The City’s Strongest Son-in-law Chapter 1235 - 1234: Probing with a Test Move

However, he truly never anticipated that overnight, he would ascend to the Fourth Rank. This was practically a miracle, and what added to the incredulity was that such an unbelievable event would happen to him.

Without hesitation, Wang Junyi immediately dropped to his knees.

"Master, from this moment forth, I, Wang Junyi, pledge my absolute and unwavering loyalty to you!" After uttering these words, he bowed once more to the empty air with utmost sincerity.

As Su Changfeng had shrewdly predicted, after accepting Wang Junyi as his disciple the previous day, Wang Junyi had not genuinely regarded Su Changfeng as his master. After all, who would commit their sincere allegiance to a sudden, unknown figure whose strength was currently unverified, especially before receiving any tangible benefits?

But after a single night, Wang Junyi had come to a profound understanding of Su Changfeng’s capabilities.

With just one mystical fruit, he had managed to advance two cultivation ranks. This alone was sufficient evidence to demonstrate that Su Changfeng's power had reached an astonishing, immeasurable level.

Someone possessing such might, naturally, would no longer be doubted by Wang Junyi, and he would henceforth regard Su Changfeng as a truly formidable expert.

***

Shen Family Residence.

Su Changfeng lay on the bed, his gaze lost in thought, contemplating matters unknown as he stared into the void.

"A single night has passed. Wang Junyi, acting as my pawn, should be sufficiently primed by now. It is time to have this fellow assist me in uncovering Qingqing's current whereabouts," Su Changfeng mused aloud to himself.

The night had elapsed, and the Red Fruit's effects should have fully manifested by now. A benefited Wang Junyi would undoubtedly place his trust in him; this was a foregone conclusion.

After completing his morning ablutions, Su Changfeng stepped outside, only to sense the distinct presence of someone trailing him.

A flicker of curiosity stirred within him. Considering he was still within the confines of the Shen Family Mansion, he wondered who could possibly be so idle as to follow his movements.

Yet, a subtle curve soon graced the corners of Su Changfeng’s lips. He had a strong suspicion as to who it might be. It was likely Shen Rushuang, deliberately testing him.

It was entirely unsurprising that Shen Rushuang had failed to glean the information she desired from him yesterday. Given her persistent nature, she would certainly not abandon her pursuit so easily.

At this precise moment, the individual trailing him suddenly made a move. Su Changfeng deliberately suppressed his innate urge to retaliate, feigning complete unawareness of the impending danger.

Swiftly, a forceful strike landed upon his back, sending Su Changfeng hurtling through the air. He even coughed up a mouthful of blood in the process.

Shen Yunlong let out a contemptuous snort and stepped forward to confront Su Changfeng with an air of arrogance. He declared with disdain, "Rushuang genuinely believed you were some hidden master; however, it now appears you are merely mediocre, utterly useless!"

Su Changfeng wiped his lips and, feigning anger, inquired, "Who are you? I bear you no ill will, so why did you strike me?"

Shen Yunlong bent down, seized Su Changfeng’s hair, forcing him to meet his gaze, and then spat out, "Remember this name well: I am Shen Yunlong, Shen Rushuang's brother. To you, I am merely trash. Do I need to elaborate further?"

With that, Shen Yunlong released Su Changfeng and departed without a backward glance.

Su Changfeng dabbed at the blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. Naturally, he sustained no genuine injury; the entire display was a calculated act. The very notion that someone with mere Second Rank power could inflict harm upon him was utterly ludicrous.

However, Su Changfeng’s objective had been successfully met. Following this encounter, Shen Yunlong was now fully convinced that he was nothing more than a worthless individual.

Rising to his feet, he brushed off the non-existent dust and strode purposefully out of the Shen Family residence.

Outside, Wang Junyi’s deployed operatives were still maintaining their watch. The moment Su Changfeng exited the Shen Family premises, Wang Junyi received the notification and hastily left his current location.

Su Changfeng proceeded directly towards the outskirts of the city. Concurrently, Wang Junyi approached from a different route, and their paths eventually converged in the desolate wilderness.

Upon their meeting, Wang Junyi immediately shed his previous haughtiness, kneeling with deep reverence before Su Changfeng and addressing him with genuine sincerity as, "Master."

"While it didn’t achieve my exact expectations, it turned out quite well. At the very least, reaching Fourth Rank in Tianshui City is considered quite formidable, wouldn’t you agree?" Su Changfeng stated.

"Indeed, Fourth Rank cultivators are not numerous in Tianshui City. With my current power, I can definitely be considered a top expert, naturally, this excludes the Master." Wang Junyi responded.

Su Changfeng had always felt a sense of bewilderment regarding the ranking system on the Tianyuan Continent. However, it seemed to be common knowledge, and he hesitated to probe further, fearing that any misplaced curiosity might jeopardize his precarious situation.

Yet, now that Wang Junyi had placed his complete trust in him, even if some suspicions arose, they might not prove to be a significant impediment.

"I have been in seclusion for many years and am not very familiar with current world affairs. Could you elaborate on how these ranks are assessed? I’ve almost forgotten the details," Su Changfeng prompted casually.

Although Wang Junyi found the request a tad peculiar, he didn’t dwell on it. Drawing his blade, he began to explain, "Master, from the moment a cultivator begins their journey, their Life-bound Magical Artifact takes form. Their personal rank is then correspondingly reflected upon this artifact."

As he spoke, four blue lights began to swirl around the blade.

"And what happens if one possesses no Life-bound Magical Artifact?" Su Changfeng inquired, a frown creasing his brow.

"Should a cultivator lack a Life-bound Magical Artifact, it signifies that their entire rank has been obliterated, rendering them no different from a cripple. However, such an act on the Tianyuan Continent would incite widespread public outrage, and thus, it is generally avoided," Wang Junyi clarified.

Su Changfeng nodded, acknowledging the vast amount of information about the Tianyuan Continent that remained unknown to him, necessitating a thorough understanding in the days ahead.

"What if someone genuinely doesn’t have a Life-bound Magical Artifact?" Su Changfeng pressed again after a moment’s reflection.

Wang Junyi paused, then couldn't help but chuckle, "Master, are you jesting? How could any cultivator possibly be without a Life-bound Magical Artifact?"

"Is that so?" Su Changfeng’s frown deepened; he, in fact, did not possess such a thing. Although he wasn't originally from the Tianyuan Continent, could the cultivation circumstances between their worlds truly differ so drastically?

"Mas... Master?" Seemingly struck by a sudden realization, Wang Junyi’s demeanor shifted dramatically. He stared at Su Changfeng, his eyes wide with utter disbelief.

...