Imperial Scepter

Gao Chun and his group of five walked along the path at the village entrance, using Huang Xiaoming's excuse of visiting his friend Li Dashi as an excuse, and walked with ease, showing no sign of anything unusual.

Huang Xiaoming walked at the front, his smile smooth and polite, his back ramrod straight, having already memorized the words of his visit.

He secretly admired the captain's meticulous arrangements. He ostensibly visited a friend, but he must have had another purpose in mind. No one could see through his deception.

If this trip goes smoothly, he can gain more confidence in Thirty-Six Villages by leveraging the reputation of Gao Chun's team.

Li Daoqiu followed silently, his eyes calm and reserved. He seemed to casually survey the village, but in reality, he took in all the movements around him.

He didn't ask many questions or act rashly; he simply fulfilled his role as the team's strategist, secretly investigating potential dangers to ensure the safety of the entire team.

Whatever Gao Chun does, all he needs to do is protect and make judgments; this is his most silent trust in his brothers.

Gao Chengzhi has changed the most. His previous displeasure has long since vanished, and now his face is filled with anticipation.

Having witnessed his uncle intimidate the people of Li Family Village with a single move, he was filled with envy and wished he could immediately reach the fourth level of the Bronze Realm and master his own magic.

He possesses four Dao Seeds, and he has always had that confidence.

Wang Hu strode forward, never leaving Gao Chun's side by more than half a step; his burly body was like a moving iron tower.

He didn't understand any scheming; he only had one simple thought in his mind: wherever his elder brother went, he would stay there. This was his loyalty to Gao Chun, which was etched into his very bones.

Gao Chun walked in the middle of the group, his expression calm and composed, but his heart was already churning with emotion.

The crystal representing the origin of his bloodline was spinning wildly in his heart.

"I know the location of the three Mystic Vein Pearls by heart, and I am getting closer and closer to one of them."

"The Profound Vein Origin Pearl ranks ninety-ninth on the list of rare treasures of heaven and earth. It takes sixty years of profound vein essence to be formed. Only vein seekers can see and touch it. Ordinary people can't see or touch it even if they step on it, and there is no reaction at all."

"As for me, Gao Chun, I do not rely on pulse-finding techniques, compasses, or any inheritance. I can not only clearly sense and accurately locate things, but also touch and retrieve them silently and without a trace. This secret must be kept in my heart forever and never revealed to anyone."

Gao Chun was secretly pleased with himself, a handsome smile unconsciously curving his lips, and a glint of light flashed in his eyes, adding to his youthful war god-like aura.

"The Li family's residence is just ahead. Shall I take everyone there for a seat?"

Huang Xiaoming smiled and pointed, seeking Gao Chun's opinion.

Everyone knew that this trip to Li Family Village was Gao Chun's idea, but no one knew exactly what they were going to do. Except for Wang Hu, everyone else vaguely guessed that it was mostly related to the newly born bloodline supernatural power.

Both Li Daoqiu and Gao Chengzhi came from families with a strong academic tradition, and their families must have possessed classic texts recording supernatural abilities related to bloodlines.

Huang Xiaoming, on the other hand, is well-informed and knowledgeable. As the Huang family is the most prominent family in Gaojia Village, he also knows some of the secrets of bloodline supernatural powers.

Only Wang Hu knew little, but he had no other thoughts and always knew only how to follow loyally.

"Okay, let's go to your friend's house for a while." Gao Chun nodded in agreement, and the five of them continued on their way.

Before long, the group arrived in front of an impressive courtyard house. Huang Xiaoming called out loudly, "Da Shi, I'm here!"

The courtyard gate opened in response, and a kind-looking young man with a cheerful smile strode out; it was Li Dashi.

"Xiaoming! We've been waiting for you!"

Lee Dae-se warmly greeted them, his gaze sweeping over everyone in a friendly manner. "Are they all your friends? Please come in and have a seat!"

Huang Xiaoming then introduced them with a smile: "This is my captain Gao Chun, and these are Li Daoqiu, Wang Hu, and Gao Chengzhi. We've been training together and just stopped by to see you."

Gao Chun wore a gentle smile and nodded slightly in greeting. His demeanor was composed and measured, without the arrogance or aloofness often associated with geniuses, making him instantly approachable.

Li Daoqiu simply nodded, his expression remaining calm and composed, speaking little yet exuding an air of authority.

Wang Hu smiled憨厚ly, revealing a set of white teeth, looking honest and reliable.

Gao Chengzhi followed at the back of the group, his eyes curiously looking around. In his eyes, everything in front of him was like a novel scene from a storybook, full of interest.

Li Dashi observed this and felt a surge of goodwill towards them. He had initially worried that the visitors were arrogant and spoiled geniuses from other villages, but he hadn't expected them to be so approachable and polite.

The group entered the courtyard and took their seats according to their status as hosts and guests. Li Dashi's mother quickly served hot tea, warmly welcoming everyone.

Huang Xiaoming and Li Dashi sat side by side, chatting and laughing. They talked about their childhood memories and the recent cultivation trends in various villages, creating a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere.

Li Daoqiu calmly surveyed the surroundings of the courtyard, his gaze sharp and collected, immediately confirming the safety of the area, displaying remarkable composure and caution.

Wang Hu sat upright with his back straight, his eyes fixed on Gao Chun, never leaving him, loyal and reliable.

Gao Chengzhi held his water glass and sipped it slowly, his eyes darting around curiously, looking at everything around him as if it were a storybook.

He sipped the high-quality tea slowly and calmly, appearing relaxed and indifferent on the surface, but his heart was already churning with emotions.

From the moment he stepped into the Li family's courtyard, the crystal of his bloodline origin in his heart began to spin faster. He already knew that the Xuanmai Pearl was in this courtyard, hidden under the woodpile in the corner of the wall.

He suppressed his excitement, eager to get his hands on this treasure immediately, but two villagers kept carrying firewood back and forth. If he, a visitor from another village, were to approach rashly, it would surely arouse suspicion from others.

"After chatting for a while, we had become familiar with each other, and now was the perfect time to get up and move around."

Gao Chun rose slowly and calmly, his tone relaxed and natural, carrying a hint of sincere admiration:

"Da Shi, your yard is so elegantly decorated. I'd like to visit and learn from it. When I get back to Gaojia Village, I'll take care of my own yard just like that."

"Chun-ge, feel free to shop around! Da-shi is my best friend, so please don't be shy!" Huang Xiaoming reacted quickly and immediately understood and cooperated tacitly.

Li Dashi laughed heartily and waved enthusiastically, saying, "Brother Chun, please make yourself at home, don't be shy!"

"Thank you very much, Da Shi. You must come to Gaojia Village as a guest another day. I will definitely treat you well."

Gao Chun responded with a smile, his tone friendly and appropriate, a subtle glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes.

He walked slowly to the woodpile, the blood crystal in his heart already trembling and roaring, moving as fast as a shuttle.

Gao Chun remained calm and composed, casually reaching out to steady a bundle of firewood that was about to tip over. His movements were natural, fluid, and flawless.

The fleeting moment when fingertips lightly touch the cracks in the woodpile.

hum! ! !

A mysterious vein bead, visible only to a vein finder, was instantly drawn into his fingertip by an invisible suction force.

The Mystic Vein Pearl instantly transformed into pure energy, flowing along the meridians into the bloodline origin crystal in the heart.

The crystal vibrated slightly, steadily adding ten strands of energy.

The entire process was silent, lightless, and traceless.

The villagers carrying firewood smiled and nodded at him, completely unaware that the gentle young man had just quietly acquired a rare treasure.

Gao Chun calmly turned around and walked slowly back to the front yard, his expression still calm and gentle, with a faint smile, as if nothing had happened.

Huang Xiaoming immediately responded with a smile, "Brother Chun, isn't the courtyard of this prestigious family exceptionally elegant? What do you think of it?"

Gao Chun nodded slightly, his tone calm yet sincere in his praise: "Yes, the layout of the courtyard of a great family is very well-organized, conforming to the Kan position and following the terrain, subtly in accordance with the principles of Feng Shui, and there is knowledge in every aspect."

Li Dashi blushed slightly at the compliment, his face beaming with smiles. He quickly waved his hand modestly, saying, "Brother Chun, you flatter me. My father arranged all of this himself. It's nothing fancy. I'm just glad you don't mind."

After a lively conversation, the group became increasingly familiar with each other.

Gao Chun spoke up naturally, his tone flawless: "Da Shi, you and Xiao Ming have been friends for many years, so feel free to catch up. This is my first time in Lijia Village, and I'd like to wander around the village by myself and take a look around."

Li Dashi immediately stood up enthusiastically, intending to accompany him, but Gao Chun gently stopped him.

He smiled and advised, "No need to trouble yourself. Just keep Xiaoming company and take care of my teammates for me."

Although Gao Chengzhi also wanted to travel around, he knew that his uncle must have a purpose for this trip, so he suppressed his curiosity and sat quietly to the side without making a sound.

Li Daoqiu was naturally aloof and disliked moving around. He had come here to follow Gao Chun and remained calm and indifferent throughout.

Wang Hu's main strength is loyalty and obedience; he will do whatever Gao Chun tells him to do.

Huang Xiaoming immediately stepped forward to smooth things over: "Da Shi, don't be so polite, just chat with us. My captain is very curious, let him wander around by himself."

He is now at the fourth level of the Bronze Realm, and almost no one among his peers in Nine Suns Town can rival him. Furthermore, his father is the village chief of Gao Family Village, and his sister and brother-in-law are both Silver Realm experts; there will be no surprises whatsoever.

After several rounds of polite arguing, Li Dashi finally gave up and allowed Gao Chun to leave the courtyard alone.

As soon as he left the hospital, the bloodline essence crystal in Gao Chun's chest began to spin wildly again.

He knew in his heart that the second Xuanmai Pearl was getting closer and closer to him.

Following the guidance of the bloodline crystal, he quickly arrived at a small river and his eyes instantly locked onto his target.

The Mysterious Vein Pearl is hidden in the grass by the river.

But at that moment, a group of village children were chasing and playing noisily by the grass, making it impossible to get close.

Gao Chun's eyes remained calm, but with a slight thought, he immediately activated his magic.

"Assassination Technique: Level 3 Thunder Shadow"

Three pale purple lightning phantoms suddenly appeared, flashing across the grass like three figures, creating quite a commotion and instantly attracting the attention of all the children.

"What was that? Was it a thief? Quick, chase after him!" The bolder children shouted and took off running, while the timid ones trembled with fear and didn't know what to do.

In no time at all, the group of mischievous children were completely lured away by the Raikage.

Taking advantage of this moment, Gao Chun himself quickly flashed to the front of the bushes and gently touched the ground with his fingertips.

Om-! !

The second Xuanmai Bead was instantly sucked into the fingertip by an invisible suction force.

A bead the size of an egg, yellowish-brown in color and shrouded in mysterious energy, instantly transformed into a pure, warm current that flowed into the bloodline crystal in the heart.

The crystal trembled slightly, and ten strands of energy steadily entered the tent.

The entire set of movements was so fluid and smooth that it took less than a breath.

"I have already collected twenty strands of energy. If I collect another eighty strands, I can directly break through to the sixth star of the Bronze Realm."

Gao Chun was filled with excitement, but he remained calm and quickly left the bushes, following the guidance of the bloodline crystal, heading towards the location of the third Xuanmai Pearl in the west.

He arrived at his destination shortly afterward.

The third Xuanmai Pearl is located under the roots of an old willow tree.

Beside the tree roots, a guard dog lay, extremely alert, its eyes constantly scanning the surroundings, barking incessantly if anyone approached.

Gao Chun's heart stirred slightly. If he were to use the Thunder Shadow Technique directly, it would inevitably cause the yellow dog to bark wildly, alarming the villagers and causing unnecessary trouble.

After a moment's thought, he came up with an idea: to suppress them by force.

He quietly channeled his pale purple profound energy, his figure moving with lightning speed, and in an instant he rushed to the yellow dog's side.

Before the yellow dog could react or bark, he had already gathered his pale red Xuan power in his palm and pressed it hard against the dog's head.

The force wasn't heavy, but it carried an irresistible pressure.

The yellow dog instantly sensed a deadly threat. It tucked its tail between its legs, cowered obediently in the corner, trembling all over, and dared not make a sound.

A faint smile appeared on Gao Chun's lips, his eyes revealing a hint of smug cunning.

"As expected, whether human or beast, they all obediently yield in the face of the pressure of life and death."

He bent down and touched the soil with his fingertips.

To outsiders, he merely brushed the ground casually, yet a crystal-clear, egg-sized Xuanmai Bead covered in mysterious runes quietly landed at his fingertips.

The energy was transformed and absorbed again, and another ten strands of energy steadily entered the account.

Gao Chun's smile deepened, but he dared not linger.

He was, after all, from another village, and staying there for too long would easily arouse suspicion. So he immediately turned around and left quickly.

He hurried back to the entrance of the Li family's courtyard, then slowed down, regulated his breathing, put on a gentle and composed smile again, and slowly walked into the courtyard.

As Li Dashi was chatting with the group, he immediately greeted Gao Chun warmly upon his return: "Brother Chun, how was your visit? Does our Li Family Village have any unique sights?"

After talking with Huang Xiaoming, Li Dashi had a good understanding of Gao Chun's strength.

Not only was he already at the fourth level of the Bronze Realm at a young age, but he also possessed a rare bloodline supernatural ability that accelerated cultivation.

His attitude towards Gao Chun became increasingly respectful and eager, with a clear intention to befriend him and climb the social ladder. He was already skilled at socializing and knew how to cultivate relationships with those in higher positions, and at this moment he was even more enthusiastic.

Gao Chun could see right through the other person's thoughts, but he didn't point it out.

He was also worldly-wise and eloquent, and in just a few words he chatted happily with Li Dashi, as if they were good brothers who had met too late.

As the sun began to set, and given that bandits often roamed the wilderness between Gaojia Village and Lijia Village, they knew they would be in danger if they didn't leave soon.

Gao Chun immediately smiled, cupped his hands in farewell, and said, "Da Shi, it's getting late. We should head back now and get back to Gaojia Village before sunset."

Li Dashi hurriedly tried to persuade him to stay: "Brother Chun, please stay for a meal before you leave! My mother is an excellent cook, she'll definitely let you try it! After you eat, I'll have my father take you home!"

"No, no, I've already troubled you enough today. I will remember your kindness."

Gao Chun smiled and declined, saying, "The team still has missions to complete and can't stay too long. I'll definitely come to visit again next time."

Despite several earnest attempts to persuade him to stay, seeing Gao Chun's resolute attitude, Li Dashi had no choice but to give up. He escorted the five people to the village entrance, waving and giving them repeated instructions.

"Brother Chun, please be careful on the road! You must visit Li Family Village again when you have time!"

"Go back soon, Da Shi. We'll definitely come again. Remember to visit Gaojia Village when you have time. I'll treat you well." Gao Chun smiled and waved in response.

The five walked side by side, their pace unhurried, gradually disappearing into the distance.

Gao Chun walked at the very front, his posture upright, his breath steady, and his heart filled with undisguised joy.

"The three Xuanmai Beads have all been absorbed by the Bloodline Origin Crystal. With only seventy strands of energy remaining, I can break through to the sixth star of the Bronze Realm in one fell swoop. This trip to Li Family Village was completed without making a sound, yet it was a complete success, truly perfect."

Li Daoqiu looked relaxed. The trip had been uneventful and the whole team was safe, which put him at ease.

Gao Chengzhi followed lazily at the back of the group, his eyes darting around, every blade of grass and tree along the way seemed like a novel scene from a storybook to him.

Wang Hu stood tall and followed closely behind Gao Chun, his heart filled with peace and loyalty, his eyes firm and proud.

As the sun gradually set in the west, its blazing golden light cast long, slender shadows of the group of young men.

A gentle breeze stirred their clothes as the five walked side by side, exuding confidence and concealing their hidden talents.

The sunlight and shadows moved slowly behind them, as if drawing a perfect conclusion to this secret journey.

(This chapter contains 4500 words. See you tomorrow at noon.)