Chapter 347 - 281: Visitors from the Royal Family (2)

Chapter 347: Chapter 281: Visitors from the Royal Family (2)

"I recall that the target of the only failed assassination ten years ago was Zhang Tianwen of the Wanxiang Sect, correct?"

"Yes, it was a failure. However, he was still grievously wounded. His Spirit Platform was shattered, so the title of ’genius’ no longer fits him," Jiang Tiancheng said with a nod after a moment of recollection, his expression flickering.

"Be careful. People who rise from the ashes are all too common. Who can say for sure? We were lucky to spare his life back then, and though we left no suspicious traces, he remains a thorn in our side. This time, find an opportunity and pull that thorn out."

King Dongyou shook his head, a murderous glint in his eyes. As he spoke, he suddenly let out a soft laugh. Looking at the two men, he said, "I’ll be waiting for your good news."

With that, he turned and walked back into the inner hall without a backward glance. In a flash of light, he vanished completely.

After a long silence, Jiang Tiancheng looked up at the placid Yang Pengju. He clicked his tongue softly, his gaze complex. He let out a soft sigh before speaking.

"Are you aware that if this collusion with the Qingzhou Imperial Family is exposed, there will be no place for your Yang Family in the entire Martial Continent?"

Yang Pengju was silent. He clenched his fists, then slowly relaxed them. A flash of hatred crossed his eyes as he said in a muffled voice, "As long as I can avenge my son, what does any of that matter?"

"The Purple Rainbow Sect has gone too far. I have no way to fight back without borrowing the power of the Qingzhou Imperial Family."

Yang Pengju said in a low, muffled tone. After speaking, he let out a deep breath.

"As for the rest, it’s not within my consideration. Besides, hasn’t your Spirit Dragon Sect long been in league with the Qingzhou Imperial Family?"

As Yang Pengju spoke, he suddenly smiled. He looked at Jiang Tiancheng, a playful glint in his eye. "If you’re not afraid, then what do I have to worry about? Wouldn’t you agree, Brother Jiang?"

"True. What right do I have to say anything?"

Jiang Tiancheng was taken aback for a moment, then shook his head with a smile, not dwelling on it.

"As for the rest, we’ll just have to plot it out slowly as King Dongyou said. Aiding a tiger in its evil deeds... heh."

Jiang Tiancheng smiled, but a bitter look flashed across his face.

"So what if we are..." Yang Pengju fell silent. He shook his head, his expression turning cold again. He pursed his lips and gritted his teeth, then slowly unclenched his fists after a moment. The flame of hatred in his eyes had not been extinguished, but was merely hidden deeper.

"My son’s death must be avenged. And perhaps the balance of power among the Three Gates and Six Sects within the Martial Continent ought to change as well."

Jiang Tiancheng frowned, narrowing his eyes at Yang Pengju. "After all these years, your personality hasn’t changed one bit. However, you must be perfectly clear about why Meng Wuan killed Yang Chengxu, right?"

"Isn’t Yang Mengying also your child? You truly are heartless."

Jiang Tiancheng said coldly. Now that the two of them were grasshoppers on the same rope, there were some things he couldn’t be bothered to pretend about anymore.

At his words, Yang Pengju’s gaze turned icy. He whipped his head around to stare directly at Jiang Tiancheng.

Jiang Tiancheng was unmoved, meeting Yang Pengju’s sharp gaze with his own.

After a long moment, the tension in Yang Pengju’s face suddenly eased. He waved his hand in a defeated manner and turned away from Jiang Tiancheng, his expression complex. He pursed his lips and began to speak softly.

"But Xu’er was not in the wrong. In this Cultivation Realm of killing and fighting, how much true affection can there be? Not to mention, Yang Mengying is merely the daughter of a concubine."

"I watched Xu’er grow up, step by step, until he finally surpassed me and entered my sights. No matter what mistake he made, no matter what reason Meng Wuan had, these are all matters for my Yang Family to handle."

Yang Pengju’s expression was icy as he spoke in a cool, detached voice.

"What does it have to do with an outsider like Meng Wuan? He had no right to interfere. Since he did, he will pay the price."

"All I know is that a debt of blood must be paid in blood."

Jiang Tiancheng was silent for a moment, then he smiled and gave Yang Pengju a deep look. "Is that so? Is that all there is to it?"

Jiang Tiancheng’s gaze was profound. As he looked at Yang Pengju, a dark light flashed in his eyes. "Or perhaps, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. It seems that this mere Southwest Land is no longer enough to satisfy the Yang Family’s ambition."

Hearing this, Yang Pengju’s lips twitched. He slowly shook his head, his expression frigid as he spoke nonchalantly.

"Think whatever you want. But if the opportunity arises, I certainly won’t be satisfied with just occupying this peripheral region. The Purple Rainbow Sect has overreached. Replacing them is not impossible."

Jiang Tiancheng’s eyes flickered. He watched Yang Pengju’s calm yet resentful expression for two breaths, then slowly shook his head and sighed softly.

"If that’s how it is, then so be it. Whether this is an opportunity or a disaster, who can say for sure..."

...

Time flowed on. No matter how the dark tides surged in secret, on the surface, at least, everything was calm. In the blink of an eye, a year had passed since the end of the Illusion Mist Beast Valley.

During this year, everything progressed in an orderly fashion. Yu Changsheng’s aura, too, had settled into a rare and prolonged state of peace.

Over the year, tales of Yu Changsheng’s deeds and his reputation had spread throughout the Wanxiang Sect. He was the center of attention for quite some time before things gradually quieted down.

All of this stemmed not only from Yu Changsheng’s strength but also from his other identity: the youngest Third Grade Alchemist in the Wanxiang Sect!

In some respects, the prestige that came with this identity was even more shocking than his strength. It also caused an endless stream of people to seek him out and build connections.

Coupled with his good relationship with Zhang Tianwen, Yu Changsheng’s influence within the Wanxiang Sect had become immense. His fame was no longer confined to the sect; word had even reached the other major powers among the Three Gates and Six Sects.

There were even faint rumors that the title of "Number One Prodigy of Beast Taming Peak" now belonged to Yu Changsheng.

Yu Changsheng was aware of these external matters but paid them little mind.

Jade Cauldron Peak. Yang Tianyi’s residence. The Alchemy Room.

"Condense!"

The surrounding air was scorching hot, distorting the space itself. Beads of sweat trickled down Yu Changsheng’s forehead. As the last wisp of flame slowly died out, Yu Changsheng let out a low cry.

In that instant, the cauldron’s lid flew open. A brilliant light flashed, and as it faded, four perfectly round elixirs slowly came into view. The light retracted into them, and a rich Pill Fragrance wafted out, forming a light Pill Mist.

Furthermore, One Pill Pattern was etched upon their surfaces, spreading across the entire body of each elixir.

"Not bad," Yang Tianyi exclaimed, who had been watching quietly from the side. He turned to Yu Changsheng with admiration in his eyes as the batch of elixirs was completed. "A Third-Grade Middle-Tier Elixir, the Solid Spirit Nourishing Essence Pill. You succeeded on the first try and even produced One Pill Pattern. You truly are a genius."

"To have reached this level in just one year... aside from some High-Grade Third Tier elixirs, the others should no longer pose much of a problem for you."

"At this rate," he added with a hesitant chuckle, "you should be able to become a Tier Four Alchemist within five years."

Yu Changsheng carefully stored the Solid Spirit Nourishing Essence Pills. Upon hearing this, he adopted a humble expression, clasped his fists, and bowed to Elder Yang. "It is all thanks to your excellent guidance," he said respectfully. "I am truly grateful for all your help these past days."

Over the past year, Yu Changsheng had performed alchemy numerous times, consuming an immense fortune’s worth of medicinal herbs. All of it was supported by Yang Tianyi from behind the scenes, so how could Yu Changsheng not feel grateful?

"You have a talent for alchemy, which is a good thing." Yang Tianyi smiled and mused for a moment. "After a while longer, once you’ve become more proficient, you can start trying to refine some High-Grade Third Tier elixirs."

"With your talent for alchemy, becoming a Tier Four Alchemist is only a matter of time. However, refining a Fourth-Grade Elixir isn’t just a leap in Alchemy Skill; each attempt is also an immense drain on an alchemist’s essence, energy, and spirit. Without the support of a Golden Core cultivation base, it’s very difficult to succeed."

"Therefore, remember not to fall behind in your cultivation."

"Changsheng understands. I have been cultivating consistently," Yu Changsheng nodded.

"Mm. I can see your cultivation speed is not slow. When you feel the time is right, you should try to break through to the Golden Core realm. If you need any elixirs, just let me know."