Chapter 493: Ying Ge

If there's a chance to do something, you must do it.

So, this time Xu Jin brought Ning Ning Yuchan as his deputy envoy.

On December 3rd, the envoy's starship landed at the Grand Chen State Dao Academy; accompanying military marquis, ritual officials from the Ministry of Rites, including a thousand elite Xunxing Guards, Ministry clerks, and support staff, were all present.

When Xu Jin and his entourage boarded the ship, the ritual official Zhu Zhu Xizhou nearly popped his eyes out.

Had the State Master not given prior instructions, he would have jumped up and cursed already.

An envoy mission represents the nation's image.

The chief envoy is acceptable.

But the deputy envoy? A cripple leaning on a cane!

Going like this is just handing the Great Hong an easy joke to laugh at!

It's the classic case of delivering the punchline straight to their mouths.

Does Great Chen have no one else?

Not only is the deputy envoy a cripple, but the chief envoy Xu Jin brought along as attendant that famed Flying Sword Hero, Ying Ge.

"Flying Sword Hero" is the title Ying Ge earned over the past half-year.

Of course, the ritual official Zhu Zhu Xizhou deeply admired this determined young man.

With most of his body crippled, he still trained relentlessly, cultivating extraordinary martial prowess far surpassing ordinary fifth-rank cultivators.

He is a model for Great Chen's youth.

But representing Great Chen's national image abroad? It's inappropriate.

Clearly, this man was brought by Chief Envoy Xu Jin.

Just as Zhu Zhu Xizhou was about to speak, Xu Jin cast him a single glance—and he couldn't breathe.

His chest felt crushed under a boulder.

Zhu Zhu Xizhou was terrified.

He had cultivated for fifty to sixty years—he was a fifth-rank, at least. Though not a combat specialist, his strength was undeniable, yet a sixth-rank's gaze had rendered him speechless.

Only when Xu Jin's gaze passed did Zhu Zhu Xizhou regain his ability to speak.

After thinking it over, Zhu Zhu Xizhou silently sent a starlight message to State Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao, hoping the State Master would intervene.

Forget the deputy envoy.

At least remove this attendant, Ying Ge, from the list.

Otherwise, once we reach Great Hong, the mockery will never end.

【How about you become the chief envoy instead?】

The starlight reply from State Master Cheng Cheng Yuexiao left Zhu Zhu Xizhou speechless—and even a little frightened.

How deeply must the State Master support Xu Jin to reply like this?

"Set course."

At Chief Envoy Xu Jin's command, the military marquis Lei Qi, responsible for the journey's logistics, immediately acted. The next instant, the three starships rose in sequence, accelerating into the sky.

This envoy mission of Xu Jin's was highly formal.

It was also an ice-breaking move for the currently frozen diplomatic relations between Great Hong and Great Chen.

Previously, after Great Chen launched its military operation to expel the Lord Tianyang Star Temple's garrison forces, the border between Great Hong and Great Chen was completely sealed: Starwatch Tower teleportation ceased, and even merchant caravans faced extreme restrictions.

Thus, this envoy mission aimed to rebuild diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The Great Hong Empire, upon hearing Great Chen's initiative, readily agreed.

The main reason? The Lord Tianyang Star Temple had suffered a major defeat, and Great Hong dared not be the first to speak up.

Otherwise, if the Lord Tianyang Star Temple was displeased, every high official in Great Hong would be displeased.

So for Great Chen to take the first step? Naturally welcomed.

But Starwatch Tower teleportation remained banned; they could only travel by starship.

The journey was expected to take seven or eight days.

Customs clearance, official notifications—all had to follow envoy protocol, so it would be slow.

Of the three starships, two carried gifts besides the accompanying personnel.

Mostly ornamental, impractical diplomatic presents.

"Whoa, this room is huge!"

After stepping onto the starship and entering his quarters, Xu Jin, slightly surprised, introduced the space to Ning Ning Yuchan and Ying Ge.

"Do you know what my treatment was the first time I rode a starship?"

"The deck—I sat cross-legged on it all night."

"My treatment was better—I chartered a small private cabin when I took a starship to the Star River Battlefield," Ning Ning Yuchan laughed.

"Same here," said Ying Ge.

Xu Jin was stunned.

So he was the only one who'd sat on the deck all night.

But thinking about it, back then his mindset hadn't changed—he still saved every bit, even if he had some money.

Of course, his family background played a role too.

"In the future, I'll build a massive mobile dwelling-ship, then cruise it with food and drink, drinking under the stars, sipping tea among the clouds."

Leaning back into a large armchair, Xu Jin planned his future leisurely life.

As for taking over the State Master's position?

He had no intention of that.

The State Master's old age is better spent working harder.

Enjoying life? That's his job.

"Drinking under the stars, sipping tea among the clouds—where do you sleep?" Ning Ning Yuchan's almond eyes twinkled as she smiled at Xu Jin.

"Naturally—cultivate all night."

Xu Jin's tongue twisted—he'd almost said, "Sleep in a beauty's arms," and casually embrace Ning Ning Yuchan, solving everything.

But Ying Ge was right there as a third wheel—he couldn't say it.

It might cause misunderstandings.

Suddenly, seeing the spacious suite granted to the chief envoy on the starship, Xu Jin regretted bringing Ying Ge.

If he hadn't brought him, he could've done anything he wanted.

"Then I'll return to my room to cultivate?" Ying Ge's perceptiveness was unmatched.

"Fine, come here."

Xu Jin patted his right side, then patted his left side toward Ning Ning Yuchan.

"We've got seven or eight days on the road—don't waste it.

If you embarrass me, I won't forgive you," Xu Jin chuckled.

At the mention of this, Ning Ning Yuchan grew slightly nervous and obediently sat beside Xu Jin; Ying Ge naturally did the same.

Bringing Ning Ning Yuchan on this mission, Xu Jin had a plan.

He hadn't originally planned to bring Ying Ge.

As the ritual official had thought, Ying Ge was a talented youth—but representing the nation's image? Inappropriate.

Yet in the end, he brought Ying Ge anyway.

Brothers aren't as close as a wife.

He needed Ying Ge to divert some of the attention away from Ning Ning Yuchan.

But more importantly, among Great Chen's Dao Academy's fifth-rank cultivators, none could fight better than Ying Ge.

Just as Xu Jin was about to activate the Starlight Combat Arena, Ying Ge suddenly pulled out a Star Jade Tablet and offered it like a precious treasure.

"Senior Brother, I have something wonderful to give you."

"Oh?"

Xu Jin took it casually, and as soon as his mind sank into it, his expression turned surprised.

"This is a Manipulation Star Pattern?"

"And at mid-eighth rank?"

"Did you deduce it yourself?"

Ying Ge bowed solemnly. "Thanks to Senior Brother's guidance, my combat power has surged recently. I earned two Gold Stars and one Brilliant Star, and used them to deduce the Manipulation Star Pattern—two Gold Stars plus one Brilliant Star exactly pushed it to mid-eighth rank."

Ying Ge was proud, but even more, deeply grateful.

Xu Jin glanced sideways. "You challenged a Brilliant Star?"

"Sort of."

Under normal circumstances, I couldn't have won, but during my challenge against Canxing, I expended part of the special power I'd accumulated; the Earth Core's Earth Resonance strengthened my defense, allowing me to withstand the full force of both the heart demon and the guardian's attacks, then the Sharp Metal Resonance erupted, first obliterating the heart demon.

"Normally, I couldn't win. But during the Brilliant Star challenge, I spent part of my accumulated special energy—Earth Core Earth Resonance strengthened my defense, letting me endure the full force of both the Inner Demon and the Guardian's attacks. Then, I unleashed Sharp Metal Resonance and obliterated the Inner Demon first.

With only the Guardian left, it was easy."

Xu Jin nodded, beaming with delight.

Spending accumulated special energy on a Brilliant Star challenge was absolutely worth it.

His training had finally paid off.

If Ying Ge continues like this, as long as his breakthroughs aren't too rapid, he'll keep earning Gold Stars—even if he can't keep getting Brilliant Stars.

Then, for the Manipulation Star Patterns, Xu Jin won't need to worry—Ying Ge will handle them all.

【101】 Beside him, Ning Ning Yuchan also pulled out a Star Jade Tablet and handed it to Xu Jin. "Perfect—I have something for you too. Just finished it yesterday."

Xu Jin took it, glanced at it once, and a look of delight appeared on his face.

Golden Elephant Star Pattern.

Ning Ning Yuchan had actually deduced the eighth-rank Golden Elephant Star Pattern.

"This is an elephant-type pattern—how did you manage it?" Xu Jin exclaimed in surprise.

"Just a Can star. I'm using the same method as Ying Ge." Ning Ning Yuchan said.

Xu Jin realized it made sense.

Ning Ning Yuchan, like Ying Ge, studied both Golden Elephant and Earth Elephant, and she had started earlier and accumulated more special power.

It was perfectly natural to do it this way.

Though the accumulated special power wasn't omnipotent, if used well, Ning Ning Yuchan could still obtain one or two Can stars, let alone Golden Stars.

In the future, some star patterns could be assigned to these two for deduction.

"The eighth-rank Golden Elephant will greatly enhance your sword-controlling technique. Ying Ge, you should study it these few days—I'll assist you, and you should master it quickly." Xu Jin arranged.

Ying Ge didn't refuse, taking it directly: "Thank you, Senior Brother, thank you, Sister-in-Law!"

The term "Sister-in-Law" turned Ning Ning Yuchan's face bright red, but she didn't deny it—only turned her head away.

Xu Jin watched this scene and couldn't help smiling.

Xu Jin thought for a moment and gave Ning Ning Yuchan the eighth-rank Object-Controlling Star Pattern Ying Ge had just handed him: "Ning Yuchan, would you like to cultivate this Object-Controlling Star Pattern?"

"Too much is indigestible—I won't cultivate it." Ning Ning Yuchan's Dao had always been simple.

Previously it was Metal; now it's Metal plus Earth.

Xu Jin was about to take it back when Ying Ge suddenly said, "Sister-in-Law, I think you should cultivate this Object-Controlling Star Pattern—especially the ones below eighth rank. It suits you perfectly."

"Explain in detail?" Xu Jin and Ning Ning Yuchan both turned to look.

"Senior Brother, Sister-in-Law, among the Object-Controlling Star Patterns below eighth rank, there's a special star art called Mountain Lift."

It's a unique star art combining Earth and Object-Controlling.

When activated, it makes your weapon weigh as heavy as ten thousand jin, drastically increasing its power.

Especially with my sword technique, at the moment of explosion, my normally light sword suddenly becomes as heavy as ten thousand jin, multiplying its power manyfold.

You also use weapons—I think this special star art suits you." Ying Ge said.

Hearing Ying Ge mention the star art Mountain Lift, Xu Jin understood immediately.

He had used it before.

The seventh-rank superior spiritual treasure, Yellow Dragon Sword, carried the Mountain Lift star art.

Its effect was nearly identical to what Ying Ge described.

If this special star art truly existed, Ning Ning Yuchan really should learn it.

"Senior Brother, Sister-in-Law, let me demonstrate briefly—Sister-in-Law, could you hold up a shield?" Ying Ge said.

He completely ignored the idea of asking Xu Jin to hold a shield.

Senior Brother could raise a shield casually—it wasn't something he could challenge.

"Alright."

In the next instant, Ning Ning Yuchan leapt to the far end of the suite's main hall, activating her star force; thick Fish-Screen Golden Bell appeared instantly across her body: "Go ahead."

Seeing Ning Ning Yuchan was willing to test the sword with her body, Ying Ge was thrilled.

Because Ning Ning Yuchan's cultivation base had already reached sixth-rank fifth layer, while Ying Ge's was only fifth-rank fifth layer—a full major realm difference.

"Senior Brother, Sister-in-Law, watch closely—this is my previous sword light."

Shhh!

In the instant the piercing sound passed, four sword lights flashed past; golden ripples spread across Ning Ning Yuchan's Fish-Screen Golden Bell.

After four strikes, Ning Ning Yuchan's Fish-Screen Golden Bell merely rippled.

Even four more strikes wouldn't break it.

Xu Jin's defensive star art, Fish-Screen Golden Bell, was too strong.

Especially after combining it with eighth-rank Earth Source and Earth Elephant, Ning Ning Yuchan's defense had long equaled that of a seventh-rank cultivator.

Ying Ge failing to break through was normal.

"Sister-in-Law, this time I'll use my latest attack enhanced with Mountain Lift—be careful." Ying Ge said.

"Alright." Ning Ning Yuchan nodded firmly.

In the next instant, sword light surged.

Shhh!

As the piercing shriek sounded, four sword lights descended in sequence.

In Xu Jin's perception, at the moment those four sword lights struck, they suddenly became immensely heavy.

Through his Mingji Star Pattern, it wasn't sword strikes anymore—it was mountains crashing down on Ning Ning Yuchan.

The first strike sent massive ripples across her Fish-Screen Golden Bell; the second strike caused its surface to crack instantly, inch by inch!

The third strike shattered the Fish-Screen Golden Bell completely; Ning Ning Yuchan swung her sword sideways to block the residual force.

Ying Ge's fourth sword hovered above, never descending—he feared injuring Ning Ning Yuchan.

Ning Ning Yuchan stared in shock, but Xu Jin's eyes also showed surprise.

The power boost from Mountain Lift was stronger than he'd imagined.

"So powerful?"

"I can sense that Xiao Ge's flying sword suddenly became incredibly heavy just before impact—this power is truly extraordinary.

This star art suits me too!

I'll learn this eighth-rank below Object-Controlling Star Pattern." Ning Ning Yuchan said, having experienced it firsthand.

"Senior Brother, the power of Mountain Lift depends on your Spirit Soul cultivation—the stronger your Spirit Soul, the heavier the weight added, and the greater the power.

But it also consumes a lot of Spirit Soul energy.

With this sword technique, I can only unleash fifteen strikes before my Spirit Soul energy is nearly depleted." Ying Ge said.

Ying Ge's words were like a wake-up call.

Xu Jin finally understood the difference between the Mountain Lift star art on the Yellow Dragon Sword and Ying Ge's special star art Mountain Lift.

Because it was fixed onto the Yellow Dragon Sword, the Mountain Lift on Xu Jin's sword had a fixed power level.

Clearly, it was weaker.

But the Mountain Lift learned through the Object-Controlling Star Pattern was influenced by the strength of one's Spirit Soul.

The stronger the Yuanling cultivation, the greater the power.

Xu Jin's current Yuanling cultivation had reached Yuanling Peak; his Yuanling Yuanling Taiguang's direct radiation range exceeded forty-five meters.

But "Yuanling Peak" was merely a realm classification.

Even after reaching this realm, Yuanling cultivation could still improve.

According to the State Preceptor, the Yuanling Yuanling Taiguang radiation range of the Heavenly Yang Star Lord exceeded one hundred meters.

As for the next realm after Yuanling, only the Spirit Record Star Hall possessed it—and it was their deepest secret.

It was said that when the Heavenly Yang Star Lord attacked the Spirit Record Star Hall, he had sought precisely this knowledge.

Under these circumstances, if Xu Jin himself activated Mountain Lift, the star art's piercing power would surge, and the power of his Flowing Flash tactic would double.

Therefore, this eighth-rank below Object-Controlling Star Pattern—Ning Ning Yuchan must learn it, and Xu Jin must learn it too.

In the next instant, Xu Jin activated the Can Dou Lamp Domain; all three began studying the new star pattern.

(End of Chapter)