At about noon, Liu Yu Tong and Li Si Chan both arrived, bringing with them a big piece of news.
Chapter 153
Translator: _Dark_Angel_ Editor: Kurisu
Early that morning, the imperial guards arrived at the Academy to apprehend Feng Yan, but encountered resistance from him. In the end, it became a big issue that even alerted Lian Guang Zu who placed his full support behind Feng Yan and expelled the imperial guards from the Academy grounds.
It was either the Third Imperial Prince’s command or Lady Yan’s complaint that caused the imperial guards to come today to apprehend Feng Yan. Feng Yan had committed a great offense against these two high-ranking individuals just the day before, after all.
Yet Feng Yan was actually so recklessly bold as to resist arrest, and Lian Guang Zu actually defended him fully. This was really such a great shock that no one could believe it.
Where did Feng Yan get such courage from? And why would Lian Guang Zu protect him to the point that he did not mind going against the Imperial Family?
Since neither Feng Yan nor Lian Guang Zu said a word, everyone could only make their wild guesses. Could it be that Feng Yan was Lian Guang Zu’s illegitimate son?
It was only barely over half a day, and this kind of gossip had already spread throughout the Academy.
After that, Feng Luo even issued a warrant to collect all the evidence that proved Ling Han’s criminal behavior and misdeeds. Anyone who was willing to volunteer with information would be given a reward.
Liu Yu Tong and Li Si Chan had yet to know what had happened last night, so they were both puzzled and indignant.
“Is this Feng Luo a cockroach or something? He is obviously just a piece of trash, yet can always manage to frolic around.” Ling Han was also at a loss for words. Feng Luo was undoubtedly expelled out of the Academy, yet in the blink of an eye, he was enrolled back in again.
“That’s because of Feng Yan,” Liu Yu Tong pointed out.
“Whom exactly has this guy managed to cling to that even Old Man Lian would protect him to this extent?” Ling Han said uncomprehendingly, “Even if he really was the old man’s illegitimate son, he should not be doting on him to this extent.”
Liu Yu Tong and Li Si Chan both rolled their eyes at him. Only Ling Han would dare say something like that about a Spiritual Pedestal Tier elite.
“Now, Feng Luo declares that he will be collecting the proof of your misdeeds, obviously intending to embarrass you,” Li Si Chan said. Feng Luo did not have an official rank in the government, and the proof that he was collecting would not be considered valid at all. Thus, he was only planning to embarrass Ling Han, and bring dishonor to his name.
Ling Han rubbed his nose, and said, “Looks like Feng Yan really considers me quite important. He not only wants to kill me, but also wants me to be completely defeated and fallen from grace.”
Both Liu Yu Tong and Li Si Chan frowned. Now that Lian Guang Zu was covering for Feng Yan, even the Rain Emperor would have to give him some face. Thus, as Feng Yan did not break the laws of the Empire openly, such as committing murder in the streets of the Imperial City or something like that, he would be able to act like a tyrant, and it would be overlooked.
Ling Han could actually do the same as well. He had the two big bosses of alchemy standing behind him, and in truth, had more confidence he could do so than Feng Yan.
But it was obvious that Lian Guang Zu was not Feng Yan’s main backer.
“Feng Yan’s support should come from outside Rain Country,” Ling Han said with a tone of certainty at the end.
Feng Yan had once said boastfully that he would even be able to kill Ling Han in public after three months. What did that imply? It meant that he did not even care about the authority of the Rain Emperor.
There was a powerful warrior of Flower Blooming Tier overseeing things for Rain Country, but since Feng Yan was able to ignore the Imperial Family of Rain Country, that obviously meant that the backer behind him would at least be in Flower Blossoming Tier, and there was no other person at this cultivation level in Rain Country aside from the mysterious member of the Imperial Family.
Ling Han rubbed his chin. Should he go and get a license for an Earth Grade alchemist?
If he had the status of an Earth Grade alchemist, even powerful warriors of Spiritual Infant Tier would have to treat him courteously, what more a mere Flower Blossoming Tier martial artist. However, the highest level of license that could be achieved in Rain Country was Black Grade high level, because there was no alchemist at a higher level than that. Thus, there was no one able to bear witness to his ability.
‘Temporarily, the rank of Black Grade high level alchemist should be enough. I believe that even a Flower Blossoming Tier elite would have to give them some face,’ Ling Han thought. If he had the status of an alchemist to protect him, then at least no one would dare to oppose him openly.
‘I had not planned to return to the path of alchemy in this life, but who asked me to be so eye-catching that I have already attracted big trouble at the mere level of Element Gathering Tier.’ He heaved a sigh, but there was only an uncaring expression on his face.
In his last life, he had been an ultimate warrior of Heaven Tier, and in the last period of his life, he travelled to various dangerous historical sites, where he encountered dangers that were all a hundred times more serious than what he was facing now. Yet, he had still managed to survive till now.
As for Feng Yan, he would be only a small bump on his path to maturity.
There were only a few things that Ling Han would care about now. The first one was that mysterious black tower, the second would be the Spirit Base in Hu Niu’s Dantian that had actually taken the form of a magnificent beauty who could even open her eyes, and the third would be what those four disciples of his had encountered.
“That Feng Luo is really too despicable. He is obviously a vile character. I will ask master to take action and expel him. I don’t believe that Master Lian would persist in taking him back into the Martial Arts Department,” Li Si Chan said, unwilling to give in.
Ling Han laughed loudly, and said, “No need, no need. I want to take a look at what kind of tricks these two brothers can come up with!”
Since Feng Yan wanted to kill him, he had no reason to be reserved. When he had accumulated enough power, he would be sure to kill Feng Yan and his brother. He would also deal with Hu Bo, who had dared to kill so many at the Ling Clan Residence—how could Ling Han spare him after such an offense?
Aside from these three, there was also Chen Yun Xiang.
It was also about time to sort this old man out.
Ling Han turned to Liu Yu Tong, and asked, “What kind of business does the Chen Clan do?”
“Clothing,” Liu Yu Tong answered instantly. Obviously, she had done her own research, and was still guilty about how she hadn’t been able to deal with Chen Yun Xiang previously.
“Do something for me. In front of every store belonging to the Chen Clan, open a clothing store and sell the products at ten percent below cost price,” Ling Han said as he handed over some money to Liu Yu Tong.
Liu Yu Tong immediately understood his purpose. He was planning to strike down the Chen Clan financially. The reason why Chen Yun Xiang had been able to succeed so many times was because of the wealth of the Chen Clan which allowed him to hire the members of the Earth and Water Faction to help him kidnap little girls.
If he lost all his wealth, then the Sun Clan would only deign to grant him safety.
“All right. I know what to do,” she said with a nod, “However, this could possibly be a bottomless pit. Are you sure you want to use up your money like this?”
Ling Han smiled, and said, “Don’t worry. Money is not a problem for me.”
For a high-ranking alchemist, money would of course be no issue. He would only need to concoct a few Black Grade high level alchemical pills, and it was guaranteed that people would be fighting over them.
Liu Yu Tong was f
inally relieved. She was about to say something else, when she suddenly wrinkled her nose and inhaled deeply, before asking, “Why is there female fragrance here?”
“Oh, I just took in two homeless girls,” Ling Han said causally.
“En?” Liu Yu Tong and Li Si Chan exchanged a look before putting on vigilant expressions. They asked at the same time, “Where are they?”
Yi, when did they become so coordinated?
“Greetings, ladies!” Liu Feng Er and her sister walked out together. Four such great beauties all gathered in one space seemed to make the whole house a considerably brighter place.
The four girls chattered continuously, and Ling Han was soon bored by their conversation. He walked out and xiu , Hu Niu suddenly raced out from somewhere to hang onto him. She kept swinging back and forth from her hold on his body like a monkey.
“Play! Play!” the little girl kept waving Ling Han’s arm, her expression pleading.
“All right, let’s go play,” Ling Han laughed loudly. He had just stepped outside and was about to leave when he saw a young man approach him. Upon seeing Ling Han, the young man immediately bowed down in respect, and greeted, “Zhu Wu Jiu hereby pays respect to Master!”
Chapter 154
Translator: _Dark_Angel_ Editor: Kurisu
Ling Han swept a glance over him, and could not help frowning as he said, “Only in the eighth layer of Element Gathering Tier? You’re advancing a bit too slowly!”
Zhu Wu Jiu could not stop his face from twitching.
It had only been ten plus days, and he had managed to directly leap from the late period of the seventh layer of Element Gathering Tier to the peak period, and even managed to break through all the way to the eighth layer of Element Gathering Tier. This was enough to make him ecstatic, and also made him finally believe Ling Han’s words—that he could really help him surpass Nangong Ji in half a year’s time.
He desired greater power. On one hand, he wanted to avenge his beloved, while on the other, desire for power was deeply engraved in the blood and bones of each martial artist in the first place. Thus, as soon as he had broken through to the eighth layer of Element Gathering Tier, he went to see Ling Han—he would be too embarrassed to see Ling Han if he had not broken through first.
But he had never imagined that Ling Han would still resent him for being too slow!!
“Ai, you have the constitution of Silver Moon and the first time you start cultivating the Silver Moon Arts, you should have experienced a sudden explosion of your bloodline which would stimulate a spike-like improvement in your cultivation level. But, you have only advanced slightly. Looks like your bloodline is not very pure.” Ling Han shook his head, looking a bit disappointed.
But when he thought about it, this was actually very normal. After all, the Silver Moon Race was long rumored to have been completely wiped out, so Zhu Wu Jiu’s bloodline was definitely not very pure. Who knows, it may have been a recessive gene which allowed the bloodline to appear in him, while both his parents may very possibly only have normal constitution.
“Take this. Break through to Gushing Spring Tier within one month. If you are unable to, you do not need to come see me again.” Ling Han tossed a pill bottle over to him. There were ten Ancient Clear Pills inside this pill bottle.
Break through to Gushing Spring Tier in a single month?
Zhu Wu Jiu experienced a shock. How could that be possible! He was sure he would be able to break through to the ninth layer of Element Gathering Tier or even reach the peak period of the ninth layer within one month’s time, but to break through to Gushing Spring Tier? That required him to transform his Origin Nucleus into a Gushing Spring of Origin Power, and involved enough comprehension and understanding of his cultivation. Spending even three to five years—eight or ten years even—to successfully break through was already quite good, but a single month?
Just look, there were so many disciples in Hu Yang Academy, but how many of them were actually in Gushing Spring Tier?
Less than a hundred, and the majority of these people were above twenty five years old!
But if he did not manage to break through to Gushing Spring Tier in one month, then he would not even be qualified to become Ling Han’s subordinate?
Immediately, a strong wave of rebellious feelings rose up within Zhu Wu Jiu. If it had been anyone else, wouldn’t he have died of happiness after winning himself a chance to free himself? But Zhu Wu Jiu was a man of his word, and he also had his pride.
Being disregarded even for the lowly position of a subordinate… how could he still have face to stand tall and walk with an upright spine in future?
“Alright. Within one month, I will definitely break through to Gushing Spring Tier!” he forced out through gritted teeth.
“Go on!” Ling Han waved him off.
Zhu Wu Jiu turned and left. Behind him, Ling Han smiled. With his alchemical pills and his deliberate provocation just now, this silly boy from the Silver Moon Race should be able to break through to Gushing Spring Tier in one month, right?
“Play! Play!” Hu Niu tugged at his hand, looking very displeased.
“Alright, let’s go play.” Ling Han and Hu Niu exited the Academy. They toured around the Imperial City once and he dropped in the Cherishing Flower Pavilion on the way.
“Why are you here?” after being informed by the servants, Yun Shuang Shuang very quickly appeared in front of him.
Ling Han shook his head, and asked, “Have you been beaten up or scolded by someone that you are venting your anger on me?”
“You are the one that has been beaten up!” Yun Shuang Shuang said irritatedly. She was irate about how Ling Han always appeared serene.
Though she hated it when others would look pervertedly at her, as a beautiful woman, she would naturally have her own pride. However, when Ling Han looked at her, it was as if he was looking at air. She would of course be extremely displeased by this, and whenever she set eyes upon this young man, she would have the urge to grit her teeth.
“Here, this is the Permanent Pill that was promised to Lady Yan. Take it.” Ling Han took out a jade bottle and placed it on the table.
“It… it’s already concocted?” Yun Shuang Shuang immediately asked, filled with pleasant surprise and no longer bothering about acting quarrelsome.
“An alchemical pill at this kind of level, would it still require a few days’ preparation before beginning the concoction process?” Ling Han clicked his tongue.
Yun Shuang Shuang could not help but become suspicious. Even two big bosses of alchemy like Fu Yuan Sheng and Wu Song Lin had shaken their heads at this Permanent Pill, but after only one night, Ling Han actually brought over the completed pill. Could he be lying?
“I can’t be bothered to talk too long with a silly little girl like you. Just hand the pill over to Lady Yan. I’m leaving.” Ling Han picked up Hu Niu. The little girl had played too wildly and was tired out—she had fallen fast asleep.
Silly little girl?
Yun Shuang Shuang almost transformed into a vicious hag and pounced on him. This brat had to be blind. Couldn’t he see her enchanting figure and curves? What kind of silly little girl have you seen that would have such protruding breasts and raised behind like her?
“And you are a silly boy who is still wet behind the ears!” she countered.
“Bye, silly little girl,” Ling Han waved at her, and strode out.
“Wayaya, I’m going to die from fury!” Yun Shuang Shuang stomped her feet in anger, but after a while, she said to herself, “Whether it’s real or fake, I’ll let Milady take a look at it first.” She quickly went into a courtyard in the deepest parts of Cherishing Flower Pavilion. Lady Yan would usually be here if there was nothing that required her attention.
“Milady!” she stepped into the courtyard and knocked lightly on the door.
“Come in.” Lady Yan’s voice was heard from within, and it sounded a bit tired and helpless.
Yun Shuang Shuang pushed open th
e door and entered. It was a bedroom that she had stepped into. Lady Yan was currently sitting at the bedside, while on the bed lay a delicate and pretty-looking youth who looked to be only about fifteen or sixteen years old. The youth’s appearance actually had a forty to fifty percent resemblance with Lady Yan.
“Lady Yan, Ling Han came over just now and delivered the Permanent Pill,” Yun Shuang Shuang said softly, though she knew that no matter how loudly she spoke, she would not be able to awaken that sleeping youth.
“What!” Lady Yan suddenly stood, her face filled with shock.
“This is the Permanent Pill that Ling Han has brought over.” Yun Shuang Shuang took out the pill bottle that Ling Han had given to her. Though she was very doubtful about the authenticity of this pill bottle, she did not speak out of turn and left it for Lady Yan to decide.
Lady Yan extended a hand and received the pill bottle. Because she was too excited, her hands were even uncontrollably trembling. She had just glimpsed a sliver of hope yesterday night, but had never imagined that this sliver of hope would become reality today.
It was not that she had not considered the possibility that this pill might be fake, but in front of the colossal hope, she chose to ignore this possibility.
She opened the bottle, and inside lay only three pills. They were yellowish-red in color and had a sweet and bitter smell.
“This color and smell is the same as what Master Yang Jun had described!” she looked even more excited. She looked at the youth that was asleep on the bed, gritted her teeth, and said, “Shuang Shuang, get me some water.”
Yun Shuang Shuang knew that Lady Yan had made her decision, and quickly went to pour a cup of clear water and brought it over.
Lady Yan pried open the youth’s teeth, and squeezed in a Permanent Pill. Meanwhile, Yun Shuang Shuang neared with the cup. She tipped the cup, and the pill was washed down into the youth’s body by the water.
Alchemy Emperor of the Divine Dao c1-1294 Page 91