Chapter 231 Arrangements Before Departure 1
Having explained everything that needed to be explained, Sang Yunchu took out another scroll and handed it to Zhong Cai, saying with a smile, "Cai'er, open it and take a look with Shaogan."
Zhong Cai took it and, following her master's instructions, unrolled the scroll and laid it on the table.
Wu Shaogan also walked over to Zhong Cai's side and watched with him.
In an instant, Zhong Cai blurted out, "A map? Could this be a map of a top-tier continent? Left behind by Senior Liu?"
Sang Yunchu nodded: "It is indeed a map given by Senior Liu, but it is not complete and only contains a part of the West River Region."
Zhong Cai looked up at his master, then pointed to two places on the map and said confidently, "That West River Region is where the Spirit Immortal Sect and the War God Palace are located."
Wu Shaogan saw it too.
The entire scroll map is actually very rudimentary—which is rather strange.
Even on their Flying Star Continent, many maps are already full-scale imprints. You only need to probe your soul into them to see them clearly, and the details are very distinct.
However, this incomplete map, which clearly comes from a top-tier continent, looks very much like a hand-drawn one.
On this simple map were written the three large characters "Xiheyu".
A large river encircles a vast area, forming a semi-circle.
This region contains countless mountains and forests, as well as numerous simple markings—these markings bear the names of "So-and-so Sect" or "So-and-so Clan," naturally representing various forces in the Western River Region—including forces of all sizes. The larger the force, the larger the marking and the clearer the writing.
The two places Zhong Cai pointed to are two of the largest markers in the Xihe River Basin, and the two markers are almost adjacent to each other.
The inscriptions on the top read: Lingxian Sect and War God Hall.
·
Sang Yunchu nodded again.
Zhong Cai raised the same question as Wu Shaogan: "Why is this map like this?"
Sang Yunchu glanced at Jiang Chongguang and smiled, "I didn't know about this originally, but your Master Jiang does."
Jiang Chongguang joined the discussion, explaining the issue: "The top continent is teeming with powerful individuals. If we use overly clear illusory images to imprint our images, it's tantamount to spying on them, and naturally, they'll come knocking demanding an explanation..."
·
In fact, not only on the top continents, but also on the Flying Star Continent, although there are indeed very clear maps, whenever a powerful force is encountered, the maps are appropriately blurred to avoid offending anyone.
Furthermore, the vicinity of extremely powerful individuals and major forces is always shrouded in an energy field, which will block any attempt to imprint their power.
Even with these "vague" methods, the merchants selling these maps must be backed by at least a level nine power, or an unshakeable level eight top-tier power—that's why people will give them some face and tolerate it.
Upon arriving at the top continent, based on the few bits and pieces of information that Sang Yunchu and Jiang Chongguang had gleaned, they learned that the number of cultivators at the Tongtian Realm on that continent remained at one or two hundred year-round—and occasionally even more Tongtian Realm cultivators would appear!
This is only what's publicly known about the Tongtian realm; no one knows how many Tongtian powerhouses are actually hidden away.
To give a simple example, if a highly accomplished cultivator happens to be cultivating in seclusion somewhere, and at a critical moment, the energy field changes, the map will clearly show the location of that person. Many meticulous cultivators can examine the clues and deduce who it is from the slightest detail. Then, while the person is distracted, they can cause trouble... which would endanger the person's safety!
In addition, the situation on the top continent is much the same as that on other continents: the human race occupies a small area, while the wild beasts and rare beasts occupy a large territory, roughly divided in an 80/20 split.
Therefore, besides the Tongtian, there are countless other ninth-tier savage beasts and ninth-tier rare beasts.
Savage beasts are one thing, they only have instincts and cannot develop intelligence, but rare beasts are different. The more abundant the energy of heaven and earth, the easier it is for them to develop intelligence and become more and more intelligent... Like Tongtian, they can easily detect and spy.
Imagine a pair of intelligent rare beasts living a peaceful life, with no intention of causing trouble for humans. However, clear images of them are leaked, and many humans, coveting them, come in droves to hunt them down. Because they know the terrain, they are able to set traps for them, causing them to die a miserable death...
So unless this rare animal couple has no race, they might trigger a terrifying large-scale beast tide!
Alternatively, even if one doesn't seek out those rare, ninth-tier beasts, but only focuses on ordinary small and medium-sized forces or a few large forces, the energy on the top-tier continent is too abundant, and the probability of producing top-tier geniuses is too high. Many forces rise and fall because of the absence and reappearance of top-tier experts, unlike the lower-tier continents where once they fall, it is extremely difficult to return. The resources of the lower-tier continents are limited, and the suppression after a fall is very severe. It is also often blocked from recruiting top-tier geniuses.
Many forces on the top continent, even if they temporarily fall to level six or seven, still retain their foundation. Because they have cultivated a considerable network of connections, even if they have enemies, they can restrain them from multiple sides and may not be suppressed quickly.
Such forces may no longer be able to recruit top geniuses, and will be blocked as much as possible. But what if the disciples they recruit, although lacking in talent, have top-notch combat power and comprehension? No one knows if this powerful force has some extraordinary treasures hidden within, or if it can secretly enhance the talent of these geniuses.
Moreover, even among powerful forces that have experienced a temporary decline, many disciples will form Daoist couples. In an environment like a top-tier continent, given the high probability of producing top geniuses, it is quite possible that such figures will emerge among the descendants of these disciples...
Therefore, once such a level six or seven power is imprinted, they might lie dormant for a hundred or two hundred years and then reappear, coming to cause trouble again. They might even incur too much loss because of the map, leading to a blood feud! In that case, a massacre would be perfectly reasonable.
For all these reasons, it is simply impossible to make a clear rubbing of the map on the top continent.
Since maps are indispensable, people can be sent to check them out and make rough markings and hand-drawn sketches.
This doesn't involve privacy, so it's fine.
Of course, some forces might secretly record clearer maps, but those are usually only used when friction occurs, and are not used normally... Once they are used, it's almost a provocation.
·
Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan listened and both suddenly understood.
That makes sense.
Thinking about it for a moment, if the two of them were to go into seclusion somewhere in the future, they certainly wouldn't want all the scenery around their territory to be copied and sold everywhere, and those top-level powerhouses would definitely not be allowed to see it.
Then, Zhong Cai rolled up the map again and carefully put it away.
Sang Yunchu added, "These next few days, you two should take care of anything that needs to be prepared or dealt with. It's hard to predict when we'll return from this trip to the top continent."
Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan both nodded, indicating that they understood.
Sang Yunchu smiled and said, "Then let's go back. Come back whenever you're ready to leave."
Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan readily agreed.
·
Soon, Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan returned to Duobao Peak.
The two didn't say anything on the way, but once they arrived home and entered the ancient city together, they began to discuss things.
Zhong Caixian shared her thoughts.
“I think I need to go back and see my maternal grandfather and aunt, and also take a look at my stepfather and stepmother.”
Wu Shaogan nodded.
Zhong Cai then asked, "Old Wu, do you think we should take care of the kids?"
Wu Shaogan said, "Ask him, see for yourself."
Zhong Cai nodded in agreement, thinking it was a good idea.
He thought for a moment, then couldn't help but laugh and said, "Now that we're leaving, the kid, as the main character, might encounter some trouble when he goes out to train. It'll be quite a rollercoaster ride."
Wu Shao chuckled dryly, "That's his own business. He's the main character after all, so it's unlikely he'll die."
Zhong Cai stroked her chin in agreement, but added, "Even after we leave, there are still some things we need to take care of, so we'll need this kid's help out a bit..."
Wu Shaogan listened attentively, offering his own thoughts as he listened.
The two remained very compatible and largely agreed on the same points.
·
Wu Dongxiao and Xuan Bing rode on the back of the Fire Phoenix and flew all the way to Duobao Peak.
On the way, Wu Dongxiao turned to look at his senior brother and said, "Senior brother, why do you think my two uncles want me to go over there now? Uncle Zhong told me before that I should send him a message after I have digested all the benefits I gained from the Pill King Conference."
Xuan Bing pondered for a moment and said, "It must be something you need to tell me. Don't think too much about it yet, you'll know when you get there."
Wu Dongxiao nodded. For some reason, he felt a little uneasy when he was summoned over.
It seems... well, I don't really know how to describe it.
It's a very complicated premonition.
·
Upon arriving at Duobao Peak, the puppet welcomed Wu Dongxiao inside, while Xuan Bing remained seated on the Fire Phoenix and did not land.
This time, Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan only summoned Wu Dongxiao. However, Xuan Bing happened to be cultivating with Wu Dongxiao, and Wu Dongxiao was feeling a bit unwell. Xuan Bing was worried, so he sent him over.
Now, Xuan Bing is preparing to leave first and come back to pick up the person later.
At this moment, Wu Shaogan came out, looked at Xuan Bing, and said, "Senior Brother Xuan, please come in and sit down. However, I have some important matters to explain to Dong Xiao first, so I apologize for the lack of hospitality."
Xuan Bing had visited many times before. He smiled apologetically and said, "I apologize for coming so abruptly."
Wu Shaogan didn't care, he simply activated the defenses and let the Fire Phoenix land on the mountaintop.
·
Only Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan were on Duobao Peak. The couple had some things to tell their nephew, so Xuan Bing had to leave the puppet to entertain them.
Xuan Bing followed the puppet to a garden at the back, where he drank tea and waited for his junior brother.
Wu Dongxiao followed his uncle into the mansion.
Wu Shaogan said, "You've grown taller, but you're still too immature. I only asked you to come over once, and your senior brother has to accompany you."
Wu Dongxiao was a little embarrassed. He scratched his head and said, "I don't know what's going on. This time I just feel a bit strange, like I have some bad premonition... well, not really 'bad,' it's hard to describe."
Wu Shaogan glanced at him, and seemed to understand.
It must be the protagonist's intuition.
His two uncles were going to the top continent and had a lot to tell him, so he naturally had a premonition.
·
Before long, the two entered a secret room.
After the door was closed, Wu Shaogan took out several array plates and sealed the secret room, ensuring that not a single detail was leaked.
Such a grand display left Wu Dongxiao stunned for a moment.
Zhong Cai was looking through some documents when she heard the noise. She put the documents away, smiled, and waved to Wu Dongxiao.
When Wu Dongxiao was walking with his uncle, he was tense all over. But when he saw Uncle Zhong's bright smile, he felt relieved and relaxed a lot.
He sat down cross-legged as Zhong Cai invited him to.
Wu Shaogan also walked over and sat down next to Zhong Cai.
·
Wu Dongxiao spoke up first: "Uncle Zhong, Uncle, please tell me what's wrong."
Zhong Cai casually replied, "Don't worry, I won't stand on ceremony with you."
Wu Dongxiao: "..."
I'm a little choked up.
Wu Shaogan looked at Zhong Cai with a smile in his eyes.
Wu Dongxiao choked again.
Seeing his expression, Zhong Cai found it amusing and immediately laughed: "Alright! It's not a big deal."
Wu Dongxiao looked over.
Zhong Cai was very straightforward: "Your uncle and I are going to the top continent."
Wu Dongxiao: "...Huh?"
ah? !
A top-tier continent?!
He had read through the books in the Tower of Myriad Classics and knew about the continental divisions, but... why were his two uncles suddenly going to the top continent?!
·
Seeing Wu Dongxiao's shocked expression, Zhong Cai laughed and said, "What's so strange about it? Go out and explore while you're young."
Wu Dongxiao: "...Oh."
Zhong Cai didn't keep them in suspense and continued, "After we leave, we won't be back for a while. There are still many things to do on the Flying Star Continent, so we'll need your help."
Wu Dongxiao was willing to do so, after all, he owed his two uncles countless favors and so many Xuan Stones. No matter what kind of help was needed, he would definitely do it.
Zhong Cai held up one finger and said, "The first thing you need to do is look after my grandfather and aunt."
As for the specifics of how to take care of it, that remains to be discussed.
For example, the average-quality pills that Wu Dongxiao had previously refined had already been provided to his maternal grandfather and the others. So even after the two of them left, Wu Dongxiao would occasionally contact them to ensure that the supply didn't run out.
Wu Dongxiao listened carefully and readily agreed, "No problem, I will definitely do it." After thinking for a moment, he didn't make any promises and added, "Even if something unexpected happens to me, I will find a way to make up for it."
Zhong Cai understands the "ups and downs" of the protagonist quite well, which is also the case with Shun□□□代.
With his two masters and the name of Canglong, he believed that his maternal grandfather and aunt could rest easy.
·
Zhong Cai added, "Regarding the Zhong family, my adoptive father, stepmother, and stepmother's children can be looked after occasionally, without much trouble. However, they can lend a hand occasionally if they need resource assistance." He thought for a moment and added, "The overall attitude towards the Zhong family can be determined based on my maternal grandfather and aunt."
This was just a casual matter, and Wu Dongxiao agreed again.
Zhong Cai raised his second finger and said, "Regarding your alchemy, I will give you some lineage inheritance that will allow you to reach the level of a seventh-level alchemist. If you need more, you can take your best results to see my master. I will tell my master that if you meet his standards, he will give you further inheritance."
As they were talking, Zhong Cai took out a jade tablet and handed it to Wu Dongxiao.
Wu Dongxiao accepted it with both hands, very grateful.
Zhong Cai then laughed and said, "However, if your progress is too slow, and your master goes on a journey, you will have to find the next generation of inheritance on your own."
Wu Dongxiao understood this, saying that opportunities must be seized by oneself, and there's no reason to keep people waiting.
Wu Shaogan observed Wu Dongxiao's expression and, seeing that he was indeed very open and honest, nodded slightly.
·
Zhong Cai then raised her third finger: "I have another task here, with corresponding rewards. Do you want to take it?"
Wu Dongxiao didn't even ask what the mission was or care about the reward; he simply agreed, "I'll take it."
Zhong Cai laughed: "Aren't you afraid I'll trick you?"
Wu Dongxiao honestly replied, "I'm afraid."
Zhong Cai: "..."
Wu Shaogan couldn't help but chuckle.
Zhong Cai laughed and said, "You little brat, you're asking for a beating."
Wu Dongxiao shrank his neck.
Zhong Cai said directly, "I want you to kill someone."
Wu Dongxiao was taken aback, then immediately frowned: "Who bullied Uncle Zhong?"
Zhong Cai's lips twitched slightly.
What do you mean someone bullied him...? Although his first reaction was that it wasn't his fault, which made him a little relieved.
Zhong Cai said, "That person hasn't caused trouble for me and your uncle yet, but he harbors deep malice towards us. He just hides it well, making it difficult for others to detect."
Wu Dongxiao did not ask, "How did you find out if you hid so deep?" He had been led out of the abyss by his two uncles and had been well taken care of. He believed he understood his uncles' personalities. He would not mention his younger uncles, but Uncle Zhong was definitely a good person, at least someone who would not actively harm others. Even Uncle Zhong had offered to let him kill someone, which meant that person was definitely not a good person.
Of course, it's also possible that the person had ill intentions towards his uncle, which is why Uncle Zhong had such a strong murderous intent... But his uncle is his uncle, and if someone wanted to harm him, it's normal for him, as the nephew, to help kill him!
So Wu Dongxiao simply nodded, and then asked, "Kill whom?"
Zhong Cai curled the corners of his lips: "Fan Zhongyang." He explained a few words, "As you know, your uncle and I have a friend named Fan Jiming, who has already married into the Xingyue Palace. It's Fan Zhongyang from the Fan family he belongs to, and he's still at the Suspended Illumination Realm. If nothing unexpected happens, you'll catch up with him and surpass him in no time."
“Although your uncle and I have wanted to make a move for a while, he didn’t take the initiative, so we weren’t in a hurry to kill him. But now that we’re leaving, we don’t want to keep him alive any longer.” Zhong Cai snorted coldly and then instructed, “But you don’t need to rush. Just remember this one thing. Once you’re strong enough, then kill him.”
Wu Dongxiao remembered it well.
Wu Shaogan took out a recording stone and handed it to Wu Dongxiao.
Wu Dongxiao examined it and found a clear image of a person inside.
Zhong Cai said, "This is what Fan Zhongyang looks like."
Wu Dongxiao carefully put away the recording stone and said seriously, "I will definitely kill him."
·
Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan exchanged a glance, both with smiles on their faces.
This was indeed something they had discussed long ago, deciding to hand over Fan Zhongyang, who was supposed to be a transmigrator, to the protagonist to deal with.
If we were to hand it over to someone else, it would be difficult to explain, and they might be tricked by the transmigrator.
But Dongxiao is different; he's bound to have the protagonist's luck.
Although the kid had a tough time in the original book, he always managed to escape danger... Although the kid was bad at judging people, as long as he knew beforehand that the person was not a good guy, he wouldn't be fooled.
Now that Wu Dongxiao is fully prepared for Fan Zhongyang's death, Fan Zhongyang will surely die at Wu Dongxiao's hands when the time is right.
This hidden danger has been eliminated.
·
At this moment, Zhong took out a token and handed it to Wu Dongxiao, saying, "This is the identity token of the Azure Dragon Palace, and it is also the reward that your uncle and I are giving you."
Wu Dongxiao was taken aback, but he didn't refuse. He took it and examined it carefully.
Zhong Cai explained the advantages, disadvantages, and potential limitations of the token to Wu Dongxiao.
Wu Dongxiao nodded and wrote it all down.
At the same time, he felt a little excited—if he was lucky and prepared well, he might be able to obtain a lot of resources in the Azure Dragon Palace!
Although it is indeed very dangerous and there is no guarantee that he will gain anything, fortune favors the bold! This is also an opportunity!
Wu Dongxiao said gratefully, "Thank you both, uncles!"
The uncle only asked his nephew to kill someone; there was no need to pay him anything, especially since it was such an opportunity related to the eighth level!
These are two uncles taking care of him!
Zhong Cai waved his hand and said with a smile, "Don't go rashly, be more careful."
Wu Dongxiao naturally agreed again.
·
The token of the Azure Dragon Palace was obtained by Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan from Fan Jiming many years ago.
However, there was only one of these things, which meant that the two of them couldn't go together in the first place. Moreover, the range of resources was indeed unclear—if it was a low-level resource area, it wouldn't be of any use to them; if it was a high-level resource area, they couldn't fight against it now, and even if they managed to hold on, the resources they obtained wouldn't be very attractive to them at the moment.
Moreover, even if it were a suitable area for the two of them, it would be true that Wu Shaogan could fight against the remnants and hone his skills, but the remnants in the Dragon Palace were just rare beasts, while Wu Shaogan had already experienced the torment of countless wooden beasts on the Dan Shen Wood, so these trials would not be of much help to him.
No matter how you look at it, the Dragon Palace Token is useless to both of them.
But it's different if you hand it over to the child.
This might become a shining example of the protagonist's rise—if the kid uses the token to go to the Dragon Palace, he might be able to get a lot of benefits!
Of course, Zhong Cai didn't intend to give it away for nothing.
This kid still has psychological barriers; giving him something for free makes him nervous... So, this is a good reward for the kid helping him kill someone.
That would be perfect.
·
Wu Dongxiao carefully put away the token.
Seeing how happy he was, Zhong Cai said, "After your uncle and I leave, you will soon be going out to gain experience."
Wu Dongxiao nodded: "Yes."
Zhong Cai sighed: "Don't make friends so easily in the future."
Wu Dongxiao had never intended to make many friends, and he didn't quite understand why Uncle Zhong would give him such advice.
Zhong Cai feigned helplessness and said, "You don't know what kind of luck you have, but since you were little, you've easily attracted people who have ill intentions towards you. Even after you go out and gain experience, you might still encounter them."
Wu Dongxiao recalled his childhood... and nodded silently.
Zhong Cai patted Wu Dongxiao on the shoulder, a rare occurrence for him, and said earnestly, "If you meet a new friend who is nice to you but you're unsure about them, ask your senior brother for advice."
Wu Dongxiao wholeheartedly agreed: "I will."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
