Chapter 563 - 311: Surging Undercurrents
"Do you have any other requirements?" the Copper Spirit asked.
"No." Su Chen shook his head. He temporarily pushed the requirements for the Cauldron Maker profession to the back of his mind. ’I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it,’ he thought. ’Best to focus on becoming a Vajra Venerable first.’
Exiting the Bronze Tower, Su Chen gazed toward the distant horizon. A fluctuating black line stretched from the far reaches of space, drifting and connecting to Dragon Abyss Star.
It was an endless stream of Flying Devices, carrying the many people from the Dust Star Sea who were attending the Peak Star Conference.
’The various powers of the Dust Star Sea have been arriving one after another. Black Tuo should be here soon, too. The Heart of Spiritual Light will be in my grasp before long, and then all that will be left is the Morning Star Essence.’
Su Chen descended the steps. ’That thing will be mine sooner or later,’ he thought. ’Han Xingliu is just reluctant to give it to me, going on about whether or not I can command respect. He probably just wants to see me take action for himself.’
’They can’t access the combat records on the Bronze Sect’s Holy List. A mere ranking makes it difficult for them to get any real read on me.’
’The more I fight, the more it plays into their hands. It’s best to settle this in one decisive move.’
Su Chen wasn’t sure what they could glean just from combat footage, but it was best to reveal as little as possible.
The number of people walking around the Copper Heart had dwindled, especially the younger faces. More than half of them were gone compared to before, likely having gone to Dragon Abyss Star to join the excitement.
After all, this was happening right on their doorstep. The other Sects and Royal Courts couldn’t bring too many people. But for the Holy List disciples of the Bronze Sect, who wouldn’t want to test where they stood in the grand scheme of the Dust Star Sea?
Boarding a Flying Device, Su Chen could feel the residual metallic liquid in his stomach.
’In another seven or eight days, I should have finished absorbing it. Then I can go to the Creation Copper Heart and try to complete the final requirement.’
Comprehending the will of Vajra was an abstract concept, but thankfully, he had one "Guiding" opportunity.
This kind of requirement, which involved self-inflicted harm, didn’t need the assistance of the Creation Copper Heart. There were specialized departments within the Sect to handle it.
"But the Creation Copper Heart is still more convenient. And since there are no limits on my usage, I can use it as I please," Su Chen muttered before heading straight back to his Floating Island.
***
In a corner of the Copper Heart stood the Punishment Hall. The main hall was a solid, unadorned silver-gray, projecting an air of stern solemnity.
Everyone in the Bronze Sect, from top to bottom, kept a respectful distance. Aside from the Punishment Hall staff, it was rare to see any visitors.
Today, however, was different. A group of people arrived in a hurry, but they avoided the main road, taking a small path to a side entrance of the Punishment Hall.
Someone was already waiting there, dressed in the uniform of the Punishment Hall. He had a weaselly face, and upon seeing so many people arrive, he seemed startled. He quickly scurried over to the leader. "Senior Brother Tianlin, why did you bring so many people?"
The man standing before him was none other than Qin Tianlin. He frowned slightly at the question. "This isn’t some forbidden ground, and the Punishment Hall has never issued an order forbidding the Qin Family from approaching."
"That may be true, but your Qin Family is, after all, close with that Fan Zhao..." The man hesitated, but seeing Qin Tianlin’s darkening expression, he quickly added,
"Since you’re all here, it doesn’t matter. Come in, quickly. The Hall Master and Vice Hall Master are both on Dragon Abyss Star. It should be some time before they return, so you’d better hurry."
He led Qin Tianlin and the others into the Punishment Hall through the side door. The metal corridors were eerily silent. The walls were made of some kind of matte alloy that absorbed most of the light, and surveillance cameras operated in the corners.
Qin Tianlin and his group made no attempt to hide. On the Copper Heart, it was nearly impossible to do anything in secret.
Since Fan Zhao was brought in, the Qin Family had been forbidden from visiting him. This was Wu Feng’s order, but not a Sect regulation.
Even if the Qin Family took advantage of his absence to force a visit, Wu Feng wouldn’t have a leg to stand on when he returned.
The law must be tempered with compassion. The matter with Fan Zhao had already been settled—his actions were his own and did not involve the Qin Family. To forbid even a visit would be unduly cruel.
They passed a few staff members along the way. Although their gazes were odd, none of them said anything.
The group soon arrived in the depths of the Punishment Hall. This was where serious offenders were held. Rows of identical cells stretched into the distance, with thick metal bars and narrow gaps between them. Many were empty, creating a grim and silent atmosphere.
High-ranking members who provoked the Sect’s regulations for no reason were a rare sight; one might not appear for decades.
The weasel-faced man led Qin Tianlin and his group to a cell and said respectfully, "This is the place."
Qin Tianlin grunted in acknowledgment, his gaze falling upon the person locked inside. The prisoner’s limbs were bound by thick metal chains, on which glowing patterns were carved, half-hidden in the darkness.
"Senior Brother Tianlin, about that matter we discussed earlier..." a cautious voice inquired from his side.
Qin Tianlin glanced at him. "The transfer orders have been issued. Flowing Cloud Star. Head of logistics."
The man was overjoyed to hear this. "Take your time, take your time," he said repeatedly.
Working on the Copper Heart was not a good gig. There were too many big shots, and you had to serve every one of them carefully. It was hard to skim any profits or wield any real power.
This was especially true in the Punishment Hall. Wu Feng was upright and incorruptible, which was not a good thing for his subordinates.
Getting assigned to a planet somewhere—even if you couldn’t be a local tyrant, being a leader with actual authority was still pretty sweet.
Hearing the commotion outside, Fan Zhao slowly lifted his head inside the cell. Compared to his once high-spirited appearance, he now looked much older. His hair was a mess, and his eyes were dim and lifeless.
But when he saw that his visitor was Qin Tianlin, he shot to his feet. His body staggered, pulling the chains taut. They RATTLED loudly. "Tianlin!"
His voice was hoarse as he cried out in excitement.