Pay-to-Win Cultivation: I Get 10,000x Returns Chapter 110

Yang Poxiao’s status, reputation, and cultivation had already crowned him the undisputed king of the new generation.

Yet, he still couldn't pry open the door to her heart.

The manuscript of The Return of the Condor Heroes, which he had painstakingly copied by hand, had indeed earned him a mountain of spirit stones in royalties.

Unfortunately, his Master had absolutely no interest in novels. She hadn't even glanced at it.

In her heart, there was only the Sword Path. There was no room for emotion.

Desperate, Yang Poxiao had even tried to provoke a reaction by flirting with the other radiant Senior and Junior Sisters of the sect, hoping to see even a single ripple of jealousy in her eyes.

The result? His Master’s heart remained as still as an ancient well.

Instead, he was the one who failed to restrain his impulses, ending up in bed with two of those Junior Sisters.

Far from alleviating his frustration, the affairs only added a heavy, unspeakable layer of guilt whenever he faced his Master.

Just as his mind was churning with unrest, the exquisitely carved wooden doors of the terrace slid open silently.

Hu Yanzhi, the Young Master of Baoqing Workshop, strolled in. He waved a folding fan, looking every bit the noble scion.

However, Yang Poxiao’s gaze instantly locked onto the figure standing behind him.

It was another young man, handsome and refined. His features bore a striking resemblance to Hu Yanzhi, yet his temperament was worlds apart.

Where Hu Yanzhi’s elegance was flashy and superficial, this man wore a gentle smile, his brow as warm as jade. Every movement exuded a terrifyingly restrained confidence.

What shook Yang Poxiao to his core was the man’s aura.

Profound. Flawless. Vast.

It was an aura far superior to his own.

Nascent Soul Stage!

"Brother Yang, apologies for the wait!" Hu Yanzhi greeted warmly, stepping aside to introduce his guest. "This is my cousin, Hu Yanqing. He has come all the way from the Central Continent."

The Nascent Soul cultivator, Hu Yanqing, smiled like a gentle spring breeze. "Grandmaster Yang, I have long heard of your reputation. I am Hu Yanqing. A pleasure to meet you."

He carried none of the arrogance typical of a Nascent Soul powerhouse. Instead, he radiated sincere appreciation.

Yang Poxiao felt an internal chill but kept his expression courteous. "You flatter me, Fellow Daoist Hu. 'Grandmaster' is merely an empty title bestowed by kind peers. It is not worth mentioning."

He had expected a prodigy from the Central Continent to be haughty. This humility was unexpected—and disarming.

Hu Yanqing’s smile deepened. "Brother Yang, that Immortal Ascension Pill of yours... The quality was exceptional, rare even in the Central Continent. It changed hands several times before finally reaching me. I benefited greatly from it. I came specifically to express my gratitude."

"You are too kind," Yang Poxiao replied.

So, this man had consumed the pill. A medicinal miracle capable of enhancing spiritual root aptitude was something even a Nascent Soul cultivator couldn't resist. Yang Poxiao felt a surge of pride.

This was the power of a top-tier trade skill.

After the requisite pleasantries and tea, Hu Yanqing finally got to the point.

"To be frank, Brother Yang, my trip to the Southern Capital has two purposes. First, to represent Baoqing Workshop at the assembly. Second, I am on a mission from my Master to track down a traitor from a heretic sect. Clues suggest he is hiding in the Southern Region."

"Ah?" Hu Yanzhi blinked. "Cousin, I thought you were just here to play! Why didn't you say so earlier? I could have kept an eye out."

Hu Yanqing shook his head with a wry smile. "That traitor goes by the title 'Thousand Mechanisms.' He is a master of puppetry, malicious to the bone. His crimes in the Central Continent were heinous."

At the word "puppet," a venomous light flashed in Hu Yanzhi’s eyes.

Two years ago, outside Cloudwater City, he had been humiliated and grievously wounded by Su Ling of the Yunmiao Sect. He still considered it his greatest shame.

Fortunately, his cousin was a massive pillar of support. In less than two years, Hu Yanzhi’s foundation hadn't just been repaired—it was stronger than ever.

Hu Yanqing ignored his cousin's mood shift and continued, "Of course, the most important reason for my visit is you, Brother Yang."

"Me?" Yang Poxiao paused.

"Indeed. I am here representing both Baoqing Workshop and the Guiyuan Sect behind me. With your alchemical genius and cultivation potential, staying in the Southern Region is a waste."

Hu Yanqing leaned forward, his voice sincere. "Would Brother Yang be willing to serve as a Guest Elder at Baoqing Workshop's main headquarters? Furthermore... I can recommend you for entry into the Guiyuan Sect!"

"The Guiyuan Sect is one of the Four Giants of the Central Continent. Our heritage dwarfs anything in the Southern Region. With our resources, your future status will not be beneath mine. The Central Continent is your true stage!"

The offer carried immense weight.

Even Hu Yanzhi looked envious, though he knew his limits. He was better off being a rich second-generation heir in the boonies.

Waves crashed in Yang Poxiao’s heart.

The Central Continent! That was the high-level map he had been dreaming of.

But... he couldn't let go of that cold, white-clad figure.

"Fellow Daoist Hu’s offer honors me," Yang Poxiao said slowly. "But my debt to my Master is heavy. I cannot simply leave."

Hu Yanqing’s smile didn't waver. "Brother Yang is loyal and righteous. Admirable. But..." He shifted his tone, his voice dropping slightly. "Does your Master, Long Zhi, return your feelings?"

Yang Poxiao’s heart sank like a stone. "What do you mean?"

Hu Yanqing met his gaze squarely. "Women admire strength. If you remain her subordinate, how will you ever stand out?"

"Leave this place. Go to the Central Continent. Ascend to a higher realm! Return later with the bearing of a King, stronger than her. Only then can you shake her icy heart."

Hu Yanqing’s voice was calm, piercing through Yang Poxiao’s defenses. "Distance creates longing. Strength earns respect. Become so strong she has to look up to you—that is the proper path of conquest!"

Return with the bearing of a King.

The phrase exploded in Yang Poxiao’s mind.

His current realm relied entirely on the system's "Disciple Halo." Now that he and his Master were both at the peak of the Golden Core, he had hit a ceiling. But if he joined the Guiyuan Sect... if he surpassed her... would she still ignore him?

Suppressing his excitement, he asked the critical question. "Fellow Daoist Hu is sincere, and I am grateful. May I ask... who is the strongest senior in the Guiyuan Sect? If I join, would I have the qualifications to..."

A sharp glint flashed in Hu Yanqing’s eyes. He knew he had him.

"Brother Yang worries too much! The supreme powerhouse of the Guiyuan Sect is none other than my own Master, Grandmaster Taichu!"

"Grandmaster Taichu possesses heaven-reaching power. He is a half-step Soul Formation cultivator, invincible across the Central Continent! With your talent, he would welcome you with open arms. If you agree, I will personally recommend you. We will be fellow disciples!"

Half-step Soul Formation! Invincible!

Yang Poxiao’s heart hammered against his ribs. If he became Taichu’s disciple, he would be untouchable!

This was the ultimate backing. The perfect springboard.

"Thank you for your high regard, Senior Brother Hu!" Yang Poxiao changed his address instantly. "This matter is significant. I need time to think. I will give you a definite answer within seven days. Is that acceptable?"

He had already decided, but he needed to maintain a shred of dignity. He couldn't appear too cheap.

Hu Yanqing was overjoyed. "Naturally! Careful consideration is a virtue. Come, let me wish you success in the upcoming assembly!"

"However... regarding my current sect..." Yang Poxiao hesitated, giving Hu Yanqing a meaningful look.

"With the name of the Guiyuan Sect backing us, requesting a single disciple is trivial. I will handle it personally. Rest assured, Junior Brother!"