Evidently, Zhou Yuan wanted these Beast Spirit Crystals to nourish the Heavenly Yuan Brush.
“All grade 1 Beast Spirit Crystals.” With a glance, Zhou Yuan saw that these Beast Spirit Crystals came from grade 1 Genesis Beasts. This was rather appropriate. It was likely that given the current state of the Heavenly Yuan Brush, it would not be able to deal with too highly ranked Beast Spirit Crystals.
Zhou Yuan retrieved the Heavenly Yuan Brush at his waist and stroked it with his hand. The mottled body of the brush felt rather rough while the hairs at its tip appeared slightly dull. The mysterious and ancient runes were the only evidence that this Heavenly Yuan Brush was once extraordinary.
Zhou Yuan fetched a small metal hammer and used it to strike one of the Beast Spirit Crystals, creating a small hole. Subsequently, he placed the head of the Heavenly Yuan Brush into the hole.
The Heavenly Yuan Brush vibrated the moment it touched the beast spirit within the Beast Spirit Crystal. Subsequently, the hairs at the tip of the brush reached out and swept up the beast spirit. With a sucking sound, the beast spirit disappeared into the Heavenly Yuan Brush.
As the beast spirit disappeared, a faint glow emerged from the Heavenly Yuan Brush. The first ancient rune on its body seemed to have become a little brighter.
“It is indeed effective.”
Zhou Yuan was pleased. Using the same method, he broke each Beast Spirit Crystal before using the Heavenly Yuan Brush to suck out the beast spirit inside.
One by one, the beast spirits were absorbed by the Heavenly Yuan Brush and its glow grew
increasingly bright. In addition, the first ancient rune also began to give off a faint radiance.
However, the Heavenly Yuan Brush suddenly stopped after it absorbed the eighth beast spirit. It no longer emitted a suction force no matter how Zhou Yuan fiddled with it, while its light also gradually receded.
“It’s… full?” Zhou Yuan was stunned. He finally understood and let out a laugh due to annoyance. This blasted Heavenly Yuan Brush. He had allowed it to absorb beast spirits to regain its spirituality and yet it wilfully decided against overeating?!
However, the Heavenly Yuan Brush was stubborn and refused to eat after it was full. There was nothing Zhou Yuan could do. He did not know whether to laugh or to cry as he kept the brush and prepared to continue nourishing it the next day.
If this was the situation, some time would be needed to light up the first rune.
However, Zhou Yuan was not too anxious. After placing the Heavenly Yuan Brush back on his hip, he walked out of the room. He planned to visit the Great Zhou Institute today. Although he believed that Su Youwei would not be enticed to Qi Yue’s side, Zhou Yuan needed to to be vigilant so as to ensure that Qi Yue would not secretly cause trouble for her.
…
The Great Zhou Institute.
Zhou Yuan did not see Su Youwei after a stroll around the campus. Only after asking did he find out that she was working in the library.
The library of the Great Zhou Institute used to be considerably deserted. However, ever since Su Youwei started to work part-time there, it had become one of the popular spots in the institute. People would slip over from time to time and feign borrowing books with the hopes of getting closer to Su Youwei.
Zhou Yuan did not see Su Youwei at the front desk when he walked into the library. Hence, he took a trip around the place and paused before a large bookshelf.
A slim girl was standing on a tall stool, tidying the bookshelf as she very carefully wiped away the dust.
At this moment, a ray of sunlight shot in from outside the window. Dust danced within the light, while the girl’s pretty face seemed to sparkle. Her long lashes gently fluttered as her small raised mouth softy hummed a little tune, a scene filled with youthful vigour.
*Cough*.
Zhou Yuan’s soft cough heartlessly broke the beautiful scene.
Su Youwei seemed come back to reality as she hastily lowered her head. Joy immediately surged onto her pretty face when she saw Zhou Yuan.
Zhou Yuan walked under the tall stool and lifted his head, only to be stunned. It was because the bottom half of the uniform Su Youwei wore was a skirt, resulting in two long and slender white legs being imprinted in his eyes. They were as glossy as jade and made one have the urge to cop a feel.
“Your highness!”
Su Youwei immediately blushed when she felt Zhou Yuan’s gaze and cried out in an embarrassed and angry manner. The thick book in her hand was jolted, causing a layer of dust to fall and obstruct Zhou Yuan’s gaze.
“Waa, I’m blind.” Zhou Yuan hurriedly took advantage of this turn of events to cover his eyes.
Su Youwei gracefully hopped off the tall stool and placed the book back on the bookshelf. Her face was red as she rolled her eyes at the acting Zhou Yuan and spit out, “Low-class.”
Zhou Yuan opened his eyes and helplessly replied, “It was an accident.”
Su Youwei softly snorted. “Why has the care-free and unambitious prince come here?”
“Heh heh, if I did not come, I’m afraid that my little Weiwei would be kidnapped by someone.” Zhou Yuan chuckled.
“Eeih, so sickening! Don’t address me in such a way!”
Su Youwei’s pretty face was red as she resentfully glared at Zhou Yuan. Her little mouth stuck out slightly as she said in a somewhat distressed manner, “You also know of this huh? That Qi Yue has approached me quite a few times. So annoying.”
“He request that you enter the B class after the newcomer exam?” Zhou Yuan’s eyes narrowed. This Qi Yue was indeed determined, to think that he would dare to dig at the corners of Zhou Yuan’s wall!
Su Youwei nodded. She did not thoroughly understand the struggle for the position of headmaster, but she knew that Zhou Yuan and Qi Yue did not get along. Hence, she made excuses whenever Qi Yue tried to win her over to his side.
“What did he offer?”
Su Youwei rolled her eyes at Zhou Yuan again. His words were unpleasant to the ear, but she knew that that was not what he meant. Hence, she replied, “Let’s not mention the wealth and power he guaranteed, he even promised to give me a tier 3 Genesis Qi technique after I reach the Qi Nourishing stage.”
“So generous huh.” Zhou Yuan was somewhat amazed. A tier 3 Genesis Qi technique. The highest tier Genesis Qi technique in their royal treasury was only tier 4.
“However, I still rejected his offer.” Water glimmered in Su Youwei’s eyes as she continued in a low voice, “He was not too happy and asked what you gave me.”
“I told him that his highness did not give me anything. He merely helped me kick open a door.”
Her voice became softer and softer towards the end, but it still made Zhou Yuan chuckle bitterly. It had been pure chance that he had passed by and seen a little girl braving the torrential rain as she kneeled and begged before a clinic. He had only kicked open the tightly shut doors of the clinic due to a sudden surge of anger at this injustice.
How could he know that his unintentional actions from back then would be deeply carved by Su Youwei onto her heart.
Zhou Yuan said, “That fellow Qi Yue probably almost died from anger.”
“Well that has nothing to do with me.” Su Youwei covered her mouth as she softly chuckled.
Zhou Yuan nodded but secretly thought to himself that he should also prepare a decent technique for Su Youwei after she reached the Qi Nourishing stage. Else her talent would really be wasted.
“How has your channel opening been going recently?” Asked Zhou Yuan.
Su Youwei casually replied, “Not bad, unblocking the fourth meridian channel before the newcomer exam should not be difficult.”
Zhou Yuan clicked his tongue in praise. Su Youwei’s talent was indeed outstanding. If she was under the same conditions as himself; drinking Nine Beast Soup and eating Mysterious Crystal Rice daily, it was likely that even Qi Yue would not be able to compare to her.
However, Zhou Yuan did not dare to mention
giving Nine Beast Soup and Mysterious Crystal Rice to Su Youwei. This lass was not only very sharp but also extremely stubborn. She definitely would not accept such help from Zhou Yuan.
Zhou Yuan looked towards Su Youwei and said, “Headmaster Chu told me earlier that I must make sure that you enter the A class.”
Su Youwei thought for a moment before she smiled and said, “You can tell him that I will enter the A class if you are also allowed to enter.”
Although she had spoken in an off-handed manner, there was some worry in her eyes. The requirement for entering the A class was placing top ten in the newcomer exam, and Zhou Yuan had not even unblocked a single meridian channel. It was obviously an uphill task for him to achieve such results with just his elementary level Genesis Runes.
According to what she knew, headmaster Chu was a person that felt strongly about the rules. If Zhou Yuan was unable to take any of the top ten spots, headmaster Chu might not give the former face even if he was the prince.
How could Zhou Yuan not know her thoughts. He was a little touched as he looked at her and smiled, “Don’t worry about me. I will surely enter the A class.”
When Su Youwei saw how serious Zhou Yuan was, there was really nothing much to say. She could only nod her head.
The two happily chatted as they walked out away from the bookshelf. Just as they reached a turn, a figure suddenly appeared before them.
It was a rather tall young man who was also rather handsome. His expression changed a little when he saw Zhou Yuan and Su Youwei walk out together, but he quickly revealed a polite smile, “Your highness.”
Subsequently, his gaze turned towards Su Youwei as his eyes became much gentler. “Youwei, are you finished with your work? Are you free today? May I ask you out for a meal?”
Zhou Yuan’s eyes slightly narrowed as he watched this handsome young man. He had recognized the latter.
Lin Feng, another influential figure amongst the new batch of students. He was rumoured to be the most promising individual in the newcomer exam.
But according to what Zhou Yuan knew, this fellow had already been pulled over to Qi Yue’s side.
Chapter 17 Lin Feng
While Zhou Yuan’s eyes narrowed slightly, Su Youwei also eyed the confident and relaxed young man before them. Her long and shapely eyebrows slightly knitted together before she displayed a smile and said, “So it is young master Lin. However, I’m afraid that I do not have time today.”
Lin Feng was not the least bit dejected by So Youwei’s gentle rejection. Instead, he grinned as he nodded. “Since that is so, maybe next time.”
He did not stubbornly insist but instead appeared rather polite.
However, it was this very attitude that made So Youwei helplessly sigh in her heart. Such individuals were the most difficult to deal with.
Zhou Yuan did not say anything and merely smiled faintly at Lin Feng before walking away with Su Youwei.
Lin Feng watched the two departing figures as his kind face turned somewhat darker.
“Hehe, looks like you do not have much of a chance.” A soft chuckle was suddenly heard from behind. Lin Feng turned his head only to find Qi Yue wearing white clothes.
“Little prince.” Lin Feng controlled his expression and bowed slightly.
Qi Yue seemed to smile as he stood beside Lin Feng and he looked in the direction that Zhou Yuan and Su Youwei had left in. “Although our prince is unable to start channel opening cultivation, he still has his status. Moreover, Su Youwei owes a debt of gratitude towards him. I’m afraid that you don’t really have much of a chance.”
Lin Feng’s eyes were somewhat dark while his lips were tightly pursed. It was clear that he was extremely unresigned.
“You’ve really fallen for Su Youwei?” Qi Yue could not help but smile and ask when he saw Lin Feng’s appearance.
“Su Youwei might be a mere commoner but she has qualifications to change everything. She will surely separate herself from the ordinary and become the focus of everyone’s attention in future.” Lin Feng explained.
Qi Yue nodded and sighed. “That is true. It is only a matter of time given her talent. Prince Zhou Yuan is really lucky, to think that any random person he picked up would become a genius.”
Lin Feng’s expression grew increasingly passionate as he slowly said, “Even more so why I will not give up.”
Qi Yue grinned a little. “Honestly speaking, you are not weaker than his highness. The only thing he has over you is his status as prince. Without it, he will not even have the qualifications of receiving a second glance from you.”
Lin Feng did not reply, but a sliver of pride appeared in his eyes. From his point of view, if Zhou Yuan was not the prince of Great Zhou, someone like him who was unable to open his meridian channels truly would not even enter Lin Feng’s eyes.
“I do hope that you will be able to obtain Su Youwei. If that happens, there will be one less huge inconvenience for me.” Qi Yue chuckled as he continued, “I went looking for her previously and made many offers, but was still unable to convince her to enter the B class after the newcomer exam. From the looks of it, she is really committed to his highness Zhou Yuan.”
Lin Feng’s expression became a little uglier.
“However, I do have an idea.” Qi Yue paused for moment. “There is still one more month till the newcomer exam and Zhou Yuan is also participating. If he fails miserably, it will be a rather substantial blow to someone of his status.”
Lin Feng’s eyes flickered. Cultivation was mainstream in Great Zhou and it was a nation established on martial prowess. Even if Zhou Yuan was prince, if he did not produce any results, people would surely start talking. At that time, Su Youwei should be able to clearly see that a crippled prince could not be relied upon.
“What are little prince’s intentions?”
Qi Yue faintly smiled as he said, “I will pull some strings during the exam and ensure that Zhou Yuan bumps into you. When that happens, you should know what to do to dim his princely halo.”
Lin Feng was somewhat hesitant after hearing this. “But he is after all the prince, if we go too far…”
“In a match, fists and legs have no eyes. No one will say anything.” Qi Yue shook he head before continuing, “Since your Lin clan is already standing on the side of my Qi Manor, we will protect you even if something happens.”
Lin Feng’s eyes flickered. A short while later, he fiercely gritted his teeth and replied in a low voice, “Alright, I understand. If I meet him in the newcomer exam, I will make sure that his highness will lose in the most humiliating fashion.”
A venomous look flashed across his eyes as he lifted his head and looked at Zhou Yuan’s departing figure. Since a crippled prince wanted to snatch away his woman, he could only make sure that this prince suffered when the time came.
Qi Yue laughed softly. If Zhou Yuan was beaten into the mud, Qi Yue would go look for Su Youwei again. This girl should be able to tell who was the stronger one. As long as she cast her lot in with the B class, there would no longer be anyone who could threaten him in the class ranking exam and the Great Zhou Institute would fall into the hands of Qi Manor.
Henceforth, the students that graduated from the Great Zhou Institute would be branded by Qi Manor. When that happened, it would be time for the ruler of the Great Zhou Empire to change.
…
“I’m afraid that Lin Feng is already working together with Qi Yue.” Zhou Yuan conversed with Su Youwei as they walked along the corridors of the institute. “This might even be Qi Yue’s scheme. Since he is unable to openly draw you to his side, he decided to use a handsome man to entice you.”
Su Youwei unhappily shook her head upon hearing this. “Don’t worry your highness, this tactic is useless against me.”
She paused for a moment before asking in a somewhat worried manner, “However your highness needs to be more careful. Most of the talented individuals amongst the new batch of students have been pulled over by Qi Yue to his si
de. I worry that they will hinder you during the newcomer exam.”
Given Zhou Yuan’s strength, it was already very challenging to take one of the top ten spots in the newcomer exam. If others were to hinder him, it would become even harder.
Zhou Yuan grinned and said, “Don’t worry, I have my own plans.”
He gently spat out a breath of air before slowly speaking again, “Qi Manor’s foundations are truly solid.”
Qi Yue’s offers were difficult to reject. Such wealth was no less than the royal clan. Looks like father was right, the Great Wu was likely backing the Qi Manor.
At this point, a cold light flashed across Zhou Yuan’s eyes. Qi Manor was truly a tumor of the Great Zhou.
To think that they now even planned to dip their fingers into the pie that was the Great Zhou Institute. Moreover, it was easy to imagine how great a blow it would be if the institute fell into Qi Manor’s control. Thus… Zhou Yuan absolutely could not let them succeed.
Of course, the most important thing now was to quickly open his meridian channels to face the upcoming newcomer exam.
…
In the following few days, Zhou Yuan stayed in the royal palace. He diligently practiced the ninety eight forms of the frolicking dragon in the early morning and did four waves of attacks on his meridian channels. At night, he practiced the ‘Primal Chaos Divine Grindstone Visualisation Method’ to train his spirit.
Zhou Yuan’s improvement over these few days was not small. The first meridian channel in his body grew increasingly loose and opening it completely was in sight. Moreover, his spirit had also stabilized at the initial Illusory stage.
This progress made Zhou Yuan very excited and put in even more effort into his training.
Another day.
Ding!
The small hammer in Zhou Yuan’s hand struck and broke open a hole in a Beast Spirit Crystal. He placed the Heavenly Yuan Brush inside and the beast spirit within the crystal was absorb with a sweep of its hairs.
Buzz!
Just as Zhou Yuan was preparing to break open a hole in the next Beast Spirit Crystal, a faint buzzing noise was suddenly emitted from the Heavenly Yuan Brush. At the same time, a strange light slowly emerged from the brush body.
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 15
