https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-539-The-Angry-Zhu-Ming-Gong-Palace-Lord/13013447/
Chapter 540: Meeting Qiu Xiyu Again
Chapter 540: Meeting Qiu Xiyu Again
January 2, 2025
Elder Yao Wen's explanation clearly didn't satisfy Yao Wen.
"Omitted? Is it that easy to overlook something? How did we specifically miss the intelligence channel of Elder Su Xing?" Yao Wen fixed his gaze on the Fourth Elder, his tone filled with disbelief.
The questioning left the Fourth Elder speechless, his face turning awkward as he struggled to respond.
However, Yao Wen didn't press him further. He understood that the Fourth Elder wouldn't have instigated such actions.
As a high-ranking member of Zhu Ming Gong, the Fourth Elder had numerous daily responsibilities, leaving little time for such trivial matters.
Moreover, providing some intelligence was a minor issue; there was no need to make a fuss about it. The Second Elder didn't hold any grudges against Su Chen, so there was no reason for such actions.
"Find the person responsible and punish them severely. Furthermore, send a warning to all disciples of Zhu Ming Gong. For those who abuse their positions and shirk responsibilities, the punishment will be severe!" Yao Wen, as the Palace Lord, personally arranged the disciplinary measures and intended to make the punishment public.
This was to convey to Su Chen that the previous incident was caused by a member of Zhu Ming Gong. In a way, it was an acknowledgment of their mistake.
"Heaven has bestowed upon us a great opportunity, but we only grasped a small part of it. The crucial point is that we discarded the greater opportunity ourselves," Yao Wen took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.
At this moment, questioning about the past incident was pointless. The current concern was how to handle the relationship with Su Chen.
Su Chen's words at the end of the Heavenly Alchemy Expo clearly indicated his resentment towards Zhu Ming Gong. His previous closeness to the sect had diminished.
"Our understanding of Elder Su Xing is now proven to be very one-sided. It was only during the Expo that we realized his true alchemy skills and that he could refine the Cicada Pupa Pill. Previously, we subconsciously believed that Elder Su Xing's alchemy abilities had reached their limit. In fact, it was all due to our prejudice," Yao Wen turned to the others, his expression slightly easing, conveying a sense of reassurance.
This gesture indicated that he was done scolding and it was time to discuss the matter at hand.
"Second Elder, give us your assessment. What is the current state of our relationship with Elder Su Xing?" Yao Wen asked.
The Second Elder was, after all, the one who had recently met with Su Chen. Upon hearing this question, the Second Elder also felt it was a difficult situation.
"When discussing matters, let's be straightforward and realistic. Speak your mind without hesitation. Has Zhu Ming Gong become a place where we can't speak the truth?" Yao Wen spoke with a hint of frustration.
The others had mixed thoughts. They had experienced similar situations before. On the surface, it seemed fine, but when they spoke honestly, they often faced criticism.
However, on this day, the Second Elder felt compelled to speak the truth. Otherwise, he would face more trouble if held accountable later.
"Palace Lord, in my opinion, Elder Su Xing is likely very dissatisfied with us. Initially, we promised him protection, but when Wuluan Mansion's pressure arrived, we immediately backed down. He didn't complain at the time, but he remembered it. It wasn't until we caused further trouble that Elder Su Xing started to resist. Elder Su Xing appears easy to get along with, and as long as you don't cross his bottom line, he can endure. But once his disappointment reaches its limit, he won't hesitate to end his friendship with Zhu Ming Gong. Therefore, at this stage, I believe it's very difficult to reconcile with Elder Su Xing," the Second Elder replied, emphasizing the word "difficult."
The word "difficult" made Palace Lord Yao Wen's head spin. Su Chen had publicly displayed his strength, and countless people in the Jin Kingdom were vying to win him over. Zhu Ming Gong had the upper hand, and both parties were already well acquainted. Yet, the Second Elder now claimed it was difficult.
Seeing the expression on the Palace Lord's face, the Second Elder hesitated for a moment before continuing his explanation. "Elder Su Xing has a complicated relationship with Wuluan Mansion, and he initially sought us out to counter their power. When we faced Wuluan Mansion, we chose to compromise and remain neutral. Elder Su Xing lost faith in us. The recent incidents only exacerbated the problem."
The Second Elder's explanation made sense. Disappointment doesn't build up overnight; it accumulates over time.
"If Elder Su Xing is seeking an ally, it must be someone who can protect him," Even if our Zhu Ming Gong were to express goodwill now, Elder Su would never believe it.
At the Heavenly Alchemy Expo, the Cicada Pupa Pill made its debut.
Now, countless Grand Pill Sects are eager to recruit Su Chen, sparing no effort.
Today, the Second Elder spoke the truth, just as Yao Wen had mentioned, but these truths were somewhat harsh.
They even directly stung Yao Wen.
"So, does the Second Elder mean that there's no chance of us winning over Elder Su again?" Yao Wen asked with a cold face.
His tone was stiff, indicating his displeasure.
However, the Second Elder decided to be straightforward and speak openly.
"Palace Lord, if you want to hear the truth, I can continue.
If you can't accept it, I can also say something more pleasant.
But the content of my words doesn't reflect my true thoughts."
Upon hearing the Second Elder's words, Yao Wen slightly restrained his expression.
He knew that his actions were inappropriate.
If he continued like this, no Elder would speak truthfully to him.
"Palace Lord, in this matter, we indeed missed our opportunity.
I must reflect on my mistake regarding Elder Su.
Previously, I supported the decision to ignore Elder Su's proposal.
This was indeed my fault.
But now, it's already good enough if we don't worsen our relationship with Elder Su.
We don't even need his help.
As long as Elder Su doesn't pass on the Jade Essence Alchemy Technique to others, that's enough."
The discussion in the courtyard about this matter lasted a long time.
No matter how they tried to find a breakthrough, they couldn't come up with a suitable solution.
Once trust is broken, it's truly difficult to repair.
In essence, trust is built through successful cooperation.
For Zhu Ming Gong, after repeatedly breaking their promises in multiple collaborations, what trust could they have?
As the Second Elder said, the best they can do now is not to reconcile with Su Chen but to prevent the relationship from deteriorating further.
To prevent Su Chen from spreading the Jade Essence Alchemy Technique everywhere.
If that situation were to occur, Zhu Ming Gong, Odd Tower, and Crystal Pavilion would all face a significant decline in their status.
Without the Jade Essence Pill, it would be much more challenging for these three sects to acquire resources as easily as they do today.
The discussion continued from noon until midnight.
The high-ranking members of Zhu Ming Gong were all feeling tired.
Using Su Chen's matter as a reference, they collectively reviewed the situation of Zhu Ming Gong.
In a sense, Zhu Ming Gong had gained some benefits from this complex event.
After the alliance between Odd Tower and Crystal Pavilion, they openly and secretly accused Zhu Ming Gong of stealing their techniques.
They criticized Zhu Ming Gong for not being orthodox and suggested that the pills produced might lack necessary steps, questioning the quality of the Jade Essence Pills.
However, after Su Chen's demonstration at the Heavenly Alchemy Expo, such comments almost disappeared.
Nowadays, no one dares to question Zhu Ming Gong anymore.
Su Chen has used the Cicada Pupa Pill to clear his name.
In a way, he has also cleared Zhu Ming Gong's reputation.
And this Heavenly Alchemy Expo was originally a showcase for Odd Tower and Crystal Pavilion.
For these two powers, it was an opportunity to display their abilities publicly and put pressure on Zhu Ming Gong.
But Su Chen's demonstration overshadowed Odd Tower and Crystal Pavilion.
Instead, Zhu Ming Gong gained benefits and attracted a lot of attention.
From this perspective, Zhu Ming Gong did indeed gain something.
However, none of Zhu Ming Gong's high-ranking members were happy.
They should have gained more and become the dominant force.
But this enormous opportunity was pushed away.
The sky had completely darkened, leaving only candlelight and lamplight.
Yao Wen knew that he had said what he needed to say for the day.
He didn't plan to keep everyone here any longer.
But before leaving, he had one more piece of news to share.
"Actually, the court also sent me a top-secret command.
I didn't want to tell everyone, but since we've talked this far, I'll share it."
Many of the court's commands are top-secret.
These top-secret commands are meant only for the recipient.
Therefore, the other high-ranking members of Zhu Ming Gong were unaware of this matter.
"The court doesn't care who possesses the Jade Essence Alchemy Technique.
As long as it's not stolen by the Chu Kingdom, that's enough.
At the Heavenly Alchemy Expo, the Chu Kingdom's Master Alchemist, Chen Linxuan, repeatedly expressed goodwill towards Elder Su Xing."
Even the court has given us three months to re-establish a good relationship with Elder Su Xing. If we can't achieve this, when other powers in the Jin Kingdom try to befriend Elder Su, we should no longer object.
Hearing this, the other elders finally understood. When the Second Elder spoke of having little hope for a good relationship, the Palace Lord was still inquiring about methods to improve relations.
This was Yao Wen's final struggle. But the last discussion still ended without hope.
"Elders, you've considered various possibilities, and since none are feasible, let's just drop this matter. As long as the relationship with Elder Su doesn't deteriorate further, I'll be content. Zhu Ming Gong's current status and influence are largely due to Elder Su's help.
Let's repay his past gratitude and refrain from such underhanded actions. If Elder Su has any requests, we'll do our best to assist him."
When the crowd dispersed, it was already the hour of the Ox. The Second Elder left the Palace Lord's courtyard and stepped out, gazing at Zhu Ming Gong under the night sky.
The vast palace buildings, who knew what the future held for them. These palaces should have added more splendor, becoming even more magnificent.
But now, who knew if such an opportunity would come again. Missing such a grand opportunity, who could be blamed?
After leaving Pebble City, Su Chen rested for a night at the Array Alliance Courtyard before departing.
As a Sixth Rank Array Master, he had his own room. Although he rarely stayed here, after it was assigned to him, the room was kept spotlessly clean.
If no one inhabited it, someone would come to tidy it every three days. If Su Chen planned to stay long-term at the Array Alliance Courtyard, this room would only be attended to upon his request.
For someone like Autumn Creek Rain, an Eighth Rank Array Master, she only had a small cell in the Array Alliance Courtyard.
If she wanted a more comfortable living environment, this small cell was inadequate.
This place was barely sufficient for habitation.
Ventilation, spaciousness, lighting, these were all shortcomings.
If Eighth Rank Array Masters wanted better accommodations, they could directly find taverns in Pebble City to stay.
The Array Alliance Courtyard wasn't far away. But currently, no one had done so.
Doing so would give a bad impression to the other members of the Array Alliance. Being unable to tolerate even a slightly inferior living environment, being too delicate, would make one seem incapable of handling important tasks.
After resting for a night, Su Chen and Autumn Creek Rain had breakfast together. At the same time, he took this opportunity to bid farewell to Autumn Creek Rain, as he prepared to leave.
He planned to check out the training she mentioned. After the training, he would return to find her.
Autumn Creek Rain's task of setting up array formations in the border regions was almost complete.
After breakfast, Su Chen directly left. Compared to Su Chen, Autumn Creek Rain showed a bit more reluctance to part.
Watching Su Chen's departing figure, she stood there for a long time. In the distance, Autumn Yi Nan and Autumn Creek Rain's bodyguards witnessed this scene.
Both of them frowned subconsciously.
"Yi Nan, it seems Creek Rain is a bit too immersed, and he's so casual about it, not showing any reluctance at all," said Yi Nan, her face turning slightly unpleasant.
Her niece, Autumn Creek Rain, had an exceptional family background, talent, and appearance, all top-notch in the world. Logically, other men should be captivated by her.
But at this moment, Su Chen's behavior seemed to intentionally maintain distance.
"Yi Nan."
"It's probably an act, his experience and training far surpass Creek Rain's. He knows how to capture a woman's heart.
Men and women's interactions rely on attraction, not flattery.
Excessive flattery in a woman's eyes would seem boring, and one might lose their dignity.
His approach is actually a feigned retreat strategy."
Autumn Yi Nan shared her thoughts. It sounded somewhat reasonable, but it felt like she was deliberately making excuses, and her reasoning was a bit forced.
Su Chen's previous behavior didn't seem like a feigned retreat, but more like maintaining distance.
Autumn Yi Nan didn't bring up these points to Autumn Creek Rain. Some words, once spoken, might hurt one's face.
Autumn Creek Rain, being a young woman, has a thin face.
Autumn Yi Nan thought for a moment, deciding to wait and see. If it truly affected her greatly, she would speak up.
After leaving Pebble City, Su Chen headed towards the central-northern region of the Jin State.
The Jin State was indeed quite vast. It encompassed various terrains, a country with abundant resources, having everything one could imagine.
(End of Chapter)
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