beneath the surface, hibernating snakes, mice, insects, and ants seemed to sense impending doom, scattering in a desperate frenzy.

The entire village was thoroughly cleansed; though it appeared unchanged on the surface, it felt significantly purer.

After a moment, the villagers, regaining their composure, erupted into cheers.

Their gazes toward Wang Chen were filled with gratitude and admiration.

Wang Chen’s reputation in the village had reached its zenith!

In truth, Wang Chen’s striking of the exorcising drum was merely symbolic. What truly won the people’s hearts were his actions over the past two months.

Forming and arming the guard team, hunting in the mountains to ensure everyone had meat, caring for the vulnerable in the village, and establishing a school so all children could learn valuable skills…

Even those who harbored resentment toward Wang Chen had to admit that under his leadership, Datian Village was improving day by day.

The position of village chief was rightfully his!

The support of the people has always been paramount!

Everyone hoped Wang Chen would continue to serve as village chief, protecting them eternally like the exorcising drum.

Yet, at that moment, Wang Chen felt a subtle premonition.

His days in Datian Village were numbered.

He would soon be leaving.