Promise!

Chapter 304, Divine Object

Zhuang Jin and Shangguan Yunchang emerged from the underground city and recounted the various coincidences, breaking the ice. Immediately, a power from the Yang God Realm descended, enveloping everything.

hum!
The brilliant golden light extended, forming its own world, even isolating the power of the Suspended Mirror.

Zhuang Jin grasped Shangguan Yunchang's hand, and the two entered the "Yin Yang Fu Shen Technique" state again. Zhuang Jin, who was already at the peak of the third level of Yin God and had the combat power of a half-step Great Vajra Realm, had reached the combat power of a weak Yang God under the enhancement of Shangguan Yunchang, who was at the second level of Yin God. If he were to refine spiritual energy at a higher level, he would have the ability to truly threaten the Yang God.

"Well done, Zhuang Jin!"

A figure with a square face, solemn expression, and an imposing aura appeared. His upright and dignified appearance inspired an unconscious sense of goodwill. It was none other than General Yuwen Shentong.

The man appeared and gave Zhuang Jin a deep look: "This general has no ill intentions. The matter of Shen Tu Biao is a coincidence, but it is not a coincidence either."

"Before I, the Great General, began my plan, this man's son had already been targeted by the Shi family brat. I merely intensified the situation and controlled the timing. Even without my intervention, this matter was only a matter of time."

This was precisely because Zhuang Jin and Shangguan Yunchang had combined their strength to demonstrate a power that he could take seriously, or rather, a power that was difficult to overcome in the short term. Furthermore, given the complex and interconnected situation in Yong'an, the capital, where any action could have far-reaching consequences, he couldn't easily take action. That's why he offered this explanation.

What this person said was also true. The pride of a Grandmaster of Yang Shen and a Great General of Da Qian made him disdain lying about such matters.

'really! ’

Shangguan Yunchang was no fool. She had suspected the various coincidences before, but she kept them to herself, intending to speak out in private. However, Zhuang Jin directly exposed them, drawing out Yuwen Shentong. Yet, they had a tacit understanding and cooperated.

"Is that so?"

Zhuang Jin seemed to accept this explanation, but then suddenly asked, "What about Meng Duangui?"

"Meng..."

Yuwen Shentong's face remained expressionless, but when he was unexpectedly asked about this person, his soul still fluctuated slightly. Then, seeing Zhuang Jin's scrutinizing gaze, he realized that he had misjudged and been tricked by a junior. He couldn't help but feel annoyed, but he quickly suppressed it. He looked at Zhuang Jin seriously, completely abandoning his previous reserve and contempt, and treated him with the same caution as other clan leaders.

"Very well, Meng Duangui is indeed one of my men. I sent him to investigate the 'Chun Calamity' during the large-scale Yuanqi Tide in Cangzhou five years ago, as well as the details of the Inspector's investigation. As the parties involved, you two must know the details. Please do not hesitate to enlighten me."

Emperor Qianyuan's sudden death was naturally not believed to be a natural one, and his arrival in the capital was an unavoidable part of this matter. The case was shrouded in mystery, and the information obtained from the investigation revealed fragments of the truth, which were even more shocking. Tracing the timeline, it vaguely pointed to five years ago, after the Chun disaster in Cangzhou, and the return of the inspector Xuanyuan Shiji, which led to all the events that followed.

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Jin gently squeezed Shangguan Yunchang's hand, nodded slightly to her as if to indicate that he would take the lead, and then looked at Yuwen Shentong: "We do know a thing or two about this matter, but General Yuwen, are you trying to get something for nothing?"

Since the other party has set their sights on this point and knows some things about it, then all of this will eventually come out of the dark. It is not impossible to reveal things about spiritual energy, the spirit within the Suspended Mirror, or the secret methods of immortals.

However, its value must be explained, achieving three goals at once.

Firstly, if Yuwen Shentong were to learn of the spirit within the Suspended Mirror and the immortals' clandestine methods, he would surely take precautions and might confront them. At the very least, he could draw the attention of the spirit within the Suspended Mirror and have it stand in front of him.

At the same time, it can also be seen as a revenge plot against this person, a trap set for them.

Secondly, it was also a test of the spirit within the Hanging Mirror, the one who left behind the immortal's methods.

At this moment, if Yuwen Shentong's Yang God Realm power is sealed off, and the spirit of the Suspended Sky Mirror can still detect it and react in time to strike, like it did with Emperor Qian Yuan, then if it is so perceptive and has such control, then it might as well give up and go home as soon as possible.

If not, it means that the other party is not omnipotent, or that they also have limitations, and that there are many areas where they can operate.

Thirdly, it's about gaining benefits, increasing strength, and even breaking through to the Yang God realm.

"You dare to negotiate with this great general? You have some nerve!"

Yuwen Shentong's tiger-like eyes looked over, and his invisible gaze seemed to have materialized at this moment. The entire realm seemed to be enraged by his words, and an overwhelming pressure fell upon it.

He was used to others being obedient to him, handing over their bargaining chips and leverage, giving him what he wanted, and then, depending on his mood, giving them a small reward, expecting them to be grateful, like "thunder and rain, all are the emperor's grace." But Zhuang Jin's way of asking him for things made him feel a sense of clashing and offense.

Zhuang Jin understood that the essence of what others did was the unequal strength. His situation was different; he had the right to negotiate. Therefore, he simply stood side by side with Shangguan Yunchang, his azure domain surrounding him to withstand the pressure, his gaze looking back without retreating an inch.

Yuwen Shentong wasn't stupid; he naturally understood all this. After rationally weighing his options and suppressing his emotional displeasure, he spoke coldly and firmly: "Tell me, Zhuang Jin, what... do you want?"

"Secret techniques to aid in breaking through to the Yang God realm, Yang Extreme Divine Objects, Yin Yang Five Elements Three Talents Spirit Pearl."

"These?"

Yuwen Shentong gave Zhuang Jin a meaningful look and began to speak: "Last year, during the large-scale primordial energy tide in the capital, Emperor Qian Yuan used the Suspended Heaven Mirror to unleash a fiery meteor, which killed a phoenix at the Great Vajra Realm. That phoenix at the Great Vajra Realm was indeed killed, but it was reborn in the flames, leaving behind a ball of 'Phoenix Nirvana Blood,' which is a truly top-quality Yang-grade divine object."

I have the divine object of yang you're looking for!

I possess the same secret techniques to assist in breaking through the three stages of Yin Spirit, including those for the first stage of entering stillness, the second stage of spiritual agility, and even slightly enhancing the resistance of the soul, as well as the secret techniques for the third stage of pure essence.

I possess all eleven types of spirit beads, except for one Yin spirit bead.

I have everything you need.

Yuwen Shentong was taking the initiative to control the pace of the conversation, and also repaying Zhuang Jin for his previous bluff and willingness to bargain. Then, he changed the subject and made a decision for Zhuang Jin: "However, your information is not valuable enough. I can decide to give you a spirit pearl."

He still prefers to say 'what I give you' rather than 'what you want'.

"No, sometimes a gap in information can mean the difference between life and death. What is the value of a general's life?"

Zhuang Jin used sophistry and twisted the facts, demanding an exorbitant price: "I believe this information is at least worth that 'Phoenix Rebirth Blood'."

"You dare to speak up!"

Yuwen Shentong was so angry he laughed. He didn't know if he was laughing at Zhuang Jin for equating his life with the blood of a phoenix's rebirth, or at Zhuang Jin's exorbitant demands. At this moment, he was too lazy to be polite anymore: "Zhuang Jin, I know far more than you think, I just need to confirm it."

As he spoke, he uttered two words calmly: "Spiritual energy!"

"oh?!"

Zhuang Jin's heart skipped a beat: 'Emperor Qian Yuan should have kept this matter strictly confidential, yet Yuwen Shentong also knew about it?'

"Yes, with two insiders, Xuanyuan Zhengji and Xuanyuan Shiji, and with Emperor Qianyuan's operation, there would inevitably be traces left behind. Furthermore, Emperor Qianyuan's sudden death left him powerless to erase these traces or maintain strict control. It's reasonable that Yuwen Shentong knew this much."

'Furthermore, this person already knows some things, but what about the three great clans? How much do they know?' These thoughts raced through his mind, but he shook his head and said, 'In that case, why does the General need my information? Just a spirit pearl is too much of an underestimation of me. Let's not do this business!'

Upon hearing this, their gazes met, clashing once again in mid-air.

After a moment, Yuwen Shentong finally spoke, taking a step back: "A secret technique to help break through to the Yang God realm. Everything has its value, and in my heart, this information is worth that price."

Zhuang Jin fell silent upon hearing this, knowing that this was already the limit. After thinking for a moment, she raised her hand and a string of words appeared in the air: "What if we add this?"

This is the opening section of Xiao Linye's "Nine-Nine Qiankun Gong" technique.

"This thing... huh?!"

Yuwen Shentong glanced at it. He had initially thought it was just empty talk when he saw the general description of the "Nine-Nine Qiankun Technique": "Relying on the system, refining and combining the thoughts of all living beings, accelerating cultivation, breaking through bottlenecks, gaining fortune and becoming a child of fortune." However, after reading the concepts in the opening chapters, he realized that it seemed to be feasible. His expression immediately became slightly solemn.

Then it continues... and that's it. It's just a superficial attempt, like scratching an itch through a boot.

"This is an opportunity found in the ruins of a certain immortal. This technique is difficult to cultivate because it lacks the 'seed of Qi'. However, it may be possible to use this as a blueprint to create a secret method that uses the power of the thoughts of all living beings to assist in cultivation."

Zhuang Jin frankly pointed out the flaws in the item, something that couldn't be hidden anyway.

However, as he said, even so, it is still quite valuable, and it may be possible to develop similar secret techniques based on it.

—In other words, Zhuang Jin has no bottleneck and doesn't care about this point, otherwise he would have already put his heart into doing this.

Yuwen Shentong held a high position and was extremely suitable, but Zhuang Jin was not well-intentioned and also set a trap on this point.

By combining the thoughts and power of all living beings and gaining good fortune, one can become a 'pseudo-chosen one of destiny.' To achieve this, one must attain a higher status and greater power. If Yuwen Shentong wants to continue down this path, he will inevitably clash with the Great Qian imperial family and other powerful clans, thus incurring their hatred.

Even if this person reaches a certain level, they might become someone that the immortal wouldn't want to see, or someone who might trigger the methods left behind by the immortal.

Perhaps tempted by the prospect, Yuwen Shentong was unusually agreeable this time: "In that case, with this cultivation technique, we can exchange it for that 'Phoenix Nirvana Blood'."

Zhuang Jin was scheming against him, and he was scheming against Zhuang Jin as well. There was nothing wrong with the 'Phoenix Nirvana Blood' itself, but there was a trap behind it. After using it, one would be tainted by its aura and marked. That Great Vajra Realm phoenix was not dead yet, and it was not someone to be trifled with.

Zhuang Jin wanted the Phoenix Rebirth Blood, as well as the secret techniques to aid in breaking through to the Yang God realm and the spirit pearl in the other person's possession. After hesitating for a moment, he waved his hand, and a ball of spiritual energy enveloped in light appeared in his hand: "In addition to this, I will exchange it for all the secret techniques to aid in breaking through to the Yang God realm in the General's possession, as well as all the spirit pearls."

After the spiritual energy of the Holy Spirit Pearl was condensed into three higher-level powers, half of it remained. This is one-third of that remaining half.

Over the years of studying spiritual energy, he has also figured out a way to store it so that it doesn't degenerate.

As for the transaction with Yuwen Shentong, the other party already knew about spiritual energy, which saved a lot of trouble. It was not done through the underground city channel, so it would not be detected by the immortals' methods.

Upon seeing the spiritual energy, Yuwen Shentong felt an instinctive tremor, his gaze unusually fiery: "Too little. If I had ten times this amount of spiritual energy, I would agree to what you said. But if this is all I have, I can at most exchange it for an auxiliary secret technique and three spirit pearls."

"Back then, the spiritual energy leaked out of the ground, and this was all I had here," Zhuang Jin insisted.

This amount of spiritual energy can be refined into a higher-level energy. However, if it is only one, the boost to the Yang God realm will be limited. If used well, it may be able to kill a Yang God from another sect. If given more, it may cause an imbalance.

After some haggling, Zhuang Jin finally agreed to exchange the secrets behind the "Chun Calamity" in Cangzhou, the "Nine-Nine Qiankun Technique," a ball of spiritual energy, and a secret method for preserving and isolating spiritual energy for the "Phoenix Nirvana Blood," an auxiliary secret method for the second level of the Yang Shen Three Gates, and six spiritual pearls of his choice.

Afterwards, Zhuang Jin transmitted the whole story of the Cangzhou incident, the spirit in the Suspended Mirror, and the possible methods of immortals.

"I see."

As Yuwen Shentong filled in this piece of the puzzle, various pieces of information connected in his mind, and he suddenly realized what was going on. Then, he thought of the immortal's method that caused Emperor Qianyuan's sudden death, and his expression turned serious again.

"I will deliver the six spirit pearls you requested tomorrow. Please keep my other half of the spiritual energy safe."

The Phoenix Nirvana Blood, which Yuwen Shentong carries with him, and the Secret Technique of Yang Breakthrough that Zhuang Jin chose, "The Cycle of Withering and Flourishing," which he also remembers, can all be exchanged on the spot. However, the six Spirit Pearls are gone and can only be sent tomorrow.

Therefore, half of the spiritual energy should be withheld until Zhuang Jin receives the spiritual pearl. This cash-on-delivery transaction is necessary; discussing trust between the two of them now is too extravagant.

……

Yong'an, the capital city, the General's Mansion.

Yuwen Shentong returned to the quiet room and looked at the small ball of spiritual energy and the "Nine-Nine Qiankun Technique" in front of him. He couldn't help but sigh, "I didn't expect to have such an unexpected gain today. Zhuang Jin really does have some good stuff on him."

"Isn't that just wishful thinking? Someone outside of powerful clans wants to break through to the Yang God realm?"

He scoffed. Breaking through to the Yang God realm was no easy feat, especially since he had already dug a series of traps to use in exchange for some useful items.

"First and foremost, there's the spiritual energy."

Yuwen Shentong's eyes burned with desire. He suppressed his desire to prolong his life and prepared to obtain the other half tomorrow, condensing it into a higher-level power. Although it was less, it could still amplify his Yang God to a certain extent, and could be used as a trump card to deal with the three major clans.

"The other 'Nine-Nine Qiankun Technique' cannot be cultivated without the 'Seed of Qi'. Deducing the secret method from this would be extremely difficult for others, but I am different."

Yuwen Shentong took out a mirror from his bosom.

This item is called the 'Yantian Realm'. It possesses the ability to deduce and is a rare artifact produced in the ruins of immortals.

In an instant, with the "Nine-Nine Heaven and Earth Skill" as the main technique, various other skills and secret methods were used as fuel for development.

"It worked as expected. However, compared to the original technique, the consumption and loss are a bit greater, but it can be made up for by increasing the quantity."

This item further amplified Yuwen Shentong's already existing ambition. At this moment, he murmured with a deep gaze, "If I can really... I might be able to take another step, or even two steps, on the path of martial arts with this, and become a Grandmaster of the Saint Realm, or even a Grandmaster of the God Realm above that!"

"However, this matter still needs to be considered carefully. The royal family, the three major clans, the spirit within the Suspended Mirror, and the methods left behind by that immortal eight hundred years ago..."

……

(End of this chapter)