Yan Hongtu's display of hostility was not entirely unexpected by Jiang Chen.
Even setting aside the fact that Sage Danchi had warned him beforehand, even without the warning, this was something Jiang Chen had anticipated.
As an outsider suddenly residing in the territory of core disciples, the chances of being accepted right away were practically nil.
On top of that, he carried considerable fame, and Sage Danchi had been willing to condescend and form an alliance with the Treasure Tree Sect for his sake.
That alone made Jiang Chen a natural target.
Everyone here was a genius, and among geniuses, who would bow to anyone?
A genius from some backwater, suddenly receiving such favor from Sage Danchi — who wouldn't have thoughts about that? Who wouldn't feel at least a twinge of jealousy?
Yan Hongtu was merely one representative of that sentiment.
Of course, Jiang Chen also knew that to survive within the sect, these things could not be avoided. He had to face them head-on.
"Young Master, it seems this Danxia Valley is nothing special after all. People here are petty as ghosts," Gouyu said, fuming.
Jiang Chen, however, remained calm. "Wherever there are people, there is a jianghu. Wherever there is a jianghu, there is struggle. Since we're here, let's settle in."
Just as he was about to return to the courtyard, another voice came from outside.
"Friend Jiang Chen, please wait."
When Jiang Chen turned around, he saw a young man with a serene and refined bearing, fine features, and robes that resembled a Daoist priest's garb — though not entirely. Despite his youth, he carried an otherworldly air.
"I am Mu Gaoqi, the last new core disciple to enter Danxia Valley before you. I've heard so much about you that I simply had to come pay a visit. I hope I'm not being presumptuous?"
Mu Gaoqi looked even a year or two younger than Jiang Chen.
A guest had arrived, and Jiang Chen was not an unfeeling person. Besides, one does not strike a man who comes with a smile. Mu Gaoqi had come politely, and he seemed to harbor no ill will.
"Please, come in."
Jiang Chen nodded and led Mu Gaoqi into the cave dwelling.
With a guest present, the female attendants like Gouyu and Wen Ziqi discreetly withdrew. As for Huang'er, she was even more reclusive and would never appear before outsiders.
After Xue Tong served tea, he too prepared to step away. It was clear that after entering Danxia Valley and enduring mockery from all sides, he and the others felt a measure of inferiority. They feared that lingering too long might embarrass Jiang Chen.
"Xue Tong, you're not an outsider. Stay and listen to the genius disciples of Danqian Palace share their insights. This is a learning opportunity for you."
Jiang Chen had no intention of letting his people's martial hearts develop cracks. By doing this, he wanted Xue Tong and the others to overcome their feelings of inferiority.
Mu Gaoqi quickly bowed with a smile. "You flatter me, you flatter me."
Jiang Chen smiled mildly. "I've just arrived and don't yet know the customs of Danxia Valley. Please accept this humble cup of tea, Brother Mu."
Mu Gaoqi was modest and warm by nature. Seeing Jiang Chen personally offer him tea, he was quite flattered.
Jiang Chen observed the young man's expressions carefully. Mu Gaoqi looked like he genuinely hadn't come to pick a fight. His manner was cautious and careful in every gesture — quite different from the arrogant posturing of other sect geniuses. He didn't seem like the overbearing type at all.
"Brother Jiang Chen, I'm probably a year or two younger than you. You can call me Little Mu or just Gaoqi. Your reputation, Brother Jiang Chen, has been ringing in my ears ever since I arrived at Danqian Palace. I've taken the liberty of visiting and have brought a few pills as a small gift. Please don't turn up your nose at them."
As he spoke, Mu Gaoqi placed several small pill bottles on the table.
"Heh heh, my martial talent at Danqian Palace is quite ordinary. However, with my innate Wood Spirit Body, I have a certain gift when it comes to pills. My ability to make it into Danxia Valley rests entirely on this small advantage in alchemy — I've essentially piled my way up with pills. These three bottles are quite special. First, the Essence Cultivation Pill, which provides some benefit for cultivation at the Origin Realm, but its requirements are extremely demanding. Limited by various conditions, I can only produce a small quantity and of modest quality. Then there's the Spirit Solidification Pill — when consumed by Spirit Realm martial artists, it can accelerate advancement. Its effect is similar to your Treasure Tree Sect's Crimson Dawn Fruit. Heh heh, I managed to break through to the Origin Realm entirely by stacking these Spirit Solidification Pills. And the last bottle is the Seven Star Gathering Origin Pill for recovering origin energy. After a prolonged battle that drains you, swallowing this pill can instantly restore half your origin energy."
As Mu Gaoqi described each pill, it became clear they were all remarkably precious.
"Brother Gaoqi, these pills are so valuable. We've only just met for the first time — isn't this too generous?" Jiang Chen said with a smile.
Mu Gaoqi hurried to explain. "To others, these might be precious. But alchemy is my forte — once these are gone, I can simply refine more. Besides..."
"Besides what?" Jiang Chen asked.
"Well..." Mu Gaoqi's handsome face flushed slightly. "Truthfully, I do have a small personal reason for coming here. I heard that you, Brother Jiang Chen, have a dual innate affinity for water and fire. So, I have a favor to ask of you."