Chapter 362 - Lan Wenxi

Shen Yuanbai owned properties inside Wuxin City. Among them, the Divine Wind Trading Company had the best development. Occupying half a street, many distinguished and domineering buildings stood tall in great numbers.

The location of the meeting was naturally going to be within the grounds of the Divine Wind Trading Company.

When Gongyi Tianheng and the others entered the city, they caused some waves. However, because this iron-ranked city was at the level of a veteran organization, it didn’t catch excessive amounts of attention. Just a few of the city lord’s people came over to make discreet inquiries. After clarifying that this prodigy only came to visit a friend, and having their invitation to a banquet tactfully declined, the city lord’s people let the matter rest.

Shen Yuanbai had long been waiting inside the trading company.

Tianheng instructed his subordinates to follow the attendants for arrangements by themselves. Then, under the guidance of Lou Wei, Tianheng led Gu Zuo and several bodyguards to enter the core area of the trading company.

This was a lofty building, but it wasn’t a palace. Rather, it was a large house. It looked like it wasn’t a place for entertaining guests. On the contrary, it seemed like Shen Yuanbai’s own residence.

Lou Wei silently withdrew. In the end, he was a subordinate who didn’t have permission. He wasn’t someone who could go inside without authorization.

Tianheng slightly paused. After letting a breath loose, he calmly walked inside.

Gu Zuo followed close behind while giving furtive, measured glances all around. Soon after, his gaze landed on the owner of this large house.

There was a handsome young man who possessed a pure, masculine air. His facial features were deep and sculpted, his brows were as black as calligraphy ink, his fringe of hair was styled on the edge of a blade, and his temperament was grave and stern. While he sat in there, he didn’t need to make any movements to give others a strong sense of danger. As his eyes swept over, it was as if a bolt of cold lightning burst forth with even more suppressive might.

He was Shen Yuanbai.

Gu Zuo felt a little shocked.

He had seen so many prodigies, but the feelings Shen Yuanbai, this supposed exceptional genius, gave people were the most frightening. Even Qi Xuanao and the others weren’t like this — Perhaps, he really wasn’t a mere exceptional genius any longer? Moreover, Gu Zuo could detect that the source of Shen Yuanbai’s formidable pressure didn’t lie in his realm. Instead, it was due to his own body. Although Gu Zuo couldn’t figure it out, he could perceive that, in addition to the qi energy surrounding his body, there were some other qi emissions that entwined around him. It was this kind of qi emission that gave off a feeling like a mountain of daggers or an ocean of flames. With a single look, one wouldn’t be able to stop their heart from palpitating.

However, after the two walked inside, those qi emissions surrounding Shen Yuanbai vanished. He was originally sitting down, but now, he gave even more face by standing up. He said: “Welcome, please have a seat.”

Gu Zuo and Tianheng looked at this person, and observed the necessary etiquette without speaking. Then, they called out: “Senior Shen.”

Shen Yuanbai spoke: “I’m just a few years older. There’s no need to address me as such.”

Following this, Gu Zuo and Tianheng changed the designation to Brother Shen.

To be honest, the feelings this Shen Yuanbai gave off were very different from what Gu Zuo imagined.

Gu Zuo originally felt that, since he had been running many industries, he ought to have been a little closer to his big brother in terms of temperament. But now it seemed that, let alone close, he was practically…a fierce general who had just returned from the battlefield. Or perhaps, it should’ve been said that he seemed like a lone swordsman, a reclusive saber wielder, or some other personage. It was quite unusual.

But overall, his temperament was still “upright”.

Shen Yuanbai appeared to have a hint of a good impression of Tianheng. After everyone took their seats and Tianheng expressed his thanks, Shen Yuanbai’s lips, which were stretched into a thin line, slightly moved: “I’ve heard that the one Brother Gongyi has joined in Ten Ultimates Sect is the Blood Transformation Palace Hall?”

Tianheng had a smile on his face: “Precisely.”

Shen Yuanbai nodded his head: “The Blood Transformation Palace Hall possesses miraculous skills and is extremely powerful.” Then, he said, “With Brother Gongyi’s aptitudes, you’ve surely claimed a seat under the Blood Transformation Palace Master as an apprentice.”

Tianheng replied: “It’s certainly as you say.”

Shen Yuanbai didn’t pursue the heart of the matter. After making these two inquiries, he changed the subject. They talked about when the leyline could be opened as well as when they would officially enter the leyline.

Following Shen Yuanbai’s explanation, Gu Zuo and Tianheng were even more clear about the leyline’s circumstances.

As it turned out, this leyline was one that had been sealed up by someone.

Many tens of thousands of years ago, a pharmacist travelled to this land, and happened to discover that a leyline was on the verge of transforming. At that time, the earth would be overturned, and stone ova would burst out of the ground. This would’ve inevitably led to a bloody competition that erupted with unrest throughout the entire Central Continent!

That pharmacist was benevolent and charitable, and couldn’t bear such a thing. Thus, she used her psychic power to create a blockade, which sealed the whole leyline underground and prevented it from emerging. If anyone wanted to secretly wrest control of the leyline, their psychic power would’ve needed to be stronger than that pharmacist’s psychic power. And in the wake of that virtuous pharmacist’s advancing realm and growing strength, she was ultimately bestowed the title of emperor. Over the years, the psychic power that blockaded the leyline became more and more secure. Even when that pharmacist finally passed away, the psychic power in the leyline solidified when that pharmacist was at her strongest. Generation after generation, the blockade had never weakened.

It was also from that moment onward when information spread out. That pharmacist allowed the leyline to open once every ten thousand years. At that time, the matured stone ova could be harvested by those who would come later. The numerous stone ova were also for the sake of nurturing the younger generations. By doing so, it prevented any extremely powerful pharmacists among them from wrecking havoc and bringing about a reign of terror.

Gu Zuo heard this, and only felt that it sounded somewhat familiar: “That benevolent and charitable pharmacist…”

Tianheng opened his mouth as well: “Could it be Greater Emperor Medicine Sage?”

Shen Yuanbai spoke: “That’s right. It’s precisely that Greater Emperor.”

That female Greater Emperor had accomplished many matters such as this since her time as a youth. With her capabilities and luck, she originally could’ve turned all of these things for her own use. However, because she didn’t take anything away and properly preserved them instead, it allowed the younger generations to make use of these resources like a thin stream that flowed forever. This deserved the unparalleled gratitude and reverence of the current pharmacists on the continent.

Gu Zuo finished listening, and sighed.

Truly extraordinary.

If it was himself… Gu Zuo was a little ashamed. He definitely wouldn’t have done that. His strength wasn’t high enough, and there were still objectives he needed to achieve.

But supposing that, in the future, his realm was profound and he really came across an opportunity, he would try to do the same.

It was just that the present him couldn’t do that.

Tossing this abrupt state of mind to the side, Gu Zuo looked at Shen Yuanbai.

Shen Yuanbai hadn’t said these things to stimulate any enlightening thoughts within Tianheng and Gu Zuo. When talking about the leyline, he simply mentioned its origins.

After that, Shen Yuanbai continued to speak: “Three days from now, we’ll head to Maple Forest Ruins. There are twenty-something entrances to the leyline, but there’s only one entrance under the jurisdiction of my Heavenly Martial Sect.”

In any case, the leyline was huge, and very few people could enter each time. One entrance was adequate. Even though smaller organizations might’ve known about the positions of other entrances, there was nothing they could do about it. Basically, there was no need to fight over the entrances.

Tianheng responded: “Ah Zuo and I will certainly be on time.”

Shen Yuanbai seemed satisfied, but he didn’t say much. He only said: “Junior Sect Brother Lan will be coming along, too.”

Tianheng smiled: “We know.”

Since there would be only one entrance, it wasn’t strange that all members of Heavenly Martial Sect would be going inside together.

Gu Zuo suddenly understood.

That Shopkeeper Fang talked about running across Lan Wenxi within the leyline, but this encounter would be happening before they went inside.

Immediately after this, the two bade their farewells.

Gu Zuo followed Tianheng, and left this residence. While walking away, he had an odd feeling. He didn’t dare to turn around, but he felt that Prodigy Shen Yuanbai was staring at his big brother’s back. However, he also felt that gaze didn’t contain anything peculiar… En, that fellow shouldn’t have been lusting after his big brother’s charms.

When thinking about the word “charming” to describe Tianheng, Gu Zuo felt embarrassed.

So, what was this type of gaze in the end… He was unable to make sense of it.

[Big brother, d-do you sense that?]

[There’s no harm in it.]

[Eh?]

[Anyway, it shouldn’t have anything to do with me.]

Gu Zuo: “…”

Alright. Since big brother thought there weren’t any problems, then there definitely weren’t any problems.

If Prodigy Shen liked to watch, then just let him…

The period of three days passed by in the blink of an eye.

Maple Forest Ruins was located in the back of Wuxin City. As far as prodigies were concerned, this bit of distance wasn’t worth mentioning. However, this time around wasn’t going to be the same as before. Although some people were heading over one after another, the total number wasn’t particularly high. Also, there weren’t any bustling, crowded scenes of people from the city after discovering a secret realm like in the past.

During these few days, Lan Wenxi met up with them.

He didn’t resemble the words that made up his name. Not only wasn’t there any feeling of culture or gentle elegance, he was instead born with broad shoulders and a thin waist. His facial features were handsome and bright, and his temperament was heroic and high-spirited. Looking at him, one would feel cheerful and delighted.

Shen Yuanbai’s attitude towards Lan Wenxi was pretty good, but from beginning to end, his face was solemn and serious. One couldn’t see any changes that were too big. Meanwhile, Lan Wenxi was the one who held more respect for Shen Yuanbai. While Lan Wenxi would occasionally be chastised by him when asking for guidance on martial skills, this fellow would always listen respectfully.

To be honest, this wasn’t like a pair of good friends. Instead, it seemed like a stern older brother and an obedient younger brother… Though, on the contrary, there still existed a friendship between them.

But as far as Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng were concerned, it was enough to determine that their friendship really existed and that both parties were able to contact one another.

Lan Wenxi was outspoken and straightforward: “While we go on this trip, my numerous subordinated battle slaves will remain here. Senior Sect Brother Shen, would you mind tending to them for a few days?”

Shen Yuanbai’s face was expressionless: “They won’t lack for a bite to eat. If you disdain that as insufficient, then you can fork over the spirit crystals for their meals personally.”

Gu Zuo: “…”

This was considered cracking a joke, right? Haha.

Soon after, Shen Yuanbai spoke to Tianheng: “If you don’t mind, your subordinated battle slaves can also stay here. When we head to Maple Forest Ruins, the battle slaves won’t be able to follow us inside, so there’s no need for any grand processions. Naturally, if you have some other arrangements, you can do as you wish.”

Tianheng plainly said: “What arrangements would I have? I will have to trouble Brother Shen.”

At this moment, Lan Wenxi smiled and said: “Senior Sect Brother Shen treats Brother Gongyi with such cordiality, but is so stern with this little brother. It truly leaves one with a saddened heart.”

Shen Yuanbai still didn’t make any expressions, and stated: “Previously, you’ve eaten my things, and now, your battle slaves are going to eat my things, too. This has been going on for years. Brother Gongyi has only eaten a few meals from me. What are you sad about?”

Lan Wenxi sighed: “Eventually, we all grow old. Senior Sect Brother Shen no longer cherishes me.”

Shen Yuanbai gave him a sidelong glance: “Talking out of your ass.”

Gu Zuo felt exasperated.

Okay. Now, he knew that these two people didn’t just have friendly relations. Rather, this friendship was very strong. Though, watching Shen Yuanbai make jokes with such a deadpan expression still caused people to flinch a little in their hearts.

However, those two fellow disciples didn’t intend to show off this brotherly camaraderie in front of new acquaintances on purpose. After they spoke a few words, Shen Yuanbai stood up first, and began moving: “Brother Gongyi, you and Pharmacist Gu should follow us.”

Tianheng nodded his head, and said: “Brother Shen, Brother Lan. We’ll be in your care.”

Gu Zuo stood on Tianheng’s left side, displaying his closeness.

Shen Yuanbai took the initiative to lead the way.

Contrary to what one might expect, Lan Wenxi’s complexion became somewhat subtle after seeing this scene.

His Senior Sect Brother Shen normally wasn’t a talkative person. Today, his senior sect brother was in the mood to joke with him, and had actively conversed with this Gongyi Tianheng. It was truly too rare.

Something strange was going on for such an unusual event to occur. Lan Wenxi was somewhat curious.

At first, he was quite interested in Gu Zuo, who could refine prismatic pills. As for Tianheng, he felt that the other party’s aptitudes were pretty good, but he would wait until this fellow’s realm was more profound before genuinely regarding the other party with importance. But now, just by looking at the unusual attitude of his Senior Sect Brother Shen, he wanted to pay even more attention to these two.

What was the reason for Shen Yuanbai’s attitude? The mystery made Lan Wenxi’s heart itch.

Due to the rather good relationship between their two masters, he had received a lot of Senior Sect Brother Shen’s care since joining Heavenly Martial Sect. Yet, he had never seen any intersections between Senior Sect Brother Shen and Gongyi Tianheng. Besides, it had been no more than a short two months since Tianheng appeared, so the source of his senior sect brother’s special respect most likely wasn’t on Tianheng himself.

…It truly left one yearning to figure it out.

Just as he was considering this, Shen Yuanbai, who was originally in the very front and had turned his head to provide directions, suddenly swept a sharpened gaze at Lan Wenxi.

Lan Wenxi immediately kept an upright attitude.

Even if he wanted to know, it seemed that he could only make discreet inquiries on the sly.

Gu Zuo’s thoughts were preoccupied with the leyline, and he didn’t notice anything strange.

The edge of Tianheng’s lips wore a smile. It appeared that he similarly hadn’t realized anything.

After traveling for a while, the group reached Maple Forest Ruins without a hitch.

Soon, a number of people came to welcome them. Lan Wenxi gave introductions, and pointed at the four: “This time, we’ll be entering the leyline. My spot has a pharmacist who’ll be going with me. Senior Sect Brother Shen’s spot also has three people.” Then, he presented Tianheng and Gu Zuo, “These two will be going with us. One is Ten Ultimates Sect’s prodigy, and the other is a pharmacist with heaven-level potential. All of you can’t be neglectful.”

Between those people, there were three pharmacists and one martial artist. Among them, the martial artist was slightly similar in appearance to Shen Yuanbai, so he must have been the chosen member of the Shen household. As for the pharmacists, apart from the one who was close to that Shen Clan member, the other two were deferential to Shen Yuanbai and Lan Wenxi, respectively.

At this time, they also came over to call out in greetings.

T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

Please don’t forget to support the original author.