Chapter 44 The protagonist is crippled
Zhong Guanlin and Luo Fengxian were sitting opposite each other drinking.
Luo Fengxian smiled and told Zhong Guanlin about how her two children missed their father.
Zhong Guanlin smiled and agreed to visit them whenever he had time.
Luo Fengxian naturally showered her with compliments for a while.
The couple is enjoying a harmonious relationship.
Suddenly, someone came in to announce that the young master's bodyguard had arrived.
Zhong Guanlin immediately said, "Please come in quickly!"
Luo Fengxian smiled sweetly: "It seems that Cai'er's reply has been delivered. For her to send a letter to the guard, their relationship must still be very deep. Husband, you can rest assured."
Zhong Guanlin laughed heartily, feeling slightly relieved.
Before long, Xiang Lin came to the courtyard, presenting a letter and two boxes, one large and one small.
After the items were delivered, he quickly said goodbye and left.
They came and went like the wind.
Zhong Guanlin picked up the letter and opened it.
There are three pages.
He started by chatting casually about Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan's ordinary life, then mentioned that since it was his suggestion to open blind boxes, the items that came out actually cured Wu Shaogan, so Wu Shaogan considered him his lucky star and treated him as always, or even better.
This also implies that Wu Shaogan had completely forgotten about Zhong Qiao'er and her two sisters, never mentioning them or showing any concern whatsoever. In fact, when he first married into the family, Wu Shaogan had already stated that he wouldn't implicate him, even before he had summoned the alchemy furnace!
Anyway, Wu Shaogan is a very broad-minded person, and Zhong Cai is living a very happy life now.
Then came some other random talk.
Zhong Guanlin smiled, handed the letter to Luo Fengxian, and said, "Take a look too."
Luo Fengxian took it and looked at it, a relieved smile appearing on her face.
"That's great. It's Cai'er's good fortune and luck that he's doing well." Luo Fengxian sighed softly. "I was worrying unnecessarily. Fortunately, it didn't affect them."
Zhong Guanlin laughed and said, "Cai'er knows your feelings. That's why she gave each of us a gift. She said it was also from a blind box, which is perfect for us, so she's just passing on her good fortune."
Luo Fengxian pushed the large box to Zhong Guanlin, took the small box herself, and joked, "This is Cai'er being filial, but she's making excuses. It's just that she gave the large one to her husband and the small one to me. It seems that her husband is still more favored by Cai'er."
Zhong Guanlin chuckled: "I know his personality. He never forgets you, which means he really remembers your kindness."
As the couple spoke, they indeed opened the box.
Luo Fengxian covered her mouth and exclaimed in surprise: "A top-grade Jade Complexion Pill?"
Zhong Guanlin was also somewhat surprised: "Mine is a second-grade superior heart-protecting armor."
The couple exchanged a glance.
·
Although the Heart-Protecting Armor is only a level 2 resource, it can not only withstand attacks from cultivators at the Palace-Opening Realm, but also withstand a single blow from a cultivator at the Enlightenment Realm without dying—of course, even if they don't die, they will be severely injured.
This is a very good resource for Zhong Guanlin.
When he goes to the mountains to train, if any second-tier beasts try to ambush him, they can be blocked by this breastplate, allowing him to focus more on greater dangers.
This greatly enhanced his ability to save his life.
·
The Jade Complexion Pill was especially appreciated by Luo Fengxian.
She knew perfectly well that Zhong Guanlin was a womanizer, and that as long as she received his favor, he would loosen his grip a little.
Because Luo Fengxian was able to understand Zhong Guanlin's thoughts, she obtained many good things from him, which enabled her to cultivate so smoothly. However, her talent was limited after all, and although her appearance was still outstanding, it was no longer at its peak.
Now, with the help of the superior Jade Complexion Pill, she can remain in full bloom for two years, which will surely deepen the bond between husband and wife once again.
Thinking of this, Luo Fengxian chuckled to herself—Zhong Cai, that kid, really knows his father well.
Zhong Cai is now one of the favored ones.
He used to only have some face with Zhong Guanlin, but later he must have given Zhong Guanlin some benefits she didn't know about. Zhong Guanlin would mention him from time to time, and her level of importance to him almost surpassed that of Zhong Han.
Didn't Zhong Guanlin write a letter before? He even went out of his way to secure suitable resources.
He gave all the descendants in the courtyard to Zhong Cai, and kept the rest carefully.
Of course, for Luo Fengxian, even if Zhong Cai hadn't given her such a thoughtful elixir, but had just given her something random, she would still be happy—it would mean that her efforts hadn't been in vain, and that their relationship had been maintained.
As Luo Fengxian pondered, a sense of regret arose.
She had wanted to bring her family together to rely on Zhong Cai, but her family chose a different path.
Her two children probably can't offer Zhong Cai any help on their own, so for now, that's all she can do. As for the future, she'll see how things go.
·
Luo Fengxian's thoughts changed rapidly, but she still had a smile on her face as she took the Jade Complexion Pill in front of Zhong Guanlin.
Zhong Guanlin watched Luo Fengxian with great interest. He saw that her skin quickly became whiter and brighter, and her face seemed to be suddenly coated with a halo, making her even more beautiful.
Luo Fengxian looked over gently.
Zhong Guanlin put away the resources, picked up Luo Fengxian in his arms, and walked into the house laughing.
·
The relationship between Zhong Guanlin and Luo Fengxian can be described as deeply affectionate.
Taking advantage of Zhong Guanlin's good mood, Luo Fengxian successfully obtained the Heart-Guarding Leaf from him—to keep for her children; she also obtained the Deer Blood Grass, which could help her temper her blood.
Luo Fengxian could foresee that it wouldn't be long before she could break through from the eighth level of the Heavenly Guidance Realm to the ninth level.
At this point, Zhong Guanlin made a suggestion.
He wanted to visit Huxing City and also check out the blind box shop that Zhong Cai and her husband had been to.
Luo Fengxian was naturally willing. After some gentle persuasion, they even took Zhong Yun and Zhong Lan'er along to broaden their horizons...
·
In Huxing City, Zhong Guanlin spent hundreds of dollars on those low-end blind boxes.
The whole family opened blind boxes and actually got quite a few things.
Zhong Guanlin readily gave all the loose change to his two children.
Zhong Yun and Zhong Lan'er's savings were thus quite full.
Among the remaining resources, Zhong Guanlin obtained several first-grade, high-quality pills, as well as a few second-grade resources suitable for his own use... In the end, he actually made a small profit.
Zhong Guanlin and his group stayed in Huxing City for half a month and visited the blind box shop three times.
In the end, Zhong Guanlin still suffered a small loss.
But looking at the resources offered, he returned satisfied.
"This shop is indeed very interesting."
“My husband is right.”
"When I grow up and earn money, I'll bring my father along too!"
"Me too! Me too!"
·
After the incident at the secret realm ended, Qianqiao Town returned to peace.
Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan lived equally peaceful lives.
On the days when Wu Shaogan didn't go hunting, their daily schedules were very well planned.
Zhong Cai would spend five hours every day refining elixirs.
During this period, Wu Shaogan studied talismans, honed his archery skills, and processed medicinal herbs for Zhong Cai.
In the evening, the two spent two hours practicing dual cultivation.
After the dual cultivation session, they would go to sleep together.
Before we knew it, the days had flown by.
A year has passed in the blink of an eye.
·
In that year, the first thing Zhong Cai refined was the Meridian Opening Pill.
The purpose of this elixir is to help him unblock his meridians.
After about ten days, Zhong Cai had successfully refined the top-grade Meridian Opening Pill, and increased the pill-making rate to 90%. Each batch was full of pills, and there were always one to three top-grade pills.
From then on, whenever Zhong Cai cultivated with Wu Shaogan, she would take top-grade Meridian Opening Pills to speed up the process.
Wu Shaogan also takes various rare medicinal juices every day. The Azure Sky Puppet rarely stays at home now, but is constantly on the road searching for various rare divine soul medicines, various medicinal materials needed for alchemy, and various Yin-Yang and Five Elements attribute materials.
It wasn't that Zhong Cai didn't want to buy Wu Shaogan a level three soul-type pill directly, but the Azure Sky Puppet could only find mid-grade pills at most after searching around—there were a lot of impurities in them, so how could Zhong Cai be willing to accept them?
Therefore, Zhong Cai still preferred to spend more time using wood and fire to remove the impurities from the precious medicine.
·
After the Meridian Opening Pill, Zhong Cai continued to refine other first-grade pills.
Tiger Bone Pill, specially for bone tempering.
Tiger Blood Pill, usable after blood tempering, is extremely powerful and will cause pain.
The Profound Flame Pill contains the power of fire and can be used to temper bones, blood, and meridians, but it is only suitable for cultivators with a fire-attribute physique.
The Power Accumulation Pill can boost the strength of a cultivator at the Heavenly Guidance Realm by one level, but after a brief burst of power, there is a period of weakness. A cultivator at the twelfth level of the Heavenly Guidance Realm can only reach the peak of the Heavenly Guidance Realm after consuming it. The duration of weakness decreases with increasing grade; top-grade pills have no weakness period.
The Heart-Clearing Pill can alleviate or even cure attacks that corrupt the soul and spirit of cultivators.
The Light Body Pill can temporarily increase speed after consumption, making the cultivator feel like they are floating on air. Depending on the quality of the pill, the cultivator's movement speed will be 50% to 200% faster than before.
The Ice Soul Pill contains the power of ice soul and is used in a similar way to the Profound Flame Pill, but it is only suitable for cultivators with ice attribute physiques.
Dewfall Pill provides Xuan Qi...
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Zhong Cai carefully selected twenty kinds of first-grade pills and refined them one by one.
Each type of pill takes about ten days to prepare, and there are always two or three days of failures. But once a pill is successfully made, the progress is rapid. Not only are all pills fully formed, but the final success rate is at least 80% and sometimes as high as 100%.
At this time, Zhong Cai's strength had successfully reached the eleventh level of the Heavenly Guidance Realm.
He felt it was time to start trying level two pills.
Level 2 pills are suitable for cultivators at the Palace Opening Realm.
The Palace Opening Realm is divided into nine levels, each of which involves the continuous opening of Dao Palaces, allowing them to expand continuously.
Each time an expansion standard is reached, opening up even a little more space elevates one's realm.
However, once each realm reaches its limit, when you continue to expand outwards, you will feel a barrier.
It is extremely difficult for cultivators to open the barrier by relying solely on their profound energy; the slow and steady approach would take countless years.
Therefore, cultivators need to use rare medicines or elixirs to help them directly break through the barriers.
When a cultivator reaches the peak of the Dao Palace Realm, they need to spend a lot of time strengthening their foundation, which means constantly replenishing their Dao Palace with profound energy. If they take a lot of pills for this purpose, they can not only shorten the accumulation time but also make their foundation more solid.
Therefore, the most common types of level-two pills are those that assist in breakthroughs in minor realms and those that accumulate profound energy.
Of course, each realm also requires elixirs for healing, beauty, tempering, extending lifespan, and aiding comprehension...
·
Zhong Cai possessed a total of 128 carefully selected second-level pill formulas. After careful consideration, he chose to refine the Golden Cauldron Pill first.
This kind of pill should be between level one and level two. It is a pill that helps cultivators at the peak of the Heavenly Guidance stage to open their palaces. It is also the pill that Zhong Cai will need to use soon.
The refining of a second-level elixir requires a second-grade wood fire.
Zhong Cai's strength has improved, making it easier for him to control this kind of wood and fire than before. Also, because he often gave Wu Shaogan the medicinal juice for quenching precious medicines, he was also very successful in the stage of using wood and fire to simmer medicinal materials.
Wu Shaogan processed a large amount of medicinal materials, saving Zhong Cai a lot of time in the early preparations. Whenever Wu Shaogan went out, Zhong Cai did not cultivate at night, but spent all her time on such preparations.
What was both unexpected and reasonable was that Zhong Cai's refining of the Golden Cauldron Pill went remarkably smoothly.
In the first seven days, every failure he made was simply because the mixing and distribution of the medicinal liquid were not precise enough, causing the furnace to explode due to the conflict. But once he became proficient, the success rate of pill formation would increase dramatically.
A full set of level-two pills consists of nine pills.
When Zhong Caigang finished refining the pills, he produced four pills—directly reaching the level of an extraordinary alchemist.
This talent is almost identical to when he first refined a first-level elixir.
Within a few days, Zhong Cai produced seven pills, reaching the level of a top-tier second-level alchemist.
The process of making Man Dan was slightly more difficult, and it still took Zhong Cai seven or eight days.
final--
In a total of twenty days, Zhong Cai completed the full-cycle cultivation of the Golden Cauldron Pill!
After another month or so of honing his skills, he gradually refined his own techniques to the highest quality...
·
In the remaining four months, Zhong Cai completed the full production of a second-level elixir every two months, including the achievement of a top-grade elixir.
By this point, Zhong Cai had mastered the refining of three types of second-level pills.
Golden Cauldron Pill, Palace-Opening Pill, and Zhiyun Pill.
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The Palace-Opening Pill is the elixir needed to reach the limit of each minor realm within the Palace-Opening Realm. Each breakthrough usually requires more than one pill; the higher the minor realm, the more difficult the opening, and the more pills are needed. The lower the quality of the elixir, the more pills are required.
—When a cultivator breaks through from the eighth to the ninth level of the Palace Opening Realm, the number of Palace Opening Pills they consume can reach an astonishing dozens!
Cultivators without enough elixirs to aid them can only spend more time.
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Zhiyun Dan is a healing pill.
Similar to the use of Baicao Dan in first-grade pills, the efficacy of low-quality pills will be weakened when a cultivator at a lower cultivation level takes them—but Zhiyun Dan can treat not only internal injuries but also external injuries.
If it's a top-grade pill, then any injury at the Foundation Establishment stage, whether internal or external, can be cured with a single pill.
—Except for the more troublesome ones, those containing special energies.
·
After Zhong Cai successfully advanced to the second-level alchemist, he became even more complacent and self-satisfied.
For this reason, Wu Shaogan naturally praised him quite a bit.
·
Zhong Cai sat cross-legged in the cultivation room, the wood fire in the alchemy furnace in front of him boiling, scorching the second-grade medicinal materials inside.
He manipulated the fire to quickly remove impurities, then mixed precious herbs and other medicinal materials to extract various medicinal liquids... Before long, a strange fragrance emanated from the furnace.
Nine Palace-Opening Pills! A full set!
Zhong Cai happily took out the pills and counted them briefly, finding three top-grade Palace-Opening Pills inside.
Wu Shaogan hasn't gone out these past few days; he's been helping Zhong Cai with her work.
He watched as Zhong Cai refined four batches of second-grade pills, with only one failure.
Wu Shao chuckled and gave a thumbs up: "Ah Cai, awesome!"
Such praise always comes whenever Zhong Cai looks over.
But as long as Wu Shaogan is with her, Zhong Cai will always enjoy it.
This time was no exception; Zhong Cai held her head high, her smile radiant.
—After a few breaths.
Zhong Cai sat in front of the alchemy furnace and continued the next round of refining.
This time, he refined the Zhiyun Pill.
After mastering the three types of level-two pills, Zhong Cai didn't rush to refine the fourth type, but instead continued to consolidate her skills.
They are refined in shifts every day.
·
Wu Shao chuckled and carefully removed the white mist coating from the edge of the Nine-Colored Fungus in his hand.
This white misty substance is slightly toxic. Although it won't cause any danger if thrown into the alchemy furnace, it will become a deeply ingrained impurity.
Wood and fire can burn it completely, but it will take much longer.
For a cultivator in the Heavenly Guidance Realm to refine a second-level pill, it would take at least an hour per batch. If he were to temper this mist garment, it would take at least another half hour... It would be better for him to handle it in advance, which would only take a few seconds and save him the trouble.
·
After Zhong Cai exhausted her profound energy, the two went out the door and returned to their room to rest for a while.
In the shadows, a middle-aged man dressed in a black robe was already waiting quietly.
Noticing the movement behind him, he turned around and bowed to the two men.
Zhong Cai greeted, "Senior Tang is back?"
Tang Lie bowed to the two men and said, "Greetings, young master and alchemist Zhong. I am fortunate to have fulfilled my mission this time."
As he spoke, he took out a mustard seed bag and handed it to the two of them.
Wu Shaogan took it, opened it, and his expression changed slightly before handing it to Zhong Cai.
After checking it, Zhong Cai smiled and said, "Thank you for your hard work, Senior Tang."
·
Although Tang Lie was practically semi-free after being released by Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan, and they told him he could spend more time improving himself and didn't need to rush back, Tang Lie, being a special Dao soldier, still knew his limits.
So Tang Lie would come back about every three or four months.
And every time he returned, he would bring with him some refining materials with Yin-Yang and Five Elements attributes.
Previously, Tang Lie was still at the peak of the Suspended Illumination Realm. Although he brought back a lot of resources, they were all level one or two.
This time, Tang Lie's aura was clearly different.
Even though he deliberately concealed his aura, it was still possible to sense that he possessed an extremely terrifying power, and the sense of danger he could bring to others was at least ten times greater!
Tang Lie has broken through to the Fusion Realm!
At the same time, among the resources he brought back, in addition to a large number of low-level ones, there were also five or six level-five refining materials with Yin-Yang and Five Elements attributes.
This is exactly the resource that Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan need when upgrading the altar and the command platform.
The two were already preparing to merge their companion treasures, trying to overlap the resources as much as possible—if they included both Yin and Yang and the Five Elements, they could even save nearly half the number, it would just be a bit more troublesome when choosing them.
As for the price, those with attributes are a bit more expensive than those without attributes, but the difference in price is not significant.
Overall, it's still economical.
Over the course of a year, Zhong Cai obtained more than 120,000 units of elixir essence, and also put 100,000 units of elixir essence into the altar.
One hundred thousand of them was the amount he saved up and then offered as a sacrifice all at once.
Just recently.
However, in order to obtain as many level 6 resources as possible, Zhong Cai did not choose to sacrifice the White Flame Pool and the Azure Flame Pool. Instead, she used half of them for the Red Flame Pool, doing five 10-pulls, and then doing five single pulls for the Purple Flame Pool.
The result did not disappoint Zhong Cai.
Zhong Cai obtained three level-six resources from the Crimson Flame Pool, excluding the guaranteed minimum. Among them were even two level-five refining materials with different Yin-Yang attributes! And several level-four materials of the same type…
Upon arriving at the Purple Flame Pool, there were three level-five resources and two level-six resources.
·
Zhong Cai smiled as she put away the resources Tang Lie had brought back, and said, "The price of these resources will be deducted from what you are supposed to hand over. Just tell me how much you are short."
Tang Lie smiled and handed over another mustard seed bag, which contained over 100,000 mysterious pearls.
Zhong Cai raised her eyebrows.
Tang Lie said, "After I successfully broke through to the Fusion Realm, I encountered some savage beasts at the early stage of the fifth rank in the mountains and killed a few of them. After converting all the other hunting spoils into Xuan Pearls and fifth-level refining materials, I still have 120,000 left."
"Young master, alchemist Zhong, please accept this."
·
A single high-level fourth-tier savage beast can be worth thousands of Xuanzhu (mysterious pearls), and even 30% of it can fetch over a thousand.
Even the initial stage of a fifth-tier savage beast is worth more than 50,000 Xuanzhu each, and 30% of them are worth tens of thousands.
Tang Lie, a master axe user, was extremely fierce and hunted in the mountains with ease. Furthermore, he didn't specifically venture into the mountains surrounding level two or three cities, making every place a comfortable haven for him.
The first three times he returned, he brought between 20,000 and 30,000 Xuanzhu each time, but this time, there were far more.
He knew very well that summoning generals and training Dao soldiers at the Command Platform required Xuanzhu and Xuanshi, and that upgrading the companion treasures of his two masters required refining materials, so he simply exchanged them and only brought back these two types.
As expected, it suited the two masters' wishes perfectly.
·
Zhong Cai thought about it and realized it was pretty much the same.
Tang Lie's ability to make money is truly terrifying...
Special Dao Soldiers are indeed special Dao Soldiers. They emerge at the peak of the Suspended Illumination Realm and can advance to a higher level the following year. It's an incredible windfall.
Wu Shaogan smiled slightly and said, "Thank you for your hard work."
Tang Lie didn't find it hard; after all, it was his duty.
Moreover, when he was hunting outside, he sensed a vast and powerful energy of heaven and earth that was even more abundant than that of the continent he had lived on, so his mindset was also very good.
Zhong Cai handed over several level 5 or 6 resources obtained from the sacrifice to Tang Lie.
Tang Lie awaited his instructions.
Zhong Cai said, "Let's replace as many of them as possible with the five elements materials that have Yin and Yang attributes."
Tang Lie solemnly put it away and replied, "Yes."
Zhong Cai added, "Be extra careful when dealing with powerful people when you go out."
Tang Lie naturally agreed again.
·
If Tang Lie hadn't reached the Fusion Realm, Zhong Cai wouldn't have dared to give him resources above level five to trade.
If they were to be murdered and robbed by a Fusion Realm expert, he and Lao Wu would suffer a huge loss!
But now that Tang Lie has reached the Fusion Realm, he can unleash tremendous power, so this matter is relatively less dangerous.
Moreover, even when trading level six resources, Tang Lie doesn't necessarily have to exchange with those at the Palace Construct Realm; he can simply wander around a few level five cities.
·
Tang Lie didn't stay long; it seemed he had only returned to hand over the resources.
After the handover was completed, he bid farewell to Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan again and disappeared without a trace.
After the person left.
Zhong Cai looked at Wu Shaogan and couldn't help but say, "You've spent a lot of money on this platform, and you're making a fortune!"
Wu Shao chuckled dryly, "It's because A Cai is lucky. Otherwise, she would never be able to summon special Dao soldiers. She could only raise bronze-armored soldiers at the peak of the Suspended Illumination Realm. When hunting, she is not as resourceful as Tang Lie, and she can not earn as many Xuan Pearls."
Zhong Cai thought for a moment and said comfortably, "Anyway, Tang Lie has broken through, so we have one more right-hand man."
Wu Shaogan smiled slightly.
Zhong Cai let out another breath and said, "If Tang Lie's operation succeeds this time, we'll have all the upgrade resources. After making some more preparations, we can see what the altar and the command platform will look like afterward."
Wu Shao chuckled dryly, "I'm looking forward to it too."
·
Two days later, an uninvited guest arrived in Qianqiao Town.
He was a handsome boy of about ten years old, with a resemblance to Zhong Cai in his features, and an eager expression.
He was accompanied by a guard, but the guard was probably not him—because his strength had reached the second level of the Palace-Opening Realm.
The two quickly found a small courtyard in a relatively secluded part of the town and gently knocked on the door.
Zhong opened the door, recognized the person, and after quickly informing them, welcomed them inside.
·
Zhong Cai looked at the young man in front of him and asked Bi Cen to bring him a cup of hot tea.
Bichen served it quickly.
The young man took a deep breath and bowed to Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan, saying, "Sixth Brother, Brother-in-law, I apologize for disturbing you."
·
This man was Zhong Yun, the son of Zhong Cai's stepmother.
Zhong Yun is sixteen years old this year, and his strength has reached the fifth level of the Heavenly Guidance Realm, so he can barely start doing things.
However, the fact that he came to find Zhong Cai in such a hurry probably means that his stepmother has something to say to him.
·
Zhong Cai coughed lightly.
Wu Shaogan spoke first, "What brings you here?"
Zhong Cai also looked at Zhong Yun, her expression questioning.
Zhong Yun was actually very nervous.
It took him more than half a month to travel from Kunyun City to Qianqiao Town.
Originally, Luo Fengxian wanted to send a trusted confidant, but Zhong Yun volunteered after learning about it, which led to this operation.
Luo Fengxian only allowed the passage after she asked Zhong Guanlin's bodyguard to accompany her.
Zhong Lan'er originally wanted to come, but she was only fourteen years old, which was too young.
·
Zhong Yun quickly replied, "I came here on my parents' orders to deliver a message to my sixth brother and brother-in-law."
Here, he specifically mentioned "Brother".
In other words, this news is also related to Wu Shaogan?
Zhong Cai paused for a moment: "Could it be something to do with the Wu family?"
Seeing that Zhong Cai reacted quickly, Zhong Yun couldn't help but think to himself, just as his mother said, his sixth brother is very smart, but he just didn't show it off in the Zhong family before.
Even now, when Zhong Yun thinks about those things, he still feels a chill run down his spine.
Zhong Yun took a deep breath to calm himself before slowly speaking: "Something happened to the Wu family."
Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan listened quietly.
Zhong Yun continued, "The Wu family's top-tier Earth-grade genius... was recently diagnosed with poisoning. Now, the toxins have not only contaminated his soul and meridians, but have also spread throughout his Dao Palace."
"It is said that his companion treasure is now sealed in the Dao Palace by poison, making it impossible to summon or absorb the energy of heaven and earth. Moreover, as time goes by, this poison will gradually contaminate his companion treasure."
Zhong Cai's pupils contracted slightly.
Wu Shaogan's expression gradually darkened.
Zhong Yun sensed the heavy atmosphere and managed to finish the last sentence.
"After diagnosis by several doctors, it was determined that this toxin requires at least a level six antidote to be completely removed."
Zhong Cai slowly revealed a cold smile: "A level six antidote pill, even an ordinary one, would cost tens of thousands of low-grade Xuan stones. The Wu family certainly cannot afford that many Xuan stones." Unless they use all the resources of the entire clan.
Zhong Yun remained silent, as if chilled to the bone.
Zhong Cai looked at Zhong Yun, her expression calm: "What has the Wu family done this time?"
Zhong Yun opened his mouth, but couldn't make a sound.
Bichen quickly came over and poured more hot tea.
Zhong Yun took a few gulps of his drink before speaking in a low voice: "As soon as the Wu family discovered this, they sealed off the entire Kunyun City and began searching for cultivators carrying this kind of poison. Many small forces whose businesses involved poisons were searched multiple times by the Wu family, and they also did some things... to make an example of them."
"Later, a master alchemist also went to examine it, and together with a skilled physician, they diagnosed the source of the toxin."
"Moreover, it has been confirmed that it is a chronic poison."
"It will take at least ten months to complete the infection by the toxins and to seal off the Dao Palace."
Zhong Cai's eyelids twitched, and she frowned, saying, "So this matter can only be accomplished by someone within the Wu family who is very familiar with Wu Dongxiao."
Zhong Yun nodded: "My father and mother both tried to investigate. Although the Wu family has kept that person's identity a secret, it is basically certain that he is the most talented among the remaining young members of the Wu family."
Zhong Cai squinted.
Wu Shaogan said calmly, "Then it can only be Wu Shaoan."
Zhong Yun had never heard of Wu Shao'an.
Zhong Cai glanced at Wu Shaogan with a mocking smile and said, "Look at your cousin. He used to be jealous of you, and now he's jealous of your nephew. He's insidious and vicious, a real scoundrel. It's only because you don't have a great relationship with him that he doesn't need to wait for someone else to deal with you; he'd poison you first."
Wu Shaogan said helplessly, "I understand. I will pay more attention in the future."
Zhong Cai snorted.
Zhong Yun secretly glanced at the two of them, never expecting them to interact in this way.
Before he came, his mother not only asked him to deliver a message, but also told him to see if his sixth brother was as happy as he always said in his letters.
Looking at it now, the young master is actually at a disadvantage... This is probably not an ordinary kind of happiness.
·
Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan paid no attention to Zhong Yun's little scheme.
Before long, Qiaohong and Bichen prepared a table full of delicious dishes as instructed and presented them to Zhong Yun.
Zhong Yun was exhausted, hungry, and had talked so much, which added to her mental pressure. So, seeing Zhong Cai's smile, she didn't stand on ceremony and quickly started eating.
Zhong Cai looked at Wu Shaogan and said, "This time, we're afraid we'll have to go back."
Wu Shaogan: "Go and check on the situation."
·
The two had been staying outside, and the Wu family hadn't reacted much—after all, their attention was focused on Wu Dongxiao, who was at the top of the Earth Rank.
Although the Wu family head and his wife occasionally thought that Wu Shaogan was a consecrated and usable person, there were quite a few consecrated cultivators in the Wu family. As long as Wu Shaogan insisted on not returning, the Wu family wouldn't do anything about it.
But now that Wu Dongxiao has gotten into trouble, and it was done by the Wu family, it might cause some internal turmoil.
The two were still outside, unsure of the Wu family's situation. What if something went wrong for them?
Moreover, the Zhong family's influence is insufficient, so they may not know all the relevant information.
They also need to return to the Wu family to find out the whole story.
·
Zhong Cai sighed, "We've only had a short period of peace and tranquility."
Wu Shaogan said gently, "You don't have to go back."
Zhong Cai shook her head.
When Lao Wu was deposed last time, the Wu family didn't react much because of the Meng family and the Dai family later. But when Wu Dongxiao got into trouble this time, didn't the Wu family immediately launch a large-scale lockdown?
Even so, the loss of face from having two geniuses murdered in succession is enormous.
Coupled with the enormous losses, this was enough to enrage the Wu family to the extreme.
The news about the Wu family couldn't be kept secret forever; it would eventually reach Qianqiao Town.
If the two don't take any action, and this mess passes, if the Wu family remembers Old Wu again, who knows if they might suddenly feel that Old Wu's attitude was bad, and thus use some coercive measures against him?
They'd better get going.
This was both to clarify the situation and to show that they still "cared" about the family.
Wu Shaogan knew what Zhong Cai was thinking.
The Wu family is no longer a significant threat to them, but the altar and the command platform are too mystical, so they still need to hide as much as possible... Therefore, it is more appropriate for him to act as a junior who harbors some resentment towards the family for now.
It's understandable that a younger member of the family would feel conflicted and want to go back to visit someone who has had a similar experience.
·
Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan didn't say anything more.
Zhong Yun listened intently while quickly filling his stomach.
But strangely, his sixth brother and the young master only exchanged a few brief words, and it was impossible to tell what they were thinking.
After Zhong Yun had almost finished eating, he heard the two of them speak again.
Zhong Cai: "Stay here for one night, and we'll take you back with us tomorrow."
Zhong Yun's eyes lit up, and he immediately agreed.
Zhong Cai smiled and told Zhong Da to take him and the guard to rest.
Zhong Yun really needs to take a good rest and relieve her fatigue...
·
the next day.
Wu Shaogan took out a flying boat and extended his hand to Zhong Cai.
Zhong Cai slapped his palm, then grabbed him and pulled him directly onto the flying boat.
Xiang Lin, Zhong Da, and their servants all boarded the train one after another.
Next, Wu Shaogan embedded a mysterious pearl into the flying boat and quickly manipulated it with his mind, causing the flying boat to take off rapidly and head straight towards the outside of the town, towards the direction of Kunyun City.
·
A few days later, the flying boat successfully arrived outside Kunyun City.
The city still stands majestically, and many people still come and go through its gates. But in the past, they would chatter noisily, and now there is little whispering among them—even when they do talk, their voices are quite loud.
Zhong Cai was a little puzzled.
Wu Shaogan reacted quickly, a cold smile appearing on his lips.
Zhong Cai understood when he saw Wu Shaogan's reaction.
·
Two geniuses were easily ruined... Such a ridiculous thing is something that cultivators have been mocking for hundreds of years.
The first time was fine, but the matter was complicated, and many cultivators who knew a little about it kept it a secret. They quickly suppressed the matter and didn't bring it up to discuss it often.
But this time, the Wu family made such a big show of it, and in the end, it was their own family that ran into problems. Isn't that laughable?
Even though many cultivators knew in their hearts that mocking the Wu family was not a wise move, how could they possibly tolerate it?
Not daring to provoke the Wu family directly is already a result of restraint.
The Wu family was, after all, a top family in Kunyun City, and there was no force they couldn't afford to offend this time. Naturally, they quickly became furious, and many family members expressed their determination to teach those who dared to mock the Wu family a lesson!
Therefore, the Wu family must have done something to make so many cultivators dare to speak loudly and not softly, lest the Wu family take it as mockery and do something to them.
·
Zhong Cai curled her lip, secretly thinking: "Even our own genius can be ruined by his own family members. I wonder what the Wu family, from top to bottom, is doing."
Wu Shao'an has been poisoning people for a long time! Even a fool could tell that if he weren't so close to Wu Dongxiao, would he have had this opportunity?
Why would the Wu family allow Wu Shao'an to get close to Wu Dongxiao? Did they not investigate Wu Shao'an's intentions at all?
What does a little brat like Wu Dongxiao know? It's all because the elders of the Wu family are blind that this happened.
While Wu Shao'an was indeed a villain, the elders of the Wu family were also responsible for Wu Dongxiao's downfall.
Thinking of this, Zhong Cai grabbed Wu Shaogan's hand and squeezed it.
Actually, even knowing that there were various reasons why the Wu family didn't react to Old Wu's matter, the fact that the Wu family got so angry over Wu Dongxiao... to outsiders it was quite funny, but Zhong Cai still felt a little sorry for Old Wu.
Wu Shao chuckled and then pinched Zhong Cai in return.
·
After the group entered the city, Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan went back to the Wu family.
Zhong Yun, accompanied by his guards, bid them farewell.
These past few days on the airship, Zhong Cai's impression of Zhong Yun has been quite good.
Zhong Yun also held Zhong Cai in high regard.
Zhong Cai didn't intend to let Zhong Yun go for nothing, so she gave him a few pills along the way.
There are different kinds, from Qi-tonifying pills to heart-protecting pills and blood-quenching pills—of course, Qi-tonifying pills are of medium quality, while the other kinds of pills are basically of low quality.
This prompted Zhong Yun to ask again whether it was made by Zhong Cai. After learning that it was indeed made by him, he immediately became even more respectful to Zhong Cai.
Of course, the pills Zhong Cai gave to Zhong Yun were not just for him alone; Luo Fengxian and Zhong Lan'er also received theirs.
Zhong Yun didn't mind at all. Giving the money to his mother and sister was something he was willing to do anyway. At the same time, he was even more grateful that he had volunteered this time.
Otherwise, how would he have had the opportunity to obtain so many pills?
He secretly made a decision in his heart that he should get closer to this sixth brother in the future.
At least learn from your mother and try to gather as much information as possible so that you can pass it on to your sixth brother when the time is right.
Sixth Brother would certainly not let him suffer a loss.
·
Meanwhile, Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan returned to the Wu family home.
They were still traveling in an ordinary carriage, but when they tried to enter through the small door as usual, they found that there were armored soldiers guarding all the small doors.
The two exchanged a glance and got out of the car.
Wu Shaogan said calmly, "Let them pass."
The soldiers recognized Wu Shaogan and, seeing him with Zhong Cai and Xiang Lin guarding the side, made way for him.
The two entered through the small gate and returned to their courtyard.
Because the courtyard layout was similar to that of Qianqiao Town, the two didn't feel like strangers.
The servants quickly tidied up as well.
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