Chapter 678 - 366: Qin Yun Gifts a Treasure, Morning Star Residue

"Don’t be fooled by him. What if he’s dead set on setting a massive trap for you?" Chu Ran warned.

Su Chen shot him a surprised look. "You even know about that?"

Afraid of a misunderstanding, Chu Ran hurriedly explained, "It’s not that I’m being too cynical. It’s just that Qin Yun’s behavior is completely contradictory to how he acted before. Claiming he suddenly repented on his deathbed is a bit too hard to swallow."

Su Chen shook his head. "We are in Copper Heart. Besides, with so many people around and Venerable Chu Lingyuan keeping an eye on things, nothing will happen."

Chu Ran muttered under his breath, but before he could say anything more, Su Chen asked in surprise, "Why is there such a massive crowd gathered at the port?"

"Because of you, obviously," Chu Ran said with a grin. "The Qin family spread the word that you accepted Qin Yun’s invitation. These people are highly suspicious and aren’t sure if it’s true."

"What does it matter if it’s true or not?" Su Chen was still a bit puzzled.

Chu Ran’s eyes widened. "Old Su, you’re severely underestimating your current influence. You’re the top Star Seed now! A twenty-three- or twenty-four-year-old top Star Seed! Barring any accidents, a seat as an Ancient King is practically guaranteed to be yours. Shen Yi’an can’t even hold a candle to you.

"Furthermore, you and Qin Yun have bad blood. If you didn’t accept the invitation, who would dare to show up?

"Old Wei and Shen Yi’an weren’t planning to come either. It was only after hearing that you were attending that they agreed to come along to watch the show."

So that was it. Su Chen suddenly realized that because this Peak Star Conference had ended so abruptly, he hadn’t fully grasped the true impact of his new status.

HUM. The Flying Device docked at the port. The moment he stepped out, countless gazes converged on him, carrying faint traces of amazement, shock, and confusion.

But a split second later, the stares morphed into a wave of enthusiastic greetings.

"Star Seed Su Chen..."

"Your Excellency..."

"Martial Granduncle..."

"Little Martial Uncle..."

Surrounded by the bustling crowd, Su Chen made his way to the Qin family estate.

Qin Lie had been waiting there for a long time. He looked rather apprehensive, only letting out a long sigh of relief when he saw Su Chen arriving amidst the throng of people.

Outside his door, the scene was incredibly lively. Even some uninvited guests had shown up, faintly recalling the glory of the Qin family’s prime.

Unfortunately, those people were all there for Su Chen, not the Qin family. The moment they saw him, they swarmed him en masse. However, Qin Lie didn’t show any signs of anger on his face. On the contrary, he felt quite fortunate; if Su Chen hadn’t come, they would have been in real trouble.

Meanwhile, inside the Qin family estate.

"Do we really have to give this to him?" Qin Yun was wrapped in a thin fur coat, his words carrying a faint hint of reluctance. Beneath his coat, arms as thin as bamboo sticks cradled a Black Gold Box. Inside rested an irregularly shaped object that faintly glowed with red light, resembling a piece of charcoal. "I’ve had this item for years, but I could never find the proper way to refine it."

The voice of the Residual Spirit echoed in his ears. "My remaining Origin has been discarded, and your body is completely hollowed out. I didn’t extract much Origin. Venerable Chu Lingyuan will undoubtedly be keeping a close watch on this banquet of yours. I can only attach myself to an object and wait to strike when no one is around.

"With his current standards, he wouldn’t even bat an eye at ordinary items. This is the only thing you have that works.

"Don’t worry. Once I seize Su Chen’s body, this item will naturally be returned to you."

As the voice spoke, an imperceptible wisp of purple flame suddenly merged into the charcoal-like object.

Qin Yun gave a barely noticeable shake of his head and closed the box.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.

Qin Lie’s voice came from the other side. "Father, the guests have all arrived, and Su Chen is here as well..."

His words carried a hint of urgency, as if urging Qin Yun to come out and greet them as quickly as possible.

"The tea cools when the guest leaves, but I haven’t even died yet," Qin Yun murmured, his eyes turning slightly cold. Before Su Chen agreed to attend, every single invitation the Qin family had sent out had been met with dead silence.

It was only after Su Chen accepted his invitation that those people finally agreed to come, all while praising Su Chen for his magnanimity.

When had he ever suffered such a cold shoulder?

Seemingly sensing Qin Yun’s dissatisfaction, the Residual Spirit’s voice drifted over. "The higher his status is now, the more advantageous it will be for us later."

"True..." Hearing this, Qin Yun’s expression softened. He adjusted his clothes. The black chains binding him, which seemed to merge with the ground, slowly dragged along as he moved.

Meanwhile, in the banquet hall.

The banquet hall was already quite lively. Less than ten tables had been set up in total, and Qin Yun hadn’t invited anyone at the Hall Master level.

However, the crowd had all gathered around one particular table, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

"Su Xingzhong, this must be your first public appearance since taking the top spot... Let me offer you a toast..."

"I watched the battle footage. The strength of that King’s Shadow was likely catching up to mine, yet Little Martial Uncle shattered it in just two moves. Your strength is truly unfathomable. You probably aren’t far off from my level."

The one speaking was Vice Hall Master Mr. Zhang of the Artifact Hall. This was by no means sheer flattery; setting status aside, Su Chen’s current strength alone was nothing to scoff at.

...

Shen Yi’an and Wei Zhenghong sat on either side of Su Chen, while Qin Lie stood off to the side like a lowly lackey.

Although it was Qin Yun’s banquet, it felt entirely like Su Chen’s show.

Suddenly, the incredibly grating CLANK CLANK of chains echoed out. Even amidst the clinking of glasses and cheerful chatter, the sound was piercingly clear.

The lively atmosphere instantly stagnated. The crowd’s gazes shifted, all turning toward the entrance of the hall. Looking like an emaciated ghoul, Qin Yun stood there, dragging the black chains behind him.

Even knowing that Qin Yun’s days were numbered and his power had waned, a shudder still rippled through everyone’s hearts.

"Everyone, return to your seats," Su Chen said mildly.

Only then did the others snap out of their daze. They filed back to their respective seats, their eyes filled with curiosity. They wondered what this declining Venerable was planning.

"It is an honor for me, Qin Yun, and an honor for the Qin family that everyone could grace us with your presence." Qin Yun’s opening sentence brought complicated expressions to the faces of many present.

He truly was past his prime; to think that Qin Yun would ever utter such humbling words.

"Especially you, Junior Brother Su Chen." Qin Yun’s deep, dark gaze landed on Su Chen.

Su Chen hadn’t sat down yet. His voice remained calm. "You’re too polite. Since Senior Brother invited me, how could I not come?"

Hearing this, Qin Yun let out a deep sigh and smiled bitterly. "Your magnanimity truly puts me to shame, Junior Brother. In the past, I walked down the wrong path and offended you on numerous occasions."

Su Chen was still inwardly wondering how exactly the Residual Spirit would make its move, but on the surface, he replied, "It was all just a misunderstanding... No—"

Before he could finish, Qin Yun interrupted him. "No, it wasn’t a misunderstanding. I, Qin Yun, still have the backbone to admit my faults.

"Wrong is wrong. It’s just that..." He dragged his chains, stepping forward one pace at a time, his voice slow and deep.

Each step felt like a drumbeat pounding against their hearts. Cold sweat was already beading on the foreheads of the other guests.

Wei Zhenghong subconsciously clenched his fists, while Shen Yi’an held his breath in absolute concentration, looking a bit on edge. The imposing presence Qin Yun had cultivated over the years was no joke.

But even when Qin Yun finally stopped right in front of him, Su Chen remained perfectly serene.

Even Qin Yun couldn’t help but marvel at Su Chen’s composure in this moment.

It was a pity. If only this boy were Tianlin.

"...It’s just that..." Qin Yun finally continued, "many members of the Qin family are innocent. I have already dealt with those who corrupted the Sect’s rules and tarnished its reputation.

"I only hope that you can look after the Qin family in the future, Junior Brother."

Qin Yun had indeed purged a group of people; Su Chen had heard rumors about it.

Wei Zhenghong held up his teacup, a cold sneer playing at the corners of his mouth. What kind of stunt was Qin Yun pulling? Under the watchful eyes of everyone present, was he trying to corner Su Chen into a position where he had no choice but to agree?

"In addition..." Qin Yun spoke up before Su Chen could respond. "I have a meager gift to offer as a token of my sincerity."

A meager gift?

Su Chen was quite surprised. He watched as Qin Yun raised his hands, impressively presenting the Black Gold Box. He slowly opened it in front of the crowd, revealing an object that looked like a piece of charcoal wreathed in sparks.

"What is this..." Su Chen took a glance but didn’t recognize it.

"Could this be... Morning Star Residue?" someone nearby gasped in a low voice.

"Hall Master Zhang certainly has a good eye," Qin Yun nodded slightly. "This is indeed Morning Star Residue. When a Morning Star dies, they turn into Flame Fire, but there is also a certain chance they will form into residue. It condenses the essence of a Morning Star, allowing one to extract the profession they held in life."

Extract a profession? Su Chen’s heart skipped a beat, amazed that such a thing actually existed.