Chapter 195: Chapter 184: The Red Robe
Paradise Island?
Chen Ming felt a bit surprised when Du Caiyue mentioned this place.
She’s a Captain of the Six Gates, so it’s not surprising she knows the headquarters of the Red Sea Monarch. But why come specifically to ask him?
Could it be a test?
He cautiously said, "I’ve heard a bit about it. But why does Lady Du bring it up?"
Only to hear Du Caiyue seriously say, "I have something I want to ask."
"Lady Du is too kind. The word ’ask’ might be too strong."
"If someone who is neither relative nor friend gives you a world-rare body technique manual, can it be considered a favor?"
Chen Ming’s expression became serious. He nodded and said, "Naturally, a favor as heavy as a mountain."
Du Caiyue asked again, "And if that person worries about your safety and secretly protects you during a long journey? Is that a favor?"
"Indeed."
"What if that person also gives you the secret technique manual you need most?"
Chen Ming sighed and said, "That is the favor of spreading knowledge!"
Du Caiyue stared into his eyes, "Now, if that benefactor is in danger, what do you plan to do?"
"Even if it’s a mountain of blades or a sea of fire, I would do everything to rescue her."
"Remember your words." Du Caiyue then transmitted her voice, "If you break through to the third grade within half a year, come find me. I’ll tell you how to go to Paradise Island."
Having said that, she stood up to leave.
"Lady Du."
Chen Ming stopped her and asked, "What if I can’t do it?"
Du Caiyue’s voice came from outside the door, "Then it’s her fate..."
Chen Ming scratched his head, Du Caiyue’s words made him realize many things.
It turns out Du Caiyue, this Captain of the Six Gates, is allied with that mysterious red-robed woman.
On careful thought, it was indeed after exchanging secret techniques with Du Caiyue that the red-robed woman soon came to him.
At the same time, many new doubts arose in his mind.
Knowing there’s danger, why does the red-robed woman still go back to Paradise Island?
Why doesn’t she personally seek his help but lets Du Caiyue convey the message, risking exposure?
"I’ve heard a bit about Paradise Island."
Just then, Yu Haitang spoke up, "It’s a renowned overseas immortal mountain."
Chen Ming asked, "Immortal mountain?"
Yu Haitang wouldn’t say anymore.
"Qiuxiang."
He called Qiuxiang in and asked, "Do you know Paradise Island?"
Qiuxiang said, "In the previous dynasty, it was rumored there were three immortal mountains overseas, and Paradise Island was one of them. Initially, the Emperor Li of the previous dynasty sent three Celestial Persons overseas to find the three immortal mountains for immortality. In the end, Penglai and Yingzhou were destroyed, but the trace of Paradise Island was never found."
Chen Ming recalled reading this segment in history books, indeed the previous Emperor Li dispatched three thousand ships overseas to search for the immortality pill.
The déjà vu of this record was too strong, so he didn’t care too much about it.
He asked, "And then?"
Qiuxiang said, "Later, the fleet wandered into the Extreme North and lost its way. Twenty years later, the fleet returned, but it was already a change of dynasty. Eventually, the fleet split into three, one part accepted the new dynasty’s amnesty, another returned to the sea, and the last settled on an island and built a city."
Chen Ming wondered, "Why haven’t I read this segment in the books?"
Qiuxiang explained, "Because it involves the Southern Dynasty, naturally it’s not included in historical records."
Chen Ming naturally knows there is a Southern Dynasty in the south.
This world’s dynamics are actually threefold, not only is there a Southern Dynasty, but also a Western Dynasty. Great Jin has the largest territory, occupying the prime regions, considering itself orthodox.
Thus, not only do historical books not acknowledge the other two small courts, but also strictly control the populace, forbidding the discussion of forbidden topics on pain of death.
Of course, hundreds of years have passed, and this prohibition is rarely enforced.
Moreover, due to closed transportation, there’s been little exchange between Great Jin, the Southern Dynasty, and the Western Dynasty for hundreds of years among the people. Adding the distance, naturally, few mention these two places.
Chen Ming only knows that those two separatist regimes have small territories, just two provinces, and are remotely located.
He thinks they should be akin to certain Southeast Asian countries of the past world.
He asked another interesting topic, "So, what kind of realm is the Celestial Person Realm? Above the Divine Treasure Realm?"
Qiuxiang said, "The exact realm is unclear to this maid. But above the Divine Treasure Realm should be the Primordial Embryo Realm. Beyond that is beyond this maid’s knowledge."
"Oh."
"It is said that the previous dynasty got overthrown precisely because those three Celestial Persons were not in the court."
Understood, those are National Guardian-level warriors.
Chen Ming nodded and asked again, "What about the ones who occupied the island and built the city, are they still there?"
"Naturally, they are, that’s the World’s First City."
He said in astonishment, "The same World’s First City where the World’s First Sword resides?"
"Indeed."
This time, he has a new understanding of the weight of Celestial Person realm warriors.
Among the several rankings of the World’s First Pavilion, the top position on both the Celestial List and the so-called "Sword Saint Ranking" is held by the same person, the lord of the so-called World’s First City.
It is said that this person, who is recognized as the greatest in the world, has dominated this ranking for over a hundred years.
Strictly speaking, this World’s First City does not belong to the Great Jin, nor to the other two dynasties; it is a neutral city independent of the three nations.
To remain unconquered by the three countries for five hundred years, one can imagine how formidable the strength of the Celestial Human Realm expert must be.
Over five hundred years, this city naturally became a window for interaction among the three countries. Through hundreds of years of development, it became what is now known as the World’s First City.
...
A few days later, Yu Haitang’s complexion improved day by day.
In contrast, Su Zhining’s aura grew weaker and weaker, almost to the point of disappearing. It seemed as though her life force would vanish completely.
Chen Ming guessed that she was using some kind of Secret Technique to heal, but he couldn’t help but worry.
"That’s the Jingzhe Skill." Yu Haitang, noticing the concern on his face, snorted softly and said, "A supreme Secret Technique passed down by the Celestial Dao Alliance from ancient times. When on the verge of death, one gathers all their vital energy, deceiving even the heavens, not only preserving life but also achieving a certain transformation. Once she awakens, she will be reborn with greatly enhanced strength."
The implication was that there was no need for him to worry about her.
Chen Ming praised, "Miss Yu is truly well-read and knowledgeable."
Yu Haitang was about to say something when Qiuxiang knocked and entered, causing her to swallow her words back.
Qiuxiang handed over an embroidered pouch, "This was quietly sent over by someone."
After opening it, Chen Ming took out a note, glanced at it, and his expression instantly became serious. Then he exhaled Gang Qi, turning the note into dust.
Yu Haitang asked, "What happened?"
He replied in a deep voice, "A Red Robe from the Six Gates has arrived."
A trace of excitement flashed in her eyes, "So they finally came..."
In the Six Gates, a Red Robe represents someone above First Grade, of enormous prestige, and an unfathomably powerful apex expert.
The news of the Longevity Mysterious Tomb had alerted such a supreme expert so quickly.
Once a Red Robe of the Six Gates makes a move, those apex experts within Jiangzhou would likely become restless, especially those old monsters whose lifespans are nearing their end.
With not much time left, they might as well make a desperate attempt. Try for a chance at longevity.
Chen Ming pondered that this note was probably sent by someone from Du Caiyue.
The Red Robe of the Six Gates definitely knew Shang Jianfei had been staying at the Prince Zhenhai’s Mansion all along. A little thought would reveal that it was the key to the Longevity Mysterious Tomb.
"Are they finally coming?"
Chen Ming thought to himself, looking at Yu Haitang, and asked, "How is your injury?"
She replied, "Still not well."
He reminded, "I don’t have much time."
Yu Haitang sneered, "You can try letting go. After all, if I die, you won’t live either."
Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door, and a melodious voice was heard, "What nonsense about life and death? You all must live well."
Then, a woman in a green palace dress pushed open the door and entered. Seeing her niece’s once pale face now flushed with a bit of red, she smiled with a hint of joy, "Once you’re completely recovered, I’ll arrange your wedding banquet and marry you off grandly."
Chen Ming was taken aback upon hearing this. Was she serious about this?
Won’t this actually happen?
Yu Haitang was puzzled, "Why are you here?"
Lady Yu walked over, felt her pulse, and whispered, "Your uncle also came."
Chen Ming couldn’t help but think, did the Cangyue Sect send all its experts?
Even the Sect Leader came.
Yu Haitang reminded, "This is a path to death. Even if the Cangyue Sect seizes the Longevity Technique, can they keep it safe?"
Among the four major sects, the Cangyue Sect ranks last. Although its overall strength is not inferior to the other three, it lacks high-end combat power.
In this world, high-end combat power determines the height of a power.
Lady Yu, holding her hand, said, "This is not something you need to worry about. Focus on recuperating. Recovering quickly is what matters."
"Hmph."
Suddenly, Yu Haitang said, "You just mentioned arranging a wedding for us. Did you ask her?"
She was referring to Su Zhining on the bed.
Lady Yu said nonchalantly, "Just let Young Master Chen marry her as well."
What?
Chen Ming looked at her in shock, thinking to himself, is she really that open-minded?
Yu Haitang sneered, "Do you know who she is?"
Lady Yu said unconcernedly, "The Celestial Dao Alliance does not prohibit marriage. If she wishes to marry, her mentors won’t stop her. However, as a True Disciple of the Celestial Dao Alliance, she might not be willing to share a husband with other women. Young Master Chen, you probably aren’t fortunate enough for that."
It was only then that Chen Ming understood. Wow, she meant to make Su Zhining back out voluntarily with this tactic, using words to squeeze her. She’s certain that the disciples of the Celestial Dao Alliance have a noncompetitive nature.
Really frustrating...
Oh?
Oh right, there’s nothing between Su Zhining and me.
Various thoughts flashed through Chen Ming’s mind, and seeing Yu Haitang suddenly fall silent, he quickly said, "Madam, you flatter me too much. I am not worthy of Miss Yu..."
Lady Yu smiled at him, "Young Master Chen is too modest. Our E’er marrying you is her blessing; I can at least see that much."
