Shen Xiuyong looked at Chen Qing and chuckled.
"You sneaky kid, reaching Astral Force just like that! Your uncle here is gratified, but also a little jealous."
He let out a deliberately exaggerated sigh. "Sigh... Back when I broke through, it was a life-or-death struggle. I exhausted all my family's resources. How could it compare to your smooth sailing?"
Shen Xiuyong had indeed poured a great deal of blood, sweat, and tears into breaking through to the Astral Force Realm.
Hearing this, a slight smile touched the corners of Chen Qing's mouth. "You jest, Junior Martial Uncle. This disciple's fortunate breakthrough was only possible thanks to the Sect's nurturing, and even more so, your wholehearted assistance."
The gratified smile on Shen Xiuyong's face faded slightly. He patted Chen Qing's shoulder and walked with him out of the Council Hall and into the covered walkway.
