Chapter 144 - Xuanyang City
The white bone corpse core, fist-sized, bore seven orifices; it seemed like it was about to gain sentience.
Chen Fan could sense the powerful energy in the corpse king’s core—a treasure of immeasurable value.
Yet, Chen Fan's true windfall lay in the Golden-Threaded Jade Clothing and gemstone scepter, both rare treasures.
Chen Fan put away the Buddhist Bone Relic and walked toward the exit.
Zhu Yuanqing and his companions, faces still awash with shock, made way for him.
The awe lingered as they processed the fact that Chen Fan, a mere Qi Grandmaster, had killed the formidable Thousand Year Corpse King. It was a feat even their ancestor had failed to achieve, only managing to suppress the corpse king at the cost of his life.
Now, this long-standing menace had been eradicated by Chen Fan.
As Chen Fan disappeared from view, the onlookers snapped back to reality. They hurried into the valley, where only shattered bones of the Thousand Year Corpse King remained.
“It’s dead. It’s really... dead!”
“Who exactly was that young man? A Qi Grandmaster overwhelmed and killed the corpse king? Why have I never heard of such a character before?”
“He’s a monster. He must be a genius disciple of some sect. A Qi Grandmaster has defied the heavens and killed a Yuanfu realm expert. If news of this spread, I’m afraid the entire Great Chu Empire will be shaken.”
“It’s too bad that he took the Buddhist Bone Relic away, not to mention the Golden-Threaded Jade Clothing and the gemstone scepter. These are all treasures that are worth a fortune.”
“Stop feeling pity. We would have all died if not for him. Our lives are the most important, not the Buddhist Bone Relic or the Golden-Threaded Jade Clothing.”
“That’s right. Although we couldn’t get any treasures, being able to keep our lives intact is our greatest fortune.”
“......”
Everybody talked over each other, lingering fear still visible on their faces.
Greed made people go crazy and lose their rationality. Every one of them had nearly lost their lives here.
Zhu Yuanqing, Zhu Xiaolong, and Zhu Xiaohu’s eyes shone before letting out helpless sighs. “It’s heaven’s will. Forget it. Although he took our old ancestor’s Buddhist Bone Relic, he also removed a great threat to our Zhu Clan. We can peacefully develop in Zhuxian Town in the future.”
......
After returning to the inn, Chen Fan examined the Golden-Threaded Jade Clothing and the gemstone scepter.
“That Thousand Year Corpse King must have had an extraordinary status while alive. Maybe a monarch, a prince, or a noble?” Chen Fan narrowed his eyes slightly, mumbling to himself.
The Golden-Threaded Jade Clothing was an Innate Golden Armor forged from a material known as Innate Golden Jade.
It was nearly unbreakable but light as cotton and could protect a corpse from rotting.
If someone was buried wearing one, the corpse would automatically absorb the primeval qi of heaven and earth. They would transform into a ferocious jiangshi, preserving their will from when they were still alive.
It explained how the ancient corpse became a Thousand Year Corpse King. Most of the credit went to its Innate Golden Armor.
“This red gemstone...”
Chen Fan's pupils contracted suddenly, and he exclaimed, "It's a Sun Stone!"
The Sun Stone, a rumored crystal born of fiery flames that fell from the sun, was said to contain powerful energy and serve various functions.
For practitioners of fire-attributed cultivation techniques, obtaining a Sun Stone could significantly enhance their cultivation.
“I remember Father practices a fire-attributed cultivation technique. As long as his primeval vessel is restored and infused with the sun’s essence from the stone, his cultivation will rise explosively!”
A smile spread across Chen Fan’s face.
“I’ll give this Innate Golden Armor to Grandfather and the Sun Stone to Father," he decided, deeming these treasures more beneficial in their hands than his own.
His physique’s toughness made his defense even better than the Innate Golden Armor.
His grandfather, Chen Tianxiong, was a Qi Grandmaster. If he put on this Innate Golden Armor, he could be among the strongest of all Qi Grandmasters.
Although Chen Fan could absorb and refine the energy in the Sun Stone, it would be more useful if his father, Chen Zhengqing, used it instead.
Chen Fan didn’t expect to come across such a fortune while passing through a town.
With him obtaining the Buddhist Bone Relic, there was a possibility of healing Chen Zhengqing’s injuries, and he even obtained two rare treasures, the Innate Golden Armor and the Sun Stone.
......
As the year's end approached, Xuanyang City became livelier than usual.
Numerous individuals who had ventured beyond to make a living hurried back to reunite with their families and share moments of joy.
In the harsh realm of martial artists, uncertainty loomed, and the possibility of losing one's life over trivial matters at any time and place was ever-present.
Without enough strength to protect themselves, they were even lower than ants in this unforgiving world.
This vulnerability was especially palpable for those martial artists struggling to earn a living and support their families. Their lives hung by a thread, uncertain of what the next day might bring.
Chen Fan entered Xuanyang City riding his Golden Horned Horse, surveying the familiar yet changed surroundings. The streets retained their essence, but changes in some shops marked the passage of three years.
After three days of travel, Chen Fan’s face looked a little weary. The Golden Horned Horse he was riding was also fatigued. When he entered the city, he immediately drew the attention of many people.
Golden Horned Horses were high-quality horses, beyond the means of ordinary families.
“Could he be a returning young master from a prestigious martial clan?”
“He’s handsome and gives off an extraordinary air. He must be from one of our city’s prestigious martial clans.”
“......”
The nearby people discussed among themselves. Although they were whispering, their voices entered Chen Fan’s ear.
He smiled on the inside.
His once youthful features had matured, and the contours of his face now exuded a subtle firmness.
The recognizable youth from three years ago had transformed, making him less identifiable as a young master from the Chen Clan.
“Giddy up.”
Chen Fan squeezed the horse’s tummy with his leg. The Golden Horned Horse broke into a slow jog on the streets of Xuanyang City.
“Hmm, he looks a little familiar. Let me think... ah, I remember now, isn’t he the Chen Clan’s young master, Chen Fan!?”
An old man sitting in front of a store basking in the sun saw Chen Fan riding past on a horse. After thinking for a bit, he couldn’t help but slap his knee and exclaim.
Returning to Xuanyang City filled Chen Fan with spirit.
Familiarity enveloped him, heightening his eagerness to reunite with his father and grandfather at the Chen Clan's residence.
“Haha! Chen Qingqing, you will feel like you're floating in pleasure every day if you follow this young master.”
“Go away!”
“Damn, you little bitch. I’m giving face to you here. It’s your good fortune that I took a fancy to you.”
Chen Fan, drawn by the disturbance, guided his horse closer.
Not far ahead, three youths were surrounding a young lady in blue.
This blue-clothed lady had a clear appearance. Her skin was fair, and her attitude was graceful. Simply put, she was gorgeous.
Meanwhile, among those three youths, the group leader seemed to be seventeen or eighteen, his complexion slightly pale, like he had some underlying illness. He leered at her with a malicious intent that made her visibly uncomfortable.
The blue-clothed young lady appeared terrified, but the trio had surrounded her, so she couldn’t escape.
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