Chapter 439: The Reason, Do You Dare to Take It?

Chapter 439: The Reason, Do You Dare to Take It?

December 27, 2024

When Lu Qing heard the Handsome Youth mention the name Li Weitian, he finally understood why he had suddenly felt a stirring in his heart earlier.

Back then, in the Jade Transformation Cave, he had obtained the jade slip inheritance left behind by Li Weitian.

It had provided him with great assistance at the beginning of his cultivation journey.

He had indeed benefited from Li Weitian's kindness.

He had thought that after so long, everything about Li Weitian had faded into oblivion.

He never expected that a branch of Li Weitian's clan had survived.

Upon hearing the Handsome Youth mention that the Troubled Minor Clan had gotten into trouble, Lu Qing realized that it was time to repay this karmic debt.

Just as Lu Qing was pondering, the conversation on the restaurant continued.

"Li Weitian?"

A hint of confusion appeared on Yan Canghai's face, clearly unfamiliar with the name.

"It's normal for Fourth Brother not to know about him. This Li Weitian was a figure from seven or eight hundred years ago. Back then, even our Yan Clan hadn't established our kingdom yet."

The Handsome Youth smiled and explained, "I happened to come across some information about him and learned about some of his deeds."

"A figure from seven or eight hundred years ago?"

Yan Canghai suddenly realized, "So that's what he was talking about. Even if he had been away from the capital for some time, if a truly extraordinary figure had appeared, he shouldn't have been completely unaware."

Out of curiosity, he asked, "What made this Li Weitian so special that you're so concerned about him?"

"This Li Weitian was an unparalleled powerhouse seven or eight hundred years ago. It is said that his cultivation at that time had already reached the pinnacle."

According to legends, he was the Protector of the Jiguo Kingdom, and with his sword alone, he suppressed all the Innate Realm powerhouses from the surrounding kingdoms, none could raise their heads in his presence.

He could be considered one of the strongest cultivators of his time.

Even in Zhongzhou, few could match his prowess!"

"Such a powerful figure!"

Yan Canghai's body trembled, but he quickly recovered.

"The Jiguo Kingdom... It can't be..."

"Indeed, it's the Jiguo Kingdom that preceded our Yan Kingdom," the Handsome Youth nodded.

"Back then, the Jiguo Kingdom was one of the most powerful kingdoms in this region of the Eastern Frontier.

One of the main reasons for its strength was the existence of Li Weitian.

However, after Li Weitian's disappearance, the Jiguo Kingdom declined.

After struggling for more than a hundred years, it eventually collapsed.

A large portion of its territory was then taken over by our Yan Clan, leading to the establishment of our Yan Kingdom."

"Such a hidden secret," Yan Canghai murmured.

"The map in my hand was obtained from one of Li Weitian's descendants.

Back then, Li Weitian's martial cultivation was unparalleled, and he rarely encountered worthy opponents.

But he was also known for his fierce and explosive temperament, his bravery, and his love for a good fight.

When he was the Protector of the Jiguo Kingdom, he challenged all the Innate Realm powerhouses from the surrounding kingdoms.

Even if they refused to come out, he would still show up and force a challenge.

The records state that during those challenges, he was undefeated, earning the title of invincible.

However, his temperament also offended many.

So, after Li Weitian's disappearance, his clan naturally faced retaliation.

Although Innate Realm powerhouses couldn't directly harm ordinary people, under the influence of other powerhouses, the Li Clan quickly declined.

Later, they went into hiding, never to be seen again.

Initially, many believed that an Innate Realm powerhouse had secretly intervened and eradicated the Li Clan.

But in truth, the Li Clan had proactively dispersed, changing their names and identities, and hiding in the mountains and countryside, thus ensuring their survival.

However, after hundreds of years of turmoil and changes, the Li Clan, once a prominent grand clan, had become a small family of only a few dozen members."

Listening to the Handsome Youth's narration, Yan Canghai had a strange feeling.

Even the most prosperous families and clans couldn't withstand the vicissitudes of life, with its ups and downs.

But what piqued Yan Canghai's curiosity even more was another matter.

"Since the Li Clan had already changed their names and identities, how did you learn about these matters and obtain that map?"

"It's a coincidence. I recently took a new concubine.

One day, when I took her out for a stroll, a degenerate son bumped into us.

In my anger, I captured his entire clan, intending to interrogate and execute them.

I never expected that degenerate son to be the son of the current Li Clan leader.

To save his life, the Li Clan leader offered the map and revealed the origins of his clan.

He wanted to preserve the lives of his clan.

According to him, this map was left behind by Li Weitian before his disappearance, for his clan.

After hearing about it, I became interested and wanted to uncover the map's secrets.

"If there really is some treasure, it can be presented as a birthday gift to Father."

The handsome youth spoke eloquently, but Yan Canghai, who knew his character well, immediately sensed something amiss.

He sneered, "What kind of rogue, I’m afraid they were already a couple. You saw the woman was beautiful and forcibly took her as a concubine, didn’t you?"

The handsome youth did not deny it, saying indifferently, "It’s her good fortune to be chosen by me. Enjoying the glory and wealth is better than marrying into a minor clan."

"Once you decipher the secret of the map, what do you plan to do with the Li family?" Yan Canghai asked again.

"If the treasure hidden in the map can satisfy me, I might consider letting them off. But if there’s nothing, then we’ll have to handle it according to procedure."

Yan Canghai’s face showed a sneer.

He still didn’t understand the character of this seventh brother.

What he called "handling it according to procedure" was just a matter of his word.

"So, Fourth Brother, since I’ve been so honest with you, can you introduce me to Zhirui?"

Yan Canghai pondered for a moment before saying, "I can mention it to Zhirui, but I can’t guarantee he will agree to meet you."

"As long as you’re willing to introduce me, I’ve heard that the people of the Celestial Mechanism Tower are most fond of exploring the world’s secrets. This map is likely related to the sudden disappearance of Li Weitian hundreds of years ago. I believe Zhirui will be very interested in the final destination of such a supreme powerhouse."

The handsome youth said with great confidence.

Yan Canghai remained silent.

But in his heart, he didn’t think so.

Based on his understanding of Zhirui, if he knew the character of this seventh brother, he wouldn’t be willing to help decipher the map’s secrets.

"This is the Wei family’s chief steward, right?"

The handsome youth then looked at Wei Daguan.

Wei Daguan’s heart skipped a beat, thinking it was finally his turn.

He bowed slightly, "I am Wei Hai, and I greet the Seventh Prince."

Unexpectedly, the handsome youth’s face suddenly darkened, "Chief Steward Wei, your family is quite haughty. I invited your family head, but instead, a mere servant comes."

"What, even when I, Yan Canghai, personally invite you, your family head still refuses to come?"

Wei Daguan hadn’t had a chance to reply when Yan Canghai quickly intervened.

"I invited Chief Steward Wei. As for the family head, he is a mighty Innate Realm powerhouse who has long withdrawn from secular affairs."

Wei Daguan added, "Please forgive the Seventh Prince, the family head has been in seclusion for a long time, having gained some insights in his cultivation, and cannot attend the banquet."

The handsome youth didn’t speak, but his displeasure was evident on his face.

However, a guard behind him sneered, "Hmph, a mere newly ascended Innate Realm powerhouse, and he acts so high and mighty. If you didn’t know, you’d think he had broken through to a realm above Innate!"

At the same time, a faint Innate pressure fell on Wei Daguan, making his body sink and his face turn red.

Yan Canghai also felt a slight discomfort, but he was more shocked.

Being only at the Inner Organ Perfection Realm, he suddenly realized that the guard of the seventh brother was actually an Innate Realm powerhouse!

A mighty Innate Realm powerhouse choosing to serve as a guard for the seventh brother—what was going on here?

Yan Canghai’s heart became confused.

He felt that after staying in Cang County for several years away from the capital, he no longer understood the changes in the world.

"Alright, stop it," the handsome youth said.

With his words, the guard immediately reined in his aura.

Wei Daguan’s body trembled, almost losing his balance, and sweat beaded on his forehead.

Seeing this, Yan Canghai’s heart was shaken again.

Such obedience meant the guard was truly under Yan Canghai’s command.

"By the way, I haven’t introduced you yet, Fourth Brother."

The handsome youth seemed to see through Yan Canghai’s thoughts.

"These guard leaders are our Yan family’s elite, specially sent by Heavenly Elder to protect me."

A few guard leaders...

That meant these guards were all Innate Realm powerhouses?

Yan Canghai looked at the seemingly ordinary guards, his eyes filled with disbelief.

His heart was filled with a sense of absurdity.

What had happened in the clan during the years he was away from the capital?

To casually dispatch Innate Realm powerhouses as a prince’s guards, and not just one or two, but several?

And for Heavenly Elder to have such high regard for Yan Canghai, to send so many Innate Realm powerhouses to protect him?

At this point, Yan Canghai finally understood why this seventh brother was so confident that he would be the next to ascend to the throne.

To gain such high regard from "Heavenly Elder," this matter is almost certainly true.

For a moment, Yan Canghai's emotions became incredibly complex.

The Handsome Youth saw Yan Canghai's expression and knew that the intimidating effect he wanted had been achieved. A smile appeared on his face.

Turning to Wei Daguan, he said calmly, "Wei Daguan, right? Go back and tell your lord that this prince is very unhappy this time.

If he wants to gain my forgiveness, he must come with sincere intentions to apologize to me.

Otherwise, I guarantee that your Wei family will have no place to stand in our 'Yan Kingdom' in the future."

"Yes, Seventh Prince, I will report to the lord immediately," Wei Daguan replied, understanding the wisdom of not picking a fight he couldn't win.

"

Go back and tell your lord that if he includes this treasure in his apology,

I might forgive his rudeness this time and give him a chance to serve me."

Wei Daguan finally understood.

This Seventh Prince had likely been eyeing their Wei family from the beginning.

The banquet invitation was just an excuse.

Even if the lord had come this time, he would have found other excuses to make the lord offer the treasure.

Realizing this, Wei Daguan's mind became more at ease.

Because he knew who now possessed that treasure.

But he didn't show it and still replied very respectfully, "Yes, I understand, my lord."

Yan Canghai's mind also stirred at this moment.

He thought of the relationship between the Wei family and that person.

Just as he was hesitating whether to warn the Handsome Youth,

Suddenly, a calm voice sounded, "There's no need to trouble Lord Wei. The treasure is in my hands. The question is, do you dare to take it?"

"Who!"

"What person!"

The sudden voice startled the Handsome Youth and others.

Especially the few Primordial Realm guards, who were visibly shaken.

Because they had not sensed anyone approaching.

But the next moment, something even more shocking happened.

A figure appeared in the room.

And none of them saw how the person arrived.

Immediately, the few Primordial Realm guards stepped in front of the Handsome Youth, staring at the newcomer with extreme alertness.

"Little Lord Lu!"

Only Wei Daguan, upon seeing Lu Qing, cried out in great surprise.

"Little Lord Lu!"

Yan Canghai was equally shocked.

He hadn't expected that the moment he thought of this person, he would immediately appear.

"Who are you?"

Although the Handsome Youth was also surprised by Lu Qing's appearance, when he saw that the newcomer was just a young man a few years younger than himself,

And with several Primordial Realm guards protecting him, he immediately calmed down and inquired about Lu Qing's background.

"Who I am doesn't matter. But you wanted the Wei family's treasure, right? It's here. Do you dare to take it?"

Lu Qing extended his hand, and in his palm was a small ancient cauldron about the size of a thumb.

"Is this the treasure?"

Although the Handsome Youth didn't understand why the Wei family's treasure would be in Lu Qing's hands,

When he saw the small cauldron, he was immediately drawn to it.

The ancient cauldron in Lu Qing's palm, though small, emitted a unique aura that he could sense.

As for the few Primordial Realm guards, they were even more affected.

The aura of the spirit artifact was so obvious to them.

Immediately, they understood.

This small cauldron was an extremely rare treasure!

"Seventh Prince, this treasure must be taken. It is likely a legendary magical artifact!

If we can seize it and present it to 'Heavenly Elder,' he will surely be very pleased!"

One of the guards immediately used a secret technique to transmit a message to the Handsome Youth.

Magical artifact!

The Handsome Youth's heart was shaken.

Although his cultivation had only just reached the Inner Organ Perfection stage, he was very knowledgeable about cultivation.

Especially after gaining the favor of "Heavenly Elder," he had learned much about cultivation.

He immediately understood how precious the item in Lu Qing's hand was.

His thoughts raced, but his face remained expressionless.

Instead, he turned to Yan Canghai with a smile, "This young friend is Fourth Brother's acquaintance? Such a talented young man, why didn't you introduce him to me?"

But the next moment, he was taken aback.

Because he saw that Yan Canghai's expression was very complex, as if he wanted to warn him of something.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end