Chapter 300: Carnival's Incident
Chapter 300: Carnival's Incident
After a brief exchange with Yang Shan about Martial Will, Qi Yuan returned home.
As soon as he entered, he saw his cat lying limply on the sofa, seemingly exhausted and battered.
Upon seeing Qi Yuan's return, the cat glanced at him indifferently without showing any reaction.
Robot Zero-One, standing by Qi Yuan's side, served a cup of hot tea with precision, resembling a dedicated butler.
"Fan count increased by 4,572, and yesterday's earnings were 2,321 yuan," Zero-One reported.
"The goods Carnival shipped have arrived and are stored in the warehouse."
"I filmed seven videos today, but they haven't been edited yet. I estimate they'll be done by tomorrow."
"Regarding Martial Limit, Zero-One searched various online sources and even infiltrated the Qin Yuan National Database, retrieving 145 useful pieces of information.
After analyzing and organizing this data, Zero-One drew a conclusion.
To break through the Martial Limit, one must visit Martial Relics.
Currently, there are 231 Martial Relics scattered across the globe.
Zero-One continued to relay various pieces of information.
With each passing day, Zero-One evolved and improved.
In fact, it was even more capable than the average puppet from the Canglan Realm.
Zero-One possessed advanced hacking skills, capable of infiltrating the secret database of Qin Yuan and extracting confidential information.
Hearing Zero-One's report, Xie Xinsu, standing nearby, couldn't help but feel indignant.
This robot was heartless, even more so than capitalists. Today, it had forced her to film seven videos.
Filming seven videos was one thing, but earning only 2,000 yuan a day, she was fed cat food that cost tens of yuan per pound.
There were no cat toys or cat trees, which was essentially animal abuse. Xie Xinsu hadn't realized that she had gradually accepted her transformation into a cat.
However, upon hearing the last part, a faint smile appeared on her lips.
In this day and age, who still thought about cultivating martial arts?
With the impending spiritual energy revival in Arcstar, only cultivators like her had a promising future.
Only through cultivation could one hope to attain the path of longevity.
Of course, being a cat now, even if she had these thoughts, she couldn't express them.
Even if she could, why would she introduce the Immortal Dao to this cold-hearted, materialistic man who didn't appreciate her worth? Most importantly, if she could showcase other talents, there was no doubt that this robotic dog would exploit her for more videos.
When would this torment end?
"Martial Relics?" Qi Yuan was slightly taken aback.
Yang Shan hadn't mentioned this information.
But upon hearing that the source was the secret database of Qin Yuan, Qi Yuan understood.
Although Yang Shan had reached the Martial Limit, his understanding of martial arts might not surpass that of certain professors.
In a society like Qin Yuan, the nobility would undoubtedly seek longevity.
The experiments on longevity were indeed terrifying.
It was normal for the elite to focus their attention on martial arts.
If Martial Relics truly held the key to breaking through the Martial Limit, Qi Yuan decided to visit one after the Martial Arts Tournament.
With only three days left until the tournament, he didn't have time to spare for the relics.
"Your hacking skills are impressive; you even managed to steal such confidential information," Qi Yuan praised, unable to contain his admiration.
Zero-One was his creation, and Qi Yuan felt relieved as its capabilities grew stronger.
"Not only that, but I can access almost any information on the internet if I want to.
While searching online, I also found some interesting things. I've organized them, and if you'd like, I can send them to you, Master," Zero-One said proudly.
It was becoming more human-like with each passing day.
"What interesting things?" Qi Yuan asked.
"It's..." Zero-One lowered its voice.
Qi Yuan's expression turned peculiar upon hearing this. "Spreading pornographic and obscene information is illegal behavior.
And... you're not my friend. Only friends can share such content without repercussions."
Qi Yuan declined to receive the file.
After all, it was just electronic data.
Even ordinary humans were made up of various elements like carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
The next day, Qi Yuan returned to the martial arts studio.
Soon after he began his cultivation, Xu Tiewa approached him.
"Qi Yuan, the Martial Arts Tournament is in three days, and I'm wondering if we should discuss the team competition?" Xu Tiewa was excited about the team event.
Now that he had wealth and influence, he craved fame.
Sometimes, reputation could be powerful, and a catchy title could play a significant role.
"There's no rush. Let's meet up before the competition," Qi Yuan replied casually.
Xu Tiewa was taken aback by his response but maintained her composure. "Won't that be too late? The team competition rules are quite complex.
We should strategize beforehand; it might improve our performance."
"Martial arts is about who has the stronger fist, right?" Qi Yuan asked, "When the time comes, I'll just knock down all our opponents, and that should solve the problem, won't it?
These words left Xu Tiewa speechless once more.
Qi Yuan's words were indeed true.
But they were based on a foundation of formidable strength.
The four members of the Bright Martial Studio participating in the competition were not particularly strong.
Especially Qi Yuan, who probably hadn't even obtained his Martial Artist License, yet he had the audacity to speak such words.
However, upon realizing that Qi Yuan did possess the license, Xu Tiewa could only sigh and say, "You're right, but... Our strength is insufficient, so we have to rely on tactics."
"No wonder your strength is lacking. If you trained as diligently as me, would you still fear that your strength isn't enough?" Qi Yuan casually replied, continuing his martial arts practice.
Although his progress had slowed down after reaching the Martial Limit, he remained persistent in his training.
Qi Yuan's words made Xu Tiewa blush slightly.
He hadn't expected Qi Yuan to be such a martial arts fanatic.
Qi Yuan, who had always considered martial arts as his business card, felt a twinge of shame upon hearing Xu Tiewa's words.
"You're right, practicing martial arts should be done wholeheartedly," Xu Tiewa decided, no longer disturbing Qi Yuan.
"Martial arts... are quite interesting," Qi Yuan said softly as he watched Xu Tiewa.
Over the past three months, he had practiced martial arts daily, and his understanding of the martial path deepened.
He knew that he had yet to truly enter the world of martial arts.
In his opinion, the martial arts of this world held potential that was no weaker than the immortal path of other worlds.
"Martial arts are interesting?" Xu Tiewa was slightly taken aback upon hearing Qi Yuan's words, seemingly puzzled.
However, he didn't press for further explanation and simply left.
Not far away, Wang Shiqiao witnessed this scene and couldn't help but give Qi Yuan a thumbs up, "You're the man, speaking to Xu like that."
Although Xu Tiewa was approachable in the studio, the students still held deep respect and awe for him.
They knew that they couldn't match Qi Yuan's directness.
"I'm just speaking the truth," Qi Yuan glanced at Wang Shiqiao, "But I do admit that I'm bolder than you."
Wang Shiqiao's smile froze upon hearing this.
"Your mouth deserves to be sewn shut," she said indignantly.
"Why don't you say that to that Guiran person?" Qi Yuan shrugged.
Wang Shiqiao's boldness remained as small as ever.
Many students in the room chuckled upon hearing Qi Yuan's words.
Ever since three months ago, when Wang Shiqiao and an officer from Wugu Kingdom had a heated argument online, the officer had been sending private messages to insult her daily.
For three months, Wang Shiqiao had been retaliating with insults of her own.
They had been at it for three whole months.
Of course, this was limited to online arguments.
The story spread within the studio, becoming a source of amusement.
That's why Qi Yuan said Wang Shiqiao was timid.
If it were him, he wouldn't just insult someone online for three months; he'd track them down and finish them off the same day.
"If he dares to come to Tianyue, I'll make sure he won't get away with it!" Wang Shiqiao said with resentment, glaring at Qi Yuan, "This hasn't happened to you, but if it did, what would you do? Would you rush to the battlefield and beat up that Guiran officer?"
Xing Yu laughed, "Forget about Qi Yuan, if it were me, I'd have blocked and reported him long ago. I wouldn't have argued with him for three months.
By the way, I wouldn't have argued with him online in the first place."
Qi Yuan glanced at Wang Shiqiao, "If he dared to insult me like that, I'd definitely go and finish him off."
"Anyone can talk big," Wang Shiqiao said loudly.
"In the past, on the Divine Flower Society forum, someone kept insulting and framing me.
Fortunately, there were good people who recorded those people.
Then, I traveled far and wide, judging each of them one by one.
You can find the full story in the 'One Six One Nine One Book One Look No Mistake' version!
Back then, I didn't even have a Mental Health Certificate, yet I dared to do such things.
Now that I have the certificate, do you think my courage will shrink?"
Qi Yuan spoke the truth.
"Stop boasting, what's this Divine Flower Society?"
"It's a cultivation forum!" Qi Yuan replied.
"Even cultivation came up, that's too far-fetched!"
"If it were made up, it wouldn't be this exaggerated.
Such an exaggerated story makes me believe it's true," Xing Yu laughed.
"If it's true, can I join the Divine Flower Society?" Wang Shiqiao asked with a smile.
"No, because... your cultivation talent is too low," Qi Yuan directly refused.
In the past, he had spent a lot of effort and even received help from his junior sister, Jiang Lingsu, to join the Divine Flower Society.
Not everyone could enter the Divine Flower Society.
Wang Shiqiao's cultivation talent was average at best; she was far from being a genius.
"Hmph, you're afraid I'll expose your secrets, right?
You even traveled far and wide to kill people. Have you ever been abroad?" Wang Shiqiao laughed, mocking him.
At that moment, Qi Yuan's phone rang.
He was slightly taken aback.
Not many people knew his phone number, especially at this time of day.
Usually, no one would call him, especially at such an hour.
Now, the number displayed on the screen is unfamiliar.
"Hello?" Qi Yuan answers the call.
On the other end, a voice filled with anxiety and hesitation greets him.
"Is this Mr. Qi?"
"And you are?"
"I'm Kan Huan's wife. He... He's in trouble."
"I... I don't know what to do. I've asked for help from many people, but no one could help. In the end... Waa..." The woman's voice on the phone chokes up.
It's clear that she's in a terrible state, her mind close to breaking.
Her speech is incoherent.
Qi Yuan narrows his eyes, "Where are you?"
"I'm in... Xin Yang..."
"Mhm... I'll be there soon."
Qi Yuan thinks for a moment and decides to make the trip.
After all, Kan Huan is one of his collaborators.
Moreover, for the past three months, Qi Yuan has been working tirelessly for him, so it's only right to return the favor.
Various mutated sea monsters and such, he catches them all.
In a way, Qi Yuan is Kan Huan's representative in the outside world.
Now that Kan Huan is in trouble, Qi Yuan will lend a hand.
Hanging up the call, Wang Shiqiao leans in and asks, "What's the matter? Do you need our help?"
In the phone, Wang Shiqiao hears a woman's sobs.
Clearly, Qi Yuan is facing some issues.
As members of the same martial arts studio and social circle, they are friends.
When faced with problems, they are always willing to lend a hand.
Xing Yu also asks, "If it's a difficult situation, you can tell us. We may not have much ability, but with more people, we can be stronger."
The martial arts studio is also a social circle, and they have formed a community of shared interests.
People like them, who are somewhat well-off, can gain strength by sticking together.
"No need, it's just a small matter. It's my friend who's in trouble. I'll go and check on him." Qi Yuan casually explains.
As he speaks, he sends a command to Zero-One on his phone, asking it to arrange a ticket for him.
"Good, it's just a small matter." Hearing this, Wang Shiqiao lets out a sigh of relief, "But you'd better hurry. The Martial Arts Tournament is in three days, don't miss it."
"Mhm," Qi Yuan nods, saying goodbye to everyone and leaving the studio.
...
In a luxurious villa in Xin Yang City, a young woman with tear stains on her face is in a state of disarray, her mind in turmoil.
Beside her, a robust woman stands, her eyes filled with anger.
"Damn it! What kind of situation is this? My brother is working for them, and now he's been captured by Wu Gui.
They won't rescue him, apply diplomatic pressure, or even sever ties?"
At this, the robust woman's anger intensifies.
She is Kan Huan's sister, Kuang Xi, and she can't help but feel distressed.
The young woman's face is haggard, "I went to see that General, and he said he's powerless in this situation."
"Powerless? Isn't it just fear of being implicated?" Kuang Xi grits her teeth, "They won't lift a finger to help!"
Kan Huan has been working for the military of Qin Yuan Kingdom, helping to clear out some of their arms stockpiles and supporting Yue Lang Kingdom against Wu Gui Kingdom.
This time, an internal traitor emerged in Qin Yuan Kingdom, exposing Kan Huan, who was then captured and detained by Wu Gui Kingdom's military.
"It's just that Kan Huan isn't in any life-threatening danger. They said if we wait patiently, Wu Gui Kingdom will send Kan Huan back in three years at the earliest."
"I've asked others, and they all say the same." The young woman feels helpless.
She comes from a humble background, and without Kan Huan, she's unable to handle such a big issue.
Even the General above Kan Huan isn't willing to help her, and she has no other options.
She sought help from Kan Huan's friends, but their responses were all similar.
These people don't want to get involved, mostly offering comfort and suggesting she wait patiently, assuring her that Kan Huan will be released soon.
But until she sees Kan Huan, she can't find peace.
"A bunch of useless people! When my brother was around, they were all fawning over him. Now that he's in trouble, they treat us like a plague!" Kuang Xi grows more furious as she speaks.
"At least Mr. Qi is willing to come here.
I don't know if he has a way to rescue Kan Huan." The young woman has pinned all her hopes on Qi Yuan.
"Who is Mr. Qi?" Kuang Xi's expression turns puzzled.
She isn't familiar with Qi Yuan.
"He's..." The young woman hesitates, "My husband greatly respects him."
"My brother respects him? Could he be from a big family?" Kuang Xi wonders, then feels disappointed.
Even if a powerful family intervenes, it won't change the situation.
After all, this is a high-stakes game between nations.
Even small nobles like them could be sacrificed at any time.
But thinking about Mr. Qi coming, Kuang Xi feels a little relieved.
Even if it doesn't help, at least he's willing to try.
(End of Chapter)
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