Unstoppable Martial Arts: Starting with brother's wife and young sister Chapter 1049 - 526: Stronger Power, Bigger Temper—So What?
Previously on Unstoppable Martial Arts: Starting with brother's wife and young sister...
The vast Great Yu had poured immense resources into suppressing the Ten Dangerous Lands, yet its efforts proved futile.
Neither daring to venture in nor able to leave them be, this predicament had led to the Great Yu Kingdom's treasury being utterly depleted.
Furthermore, the existence of Hidden Kill, which was linked to the Ten Dangerous Lands, only exacerbated Great Yu's dire situation.
"Regarding a suitable candidate..."
Duke Yuan mused, and an image of a particular individual immediately surfaced in his mind.
"I do have someone in mind!"
"If you have someone, speak!" Duke Qin urged, believing there was no point in further hesitation. The immediate priority was to ascertain the whereabouts of the people from the two tribes, which would bring him peace of mind.
"Prince Xuan of the rMolan Mansion!"
Duke Yuan declared without a second thought. That individual had materialized from thin air that day; had he not announced his presence, Duke Yuan would not have sensed him at all. Such skills were exceptionally well-suited for infiltrating between the two warring tribes.
"Absolutely not!"
Zhan Tian immediately voiced his strong objection. "The territory of the two tribes is fraught with peril. He is Liu Sheng's most trusted subordinate, already designated as the next Chief Eunuch of the Ritual Department, and will be indispensable for the upcoming Burial Grounds ceremony."
"What if something were to befall him?"
He then shot a furious glare at Duke Yuan. "Liu Sheng has already been incapacitated; do not pick on him further!"
"Watch your tongue!"
Duke Yuan retorted with anger, accustomed to discussing grave matters within the Imperial City, and Zhan Tian's formidable strength did not intimidate him.
"He is, in truth, the most fitting candidate; do you not acknowledge this in your heart?"
"Moreover, his cultivation is on par with the Peak of the Eighth Layer, and coupled with his unique abilities, even potential dangers would likely pose no significant threat."
"Never! Absolutely not!"
At this juncture, Zhan Tian remained entirely uncompromising.
Who knew what hidden traps the two tribes might have set? Liu Sheng was still gravely injured, and they were already plotting against Chen Xuan. He would not permit this matter to proceed.
"Zhan Tian!"
Duke Qin admonished sternly, "Calm yourself. This is merely a discussion; it has not been decided that it must be him!"
Liu Sheng had dedicated his life to Great Yu, and now, incapacitated, Chen Xuan was essentially his sole successor. He harbored no desire to expose the young man to such risks.
However, as Duke Yuan rightly pointed out, Chen Xuan was indeed the most suitable candidate available.
"I care not for any other reasons; this matter is non-negotiable!"
With those words, he stormed out in a huff.
Damn them, trying to bully people! Did they still believe things were as they once were!?
"His cultivation has grown, and it appears his temper has become even more volatile,"
Duke Qin sighed, a headache beginning to form.
An individual like Zhan Tian required careful handling; otherwise, even His Majesty sometimes found it difficult to manage him.
Especially given his current formidable strength.
"Indeed, too strong!"
Duke Yuan exclaimed, a lingering sense of apprehension in his voice. The ease with which Zhan Tian could dispatch someone at the Peak of the Eighth Layer was akin to flipping a hand; if truly provoked, a casual strike would be unbearable!
"Let us set him aside for a moment. Whom else can we consider sending?"
"A real headache!"
Duke Qin rubbed his aching temples. The chosen individual needed to possess considerable strength and a remarkable ability for stealth, lest discovery lead to utter ruin.
This was even before considering the task of investigating the people from the two tribes.
"Hard to find, truly hard to find. Perhaps we should take a risk ourselves?"
Duke Yuan looked towards Duke Qin.
"Far too dangerous!"
Duke Qin shook his head. If the people of the two tribes were indeed present, it would be tantamount to sending someone to their certain death.
"Let's walk and ponder,"
...
"Those two scoundrels are utterly inhuman!"
Zhan Tian fumed, his displeasure palpable.
"But do not fret, I have already rebuffed them. They need not even consider it!"
"Hmph!"
Liu Sheng let out a cold snort, his expression as icy as ever.
Did they presume to treat his people as mere pawns?
Meanwhile, Chen Xuan, standing beside them, remained unperturbed, a smile gracing his lips as he poured Zhan Tian a cup of tea. "Elder Zhan, please have some tea to calm your spirits."
Zhan Tian took the cup and downed its contents in one go. "Kid, you can still afford to smile?"
"Are you unaware of the immense danger involved?"
"Foolish."
Liu Sheng, who had been reclining, slowly straightened up. "This situation is different from before; do not treat it lightly."
"The individuals from the two tribes are likely concealed amongst the Stone Race or the Tree-man Race!"
"Last time, you managed to blend in during a major conflict."
"If they are with the Stone Race, it might be manageable. However, if they are within the Tree-man Race's domain in the Hidden Forest Abyss, escaping undetected will be exceedingly difficult."
"Do not presume that your exceptional disguise techniques grant you immunity from consequences; do not act recklessly."
Chen Xuan smiled in response to Liu Sheng's solemn warning.
Yet, a cluster of intriguing thoughts began to form in his mind.
The Celestial Eye Forest of the Tree-man Race.
He found himself wondering what it was like within, and how it could possibly emanate healing energy from such a distance.
To be able to achieve such a state... it would be akin to attaining eternal life.
Naturally, he wasn't one to act recklessly; as Liu Sheng had pointed out, if members of the two tribes were indeed present, the situation would pose a genuine danger.
He truly held a deep fear of death!
"Understood, Chief Eunuch. I had no intention of going!"
"Hmph!"
Liu Sheng let out a cold snort, unconvinced.
He believed the young man clearly *did* want to go!
It was obvious that such a move wouldn't be for the benefit of Great Yu; this young man would never undertake anything devoid of personal gain.
...
Seven days elapsed in the blink of an eye.
On the surface, Great Yu appeared to be in a state of absolute peace, at least outwardly.
At this precise moment, two opulent carriages came to a halt before the entrance to the Ritual Department.
Upon recognizing the distinctive emblems adorning the carriages, the guards' expressions shifted, and they promptly moved to offer their greetings.
Coincidentally, the proprietors of these carriages emerged.
It was none other than Duke Qin and Duke Yuan.
"Greetings to Duke Qin and Duke Yuan!"
The guards called out respectfully.
"Hmm!"
Duke Qin acknowledged with a nod. "We are here to see Liu Sheng."
"Yes, my lords!"
Confronted by the presence of these two esteemed figures, the guards certainly wouldn't dare to impede them. Nevertheless, once the Dukes had entered the Ritual Department, a message was swiftly conveyed inward.
"Do you have any information regarding Liu Sheng's current condition?"
"They say his life was miraculously saved. After all, enduring the peak of the eighth level of self-detonation and being in such close proximity, this outcome is already considered fortunate."
The two Dukes proceeded inward, walking side by side.
"Alas!"
Duke Yuan emitted a deep sigh, lamenting the current state of a once-great figure of Great Yu, now reduced to such a condition.
It was truly beyond comprehension!
"If he truly has no desire to, then so be it?"