CHAPTER 447: NEW CURRENCY DETECTED

Chapter 447: New Currency Detected

...

"This is the residence Her Eminence prepared for you."

Wang Shouyi led Chen Huaian before a pagoda-shaped structure.

Though called a residence, it appeared rather luxurious, with faint medicinal aromas wafting from within.

Upon opening the main doors, the herbal scents intensified. Rows of Kunlun Ascenders in gray robes busied themselves along the corridor, each tending to an alchemy furnace. Two Ascenders in dark green robes patrolled the central aisle amidst the gray-clad disciples.

The green robes denoted Kunlun Immortal Palace elders, as Wang Shouyi had explained earlier. Judging by their aura, both were at the Golden Core stage.

However, the uniform Hua Jin had given Chen Huaian was an even deeper navy blue.

In Kunlun Immortal Palace, darker colors signified higher status.

Hua Jin was the sole exception - her robes being pure white.

"Elder Wang, Elder Li, this is Honorary Elder Chen Huaian of the Alchemy Pavilion," Wang Shouyi introduced.

The two green-robed Ascenders exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions shifting as they regarded Chen Huaian with undisguised wariness.

"Wang Shouyi, we've heard nothing about any honorary elder appointment in the Alchemy Pavilion?"

"This is Her Eminence's decree." Wang Shouyi's expression turned frosty. "Do you mean to disobey?"

The elders hastily denied any such intention.

"From now on, Elder Chen oversees all Alchemy Pavilion matters. You will follow his directives. He will conduct monthly lectures. I'm now taking Elder Chen to his quarters - henceforth, that room is off-limits to everyone else. Understood?"

Without waiting for their response, Wang Shouyi guided Chen Huaian deeper inside, past curious stares from surrounding disciples.

Chen Huaian remained silent until they reached the innermost chamber.

"Your Alchemy Pavilion members seem rather unwelcoming. Those elders looked ready to devour me whole."

"Your presence threatens their status," Wang Shouyi shut the door with a cold snort. "Kunlun Immortal Palace recognizes no seniority - only strength determines position. Since your alchemy surpasses theirs, your rank naturally eclipses theirs. Should they provoke you, feel free to discipline them. Her Eminence would applaud, not reprimand you."

"Really? How... progressive of her."

Chen Huaian nodded inwardly.

Merit-based hierarchy was refreshingly fair.

Setting aside Hua Jin's leadership position, the sect's management had commendable aspects.

"The sect encourages healthy competition. Those who join Kunlun stand at the vanguard of Ascenders - we defy time, rivals, and heaven itself. We're no coddled infants sucking at the teat." Wang Shouyi gestured to the storage ring Chen Huaian had received from Her Eminence. "Wouldn't you like to see your monthly allotment?"

Chen Huaian examined the ring's contents - about one hundred emerald-green beads. Extracting one immediately intensified the room's spiritual energy.

"Are these Spirit Jade beads?"

His pocket vibrated five times as he held the bead - undoubtedly notifications from his Electronic Girlfriend game.

"Indeed. One hundred monthly beads demonstrates Her Eminence's exceptional regard for you." Wang Shouyi's voice carried admiration.

"How many do those two elders outside receive?"

"Twenty."

Chen Huaian inwardly gasped.

Her Eminence truly valued him!

Pity he was just a spy...

"Senior, once we secure the Spirit Jade veins, quotas will increase!" Wang Shouyi declared enthusiastically. "Her Eminence currently draws from reserves, but the Great Contention approaches. United, we'll surely ascend the path to immortality! Hahaha—"

Chen Huaian silently watched the zealously laughing Wang Shouyi.

The path to immortality?

Merely an endless loop.

Even escaping the chessboard just makes you a piece in someone else's box.

...

Only after Wang Shouyi left did Chen Huaian check his phone.

The Electronic Girlfriend game bombarded him with pop-ups.

———＜Update Notice＞———

[Player World Currency Change Detected!]

[Prioritizing player experience, the game will transition currencies accordingly!]

[Current: RMB → New: Spirit Jade]

[Usage Rates:

- Void Comprehension Stage 1: 10,000 Spirit Jade/hour

- Void Comprehension Stage 9: 90,000 Spirit Jade/hour

- Pre-Great Ascension Tribulation: 10,000 premium Spirit Jade/hour

- Post-First Tribulation: 100,000 premium Spirit Jade/hour (requires tribulation)]

[Transition will gradually activate based on in-world currency adoption.]

[RMB remains temporarily usable!]

—————————————

Chen Huaian's heart sank.

So much for procuring money printing presses.

Wait - he still could!

Before the Spirit Jade veins fully emerged, he must acquire everything possible!

"It seems we're contesting those veins whether we like it or not."

Resolved, Chen Huaian prepared to consult Zhang Yibai about establishing their sect. Without official standing, they'd be mobbed attempting to seize the veins.

Opening his door, he found the two green-robed elders waiting grimly.

"What do you want?"

His hand instinctively went to his missing Black Scales Sword's hilt - then remembered he'd left it behind.

No matter, he still had River Sinker as backup.

"Elder Chen," one sneered, "you rode Wang Shouyi's coattails to this position, didn't you?"

"Wang Shouyi enjoys Her Eminence's favor - we know. But Kunlun respects strength over connections. Even if your rank exceeds ours, without matching power, you've no right to command us!"

Chen Huaian understood perfectly.

They challenged his authority.

As a new arrival and spy, he should avoid drawing attention through conflict.

But time was precious.

"I see."

Drawing River Sinker from his inventory, Chen Huaian's gentle demeanor sharpened into blade-like intensity. His mid-Golden Core cultivation erupted like a savage beast, overwhelming the two early-stage Golden Core Ascenders.

They couldn't comprehend - how could this newcomer's spiritual energy dwarf theirs so completely despite their similar cultivation? Their power paled like stars against the full moon.

Yet having issued their challenge, retreat was impossible.

Her Eminence had sanctioned this.

They had no choice but to fight.

...