Chapter 16

"Did it fail?" Dantai Jin's voice trembled slightly.

"I have failed in my duty, please punish me, Young Master." Qi Da knelt down, his head touching the ground.

"How could this happen?" Dantai Jin's right hand, holding the teacup, was visibly trembling.

"Lin Zhiyun, the palace master of Piaohua Palace, is a Tian Lun expert. The four of us were no match for her." Qi Da reported truthfully.

With a soft "crack," the teacup in Dantai Jin's hand split, tea spilling out and wetting his right hand. Yet he seemed unaware, and continued, "What about the inside man?"

"He was discovered."

After a long silence, Dantai Jin said softly, "This isn't your fault. You've worked hard. Go rest for now."

"I am deeply ashamed." Qi Da's fear was not purely out of respect. He knew his master's temperament well; if he had been scolded, it would have been better. Only when Dantai Jin was extremely angry did he speak in such a soft, sinister tone.

After Qi Da left, Dantai Jin's face turned incredibly fierce. He swung his arm, sweeping all the teacups and teapots on the table to the ground, shattering them. His teeth were clenched, his chest heaving like a raging lion.

"Piaohua Palace, you're really something." Dantai Jin's lips were bitten until they bled. "You'll soon know the consequences of crossing me, Dantai Jin."

He had finally managed to board the Xiao family's ship. Over the past two years, he had done many dirty deeds for Xiao Wenjian. Just as he was about to get ahold of the Golden-grade cultivation technique and see the Dantai family's status rise sharply, surpassing all other forces in Cangyun City, he stumbled over a small Piaohua Palace.

For a proud and ambitious young master like Dantai Jin, being defeated by a woman was absolutely unacceptable.

However, the thought of dealing with a Tian Lun expert far away on Qingfeng Mountain gave him a headache.

Even a powerful family like the Dantai clan had only one Tian Lun ancestor, who was the stabilizing force of the clan. The ancestor would never easily intervene for a Qingfeng Mountain deed.

At this level, cultivators were all high-profile, "super strong" yet "super cautious." There weren't many "male leads" like that.

Moreover, the Dantai clan's ancestor didn't particularly like his eldest grandson, favoring his ten-year-old grandson instead. So Dantai Jin's cooperation with Xiao Wenjian was entirely his own initiative, unknown to the Dantai ancestor.

How could he force Piaohua Palace to hand over Qingfeng Mountain?

Dantai Jin racked his brain, thinking hard.

Suddenly, his eyes lit up, remembering a property Piaohua Palace had in Cangyun City: Qingfeng Pavilion.

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In the capital of the Great Gan Empire, the Wu Wang Palace.

The third prince of Great Gan, Wu Wang Li Qing, was sitting under a tree in the courtyard, a chessboard in front of him. Next to the chessboard was a wooden tea table with exquisite porcelain tea sets.

A beautiful attendant stood beside Li Qing, holding a delicate long-handled fan in her slender hands, gently fanning the prince.

Opposite him sat an old man dressed simply, with slightly tanned skin and a face full of wrinkles. If he were in the fields, he would be mistaken for a weathered old farmer.

"Your Highness Wu Wang's chess skills have truly improved." The old man held a white piece, pondering for a long time without placing it on the board.

"Master Ning seems distracted, perhaps troubled by something." Li Qing said calmly.

"Ah, the ancient divine script seminar is coming up every three years. Those old fellows have pushed this troublesome task onto me again." Master Ning sighed, looking distressed. "The progress in divine script research at the Wenda Academy has been slow in recent decades. Every time I think about the faces of the old fellows from Bingchi Island, Qixing Pavilion, Lingxiao Holy Land, and Siduan Cliff, I get angry and feel a heartache coming on."

"The sage of your academy is truly of high moral character." Li Qing's praise was sincere. "Back in the day, the Wenda Academy was unmatched in ancient divine script research. Now it has fallen to the bottom of the major holy lands. If it were another sage, they would have long given up and started human experiments."

"Now the academy is divided into many factions, and many elders are pressuring the sage." Master Ning shook his head, sighing. "The sage, though powerful, must also consider the unity and prosperity of the holy land. I wonder if he will compromise in the end."

"What are your thoughts on human experiments?" Li Qing suddenly asked.

"I am old and have no interest in these factional struggles. I just want to spend my remaining years in peace at the academy. However, my precious granddaughter detests human experiments, and I can't help but follow her, never getting a moment's peace." Master Ning mentioned his granddaughter, complaining but with a proud expression.

"I've heard that this young Master Ning is exceptionally intelligent, excelling in divine script research, and I have long admired her."

"Leaving aside other things, this girl is indeed outstanding in ancient divine script research, perhaps not inferior to Your Highness. If you weren't of royal blood, I would really want to match you two." Hearing Li Qing praise his granddaughter, Master Ning was pleased but also worried.

His precious granddaughter was so obsessed with ancient divine script research that she had no interest in personal matters. He had arranged a few blind dates, but the men, though outstanding, were far inferior to her in divine script research, often losing confidence and fleeing.

This Wu Wang, not only talented in both literature and martial arts, also had unique insights into divine script research, making him the most suitable candidate Master Ning had seen. However, the holy land's status was supreme, and it was inappropriate to interfere in secular matters, so it was not suitable to be too close to the royal family.

Moreover, Wu Wang already had a wife, and Master Ning was reluctant to give his precious granddaughter to someone as a concubine.

"When will you set off?"

"This seminar is held on Bingchi Island, passing through Antai Province, Nanzhong Province, and finally sailing from the port of Qinghai Province. The journey is long, so I must leave early tomorrow. My precious granddaughter will also be accompanying me, hoping she can bring some honor to the academy."

"I wish you a smooth and successful journey, Master Ning." Li Qing's tone was sincere.

"I came today with some questions about divine script research, to discuss with Your Highness. It's better to prepare before the event, so I can't put all the pressure on a young lady."

"It's an honor!" Li Qing gently pushed the chess pieces on the board, respectfully saying, "Master, please."

Seeing the inevitable loss turned into a mess by Li Qing, Master Ning looked at the prince with a hint of admiration.

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"Discovered a miscellaneous book, 'Yao Wang Valley Lineage Chart.' Do you want to record it? Yes/No."

"Discovered a miscellaneous book, 'Child Rearing Manual.' Do you want to record it? Yes/No."

"Discovered a miscellaneous book, 'Heavenly Secrets.' Do you want to record it? Yes/No."

"Discovered a miscellaneous book, 'Puppet Making Manual.' Do you want to record it? Yes/No."

...

Since becoming the head chef, Zhong Wen could go in and out of Piaohua Palace freely under the pretext of buying ingredients, giving him a lot of free time.

So, while buying ingredients, he also went to Yao Wang Valley and recorded all the remaining 1,000+ miscellaneous books in the library into his mind.

"Recorded 100 miscellaneous books, please draw a prize: 1. Enlightenment (one scroll); 2. On the Actor's Self-Cultivation; 3. Mystic Ice and Fire Divine Technique."

"Draw!"

"Congratulations, you have won: On the Actor's Self-Cultivation!"

Seeing the prize, Zhong Wen's mouth twitched.

"Recorded 500 miscellaneous books, please draw a prize: 1. Soul Control Technique; 2. Fashion Design Guide; 3. Enlightenment (one scroll)."

Seeing the second option, Zhong Wen's heart trembled, and he silently chanted three times, "Bad luck, go away!"

"Congratulations, you have won: Soul Control Technique!"

"Phew!"

Zhong Wen sighed in relief, wiping his sweat. The Soul Control Technique was a Diamond-grade spirit technique for controlling others' minds. Although it wasn't a noble path, it was better than learning fashion design.

He was already numb to the skill tree going off track.

"Recorded 1,000 miscellaneous books, please draw a prize: 1. The Investiture of the Gods; 2. Enlightenment (one scroll); 3. Ten Thousand Swords Return to the Source."

"Congratulations, you have won: Enlightenment (one scroll)!"

Not getting the third option, which sounded impressive, Zhong Wen felt a bit disappointed, but the Enlightenment was still a powerful skill, so it wasn't a total loss.

Looking at the library of Yao Wang Valley, now completely recorded in his mind, Zhong Wen felt a mix of emotions.

Our mine is exhausted, it's time to steal from others!

For this "Enlightenment," he chose "Cloudy Immortal Steps." With this Diamond-grade movement technique, even if Leng Wushuang's assassination fails, she should be able to retreat gracefully.

He genuinely wanted to help this pitiful girl, allowing her to fulfill her wish and start a new life.

Leaving Yao Wang Valley, he went to the cave where Leng Wushuang was hiding.

Entering the stone room, Leng Wushuang was sitting cross-legged on a stone bed, her black outfit tightly hugging her body, accentuating her overly full chest and slender waist, making Zhong Wen's nose feel warm.

Feeling someone approach, the girl opened her eyes, and upon seeing Zhong Wen, her wary expression instantly relaxed, her beautiful eyes showing a hint of joy and closeness.

"How is your recovery?" Zhong Wen asked with a smile.

"Since practicing the technique you gave me, my recovery has sped up significantly. I should be fully recovered in a few days." Leng Wushuang's voice was excited.

"So fast?" Zhong Wen was surprised. "Let me check."

Without waiting for her reaction, he reached out and held her delicate wrist.

Leng Wushuang seemed used to Zhong Wen's style, not dodging, but her jade-like face turned slightly red.

"Indeed!" Zhong Wen felt her pulse, exclaiming. "Injuries that should take two months to heal are almost 80% better in just two days. A Star Spirit-level technique is truly miraculous."

"Can I take revenge earlier?" Leng Wushuang suddenly asked.

"What level have you reached in your new technique?" Zhong Wen could hear the urgency in her voice.

"Third level of Earth Wheel."

"So fast?" Zhong Wen was shocked again.

"Sorry, I used three 'Spirit Transformation Pills.'" Leng Wushuang lowered her head, feeling guilty. Although eager for revenge, she was uneasy about using Zhong Wen's precious pills.

Zhong Wen, however, thought differently.

What a great deal!

Using just three pills to reach the third level of Earth Wheel in two days, considering Leng Wushuang's talent and the unparalleled speed of the Tai Su Xuan Yin Technique, this was an incredibly unscientific feat.

"Have you waited so long, what's a few more days?" Zhong Wen gently consoled her. "I know you're anxious. Here, I'll teach you a movement technique. Practice it these two days."

Saying this, Zhong Wen placed his hand on Leng Wushuang's head. With the experience from before, she remained still.

A moment later, Leng Wushuang's mind was filled with a technique called "Cloudy Immortal Steps."

It felt so strange!

Feeling this sudden insight, Zhong Wen became even more mysterious in her eyes.

After teaching the technique, Zhong Wen's hand didn't move, instead, he gently patted her head, a "good habit" he had developed from a little girl.

What soft hair!

He almost didn't want to let go.

Leng Wushuang was taken aback. The "head pat" skill, transcending time, race, and culture, she had only experienced it from her parents in childhood. Now, being patted by Zhong Wen, her mind was filled with the loving faces of her parents, and her eyes turned red.

"Sorry." Zhong Wen, not expecting the "head pat" to be so powerful, quickly withdrew his hand, feeling a bit at a loss.

Leng Wushuang wiped her eyes, trying to act calm. "What level is this movement technique?"

"Diamond grade." Zhong Wen answered honestly.

"What is a Diamond grade?" Leng Wushuang had never heard of it.

"Guess."

"..."

Before leaving, Zhong Wen patiently instructed, "I have plenty of pills, don't be stingy. Take them freely, but don't rush in your cultivation. Progress gradually and steadily..."

"Okay."

Looking at the chattering young man, recalling the "head pat" earlier, Leng Wushuang felt a warm current in her heart...

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"This is Qingfeng Mountain?" Walking on the misty mountain path, Shangguan Mingyue felt like she was on a leisurely trip. "It truly is a beautiful and mystical mountain."

Behind the noble young lady, a medium-height woman followed closely.

The woman wore a wide-brimmed hat with a translucent black veil, completely covering her face. She was dressed in a simple green robe, which, though not tight, couldn't hide her curvaceous figure.

"Mingyue, you're here to negotiate business with Piaohua Palace." The woman's voice was low but magnetic. "Why sneak out? Wouldn't it be better to bring more people? If we encounter danger, I'll be under a lot of pressure taking care of you."

"Aunt, this is a huge business opportunity. There might be spies from 'Silver Ring' in the convoy. We can't let them eavesdrop." Shangguan Mingyue pouted. "Besides, in such a small place, who could be your match?"

This woman was Shangguan Mingyue's aunt, the youngest sister of her father, Shangguan Tong, Shangguan Junyi.

"You, with your stubborn nature, it seems your father was right. It's time to find you a husband." Shangguan Junyi shook her head, "That way, someone can manage you."

"Aunt, you know those men are just after my looks and wealth." Shangguan Mingyue affectionately held Shangguan Junyi's arm, looking charming and bright. "Would you really let me marry greedy and opportunistic men?"

Looking at her talented and beautiful niece, Shangguan Junyi sighed.

No matter how excellent you are, you are still a woman.

No matter how high your ambitions, you will eventually become a wife, a man's subordinate, and a mother.

Chasing power, wealth, and beauty is the nature of all men.

Truly devoted men who would give up everything for love often only exist in plays and novels, embodying women's dreams.

Finding a man who doesn't care about the Shangguan family's wealth is not easy. Even if there were such a man, he would likely not be a hero, lacking the power, wealth, and strength to protect a beauty like Shangguan Mingyue in this cruel world.

I hope Mingyue doesn't follow in my footsteps, becoming a heartless, single-minded seeker of the Dao.

"We're almost there!" Seeing the buildings on the mountain top, Shangguan Mingyue quickened her pace, her red