Banshee Family Training Record

Page 157

Xu Yanwei is a cultivator in the late Foundation Establishment stage from the Qin Kingdom.

Today, he was no longer wearing the long, black, wide-sleeved Qin state official robe, but had changed into a close-fitting outfit, with a delighted smile on his face, as if this really was a wonderful coincidence.

However, Yun Chuan could not have guessed that this was definitely not a chance encounter, but a meeting carefully planned by the guy in front of him.

Even his self-address was so affectionate, something like "Brother Changsheng," haha.

He definitely has something to ask me.

Yun Chu'an's face darkened for a moment, but then he smiled with delight and nodded, "Brother Xu, it's been a long time!"

A barely perceptible hint of disgust flashed in Xu Yanwei's eyes; Yun Chuan's way of addressing him made him feel somewhat uncomfortable.

What kind of background does this cultivator have that makes him worthy of calling me brother?

If you weren't still useful...

He suppressed his disgust, forced a smile, and looked at Yun Chu'an, saying, "Brother Changsheng's thunder magic is amazing and his talent is truly admirable. I've always wanted to be friends with Brother Changsheng. It's perfect timing; why don't we go over there for a drink?"

Then he looked at Hua Caiyan and Zhu Yunqing: "How about you two ladies come with me?"

Yun Chu'an frowned slightly, weighing the pros and cons, while Zhu Yunqing immediately said, "We'll skip that. We're still buying suitable defensive magic items. If we go to that tomb secret realm to eliminate zombies in the future, we'll need these."

"We won't go. Changsheng, why don't you go and have a drink with Lord Xu?"

After saying that, she pulled Hua Caiyan away. She could tell that Yun Chuan was reluctant to go shopping, but she wanted to take him along to broaden his horizons and help him gain some experience in distinguishing good from bad goods.

But since he has more important things to do now, it's better for her to do the shopping.

Yun Chuan glanced at her, understood her intention, nodded, and then looked at Xu Yanwei again: "Then I shall respectfully comply, Lord Xu, let's go."

Xu Yanwei laughed: "Why are you suddenly being so formal? We're about the same age, so just call me Brother Xu like before!"

Yun Chu'an smiled amicably on the surface, but inwardly he was unconvinced. He disliked this guy. Even though his fighting style that day seemed bold and unrestrained, and his speech was straightforward and forthright, he was full of calculations in his heart. He would flatter him a couple of times, and then immediately stir up trouble, trying to push him out as a pawn.

You have to be extremely careful and wary of this person.

With this thought in mind, Yun Chuan still wore a smile on his face, gestured for Xu Yanwei to go first, and followed behind.

Xu Yanwei didn't stand on ceremony and turned to walk into a teahouse next door. Lifting the curtain, the steam carrying the aroma of tea wafted out, making Yun Chuan feel refreshed.

The two sat down by the window, where the eight-immortal table was stained with years of tea. Xu Yanwei ordered two pots of fine tea and a plate of osmanthus rice cake, then faced Yun Chuan and exchanged more compliments and pleasantries.

He boasted that his golden divine lightning was the nemesis of all evil spirits, and exaggeratedly said that in the end, everyone would probably have to rely on his power on this journey to the secret realm of the tomb.

Yun Chu'an humbly replied that he was merely a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the early stages and dared not accept such praise. These words struck a chord with Xu Yanwei, who sighed softly, "Yes, it's a pity. Perhaps it's just a matter of timing and fate. There just happened to be a secret realm perfectly suited for Brother Changsheng to display his talents, but Brother Changsheng's cultivation was just a tiny bit short… Ah, if I were in your shoes, how regrettable that would be!"

He sighed and shook his head repeatedly, as if he felt sorry for Yun Chu'an.

Yun Chuan remained calm and composed. He knew exactly what he was there to do and had never complained about fate. Fate had already given him enough; any more greed would inevitably lead to trouble.

Furthermore, he had long been wary of Xu Yanwei. He could tell that there was ill intent in the man's remark.

Well, let's see what he's trying to do.

With this thought in mind, he sighed and lowered his head: "Yes, but there's nothing I can do. No matter what, my cultivation level can't possibly improve by a sudden leap in just a few days!"

As he spoke, he shook his head and sighed, seemingly filled with regret as well.

The two fell silent for a moment, the atmosphere somewhat heavy. Suddenly, the bamboo curtain in the kitchen was lifted, and a woman with a blue headscarf emerged from the rising steam. She carried a copper teapot in one hand and a bamboo tray containing osmanthus rice cakes in the other, placed it on the octagonal table, brewed the tea for the two, said "Please enjoy," and then turned and left.

After she walked away, Xu Yanwei picked up his teacup, took a light sniff of the tea aroma, and suddenly said slowly, "Actually, Brother Changsheng, there is a way to deal with this."

Yun Chu'an's expression shifted, then he revealed a look of longing: "How do you do it? Brother Xu, please tell me!"

Chapter 345 Dragon Light Pill

“I have a kind of pill called ‘Dragon Light Pill’. I originally prepared it for myself. After taking it, my spiritual energy will surge and my strength will rise by a huge level,” Xu Yanwei said. “This pill is prepared for Foundation Establishment cultivators. After taking it, a late Foundation Establishment cultivator can even go toe-to-toe with a Golden Core cultivator for a short period of time!”

Yun Chuanbo's expression immediately changed: "So powerful? There are actually such pills in the world?"

Xu Yanwei said, "Of course, this is also a secret treasure of my Qin state, it's normal that you don't know about it."

"Originally, I planned to explore the secret realm on my own. I made ample preparations for this, including various talismans and magical treasures, as well as this kind of precious pill that can greatly improve one's cultivation level in a short period of time."

“It’s a pity,” he said, letting out a long sigh. “After all, I am a Qin citizen, and the local officials are targeting me. No matter how I try to prove myself, they will not allow me to enter this tomb.”

"So, all the good stuff I prepared has gone to waste." He shook his head as he spoke. "You see, acquiring these things wasn't a small expense. Even if my family is wealthy and powerful, we can't afford such a loss!"

Yun Chu'an looked on with barely suppressed curiosity: "Then, while the hype is still going strong, we should act now and at least recoup some of our losses."

As he spoke, he lowered his voice and whispered, "Brother Xu, let me tell you a secret, which is also my experience accumulated over many years of traveling the world: whenever a new secret realm appears, those who really get rich are often not the ones who enter the secret realm to explore, but the merchants who do business with these explorers and sell them all kinds of necessities!"

Xu Yanwei found it amusing: "Is that so? Then why don't you do this kind of business?"

Yun Chu'an shrugged: "I'm not poor, I just don't have the capital!"

Xu Yanwei nodded with a smile, then his expression turned serious as he said, "That's true, but I'm not satisfied yet. I've decided to try a different investment approach."

“Brother Yun, you are the most amazing and talented cultivator I have ever met. I have a feeling that among the many rogue cultivators, you will be the one who will be able to enter the center of the secret realm and explore its greatest secret in the end. Therefore, I have decided to befriend you and transfer these things to you free of charge!”

His eyes were burning with determination: "Even if I can't enter the secret realm, I'll be satisfied as long as you can go in and gain something!"

Yun Chu'an immediately became alert, but his face was filled with shame: "Ah... I can't accept this. What if I underperform and fail to bring you a treasure worth these gifts..."

His expression was awkward, and he was prepared to decline the offer three times, but Xu Yanwei's next words caught him off guard: "No, Brother Yun, you don't need to help me bring out any valuable things from the tomb."

"On the contrary, I need you to help me put some things into this tomb."

Yun Chu'an was taken aback, and for a moment he couldn't understand.

What do you mean? Wasn't it said that Marquis Qin Hai was incredibly wealthy, and those who come here to covet his tomb are all after his riches and the enormous burial goods that might be inside?

Why does Xu Yanwei not only refuse the contents of the box, but also send more of them inside?

Could it be...

Yun Chu'an narrowed his eyes slightly, looking at the man in front of him. Considering his identity, he immediately felt that there was something even deeper behind this.

This guy has grand ambitions. The wealth in the tomb is of no importance to him. What he wants to stir up is probably a much bigger conflict.

Yun Chu'an pondered, his eyes flickering. He didn't care about the future of Qin and Zhao; those matters were still far off, and besides, as a mere early Foundation Establishment cultivator, what he could do was utterly insignificant.

All he cared about was the imminent danger to his life, but since Xu Yanwei needed him to do something so dangerous, then...

"This... isn't a good idea." He looked troubled. "There's no precedent for putting things in a secret realm. What if it causes trouble later and gets discovered... I can't explain that!"

Xu Yanwei's hand holding the teacup stiffened for a moment. He was annoyed and cursed inwardly for Li Changsheng's shrewdness. "I have already promised you great benefits, why don't you immediately become greedy?"

Alright, let's increase the stakes!

"Brother Changsheng, why are you so worried?" he continued. "The world is vast, with your abilities, where can't you go? How can a dragon be confined to shallow waters? Why do you care about the future of the Zhao Kingdom?"

As he was speaking, he suddenly seemed to remember something, clapped his hands, and said, "Oh, right, besides that, I also have a small gift to give you, Brother Changsheng, please take a look."

As he spoke, he picked up his storage bag, took out a small white jade bottle, opened it, and immediately a rich fragrance wafted out, making Yun Chu'an feel his spiritual energy burning hot just from smelling it.

"Brother Xu, what is this?" He immediately showed a look of interest.

"This is the 'Earth Vein Essence,' a supreme treasure mined by cultivators of the Great Qin from the earth's spiritual veins. Even Golden Core cultivators rely on it for cultivation!" Xu Yanwei said. "I've kept it all this time, reluctant to use it, but if Brother Changsheng is willing to help me with this, I'm happy to give it to you as well!"

His tone was sincere, and one could even see a hint of heartache in his expression. Yun Chu'an carefully observed his expression, and sensing that it was about time, he also showed a conflicted and hesitant expression. Finally, he gritted his teeth and said, "Alright, Brother Xu, I'll help you with this!"

Xu Yanwei was overjoyed, a weight finally lifted from his heart: "Good, good, good! Brother Changsheng is willing to agree, that's wonderful!"

As he spoke, he raised his glass, clinked glasses with Yun Chuan, and drank the tea in his glass in one gulp.

After finishing his tea, Xu Yanwei handed him a storage bag. Inside, the things he had been promised, as well as a small package that should have been placed deep within the secret realm of the mausoleum, lay quietly.

After giving them the money, he exchanged a few more pleasantries, then excused himself, got up, and left to pay at the counter.

Yun Chu'an carefully put away the things he had given her, checked them one by one, and finally looked at the small package with a flicker in her eyes.

What could be inside?

What exactly is this person trying to achieve through this?

Forget it, why bother with that? Once I've finished what I need to do, I'll go back to Jin. What happens to those two countries in the future is none of my business.

He then packed his things but did not leave the teahouse. Instead, he sat in a chair, leaned back, closed his eyes, and carefully considered everything he had in mind.

Golden divine lightning can suppress some dark and evil spirits, while the Three Thousand Spring Suns is the Dragon Clan's unique secret technique that allows me to kill powerful enemies in the late Foundation Establishment stage.

So, now that I've taken the Dragon Light Pill, do I have a chance to defeat You Wensi, who is in the Remnant Core Realm?

The thought of this possibility made him incredibly eager. But after some thought, he forcibly suppressed these thoughts.

No, that's not appropriate; it's too risky.

You Wensi, after all, fell from the true Golden Core stage. What makes her stronger than ordinary late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators is not only her cultivation level, but also her experience and unfathomable methods.

No, I can't be too confident; that would become arrogance. After all, there are several levels of understanding between us...

I'll at least wait until I'm in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage before considering a direct confrontation with her...

As he pondered, an aged but amused voice suddenly rang in his ears: "Young friend, would you mind if I shared a table with you?"

Yun Chu'an suddenly opened his eyes and saw an old man with white hair and beard standing in front of him with a smile on his face. It was none other than the special envoy of Zhengde Bank who had fought alongside him that day.

Yun Chu'an quickly stood up and invited him to sit opposite him: "Senior, please sit down. It is an honor for me to sit with you. Ah, I still don't know how to address you, senior?"

The other party has a higher cultivation level, is older than him, and has fought alongside him. It is not unreasonable for him to call him "senior".

Chapter 346 Qi Qiao, a Genius of Unparalleled Talent

"My name is Sun Chongrong. Today, I'll be shameless and let you call me Senior Sun," said the white-haired old man. Yun Chu'an didn't stand on ceremony and called out "Senior Sun." He then called the proprietress over and instructed her to brew another pot of tea and some snacks for the old man to enjoy.

After doing all this, he sat down again and exchanged pleasantries with the old man, saying that if it weren't for him that day, he didn't know how many more people would have suffered, which made the old man burst into laughter.

After laughing, the old man looked at him and suddenly said, "Xu Yanwei just came to see you?"

Yun Chu'an's expression shifted slightly, and without hiding anything, he nodded: "Yes."

"What did he say to you?" the old man asked with a smile. "Would you mind chatting with this old fellow?"

Yun Chuan said, "It's nothing, he just complained that the Zhao people wouldn't let him enter the secret realm of that tomb, and there was nothing he could do about it."

Seeing that he was unwilling to say more, the old man surnamed Sun did not press him. Just then, the proprietress brought over the teapot again, and he remained silent, stroking his beard as if deep in thought.

After the proprietress put down the teapot and pastries and turned to leave, he spoke again: "The King of Qin is eager for expansion. He is plotting new wars and is constantly coveting the famous mountains and rivers and auspicious lands of Zhao. His eyes are bloodshot from longing for them."

"However, as long as the emperor of the Great Zhou is watching all this, he will always have some concerns. Those who violate the Zhou rites will be attacked by all under heaven. This is a rule that King Wen once set, and it is also the core reason why the Qin state, despite its strength, is still hesitant to attack rashly."

King Wen was one of the most powerful cultivators who founded the Great Zhou Dynasty, and he was also a common role model for all cultivators, rulers, gentlemen, and righteous people under the Dao Ancestor.

Yun Chu'an nodded, understanding dawning on him: "So, they must first find a reason to prove that the State of Zhao violated the 'Rites of Zhou'?"

The old man surnamed Sun nodded: "That's right. However, if Qin really launches a war in accordance with the rites of Zhou and annexes Zhao, then it will probably become so powerful that it will be uncontrollable. The rule of 'the whole world should attack it' will probably no longer be able to restrain it."

"At that time, no country will be spared, and Jin will be no exception."

His sudden question startled Yun Chu'an, who subconsciously touched the mask on his face before asking uncertainly, "You recognize me?"

The old man nodded slightly, but said nothing, only gazing at him. Yun Chu'an looked into his eyes, then suddenly frowned, a hint of doubt rising in his heart.

Is this old man trying to scam him?

Is there something else on me that reveals that I come from the State of Jin?

After all, this was my first time leaving the State of Jin, so I was unaware of the situation and naturally did not attempt any special disguise.

As for my face, even if he saw through my mask, he shouldn't recognize who I really am.

He frowned, a complex mix of thoughts swirling in his mind, then lowered his head and replied, "This junior understands, but..."

He hesitated, but the old man was quite patient: "Just what?"

Yun Chu'an continued, "However, recently, under the pretext of eliminating the Yellow Python, the Zhao Kingdom has deployed a large number of forces along the border between the two countries. In reality, many cultivators have even infiltrated into the interior of our Jin Kingdom to gather intelligence and conduct espionage activities..."

"Our predecessor was wholeheartedly devoted to the world and did not want to see the Qin state start a war, causing widespread suffering and death. In the long run, this would also be beneficial to our Jin state. But what is imminent is that our Jin state is about to be invaded by the Zhao state and have its territory occupied. As a Jin state citizen, I am also worried day and night, always thinking about what I can do to alleviate the national crisis."

He spoke with an air of righteous indignation, but his true meaning was only one thing: Want me to do something? Pay up!

The elderly man surnamed Sun frowned, feeling somewhat irritated. He had come representing the interests of Zhengde Money Shop. Both Qin and Zhao were powerful states, and Zhengde Money Shop had substantial debts and assets in both countries. Therefore, he was determined not to see the two countries go to war, otherwise not only would both sides suffer heavy losses, but their money shop would likely lose everything.

And the State of Jin...

As a small, declining state, it had little investment value. Although it belonged to the Zhengde Money Shop, it could not control everything. If it wanted to offer benefits to the Jin state, it would have to submit a report to its superiors. And it was foreseeable that no one would agree to invest money in the Jin state, as that would be tantamount to throwing money down the drain.

Do you want to spend your own money to buy off the people in front of you?

It's ridiculous. Who would spend their own money to work for a money exchange?

He works for the money exchange to make money, not to lose money!