Chapter 248 : Fusion
Chapter 248: Fusion
“Could there really be such a treasure in this world, one that allows a martial artist to temporarily possess the strength of a First Grade Peak Expert?”
Chen Ming leaned forward slightly, showing keen interest, though his words carried skepticism.
Tang Yaoyang’s tone was tinged with emotion. “The vast world holds countless wonders. When I first heard Master mention this matter, I felt just as the Sect Master does now, unable to believe such a treasure could exist.
“My Master said that before the former Sect Master had fully reached mastery, he once used this treasure. With only Third Grade cultivation, he slew a First Grade Expert. Although all the witnesses of that battle have long since passed away, the tale has been passed down. Many aristocratic families and sects have records of this event. Over the years, I have sought out friends to investigate, and this matter is indeed absolutely true.”
Chen Ming still found it hard to believe. “If such a treasure exists, why did the former Sect Master not pass it down to his own grandson?”
“That Jin Yu had mediocre talent, unable to break through to Third Grade. His temperament was extreme. Handing such a treasure to him would only have harmed him. What’s more—”
Tang Yaoyang once more glanced at the “Taiyue Sword,” and a faint heat flashed unconsciously in his eyes. “Without recognition from the Taiyue Sword, that treasure trove cannot even be opened.”
Chen Ming’s breathing grew slightly hurried. With a trace of urgency, he asked, “Then where exactly is this treasure hidden?”
Seeing his eagerness, Tang Yaoyang thought to himself that she had finally taken the bait. He said, “I only ask that Sect Master agree to one request of mine.”
Chen Ming’s gaze turned cold. “You dare threaten me?”
“I would not dare. I merely seek to protect myself.”
“In that case, begone.”
“Ah?”
“Get out!”
With a wave of Chen Ming’s sleeve, the doors boomed open.
Tang Yaoyang was swept up in a powerful gust of true qi and flung outside, landing in the open courtyard. He stood stunned for a moment, unable to believe that this woman could turn her face so quickly.
How could this be?
She had clearly been moved just now.
Damn it!
At that moment, several sharp whistles split the air—guards had heard the commotion and were rushing over. Tang Yaoyang dared not linger. He concealed his presence and slipped away in silence.
…
“Sect Master, there was some commotion here just now. This subordinate came to investigate.”
A guard’s report came from outside.
Chen Ming said faintly, “Nothing. I was cultivating. Disperse.”
“Yes.”
The people outside soon left.
He stroked the “Taiyue Sword,” a faint smile tugging at his lips. Tang Yaoyang had come to inform against others, clearly with his own agenda.
He did not care about the man’s true motive, only taking the chance to glean some information.
The part about Sun Chuxian was likely true. Now that he knew these people used colorless, tasteless poisons and even curse techniques, he could prepare in advance.
As for that so-called treasure which could grant First Grade Peak strength—whether it existed or not—he cared little.
If he obtained it, good. If not, it mattered little. There was no need to risk everything for it.
With his golden finger, it would not be long before he broke through to First Grade on his own.
First Grade Peak held no appeal for him.
“Let’s continue.”
Chen Ming pushed aside stray thoughts, sat cross-legged on the ground, and resumed studying the 《Mysterious Earth True Art》.
This cultivation art belonged to the same lineage as the other three chapters. With the Fire, Water, and Wood sections as foundation, comprehension came naturally.
“So that’s it!”
After an unknown time, Chen Ming’s mind cleared with sudden enlightenment. A prompt appeared before his eyes.
【Detected that the 《Xuanwu Divine Art》 can be fused into the 《Five Elements True Art (Incomplete)》. Proceed with fusion?】
It had finally worked.
“Yes!”
【Fusion of arts in progress. Estimated time: twenty-four hours. During this period, refrain from using true qi. Find a place to sit quietly and do not move.】
Chen Ming summoned attendants and instructed, “I will be cultivating. No matter what happens, no one is to disturb me. Whoever disobeys—executed!”
He then shut the door, barred it, and sat awaiting the fusion.
…
“Why can’t I go see Sister Yuan?”
At the Jiang Family’s secondary residence, inside the study, Jiang Yingsnow angrily questioned Jiang Jinan. Ever since Chen Ming had become the Sect Master of Jin Yutang, she had tried several times to see him, but this great-uncle always stopped her.
Jiang Jinan spoke sternly, “Her status is no longer the same. A sect master cannot be met simply because you wish it. If she wants to see you, she will come herself. This matter is not up for discussion. Granny Fang, please keep an eye on her.”
The old woman behind Jiang Yingsnow bowed in assent.
This Granny Fang had just come from the Jiang household. She originally served by her grandmother’s side. After the recent incident, she had been specifically assigned to protect her.
Jiang Yingsnow was so furious her nose nearly bent crooked.
“Enough, leave now. I have matters to attend to.” Jiang Jinan dismissed her.
Thus, Jiang Yingsnow was pulled out of the study by Granny Fang.
Once outside, fury still burned in her, but worry flickered in her eyes as well.
She had grown up seeing the schemes and clashes between great powers, so she knew well how dangerous it all was.
Her great-uncle’s refusal to let her go to Jin Yutang must have been out of fear she would be in danger there.
Had Jin Yutang’s situation already become so dire?
No, she had to find some way to learn Brother Chen’s condition.
Thinking of this, Jiang Yingsnow immediately summoned servants. “Prepare the carriage.”
When the carriage was ready, she brought along a maid and the ever-watchful Granny Fang. “To the Sea-Calming King’s residence.”
If she could not go to Jin Yutang, she could ask someone else. That Princess Mingyu was a warm-hearted person—she could ask her for help.
…
At the Sea-Calming King’s secondary residence, Princess Mingyu had not hurried back to Qingfeng City after her last delay, but remained in Jiangzhou City.
When Jiang Yingsnow arrived, she happened to catch Princess Mingyu just as she was about to go out. Dressed in men’s attire, the princess looked suave and handsome. “So it’s Jiang Sister. Why didn’t you send word ahead? I could have prepared to receive you.”
“Elder Sister Mingyu, I came to ask a favor.”
“Oh?” Seeing her pitiful look, Princess Mingyu dismissed her attendants until only the two of them remained. “What is it?”
“It’s about Sister Yuan.”
Jiang Yingsnow’s face clouded with worry. “Ever since she came out of that Secret Realm, she was pushed into becoming Sect Master of Jin Yutang. Days have passed, but I’ve heard nothing from her. I’m truly worried. I don’t know how she is now. Yet Uncle won’t let me go to her, so I can only beg you.”
Princess Mingyu’s expression grew serious. “I’ve also heard some of Jin Yutang’s troubles. For Miss Purple Shadow to become Sect Master… I fear it wasn’t by choice. But as for me—being royal, associating with sects is politically sensitive. If I go to see her, it may cause trouble.”
“Please, Elder Sister Mingyu. I have no one else to turn to.” Jiang Yingsnow was about to kneel.
Princess Mingyu quickly helped her up, pained. “No need, Jiang Sister. Very well, I’ll go for your sake. At worst, I’ll just get scolded a little.”
Jiang Yingsnow was overjoyed. “Thank you, Elder Sister Mingyu.”
Princess Mingyu was decisive. She summoned her attendant. “Tell them I won’t make it to my appointment. I have other matters.”
Clearly, she had arranged a meeting, but chose to cancel for Jiang Yingsnow’s sake—this made the latter all the more grateful.
…
Jiang Yingsnow watched Princess Mingyu’s carriage head toward Jin Yutang, her heart uneasy. She could only return home to await news.
On the way, Granny Fang suddenly rasped, “Ninth Young Lady, you shouldn’t get too close to that princess.”
“Why?”
Jiang Yingsnow was confused. In the Jiang family, there was no rule against befriending royalty.
Granny Fang said lowly, “Her gaze is not right.”
“?”
Jiang Yingsnow was puzzled. “Her gaze? What kind of reason is that?”
“The way she looks at you—it’s the same as your cousin looks at you.”
“Ah?”
Jiang Yingsnow froze, then realization struck. Her body prickled with goosebumps. She stammered, “T-that can’t be… right?”
Her cousin was her aunt’s youngest son, from the Qin family. Since learning she was in Jiangzhou, he came pestering her daily with unwanted attentions. She knew all too well his intentions.
To suggest Princess Mingyu looked at her the same way—
The thought alone made her stomach turn. She remembered how the princess had even touched her hand just now. Tears welled in grievance—how could she let another take advantage of her? How could she face Brother Chen?
No, perhaps Granny Fang was mistaken?
She whispered, “Granny, you can’t say such things recklessly. A look doesn’t prove anything.”
Granny Fang gave her a look and said no more. It was indeed improper to slander a princess. As long as the Ninth Young Lady kept it in mind, that was enough.
…
At Jin Yutang, Sun Chuxian personally came out to greet Princess Mingyu. “I did not know Your Highness would honor us. Forgive my failure to welcome you from afar.”
Princess Mingyu, in men’s attire, looked dashing and noble. She smiled. “I am an old acquaintance of your Sect Master. No need for formalities.”
“So that’s it. Please, come in, Your Highness.”
Sun Chuxian understood. He had already investigated Yuan Ziyi’s background and knew she had ties with Princess Mingyu. Still, he hadn’t expected the princess herself would come.
Royal decree forbade members of the imperial clan stationed in the provinces from associating with local sects and families, to prevent them from forming dangerous alliances.
Though she was a princess, the restrictions were lighter, but still sensitive.
Clearly, her friendship with the Sect Master was deep.
They treated her as an honored guest.
Yet Sun Chuxian wore a troubled look. “Your Highness arrives at a bad time. The Sect Master is at a critical stage of cultivation. She has decreed that under no circumstances is she to be disturbed. What do you think…?”
Princess Mingyu arched a brow. “So that’s the case. It seems today’s trip is wasted.”
Wiping cold sweat, Sun Chuxian said, “Perhaps I could send word and see her response?”
“Very well.”
Soon, the messenger returned. “The Sect Master said she cannot meet today. She will call upon Your Highness tomorrow to apologize in person. She asks Your Highness’ forgiveness for the discourtesy.”
Princess Mingyu was not offended. She even smiled. “Of course, cultivation takes precedence. I am not so unreasonable. Then tomorrow, I shall await her visit.”
She then departed.
…
After she left, the Second Elder looked uneasy. “I never imagined she had such ties with Princess Mingyu. Could this affect our plans?”
This princess was of exalted birth, much favored in court. She was even accompanied by a Divine Repository Realm protector.
If she truly meddled, things would grow troublesome.
“No matter.”
Sun Chuxian remained calm. “She is of the royal clan. No matter how willful, she wouldn’t dare interfere in local affairs. With Pan Zhiyuan watching, there’s nothing to worry about. More pressing is why the Sect Master suddenly shut herself away. Could it be connected to last night’s incident?”
The Second Elder frowned. “It is suspicious.”
Sun Chuxian’s gaze darkened. “Since last night, I’ve felt uneasy. This Sect Master of ours is of unknown origin. She’s never truly put me at ease.”
“You mean…?”
“Tomorrow, when she goes to the Sea-Calming King’s residence—cripple her cultivation yourself.”
“Good. Leave it to me.” The Second Elder licked his lips eagerly.
Sun Chuxian warned, “Be cautious. Her strength is not low. Don’t stumble in the gutter.”
“Haha! If I can’t handle a mere Second Grade girl, then all my decades of cultivation have been for nothing!”