Chapter 34

Tang Yan sat across from Tang Qiong and asked, "Uncle Tang Qiong, have you figured out the identities of those mysterious white-robed people yet?"

Tang Qiong's expression gradually darkened: "So far, we haven't discovered anything. This incident has a wide impact and has already alarmed the Spirit King Zhou. He personally came to the Illusion Forest to organize an investigation, and the major families and academies have also sent their strong forces here one after another."

"How many teams were attacked?"

"There were five teams in total, large and small. Three of them were from the three major academies of the Northern Wasteland—Juxiang, Dongchen, and Huizhao. The other two were teams formed by noble families. This time, Dongchen Academy's escort team included a Martial King-level elder. The enemy only made a probing attack and then disappeared. Juxiang Academy was relatively lucky; more than a dozen students managed to escape. Huizhao Academy was completely wiped out; all the mentors died, and all the students disappeared. The other two noble family teams were equally unfortunate; their guards were killed, and the young masters and misses all went missing."

Tang Yan's brows furrowed slightly: "Killing mentors and abducting students, are these mysterious people targeting us? What do they want? Aren't they afraid of provoking the entire Northern Wasteland?"

"It's not clear yet, but since they dared to attack the five major martial arts academies of the Northern Wasteland, they must have some backing. Some suspect it's a secret organization, kidnapping these young people who are about to undergo the baptism, possibly for some sinister purpose. The Spirit King Zhou has ordered all the academies and noble families to strengthen their vigilance and conduct joint investigations. He also emphasized that we should not alarm the royal family for now, and he will handle the negotiations."

"…Spirit King Zhou…" Tang Yan tried hard to recall information about this.

Spirit King Zhou Tai is the emperor's younger brother, holding a high position and having ambitious plans. He controls the Falcon Corps, one of the three top military forces of the empire. Over a decade ago, during the critical period of the imperial succession, he voluntarily gave up the opportunity and came to the Northern Wasteland to establish his roots, fully supporting the current emperor in his bid for the throne.

On the surface, Spirit King Zhou appears carefree, but in reality, he has secretly taken control of the entire Northern Wasteland, turning it into a 'state within a state.' Because of his close relationship with the emperor and his unwavering loyalty, the royal family has turned a blind eye to his actions in the Northern Wasteland.

"Brother Tang Qiong, I've come all the way to Divine Spring Town. Are you planning to hide and avoid me?" A hearty laugh suddenly echoed through the inn.

"King Zhou?" Tang Qiong's expression changed slightly, and he quickly walked to the door and looked down.

A middle-aged man in golden-patterned robes, holding a feather fan, walked into the hall, followed by many mentors and students from Juxiang Academy.

The middle-aged man was dressed in luxurious yet dignified attire, with a stern yet amiable face, and a clear, warm smile that gave a sense of elegance and grace. He was none other than the actual ruler of the Northern Wasteland—Spirit King Zhou Tai.

"Your Highness!" The innkeeper hurried out and bowed deeply to Spirit King Zhou.

Spirit King Zhou sat in the central carved wooden chair, gesturing for the Juxiang Academy group to sit down. His gaze swept the hall and settled on Du Yang in the corner, asking with a smile, "Are you Du Yang?"

"I have seen Your Highness." Du Yang stood up and bowed at the mentors' prompting.

Spirit King Zhou looked Du Yang up and down, his smile deepening: "Are you interested in helping out at my palace?"

"Hmm?"

"Are you interested in helping out at my palace?" Spirit King Zhou repeated, still smiling.

The mentors exchanged glances, their expressions changing slightly. Was this a direct snatch? The students, on the other hand, couldn't hide their envy. Being openly recruited by Spirit King Zhou was a rare honor, especially for a child from a poor family, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Du Yang looked at Spirit King Zhou seriously, confirming that he wasn't joking, and hesitated slightly: "Thank you, Your Highness, but…"

"But what?" Spirit King Zhou's face was clear and his smile warm, very kind. However, his status exuded an invisible pressure that made Du Yang feel suffocated.

"I intend to join the military and don't want to enjoy comfort too early."

"Oh? Haha, that's good. A true man should go to the battlefield to hone himself and defend the empire's territory. It seems my judgment is correct. Since you intend to join the military, I will recommend you to the Falcon Corps. The northern border is not peaceful recently, and it's a great opportunity to realize your ambitions. What do you think, are you interested?" Spirit King Zhou extended an olive branch.

The Falcon Corps, one of the three top military forces of the empire, is the dream destination for many martial artists, gathering numerous elite special forces and renowned in the southern empires.

However… the true master of the Falcon Corps is Spirit King Zhou, a fact known to everyone present.

By suggesting Du Yang join the Falcon Corps, wasn't this still a covert recruitment?

"Could it be that Your Highness has a petrification martial technique?" Wei Hongchen was somewhat curious. Du Yang's talent was indeed remarkable, but it didn't seem to warrant the king's personal recruitment unless… he had enough confidence to cultivate Du Yang.

Spirit King Zhou smiled and waved his fan, saying meaningfully, "That depends on Du Yang's decision."

The mentors of Juxiang Academy were slightly startled. Indeed, Spirit King Zhou must have a Spirit-level petrification martial technique. Although Du Yang has a petrification spirit vein, without a suitable petrification martial technique, it would be difficult for him to achieve much. The higher the level of the petrification martial technique, the more formidable Du Yang's future achievements would be.

Wei Hongchen shook his head, somewhat wistfully: "Du Yang, we won't hold you back."

Du Yang took a deep breath and bowed deeply to Spirit King Zhou: "Du Yang is willing to follow Your Highness!"

"Good!! Haha, good!" Spirit King Zhou laughed heartily, unable to hide his excitement: "I happen to have a petrification martial technique. Although it's not the highest, it can reach the Earth level. Once we return to the palace, I will set aside a place for you to study it."

"An Earth-level martial technique!!" Many people exclaimed in surprise. Even a Martial King-level mentor like Wei Hongchen doesn't have the qualifications to possess an Earth-level martial technique. The transition from Human to Spirit level is a gradual process, but the leap from Spirit to Earth level is a significant transformation. Such martial techniques are absolute treasures even in the palace and the royal family!

"Du Yang, congratulations!" Li Shouze and the other students congratulated him, their expressions filled with enthusiasm.

"Thank you, Your Highness!" Du Yang bowed deeply to Spirit King Zhou, this bow coming from the heart. In this world where martial arts are revered, nothing is more valuable than martial techniques. This was… destiny!

Spirit King Zhou was also very pleased: "The petrification martial technique I have is something I obtained by chance. I have been looking for its master, and you… are undoubtedly the best candidate. It's not in vain that I came to Divine Spring Town! As the saying goes, martial artists choose martial techniques, and martial techniques also choose martial artists. A petrification spirit vein paired with a petrification martial technique is a perfect match."

Du Yang's heart was burning with excitement, but he maintained his lazy and indifferent demeanor, calmly accepting the envy of others.

"Jiang family's Tang Qiong, I have seen Your Highness." A firm and resonant voice broke the subtle atmosphere.

Spirit King Zhou looked at Tang Qiong descending the stairs, then at Tang Yan beside him, and laughed heartily: "Brother Tang Qiong, it's been years since we last met, how have you been?! Tonight, let's drink until we're drunk!"

Tang Qiong, whose face was usually cold and hard, rarely showed a smile: "Your Highness, I will certainly accompany you, but the baptism has ended, and Divine Spring Town will soon be closed. Who will serve the food and drinks?"

"I have everything arranged; this inn will remain open tonight!" Spirit King Zhou personally invited Tang Qiong, and this level of courtesy made Li Shouze and others secretly surprised. Could it be that Tang Qiong has a special relationship with Spirit King Zhou?

"I will not refuse, tonight we will drink until we're drunk!" Tang Qiong came to Spirit King Zhou, and their hands met in the air, gripping each other firmly, a deep brotherly bond evident, which surprised Tang Yan.

However, Tang Yan's attention soon shifted to the front. Among the many guards, there were two beautiful and charming girls. One was around twenty years old, with a touch of heroism and a wildness that evoked a desire to conquer. The other was around thirteen or fourteen, sweet and lovely, with large, lively eyes, a perfect little girl. Most importantly, the two girls looked almost identical, as if carved from the same mold, one older and one younger, with different auras, making them particularly eye-catching.

Noticing Tang Yan's fixed gaze, the younger girl frowned and glared at him, huffing and turning away. Tang Yan chuckled and his gaze returned to the twenty-year-old beauty, scanning her up and down with a fiery look as if he wanted to tear off her clothes.

The beauty couldn't tolerate this 'devouring' gaze, her right hand gripping her sword, making a warning gesture as if to draw it.

The unusual situation didn't immediately catch the attention of others. Wei Hongchen stepped forward and bowed slightly to the king: "Your Highness, I won't disturb your reunion. We will meet again in Juxiang City."

Tang Qiong raised an eyebrow: "You're leaving?"

Wei Hongchen joked: "The entire Divine Spring Town has only one inn open, and we can't all fit here."

"The guardian elder here is a bit rigid, only allowing one inn to remain open. But you don't need to worry; I happen to be going to the capital and can detour through Juxiang City. We're on the same route." Spirit King Zhou warmly pulled Tang Qiong to sit at the table and added, "Your two young ones from the Tang family will stay, along with Mentor Ailinda. You fought those bandits, and I have some things I want to know. Stay here as well."

Ailinda's expression changed slightly, but she didn't refuse, standing quietly in the corner.

"Goodbye!" Wei Hongchen bid farewell to Spirit King Zhou and Tang Qiong, leading the Juxiang Academy mentors and students away quickly.

"Hey? What is this little guy looking at?" Spirit King Zhou suddenly looked at Tang Yan, who was shamelessly 'admiring' the two girls.

Tang Ying secretly pinched his waist, scolding, "What are you staring at?"

Du Yang rubbed his forehead helplessly: "Brother, be a bit more restrained."

"Your Highness, are these two beauties your daughters?" Tang Yan seemed unaware of his rudeness, his gaze becoming even more shameless.

"That's right, which one do you like?" Spirit King Zhou joked.

"Your meaning is, I can choose?" Tang Yan looked excited, a question and expression that not only made Tang Qiong's eyes blaze with anger but also left Spirit King Zhou momentarily speechless.

"I choose her." Tang Yan flashed in front of the two girls, reaching out to grab the older one.

"You dare!"

"Shameless brat!"

The guards' faces changed, drawing their swords and stepping forward, glaring at Tang Yan. The older daughter's eyes turned cold, instinctively preparing to counterattack, but seemed to have some reservations and chose to dodge at the last moment.

A flash of insight appeared in Tang Yan's eyes, and he didn't continue his audacity, but his gaze became even more meaningful.

"Tang Yan! No rudeness!" Tang Qiong sternly reprimanded, this little rascal was getting more and more out of hand. His strength had grown, and so had his lust. In Juxiang City, he only dared to flirt with common women and courtesans, but now he was openly teasing the empire's princesses!

"Brother, you're being too blatant. With so many people around, at least show some restraint." Du Yang quickly pulled Tang Yan back, today he had learned that this guy's audacity was not ordinary!

"Brother, let's go back to the room!" Tang Ying's small hand pinched Tang Yan's waist again, dragging him back to the room.

"Meeting you in person is better than hearing about you. The second young master of the Tang family is indeed extraordinary." Spirit King Zhou teased a bit.

Tang Qiong shook his head helplessly: "My young master is ignorant, I apologize, Your Highness."

Spirit King Zhou carefully examined Tang Qiong: "You should be close to the Third Stage Martial King, right? It seems that Old Master Tang values you greatly. It will be difficult for me to poach you."

"I'm almost touching the Third Stage. In about two years, I should be able to break through." Tang Qiong didn't hide his cultivation but didn't elaborate on the implications in Spirit King Zhou's words.

Spirit King Zhou smiled silently, not forcing Tang Qiong, and waved his hand, shouting heartily: "Bring out your best wine, tonight I will drink until I'm drunk!"