Chapter 750: Chapter 642: Prince Zhenyuan (Part 2)
Emperor Xuanwu shook his head slightly.
He knew very well the status of the old eunuch before him.
Though merely a eunuch, he played a crucial role during the battle between Emperor Xuanwu and the former dynasty’s emperor.
The eunuch’s status resulted from irreversible injuries he suffered back then.
Among the few top experts in Xuanjing City, this old eunuch was one, representing a pinnacle force of the city.
Thus, Emperor Xuanwu actually trusted him greatly.
After pondering for a moment, Emperor Xuanwu said, "You have one month to handle this matter. Travel to each Forbidden Area and gather the Defenders for me."
"I want them to know I have found their Savior, and I want them to know my determination to fight against the Heavenly Demon."
Such an important task could only be entrusted to the old eunuch.
The old eunuch nodded slightly, then suddenly vanished from the grand hall.
The grand hall resumed its tranquility once again.
...
Time passed, and by the blink of an eye, the second day arrived.
Yu Feng had already returned to Celestial Cloud Path.
After receiving the royal decree, he did not linger for long.
Meanwhile, Qin An stayed alone inside the Evil Extermination Bureau.
Today was still early, and he planned to visit the Alchemy Master Alliance in Xuanjing City to enhance his proficiency in the Pill Master profession.
At this moment, within the Alchemy Master Alliance in Xuanjing City, an elder was sitting in his seat, and beneath him stood another middle-aged man.
The middle-aged man wore splendid attire with an extraordinary demeanor.
One would notice that this man was the Alliance Hierarch of the Alchemy Master Alliance, renowned widely in the city.
Any martial world force in need of alchemical trades would engage with the Alchemy Master Alliance.
However, despite his prominent connections, this noble figure stood respectfully across from the elder in a remarkably low stance.
Such an incident, if spread, would undoubtedly cause a sensation.
Yet, shifting one’s gaze to the elder explained everything.
Though advanced in age with graying hair, the elder donned a python robe.
The robe’s python was vivid, crafted entirely from golden threads.
Though embroidered on clothing, it lent a lifelike feel.
Anyone familiar with this python robe would know the elder was a fearsome figure in Xuanjing City, crowned as Prince Zhenyuan.
It was said that during the battle between Emperor Xuanwu and the former dynasty, Prince Zhenyuan single-handedly engaged dozens of martial experts, supporting Emperor Xuanwu amid the carnage.
In that combat, Prince Zhenyuan beheaded tens of experts.
Thus, Prince Zhenyuan’s fearsome reputation spread throughout the Daqian Kingdom.
The python robe was exclusively worn by Prince Zhenyuan.
Now, the Alliance Hierarch, feeling helpless yet respectful, spoke.
"Your Highness, the quantity of pills you requested is truly challenging to produce in a short period, particularly for tens of thousands of users."
He felt helpless for Prince Zhenyuan had approached him long ago to provide pills for tens of thousands of users.
These pills were intended for purchasing border soldiers.
The farther from Daqian Kingdom’s borders, the more chaotic it became, with demon pseudo-gods and remnants of the previous dynasty prowling, compelling border soldiers to defend like a steel wall.
Prince Zhenyuan’s request for pills followed proper procedures.
The Hierarch wished to accept but found it highly challenging due to the constrained timeframe.
Yet, aware of Prince Zhenyuan’s temperament, he took on the task courageously.
Now, as Prince Zhenyuan demanded the pills, a small portion remained uncrafted, escalating to the current predicament.
Prince Zhenyuan lifted a teacup nearby, his aged demeanor unchanged.
After a moment, he placed the teacup aside and sighed.
"You know my procurement received the Emperor’s consent, yet you accepted the task without fulfilling it. How can I explain to the Emperor?"
The words calm as autumn waters, but those familiar with Prince Zhenyuan knew the quieter he was, the more perilous.
Droplets of sweat adorned the Hierarch’s face as he gritted his teeth, saying, "Give me one month; in one month, I will craft all the pills."
"You mentioned one month..." Prince Zhenyuan set down his raised hand, gently tapping the table, "I am not unreasonable. Gather all the other Alchemists within one month, and you can complete the order. Rest assured, accomplishing this will earn you my favor in the future."
The Hierarch, albeit stressed, delightedly replied, "Thank you, Your Highness."
Prince Zhenyuan’s moods varied unpredictably like a child, yet he was principled and fulfilled his promises.
The Hierarch hoped to establish a connection, which led him to accept the business.
Prince Zhenyuan rose slowly, preparing to depart.
Today, he came to the Alchemy Master Alliance on a leisure walk, intending to admonish them, hence he entered.
With tasks complete, he naturally returned to the Prince’s Mansion.
Advanced in age, he preferred staying put rather than moving.
However, as Prince Zhenyuan stood, urgent footsteps suddenly echoed from outside.
The Hierarch’s face altered slightly; scanning the source, he saw an elder from the Alchemy Master Alliance hurriedly enter, prompting him to reprimand: "Presumptuous! Don’t you see I’m discussing important matters with His Highness? Why intrude now? Do you not fear losing your life under His Highness’s wrath?"
The elder knelt swiftly with a sweaty brow, stating urgently: "To report to the Hierarch and His Highness, someone is outside requesting to borrow top-tier Pill Furnaces and materials from the Alchemy Master Alliance."
The Hierarch frowned: "Who dares speak such words? Do they think anyone can enter the Alchemy Master Alliance? Remove them; I wish not to see them."
The elder raised his head, saying: "However, this person is none other than the recently renowned Mr. Qin, reportedly detained alone before the Holy Emperor. Offending him now may court his wrath."
At these words, the Hierarch’s countenance shifted before cautiously peering at Prince Zhenyuan beside him.
Only those at their respective positions understood who Prince Zhenyuan truly supported.
Qin An’s recent actions in Xuanjing City had severely diminished the Crown Prince’s prestige, forcing him to prematurely journey to the borders to restore his majesty.
In other words, Qin An’s challenge against the Crown Prince also symbolized a blow to Prince Zhenyuan lurking behind him.
Hearing Qin An’s name now, Prince Zhenyuan anticipated major developments.
Sure enough, as the Hierarch scanned around, Prince Zhenyuan’s eyes flickered with a hint of anger like a volcano poised to erupt.
He paced toward the exit, barely restraining his fury upon reaching the elder, twitching his brow slightly, flicking his sleeve.
The elder, initially kneeling, felt himself pulled upright by great force.
Though a Pill Master, his strength in Xuanjing City was notable yet easily subdued.
A trace of terror shone in the elder’s eyes, avoiding direct eye contact with Prince Zhenyuan.
Prince Zhenyuan casually waved his hand, declaring indifferently: "Fine, now that he’s here, earlier I spared the Prime Minister’s face by staying silent. Today’s encounter intrigues me—what sort of young talent captured the Prime Minister’s recognition? Lead the way ahead."
The elder dared not speak further; feeling the force waning, he hastened forward.
Prince Zhenyuan folded his hands behind himself, exiting the chamber.
Meanwhile, Qin An sat quietly within a house of the Alchemy Master Alliance, awaiting silently.