We Agreed to Brag Together, But You Secretly Dominated the World Chapter 4

However, she then shook her head and continued, “No, I have witnessed other senior brothers who were at the eighth level of the Qi Gathering Realm previously. Their auras were not as vigorous as yours. Senior Brother Su, you… Did you break through to the ninth level of the Qi Gathering Realm?”

A shocked expression dawned on this junior sister’s face as she spoke.

Su Chen remained noncommittal regarding this particular question.

At this juncture, admitting it was something he absolutely could not do.

To do so would constitute an obvious transgression of the system’s regulations.

After all, he had not yet reached the ninth level of the Qi Gathering Realm.

“Senior Brother Su Chen is most certainly at the ninth level of the Qi Gathering Realm!”

Cao Yun was also taken aback.

He had previously presumed that Su Chen had advanced to the eighth level of the Qi Gathering Realm at best.

Yet, observing Senior Brother Su Chen’s composed demeanor, he concluded that he must indeed be in the ninth level of the Qi Gathering Realm.

[Ding! Congratulations on being bragged about by others. The brag is Level White.]

[Bragging content: Reaching the ninth level of the Qi Gathering Realm: 1/35]

The system’s notification echoed once more.

Cao Yun became convinced that Su Chen had already attained the ninth level of the Qi Gathering Realm, which was precisely why he was offering such praise.

Upon hearing Cao Yun’s assertion, the other disciples present resonated with his sentiment from the depths of their hearts.

The figures displayed on the virtual interface flickered and ascended with great speed.

In a mere instant, the progress bar concluded its ascent.

[Bragging content: Reaching the ninth level of the Qi Gathering Realm: 35/35]

A surge of spiritual energy emanated from Su Chen’s Dantian, coursing through his entire being, reaching his limbs and bones.

“Boom!”

A formidable aura radiated outwards from Su Chen’s body.

“As expected, this is indeed the aura of the ninth level of the Qi Gathering Realm!”

Cao Yun drew in a deep breath, then slowly exhaled.

Such an aura was not unfamiliar to him; he had perceived it on numerous occasions from other senior brothers within the Great Mystery Sect.

“Senior Brother Su is so incredibly powerful!”

“I told you all, Senior Brother Su is a fortunate individual. Not only did he recover from his internal injuries, but he also managed to break through to the ninth level of the Qi Gathering Realm in one magnificent leap.”

The gazes of the junior sisters present sparkled with admiration.

In their interpretation, this was Su Chen’s way of affirming the crowd’s belief, confirming that he was, in fact, a cultivator at the ninth level of the Qi Gathering Realm.

In reality, Su Chen had only just experienced a sudden breakthrough and had not yet had the opportunity to properly regulate his aura.

“Senior Brother Su’s innate talent is extraordinary, and he is even favored by the Heavenly Dao’s providence. I truly wonder what his future accomplishments will entail… I must maintain a close relationship with Senior Brother Su Chen,” Cao Yun mused internally.

He felt compelled to devise a method for latching onto Su Chen’s ascendant trajectory.

He held the conviction that, in the very near future, this significant figure would undoubtedly mature into a colossus.

An individual favored by the Heavenly Dao’s providence was destined for unparalleled achievements later in life.

He didn't necessarily aspire to become Senior Brother Su Chen’s most trusted confidant; simply receiving a modicum of his blessings would be sufficient to elevate his future accomplishments beyond those of the vast majority of other cultivators.

Furthermore, Su Chen differed from other senior brothers who habitually concealed their cultivation insights. As long as junior brothers sincerely sought his guidance, Su Chen would readily offer them valuable advice.

It was exceedingly rare to encounter another senior brother akin to Su Chen, and meeting him was an undeniable stroke of sheer luck.

Cao Yun was not alone in harboring such thoughts.

Su Chen’s preceding three fortuitous encounters, the positive impression he had cultivated among others in the past, and his declared intention to exact personal revenge this time around had collectively amplified everyone's faith in him, planting seeds of unwavering trust in their hearts.

“Senior Brother Su, you haven't yet informed Elder Xie about your recovery, have you?”

Cao Yun’s eyes gleamed with an idea as he spoke with haste.

“No, I was precisely about to notify Elder Xie when you arrived,” Su Chen replied, shaking his head.

“Senior Brother Su, you have only just recuperated from your injuries and achieved a breakthrough of two consecutive levels. It would be best for you to focus on recovering your strength first. Kindly leave these minor matters to me.”

Cao Yun’s tone was tinged with evident eagerness.

Su Chen offered a slight nod and stated, “Very well, then I shall have to trouble Junior Brother Cao.”

Cao Yun’s assessment was accurate. Having advanced two levels in rapid succession, he indeed required time to recuperate and consolidate his gains.

Su Chen could discern Cao Yun’s underlying motive of seeking favor.

If he intended to cultivate followers, individuals like Cao Yun were precisely what he needed.

Having secured Su Chen’s consent, Cao Yun promptly dispersed the surrounding disciples before making his way towards the Elders Hall.

The other disciples also retreated to their respective quarters, while Su Chen turned and re-entered his humble thatched cottage, commencing the task of organizing the influx of memories within his mind.

…

Within the outer sect’s Elders Hall.

Upon receiving Cao Yun’s report, Xie Qi could not help but let out a sigh, remarking, “He possesses quite considerable luck.”

Even though Xie Qi held the position of an outer sect elder within the Great Mystery Sect, his standing was far from insignificant, leaving him with little time to concern himself with every outer sect disciple.

Su Chen, however, was one of the select few individuals who captured his attention.

Ever since Su Chen's safe return from the demonic sect, accompanied by a notable two-level cultivation breakthrough, Xie Qi had begun to observe him more closely.

Upon learning that Su Chen had encountered the Blood Demon Sect elder, survived a second time, and even bolstered his strength, Xie Qi became convinced that Su Chen was favored by destiny.

This conviction only intensified during their recent encounter.

It wasn't merely that Su Chen was blessed by providence; it was a providence of an extraordinary caliber!

While Su Chen might not rival the tales of individuals blessed with immense providence, Xie Qi foresaw that Su Chen's future accomplishments would undoubtedly surpass his own.

The wisest course of action when dealing with such nascent talents was to foster their growth through early investment and alliances.

Conversely, making an enemy of someone favored by providence was the gravest of missteps.

Naturally, if animosity existed from the outset, the situation would be entirely different.

“Are you absolutely certain the injuries he sustained have been fully mended?”

Xie Qi’s contemplation of Su Chen’s capabilities snapped back to the present, a sharp realization dawning upon him.

As an elder, his discernment far surpassed that of Cao Yun.

He had witnessed countless cultivators at the ninth level of the Qi Gathering Realm and understood the formidable power inherent in that stage.

The true extent of a ninth-level Qi Gathering Realm cultivator's might was something Cao Yun could only estimate subjectively.

After all, Cao Yun himself was merely a cultivator at the fifth level of the Qi Gathering Realm.

“I can confirm that Senior Brother Su Chen’s injuries are entirely healed,” Cao Yun stated after a brief moment of reflection.

“Could it be… did he attain the Forbidden Stage?” Xie Qi mused aloud, a flicker of astonishment crossing his face.

Cao Yun felt a jolt of surprise at this utterance.

He recalled reading about the so-called Forbidden Stage in ancient texts housed within the Library Pavilion – a state representing the absolute zenith of a major cultivation realm, achieved in a state of perfection and flawlessness.

The Qi Gathering Realm comprised only nine levels, with the Qi Sea Realm following directly after the ninth; there was no intermediate tenth level.

Consequently, the Forbidden Stage was synonymous with reaching the ninth level.

However, cultivators who reached this Forbidden Stage possessed spiritual power that was more potent and a foundation that was incomparably solid, free from any cultivation flaws, unlike other ninth-level cultivators.

They stood unrivaled within their own realm and possessed the capability to contend against opponents in higher realms.

“Go and summon Su Chen. I wish to inquire about a matter,” Elder Xie instructed Cao Yun after a period of thoughtful consideration.

“Understood!”

Following this exchange, Cao Yun’s demeanor shifted to one of gravity as he promptly set off towards Su Chen’s dwelling.