98: Chapter 98 Winning Hearts and Minds

Chu Feng looked at the crowd before him, a calm smile on his face, but his heart was as clear as a mirror.

How could he not know what they were thinking?

It was nothing more than seeing him show his brilliance and seemingly having the Peak Master of Duobao Peak as a backer; they wanted to offer help early, making a preemptive investment.

The reality of the cultivation world was like this, and there was nothing wrong with it.

However... Chu Feng's gaze swept over Senior Brother Zhao Tieshan and the other two.

These three had fought side-by-side with him today and had not retreated in the moment of crisis; both their character and abilities were reliable.

If he wanted to establish a foothold in the Sect in the future, and even climb to a higher status, he indeed needed some 'inner circle' people he could trust.

“Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters, you are being too kind,”

Chu Feng cupped his hands in return, his smile gentle. “Today's victory in slaying demons and defending the Dao was entirely due to everyone working together with one heart.”

“I, Chu, am young and inexperienced. In the future within the Sect, I will still need much of your care and guidance.”

“As for today's little disturbance, it was merely upholding the Sect rules and arguing on the basis of reason; it's not worth mentioning.”

He spoke these words beautifully, neither explicitly accepting nor flatly refusing, leaving room for both sides.

After all, being 'one's own people' wasn't something just said with the mouth; it required time to see a person's heart.

Senior Brother Zhao Tieshan and the others were all smart people. Hearing the meaning in Chu Feng's words, their hearts settled, knowing there was a chance for this.

They said no more for now, but their attitudes became increasingly respectful and close.

“The matter here is concluded. The demonic Cultivators' corpses still need to be sent back to the Law Enforcement Hall for inspection as soon as possible.”

Chu Feng glanced at the sky and said, “Everyone, let us return to the Sect to report our mission first.”

“As it should be!” everyone echoed in unison.

Just then.

“Junior Brother Chu, would it be convenient to have a word?”

Chu Feng turned to look and saw a hint of hesitation on Li Sen's face, as if he were holding back words.

“Please speak, Senior Brother Li.”

Li Sen first looked at Senior Brother Zhao Tieshan and the others, then lowered his voice and said, “Junior Brother Chu, I have an audacious request. I wonder... I wonder if you could part with one of those ‘danyin fruits’ for me?”

“Regarding the price, Junior Brother, feel free to name it. As long as I can afford it, I won't say a word of protest!”

At this point.

Li Sen actually showed a rare look of nervousness, looking at Chu Feng expectantly, his hands unconsciously clenching.

That appearance lacked any of the composed bearing of an Earth-grade True Disciple; he looked more like a restless youth afraid of being rejected.

“Hmm??”

Chu Feng's eyebrows twitched slightly. He understood in his heart, but remained calm on the surface, asking, “Could it be that Senior Brother Li's cultivation has already reached Foundation Establishment Completion Stage? Are you preparing to begin Core Formation?”

Upon hearing the words “Core Formation”.

The gazes of Tang Yanrou, Senior Brother Zhao Tieshan, and the others all snapped toward Li Sen.

Foundation Establishment and Golden Core.

Though separated by only one realm, it was the difference between immortal and mortal, and the first true chasm on the path of cultivation.

Countless individuals of extraordinary talent were trapped at Foundation Establishment Completion Stage, unable to knock open the door to the Golden Core for their entire lives.

Even in a great Sect like the Duobao Sect, True Disciples dared not say that every one of them could successfully form a core.

The price of failure ranged from a regression in cultivation and a damaged Foundation to the severance of one's Dao path or even death.

Therefore, any treasure that could increase the chances of Core Formation was enough to make Foundation Establishment Cultivators go mad.

“Exactly.”

Li Sen gave a bitter smile and nodded under the collective gaze of the crowd, saying frankly, “I won't hide it from you all; I have been stuck at Foundation Establishment Completion Stage for ten years.”

“My spiritual power refinement and mental state tempering are both in place, but I have always lacked that bit of... courage and certainty to burn my bridges.”

“The Sect's quota for ‘Golden Core Pills’ is limited and the competition is fierce; I don't have full confidence in obtaining one.”

“Therefore, a ‘danyin fruit’ to me is no different from charcoal in a snowstorm; it can add at least a fifty percent chance of successful Core Formation!”

His gaze turned fervently toward Chu Feng again, his tone carrying a plea: “This item is precious, and you surely need it too, Junior Brother. I don't dare ask for too much, I only hope for one opportunity.”

“As long as you are willing to part with it, Spirit Stones, Magic Treasures, contribution points... whatever I have is yours to choose from!”

Li Sen's current mood could be described as being in total suspense, like a sword hanging by a thread; success or failure depended on this one move.

If Chu Feng refused, the day of his Core Formation would remain indefinitely far off.

Chu Feng looked at the desire and apprehension that almost overflowed from Li Sen's eyes.

He fell silent.

He naturally knew the value of a “danyin fruit.”

If taken to an auction, it would be enough to trade for a massive amount of Spirit Stones or equally precious cultivation resources.

Although Li Sen promised that the “price is negotiable,” how much could he actually ask for?

Ask for too much, and it hurts the relationship; ask for too little, and he himself suffers a loss.

However, Chu Feng had another calculation in his heart.

Regarding Li Sen, Senior Brother Zhao Tieshan had said he acted uprightly, and as an Earth-grade True Disciple, his Foundation was not shallow.

If he truly could use this opportunity to successfully form a core, he would be a Golden Core Immortal Master!

A Golden Core fellow Disciple whose Breakthrough was “sponsored” by himself—this favor was far more precious than Spirit Stones or Magic Treasures.

Furthermore, today he had completely antagonized Li Sen, and he urgently needed allies within the Sect.

If Li Sen could be promoted, he would be a great help.

He weighed the pros and cons in just a flash.

A sincere smile appeared on Chu Feng's face, and with a flip of his wrist, a ‘danyin fruit’ appeared in his palm.

As soon as it appeared, it emitted a refreshing exotic fragrance, and the surrounding Spiritual Qi faintly converged toward it.

“Since Senior Brother Li has hope of Core Formation, I should naturally lend you a helping hand.”

With a flick of his finger, the “danyin fruit” turned into a streak of light and landed steadily in Li Sen's open palm. “This item is gifted to you, Senior Brother. I wish you an early Golden Core and a promising path to the Great Dao!”

“This...”

Li Sen clutched the “danyin fruit,” momentarily dazed.

He originally thought he would have to pay a huge price, and was even prepared to be severely overcharged.

But he never expected that Chu Feng would actually take not a single cent and gift it directly!

“Junior Brother Chu, this... this is too valuable! No matter how many Spirit Stones it costs, you must accept them!”

Li Sen's voice trembled with excitement as he spoke hurriedly.

Though he was wild with joy, his skin wasn't thick enough to take such a heavy treasure for nothing.

“What Spirit Stones?”

Chu Feng shook his head slightly, his tone casual but carrying an unquestionable firmness. “Helping each other is only right between fellow Disciples. Besides, if Senior Brother can break through to the Golden Core because of this, it is also a blessing for our Duobao Sect.”

“A mere spirit fruit—if it can be exchanged for a Golden Core Immortal Master, isn't that a fantastically profitable deal? To talk of money would be vulgar and create distance between us.”

These words were spoken beautifully to the extreme.

It both elevated Li Sen and showed trust, while also raising the act of gifting to the level of “cultivating talent for the Sect,” making those who heard it feel as though they were bathed in a spring breeze, filled with admiration and gratitude.

Senior Brother Zhao Tieshan listened from the side, clicking his tongue in secret, his evaluation of Chu Feng rising several notches higher once again.

A “danyin fruit”!

If placed on the black market or at an auction house, it would be enough to make countless Foundation Establishment Cultivators go bankrupt and fight to the death for it.

Chu Feng could actually give it away so nonchalantly; this boldness and breadth of mind simply didn't seem like a young Disciple at the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment.

He seemed more like those big figures who had long held high positions and understood the human heart deeply!

Following such a person, why worry about having no future?