Chapter 268 - 248: Fusion
"Is there really such a treasure in this world that can grant a martial artist the temporary power of a Peak of First Grade?"
Chen Ming leaned slightly forward, showing great interest, though his words expressed doubt.
With a hint of emotion, Tang Yaoyang said, "The world is vast and full of wonders. When I first heard about this from my master, I was just like the Sect Leader, unable to believe that such a wondrous treasure exists."
"My master said that when the previous Sect Leader’s cultivation wasn’t fully developed, he used it to suppress and kill a First Grade expert with only Third Grade cultivation. Although those who witnessed the battle have all passed away, the event is still recorded and well-known among many family sects. Over the past few years, I have sought out several friends to verify this matter; it is indeed true without a doubt."
Chen Ming still found it hard to believe, "If such a wondrous treasure exists, why did the previous Sect Leader not pass it on to his own grandson?"
"Jin Yu’s talent is mediocre, and he has been unable to break through to Third Grade. His temperament is also extreme; giving such a wondrous treasure to him would only be harmful. Besides."
Tang Yaoyang glanced at the "Taiyue Sword" again, inadvertently revealing a trace of fervor in his eyes, "Without the Taiyue Sword recognizing its master, the place where the treasure is hidden cannot be opened."
Chen Ming’s breath became slightly hurried, and he asked urgently, "Where exactly is this wondrous treasure hidden?"
Looking at his demeanor, Tang Yaoyang thought to himself that she had finally taken the bait, and replied, "I would ask the Sect Leader to grant one request of your subordinate."
Chen Ming’s gaze turned cold, "Are you threatening me?"
"I wouldn’t dare. I simply wish for self-preservation."
"In that case, you may leave."
"Huh?"
"Get out!"
With a wave of Chen Ming’s sleeve, the door burst open,
Tang Yaoyang was swept out by a strong gale wind, landing outside on the ground, stunned for a moment, unable to comprehend how this woman could change her face so quickly.
How could this happen?
She had clearly already been intrigued just now.
Damned!
At that moment, the sound of air-breaking noises arose, and guards, having heard the commotion, were rushing over. Tang Yaoyang dared not linger and stealthily fled.
...
"Sect Leader, there was commotion here just now. Your subordinate has come to check."
A report from the guards came from outside.
Chen Ming said casually, "No matter, I was practicing. You may disperse."
"Yes."
The people outside quickly left.
He stroked the "Taiyue Sword," a hint of a smile on his lips. This Tang Yaoyang came to inform him surely had her own agenda.
He was not interested in knowing her agenda, merely took the opportunity to gather some intelligence.
Regarding Sun Chuxian’s part, it should be entirely true; knowing that these people possess tasteless and odorless poisons and know the art of curse killing, he can prepare in advance.
As for that treasure capable of granting Peak of First Grade power, whether real or fake, he did not care.
Such things, obtaining them would be good, but failing to obtain them was no loss. There was no need to risk seizing them.
With his golden finger, it wouldn’t be long until he could break through to First Grade.
Peak of First Grade was not truly alluring to him.
"Continue then."
Chen Ming put aside distracting thoughts, sat cross-legged, and continued to comprehend the contents of "Profound Earth True Skill."
This cultivation technique, connected with the other three Chapters, with the Fire Chapter, Water Chapter, and Wood Chapter as its foundation, made understanding it quite seamless.
"So that’s it!"
After an unknown period, Chen Ming experienced enlightenment, and a prompt popped into his vision.
[Detected fusion potential between "Profound Turtle Divine Skill" and "Five Elements True Skill (Missing)," proceed with fusion?]
It was finally happening.
"Yes!"
[Cultivation technique merging, estimated duration: twenty-four hours. During this period, refrain from using True Qi, find a place to sit properly, and do not move around.]
Chen Ming summoned someone in and instructed, "I am going into cultivation. No matter what occurs, do not interrupt me. The violator shall be slain!"
Then, he shut the door tight, secured it with a latch, and waited for the cultivation technique to merge.
...
"Why am I not allowed to seek out Sister Yuan?"
In the Jiang Family’s villa, within the study, Jiang Yingxue angrily questioned Jiang Jinan. Ever since Chen Ming became the Sect Leader of the Golden Jade Hall, she had tried several times to approach him but was stopped by this great uncle.
Jiang Jinan said with a stern face, "Her status is different now. Being a sect leader, she is not someone you can meet at will. If she wishes to see you, she will come to find you. There is no room for negotiation on this matter. Aunt Fang, please keep an eye on her."
The elderly woman behind Jiang Yingxue bowed in response.
Aunt Fang had just been dispatched from the Jiang Family, originally serving by her grandmother’s side. After the incident, she was specially assigned to protect her.
Jiang Yingxue was furious enough to skew her nose.
"Alright, go now, I have other matters to attend to." Jiang Jinan sent her away.
Then, Jiang Yingxue was pulled out of the study by Aunt Fang.
Once outside, amidst her anger, a trace of worry also appeared in her eyes.
She had seen plenty of intrigue and power plays among major factions since childhood, naturally aware of the dangers involved.
Her great uncle keeping her from going to the Golden Jade Hall was likely out of concern for her encountering danger there.
Had the situation in the Golden Jade Hall worsened to such an extent?
No, she needed to find a way to check on Brother Chen’s situation.
Having thought of this, Jiang Yingxue immediately called someone over, "Someone prepare the carriage."
Once the carriage was ready, she, along with a maid and the ever-present Aunt Fang, climbed aboard, directing them, "To the Prince Zhenhai’s Mansion."
She could not go to the Golden Jade Hall, but she could ask someone else to go. That Princess Mingyu was a kind-hearted person; she could ask her for help.
...
In the courtyard of Prince Zhenhai’s Mansion, Princess Mingyu was not in a hurry to return to Qingfeng City after her last delay; she stayed in Jiangzhou City.
When Jiang Yingxue visited, she happened to meet Princess Mingyu who was about to go out, dressed as a man today, "Oh, it’s the young lady from the Jiang Family. Why didn’t you send someone to notify me in advance if you were coming? I could have prepared ahead of time."
"Sister Mingyu, I’m here to ask you for a favor."
"Oh?" Princess Mingyu saw her pitiful appearance and sent everyone away, leaving just the two of them, asking, "What’s the matter?"
"It’s about Sister Yuan."
Jiang Yingxue looked worried, "Ever since she returned from that Secret Realm, she was put in the position of Sect Leader of the Golden Jade Hall. Days have passed, and there’s been no news from her. I’m really worried about her. I don’t even know how she is right now. But my granduncle doesn’t permit me to look for her. That’s why I’m here to ask for your help."
Upon hearing this, Princess Mingyu’s expression became somewhat grave, and she said, "I’ve heard about the situation in the Golden Jade Hall. It seems Miss Zi Yi becoming the Sect Leader was against her will. However, my associations with prestigious sects are quite sensitive due to my status, and visiting her might pose many inconveniences."
"Sister Mingyu, I beg you. I really couldn’t find anyone else." Jiang Yingxue was about to kneel.
Princess Mingyu stepped forward to help her up, saying with a sympathetic expression, "There’s no need for this, young lady Jiang. Sigh, alright, I’ll make this journey for you, even if it means being reprimanded."
Jiang Yingxue was overjoyed and gratefully said, "Thank you, Sister Mingyu."
Princess Mingyu, being a decisive person, immediately called over her attendants, "Go and inform them that I can’t make it due to an urgent matter."
She had obviously made appointments and chose to break them for Jiang Yingxue, which naturally made Jiang Yingxue even more grateful.
...
Jiang Yingxue watched as Princess Mingyu’s carriage headed towards Golden Jade Hall, feeling a bit anxious. The next step was to return home and wait for news from Princess Mingyu.
On the way home, Fang Mama suddenly spoke hoarsely, "Young Lady, you shouldn’t get too close to this Princess."
"Why?"
Jiang Yingxue was confused; there was no such taboo against befriending royal relatives in the Jiang Family.
Fang Mama murmured, "This Princess’s gaze is not right."
"?"
Jiang Yingxue was puzzled; what kind of reason was a ’wrong gaze’?
"She looks at you the same way your cousin looks at you."
"Ah?"
Jiang Yingxue was first stunned, then she realized what Fang Mama meant, and goosebumps appeared all over her body as she stammered, "That... that can’t be... right?"
Her cousin was her aunt’s youngest son, a member of the Qin Family, who had been seeking her favors daily since knowing she was in Jiangzhou. She knew his intentions inside and out.
If Princess Mingyu had the same intentions as her cousin, then it’s—
Thinking of this made Jiang Yingxue feel nauseated. She suddenly remembered that she touched her hand earlier, feeling wronged and wanting to cry, thinking that she was taken advantage of. How could she face Brother Chen?
No, maybe Mama mistook it?
She whispered, "Mama, you can’t say such things arbitrarily. Just based on a gaze, it doesn’t prove anything."
Fang Mama glanced at her without saying more. It was indeed imprudent to gossip about a Princess. Anyway, the young lady was aware enough.
...
At Golden Jade Hall, Sun Chuxian went out to greet Princess Mingyu personally upon hearing her arrival, "I apologize for not welcoming you from afar, Your Highness. Our apologies."
Princess Mingyu, wearing a man’s outfit, looked dashing and elegant, carrying a noble aura. She smiled, "I’m acquainted with your Gang Leader; formalities aren’t needed."
"Is that so? Please come in, Your Highness."
Sun Chuxian understood and led her inside, not daring to be negligent.
He had naturally investigated Yuan Ziyi’s origins and knew of her association with Princess Mingyu. However, he did not expect Princess Mingyu to visit in person.
It must be noted that there is a royal decree prohibiting royal relatives from forming alliances with local prestigious sects and families to prevent collaborative power from being uncontrollable.
Although she was a Commandery Princess with fewer restrictions, there were still taboos.
This showed her relationship with the Sect Leader was not shallow.
Sun Chuxian and others brought Princess Mingyu to the main hall, treating her as a distinguished guest.
He said with a troubled expression, "Your Highness, you have come at an unfortunate time; the Sect Leader is currently at a critical stage in her cultivation and has instructed not to disturb her no matter what happens. What do you think..."
Princess Mingyu raised an eyebrow, "So that’s the case, it seems like today’s visit was in vain."
Sun Chuxian wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said, "Perhaps, allow me to send someone to inform her, to see how she responds."
"Fine."
Before long, the person sent returned with a message, "The Sect Leader said it’s inconvenient to meet at this moment and will personally visit Your Highness tomorrow. She also sends her apologies for neglecting Your Highness and hopes you won’t mind."
Princess Mingyu didn’t take offense but rather smiled, "Naturally, cultivation is important. I’m not that petty. In that case, I’ll await her esteemed presence at my residence tomorrow."
After saying that, she then took her leave.
...
After Princess Mingyu left, the Second Elder expressed concern, "I hadn’t expected her to have such ties with Princess Mingyu. Won’t this affect our grand plan?"
This Princess Mingyu was quite notable, nobly born and favored by the palace, even having a Divine Treasure Realm elder assigned to protect her during her stay in Jiangzhou.
If she decided to intervene, it would be troublesome.
"No worries."
Sun Chuxian remained calm, "Though she’s of the royal family, she wouldn’t recklessly intervene in local matters, regardless of her willfulness. With Pan Zhiyuan watching, there’s no need for concern. But as for the Sect Leader, why did she suddenly decide to go into seclusion? Could it be related to last night’s incident?"
The Second Elder frowned, "There’s definitely something unusual about this."
Sun Chuxian’s gaze turned somber, "Ever since last night, I’ve been feeling unease. Our Sect Leader has an unreliable origin, always making people uneasy."
"Are you suggesting?"
"She’s planning to visit Prince Zhenhai’s Mansion tomorrow, isn’t she? Take action personally and nullify her cultivation."
"Alright, leave it to me." The Second Elder excitedly licked his lips.
Sun Chuxian reminded him, "Be careful, this woman’s strength is not weak, make sure you don’t tripped unexpectedly."
"Haha, if I can’t handle even a Second Grade young girl, then all my cultivation has been in vain!"
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