After all, Wei Canglan would not dare to do such a thing if the royal clan was as powerful as it had been back in the day.
As for Wei Bin’s misfortune, it was a similar situation to his own. The only difference was that the Dragon’s Resentment Poison was many many times worse than the Devil Miasma Poison.
Therefore, great general Wei could be said to be a neutral faction. He neither acknowledged Qi Manor nor receive commands from the royal clan. No wonder father said that the side Wei Canglan chose to stand on would obtain absolute superiority.
Zhou Qing slowly said, “According to my sources, Qi Yuan’s eldest son, Qi Hao, headed to Canglan County after graduating from the Great Zhou Institute and enlisted himself under great general Wei. It is said that he now has somewhat of a reputation in Canglan County. Qi Yuan clearly plans on getting closer to the great general through his son, making it easier for him to tilt great general Wei to their side.”
Zhou Yuan’s eyes narrowed. If Wei Canglan chose to help Qi Manor, the royal clan would be at risk of being overthrown.
“But you need not worry too much. great general Wei is someone I understand rather well. There is no chance that he would side with Qi Manor to deal with Great Zhou.”
Zhou Yuan slowly replied, “But he will not help the royal clan deal with Qi Manor either.”
Zhou Qing stiffened momentarily before nodding with a bitter smile.
Zhou Yuan let out a soft sigh. Great Zhou was in a really unstable position, crisis looming at every corner. His victory in the Great Zhou Institute had merely been akin to pouring a little water onto the blazing fire that was Qi Manor. If this tumor was not removed, there will never be peace for Great Zhou.
“I called you over because I have something to tell you.” Zhou Qing’s expression turned rather serious.
Zhou Yuan could not help but ask when he saw Zhou Qing’s expression, “What is it?”
Zhou Qing’s gaze turned to the Blackwater region on the map as he slowly said, “I received information some time ago of some ruins that had been discovered in Blackwater.”
“Ruins?” Zhou Yuan was taken aback. Blackwater was an incomparably vast land. The discovery of a few ruins should be rather ordinary.
It was as if a fire had been lit in Zhou Qing’s eyes at this moment as he elaborated in a soft voice, “Someone found an unusual plant in the ruins. Red like fire, its absorbs sunlight to grow and its seeds look like fire crystals.”
“What is it?” Zhou Yuan was baffled.
“If I am not wrong, it is likely the Fire Spirit Grain, a grade 4 Genesis Food!”
“Grade 4 Genesis Food?!” Upon hearing these words, Zhou Yuan’s expression finally changed. One must know that even the Mysterious Crystal Rice owned exclusively by their royal clan was only a grade 2 Genesis Food. Even so, it had been extremely beneficial to his channel opening and had even won over many talents to their side.
It was really difficult to imagine just how much more amazing a grade 4 Genesis Food would be. Only when Great Zhou was at her peak did they possess a similar grade 4 Genesis Food, the Blood Rain-Dragon Barley.
If the royal clan could gain possession of the Fire Spirit Grain, Great Zhou’s strength might even rise to the point where she could once again threaten Great Wu.
A Genesis Food like this was a true strategic resource of utmost important to any empire.
Thus, Zhou Yuan finally understood why Zhou Qing had become so emotional earlier.
Zhou Yuan declared, “This Fire Spirit Grain must land in the hands of the royal clan.”
It was easy to picture how this item would enable Qi Manor’s power to swiftly grow in a few years, surpassing the royal clan.
Zhou Qing nodded and shot a glance at Zhou Yuan as he continued, “Besides the Fire Spirit Grain, it seems that there is also a gem-like tree which bears jade fruits akin to a new born child.”
Zhou Qing stared at Zhou Yuan as he slowly said, “This fruit is called the Jade-Infant Fruit and can be used to supplement one’s lifespan.”
Bang!
Zhou Yuan felt as if his head had exploded. His breathing grew heavier while his eyes turned scarlet red. His mother had lost a substantial amount of her lifespan in order to save him and now had less than ten years to live. This had always been a thorn in his heart, and he had many a times mulled over how to extend his mother’s lifespan.
But mystical items that could prolong one’s life span were just too rare, and even using all of the royal clan’s resources had not beared any fruit. Zhou Yuan would never have imagined such information would reach his ears today.
Zhou Yuan licked his lips, determination filling his eyes as he looked towards Zhou Qing, speaking with a pause between each word, “We must obtain the Jade-Infant Fruit!”
Chapter 56 Wu Huang
“Of course.”
Zhou Qing nodded strongly. If he had not been such a useless father and husband back then, Zhou Yuan would not have been tortured by the Dragon’s Resentment Poison for so many years and Qin Yu would not used so much essence blood to save Zhou Yuan and end up having her lifespan cut.
These were things he had blamed himself for for many years.
Therefore, now that such hard to come by information about a lifespan supplementing treasure had arrived in his hands, he naturally did not plan on giving up so easily.
Zhou Yuan’s pounding heart gradually quietened down and he asked in a low voice, “Father, has this information been verified?”
Zhou Qing replied, “It is true. Someone unintentionally entered this particular ruins and saw the Fire Spirit Grain and Jade-Infant Fruit. However, there seemed to be a powerful Genesis Beast guarding the ruins so he had no choice but to hastily flee.”
“If this news has spread, I’m afraid that Qi Manor will know of it too.” Zhou Yuan frowned. Qi Manor would became a really huge threat if they managed to obtain the Fire Spirit Grain.
That was after all a true strategic resource that was indispensable to any faction.
With such a resource in hand, grooming one’s own forces and recruiting powerful practitioners would become much more effective.
“Yes.” Zhou Qing nodded. His expression grew somewhat solemn as he said, “That is why I plan to send Lu Tieshan.”
Zhou Yuan said, “Father, let me go too.” He had already unblocked six channels and would soon reach the Qi Nourishing stage. Once he stepped into the Qi Nourishing stage, he would be considered a little powerhouse.
In the Great Zhou Empire, Alpha-Origin stage experts stood at the pinnacle. They were followed by Heaven Gate stage experts, while the Qi Nourishing stage made up the core of the elite forces. In the military, those at the Qi Nourishing stage were qualified to take on heavy responsibilities.
Upon seeing Zhou Yuan volunteer himself, Zhou Qing smiled and said, “That is why I called you here. Besides aiding Lu Tieshan, there is another important task that I have for you.”
“What is it?”
Zhou Qing let out a sigh before he said, “On this mission you will have to first head for Canglan County. If possible, I hope that you will be able to think of a way to draw the great general to our side and help us deal with Qi Manor.”
“At the very least, you must ensure that Qi Hao does not pull the general to Qi Manor’s side.”
Zhou Yuan nodded. As the prince, going to Canglan County would show the sincerity of the royal clan.
Zhou Yuan replied, “Don’t worry father, I will do my best.”
Zhou Qing chuckled before reaching into his clothes and fishing out a scarlet red jade scroll on which light seem to flow. “You will soon reach the Qi Nourishing stage and will formally be able to practice a Qi Cultivation Method. This is the Flame-Thunder mantra of our royal clan and will allow you to cultivate the grade 4 Flame-Thunder Qi. Take it and have a good look. If it is suitable, you may practice it.”
“So this is the Flame-Thunder mantra?” Zhou Yuan’s eyes quivered.
In this world, Genesis Qi c
ultivation methods were categorised into nine grades. In other words, there were nine grades of Genesis Qi.
The better the Qi cultivation method, the better the quality the Genesis Qi. Grade 4 Genesis Qi was practically top tier in Great Zhou, and the masses were only able to cultivate grade 1 or grade 2 Genesis Qi.
“Master didn’t have time to impart any Qi cultivation methods to me back then, I wonder if big sis Yaoyao has any.” Zhou Yuan smacked his lips. Given master Cang Yuan’s mysteriousness and unfathomable power, the Qi cultivation methods he knew should far surpass the royal clan’s Flame-Thunder Qi.
Although he had such thoughts in mind, Zhou Yuan still took the Flame-Thunder mantra. If Yaoyao did not have any Qi cultivation methods, he would have no choice but to choose the former.
“Qi Nourishing stage…”
Zhou Yuan tightly grasped the jade scroll as anticipation flooded his eyes. The Channel Opening stage could only be considered creating one’s foundations. Only at the Qi Nourishing stage would one be able to finally take one’s first step onto the path of cultivation.
Only after reaching that level would one be able to truly experience the true wonders of Genesis Qi.
…
Great Wu Empire.
Royal city, Subdue Zhou City.
Years ago, the Wu clan had rebelled against Great Zhou and seized their lands. From the name of Great Wu’s capital, it was obvious that Great Wu intended on completely subduing Great Zhou, ensuring that they would never rise again.
Majestic structures rose one after another in the Great Wu royal palace, extending all the way till the end one one’s sight. Powerful Genesis Qi rippled from the many pagodas, enveloping every corner of the royal palace.
Compared to Great Zhou, Great Wu’s royal palace was undoubtedly much grander, and the latter’s security was likewise far superior. This showed just how powerful Great Wu was.
In a certain inner palace within the royal palace, a youth in yellow robes sat behind a desk. His skin was as fair as jade, while a pair of eyebrows akin to the a sword’s edge decorated his extremely handsome face.
The simple act of sitting there made him exude an aura of nobility, standing high above everyone else like the pride of the heavens.
A faint aura seemed to rise behind him like the roar of a coiling dragon.
A faintly glowing blood red dot seemed to have been embedded between his brows. A sight that was both mysterious and strange.
This youngster was the crown prince of the Great Wu Empire, Wu Huang.
His face was indifferent as he flipped through the scrolls before him. Although he was only a youth, due to his special status in Great Wu, king Wu had allowed him to take part in the national affairs of Great Wu since a young age.
At this moment, someone respectfully walked in, kneeled before the table and respectfully said, “Crown prince, the secretary supervisor has sent some news.”
Wu Huang lifted his eyelids and reached out a hand to receive the bamboo tube. He removed the paper roll inside and slowly opened it as his eyes swept across it.
“Oh?” Wu Huang’s expression suddenly changed. A strange look surfaced on his handsome face as he said in an emotionless voice, “How interesting, it’s about the Zhou clan’s sacred dragon.”
“What a tenacious person. So he managed to survive even after having the Dragon’s Resentment Poison sealed in his body by father?”
The kneeled figure asked in a cold voice, “Your highness, shall we eliminate him?”
Wu Huang let out a soft chuckle. “Our Great Wu Empire is currently busy with the Thousand Beast Empire and the Sword Empire. How can we possibly spare any attention to a practically dead Great Zhou.”
The figure replied in a low voice, “But Zhou Yuan once possess the sacred dragon blessing and was claimed to be the sacred dragon of the Zhou clan.”
The moment these words left his mouth, he saw Wu Huang’s cold eyes sweep over and immediately swallowed the rest of his words.
Wu Huang wore an apathetic look as dragon Qi rose behind him, making him appear incomparably noble. His voice was calm as he said, “You are wrong. Zhou Yuan is not a true sacred dragon. If he was, how would our Wu clan have succeeded?”
“The sacred dragon blessing originally belonged to me and he was merely a tiny mistake. This error has already been corrected and brought back to the proper path. Hence…”
“Zhou Yuan is nothing but a fake dragon who once bore a destiny that did not belong to him, resulting in both he and Great Zhou paying a steep price.”
“On the other hand, I am the true dragon. Therefore, the sacred dragon blessing ultimately returned to me.”
He stared at the figure before him as he slowly continued, “So please do not make this blunder again. It was not I who stole his sacred dragon blessing but he who took what was mine. All I did was take it back.”
“This is called returning to its rightful owner.”
“Understand?”
The figure shivered as he gazed at the slightly smiling Wu Huang and hastily acknowledged in a respectful manner.
Wu Huang threw away the bamboo tube and said in an indifferent voice, “Go check on what this fake dragon is doing. Six channels… Do you know? With such pathetic strength, he does not even have the qualifications to stand before me.”
The figure respectfully responded, “Your highness is the true dragon and Zhou Yuan is only an ant in comparison that is not even worth mentioning.”
Wu Huang picked up the rest of the scrolls and said, “During the subsequent period of time, I have to focus on training so as to prepare for Cangmang Continent’s approaching battle of the saints. It is this battle that is truly important. Do not bother me with matters regarding the crippled dragon in future.”
“Understood!” The figure responded.
Wu Huang stared at the scrolls for a while, before he said, “But since this matter has already come to my attention, I cannot take it as if nothing has happened. Tell them to give the Qi clan more support. If they are able to overthrow the Zhou clan, our Great Wu will have saved some effort. Else it will be somewhat troublesome due to the vow father made back then.”
He smiled at his point. “Let this be a lesson for that crippled dragon. Let him know that he should properly behave himself as a cripple in future.”
His words were simple, but they seemed to have decided the fate of Great Zhou.
He then smiled at the figure and said, “Have a good look. What you see is a true dragon”
A single sentence to determine life or death. A single sentence to decide the destruction of a nation.
Chapter 57 Ancestral Dragon Scripture
Great Zhou royal palace, the fragrance pavillion.
Yaoyao sat with a straight back in front of a crystal mirror while Tuntun lazed on her lap. Her fine black hair was draped over her shoulders, reaching all the way down to her slim waist. The soul wrenchingly beautiful face reflected in the mirror wore a distant and emotionless look.
Behind Yaoyao, Qin Yu wore a gentle look as she helped comb Yaoyao’s long hair.
Ever since Yaoyao came to the royal palace, Qin Yu had become extremely fond of the former and practically treated her as a daughter.
Although Yaoyao was rather distant, she had grown much gentler in response to the sweet and warm-natured Qin Yu. Therefore, the two grown increasingly close.
“So pretty.”
Qin Yu tied Yaoyao’s long hair into a simple high ponytail, causing the usually distant girl to give off a slight aura of lively youthfulness. It was a sight that would take away one’s breath.
Yaoyao smiled faintly. “Thank you aunt Qin.”
Qin Yu smiled as she stroked the girl’s head. “No need to be courteous. If staying in the palace is boring, get Zhou Yuan to accompany you out for a stroll.”
Yaoyao gave a slight nod.
Tuntun suddenly opened its eyes at this moment and barked at the door. It transformed into black blur as it dashed forth, slamming i
nto the stomach of the figure that had just entered.
“Hey, that hurt.”
The person who had just stepped through the door was Zhou Yuan. He was currently clutching his stomach with one hand, while the other supported Tuntun. The latter was currently biting and pulling his collar with a force so huge that Zhou Yuan was almost flipped over.
“Stop pulling, stop pulling!” Zhou Yuan cursed as a servant girl brought over a plate of meticulously marinated Genesis Beast dried meat from behind. Only then did Tuntun let go of Zhou Yuan’s collar and jump onto the silver plate, eyes narrowed as it started to savour the meal bite by bite.
“Does this little brute really take me as a meal ticket?” Zhou Yuan jaw was tightly clenched in anger as he looked at Tuntun. The little brute’s eyes practically turned green with anxiety whenever it saw him.
Zhou Yuan shook his head, ignoring Tuntun as he walked towards Qin Yu and greeted her.
“I shan’t disturb you children then.” Qin Yu grinned, tousling Zhou Yuan’s hair before leaving in an unhurried manner.
Yaoyao stroked her ponytail and tilted her head, causing the end of the ponytail to bounce a little as her eyes swept towards Zhou Yuan.
Zhou Yuan let out a chuckle as he fished out a scarlet red jade bottle from his sleeve and said in a somewhat miserable voice, “You’re becoming more and more picky. I spent a thousand Genesis crystals to buy this scarlet spirit wine.”
Yaoyao reached out, received the scarlet red jade bottle and took a small whiff, causing her eyes to brighten slightly. Soon after, she looked at Zhou Yuan and said, “One does not curry favor for no reason. Speak. What do you want?”
Zhou Yuan let out an awkward chuckle. Soon after, he earnestly replied, “Big sis Yaoyao, unblocking my seventh meridian channel is just around and corner and the eight meridian channel is likewise not far off. After unblocking all eight channels, I will be able to step into the Qi Nourishing stage and establish a Qi dwelling. When that happens, I should practice a Qi cultivation method.”
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 38
