Chapter 441 - 40: Urgency

「In the Quiet Chamber.」

Zhu Ju sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion.

His Outer Body Incarnation, Wukong, sat cross-legged opposite him.

Not far away, Pei Jingque’s fingers moved in a blur. Streams of light crisscrossed the air as she cast the Spirit Cleansing Spell, enveloping the entire room.

"Something’s definitely wrong."

Her expression was grim as she spoke in a muffled tone.

"You have to cast the Spirit Cleansing Spell on it at least once a month. Otherwise, it will develop aberrant, impure thoughts."

"This line of thought is identical to Daoist Evil, filled with a destructive aura. Once it takes root, it will rapidly grow stronger."

"So, the Dao itself contains a poison!" Zhu Ju said with a sigh.

"I never would have thought even Source Crystals, which are like Inner Cores, would be the same. Thank goodness I didn’t try to refine and absorb one back then."

"You’re very cautious." Pei Jingque nodded, then her voice filled with worry. "But Wukong is already tainted with Dao Poison. Will it cause problems for your Cultivation if it assists you?"

"It’s fine." Zhu Ju shook his head.

"This so-called Dao Poison is an inherent part of the Dao. My Magical Power at the Golden Core Realm shouldn’t be affected."

"The Dao Poison..."

"...mostly affects the Primordial Spirit."

’That’s one reason.’

’Besides, my Outer Body Incarnation is now comparable to a Late-Stage Golden Core Cultivator. One year of its Cultivation is equivalent to five of my own. Adding in my personal efforts, one year for me is like six for anyone else.’

’How could I possibly give up such an incredible boost?’

’It’s worth it, even if it means performing the Spirit Cleansing Spell once a month.’

’On the other hand, there’s my Ten Directions Cross Sword. If I keep feeding it Blue Source Crystals, it could very well advance into a top-tier Magical Treasure.’

’At that point...’

’...will it also become tainted with Dao Poison?’

’The Ten Directions Cross Sword is an inanimate object without its own consciousness, so theoretically, the possibility is low. Still, there’s no need to take that risk.’

Zhu Ju’s gaze flickered, and he took out a Blue Source Crystal, infusing it into his Wind and Thunder Blade Wings.

’The Flying Sword can wait. I’d rather enhance this Magical Treasure instead.’

Meanwhile, he hadn’t stopped feeding the Creation Immortal Vine and The Investiture of the Gods.

However, these two items were quite peculiar; they would consume as much as he offered, but with almost no reaction. Any response they did have was extremely faint.

As it stood, feeding them seemed to be a waste of resources.

"Jingque."

"Hm?"

Zhu Ju turned his head, though his expression remained unchanged.

’Just now, for a split second, Pei Jingque’s mind had drifted. It’s a sign that she’s losing control of her consciousness.’

’A hundred years, sixty years...’

’She might not even last that long. Her Divine Soul is already struggling to hold on. I need to increase my strength as quickly as possible to find that Innate Origin Qi.’

"My love."

Pei Jingque snapped back to reality, looking at him with a radiant smile.

"Did you call me?"

"Yes," Zhu Ju replied with a smile.

"It’s nothing. I was just wondering how long it would take to reach the Mid-Stage Golden Core with the help of my Outer Body Incarnation."

*

*

*

Unlike the lofty and remote nature of Immortal Techniques, the development of science and technology often brought great convenience to ordinary people.

Funeng City, once a field of ruins, had already begun to take its new shape after just over two months.

Brand-new high-rises and skyscrapers shot up from the ground.

Flying Artifacts zipped between them, and trackless trains carried citizens to and fro as they rebuilt their homes.

No one cared about the deaths of ordinary people.

But for a city like Funeng, with its vast wealth disparity and rigid class structure, the fall of the great Noble Families was actually a good thing.

"WHOOSH!"

A small Flying Artifact stopped in front of the tavern.

Due to road construction and several consecutive days of rain, the street was a muddy mess.

A man in a trench coat leaped down from the Flying Artifact, his leather shoes landing in the mud as he gazed at the tavern before him.

The Axe and Blade!

That was the name of the tavern. It was said to have once belonged to an underworld boss named Jackal Wolf.

Its retro decor made it seem out of place in the high-tech metropolis, yet it drew in a considerable crowd.

A muscle in the man’s cheek twitched. He strode forward and pushed open the tavern’s outer door, only to be immediately blocked by two burly figures.

"Let him through."

Zhu Ju waved his hand dismissively and took a sip from his glass.

"The young master of the Lin Family, and the future director of the Licheng District Public Security Bureau. We should get to know each other."

"Zhu Ju!" Lin Dong snarled, his teeth clenched as he glared furiously.

"Was it you who stole my family’s Source Crystals?"

"Stole?" Zhu Ju shook his head.

"You’re about to become the Director of the Public Security Bureau. You should mind your words and actions. You need evidence."

"Otherwise..."

"I might just have to file a complaint with the council."

Lin Dong’s fists clenched. The two burly men grabbed him and shoved him into a plush armchair. His eyes were bloodshot and his breathing was heavy.

"There’s no need to be so angry."

Zhu Ju gestured to the glass on the table.

"The Lin Family may not be as wealthy as it once was, but you’re still far better off than ordinary people."

"Take you, for example..."

He said with a faint smile.

"Before your father died, he pulled every string he had just to keep your position at the Security Department safe. You wouldn’t want to disappoint him before you’ve even officially started, would you?"

"Hmph!" Lin Dong snorted.

"The Director of the Licheng District Public Security Bureau is nothing but Mr. Zhu’s lapdog. You think I want the position?"

"Don’t be ungrateful." Zhu Ju narrowed his eyes, the smile vanishing from his face.

"If your father hadn’t begged me, do you think you would be here at all? It seems you don’t understand your father’s desperate efforts, nor do you appreciate my goodwill."

With him, the Underground Emperor, present in Licheng District, the Public Security Bureau existed in name only. This was undeniable.

However, with the older generation of the Lin Family nearly wiped out, coming to Licheng District was their only option.

Zhu Ju could have easily chosen someone else for the position.

He only let the young man have it out of consideration for Father Lin’s desperate pleas and the requests of councillors and other officials.

"BANG!"

Lin Dong slammed his hands on the table and shot to his feet.

"Zhu! You run casinos and brothels, there’s no evil you haven’t done! I’ll be watching your every move!"

"I’m not afraid of you!"

"Heh..." Zhu Ju chuckled softly.

"A canary in a gilded cage can’t possibly understand the lives of those at the bottom. I give them a way to live. I restrain the wickedness of certain people. What I do is far more than a rich young master like you could ever comprehend."

"But forget it."

"Looking at you, I can see you’ll never understand. Go back to your world. Don’t come looking for trouble with me."

Zhu Ju gestured toward the door.

"Get out!"

Lin Dong gritted his teeth, his gaze sweeping past Zhu Ju to the other patrons in the tavern.

Among them were wealthy city merchants and important government officials, all of whom stared at him with ice-cold eyes.

Just then,

"JINGLE JINGLE..."

the bell on the door jingled.

A young man and woman burst inside.

"Brother!"

"Brother Lin."

Lin Yuxi and Wuh Ping charged into the tavern, but before they could make a move, they were pinned in place by several powerful auras, unable to move.

They were only first-year students at a High-Level Academy.

As Martial Artists, their Cultivation and strength were outstanding for their age, but in here, it was nowhere near enough.

"What are you two doing here?"

Lin Dong’s expression changed. He struggled with all his might to break free and rushed in front of the two of them.

"You fools!"

"Brother," Lin Yuxi said, her eyes turning red.

"I... We were worried about you."

The chaos caused by the Nine Profound Spirit Deer had widespread repercussions, and the Lin Family was one of its victims. Now, only a handful of members remained from the once-great family. To make matters worse, all the Source Crystals their family had collected had been plundered.

According to the clues they found, all of those Source Crystals had ended up in the hands of the Underground Emperor, Mr. Zhu.

That was what had led Lin Dong to come looking for him.

Lin Yuxi and Wuh Ping had heard how powerful Mr. Zhu was, so they had naturally grown worried and followed after him.

In contrast to Lin Yuxi’s concern, Wuh Ping looked at Zhu Ju with a certain curiosity.

He wasn’t sure if it was just his imagination, but he had a nagging feeling that this Mr. Zhu looked familiar.

’As if...’

’...I’ve seen him somewhere before.’

"Having people to care about means you have weaknesses. You have fear," Zhu Ju said, raising his glass with a smile.

"These two young people are quite something. Director Lin, I hope our future cooperation will be a pleasant one."

"..." Lin Dong’s heart sank. He immediately pulled Lin Yuxi and Wuh Ping away and strode quickly out of the tavern.

"Actually..." A fragrant scent wafted over as someone came to stand beside Zhu Ju.

"I can do it too."

Cheng Rong pursed her lips.

"The position of Director of the Licheng District Public Security Bureau... it would be much more convenient for you if I took it."

Zhu Ju put down his glass and stood up.

"I have other business to attend to. I’m leaving."

Cheng Rong bit her lip.

’She had been so obvious, even helping him manage the nightclubs. Why was this man always so indifferent to her?’

"Wait!"

Taking a deep breath, she called out.

"Councillor Cao Youche hopes to be re-elected. He had someone deliver some Source Crystals. They’re out back."

"Understood." Zhu Ju nodded.

"The Licheng District Underworld will support his re-election."