Chapter 191: The strongest connection in the Tian Ce Dynasty

Today, the Imperial Capital's Xinghuo Combat Academy received a very heavyweight visitor.

Even the Combat Academy's Dean, Qu Heng, came personally to welcome them; it could be said the fanfare was immense.

This visitor was none other than Xia Qing's father, the He He Zongzhu of the Lingyan Dao Sect, Master Wanfeng.

A well-known Sage Realm expert in the Tian Ce Dynasty and one of the few top-tier alchemists.

Regardless of which title one considers, it is clear that Master Wanfeng's reputation in the cultivation world is extremely high.

Especially in the eyes of alchemists, Master Wanfeng is a god-like existence.

In the cultivation world, who wouldn't want to know an alchemist? Master Wanfeng's fame in the central cultivation world of the Tian Ce Dynasty is even more like the sun at high noon.

Last time, when Li Chen went to reorganize the sect alliance known as the Nine Abyss Sacred Domain, Master Wanfeng agreed to help, but with one condition: Li Chen had to also reorganize the neighboring, conflicting Purple Void Heaven Palace Alliance.

Now that Li Chen has resolved all the issues, Master Wanfeng has come as promised to help the Tian Ce Dynasty's Northern Army break the formation laid down by the experts of the Snow Eagle Wang Ting.

Since he had to help, he naturally had to gather at the Imperial Capital first. The Lingyan Dao Sect where Master Wanfeng resides is not close to the Imperial Capital, but it is not as far as the other few Sage Realm experts, so he arrived at the Imperial Capital first.

Now that he has to wait for the others to arrive before heading north together, he simply decided to visit the Xinghuo Combat Academy and, incidentally, see how his daughter is doing here.

Upon learning that her father had arrived, Xia Qing was naturally overjoyed and informed the Dean of the matter.

The Dean thought that since Master Wanfeng is, after all, a powerful Sage Realm sect master, he had to show off the Combat Academy's foundation, so he organized some elite academy disciples to welcome him.

"Father, this is the academy's library; you can find any information you want here."

Xia Qing's statement was an exaggeration, but it was indeed a fact.

In a sect's scripture pavilion, there are basically only various cultivation techniques.

The Combat Academy's library truly covers everything from astronomy and geography to planting and carving; it has absolutely everything.

As a sect master, Master Wanfeng previously looked down on the Combat Academy, feeling that the Combat Academy's model could not cultivate top-tier experts.

The people in the Combat Academy were also not fierce enough, and their combat power was not very strong.

But now, he has gradually begun to understand that the Combat Academy cultivates talents useful to the Tian Ce Dynasty, giving these students a specialized skill so that after graduation they can support themselves and contribute to the country's prosperity and stability.

The goals of sect members are different; everyone enters a sect to reach the highest point and attain the Sage Realm.

Under this competitive model, it is relatively cruel.

Every top-tier expert has experienced countless life-and-death trials, stepping over the corpses of countless others to get there.

It can be said that each has its own heritage; everyone just needs to understand each other.

Xia Qing led Master Wanfeng into the Alchemy Branch, her face beaming with pride; she seemed to really like this place.

Especially when those graduated students find jobs or achieve success in their careers and return to thank their teachers, it gives the teachers here a sense of accomplishment.

Xia Qing envied other teachers for having such treatment and wanted to become such a person herself.

It could also be considered understanding what it means to have students spread everywhere.

Looking at the dozens of towering buildings before her, Xia Qing said: "Father, this is the Alchemy Branch. Look, these buildings are where our students learn and practice."

Master Wanfeng looked around, a flash of surprise crossing his eyes.

He did not expect the Combat Academy's Alchemy Branch to be of such grand scale and have such complete facilities.

Especially after going in to visit, Master Wanfeng discovered something.

In the Lingyan Dao Sect, for alchemy, one basically just finds a good furnace to refine whatever elixir is needed; there aren't so many complicated matters.

The types of alchemy furnaces here are numerous, clearly specialized for different elixirs, and when refining specific elixirs, they have unexpected effects.

The elixir formulas are piled up like a mountain, especially when Xia Qing took out some that looked ancient; these have already been lost in the cultivation world and are special elixirs developed by ancient cultivators.

Recorded on them are some rare treasures that even Master Wanfeng does not recognize.

Some of the elixir formulas even have basic requirements that only the Sage Realm can meet.

Even though the Lingyan Dao Sect has collected elixir formulas for so many years, this place concentrates the elixir formulas collected from the entire Tian Ce Dynasty; the quantity can be imagined.

Even Master Wanfeng, after seeing them, wanted to try a batch on the spot.

Now it seems that sending his daughter here was the right choice.

"Are these elixirs all refined by yourselves?" Master Wanfeng asked, pointing to the bottles of elixirs in the display cabinet.

Xia Qing nodded with a smile, "Yes, Father. The students here are very hardworking; those that can be on the display cabinet are basically relatively excellent students."

"Are the rare herbs planted in these spiritual fields also managed by yourselves?" Master Wanfeng asked again, pointing to the spiritual fields in the distance.

"These spiritual fields are managed by our students personally. From sowing to harvesting, they participate in every link. This not only allows them to understand the growth habits of spiritual herbs more deeply but also cultivates their patience and meticulousness," Xia Qing explained.

As an alchemy grandmaster, Master Wanfeng could understand this very well; he also personally plants some spiritual herbs.

As they chatted, Xia Qing secretly took out a few elixirs. The appearance of these few elixirs made an expression of disbelief appear on Master Wanfeng's face.

With Master Wanfeng's level of alchemy, one look was enough to know that these were all top-grade Heavenly-Grade elixirs, without any impurities, and even the textures were so perfect; they really were not something an ordinary alchemist could refine.

"Could it be that these were also refined by your Alchemy Branch?" Master Wanfeng said in disbelief.

If Xia Qing said 'yes', this guy would definitely have his worldview shattered.

But Xia Qing shook her head and said mysteriously: "These were refined by His Majesty. His Majesty is an alchemist hidden very deeply; only a few people know about this."

These words were told to Xia Qing by Li Sining, and Xia Qing just processed them and relayed them to Master Wanfeng.

Hearing that they were refined by Li Chen, Master Wanfeng felt much better inside.

Because this kind of elixir, in the eyes of every alchemist, is a treasure that can be collected and would simply not be given to people to eat.

If the Combat Academy could easily refine such elixirs, then Master Wanfeng would definitely doubt his decades of alchemy life.

If Li Chen refined them, then relying on Li Chen's terrifying and unreasonable strength, Master Wanfeng could indeed understand.

As an alchemy grandmaster, Master Wanfeng praised these elixirs endlessly and praised Li Chen as the number one alchemist of the current era.

After this experience, the entire cultivation world would hear of a mysterious alchemist even more powerful than Master Wanfeng.

Every time someone said Master Wanfeng's alchemy technique was the best in the world, he would mention this mysterious person, but without revealing the name.

It's just that Li Chen couldn't understand how he had become the number one alchemist of the current era without refining a single elixir.

He had gained yet another mysterious title in the cultivation world.

The second Sage Realm expert to arrive at the Imperial Capital was the old man of the Wu family.

Compared to the instability when he first broke through, his aura was now much more steady.

The golden tiger-patterned saber at his waist was even more imposing; just seeing this saber gave one a very powerful sense of oppression.

Even ordinary people, seeing this saber, felt it was a divine weapon.

Wu Wu Laoyezi loved it even more; this was a divine saber refined by Li Chen, the only one of its kind in the world.

The reason he wore it at his waist was just to make people ask about the origin of this saber, so Wu Wu Laoyezi could boast about it.

Being bestowed by Li Chen was supreme glory.

One might ask, in the Tian Ce Dynasty, how many people could receive a treasure bestowed by Li Chen, this Sage Realm Emperor.

The more sagely Li Chen is, the higher his prestige, and everything related to him is crazily appreciating in value.

The Wu family has developed in Tiger Crouch City for generations, often holding the position of City Lord, and has a close relationship with the official Tian Ce Dynasty.

Wu Wu Laoyezi also finally obtained the opportunity to serve Li Chen, and upon hearing the summons, he immediately came to the Imperial Capital again.

But Li Chen seemed not to be in the Imperial Palace, so the eunuch told him to rest in the Imperial Capital for a few days and wait for Li Chen to return before notifying him.

Wu Wu Laoyezi thought that he hadn't seen his grandson for a long time and wanted to see how Wu Qi was developing, and incidentally check on Wu Qi's cultivation, so he came to the Ministry of War to find Wu Qi.

When Wu Qi heard the guard say his grandfather had come, he naturally ran out of the Ministry of War to welcome him.

Because the Ministry of War is a restricted area, idlers cannot enter at will.

"Grandfather, why didn't you notify me when you came? I could have prepared a welcome for you."

Wu Qi had admired his grandfather since he was a child and vowed to become a strong person like his grandfather.

At this stage, Wu Qi actually didn't know that his grandfather was already in the Sage Realm, and his aunt had even become Li Chen's Imperial Consort.

Seeing his grandson so exhausted, but with a decent aura, Wu Wu Laoyezi was very satisfied.

Wu Wu Laoyezi had finally come for a trip, and Wu Qi was just preparing to take his grandfather to tour the Imperial Capital when he discovered the Minister of War passing by and walking toward this place.

This scared Wu Qi quite a bit; if he were caught slacking off by the Minister of War, all his efforts for so many days would be in vain.

Just as Wu Qi was about to explain, the Minister of War suddenly started chatting with Wu Wu Laoyezi, his face beaming with a sincere smile: "Wu Wu Laoyezi, it's really been a long time. You are as elegant as ever, looking increasingly imposing!" Wu Wu Laoyezi, upon hearing this, was also all smiles and responded with a bow: "Where, where, Minister, you flatter me. You are the pillar of the country, improving day by day, making us admire you endlessly."

The two chatted happily, as if they had endless words.

The Minister of War was enthusiastically insistent on inviting Wu Wu Laoyezi for a drink to fulfill his duty as a host: "Wu Wu Laoyezi, it's rare to meet today; we must have a few drinks together to have a good time!"

Wu Wu Laoyezi, however, looked slightly embarrassed. He sighed slightly and explained: "Minister, I appreciate your kindness, but I have come to the Imperial Capital this time with a heavy responsibility and really cannot stay long. When I return after completing the mission, I will definitely have a drink with you to express my gratitude."

The Minister of War had keen observation skills; the only person who could make Wu Wu Laoyezi say he had a mission was perhaps the one at the very top.

And as the Minister of War, he certainly knew the military situation in the north like the back of his hand.

With Wu Wu Laoyezi, a Sage Realm expert, coming over, the mission was mostly likely to head north, so he naturally dared not be arrogant.

Although slightly disappointed, he nodded understandingly: "Since that is the case, I will not force you. I only hope that the Wu Wu Laoyezi will return victorious soon, and we will continue this unfinished joy."

"Thank you, Minister, for the invitation. When I return to the Imperial Capital, I will definitely have a drink with you." Wu Wu Laoyezi was also very polite.

Wu Qi was dumbfounded; he didn't know how his grandfather knew the Minister of War.

!

And in what they said, they both seemed to know what the other was going to do.

Huh? Why don't I know?

Actually, Wu Wu Laoyezi and the Minister of War had met at the state banquet of the national celebration.

The Minister of War had a high rank and certainly had the qualifications to attend.

At this time, the Minister of War discovered Wu Qi beside them and asked: "Who is this?"

Wu Wu Laoyezi proudly explained: "This is my own grandson, working in the Ministry of War. I hope the Minister will take care of him."

The Minister of War also didn't expect Wu Qi to be Wu Wu Laoyezi's own grandson.

After Wu Wu Laoyezi showed his face, the Minister of War would certainly take extra care of Wu Qi.

Up to now, Wu Qi still didn't know how hard his background was.

A Sage Realm grandfather, an aunt who is an Imperial Consort, and having eaten a meal with Li Chen.

These connections are very hard in the Tian Ce Dynasty.

In his view, everything before him was his good buddy Liu Hao helping out.

Liu Hao was the one purely risking his life.

In this Northern Army operation, the Snow Eagle Wang Ting's Sage Realm experts have already entered the fray, so the Tian Ce Dynasty side must also send Sage Realm experts to respond.

Besides Wu Wu Laoyezi, those invited also included Master Wanfeng and Lady Youlan.

Actually, Wu Wu Laoyezi was the last Sage Realm expert to come to the Imperial Capital.

Because Lady Youlan hadn't left the Imperial Capital at all since she returned last time.

Every time Li Chen returned from the Empress Dowager, Lady Youlan was always the first to bear the brunt, and she had been staying in the harem recently.

Anyway, the affairs of the Tianyan Shen Zong were handled by the Acting He He Zongzhu Biyou Tianzun, so there was no need for Lady Youlan at all.

Usually, Lady Youlan lived in seclusion in the backyard; it was better to come here to serve Li Chen.

Under Li Chen's strong request for her to stay, she also tactfully agreed and enjoyed it.

The reason Li Chen was not in the Imperial Capital now was because this morning, Li Sining's cultivation had a breakthrough.

You must know, Li Chen had left the Imperial Capital for Shanghe City for some time, and according to Li Sining's cultivation speed, even if she was a bit lazy, she still gained improvement.

Li Chen thought that he might need some time to go north, so why not take this opportunity to brush up on the materials for Li Sining's next stage of cultivation first.

Li Chen opened the task panel.

【Time-limited task: Mystical Realm exploration (Group).】

【Task requirements: Ancient Mystical Realms are very dangerous places. Please gather at least 3 trustworthy helpers, go to the designated location with them to explore the Mystical Realm, and find the Sage Beast egg in the Mystical Realm. Time limit: 150 days.】

Calculating the time, the task location displayed by the system should be open now; it was time to form a team and go take a look.

Since the task had a requirement for the number of people, Li Chen just randomly grouped three people to go.

Wu Nanzhi, in every sense, was Li Chen's mount, so she was definitely the first to be selected.

Hearing that Li Chen was going out to explore, Li Sining begged bitterly for Li Chen to take her out to play.

Li Chen took Lady Youlan along to let her take care of Li Sining.

This morning, Li Chen's four-person group rode the Sage Tiger toward the task location.

According to the task requirements, this ancient Mystical Realm should be for Condensing Essence Realm cultivators to conquer, but this time two Sage Realm cultivators and one Sage Realm demonic beast came.

The real Condensing Essence Realm challenger was only Li Sining.

Outside the Imperial Capital, Li Sining sat on the head of the Sage Tiger, feeling the surrounding scenery constantly changing, experiencing the feeling of flying.

Li Sining had never left the Imperial Capital, let alone gone to such a dangerous place to explore.

She was very excited, and her excited expression was beyond words.

Wu Nanzhi beside her told her all the basic precautions for survival in the wild.

For example, what to do when encountering demonic beasts, which flowers and plants cannot be touched, how to detect traps, avoid stepping on mechanisms, etc.

For ordinary cultivators, these are all very critical survival common sense; if one doesn't know these, it is easy to encounter danger in the wild.

Wu Nanzhi was from Tiger Crouch City and had a knack for survival in the wild.

Li Sining was also earnestly remembering, trying hard not to add trouble to everyone.

This was her first time going out, and she hoped to leave a good impression on Li Chen, making Li Chen feel that taking her out wouldn't cause trouble, so Li Chen would take her in the future.

This was also Li Chen's first time going to an ancient Mystical Realm, so he naturally wanted to know more about this place.

Lady Youlan was a sect cultivator who had cultivated from the bottom to the Sage Realm and was too familiar with these processes.

Li Chen communicated deeply with her to obtain some information from her.

Lady Youlan, while panting, told Li Chen about the information on ancient Mystical Realms.

So-called ancient Mystical Realms are the locations of some ancient forces.

These ancient sects and clans built their stations in relatively hidden places.

Some are hidden in special spaces, some are hidden in cliffs that are not easily noticed, and even deep underground.

These ancient forces have declined, or because of some reason, the forces were destroyed and have been abandoned in a certain place.

For example, some ancient sects and ancient clans had sparse personnel later on, and the last people died accidentally while training outside, so once this place is discovered, a lot of resources can be obtained.

More often, these ancient forces were destroyed by enemies, and the enemies would definitely ransack these places.

But these places were originally geomantic treasures, and after thousands, or even tens of thousands of years, they would again breed treasures, waiting for fated people to find them.

Those with better luck are the ones who discover things the enemies didn't ransack.

Once these resources are obtained, one will definitely flourish.

These are rare treasures in the cultivation world.

To find these locations, unless one has powerful luck, one can only find them through treasure maps, information bamboo slips, etc.

Li Chen also heard for the first time that ancient Mystical Realm refers to this; he initially thought it was an ancient battlefield.

According to Lady Youlan, ancient battlefields are very dangerous; some places have collapsed heaven and earth laws, and various demonic corpses run rampant, and there are even weird creatures infected by extraterrestrial demons.

These things devour each other inside, having cultivated for thousands, or even tens of thousands of years, so the danger level can be imagined, but the treasures inside are indeed many.

Every time an ancient battlefield appears, it will cause chaos in the cultivation world.

And the creatures in these ancient battlefields have all obtained some kind of opportunity to mutate and grow, just like the Eight-Armed Demonic Bear obtaining the Long Yuan; as long as it is killed, the Long Yuan can be exploded out.

A proper big dungeon.

After spending half a day on the road, the group of four finally arrived at the location prompted by the system.

Just arriving nearby, Lady Youlan sensed a strange aura.

She put on her clothes and muttered: "Such a strong demonic aura here!"

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 192 =====