Chapter 8: Assassination, Death Is Certain!

Inside the cultivation chamber.

Chen Zheng nodded. "Then we set sail tomorrow."

It is said that beneath Jin Jin Yu Dao Dao lies a mysterious gold vein, ideal for growing metallic spirit herbs.

Back then, the Chen ancestors valued this, so they led the clan to seize Jin Jin Yu Dao Dao, originally belonging to the Jin family, laying a lasting foundation for future generations.

Golden Feather Herb is one of the main ingredients for forging the Vajra Pill, maturing every six months.

Since they cannot refine pills, the Chen family can only sell Golden Feather Herb to Ban Yue Fang Shi a hundred thousand li away, exchanging it with Treasure Gathering Hall for supplies or money.

As for Ban Yue Fang Shi, it is a small sea market guarded by a Shen Tong Mi Jing cultivator, highly secure; tens of thousands of factions within a sea area of several hundred thousand li conduct trade there.

Chen Zheng had previously promised Chen Fu to help escort a merchant ship to Ban Yue Fang Shi, and would not break his word.

Moreover, Liu Fu, when he last followed Chen Fu's order to fetch evil shark blood from the family vault, said the vault's demon blood reserves were running low.

Chen Zheng thought that the demon blood in the vault was insufficient to sustain his current cultivation.

That made a trip to Ban Yue Fang Shi timely, to see if he could buy a batch of high‑quality beast blood, or hunt powerful demonic beasts at sea.

"By the way, how are things outside while I've been in seclusion?" Chen Zheng asked Liu Fu.

Liu Fu replied admiringly, "My master and the young master followed the young master's instructions before seclusion; just as you expected, the second young master is hesitant and has called off the campaign."

He hesitated after a pause, "But… the second young master probably can't swallow this grievance."

Chen Mo came to arrest Chen Zheng but failed; his extremely cold stare as he left remained fresh in Liu Fu's memory.

He is petty‑minded, the type who, if anyone shortchanges him, will kill the whole family of that person.

"When necessary, I'll crush him dead," a flash of ruthlessness passed through Chen Zheng's eyes.

Armed with a sharp blade, a murderous intent rose.

Including Chen Lie—if he dares to cause trouble, Chen Zheng will crush him dead as well.

"……"

A chill rose in Liu Fu's heart; he dared not reply and lowered his head further.

If Chen Zheng had said that two days ago, he would have just smiled.

But now…

"Uncle Liu, we're our own people."

Chen Zheng stepped toward the cultivation chamber's exit and, as he passed, lightly patted Liu Fu's shoulder.

Liu Fu looked up and saw Chen Zheng's still gentle eyes, as if bearing a heavy burden.

Chen Zheng left.

Liu Fu went to the wall, trembling, extended his hand, his fingers brushing the crack‑filled iron wall, murmuring:

"Heart pounding like thunder, shattering gold and iron—could this truly be Physical Body Seventh? Perhaps the young master can truly defy destiny with it, while the second young master…"

The next day, dawn was faint.

A large ship laden with Golden Feather Herb hoisted its sails and set out from Jin Jin Yu Dao Dao's pier, braving the boundless sea.

"Brother Zheng, this vessel is a celestial treasure forged by a Shen Tong Immortal Master; it needs no manpower and can travel thirty thousand li a day."

In the ship's upper cabin, Chen Fu spat as he briefed Chen Zheng on the vessel's origins.

"Indeed this ship is a celestial treasure, called an artifact, its interior holds the celestial power left by a Shen Tong Immortal Master, and it was leased by the Family Head from Treasure Gathering Hall."

"Third young master, once you're familiar with the route to Ban Yue Fang Shi and the details of the family's dealings with Treasure Gathering Hall, I'll hand over control of this ship to you."

The speaker wore black attire, his face covered in a tangled beard, a man in his early forties.

His name was Chen Biao, the chief officer of the merchant ship and a close aide of Chen Xingye.

Chen Fu, newly arrived, was unfamiliar with many maritime matters and the state of Treasure Gathering Hall, so he naturally let the veteran Chen Biao take the helm.

"Uncle Biao, I'll familiarize myself with these matters as soon as possible," Chen Fu nodded firmly.

He also knew about artifacts, his face yearning as he said, "If I were like my father, having an artifact armor would be wonderful; wearing it would grant boundless strength, and even a Rou Shen Di Shi Chong Physical Body Warrior would find it hard to breach."

"Third young master, you mean the Family Head's Golden Ray Armor, right? That's our Chen family's clan‑treasured relic; the Family Head rarely dons it, only in moments of crisis."

"Indeed."

"Third young master, younger brother Chen Zheng, listen—at a Treasure Gathering Hall auction I once saw a centerpiece treasure, the Spirit‑blade!"

"Spirit‑blade?"

"Spirit‑blades are even more terrifying than artifacts; we Physical Body Realm Warriors, once our life force is linked with that flying sword, can wield it as an extension of our arm, slashing foes dozens of li away. A single strike could even level a mountain's crest."

"Sss—"

Chen Biao ranted on without pause.

Chen Fu was startled, repeatedly inhaling cold air.

Chen Zheng said nothing, his thoughts drifting.

Regarding divine treasures, he knew more than Chen Biao.

Divine treasures are classified as artifacts, spirit‑blades, treasure devices, and Dao devices, each tier's power differing vastly.

For example, an artifact is created by a Shen Tong Mi Jing cultivator who infuses his own magical power into the object, inscribes runes to empower it, thereby multiplying its lethality or granting it special abilities.

A spirit‑blade requires a Shen Tong cultivator of the Fifth Heaven‑Human Realm to link the object with the heavens, constructing myriad great formations inside it, endowing the object with extraordinary spirit.

Treasure devices are harder to forge, their power far surpasses spirit‑blades; they can split myriad things, cut off rivers, and destroy cities.

The final Dao devices are even more formidable.

A Dao device requires a divine treasure to possess spirit, and that spirit to attain Dao, before it can be called a Dao device.

Its might also far exceeds treasure devices, capable of altering space‑time, overturning the cosmos, opening heaven and earth, and manipulating creation…

Inside a Dao device lies its own boundless realm, vast enough to house endless beings that can proliferate within, indistinguishable from the outside world.

Above Dao devices are celestial artifacts.

Celestial artifacts belong to legend; the entire Mysterious Yellow Great World has only two, one of which resides in the supreme Taoist sect Taiyi Gate, its power shaking three thousand great worlds.

"Third Young Master…"

Chen Biao seemed intent on showing off in front of Chen Fu and Chen Zheng, and he never stopped talking.

He even bragged about his night with the three maidens in Chunxiang Courtyard, leaving Chen Fu stunned and unable to stop gulping saliva.

Chen Zheng ignored the two, and went alone to the window, facing the sea.

The sea breeze brushed his face, and his hair fluttered.

He slightly closed his eyes, his mind immersed in the Sheep Skin Scroll in his thoughts, continuing to study the sixth form, Soul Seizing, of the Nether King True Body.

This is the method by which a warrior cultivates the spirit.

A warrior cultivates the Mortal Secret Realm to the Fifth-fold Divine Power, which is a watershed.

And the Eighth-fold Divine Valor to the Ninth-fold Spirit Communication is an even larger watershed.

Ordinary people struggle through countless hardships to cross the boundary and fight.

Because a Ninth-fold warrior has cultivated a supreme spiritual art, unlocking brain potential, making spiritual power extremely keen, able to easily see through the life state of lower-level beings, and also introspect, with the five organs and six bowels vividly in view.

Especially when executing martial techniques, spiritual power naturally accompanies, affecting the enemy's judgment.

It can even cause the opponent to experience various hallucinations.

Imagine a spirit‑cultivated warrior engaging you in a life‑or‑death battle; each strike's spiritual power would disturb your mind—what would be the result?

It is self‑evident.

Even if your strength is greater, you would lose far more than you win.

Chen Zheng is in exactly that situation now.

His power already rivals that of a Ninth-fold warrior, but he lacks a means to prevent others from interfering with his mind.

However, this problem has already been solved.

Because the Soul Seizing technique not only contains a method of spiritual attack—when used it can plunge the enemy's soul into the Abyss of Hell, bearing boundless pain—but also includes a way to ward off others' spiritual attacks. "Nether King protect, Hell suppress evil, Divine guard Nether Prison, unafraid of disturbance, Nether fire ignites will, all thoughts extinguished…"

Chen Zheng silently recited the verses on the Sheep Skin Scroll, contemplating them carefully, and instantly felt a subtle sensation as if an invisible fire had been lit in his heart.

As he repeated the verses, the invisible fire burned brighter, his mind grew clearer, and a faint sense of being impervious to all evil arose.

In this subtle state, his comprehension of the other six techniques deepened considerably.

All previous uncertainties suddenly became clear.

Moreover, a layer of "bravery" was added to the depths of his spirit.

This made his heart rejoice.

Cultivating to the Physical Body Seventh-fold, the realms beyond become far harder to break through than the earlier ones.

Many members of the Chen clan spend their whole lives stuck at the Physical Body Seventh-fold, unable to advance a single step.

All because the later realms require not only more resources but also a flash of insight to awaken comprehension.

In this novel, you…

For example, the "Valor" in the Eighth-fold Divine Valor, the "Spirit" in the Ninth-fold Spirit Communication, and the "Transformation" in the Tenth-fold Divine Change are things that can only be grasped, not verbally conveyed.

But now, having comprehended the spiritual method within the Soul Seizing technique, Chen Zheng directly grasped the subtlety of the single character "Valor."

In other words, as long as he obtains sufficient resources, the Divine Valor realm is no obstacle.

"Brother Chen Zheng, the dishes and wine are ready."

Chen Biao raised his cup in invitation, his face bold, interrupting Chen Zheng's thoughts.

It turned out that during his contemplation of the spiritual method, two hours had slipped by unnoticed, arriving at the noon meal time.

Chen Biao had the crew prepare a table of wine and dishes, and summoned five ship Managers to eat and drink together.

Seven people had already gathered around the table, only missing Chen Zheng.

"Brother Chen Zheng, I toast you!"

"Brother Chen Zheng, though young, your cultivation is about to catch up with ours; your future is limitless, I also toast you."

"And me…"

Several Managers raised their cups toward Chen Zheng, all faces warm and enthusiastic.

They had all heard of Chen Zheng easily crushing Chen Fu Yi and his father, and greatly admired Chen Zheng.

As for the feud between Chen Zheng and Chen Mo, or the three sons of Chen Xingye vying for the Family Head position, that was none of their business.

They did not take sides, only listened to Chen Xingye.

From now on, regardless of who assumes the next‑generation Family Head, the clan's merchant ships will still need these sea‑experienced people to manage them.

"Gentlemen, you are too courteous."

Chen Zheng smiled, walked to the table, about to take the wine cup that Chen Fu had filled for him, when he suddenly furrowed his brows and halted.

Having cultivated the Nether King True Body, his five senses far surpass ordinary warriors; in this wine he detected a hint of something else.

Chen Fu was startled and hurriedly asked, "Brother Zheng, what's wrong?"

"This wine is poisoned."

Chen Zheng's gaze grew cold as he scanned the crowd, finally landing on Chen Biao.

The lively atmosphere stalled, the crowd shocked, instinctively following Chen Zheng's gaze toward Chen Biao.

Chen Zheng implied that he suspected Chen Biao, who arranged the feast, of having poisoned his wine?

But the wine each held was poured from the same jar; if Chen Zheng's cup was poisoned, theirs should be as well.

All were Physical Body Eightfold warriors; a slight sniff would let them discern that the wine lacked poison.

Moreover, having served under Chen Biao on family vessels for years, they knew his character well and deemed such vile deeds impossible.

Besides, Chen Biao and Chen Zheng have no past grudges, nor recent resentment…

So how could this wine be poisoned?

"Poisoned?"

Chen Biao's expression darkened, not out of anger at Chen Zheng suspecting him of poisoning, but out of disbelief.

He hurried to Chen Fu's side, took the stiff wine cup from his hand, and lifted it to his nose to sniff carefully.

After a long while, he set the cup down, turned his head, and gave a signal to a yellow‑faced man among the few.

He did not detect any poison in the wine, but seeing Chen Zheng's demeanor as not joking, he also grew suspicious.

The world is vast; there are still many poisons that cannot be detected by smell.

The yellow‑faced man understood immediately, hurried out of the hall, and soon returned leading a sheep.

The sheep was one of the crew's meat dishes.

Goo‑dong, goo‑dong.

At Chen Biao's signal, the yellow‑faced man split the sheep's mouth and poured the wine from the flask into it.

The others held their breath.

Whether there is poison or not now rests on this sheep.

Baa……

Within less than two breaths, the sheep let out a low whine, its limbs went limp, and its body swayed before collapsing to the ground.

The sheep was not dead; it breathed steadily, appearing only to have fainted.

"It really is poisoned, with that rare colorless, odorless toxin that can make people dizzy!"

"Dammit, who actually put poison in the wine, trying to dizzy us all!"

The others' faces changed abruptly, they smashed their cups and shouted angrily.

Chen Biao's expression also turned sour, and in a cold voice he said, "Bring Chen Mazi here for me!"

Chen Mazi was the ship's cook, responsible for the three meals a day of about twenty crew members, making him the most likely to have poisoned.

"Yes!"

The yellow‑faced man hurried out of the hall, and a moment later tossed an old man with a pockmarked face in front of Chen Biao.

"Chen Mazi, I have not treated you poorly; why would you poison and harm us?" Chen Biao demanded sharply.

"Grandmaster Biao, please investigate; I truly did not poison anyone," Chen Mazi said trembling, shouting his innocence.

"You still dare to argue."

Chen Biao thrust out his large hand to seize Chen Mazi, intending to employ a method of torture, to see whether the other would resist.

But no one expected that Chen Mazi deftly rolled on the spot, evading Chen Biao's grasp.

It happened to roll right up to Chen Zheng.

Swish!

Chen Mazi's expression suddenly changed, becoming exceedingly cold.

At the same time, he flicked his arm, and a dagger suddenly flew out from his sleeve, its cold gleam flashing, swift as a meteor, stabbing straight into Chen Zheng's brow.

"What…"

This sudden turn of events left everyone in the hall astonished and unprepared.

Chen Mazi actually tried to assassinate Chen Zheng!

And the timing was perfect, like an assassin striking a king in the golden hall, an instant kill.

Too close!

In such a situation, no one in the hall could react in time or dodge.

Even the most cultivated Chen Biao could only manage to shout "Watch out", unable to intervene.

It is foreseeable that Chen Zheng will soon be pierced through the brow by the dagger, blood splattering five steps, becoming a corpse.

(End of chapter)