Eight meridian channels were fully opened once again after over a dozen years.
Zhou Yuan violently sucked in two breaths of air, allowing himself to regain his cool before closing his eyes. Now that all eight meridian channels had been unblocked, it was time to open his Qi Dwelling.
Only after opening the Qi Dwelling would one be considered to have truly stepped into the Qi Nourishing stage.
“Come!”
Zhou Yuan’s eyes burned with excitement and anticipation. He had waited far too long for this day to come.
An almost inaudible dragon roar echoed from within Zhou Yuan’s body. This time, the output from activating Dragon Breath had increased drastically. The Genesis Qi in the room shuddered violently, transforming into much thicker white threads that were ultimately swallowed into Zhou Yuan’s body with a single gulp.
The Genesis Qi in his body swiftly converged towards his lower abdomen, transforming into a swirling vortex.
When the rotation of the vortex reached its peak, Zhou Yuan suddenly felt a dot appear at the center of the vortex. The inside of this Genesis dot seemed akin to a mysterious domain, sometimes present yet sometimes not.
Infinitely small, yet also infinitely massive.
The moment this Genesis dot appeared, the flowing Genesis Qi in his body seemed to have been given a sudden tug. Genesis Qi surged inside his channels, pouring into the Genesis dot.
Following the influx of Genesis Qi, it was as if life had emerged from the formless mass of creation inside the Genesis dot. Space began to develop, forming the Qi Dwelling.
It was at this very moment that the Qi Dwelling in Zhou Yuan’s body was finally created. At long last, the Genesis Qi he absorbed during his daily training now had a place to be stored, allowing it to gradually grow stronger. It would be nothing like the past, where the majority of the absorbed Genesis Qi would subsequently fade after improving the quality of his body.
Zhou Yuan’s Spirit entered the Qi Dwelling and a unique domain entered his eyes where Genesis Qi flowed in an endless cycle. Subsequently, he saw green light begin to blossom, dying the entire Qi Dwelling green.
A newly created Qi Dwelling was classified into four different ranks based on one’s talent and the innate potential of the body. These four ranks were denoted by color: colorless, green, purple and gold.
Zhou Yuan’s Spirit nervously watched the transformation of the Qi Dwelling.
Although he knew that the rank of the Qi Dwelling was not an absolute representation of one’s future accomplishments, it could not be denied that the higher rank the Qi Dwelling, the greater the advantage.
Green light grew richer and deeper until a speck of purple light began to emerge within it. Purple light spread, giving the Qi Dwelling a new color.
“Purple Qi Dwelling.”
Upon seeing his Qi Dwelling turn purple, Zhou Yuan finally nodded, clearly very satisfied with this outcome.
The Qi Dwelling seemed to stabilize at purple, causing Zhou Yuan to breathe a sigh of relief as he began to leave the Qi Dwelling.
Rumble!
At this moment however, the Qi Dwelling suddenly began to shake. Zhou Yuan abruptly sensed a clearly very foreign, yet extremely familiar Genesis Qi surge out from the depths of the Qi Dwelling.
The purity level of this new Genesis Qi shocked Zhou Yuan. Moreover, it gave off a very faint primal aura, as if it was origin of all life, the very first breath of Source Genesis Qi predating the formless mass of creation.
“What is going on?!” However, Zhou Yuan was even more shocked by the origin of this mysterious Genesis Qi. He could clearly sense that it had not come from his training.
But why, why was there a familiar feeling?
As millions of thoughts flickered across Zhou Yuan’s mind, a flash of understanding suddenly struck him, causing him to blurt out in astonishment, “Could it be… when I was born and my eight meridian channels connected to the Qi Dwelling, this Genesis Qi had hidden itself in the depths of my Qi Dwelling?”
Zhou Yuan’s eight meridian channels were naturally open when he was born. Logically speaking, the opening of his Qi Dwelling should naturally followed. However, due to the unforeseen calamity that struck, a wisp of Source Genesis Qi had hidden in the deepest recesses of his uncomplete Qi Dwelling. Now that Zhou Yuan had successfully opened his Qi Dwelling again, the Source Genesis Qi that had hidden for fourteen years had once again emerged upon sensing his presence.
A dazed Zhou Yuan felt the pure Genesis Qi as complicated feelings churned in his heart.
Meanwhile, the Source Genesis Qi surged into his Qi Dwelling and Zhou Yuan was shocked once again as he watched a trace of gold slowly blossomed like a rising sun within the deep purple light.
Chapter 76 Opening the Qi Dwelling
Golden light emerged like a rising sun and immediately spread, causing the purple light to recede as it was replaced by gold that now filled the entire Qi Dwelling.
Thus, the Qi Dwelling became a resplendent gold, an impressive look indeed.
“It’s… it’s a gold Qi Dwelling?!”
Zhou Yuan blankly stared at the resplendent gold Qi Dwelling. Such an outcome had never occurred even in his wildest dreams!
He had originally hoped for a purple Qi Dwelling, satisfied as long as he could reach the same level as Su Youwei.
Yet, he would never have expected that the breath of Source Genesis Qi in the depths of his Qi Dwelling would cause the rank of his Qi Dwelling to rise a level.
Zhou Yuan’s heart overflowed with joy and excitement. The rank of a Qi Dwelling not only determined its potential growth, but was also able to raise the quality of his Genesis Qi.
For someone with a gold Qi Dwelling, even if he were to cultivate grade 2 Genesis Qi, his output power would be greater than someone with a green Qi Dwelling and grade 3 Genesis Qi.
Zhou Yuan mumbled to himself in surprise, “Never imagined that I would open a golden Qi Dwelling.”
Gold light swam in the Qi Dwelling. Under its shine, the flowing Genesis Qi grew more compact and powerful.
While Zhou Yuan was immersed in joy due to the golden Qi Dwelling, he did not realise that the lump of blood-red Dragon’s Resentment Poison on his palm had suddenly began to squirm.
Hss hss!
A strange sound echoed within the golden Qi Dwelling as wisps of blood mist emerged from an unknown place and began to flood into the Qi Dwelling
It was then that Zhou Yuan finally realised what was happening. His heart shook when he saw the invading blood mist as a horrified cry rang out in his heart.
“This… it’s the Dragon’s Resentment Poison?!”
A dragon roar filled with bitter resentment spread from within the blood mist as blood colored light surged out. Like a virus, it swiftly spread across the golden Qi Dwelling.
Zhou Yuan was horrified by this sudden turn of events.
Never would he have expected that the almost six months dormant Dragon’s Resentment Poison in his body would suddenly emerge and slip into his Qi Dwelling when it was formed.
Zhou Yuan anxiously watched the inside of the Qi Dwelling.
As the blood light spread, the golden light in the Qi Dwelling began to fade as it gradually fused with the blood light. In the end, the entire Qi Dwelling had become bright red.
Bizarre and mysterious.
Zhou Yuan was taken aback once again. A blood-red Qi Dwelling?
What the heck was this? I’ve never heard of such a thing!
“That blasted Dragon’s Resentment Poison!” Zhou Yuan howled in his heart. Just a touch from that blasted Dragon’s Resentment Poison had turned his beloved golden Qi dwelling into this blood-red Qi Dwelling which he had never heard of before.
In the room, Zhou Yuan opened his eyes, his face an ugly greenish-white.
He deeply breathed in, pushing down the rage in his heart as he began to very carefully inspect the Qi Dwelling in his body. If there were any problems with it, it would undoubtedly become a huge
hindrance to his cultivation.
Fortunately, he did not find anything wrong. In fact, the amount of Genesis Qi the Qi Dwelling could hold seemed to have risen somewhat compared to when it was gold in color.
However, Zhou Yuan did not dare to relax. His frowned deeply as he summoned Genesis Qi from his hand with a thought.
Normally speaking, the Genesis Qi of those who had yet to learn any Qi cultivation methods was as clear as water. Yet, when Zhou Yuan’s Genesis Qi came surging out, he discovered a faint strand of blood-red flowing within it.
The strand of blood-red was very familiar to Zhou Yuan. It was the Dragon’s Resentment Poison.
The Dragon’s Resentment Poison had been fused into his Genesis Qi? What the heck was this? Dragon poison Qi?
“Unbelievable!” Zhou Yuan was at a complete loss, evidently unable to understand why such a change had occurred. Although he did know if this was detrimental for the time being, at the very least… he could feel that the Genesis Qi that had now been tinged with a hint of Dragon’s Resentment Poison seemed to have become much fiercer in nature.
Zhou Yuan had after all personally experienced how domineering the Dragon’s Resentment Poison was.
Zhou Yuan felt really weary inside.
This new Qi Dwelling had given him three waves of surprise. First it was purple, then gold and now a blood-red color he had never encountered before…
“I’ll ask big sis Yaoyao tomorrow…”
Unable to come to a conclusion, Zhou Yuan could only release a pained sigh.
…
The next day.
Everyone was stunned when Zhou Yuan walked out of the inn. They could clearly feel that the Genesis Qi undulations surrounding Zhou Yuan’s body had become far stronger than yesterday.
Wei Canglan asked in surprise, “Your highness has broken through to the Qi Nourishing stage?”
Wei Qingqing also looked towards Zhou Yuan in amazement.
“I had a breakthrough yesterday.” Zhou Yuan smiled and nodded.
Su Youwei’s eyes were filled with astonishment as she said, “Your highness is truly impressive. In less than a year, you grew from someone who was unable to find his meridian channels to the Qi Nourishing stage. In fact, you’re practically at my heels.”
In contrast, Yaoyao took another look at Zhou Yuan as a puzzled look flitted across her clear eyes.
Because there were to many people present, Zhou Yuan did not approach her with his problem. Instead, he faced everyone and said, “If all the preparations are done, let’s move out.”
The group nodded and quickly mounted their horses, subsequently transforming into a flood as they surged out Devil Prison City, heading in the direction of the Battle Puppet Sect ruins.
Along the way, Zhou Yuan found a chance to secretly pull Yaoyao to one side and explain in detail what had happened with an agonized face.
“Blood-red Qi Dwelling?” Yaoyao was stunned after hearing the details. It was obvious that she too had never heard of such a thing.
“It should be because of the Dragon’s Resentment Poison, but this may not be a bad thing. Your Qi Dwelling is still basically a golden Qi Dwelling, and was only transformed into such a state because the Dragon’s Resentment Poison mixed itself in.”
“As for whether there will be any problems, I cannot say for sure. You can only try to pay extra attention in future.”
In response to her answer, there was nothing Zhou Yuan could do but nod his head.
“I guess that’s the only thing to do.”
…
While Zhou Yuan’s group was rushing towards the Battle Puppet Sect ruins, in Devil Prison City, Qi Hao, the Black Venom King and the rest of the group were ready to set off. Genesis Qi churned around the over hundred men group, testament to their eliteness.
After listening to a report, Qi Hao sad to the Black Venom King, “Zhou Yuan has already left earlier.”
The Black Venom King nonchalantly replied, “The ruins are layered in danger and there is no advantage for them even if they arrive first. Why not let them help us clear the path.”
He paused for a moment, staring at Qi Hao as he continued, “On another note, you mentioned that you prepared a little special something for this mission, exactly what did you prepare?”
Qi Hao smiled faintly. “You’ll find out when the time comes. Don’t worry, with us joining hands, Zhou Yuan and Wei Canglan will not be able to leave Blackwater.”
The smile on his lips gradually turned malicious.
“The only thing that awaits them is death!”
Chapter 77 Jade Infant Fruit
The Battle Puppet Sect ruins was about two hundred miles from Devil Prison City. Zhou Yuan and his group managed to reach their destination in two hours.
Zhou Yuan and the rest stood on a hill, their gazes fixed to their front where a forest of giant trees stood. White fog lingered in the depths of the forest, revealing only the faint silhouettes of various dilapidated buildings.
Light seemed to flicker in the sky above the ruins as a feeling of unknown danger spread.
Yaoyao took one look at the flickering light and said, “There is a Genesis Rune boundary above the ruins.”
A Genesis Rune boundary was a more complex and large-scale way to utilise Genesis Runes, somewhat akin to a formation or array.
This Genesis Rune boundary was likely the sect protecting boundary used by the Battle Puppet Sect while it still existed in Blackwater. Following the disappearance of the sect, the sect protecting boundary had faded due to the lack of Genesis Qi, though it was clear that some part still remained. Casually entering through the sky would very likely result in an encounter with the remnant boundary, something that even an Alpha-Origin stage expert would not be able to handle.
After all, the power of a sect protecting boundary was nothing to scoff at.
“It seems that we can only enter on foot.” Wei Canglan looked towards Zhou Yuan and continued, “Your highness, according to the information we gathered, there are numerous abandoned buildings in the ruins which may contain treasures, how shall we proceed?”
Zhou Yuan did not hesitate at all and replied, “We will first head to the area where the Jade Infant Fruit is located.”
His most important goal was the Jade Infant Fruit and the Fire Spirit Grain. Since the Fire Spirit Grain was in the deepest part of the ruins, it would naturally make sense to obtain the Jade Infant Fruit first.
Wei Qingqing leaned her hand against the longsword on her waist as she said, “The Jade Infant Fruit is located in the southwest sector of the ruins. Several people have went there, but none were able to obtain it.”
“We must obtain it no matter what.” The resolution in Zhou Yuan’s voice was firm. His mother’s lifespan had been cut substantially. How could he possibly be at ease unless he found her one of those treasures that could supplement one’s life span?
“First the Jade Infant Fruit, then the Fire Spirit Grain. As for other treasures, there is no need to concern ourselves with them for the time being!” Zhou Yuan decisively declared. The treasures in the ruins may be rare, but one should not be too greedy and instead understand what to prioritise.
“Let’s go.”
Zhou Yuan looked towards Wei Canglan and the latter responded with a nod. With a wave of his hand, the hundred man group transformed into a flood, surging into the ruins under the wary gazes from the surrounding groups.
…
Not long after Zhou Yuan and his group entered the ruins, another group swiftly approached. It was Qi Hao and the Black Venom King’s group.
A figure quickly rushed over from nearby.
“They’ve entered?” Asked Qi Hao in a flat voice. He had stationed some men around the vicinity of the ruins in advance to keep track of the movements of Zhou Yuan’s group.
.
“Yes, we have sent someone to follow them. They seem to be heading towards the Jade Infant Fruit location.” The figure immediately answered.
&nbs
p; “Jade Infant Fruit?” Qi Hao’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“The Jade Infant Fruit is a quality item. It can prolong one’s lifespan and is extremely valued.” A look of greed surfaced in the Black Venom King’s eyes.
“Zhou Yuan has likely gone searching for the Jade Infant Fruit because of his mother.” Qi Hao coldly chuckled. He had a clear grasp of the royal clan’s situation.
“Humph Zhou Yuan, you’ve repeatedly foiled my plans, this time, I will make sure that you will not have your way! I’m really interested to see how flustered you will become when the Jade Spirit Fruit lands in my hands.” A vicious look flitted across Qi Hao’s eyes. Soon after, he waved his hand and commanded, “Let’s go and catch up to them.”
…
Fog filled the ruins. Crumbling walls could be seen wherever one looked, a rather desolate sight indeed.
However, Zhou Yuan’s group did not dare to tarry, maintaining their formation as they slowly pushed forward. The surrounding mists grew increasingly thicker, so thick that even Spirit perception was affected.
Zhou Yuan’s footsteps suddenly paused. “Careful, something is approaching.”
Although his Spirit perception had been affected, his senses were still much sharper than an ordinary person’s.
Wei Canglan nodded, evidently having also sensed something.
He immediately waved his hand and the surrounding guards immediately began to prepare themselves as Genesis Qi began to surge around their bodies.
The white fog gently rippled.
A dull red light seemed to appear within the white fog, accompanied by faint noises as a dozen of shadows emerged from within the mist, forming a wall in front of Zhou Yuan’s group.
Zhou Yuan and the rest looked over and focused.
The black shadows were revealed to be night-black wild beasts, but on closer inspection, one would realise that their bodies were akin to black metal, gleaming with black light, while the red glow in their eyes lacked any sort of intelligence. These dozen shadows were battle beast puppets.
“So these are battle puppets?” Zhou Yuan stared at them in wonder. The Genesis Qi that faintly pulsed from the battle beast puppet bodies showed that they were comparable to Qi Nourishing stage experts.
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 49