Translator: Larbre Studio Editor: Larbre Studio
Zhang Ruochen and Zhang Fengxing's group came to a mostly hidden location to stay in temporarily. After that, Zhang Fengxing left alone to report to the upper levels of the Royal Zhang Family.
This location was an inn. There weren't any important figures present. That was why Zhang Fengxing dared to bring Zhang Ruochen here. Even if Zhang Ruochen had other motives, he couldn't cause any major damage.
Zhang Fengxing's son was named Zhang Shu. He was eleven years old and had completed the Huang Realm. He counted as a genius.
Zhang Ruochen learned many valuable things from Zhang Shu's mouth.
Their bloodline descended from Lord Mingjiang, the 12th lord of the Royal Zhang Family. Zhang Fengxing was merely the rudder master of a spy group.
Emperor Ming had had 48 siblings in total. When Zhang Ruochen had been born, around half of those royal aunts and uncles had already died. Those alive were all strong cultivators with very long lives.
The so-called twelfth lord was Emperor Ming's twelfth brother, also known as Zhang Ruochen's twelfth royal uncle.
Other than Emperor Ming's siblings, there were actually many lineages of the Royal Zhang Family. They were spread throughout the Central Region. This was a large ancient family.
After the First Central Empire was established, the Zhang Family had been bloodily ma.s.sacred by the imperial court and Ministry of War. However, they still couldn't be wiped out entirely.
The Zhang Family's forces went underground and stayed hidden.
Eight hundred years ago, Twelfth Royal Uncle was already 200 years old, Zhang Ruochen thought. I wonder if he's still alive.
"Big Brother," Zhang Shu said. "Your cultivation is so awesome. Can you teach me something?"
"Of course." Zhang Ruochen studied Zhang Shu and nodded. "You're only in the Huang Realm now and can change the technique you cultivate. I'll teach you a top cultivation technique."
"The one I'm learning now is the Spirit Frost Technique," Zhang Shu said. "It's in the lower cla.s.s Ghost Level. Does that count as top?"
Zhang Ruochen shook his head softly and took out a piece of jade. Using his Spiritual Energy, he carved a technique onto the surface.
Taking the jade, Zhang Shu studied the words on it and was deeply shocked. "The Sacred Taiming Guide, a lower cla.s.s King Level technique? This…is a technique that only…direct descendants of the royal family can cultivate. Big Brother, can I cultivate it?"
Zhang Ruochen looked at him with a.s.surance and nodded. "You should know the importance of the Sacred Taiming Guide. Thus, you must keep it a secret. Don't let anyone know."
Zhang Shu immediately put away the jade carved with the Sacred Taiming Guide. He nodded seriously. At the same time, he guessed that this big brother must be a core figure of the Zhang Family. Otherwise, how could he have the Sacred Taiming Guide?
Zhang Ruochen had given Zhang Shu this technique because he appreciated the boy's character.
Zhang Shu was only eleven years old. A sword had hung over his neck, but it couldn't make him lower his head. It was evident that he had a strong will and deserved to be guided.
Zhang Ruochen waited inside the inn. Abruptly, a wave of Spiritual Energy pa.s.sed in. Chu Siyuan streamed through the wooden walls and appeared in Zhang Ruochen's room.
Looking at him, Zhang Ruochen felt a headache coming. "Senior Chu, why can't I get rid of you?"
Expression serious, Chu Siyuan scoffed. "You don't know that the strong figures of the Sacred Central Crypt have had their eyes on you since you entered Sacred City?"
"What does it have to do with you?" Zhang Ruochen asked.
Chu Siyuan was so angry that his body shook and his whiskers stood up straight. "You kid… You don't know what's good for you. I helped you get rid of them out of the goodness of my heart and yet you use this att.i.tude with me?"
Zhang Ruochen turned curious. "Senior Chu killed the strong figures of Sacred Central Crypt?" he exclaimed.
"Am I that cruel?" Chu Siyuan asked. "I only made them unconscious and used my Spiritual Energy to wipe some of their memories."
Zhang Ruochen's expression was one of scorn. Not cruel? He'd just killed 100,000 Immortal Vampires a few days ago. It was practically one person ma.s.sacring thousands.
"Zhang Ruochen," Chu Siyuan said seriously. "I must remind you that acting justly is correct, but you better not get involved between the imperial court and Zhang Family. Otherwise, you will definitely bring trouble to yourself."
Actually, Chu Siyuan had some words to say about the imperial court and Ministry of War's cruel tactics too.
The Ministry of War had used very dirty tricks against the descendants of the previous royal family. They killed the innocent, forcing many people to fight back.
Thus, Chu Siyuan didn't think that Zhang Ruochen had done anything wrong by helping some members of the Zhang Family. Instead, he thought that Zhang Ruochen had been a Good Samaritan and was a good and just man.
Zhang Ruochen chuckled. "I am already a criminal wanted by the Empress. How can I further offend the imperial court?"
Chu Siyuan's eyes were cold. "You're still alive only because you haven't met any truly powerful figures. Many top fighters of the Ministry of War and imperial court are gathered in the Sacred City. If you get too close to the Zhang Family, you'll expose yourself soon. Since Luo Xu handed you to me, I'm responsible for your safety. You can't stay here. Follow me immediately."
Zhang Ruochen shook his head. He didn't plan on leaving yet. He wanted to continue waiting. It would be best if he could meet the higher figures of the Zhang Family.
Chu Siyuan used a forceful method and struck like lightning.
Sizzle, sizzle.
A layer of light emerged on his fingertip. He drew a circle between Zhang Ruochen's brows. Zhang Ruochen's Holy Qi and Spiritual Energy were instantly sealed and he lost all his power.
"Old Chu, what are you doing?"
He was furious. He felt like Chu Siyuan was purposely messing up his plans every time.
Chu Siyuan shook his head with a sigh. "I'm saving you so you don't jump into h.e.l.l. As long as you leave with me, I'll accept any of your conditions."
"We're unrelated. Why are you so nice to me?" Zhang Ruochen suddenly felt like crying but had no tears.
"You are talented and are a crucial talent," Chu Siyuan said honestly. "The Kunlun's Field will be in chaos soon. We need a young elite to take over from the older Saints and support the world. Otherwise, the human race may become extinct. I am prepared to lead you onto the right way and teach you the morals of being a person so you can become someone useful to the world."
Zhang Ruochen knew he couldn't convince this stubborn man. Gradually, he calmed down. "Earlier, you said that you'd agree to any conditions if I leave with you?"
"Yes."
Jutting out his chin, Chu Siyuan combed his whiskers like an enlightened man. "The leader of the Painting Sect keeps his word."
"What if I want a Fifth Grade Divine Origin Pill?" Zhang Ruochen asked.
Chu Siyuan laughed. "Is it difficult for me to get a Fifth Grade Divine Origin Pill? Lad, do you know the Cai Family?"
"The Cai Family, one of the top four ancient clans in the Sacred City?"
Chu Siyuan nodded. "I am close friends with the head of the Cai Family. Their first son is my second disciple. Their first grandson is my grand-disciple and the top of this year's ranking. With this connection, do you think it's difficult to receive a Fifth Grade Divine Origin Pill?"
"So you plan on taking me to the Cai Family to see what an ancient family is like?" Zhang Ruochen asked.
"Smart." Chu Siyuan nodded. He looked at Zhang Ruochen, thinking that he would be a good student.
Chu Siyuan was determined in teaching Zhang Ruochen how to be a good person. If Zhang Ruochen continued to fight back, he would probably misjudge Zhang Ruochen as a rebellious man and intensify his "teachings."
In this case, Zhang Ruochen had to submit to him temporarily and then find the chance to escape. If he could really get that Fifth Grade Divine Origin Pill, it would be even better.
"Okay!" Zhang Ruochen said. "I'll follow you. Undo my seal now."
Chu Siyuan undid the seals on him and patted his shoulders. "I checked already," Chu Siyuan said earnestly. "The Cai Family will hold a banquet tonight, inviting all the prides of the Sacred City. It's to congratulate my grand-disciple for becoming top of the new ranking."
"You can use this chance to widen your worldview. You will see what a true young hero and the hope of the human race is like. In addition, don't get involved with the Monks of the Demonic Sect anymore. As the saying goes, those who get close to ink will darken."
Zhang Ruochen kept saying, "Yes." After that, they left the inn. He followed Chu Siyuan to the Cai Family.
At the same time, Mu Lingxi, who'd left the Moon Wors.h.i.+p Demonic Sect, had finally arrived at Tiantai State after traveling for half a month. Instead of finding Zhang Ruochen, she met Ling Feiyu.
Staring at Ling Feiyu standing in front of her, Mu Lingxi's expression turned guarded. "Who are you? Why are you stopping me?"
Ling Feiyu stood on the ancient riverbank with her arms crossed behind her back. Facing the foggy river, she uttered, "Ling Feiyu."
"You're the Saintess?"
Mu Lingxi studied Ling Feiyu's back carefully and finally realized that this person was indeed similar to the Saintess. Ling Feiyu's sharp sword aura was unique. Mu Lingxi felt terrified even when standing 100 feet away.
"No need to find that man anymore," Ling Feiyu said. "Follow me back to the headquarters!"
Mu Lingxi was naturally overjoyed to see that the Saintess hadn't died. She immediately bowed. "Since you know who I'm looking for, you should know that I must go see him."
"No matter you're reason, you should go back now," Ling Feiyu said. "Don't you know that Saints from the sect have been following you? They want to see Zhang Ruochen more than you."
"But the Founder has issued the Death G.o.d's Order. Zhang Ruochen is in danger now." Mu Lingxi lowered her head, eyes turning red.
"When I return to the headquarters, there won't be any Death G.o.d's Order."
Mu Lingxi was unwilling, but in the end, she had no choice but to follow Ling Feiyu back to the headquarters of the Demonic Sect.
"When we return, I will cultivate in isolation to try for a very important realm. During that time, you will be in charge of the Saintess Palace."
Seeing that Mu Lingxi wasn't paying attention, Ling Feiyu reminded, "Your cultivation is far behind Zhang Ruochen now. If you wish to catch up, you'd better work hard from now on."
Mu Lingxi didn't know why the Saintess cared so much about her and Zhang Ruochen, but she was right. She really did have to work hard.
