Chapter 425: Is this Su Xing made of iron?

Chapter 425: Is this Su Xing made of iron?

2024-09-24

The Jin Kingdom is vast, and traveling to any place is always a hassle.

Fortunately, while at Zhu Ming Palace, Su Chen could inquire about anything he wanted from the palace spies.

Zhu Ming Palace took this matter seriously, so he could obtain most of the information he sought.

Before leaving, Su Chen went to the spies to inquire about the situation.

Wulan Manor had tightened up recently.

The first batch of people seeking medicine had already obtained pills from Zhu Ming Palace.

This confirmed Zhu Ming Palace's achievements in refining Jade Pills.

It was also because of this that Wulan Manor began to encounter trouble.

Zhu Ming Palace had explicitly mentioned this in their previous public announcements.

Those seeking medicine from Zhu Ming Palace were not to associate with Wulan Manor.

The higher Zhu Ming Palace rose, the greater its influence on Wulan Manor would be.

Relatively speaking, Wulan Manor's ability to invest manpower and resources in Great Zhou would naturally decrease.

Fan Chengyan, the domineering one, would also have to calm down and think of countermeasures for her own manor.

During these days, while chatting with Yao Gongzhu and the others, Su Chen gained a deeper understanding of the entire Jin Kingdom.

Recalling his initial arrival in this region, Su Chen's knowledge of the Jin Kingdom was limited to the book "Comprehensive Guide to Great Jin."

Although the book covered a lot, it also mentioned many secret matters about the Jin Kingdom.

In reality, the content written in the "Comprehensive Guide to Great Jin" was quite superficial.

In truth, the entire Jin Kingdom could be roughly divided into three major powers.

Wulan Manor belonged to one side.

Zhu Ming Palace and the two sects of Tahe Sect were another power.

Apart from these two, there was also the Jin Kingdom's imperial court.

Like the imperial courts of other nations, this was a mediating power.

When Su Chen heard this, he contemplated it carefully in his heart.

It seemed that the imperial courts and royal families of various nations had unanimously made the same judgment.

Internally, they divided the various powers.

They allowed the powers to compete, whether openly or covertly.

Regardless, there seemed to be some disputes within each nation.

Previously, Su Chen couldn't understand why the imperial courts of all nations were like this.

However, while conversing with the people of Zhu Ming Palace, Su Chen suddenly realized the reason.

The logic was actually very simple.

Most of the courts and royal families that didn't make such a choice had already been exterminated or overthrown.

It wasn't that the imperial courts of various nations discussed or had a sudden realization, all making the same judgment.

Instead, it was a process of selection, constantly filtering throughout history.

Only such courts and rulers remained.

Su Chen recalled his childhood, always feeling that imperial power could do as it pleased.

They could do whatever they wanted.

How could there be such things as subordinates revolting against their superiors or servants oppressing their masters?

But after growing up and taking a glance at history, he found that there were many instances of eunuchs seizing power, relatives of the imperial family usurping authority, and the power of the chancellor suppressing the imperial power.

Currently, the Jin Kingdom was relatively stable overall.

The imperial court mediated, and various struggles were mostly within controllable limits.

Externally, there were also threats from the Heavenly Demon and even the Demon Emperor.

Aside from the demonic creatures, there was also a similarly sized Chu Kingdom.

Zhu Ming Palace couldn't directly help Su Chen take action against Wulan Manor, probably due to these reasons.

One move could affect the whole body.

But it didn't matter; Su Chen would use his own abilities to deal with Wulan Manor.

Along the way, Su Chen conversed with two Transcendent Realm Practitioners.

One called himself Elder Jing, and the other Elder Huang.

Both elders were skilled in maintaining their youth, but they appeared to be at least sixty years old.

The journey to Great Zhou was quite far, at least a journey of nearly ten days.

Su Chen took this opportunity to converse more with the two elders.

During Su Chen's journey, back at Zhu Ming Palace, the Second Elder, after speaking with Yao Gongzhu and the other elders, finally found a chance to meet with his granddaughter.

"Grandfather, I've been back from Fengyu Tower for four days, and it will take another four days to go there.

If there's anything, you can just write a letter to your granddaughter."

Ming Yao Yao's face carried a hint of complaint.

This back and forth would waste nearly ten days.

Ming Yao Yao was the Second Elder's granddaughter and also a member of Zhu Ming Palace.

However, within Zhu Ming Palace, some of the younger generation with martial talent were sent to other sects for training and experience.

For example, the Ming Yao Yao before them had been practicing martial arts at Fengyu Tower for many years.

Although she was naturally considered a member of Zhu Ming Palace, after studying at Fengyu Tower for so long, it was also considered her sect.

This was a method to foster closer relations between the two sects.

In the future, when Ming Yao Yao returned to Zhu Ming Palace and assumed real power,

"The Fengyu Tower and Zhu Ming Palace should also become closer."

As a major sect of various cultivation martial arts, it was naturally pleased to see this.

After all, Zhu Ming Palace is a top-tier medicine pill force.

Getting closer to such a force, I can't see anything wrong with it."

"You child, you really don't think of your grandfather at all.

You've been at the Fengyu Tower for so long, and when you come back to see your grandfather, you still have a resentful look on your face."

The Second Elder put on a look of helplessness, looking pitiful.

Seeing her grandfather's performance, Ming Yaoyao also showed a helpless expression.

"Alright, Grandpa, granddaughter was wrong."

This act of being pitiful and lost was much more effective on his own granddaughter.

By her side, the servants in the courtyard brought some tea and snacks, placing them on a wooden table nearby.

"Grandpa, if you have something to say to your granddaughter, just say it.

Usually, most of your time is spent on medicine pills.

When your granddaughter wants to talk to you, you're usually too busy."

Ming Yaoyao crossed her arms across her chest, and her tone became slightly more assertive.

The Second Elder of Zhu Ming Palace hesitated, his face showing some uncertainty, before speaking after a moment.

"Actually, it's like this.

You should have heard some news, a young genius has arrived at Zhu Ming Palace.

His alchemy skills may even surpass mine, your grandfather.

He's about the same age as you, so..."

Hearing this, Ming Yaoyao's eyebrows furrowed unconsciously.

"Grandpa, you're not trying to play matchmaker, are you?"

Hearing this, the Second Elder also frowned.

"What do you mean by playing matchmaker? Su Xing is truly exceptional.

Otherwise, Grandpa wouldn't have brought this up. I wouldn't harm my own interests.

If you were to marry Su Xing..."

The mention of marriage startled Ming Yaoyao, and she quickly interrupted.

"Grandpa, you should know that your granddaughter doesn't have much interest in the art of alchemy.

The person in your granddaughter's heart should have even greater talent than me.

On the path of martial arts, he is the one I look up to.

If I were to be confined to an alchemy room, my heart would be troubled."

Hearing this, the Second Elder's frown deepened, and his dissatisfaction became more apparent.

"You little girl, why do you always look down on alchemists?

In the entire Jin Kingdom, do the alchemists of Zhu Ming Palace have low status?"

Hearing her grandfather's defense, Ming Yaoyao remained calm.

She had thought about this issue before.

"Grandpa, you often say that alchemists have high status.

But alchemists have always been dependent on the protection of others.

In peaceful times, alchemists have high status.

Everyone follows the rules and regulations.

But what about chaotic times?

Other forces struggle to protect themselves, do they have the strength to protect alchemists?

Moreover, Grandpa, you think alchemists have high status compared to those lower-ranked martial artists.

Even for a Transcendent Realm Practitioner, or a Third Stage Unification Realm Practitioner.

There should be plenty of alchemists who want to please them."

Ming Yaoyao's words left the Second Elder speechless.

Before she could continue, she paused for a moment, then spoke again.

"Grandpa, granddaughter is going to say something extreme and offensive.

If a Unification Realm Practitioner were to force the martial artists of Zhu Ming Palace to submit.

Could Zhu Ming Palace resist?

In the end, they would still have to seek help from the Unification Realm Practitioner.

Alchemists have always been dependent."

The Second Elder was a bit angry after hearing this, but he had to admit it was true.

Indeed, these were facts.

But these situations were ultimately extreme cases.

"Yaoyao, what you're saying are just possibilities.

If it's just an ordinary Transcendent Realm Practitioner, could they have the same status as the alchemists of the palace?"

Hearing this, Ming Yaoyao still shook her head.

"Grandpa, let's drop this matter.

If I were to reject him, it would be difficult for him too.

In my opinion, at least someone with the talent and potential of Senior Brother Junnian would be worth my attention."

The Senior Brother Junnian that Ming Yaoyao mentioned was the Third Elder of Fengyu Tower, Xu Junnian.

In terms of talent and potential, Xu Junnian was undoubtedly exceptional.

In a major sect, he was a top-ranked genius.

But for the Second Elder, he still favored Su Xing.

"You look down on others?

If I were to speak, perhaps others would look down on you!"

Hearing her grandfather's words, Ming Yaoyao's face didn't show anger, but instead, a smile appeared.

"Is that so?

If Grandpa says so, granddaughter really wants to see.

To see what kind of woman this alchemy genius will end up with.

The granddaughter placed a bet with her grandfather, wagering that the woman's identity and strength were inferior to her own.

"What do you say, Elder?"

The Second Elder's expression changed, clearly feeling uncomfortable.

Without waiting for her grandfather's response, Ming Yaoyao continued.

"If I lose in the end, I'll follow your arrangements, Grandfather.

For now, I'll put martial arts aside and learn the art of pill concoction from you.

But if you lose the bet, don't ever say that I'm neglecting my duties again.

From now on, you won't be allowed to hinder my martial arts path either."

After saying this, Ming Yaoyao casually picked up a piece of pastry from the table.

She took a bite and then headed towards the courtyard gate.

Upon reaching the gate, she turned back and smiled at her grandfather.

The Second Elder was so infuriated that he felt a bit uncomfortable.

If his granddaughter could find a Transcendent Realm Practitioner at the peak of his cultivation, it wouldn't be too bad.

But where could one find such an easy task?

Just like the Chen Junnian that Ming Yaoyao had mentioned earlier.

Even if he was a genius highly valued by Fengyulou, no one dared to guarantee that he had the ability to reach the peak of the Transcendent Realm.

Entering the Transcendent Realm was difficult, and advancing within it was even harder.

There were countless geniuses in the Jin Kingdom.

But how many of them could progress from the initial stage to the intermediate stage of the Transcendent Realm?

Not to mention reaching the peak of the Transcendent Realm, even the intermediate stage was unattainable for many.

However, judging from Su Chen's current display of abilities, his future achievements were almost certain to surpass those of the elders.

His current techniques were more precise and stable than theirs, and this would only improve in the future.

His granddaughter refused to listen to advice.

For now, this matter could only be put on hold.

Later, when there was time, he would arrange for Su Xing and his granddaughter to meet.

Sometimes, no matter what others suggested, it was useless.

But if the two of them met, perhaps it would work out.

After eleven days of rushing, Su Chen and the two elders had reached the border between the Zhou Kingdom and the Jin Kingdom.

Throughout the journey, the two elders were somewhat surprised.

As Transcendent Realm Practitioners, they should have been faster than Su Chen when using their movement techniques.

Moreover, they should have been far superior to Su Chen.

But in fact, during these days of rushing, Su Chen hadn't fallen behind at all.

Sometimes, the two Transcendent Realm Practitioners wanted to say something, wondering if they could stop and rest.

However, they couldn't bring themselves to do so, and could only endure and persist.

After entering the Great Zhou, the three of them stopped to rest in a city along the way.

Su Chen planned to find those information traders and listen to the latest news from them.

The distance between the Great Zhou and the Zhu Ming Palace was vast, so the information network should not have been set up so far away.

The news he had heard from the spies of the Zhu Ming Palace was probably second or third-hand information.

Su Chen himself would find out which information traders were more reliable, and as a native of the Jin Kingdom, he would have a better understanding of this.

He asked the two elders to rest for a while, and he went off to take care of some matters.

Upon hearing this, Elder Jing and Elder Huang were secretly delighted in their hearts.

They really wanted to take a good rest.

Transcendent Realm Practitioners were still human, and they needed rest and recovery too.

The two of them rented an upper-floor room in an inn and casually found a spot to lean against and relax.

"Is this Su lad made of iron or something? How is he not tired at all?"

Elder Jing also let out a long sigh of relief as he spoke.

"Thinking back to the beginning, we even wanted to see him make a fool of himself.

We wanted to see when he would ask us to slow down.

Now, if he doesn't let us rest, it's us who will become the laughingstock."

Elder Huang also had a wry smile on his face.

In the midst of hesitation, Elder Jing beside him suddenly remembered something.

"Old Huang, do you think Su lad might have realized that we're running out of energy?"

Upon hearing this, Elder Huang's expression also changed instantly.

"No, that shouldn't be the case."

At this moment, Su Chen was waiting outdoors.

He was waiting for the information traders to arrive.

When he left the Great Zhou at the beginning of the year, he had asked the information-selling forces to send him regular updates.

But now it seemed that these information-selling forces were truly unreliable.

Their agreements with them seemed meaningless.

Soon, a person covered from head to toe approached from a distance.

Su Chen didn't ask any idle questions but went straight to the point, inquiring about the matters he was interested in.

The news he had heard from the spies of the Zhu Ming Palace was not entirely inaccurate.

Ever since Su Chen had injured two guards from the Wulan Manor.

Their people basically dared not patrol freely.

Most of them had left, and the Wulan Manor had only arranged for a few people to maintain order.

The Wulan Manor wanted to take action against the Tiangang City, overthrowing its existing rulers.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end