Misty Rain of the Old Times

After listening attentively to Chen Xuan's explanation, everyone in the Tai Xuan Sect in the main hall looked at each other, many of them bewildered. What was a concealment array? Judging from the name, it was a set of formations used for concealment. Did their own sect even have such a thing?
At this moment, the sect leader Xuan Yang and several elders breathed a sigh of relief. They had thought Chen Xuan would make some outrageous request, and they were prepared to suffer the pain of being asked for an exorbitant price.

When Chen Xuan said he came to ask for something, they thought he was there to freeload. The so-called request was just a nice way of putting it. In reality, given Chen Xuan's status and cultivation level, he was clearly asking for something. But his tone didn't reflect that at all. He genuinely came to ask for something, not aggressively, but in a tone of negotiation.

They don't even force people to do things they don't want to do; if they're unwilling, that's fine, but if they are willing, it's still done through a transaction.

None of the people present were fools. They could tell that Chen Xuan did need the concealment array, but it wasn't essential. They also understood that Chen Xuan obtained the concealment array from their Tai Xuan Sect through a transaction because he didn't want to owe them a favor.

The fact that no excessive demands were made relieved the Tai Xuan Sect members, and their hearts were finally at ease, but only half at ease.

The reason is that the Concealment Array is also very important to the Tai Xuan Sect. It is one of the sect's core treasures and, when taken seriously, it is no less important than the sect's ultimate techniques. Chen Xuan's request for the Concealment Array put them in a very difficult position.

If they agree, it would be tantamount to handing over one of the sect's most valuable assets. If they don't agree, is Chen Xuan really that easy to talk to? No matter how friendly Chen Xuan appears at this moment, he is still a young man with a fiery temper. You can't judge a book by its cover. What if he gets angry and breaks off relations? Can the Tai Xuan Sect afford the consequences?
In short, the people of Tai Xuan Sect dare not gamble. Their foundation is here, and if they offend Chen Xuan, the Wu family, which has been passed down for hundreds of years, will serve as a cautionary tale!

As for where Chen Xuan got the information that the Tai Xuan Sect possessed a concealment array, that's not important. Since the other party has already come knocking on his door, they must have their own information channels to confirm it. It's pointless to deny it; in fact, it would only offend people.

Well, Chen Xuan's request left everyone in the Tai Xuan Sect who knew about the concealment array feeling uneasy. They thought it would be better to make some extra, excessive demands, like wanting to kill someone, do something, or even forcibly take a beautiful female disciple as a concubine. Well, in the end, they could forget about getting that good thing...

The Tai Xuan Sect does indeed possess a concealment array. However, while it exists, it's a thing that evokes both love and hate. For hundreds of years, no one has been able to learn how to set it up or even use it. They know its effects are miraculous and extraordinary, but it's "all show and no go," and it has always been kept hidden away.

It's not that no one wants to learn how to set it up, it's just too difficult. Firstly, it's hard to find talent in this area, and secondly, it requires a lot of resources. The materials for setting up a concealment array are precious and hard to find, it's clearly a bottomless pit. Moreover, it's not a direct way to improve the sect's strength, and there's no end in sight, so no one has the courage to spend resources to create it. After all, the sect still needs to develop, and they can't put all their energy into this.

However, the Concealment Array is not exactly useless to the Tai Xuan Sect. After all, it is one of the sect's inherited treasures. It is something that others do not have, and it is their trump card. Although it is useless now, what if a talent in this field emerges later?

Chen Xuan's demand for the Concealment Array has put the Tai Xuan Sect in a real dilemma. If they don't agree, they'll offend people, and keeping it for the time being is useless. If they agree, Chen Xuan has already said that a trade can be made, so it's not exactly giving it away, but they really can't bear to part with it.

The Tai Xuan Sect members, who were in charge, exchanged glances and couldn't make up their minds. The younger generation didn't dare to utter a sound, resulting in a long silence.

Chen Xuan wasn't in a hurry. He had already spoken, so he just needed to wait for their reply. He knew he had put himself in a difficult position, and he wasn't really in a position to win. If it didn't work out, so be it. He wouldn't die without the concealment array.

Silence wasn't a solution, so after a moment, Xuan Yang didn't answer directly but asked curiously, "What is the purpose of the concealment array that Young Master Chen requires?"

His plan was to first appease Chen Xuan and see what he would use the money for. If it wasn't absolutely necessary, there might be other alternatives.

"There's nothing I can't say," Chen Xuan said with a smile. "To be honest, I'd like to build a floating island at home, with a pavilion and garden for leisure, just like the floating islands in the capital. But just standing there in the sky would be too ostentatious, so I wanted to hide it. I learned that your sect's concealment array can achieve the desired effect, so I shamelessly came to ask for your help."

After hearing Chen Xuan's explanation, Xuan Yang and the others had mixed feelings. It seemed that there was really no other way to hide a floating island except for a concealment array.

No, if you really created a floating island, how could you want to hide something that would attract so much attention? If our Tai Xuan Sect had such means, we would want the whole world to know, and how many talented people would come to us willingly?

That's what they think, but no one says it to their face.

Since things had come to this point, whether or not they agreed could very well determine the future of the Tai Xuan Sect. Xuan Yang hesitated for a moment and said, "Young Master Chen, we cannot make a decision on this matter in a short time. How about we discuss it first and then give you an answer?"

“Alright,” Chen Xuan nodded, then added apologetically, “I know this request is a bit presumptuous. If it’s really too much to ask, you don’t need to worry about it. Just pretend I never said it and let it go. I’m not such a petty person.”

It would have been better if you hadn't said that last sentence; saying it only makes people more worried that you're petty.

With a smile, Xuan Yang stood up and said, "Young Master Chen, please wait a moment. We'll excuse ourselves for a moment and discuss a plan to give you an answer as soon as possible."

"I understand. If it's really difficult, just pretend I didn't say anything," Chen Xuan gestured for him to continue.

Xuan Yang then excused himself and went off with several elders of the Tai Xuan Sect to discuss the matter. They would definitely discuss it behind Chen Xuan's back, as it concerned the sect's foundation and inheritance, and no one could make the decision on their own. In case anyone made any extreme remarks during the discussion, Chen Xuan could not be overheard.

After discussing it, Chen Xuan was also filled with emotion. It was so helpless to ask for help from others. He couldn't bring himself to take it by force. It would be convenient if he could buy it with money, but things like formations couldn't be bought with money.

The atmosphere in the main hall became somewhat awkward. With the elders absent, the younger disciples of the Tai Xuan Sect did not know how to communicate with Chen Xuan. Normally, they were all very talkative, but now they were genuinely worried that they might offend Chen Xuan by saying the wrong thing. Didn't they see that even the sect leader had to be careful and smile apologetically?

Xuan Yang and the others who went to discuss the matter engaged in a heated debate between agreeing and disagreeing. If they agreed, the sect would lose a trump card. Even if it still existed, it would be lost if someone used it in the future. However, they could befriend Chen Xuan and obtain corresponding benefits from him, since he had said he wouldn't take things for free.

If we don't agree, we might offend Chen Xuan. He has such a high status and cultivation level, and he has already shown great sincerity by traveling a long distance. The consequences are unpredictable. Besides, there's no use keeping his sincerity.

After much discussion, both sides had their points, but the matter remained unresolved, and no decision could be made. Even though Xuan Yang was the sect leader, the Tai Xuan Sect was not a place where he could have absolute power. This stalemate could not continue indefinitely.

If they dragged on, leaving Chen Xuan out in the cold wouldn't be a good idea. Just as they were about to suggest drawing lots to see what fate had in store, they heard the voice of a powerful master from the Tai Xuan Sect.

He transmitted his voice, saying, "I suggest we agree to his request. It seems he doesn't really need it; he's just asking for something extra. Why should our Tai Xuan Sect be stingy? Besides, the Concealment Array has been sitting on a shelf for hundreds of years. It's useless to keep it, but a pity to throw it away. In my opinion, we should either give it to him directly, be generous to the end, and gain a favor. I think his favor is worth a set of Concealment Arrays. If you feel that you can't get the favor back and it would be a waste of his money, then let him offer something satisfactory in exchange. That's all I have to say; this is just a suggestion. The specific decision is up to you to discuss. I hope my words haven't influenced your judgment, after all, you are now in charge of the sect."

After saying this, the old man fell silent.

Upon receiving this advice, Xuan Yang and the others, who had been struggling to make a decision, quickly reached a consensus: to agree to Chen Xuan's request. With their opinions unified, the next step was to discuss whether to give it away for free or make a deal. After further discussion, the final decision was to make a deal. After all, favors were too intangible and unpredictable; it was better to secure tangible benefits.

They then discussed what Chen Xuan would need to offer in order to complete the transaction, and then went together to reply.

Behind the Tai Xuan Sect, an old man with a bare chest and belly was fishing by the stream. He was unkempt and unrestrained. He overheard Xuan Yang and the others' discussion, shook his head with a helpless expression, and thought to himself that these younger generation members ultimately lacked courage. Young friend Chen Xuan came with sincerity, but they were fussing over such trivial gains and losses. He hoped that young friend Chen Xuan would not laugh at him...

"Young Master Chen, please forgive us. This matter is of great importance, and it was difficult for us to make a decision. We have now reached a conclusion. We apologize for keeping you waiting so long," Xuan Yang said apologetically as he returned to the main hall.

Chen Xuan returned the greeting with a smile and said, "I apologize for my rudeness. I understand your difficulties and will forgive my bluntness. What do you all think?"

“Young Master Chen needs a concealment formation and has come in person, so we have no reason to refuse. However, the concealment formation is a precious inheritance of our Tai Xuan Sect, so…” Xuan Yang pondered, leaving his meaning unsaid.

We're all decent people; being too blunt would only make us seem mercenary.

Chen Xuan, however, didn't care about these things and smiled frankly, "I understand. Of course, I won't force anyone to take something for free. I wonder what your esteemed sect needs me to offer in exchange? Martial arts manuals? I have no shortage of such knowledge. I know a little about swords, spears, halberds, fists, palms, and finger techniques. I'm not bragging, but what I've learned are all top-tier skills, no less than any sect's inherited divine skills. In addition, I know two or three formations, which also have their merits. If your esteemed sect needs them, they can be used in the exchange. I also have some basic knowledge of alchemy. I can exchange them for pills and formulas. Although I'm not an expert in weapon crafting, I do know some methods for forging divine weapons. You can choose one of these to exchange. In short, I won't let your esteemed sect suffer any loss. What do you all think?"

There's no need to beat around the bush with them. Chen Xuan just wants to reach a deal as soon as possible. He'll just state what he can offer and let them decide how to proceed.

Upon hearing this, Xuan Yang and the others were secretly shocked. How old was this Chen Xuancai? How could he have such a wide range of interests?
The truth or falsehood is not important. Although Chen Xuan has many bargaining chips to offer, they already have a plan. Xuan Yang hesitated for a moment and said, "We dare not covet what Young Master Chen has learned. Since we have already said this, let's be frank. Our conclusion is that if Young Master Chen learns the Concealment Array and is able to set it up, we hope that he will help our Tai Xuan Sect set one up. If you agree, the Concealment Array will be offered to us with both hands."

Xuan Yang and his group made this trade request after careful discussion. It was a last resort. The Concealment Array had been passed down for hundreds of years, but no one knew how to operate it. Since Chen Xuan was willing, they might as well take advantage of what was readily available.

Whether or not Chen Xuan can learn and set up the formation is his business. Once he agrees, they are not worried that he will break his promise. At his level, how could he not even have this much credibility?
As for asking Chen Xuan to promise not to spread the word, that's pointless. If such a thing really happens, would we really bother him? Let's just leave it at that.

As for what Chen Xuan proposed, let's forget about it. The Tai Xuan Sect has no shortage of martial arts manuals, and it also has talents in alchemy and weapon crafting. It would be better to take this opportunity to make use of the concealment array. If Chen Xuan agrees to set up the array afterward, we will have a reference after the event, and we can more easily train array masters belonging to the Tai Xuan Sect based on the array diagram.

Even if their own people are not up to par, the Tai Xuan Sect has a set of concealment arrays set up by Chen Xuan, which gives them a trump card and allows them to better pass on the Tai Xuan Sect. They won't lose out either way.

After listening to Xuan Yang's trade request, Chen Xuan pondered for a moment. As the saying goes, one should not ask for an exorbitant price but bargain on the ground. He could not simply agree to whatever the other party said. He did not necessarily need the concealment array, and he would not do anything that would cause him trouble.

After thinking for a moment, he said, "If I were to decipher the concealment formation, I would be happy to set it up for your sect. However, your sect would have to provide the necessary materials. What do you all think?"

Chen Xuan wasn't worried about whether he could learn the concealment formation. At most, he would spend more time figuring it out. Time was the last thing he lacked. He had already accumulated a lot of experience. After learning it, it would be a piece of cake to help the Tai Xuan Sect set it up. But he couldn't provide both the labor and the materials. If they provided their own materials, he would agree. It would be like getting a concealment formation for free.

To put it bluntly, when he mastered the Concealment Array is entirely up to him, and even if he does, when he'll have time depends on his mood. Can the Tai Xuan Sect force him to do that? Of course, if he makes a promise, Chen Xuan is not one to break his word; he will always keep his promises.

In short, once he has mastered the technique, he will notify the Tai Xuan Sect, and then he will prepare the materials here and make a trip there when he has time.

After hearing Chen Xuan's answer, Xuan Yang and the others exchanged glances again, weighed the options, and nodded in agreement. They thought it was quite reasonable. They would prepare their own materials and have Chen Xuan help them set up the formation, and the concealment formation would be their reward. The main thing was that they would have something to refer to, making it easier for their people to observe, learn, and master the formation.

Even if Chen Xuan couldn't master it, the concealment array was useless anyway, so there was no loss at all.

In this way, it's actually the Tai Xuan Sect that profits.

Chen Xuan's status and strength are undeniable. It's already a great favor that he spoke politely and didn't forcibly take what he wanted. If he had forced it, he probably would have had to give it to him with a stiff nose. Otherwise, he could have swept through the Tai Xuan Sect, slaughtered everyone, and all the stuff would still be his!
In light of this, Xuan Yang felt it wouldn't be right not to show some commitment, so he generously laughed and said, "Then it's settled. We will present the concealment array diagram to Young Master Chen for his study later. In addition, our Tai Xuan Sect will also provide a complete set of array-setting materials to help Young Master Chen master it as soon as possible."

The Tai Xuan Sect has possessed the Concealment Array for hundreds of years, and naturally they have studied it seriously. However, no one has been able to truly master it yet. Therefore, they have no shortage of materials, which are just sitting in the warehouse gathering dust. Since they have ready-made ones, they can take out a copy to do a favor and also give Chen Xuan a good impression. Why not?
Although fighting and killing are commonplace in the martial arts world, human relationships also play out all the time.

Hearing this, Chen Xuan was overjoyed and nodded, saying, "Then this junior will accept the offer without hesitation and will try my best to decipher the concealment array as soon as possible to fulfill my promise."

It would be great if they could provide a free set of array-setting materials, saving him the trouble of collecting them himself. However, he didn't like taking advantage of others, so he paused and added, "Once I have mastered the concealment array, when I come to fulfill my promise, your sect may allow people to observe and learn from it. I will certainly not hold back and will do my best to guide you."

Xuan Yang's eyes lit up; he had already been thinking the same thing, and he immediately said happily, "Then it's settled!"

The deal was thus struck. The Tai Xuan Sect would have Chen Xuan learn how to conceal the formation and would also provide a complete set of formation materials. Chen Xuan's job was to master the materials and then help them set up the formation, as well as provide guidance. It was a perfect match, and everyone was happy.

Both sides feel they've gained something; it's a matter of opinion. Since it was a mutual decision, why worry too much about gains and losses? That would make life too tiring.

As for when Chen Xuan will master the formation, it's hard to say. After all, no one in the Tai Xuan Sect has been able to master it for hundreds of years. It might take a few months, a few years or even a decade, or perhaps, like the Tai Xuan Sect, he will never grasp the essentials.

Ultimately, both sides were satisfied with the outcome. The Tai Xuan Sect did not suffer any real loss, and Chen Xuan's trip was worthwhile.

Once the arrangements were agreed upon, the next step was to eat, drink, and chat about lighthearted topics.

Everyone in the world wants to improve, but few are good at seizing opportunities.

As Chen Xuan and his companions chatted and drank merrily, a young disciple of the Tai Xuan Sect rose and respectfully bowed, saying, "Young Master Chen, I am Xu Yun, a 43rd generation disciple of the Tai Xuan Sect. I learned a sword technique while traveling before the New Year, but I haven't been able to grasp its essence. Young Master Chen's cultivation is unfathomable, and I humbly request your guidance. I would be extremely grateful for your generous instruction..." (End of Chapter)