HSSB66: No longer viewing him in the same light
Looking at Yan Zhaoge, Zhao Shicheng nodded his head slowly, “Zhaoge had originally already possessed outstanding talent. Looking at it now, it had actually yet to be fully put on display in the past.”
“It was only today that he truly revealed the lofty heights he had attained, and revealed the strength that he had been accumulating for so long.”
Yan Zhaoge cupped his hands towards Zhao Shicheng, “Uncle overpraises me.”
“On the contrary, I have troubled Uncle this time.”
In having joined hands with Elder Qin in repelling the East Rising Lord of the Sacred Sun Clan, Zhao Shicheng had undoubtedly already made a clear choice between the two Sacred Grounds.
As a part of the Heaven Domain’s East Heaven Region, the Eastern Tang had all along been subordinate to Broad Creed Mountain.
However, the Sacred Sun Clan was currently strong and powerful, while the Eastern Tang Kingdom was situated directly beside territory of the Fire Domain controlled by it.
The two Sacred Grounds completely breaking out into conflict was something that the Sacred Sun Clan would not want to see, due to the numerous uncertain factors involved. However, if the Sacred Sun Clan wanted to deal with the Eastern Tang Kingdom, it would be as easy as flipping their palm.
Even if Broad Creed Mountain came back to find fault with them later on, if the Eastern Tang Kingdom really incurred losses just like that, it would be a real disaster indeed.
There was always the possibility of being compensated for material as well as territorial losses, but the dead could not be revived.
Zhao Shicheng shook his head, “This time, about the Pill Pavilion’s change in leadership, I had originally already been planning to kick Zhao Shilie out to show the Sacred Sun Clan my stance. Really, it was only a matter of time.”
“This King has always been devoted to Broad Creed Mountain; it’s not like the Sacred Sun Clan did not know that. This time, it was only clearly pushing everything onto the table.”
His old friend’s only son facing danger on Eastern Tang soil, Zhao Shicheng naturally wouldn’t sit there doing nothing.
No matter what, he would support Yan Zhaoge with all his might.
Elder Qin once again made known his stance, “As the situation is unique, this old man will be remaining in the Eastern Tang over this period of time.”
“We will be troubling you, Elder Qin,” Despite facing the great pressure brought about by the Sacred Sun Clan, Zhao Shicheng’s demeanour was calm as always.
He looked towards Yan Zhaoge, “I had not known that you, Zhaoge, actually also had such deep attainments in the dao of alchemy.”
Yan Zhaoge smiled, “Uncle overpraises me. I myself also only recently received that piece of information and began to study it, thus gaining some attainments in that field. However, it is still insufficient to become a system; more experimentation is still needed.”
Zhao Shicheng sighed, “The Golden Needle Liberating Pill technique, like the Internal Crystal Furnace, was also completely lost following the Great Calamity, only living on within records.”
“Your attainments in the dao of luck, are really too good.”
As Zhao Shicheng spoke, he couldn’t resist joking with Yan Zhaoge for a bit, though his tone and expression still remained rather serious.
Yan Xu and the others were all slightly stunned, “Golden Needle Liberating Pill?”
Elder Qin, though, having already heard a little about this from the clan’s main headquarters, was not all that surprised.
As the Disciplinary Elder of the entire East Heaven Region, he had naturally been informed by Yan Zhaoge beforehand over this period of time when the latter had wanted to engage in some activities here.
“Didn’t you say before that it was still in the experimental phase? Have you a concrete grasp of it already?” Elder Qin’s face revealed a bit of joy at this.
Yan Zhaoge nodded, smiling, “I’m still in the process of studying it. However, I have already become gradually accustomed to using it on some more entry-level pills and medicines.”
Zhao Shicheng shook his head, “It’s one thing to be able to successfully use it on Treatment Pills, but the Smoke Cloud Powder is definitely not an entry-level medicine; it is already like a divine medicine for the treating of wounds.”
Listening to Elder Qin’s as well as Zhao Shicheng’s words, the others had gradually come to realise what this was all about.
The expressionless Yan Xu had originally had a faint coldness deep within his gaze that was fixed on Yan Zhaoge. However, that had now completely vanished, only a total calmness left behind.
This, however, did not mean that all that had occurred between them in the past had just gone poof in a cloud of smoke.
On the contrary, the way that Yan Xu now looked at Yan Zhaoge was no longer like how a member of the older generation would look down upon a member of the younger generation.
At this moment, he finally put Yan Zhaoge on the same level as himself.
This was even despite the fact that the current Yan Zhaoge’s cultivation realm was still far from his.
The Internal Crystal Furnace artifact forging method, the turning of Cloud-Veined Crystals into Jade Essence, the Golden Needle Liberating Pill technique, as well as the unordinary cultivation talent and potential that he himself possessed…
Things like this could happen once or twice, but not thrice.
Once or twice could be attributed to coincidence, to luck. However, if it was like this every time, it could no longer be called a coincidence but a thing of certainty.
Yan Xu took a final calm glance at Yan Zhaoge before retracting his gaze, seemingly no longer paying any attention to him.
But, in truth, this just reflected how determined he truly was, having actually attached even more importance to Yan Zhaoge than before.
Due to considerations on the issue of legacy, when competing members of the senior generation were locked in a stalemate, the presence of an outstanding member of the younger generation was very likely to influence the final decision of the older generation.
Not many people knew, but the caution and fear Yan Xu felt towards Yan Zhaoge and his father far exceeded other people.
This did not merely stem from the competition between factions; it also had to do with his own personal fear, hidden deep within his heart.
As Yan Di grew stronger and stronger, and his power and influence grew greater and greater, Yan Xu was already finding it harder to eat and tougher to sleep.
“What happened that year; if the two of them were to find out that I was related to it…”
“Originally, I had thought that only Yan Di poses a threat, not having expected that not only him, but, a long time later, even this junior poses a massive threat.”
“Because of him, Yan Di’s momentum will only grow, maybe even to the point where he can suppress Elder Fang. If this goes on…”
Yan Xu sucked in a deep breath, his gaze growing even calmer, while also even darker and gloomier.
Having originally still been slightly hesitant, he had, as of this moment, made up his mind for good.
Meanwhile, the other important martial practitioners of Broad Creed Mountain who were present now held much more complicated feelings than before as they looked at Yan Zhaoge.
Those who were closer to Yan Di’s faction were overjoyed though still finding it a little hard to believe, while those closer to Yan Zhaoge’s second apprentice-uncle’s faction felt incomparably conflicted.
They hailed from Broad Creed Mountain, after all. Their own clan having produced such an up-and-coming genius, the honour was shared with them, and they were happy for the clan as well.
However, this up-and-coming star just had to be from the opposing faction.
Yan Zhaoge could also roughly tell what they were all thinking.
What he had just done was actually just to set up a foundation for later. He was preparing to concoct a particular godly pill as a trump card to help secure his father the position of Clan Chief.
The pill had never appeared in the Eight Extremities World of after the Great Calamity. If it was concocted, no one would be able to recognise it.
It was not like an artifact, a spirit artifact or a weapon, which a martial practitioner could try to communicate with and just test out.
The pill had to be put into the mouth and consumed, and whatever effects it would bring about afterwards was hard to say.
To most, it was a great tonic, but to some, however, it might be a strong poison. This kind of situation could indeed happen.
This would inevitably cause people to have second thoughts. Therefore, Yan Zhaoge needed to prepare a foundation for it beforehand.
He wanted to give people the impression: “In the area of the dao of alchemy, Yan Zhaoge really is not just playing about. In fact, he is actually very proficient in it, and is worthy of our trust.”
In order to not draw too much attention, this foundation had to be built up a step at a time and in gradual phases.
Whilst building up a foundation, he would also be continuing to cement Broad Creed Mountain’s power in the Eastern Tang Kingdom while pushing away the extended claws of the Sacred Sun Clan, thus achieving many benefits with a single move.
After having fully understood everything that had happened, Elder Qin nodded slightly towards Zhao Shicheng, “I must first congratulate Your Majesty for having produced yet another excellent son.”
Zhao Shicheng’s expression was deep and calm, “Hao’er was definitely out of This King’s expectations. However, there are many things that are still yet to be verified.”
“Also, while Zhao Shilie did lose his share of the Pill Pavilion to Zhaoge, This King knows him too well. He will not retreat so easily.”
“Over the years, he has inserted quite a lot of people into the Pill Pavilion, some of whom hold vital positions. All of this needs to be cleared and taken care of.”
“However, it should be completed within the next few days,” Zhao Shicheng said in a calm manner.
Elder Qin nodded, “This old man naturally knows of the King’s abilities.”
Having said thus, he turned to look at Yan Zhaoge, “Zhaoge, you have consecutively performed yet another huge merit.”
“Let’s not talk about the other rewards first; they will be decided upon by the clan later on. With my jurisdiction, I can first reward you for your meritorious contributions in the matter of the Pill Pavilion.”
“Having reproduced the ancient Golden Needle Liberating Pill technique that can increase the efficacy of pills and medicines, you also managed to eliminate the Sacred Sun Clan’s encroachment on the Eastern Tang’s Pill Pavilion at the same time.”
“Other than the share of the Pill Pavilion that you won from Prince Jin, the share of the Pill Pavilion that our clan originally held in secret will also all go to you.”
“All the profit that you gain from there will be for you to distribute at your own discretion. If the clan has need of it, we will not let you suffer a loss; we will exchange it with you at the market price or for some other resources that you want.”
“Matters of the Pill Pavilion that are related to our clan will all be decided by you.”
Yan Zhaoge smiled slightly, “I thank Elder Qin.”
The others were all left staring back and forth at one another. Only Yan Xu remained expressionless.
HSSB67: Pressuring Yan Xu
Looking between Elder Qin, Yan Zhaoge, and Yan Xu, the onlookers suddenly had numerous thoughts flash across their minds.
The Pill Pavilion was the primary source of income for the Eastern Tang’s royal family. As the hegemon of the East Heaven Region, Broad Creed Mountain naturally also laid claim to a share of the profits.
On one hand, it was a symbolic gesture which guaranteed Broad Creed Mountain’s position and benefits in the Eastern Tang.
On the other, for the pills and medicines of the Pill Pavilion to be exported in large quantities outside of the Eastern Tang Kingdom, Broad Creed Mountain also played a very important role.
Even if there weren’t the Golden Needle Liberating Pill technique or the Smoke Cloud Powder, the Pill Pavilion would still be generating a huge amount of profit.
Previously, the relationship between the clan and the Pill Pavilion had been managed by the Eastern Tang’s Disciplinary Elder. This definitely fell within his jurisdiction, so it made sense that he had this power.
However, Yan Zhaoge had personally obtained Zhao Shilie’s share of the Pill Pavilion—and it was a fairly huge at that. According to common sense, Yan Zhaoge should hand it over to the clan, whereupon it would be managed alongside the clan’s own share of the Pill Pavilion. In return, Yan Zhaoge would be rewarded in some other form.
Of course, this naturally meant that all of it would be handed over to the Eastern Tang Principal Elder—Yan Xu.
But right now, it seemed that the entire situation had been flipped on its head. Instead of it going to Yan Xu, the clan’s original share of the Pill Pavilion was also going to be completely transferred to Yan Zhaoge.
Without even discussing the specifics of their value, just the concept of giving away his authority over the Pill Pavilion was like taking a knife and carving the meat off Yan Xu’s body.
The other martial practitioners looked on with some measure of bewilderment towards Elder Qin. Even the King of the Eastern Tang Kingdom, Zhao Shicheng, seemed shocked as he sized up the situation.
Elder Qin retained a peaceful expression, as did Yan Xu.
Witnessing this scene, Yan Zhaoge put on a smiling expression but said nothing.
Regarding the struggle between Yan Zhaoge’s father Yan Di and his second apprentice-uncle Fang Zhun, Elder Qin still remained neutral.
Although Elder Qin’s impression of Yan Zhaoge had changed to one of extreme admiration, this was still not sufficient for him to lean towards Yan Di’s faction.
Elder Qin’s current actions killed two birds with one stone. On one hand, he was rewarding Yan Zhaoge for the various merits the other had earned for the clan. On the other hand, he was also putting a little bit of pressure on Yan Xu as a warning.
Previously, Wen Ningzhi had tried to act against Yan Zhaoge, instead ending up harming himself. Him being Yan Xu’s trusted subordinate, Elder Qin naturally had to focus his gaze on the Eastern Tang and Yan Zhaoge.
Regarding Lin Yushao’s death, even though no final conclusion could be definitively reached, it seemed like Yan Zhaoge was at least temporarily able to cast off any suspicions.
As for just who had caused her demise, that was naturally an important question worthy of a detailed investigation.
At any rate, the body had first been discovered by a subordinate of Yan Xu and was currently being watched over by his people as well. The fatal wound had been caused by the Tushita Palm, which Yan Xu himself was also proficient in. With his cultivation base, if he wanted to mimic the attack of an early outer aura Martial Scholar, that would naturally be simplicity itself.
Elder Qin was also quite sure that Lin Yushao had not actually been killed by Yan Xu, but there was no telling. Perhaps Yan Xu had made some moves in order to deal with Yan Zhaoge, and was the culprit in truth.
Presently, the fact that he was stripping away a portion of Yan Xu’s authority and instead conferring it onto Yan Zhaoge was a clear warning for Yan Xu.
With regard to the competition between Yan Di and Fang Zhun for the seat of Clan Chief, Elder Qin was a neutral party who did not participate in the struggle. However, his character dictated that there was a moral bottom line that neither party should ever cross.
“The amount of revenue being generated is only one aspect.” Yan Zhaoge leisurely thought, “Before, I was only a foppish master spending money hand over foot. Now, perhaps this can be counted as me finally earning some money?”
Elder Qin continued, “You also found a Maiden of Extreme Yin and convinced her to swear loyalty to the clan—this is also a contribution that cannot be understated.”
“Discovering the Golden Needle Liberating Pill technique and winning a share of the Pill Pavilion, refining the Internal Crystal Furnace, as well as discovering the use of Cloud-Veined Crystal in producing Jade Essence…every single one of these is a meritorious contribution.”
“If Young Friend Feng manages to regain her Extreme Yin Physique, the clan will naturally have an enormous reward for you.”
Yan Zhaoge nodded his head. Even though he didn’t know the specifics, he was still a little bit expectant about his reward from the clan.
Elder Qin continued, “You were able to defeat Xiao Shen and spread the fame of my Broad Creed Mountain. Even though the matter with the Maiden of Extreme Yin cannot be made public, you will still be rewarded by the clan.”
“As for what these rewards will be, that has to be decided back at the clan. This old man is not qualified to make such decisions; at the end of the day, you are not actually a martial practitioner stationed in the East Heaven Region.”
“However, you having consecutively earned so many merits, the clan will also not instead become stingier as a result. If you have your eye on any specific reward, just let me know and I will report it back to the clan.”
“You know all the rules, and won’t request anything unrealistic.”
Hearing what was said, Yan Zhaoge slightly laughed and nodded his head, “Many thanks to Elder Qin. I won’t hide it from you; I really do have my eyes on something.”
Elder Qin asked, “Huh? What thing?”
Yan Zhaoge laughed, “I actually want something of yours, that Nine Treasure Ice Gourd which originates from the Thunder Domain’s Lonely Gorge Mountain.”
With some astonishment, Elder Qin asked, “You have some treasure that needs to be stored for a long time?”
“This old man knew that you had obtained the Glacial Dragon Bone Soul, and had originally planned to give you its entire skeleton as well.”
“But, having collected the Glacial Dragon Bone Soul, a large amount of Profound Jade should be sufficient.”
Yan Zhaoge spoke again, “It really isn’t the Glacial Dragon’s skeleton, instead being something else. I wonder if you, Elder, would be willing to part with it?”
Waving his hands, Elder Qin directly took out a white-colored gourd and handed it over to Yan Zhaoge, “What is there to be unwilling about?”
“Even though this item is rather rare, it really isn’t all that valuable. This old man happened to chance across one when I was younger, and have possessed it ever since.”
“It is like chicken ribs-tasteless, yet a pity to throw away.”
“If you only want this item, then there is no need to wait for the clan to decide. This old man can just give it to you directly.”
Receiving the Nine Treasures Ice Gourd, Yan Zhaoge immediately felt an icy sensation in his hands. He smiled and replied, “My thanks to Elder.”
Looking at Yan Zhaoge, Elder Qin seemed to have suddenly thought of something as he opened his eyes wide, “You rascal, it must be because you’ve gotten some new idea, right?”
Yan Zhaoge laughed lightly, not concealing the matter, “It’s true that I have something, but it’s still just an idea right now and I don’t know if it will really work. I will have to experiment a little bit.”
Elder Qin pointed at Yan Zhaoge with his forefinger, “Ah, you little rascal. You really don’t let people save worry.”
Even while saying that, his attitude was quite kind and amiable. While looking at Yan Zhaoge, it was clear that his expression held both kindness and praise.
When others heard what they were talking about, they all felt very curious about what new idea Yan Zhaoge might have.
Simply from empirical evidence, it was quite clear that one couldn’t judge Yan Zhaoge by any common standard.
Even though Yan Zhaoge had played down his idea and made it sound plain, it could very well be something pivotal.
Having addressed the issue of Yan Zhaoge’s rewards, Elder Qin ordered the clan to make a detailed investigation in the matter of Lin Yushao’s untimely death.
Considering that the victim had been murdered in the Eastern Tang, it made sense for the investigation to be under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Tang Principal Elder, Yan Xu.
However, it had quickly become apparent that Yan Xu was unsuited to carrying out the rest of the investigation. As such, Elder Qin tasked his subordinates with continuing to delve deeper into the matter.
With regard to Yan Zhaoge, it was clear that he had absolutely no connection at all with Lin Yushao’s death.
Previously, when Yan Zhaoge had actively called for the investigation of the matter, it had simply been to demonstrate his attitude with regard to the affair.
After this, it was very possible that the Sacred Sun Clan would have some movements, making it more important than ever for there to be cooperation between the Eastern Tang and Broad Creed Mountain.
During this period of time, while they were acting in the Eastern Tang, regardless of whether it was Yan Zhaoge, Elder Qin, or Yan Xu, each one of them naturally wanted to have a mutual understanding with Zhao Shicheng.
Everything having been basically settled, Yan Zhaoge escorted Zhao Shicheng to the door, sending a sound transmission with his aura-qi, “Uncle, I’d like to have a little chat with you regarding your sixteenth son, Zhao Hao.”
HSSB68: Zhao Hao is indeed a good person
Glancing at Yan Zhaoge, Zhao Shicheng slowly nodded his head, “I know what you, Zhaoge, want to discuss.”
Conversing with Yan Zhaoge in private, Zhao Shicheng was no longer as formal as before, switching to a very ordinary form of address instead.
“Even if we say that he just came to see the light one fine day, the changes in Hao’er are really just far too great, far too sudden.”
“Not even mentioning the changes in his temperament, his attainment in the dao of alchemy is such that even I would have to admit that mine is inferior. As for his cultivation attainment, while I have still yet to see it, his cultivation speed over the past half year has been far, far greater than before.
Zhao Shicheng was very honest, not looking down on Yan Zhaoge as a member of the younger generation.
As for the earlier Zhao Hao who had been a totally unremarkable character, Zhao Shicheng also could really not say how much he understood about him.
As for the Zhao Hao after the change… if Zhao Shicheng wanted to, he could naturally perform a thorough, clear check of most of the things that Zhao Hao had been involved in since birth. Otherwise, he would have been the head of a Kingdom for nothing.
“If it’s said that he had some extremely fortuitous encounters and obtained some martial legacies or was secretly accepted as a disciple by an expert, his growth would still barely be explainable.”
“However, the dao of alchemy does not merely look at talent but also the accumulating of experience; however did Hao’er attain the lofty heights of now?”
Zhao Shicheng shook his head slightly, “Still, all of this can still be slowly investigated. Having produced an even more outstanding son, it is naturally a good thing for the Eastern Tang.”
As Yan Zhaoge listened, he was also secretly smirking by the side.
To those in positions of power, those beneath them possessing ability was not something to be afraid of. The crux was whether the situation was still within their control.
As long as they did not lose the ability to control the situation, the more capable their subordinates were the better.
Oftentimes, it was not that they had failed to spot their abnormalities and flaws. It was only that even having done so, they would play dumb and observe the situation from the shadows.
Zhao Shicheng was already like this. Yan Zhaoge’s own father, Yan Di, was even harder to fool.
Thus, ever since having crossed over to this world, Yan Zhaoge had been doing everything in gradual phases.
Even if he didn’t manage to completely avoid all suspicion, at the very least, the difference between him and his body’s original owner could not be too great.
Although he had managed to reproduce the Internal Crystal Furnace, causing it to reappear within this world, that was only the creation of a tool; it had nothing to do with his own proficiency in artifact forging at all. The other artifact refining techniques that Yan Zhaoge used could only be considered somewhat better than average.
The Golden Needle Liberating Pill Technique that had he had let resurface was but a technique. Meanwhile, his overall proficiency in alchemy would gradually improve as time went by, increasing the impression he left on others slowly but surely.
Changes in his martial prowess as well as some strange discoveries could mostly be attributed to fortuitous encounters, or having a sudden flash of inspiration.
Progressing a little slower now was fine—the future whereupon he would spread his wings and soar high into the sky was already close at hand.
Actually, in thinking about it sometimes, Yan Zhaoge would be unable to resist breaking into a laugh. “Zhao Hao is indeed a good person ah.”
Yan Zhaoge’s current achievements were naturally far higher than that of Zhao Hao.
However, when compared to the Zhao Hao who bared his fangs openly and acted as he liked with hardly any reservation, Yan Zhaoge actually appeared somewhat more normal.
Of course, this was only comparatively.
In many people’s eyes, Yan Zhaoge was similarly high-profile and domineering like there was no tomorrow.
However, as his body’s original owner had also possessed such a temperament, the difference was actually not too great.
Therefore, having told Feng Yunsheng that he was acting low-key, it was because Yan Zhaoge truly felt that he himself was already being pretty low-key.
Faced with Feng Yunsheng’s somewhat disbelieving gaze, Yan Zhaoge really felt like he had been wronged…
With such a personality of loving to act and look cool, he had already been working extremely hard to suppress it!
Zhao Shicheng sighed rather emotionally, “The potential that Hao’er has currently revealed…even the Fourth Prince cannot compare to it, let alone the First and the Third Princes.”
Yan Zhaoge smiled slightly. Other than the First Prince Zhao Yuan and the Third Prince Zhao Sheng, the Eastern Tang royal family actually still had a Fourth Prince, Zhao Ming.
In terms of cultivation talent alone, not considering the black horse Zhao Hao, Zhao Ming was the first amongst all of Zhao Shicheng’s sons, at the same time also the most outstanding talent within the entire Eastern Tang Kingdom’s younger generation.
Many years ago, Zhao Ming had already entered Broad Creed Mountain to learn the martial way. He was an official disciple of Broad Creed Mountain.
With Broad Creed Mountain being the overlord of the Heaven Domain and the elites of the Heaven Domain seeing Broad Creed Mountain’s glory as their own, most of the top martial talents there had landed within its palm.
It was only that, having entered Broad Creed Mountain as a disciple, the position of the Eastern Tang’s next king would no longer have any relation to him if no major incidents happened.
While the Eastern Tang Kingdom was close to and subordinate to Broad Creed Mountain, it did not mean that the Eastern Tang was completely its vassal.
Being able to cultivate in Broad Creed Mountain or ascending as the Eastern Tang’s King—which option was better was a matter of personal opinion.
However, Zhao Ming was completely devoted to the martial way, so he was more than happy to enter the Sacred Ground to develop his skills.
While entering Broad Creed Mountain might make it seem like he had separated himself from the Eastern Tang Kingdom, the Eastern Tang could still make use this to improve the relation between the two sides from behind the scenes.
Having always been wholeheartedly devoted to Broad Creed Mountain, Zhao Shicheng had naturally not done something like placing bets on both sides. Thus, other than his fourth son Zhao Ming, who had entered Broad Creed Mountain, all of his other sons remained in the Eastern Tang.
Other than that, it was also worth mentioning that the son of Zhao Shilie, Prince Jin, had entered the Sacred Sun Clan.
The relationship between Zhao Shilie and the Sacred Sun Clan was remarkably close as a result, causing the Sacred Sun Clan’s influence in the Eastern Tang to be constantly encroaching.
Yan Zhaoge and Zhao Shicheng both did not mention this matter as though under a tacit agreement.
Yan Zhaoge said slowly, “I am unable to exactly determine Brother Zhao Hao’s situation. However, according to my conjecture, the changes on his body should be related to the Martial Saint expert of old, the Pill Fire Divine Sword Gao Zhe—perhaps he obtained his legacy.”
It was already enough that he had said that much.
Zhao Shicheng nodded his head, pondering deeply for a moment. “Excelling in sword arts as well as the dao of alchemy… The Smoke Cloud Powder… En, there is indeed this possibility.”
He raised his head to glance at Yan Zhaoge, “If I’m not remembering wrong, it was rumored that the Pill Fire Divine Sword’s relationship with Broad Creed Mountain was quite strained?”
Yan Zhaoge answered candidly, “I am not clear on the exact reason, but that is indeed true.”
“Other than that, it is not known if Gao Zhe passed down a message along with his legacy, and also what exactly Brother Zhao Hao inherited from him, having caused him to seem to be slightly hostile towards our clan.”
Zhao Shicheng sighed. “Having heard the report from my men, I also know of this matter.”
“Relax—I will work on clearing up that hostility. If no progress is made this way, other arrangements will naturally be made.”
His personal ties with Yan Di aside, Zhao Shicheng also wouldn’t let a son possessing hostile intentions towards Broad Creed Mountain become the successor to his throne.
Spending a lot of effort in grooming him was a sure thing, but the throne was something that he would have no hope of sitting on.
Yan Zhaoge bowed. “Uncle has his own arrangements; Zhaoge doesn’t dare to speak presumptuously on them. What we have talked about today has already been rather bold of me.”
Zhao Shicheng waved his hands. “It’s fine, your father having a son such as you means he has a great successor. It is a blessing—even I am a little envious of him.”
Yan Zhaoge smiled. “I also hope to have a relationship with various Brothers as strong and deep as the friendship between you and Father, Uncle.”
As the head of a Kingdom, perhaps Zhao Shicheng was somewhat acting on his emotions without thinking of the consequences.
However, this Uncle was absolutely loyal towards his father and took extremely good care of him as well.
The private conversation between Zhao Shicheng and Yan Zhaoge was naturally noted by Yan Xu.
His expression didn’t change, as he just minded his own business and walked off in another direction.
Following behind him, a person said rather worriedly, “Yan Zhaoge actually defeated the late outer aura Martial Scholar Xiao Shen with his mid outer aura Martial Scholar cultivation base.”
“If this goes on, I’m afraid Lu Wen…”
Yan Xu momentarily stopped in his tracks, his expression having turned a little dark and gloomy.
Lu Wen was the direct disciple of Yan Zhaoge’s second apprentice-uncle Fang Zhun, another elite of Broad Creed Mountain’s younger generation and an existence with much face.
He was older than Yan Zhaoge and begun cultivating earlier than him as well. He was currently twenty-five, the same age as Xiao Shen.
Broad Creed Mountain and the Sacred Sun Clan had been clashing for a long time.
Before the abnormalities in the Sealing Dragon Abyss, it had always been Yan Zhaoge against Chao Yuanlong and Lu Wen against Xiao Shen. The two sides were evenly matched, each possessing their own strengths.
Now, Lu Wen was currently in secluded cultivation back at Broad Creed Mountain. As a late outer aura Martial Scholar just like Xiao Shen, this secluded cultivation session was for him to attempt to break through the bottleneck and step into the Xiantian Martial Scholar realm before the latter did.
Lu Wen having seized the preemptive, he was already slightly ahead of Xiao Shen. If he could break through to become a Xiantian Martial Scholar first, he would really be a step ahead of him.
But no one could have predicted Yan Zhaoge’s sudden, even more domineering rise to power, not only suppressing the similarly-aged Chao Yuanlong, but also now having surpassed levels to defeat Xiao Shen.
Even his own cultivation was getting closer and closer to Lu Wen’s.
After thinking deeply for a moment, Yan Xu recovered his usual expression as he said indifferently, “All is still too early to tell.”
HSSB69: A rare opportunity
On a hill far away from Jingyang City, a few figures were standing silently, gazing at the distant Eastern Tang capital.
The sunlight fell on them, causing their golden robes to look even more dazzling and eye-catching.
The middle-aged man leading them was precisely the Sacred Sun Clan’s Elder, the East Rising Lord of the Seven Reigning Suns.
Beside the East Rising Lord stood a golden-robed Elder, the Sacred Sun Clan’s Principal Elder in the lands of the Eastern Tang. Other than that, there were also some other Sacred Sun Clan martial practitioners present.
Amongst the crowd there stood a white-clothed youth, his face filled with a long, thick beard. While he looked like a gallant and unrestrained person, his eyes actually harboured the coldness of a snake.
The youth’s face was still a little pale. As he looked in the direction of Jingyang City, his gaze was filled with anger and resentment.
Naturally, this youth was Xiao Shen.
At this moment, the hatred he felt towards Yan Zhaoge was no less than his hatred of Feng Yunsheng in the slightest.
Not only had Yan Zhaoge defeated him, having already caused him to lose a lot of face; earlier, in broad daylight in front of everyone, Yan Zhaoge had even publicised the matter of him having had his lower body injured by Feng Yunsheng.
Xiao Shen’s entire face had been completely ripped apart.
Him having been injured by Feng Yunsheng had always been firmly kept under wraps; even within the higher echelons of the Sacred Sun Clan, those who knew about it were also limited.
Now, however, everyone knew.
Although none of the others were looking at him, standing within the crowd at this moment, Xiao Shen kept having the feeling that there were disdainful and mocking gazes being directed towards him from all around, making him feel extremely uncomfortable.
This anxiety and embarrassment was completely transformed into hatred, directed in great amounts towards Yan Zhaoge.
The golden-robed Elder swivelled his head to look at the East Rising Lord, “Inform the clan to dispatch more experts over; we can’t just let it end like this.”
“Meng Wan having lost the Extreme Yin Crown last year and Chief having remained in secluded meditation for so long, looks like some people have forgotten that it is our Sacred Sun Clan who is the current top Sacred Ground!”
“So what if the Eastern Tang Kingdom is in the Heaven Domain? As long as my Sacred Sun Clan is willing, we will likewise trample all over them.”
These words could only be said by the East Rising Lord. Were it someone else, that person would actually be casting doubt on his ability, causing him to feel unhappy instead.
Just standing there, the East Rising Lord resembled a dazzling sun hanging high up within the sky.
He gazed silently at the faraway Jingyang City, “How are our previous preparations?”
The golden-robed Elder slowly shook his head, “Still not thorough enough.”
The East Rising Lord said, “While we haven’t made sufficient preparations, the same also goes for Broad Creed Mountain.”
“However, the current abnormalities in the Sealing Dragon Abyss can help to bolster the areas in which we are lacking, instead giving us the chance to succeed.”
The golden-robed Elder’s spirits instantly lifted, “You’re right; that is indeed the case.”
The East Rising Lord turned to look at Xiao Shen, “All other things aside, it seems that Yan Zhaoge wouldn’t be hard-pressed to defeat you?”
“My abilities are slightly inferior,” Sucking in a deep breath, Xiao Shen replied with much difficulty.
The East Rising Lord gazed towards Jingyang City once again, “Your cultivation is a level higher than his, but you are still slightly inferior. If the two of you were at the same cultivation level, I’m afraid the result wouldn’t have been much better than in Yuanlong’s case.”
Clenching his fists tightly, Xiao Shen lowered his head.
The East Rising Lord said mildly, “Looking at it like this, it is like I have seen yet another Zhan Dongge, yet another Yan Di; or a potential which surpasses even theirs.”
“This type of good seed; what a pity that it still originates from Broad Creed Mountain.”
“It would be best if we could deal with him before he grows up.”
Hearing his words, Xiao Shen’s breathing instantly sped up.
The East Rising Lord did not look back at him, “Just wait patiently. Perhaps you will have a chance to personally kill Yan Zhaoge and avenge yourself.”
“Being able to personally slaughter Yan Zhaoge-there is nothing better I could ask for.” Xiao Shen’s breathing stabilised as he said in a lighter tone.
…………
Having taken his leave of Zhao Shicheng, as Yan Zhaoge left the residence, he saw Ah Hu waiting for him there.
Walking up to him, Ah Hu gave a simple laugh, “Young Master, how’d it go?”
Yan Zhaoge shrugged, “Junior apprentice-sister Feng will be escorted back to the clan’s main headquarters. Meanwhile, we will continue staying here; I still have matters to attend to.”
“Both Yan Xu and I will not interfere in junior apprentice-sister Lin’s matter. Yan Xu will hand over the things in his hands to me, though I don’t think he’s given up yet.”
At this point, Yan Zhaoge ordered, “Ah Hu, about the matter of harm befalling junior apprentice-sister Lin, get people to take note of the direction of the rumours. If there are any changes, notify me immediately.”
Ah Hu scratched at his head, “Young Master, what kind of changes do you mean?”
“Now, the direction of the rumours is that junior apprentice-sister Lin came to bother me due to jealousy, ending up with me accidentally killing her out of impatience.”
Yan Zhaoge narrowed his eyes, “If the direction of the rumours changes, saying that junior apprentice-sister Lin still remained fond of Ye Jing and had actually come to re-enter his embrace, instead being beaten to death by a furious me, that could only mean one thing…”
“Yan Xu-it’s possible that he’s already found Ye Jing.”
“While spreading such rumours would indeed wreck my reputation, they would not harm me at my core. Doing so would only be setting up some sort of foundation for something.”
Yan Zhaoge said leisurely, “I have a feeling that this time, Yan Xu…intends for me never to return to Broad Creed Mountain again.”
Ah Hu stopped laughing, his expression turning grave, “He wants to kill Young Master?”
“But why? There’s no reason for that ah. While you made things difficult for him a few times, even if he is frustrated? and angry, it also shouldn’t be to the extent of wanting to kill you, right?”
“After all, you, Young Master, are different from ordinary members of the younger generation. Unless, Elder Fang…”
After thinking deeply for a time, Yan Zhaoge said, “It shouldn’t be what second apprentice-uncle wishes for; it should be Yan Xu’s own idea. Maybe it was just me hallucinating, but I felt that in junior apprentice-sister Lin’s death this time, Yan Xu’s behaviour was a little weird.”
Ah Hu exclaimed in a deep tone, “Is he crazy? That’s already past what’s acceptable.”
“The potential that you, Young Master, are currently displaying already presides over members of same generation. Elder Fang would be hard-pressed to produce a junior who could contend with you.”
“If something were to happen to you, the Head of our Yan Family aside, the old Clan Chief would already not let him get away with it!”
Yan Zhaoge said mildly, “He obviously wouldn’t bear the blame himself. That Ye Jing is just the best scapegoat for him.”
Ah Hu relaxed, smirking slightly, “Just that Ye Jing, can kill Young Master?”
Yan Zhaoge spread his hands apart, “Haven’t we just offended the Sacred Sun Clan’s people terribly? Moreover, there’re still the Crimson Spirit Flag Master as well as the Ghost Hatchet Elder who’s related to Ye Jing.”
“I dying in the hands of Martial Grandmasters would naturally be the most ideal situation for him.”
“If Yan Xu had to do it personally, he could just narrate that those Martial Grandmasters who have the ability as well as the motive to heavily injure me did so, before Ye Jing supplemented the final blow.”
“If Yan Xu wanted to kill me, it would be much easier than those Martial Grandmasters from outside.”
“Elder Qin’s arrival has kept back the Sacred Sun Clan’s people, but at the same time, those people have also engaged Elder Qin’s attention.”
“That Yan Xu, has the space to move about as a result.”
Ah Hu said earnestly, “Young Master, I seriously advise you to directly return to Broad Creed Mountain alongside Miss Feng.”
His hands behind his back, Yan Zhaoge let out a long breath, smiling as he walked, “Ah Hu, to be honest, until just now, I had truly been seriously considering the solution you speak of.”
“However, it wasn’t for my personal safety, but, rather, that of those of you who follow beside me, who might be inadvertently dragged into the fray.”
“If it were only myself…” Yan Zhaoge’s smile gradually turned cold, “Even if Yan Xu didn’t make a move on me, I would be thinking of making a move on him!”
“Unlike earlier with Wen Ningzhi and Cui Xin, finding a chance to take down a Principal Elder would really be somewhat tough.”
Yan Zhaoge chuckled, “But at the same time, taking down a Principal Elder would also be a great loss for second apprentice-uncle’s side, in no way comparable to how little they suffered when I took down those two simple Elders of the Assignment Hall of theirs.”
Ah Hu blinked, “Young Master, this is playing with fire ah; you might get yourself burnt badly.”
Yan Zhaoge laughed carelessly, “In this world, what things are there that hold completely no risk?”
Very quickly, the experts from Broad Creed Mountain arrived in Jingyang City.
After conversing for a time, Yan Zhaoge eventually still decided to remain in the Eastern Tang, whilst Feng Yunsheng would return to Broad Creed Mountain alongside those who had arrived.
“Go back and take good care of your injuries to prepare yourself. When I return, your nightmare will also be beginning,” Yan Zhaoge was all smiles as he looked at Feng Yunsheng, “What awaits you, is suffering beyond your wildest imagination.”
Raising her brows, Feng Yunsheng asked laughingly, “How much suffering is that?”
Yan Zhaoge snapped his fingers, “Tentatively…you will feel that, being pursued by those Sacred Sun Clan disciples out for your life previously, had actually been a pretty leisurely thing indeed.”
