Unstoppable Martial Arts: Starting with brother's wife and young sister Chapter 1044 - 524: Explosive Zhan Tian! (4)
Previously on Unstoppable Martial Arts: Starting with brother's wife and young sister...
Though his speed was impressive, it still fell considerably short when compared to Chen Xuan.
"Sigh!"
Duke Yuan let out a profound sigh as he observed the two vanish into the spatial rift, feeling an immense weight of pressure when facing Zhan Tian now.
However, in the very next moment, his stern expression shifted. "Summon him!"
"Duke Yuan!"
A formidable figure, already at the Eighth Layer of Cultivation, descended from the heavens in an instant. "What are your esteemed instructions, Duke Yuan?"
"Utilize the Spirit Locking Ring to confine them securely, and maintain the most stringent surveillance!"
"Understood, Duke!"
....
Within the swirling vortex of the spatial rift.
"Kid, you truly didn’t stumble upon anything of value?" Zhan Tian inquired once more.
"No, I assure you, I am speaking the absolute truth!" Chen Xuan turned his head, his voice laced with genuine sincerity. The elder's continued disbelief was truly disheartening.
"I had initially thought you were merely holding back your knowledge in Duke Yuan’s presence!" Zhan Tian mused aloud.
"Furthermore, the whereabouts of those individuals from the other two races remain entirely unknown!"
"Perform your duties and entrust the rest to destiny; this Great Yu is not truly your Great Yu, and that is sufficient." Chen Xuan stated with a detached air.
Yet, his words caused Zhan Tian to fix his gaze upon him, his expression shifting to one of profound complexity.
"What is it?"
"Did I utter something amiss?"
"Hoo—"
Zhan Tian exhaled deeply, shaking his head slowly. "Your words are not incorrect! However, the sentiment they convey is quite heretical!"
"Moreover, I detect no genuine loyalty towards Great Yu within you!"
"I am loyal only to my own heart!"
"Enough!"
Zhan Tian interjected his words, sensing that further discussion would only escalate the increasingly rebellious nature of the conversation. If such sentiments were to spread, the repercussions would be unimaginable.
Even so, Liu Sheng still harbored the intention of appointing him as the Chief Eunuch of the Ritual Department.
For an individual like him to assume such a position... to put it bluntly, it would spell disaster for Great Yu!
Following this exchange, an extended silence fell between the two men.
Three full days elapsed, during which Chen Xuan and Zhan Tian meticulously scoured all three prefectures, leaving no corner unchecked. Their diligent search extended to the remote mountain ranges and isolated villages.
However, aside from encountering a handful of members from the Tree-man Race and Stone Race, all of whom possessed only average strength, no other significant discoveries were made.
Yong’an Prefecture!
Within the opulent Great Hall of the Prince’s Mansion, Chen Xuan occupied a seat of casual repose below.
Meanwhile, Zhan Tian and Duke Yuan maintained expressions of grave solemnity.
"Let it be, then. If it is a blessing, it shall not be averted; if it is a curse, it cannot be escaped. We shall continue our search." Duke Yuan declared with profound contemplation.
"Furthermore, the successful reclamation of the three prefectures must be considered a positive development."
"Indeed!"
Zhan Tian nodded in agreement, then slowly rose to his feet. "In that case, I shall entrust this matter to you. I will be returning to the Imperial City first."
"Take Shi the Third and that formidable expert from the Tree-man Race with you. Present them to His Majesty for his judgment!"
"Understood."
...
Upon their return to the bustling Imperial City, Chen Xuan naturally proceeded back to the Ritual Department, while Zhan Tian, carrying his hard-won spoils, made his way directly to the Imperial Palace.
"Is he truly that exceedingly powerful?"
Upon hearing Chen Xuan’s account, Liu Sheng found himself similarly unsettled.
The feat of eliminating cultivators at the Peak of the Eighth Layer as easily as slicing through melons and vegetables was truly astounding.
"Soaring to the heavens!"
He couldn't help but exclaim, but more than that, he felt a surge of happiness for his old comrade.
"Moreover, I suspect this might not be the ultimate extent of his achievements!"
"What exactly do you imply?"
Liu Sheng looked at him with a degree of puzzled inquiry; could Zhan Tian perhaps take another leap forward, achieving a breakthrough to the Ninth Layer?
If such a possibility were to materialize, then perhaps he might even rival Emperor Yu himself!
Perceiving Liu Sheng's misconception from Chen Xuan’s subtle expression, he quickly offered clarification. "It is not about a breakthrough to a higher Cultivation layer. I am referring to his Sacred Body. This time, Elder Zhan managed to open six vital orifices simultaneously, presumably resolving some underlying issues."
Although this accomplishment encompassed his own accumulated insights over the years, the subsequent path forward should be considerably smoother.
"Engaging in gossip behind people's backs, are we?"
Zhan Tian swaggered in, his demeanor radiating palpable joy. "Gossiping about me while I'm away is hardly characteristic of you, old fellow!"
"Be gone with you!"
Liu Sheng retorted with a hearty laugh, "Feeling like a big shot now, are we?"