Promise!

Chapter 303, Arrogance

'That's exactly what I expected.'

Zhuang Jin nodded slightly: "To enjoy the prosperity of Yong'an, the capital, one needs strength and connections, or even one's physical health, dignity, and everything one can offer in exchange. Otherwise, one will be used as a cog in a machine, becoming part of the system for enjoyment."

'Fortunately, I now possess, albeit barely, the most important, inherent power of this place, or rather, of all places in the Great Qian Dynasty!'

“Beauty paper, beauty bowl…” The guide, Xiao Fan, continued speaking, saying that some people were so extravagant and depraved that they crossed all boundaries, beyond the imagination of ordinary people.

Shangguan Yunchang felt that her ears were being offended by the conversation and stopped them.

Soon, they arrived at the place where the dungeon tokens were processed. The two of them successfully generated dungeon tokens of the Dragon-level by matching the Sky Commander's Token.

The dungeon token is known as 'anonymous'. What's even more interesting is that while the dragon phantom generated by the Sky Commander Token is in a bright state when activated, the dragon phantom generated by this dungeon token has a frosted grayish color, like a faded shadow.

This seems to indicate that the Yong'an Suspended Heaven Bureau and the Capital Underground City are two sides of the same coin.

When Zhuang Jin and Shangguan Yunchang's dungeon tokens were activated, two illusory dragon figures appeared. Only then did the guide, 'Xiao Fan', realize that he was being led by two powerful figures. Overwhelmed with awe, he recalled how he had just lost his mind and had said many things he shouldn't have. He wanted to slap himself on the spot.

Zhuang Jin had guided him, so he wouldn't hold it against him. Now that he had a general understanding of the underground city's layout, the contribution points here could be converted into Sky Commander Tokens. After trying it out, he gave the person a reward and sent him on his way.

Afterwards, Zhuang Jin began searching the dungeon exchange list and discovered that there were two modes for high-end resources in the dungeon.

A self-operated system, where the underground city space collects some valuable resources, which can be exchanged for treasures of higher value or at a higher level.

In this mode, there is a shortage of Yang-attribute divine objects, but there are secret methods to help break through to the Yang God realm, as well as all kinds of spiritual beads other than those with Yin-Yang attributes, which can be exchanged.

However, taking spirit beads as an example, to exchange for a gold spirit bead, you need a treasure of the same level, such as two wood spirit beads, or a spirit bead of higher level, rarer and more expensive yin or yang attributes.

The extent of their unscrupulousness is beyond words.

'Actually, I do possess things of equal or even greater value, such as the remaining half of the spiritual energy stored within the Holy Spirit Pearl.'

'But this thing has too much influence; if it were to be exposed, it could cause huge trouble.'

The Underground City Token is said to be anonymous, but it controls the integrity of the three major clans that control the Underground City space. Zhuang Jin has no intention of testing their integrity, and he is also somewhat worried. The Underground City space, like the Suspended Mirror, is inhabited by spirits. Rashly trading spiritual energy might attract their attention, or even trigger the methods left behind by that immortal, resulting in retaliation.

'Xiao Linye's *Nine-Nine Heaven and Earth Technique* is the same; it's quite sensitive and lacks the seed of vital energy, making it impossible to cultivate. Using this to scam people will likely result in being investigated by authorities before you even leave.'

Zhuang Jin thought to himself, then looked at the other mode, which was person-to-person.

In this model, obtaining high-level treasures depends entirely on luck. While rare and precious materials are fine, the quality of cultivation techniques and secret methods is very difficult to guarantee, so he certainly wouldn't dare to use them.

I don't expect any divine artifacts of the Yang realm, and I also don't trust the 'secret method to help you break through to the Yang realm' that some people claim to have. I just searched for spirit beads and actually found a fire spirit bead, which I traded for some resources, such as beast cores.

It took some time, but the gains made it all worthwhile.

Afterwards, Zhuang Jin and Shangguan Yunchang strolled around and experienced the underground city space. On the way, they unexpectedly ran into an acquaintance.

……

boom!
Shen Tu Biao collapsed to the ground like a dead dog, his breath weak. He struggled for a moment, then suddenly saw Zhuang Jin passing by: "Brother Zhuang?!"

This was the same master craftsman known as the "Weapon Master" in the Innate Qi Realm circle when Zhuang Jin was in Cangzhou. He had forged two Ice Soul Divine Swords for Zhuang Jin. Later, because he was worried about the turmoil at the Round Table Meeting, Da Run came to Yong'an, the capital. He did not expect to meet him again, only to find him in such a sorry state.

Immediately following, a playful voice rang out: "Oh, you have accomplices?"

He was a young man with thin lips, a sinister face, and dressed in black, whose gaze was like that of a venomous snake.

"The Third Young Master of the Shi Family?!"

In the underground city, people came and went. A passerby recognized the other person. This person was obviously notorious, and his voice trembled with fear.

Strangely, after that sound, no one came to watch; they all avoided it like the plague, leaving the place deserted.

Zhuang Jin frowned slightly, then suddenly remembered that when they arrived in Yong'an, the capital, that afternoon and entered the Third Ring Road, the carriage that was flying the Shi family flag and driving recklessly must have been the third young master of the Shi family, Shi Yaotang.

But strangely enough...

He glanced at the man, who was only at the third level of the Innate Qi Realm. He sensed that there was a martial artist at the third level of the Yin Spirit Realm behind him, seemingly protecting him.

Are all powerful families this extravagant these days?

Seeing this situation, Shangguan Yunchang immediately revealed her identity to avoid escalating the conflict: "We two come from a prominent family in Cangzhou. May I ask what grudge this young master Shi has against this person?"

"The powerful families of Cangzhou? I'm so scared, Third Uncle!"

Shi Yaotang did not answer Shangguan Yunchang's question, as if explaining it would lower his status. He simply squinted his eyes, tilted his head, and snapped his fingers.

boom!
Just then, a wave of energy swept down, and Shen Tu Biao's body exploded, turning into a cloud of blood mist that rushed towards Zhuang Jin and Shangguan Yun Chang.

"Um?!"

Zhuang Jin initially sensed the fluctuations in the domain and instinctively protected himself and Shangguan Yunchang beside him, showing a clear distinction between close and distant individuals. He paused for a moment, and that was all.

He looked at the billowing blood mist, snorted coldly, and the blood mist immediately rolled back.

hum!
Unconsciously, the two domains in the void had already begun to collide. The blood mist rushed towards Shi Yaotang like a destructive force, covering his face and body.

"Interesting! Very interesting!"

Shi Yaotang was covered in blood, his face paused for a moment, but instead of fear or dread, he laughed. There was an indescribable madness in that laugh. Suddenly, he said decisively, "Third Uncle, kill them!"

This person's meaning was very clear: just because of Shen Tu Biao's words and the fact that the Blood Mist had failed to slap him in the face and had instead suffered a humiliating defeat, he wanted to kill Zhuang Jin and Shangguan Yunchang!
This is even after Shangguan Yunchang revealed her identity as coming from a prestigious family, and given the current situation in Yong'an, the capital, that the two opponents were likely both Yin God martial artists.

This is absolutely outrageous!
However, the Yin spirit did not lose his mind as well. He was aware of his disadvantage in the previous battle and rebuked, "Enough!"

Despite the rebuke, Shi Yaotang continued to sneer, pulling out a handkerchief from his robes and elegantly wiping his face. He then continued to provoke Zhuang Jin and Shangguan Yunchang, saying, "Are you very angry and want to kill me? Come on, do you dare?!" Among martial artists, strength is always paramount. Yet, this man showed no respect for the strong whatsoever. A mere third-level Innate Qi Realm cultivator, facing two Yin God martial artists, acted as if he had lost his mind, relentlessly provoking them without any fear that Zhuang Jin and Shangguan Yunchang might disregard the consequences and, in a fit of rage, cause blood to splatter seven steps away!
'madman!'

This was Shangguan Yunchang's true thought at that moment.

She couldn't understand this person's thought process at first, but when she thought of the guide 'Xiao Fan''s' introduction to Yong'an, the capital, she suddenly understood. Power was concentrated here, and desire, intoxication, and distortion were rampant. This person's mind had become abnormal. He was pursuing the thrill of dancing on the edge of a knife and between life and death. At the same time, he was probably confident that they wouldn't dare to perish together with him!
At this moment, Shangguan Yunchang suddenly recalled her grandmother Shangguan Jinfeng's assessment of the powerful clans when Zhuang Jin mentioned his trip to the capital: "The five great clans, their influence spread throughout the land, have truly endured for eight hundred years. From the founding of the dynasty to the present day, they have forgotten fear, leaving only arrogance."

Indeed, it's not just arrogance, it's downright lawlessness!
Zhuang Jin gave this person a deep look. Now that he was at the perfect level of the Yin God Realm and just one step away from transforming into the Yang God Realm, his perception was extremely keen. He could sense that Yao Tang was not only seeking the thrill of walking between life and death, but also seemed to genuinely want to provoke him and make him seek death.

At the same time, he also sensed that this person had a Yang God seed attached to his body, and it seemed that it was not just about protecting and allowing a Yang God Grandmaster to transfer power across space. Considering that this Yin God Third Realm cultivator was protecting a Xiantian cultivator, he suddenly understood something. He did not speak, but looked at the Yin God Third Realm martial artist whom Shi Yaotang called 'Third Uncle'.

The meaning is clear: Shi Yaotang is not worthy to speak to him, and this person should be allowed to discipline his juniors.

"My nephews and nieces have been disobedient; I beg you, fellow Daoist, to grant me this favor."

Uncle Shi clasped his hands slightly and said this, then locked onto Zhuang Jin and Shi Yaotang, and slowly retreated with them.

Although the words were polite, his behavior revealed the same arrogance.

Zhuang Jin remained silent. Instead, he held Shangguan Yunchang's hand, shook his head slightly, and watched the two leave.

Afterwards, they went to inquire about it together and learned about the feud between Shi Yaotang and Shen Tu Biao. It was roughly about a man—yes, that's right, a man. Shen Tu Biao's son was jealous of her, and then the whole family was implicated... After understanding the situation, they no longer had the mind to wander around the underground city space and left.

……

"Husband?"

Upon emerging from the underground city, Shangguan Yunchang was not particularly concerned, as Shen Tu Biao was an old friend of Zhuang Jin. Instead, she worried that today's events might affect Zhuang Jin's state of mind.

"It's alright, I'm fine."

Zhuang Jin shook his head slightly and said, "Shen Tu Biao is indeed an old friend of mine, but he died right in front of me. The fault lies with him for not disciplining his children, with Shi Yaotang being sinister and ruthless, and... what does it have to do with me?"

"Of course I won't punish myself because of other people's mistakes."

"not to mention,"

He paused here, then continued, "That Shi Yaotang is probably nothing more than a pathetic wretch. If I really kill him, I'll only be doing him a favor."

"Oh?"

Shangguan Yunchang was about to ask about this in detail.

At this moment, Zhuang Jin said, "There's another point: it just so happens that my old friend Shen Tu Biao's son clashed with Shi Yaotang of the Shi Clan because of jealousy; and it happened at just the right time, just before we arrived in Yong'an; and today, Shi Yaotang led his men to chase after us, which was even more coincidental that we ran into him in the underground city space."

He grasped Shangguan Yunchang's hand, their auras intertwined, and they looked in a certain direction: "General Yuwen, why aren't you coming out? Give me an explanation."

hum!
The instant Zhuang Jin finished speaking, a power of the realm of a Grandmaster of the Yang God descended and enveloped everything.

……

The words are divided into two parts.

Meanwhile, in the underground city, the Yin Spirit Realm martial artist who was Shi Yaotang's third uncle was protecting Shi Yaotang as he left, leading him to a spot in the underground city to report on what had just happened.

Shi Yongnian, the patriarch of the Shi family, listened with his eyes closed, seemingly asleep. His index finger tapped rhythmically on the table. After listening for a moment, he commented lightly, "Emperor Qian Yuan died suddenly and abnormally. The royal family lost the power to suppress the four major clans. In order to balance the situation in Yong'an and deal with the beast tide, Empress Dowager Yuwen summoned Yuwen Shentong of the Yuwen clan to the capital. Now, the two sides are fighting against our Shi, Mu, and Gongshu clans. When they are not strong enough, they issued a decree to open up the wasteland and win over the noble families and commoners."

"Today, Yuwen Shentong set a trap to split our three great clans from the world's noble families. You have been used as pawns. Yaotang, you shouldn't have done this."

Hearing the patriarch's calm and unwavering tone from beginning to end, Shi Yaotang felt a strange sense of fear rise in his heart. His eyelids trembled slightly, but his expression was disdainful: "I've already done it, so tell me what's the matter?"

"It seems I've spoiled you too much."

"hehe!"

Shi Yaotang gritted his teeth and said, "The more stupid and wicked I am, the more likely my family will be to betray me for the greater good. I can use my life to help my elder brother break through to the next realm... I am a medicine man, and these days of unbridled freedom before I die are what I deserve. I owe my family nothing..."

The Shi family's martial arts technique can bring many children and blessings. Four hundred years ago, during the Guangwu Restoration of the Great Qian Dynasty, a period when martial arts flourished, a dark secret martial arts technique emerged that could use the power of blood relatives to assist in cultivation and breakthroughs.

In other words, Shi Yaotang may seem glamorous, but it's nothing more than a human medicine.

"You are resentful, complaining, and even want to take revenge on your family."

Shi Yongnian stared into his great-grandson's eyes, his expression still calm and undisturbed: "But the law of the jungle is the way of heaven and earth. This applies to all kinds of people, including beasts, commoners, wealthy families, powerful clans, aristocratic families, and even our own clans."

“I gave you a fair chance. Since you are inferior, you should accept your fate and be willing to accept the consequences. But your inability to accept defeat is very disappointing to me.”

Shi Yaotang wanted to say something more.

With just one glance from Shi Yongnian, the other person was rendered speechless, his eyes becoming vacant.

"Before you sacrificed yourselves to fulfill the destiny of the family's prodigy, I originally intended to give you one last period of enjoyment and freedom. Now it seems that I was too merciful."

As he spoke, he raised his hand and said, "Take them away. Don't let these people cause any more trouble for the family."

"Yes!"

Uncle Shi respectfully agreed, then paused and asked, "Grandfather, what about today's events, Yuwen Shentong's conspiracy... on the side of the aristocratic families?"

Shi Yongnian slightly raised his eyelids and said indifferently, "Below the Yang God, all are ants. Even if the Yin Gods of aristocratic families leave their old nests, they are nothing more than large ants. There is no need to care about them."

It can only be said that Shangguan Jinfeng was right; the arrogance of the powerful clans, from top to bottom, was all cut from the same mold.

……

(End of this chapter)