Zhou Yuan received the map and unfurled it. His gaze swept across the map, coming to a stop at the very center where a giant eye-grabbing blood-red area had been marked out.
From the terrain, it really looked as if the area had been formed from a drop of blood.
The only thing was that… this drop of blood seemed to be a little too terrifying to imagine.
Zhou Yuan mumbled to himself, “So this is the Saint Remains Domain.”
Soon after, he let out a sigh. He had realised that he would have to pass through the territories of dozens of empires in order to reach his destination. Basically, really really far.
Even rushing along at full speed would take several months at least.
Zhou Yuan stared at the map. It was likely that practically every outstanding genius was already on their way to the Saint Remains Domain.
It would truly be akin to warlords vying for supremacy or a gathering of talented geniuses.
But this was exactly why it would be even more marvelous. On the path of the strong, one needed to constantly improve. Weren’t the prided geniuses from the various factions the best whetstones for this?
Blazing battle lust surged out in Zhou Yuan’s eyes.
After the gray robed elder handed the map to Zhou Yuan, he began to rummage about again in his sleeves. In the end, he fished out a jade tile and threw it to Zhou Yuan.
Zhou Yuan hastily caught it. The word ‘Cang’ had been carved onto the jade tile.
“What is this?” Asked a puzzled Zhou Yuan as he grasped the jade tile.
The gray robed old man lazily replied, “If you manage to distinguish yourself in the Saint Remains Ruins, you will naturally find out what it is. But if you fade away into mediocrity, don’t bother taking it out.”
Zhou Yuan was bewildered, but could only nod in acknowledgement before keeping the tile into his Universe bag.
The gray robed elder suddenly declared, “Kid, I’ve already said all that I need to. I will be leaving with Su Youwei and her grandfather today.”
“Today?” Zhou Yuan was stunned. There was a complicated expression in his eyes as he shot a glance at the little house Su Youwei was in. In the end, he nodded.
In the room, Su Youwei tidied up before walking out. The expression on her pretty face had become downcast once again.
She lifted her head, meeting Zhou Yuan’s gaze. However, both of them were silent for a time.
“Your highness, you must remember to look for me in the future!” Said Su Youwei in a soft voice.
Zhou Yuan smiled and nodded. “Don’t worry. I will not go back on the promises that I’ve made.”
A bright and beautiful smile appeared on Su Youwei’s face when she heard this.
“Let’s go.”
The gray robed old man smiled faintly. He shot one last glance at Zhou Yuan, but did not say anything. With a wave of his sleeve, a gust of Genesis Qi unfurled, sweeping up Su Youwei and her grandfather as it transformed into a streak of light that soared into the sky.
“Work hard kid, if you fail to distinguish yourself in the Saint Remains Domain, I would advise against looking for her because you’ll only be hurting your own ego. Haha.”
Laughter slowly echoed in Zhou Yuan’s ears as the gray robed old man transformed into a streak of light that dashed into the sky.
Zhou Yuan raised his head and watched the streaks of light vanish into the distance. It was a long while later before he finally withdrew his gaze in a somewhat crestfallen manner. He looked towards the small clean courtyard as he recalled the first time he had sent Su Youwei home…
Back then, she had only been a dirty little girl, but now, her radiance had been revealed and no one knew just how far she would go in the future.
It was perhaps truly as the gray robed old man had said, the future Su Youwei would reach such a dazzling level that even he would not be able to come close.
“I wonder if things will be the same between us the next time we meet…” Zhou Yuan sighed softly.
Su Youwei had her own path to walk, while he likewise had to fight for his own destiny.
“I should work hard or it will be quite shameful if I end up unable to compare to her when we next meet.” Zhou Yuan chuckled as a radiance shined in his eyes.
He lowered his head and gazed at the map in his hands.
“It seems that the Saint Remains Domain… will be very exciting…”
“Wu Huang… is it finally time for us to meet…”
Zhou Yuan smiled faintly before walking out of the small courtyard, slowly closing the doors behind him. The people here had already left, who knew when these doors would open once again.
Su Youwei, I hope that your future will be amazing.
...
“What? You’re leaving the Great Zhou Empire?” In the royal palace, Zhou Qing and Qin Yu cried out in surprise when they heard Zhou Yuan’s plans.
Zhou Yuan nodded as he placed the map in front of them and pointed at the Saint Remains Domain. “Father, mother, all the geniuses from our continent will be vying for the greatest gift of the Saint Remains Domain, including the Great Wu Empire’s Wu Huang. If I miss out on this chance, I will probably regret it for the rest of my life.”
“The Saint Remains Domain huh…”
Zhou Qing sighed as he gazed at the map, evidently having heard of this place before. However, the Great Zhou Empire’s status was nothing like it had been in the past, and they were naturally no longer able to covet the Saint Remains Domain.
He never expected that Zhou Yuan would still come to know of it from somewhere else.
“Yuan’er, that Saint Remains Domain is extremely far away and your competitors will be the geniuses from all kinds of places.” Qin Yu seemed to be in pain. How could she not know just how many hardships one needed to face in the struggle for the greatest blessing.
Such struggles would likely be life or death battles.
“Does mother not believe in me?” Zhou Yuan smiled.
“Rebellious brat.” Qin Yu smiled bitterly. Her son was naturally unrivalled in her heart, but the thought of Zhou Yuan leaving them and bearing all that pressure alone still cut deeply into her heart.
Zhou Qing was silent. Moments later, he said, “Your choice is correct.”
He knew how significant this blessing was. If Zhou Yuan managed to obtain it, it would become an incomparably important aid to his future cultivation.
“But it will be very difficult to vie with the other geniuses.” Zhou Qing clearly understood that the young individuals who received the full support of their respective factions would be top tier amongst the younger generation.
Zhou Yuan was already a step behind due to the late discovery of his meridian channels. Hence, competing with others would naturally be an uphill challenge.
Zhou Yuan nodded as he grinned and said, “If it was easy, it would not be a worthwhile contest.”
He had long prepared himself for these handicaps. Although those geniuses were definitely extraordinary, they were in for a very bad time if they were to underestimate him.
Zhou Yuan said, “Father, you need to quickly and covertly send men to take charge of the Battle Puppet Sect ruins and obtain control of the battle puppet army within. The Great Zhou Empire needs to rapidly strengthen itself and this army will definitely be a huge help against the Great Wu Empire.”
“Don’t worry, I’ve already arranged for experts proficient in Genesis Runes to learn how to open the Genesis Rune Boundary from Yaoyao.”
“When are you preparing to leave?”
Zhou Yuan lifted his head and peered into the distance where clouds were beginning to gather.
“In three days.”
Chapter 115 Young Lady in Purple
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
Outside the gates of Great Zhou City.
Zhou Yuan helplessly shook his head as he looked at the teary eyed Qin Yu. The only thing he could do was continue to comfort her.
Z
hou Qing helplessly said as he watched, “Alright, alright. Yuan’er is no longer a child and should head out to experience the world. There’s no need to be so over sensitive about it.”
“Don’t worry aunt Qin, I will keep an eye on him.” Yaoyao also spoke up to console Qin Yu.
Zhou Yuan was naturally bringing Yaoyao and Tuntun along. After all, Zhou Yuan was the sole reason they had stayed in the Great Zhou Empire.
Qin Yu finally nodded after hearing Yaoyao’s words and said, “I will be a lot less worried with Yaoyao around. If he does not listen to you, go ahead and discipline him.”
Yaoyao faintly smiled as she pursed her red lips.
Zhou Qing retrieved five black crystal cards from his clothes and passed them to Zhou Yuan. Extremely complicated patterns were inscribed on the faintly glowing cards.
Zhou Qing explained, “These are Heavenly Crystal Pavilion crystal cards. Each one can be traded for one hundred thousand Genesis crystals at any Heavenly Crystal Pavilion branch. You will likely need them on your journey.”
Zhou Yuan received them with a wide smile and clicked his tongue as he said, “Five hundred thousand Genesis crystals, almost can’t believe that father is willing to part with such a sum.”
Five hundred thousand Genesis crystals. Such an enormous sum would probably be able to buy a high grade Black tier Genesis Weapon or treasure. To put things into perspective, the small fortune Zhou Yuan had managed to save up after so many years only amounted to a mere fifty thousand Genesis crystals.
Zhou Qing rolled his eyes at Zhou Yuan. “Stinking brat, you’d better be frugal. The Great Zhou Empire is currently experiencing a period of growth and squeezing out these five hundred thousand Genesis crystals has already given me several white hairs.”
Zhou Yuan grinned and kept the cards into his Universe bag.
As he raised his head again, his gaze met Zhou Qing’s. Zhou Yuan could faintly see the concern deeply concealed within the latter’s eyes.
Zhou Yuan softly said, “Then… I’ll be going.”
Zhou Qing waved his hand and said, “Go if you want to, stop being so wishy washy.”
Zhou Yuan chuckled and reached out to hug Qin Yu. Subsequently, he mounted his Fire-Lion Horse and looked towards Zhou Qing. “When your son returns, he will demand justice for all of the grievances and humiliation you had to suffer back then!”
“When that time comes, everything the Great Zhou Empire has lost will be taken back!”
As his words faded, he no longer hesitated and pulled at the reigns. With a neigh, rider and ridee transformed into a blur of red, not turning back a single time as they galloped along the main street.
Yaoyao waved her little hand at Zhou Qing and Qin Yu before swiftly catching up on her own horse.
As they watched the two swiftly departing figures, Zhou Qing’s strained face could no longer maintain its facade. His eyes reddened as he mumbled, “This stinking brat has finally grown up.”
He reached out the only arm he had and embraced the softly sobbing Qin Yu as he continued to stare blankly into the distance.
“Yuan’er, father will be waiting to see the day you soar into the heavens, and the mere mention of your name causes the entire continent to shudder.”
“I want everyone to know that the sacred dragon of our Zhou clan is not so easily crippled!”
...
The Great Wu Empire.
In a certain pavilion within a grand but well guarded palace.
Bead curtains swayed with the wind, emitting crisp chink chink noises. A row of servant girls knelt outside the bead curtains, no one making even the slightest noise.
A go board [1] was set Inside the pavilion, black and white distinctly separate.
Clack!
A go piece slowly descended.
The one who had placed it wore a set of bright yellow robes. He had a handsome face, the dark red dot between his brows exceptionally eye-catching, while an aura of dignity spread from his body. It was the crown prince of the Great Wu Empire, Wu Huang.
In front of Wu Huang, a small fair as jade hand pinching a black stone slowly fell as an indifferent voice sounded. “The opening of the Saint Remains Domain approaches. When will you be leaving?”
Wu Huang lifted his head and looked at the person before him.
She was a young lady in purple. Her beautiful face was akin to a painting, her skin seemingly sparkling like translucent snow. There was likewise an attention grabbing dark red dot between her brows, but it did not affect her beauty, but instead gave her a slightly otherworldly look.
She had a pair of long and narrow phoenix eyes [2]. Although she was young, when she narrowed them slightly, a majestic presence could be felt as if she was a true phoenix that had descended onto the mortal realm.
Long fine black hair flowed down along her slender waist before ultimately touching her fair feet.
Bewitching to every living thing.
Only such words could describe the young woman’s face.
“I will be leaving tomorrow.”
Wu Huang slowly said, “I was not blessed with the same opportunity that has enabled you to ascend the heavens in a single step and save so much time on training and polishing yourself.”
“Each person has their own destiny and one should never force destiny.” The young lady in purple merely continued looking at the go board, not a single change in her voice as she continued, “You will not be too shabby either if you managed to obtain the greatest gift of the Saint Remains Domain.”
Wu Huang emotionlessly said, “It will definitely be mine.”
The young lady in purple seemed to sigh softly. “Too much arrogance is not good. Cangmang Continent’s current batch of younger generation has never been of higher quality.”
“The one from the Sword Empire that blinded both his eyes for the sake of his sword cultivation…”
“The Little County Lord from the Thousand Beast Empire that is said to be capable of controlling a hundred beasts…”
“The Little Yama King from the Yama Sect…”
“The Battle Junky from the Ning clan…”
“The Enchantress from the Zouqiu clan…”
The young lady in purple propped up a cheek with one of her fair hands, excitement rising in her eyes as she continued, “All of these individuals are prided geniuses that the various factions have poured all of their resources into for the sake of the Saint Remains Domain.
“What a pity… I originally wanted to stay here and have an enjoyable battle with everyone.”
The young lady in purple slowly shook her head, as if regretful that she would not be a part of the upcoming fight.
She was clearly a girl, yet her words would occasionally give off both a domineering feeling and lust for battle that did not lose to any man.
Wu Huang frowned. A small glimpse of a passionate desire that no one knew of flitted past the depths of his eyes as he stared at the young lady in front of him and said, “The second line of the clan prophecy really makes no sense at all.”
The first line of the Wu clan prophecy; when python and sparrow devour the dragon, the Great Wu Empire will flourish.
The second line of the Wu clan prophecy; the phoenix must not see the dragon.
“You and I are twins, why can we not see each other?” Wu Huang’s voice was filled with doubt.
The young lady in purple’s pretty face was expressionless. She gently held a black stone between her fair fingers as light seemed to flow within her eyes. After being silent for a short period, her nonchalant voice rang out, “The dragon may not refer to you.”
Bang!
The subsequent silence in the pavilion only lasted for a split second. In the next instant, raging Genesis Qi abruptly exploded from Wu Huang’s body like an erupting volcano, turning the entire go board to ashes.
The numerous kneeling servant girls outside the pavilion trembled, not daring to make even the tiniest sound.
They could feel just how furious
their esteemed crown prince currently was at this very moment.
They very rarely saw their crown prince, whom usually did not show any emotions on his face, lose his composure.
Wu Huang was still seated in a kneeling position, but his handsome face had turned exceptionally stormy as he stared at the young lady in purple and demanded in an icy voice, “What are you trying to say?”
“Wu Yao, who else but me is worthy of standing shoulder to shoulder with you?!”
[1] https://www.google.com/search?q=go+board&rlz=1C1CHBF_enSG805SG805&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwib78GvwKLjAhV37nMBHeqRD7sQ_AUIECgB&biw=1920&bih=937
[2] https://image.baidu.com/search/detail?ct=503316480&z=undefined&tn=baiduimagedetail&ipn=d&word=%E5%87%A4%E7%9B%AE&step_word=&ie=utf-8&in=&cl=2&lm=-1&st=undefined&hd=undefined&latest=undefined©right=undefined&cs=1017461352,1395641058&os=2414718865,3613390308&simid=3513977237,447693228&pn=3&rn=1&di=48950&ln=271&fr=&fmq=1562492368164_R&fm=&ic=undefined&s=undefined&se=&sme=&tab=0&width=undefined&height=undefined&face=undefined&is=0,0&istype=0&ist=&jit=&bdtype=0&spn=0&pi=0&gsm=0&objurl=http%3A%2F%2Fn.sinaimg.cn%2Fsinacn20%2F250%2Fw650h400%2F20180717%2Fa958-hfkffam5246448.jpg&rpstart=0&rpnum=0&adpicid=0&force=undefined&ctd=1562492786244^3_1903X937%1
Chapter 116 Gathering Clouds
Wu Huang’s expression was ominously dark. Genesis Qi violently surged around him like waves on a stormy night, wave after wave emerging from his body and shaking the entire pavillion.
However, his piercing gaze and Genesis Qi pressure seemed to have no effect on the young lady in purple. She stared at the ashes that had once been the go board as she somewhat disappointedly put down the stone in her hand.
The young lady in purple indifferently said, “Wu Huang, this is my advice to you. Do not overlook that person.”
“Don’t forget that he is ultimately the source of our blessings. From a certain point of view, he is the one who made us, but since we managed to take the initiative, it will be best to maintain vigilance at all times.”
“That’s if you don’t want it to be taken back in the end.”
Fire burned in Qi Huang’s eyes as he retorted, “You’re referring to that crippled dragon? Do you really believe he has the qualifications?”
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 69
