Chapter 33 - Su Youwei's Departure

King Qi's rebellion had ultimately been quelled. News of this outcome shook the entire Great Zhou Empire, making the various factions dumbstruck. No one had expected the seemingly unstoppable king Qi to meet such a fate…

One must know that the royal clan had previously been unable to do anything to King Qi. If not, the former would not have tolerated the latter growing so powerful.

However, the power displayed by the royal clan during the battle stunned everyone.

In their shock, the various factions began to realize that the seemingly waning royal clan was in actuality not as weak as they had expected.

As the saying goes, a malnourished camel was still bigger than a horse. The once titan-like entity that was the Great Zhou royal clan was not to be underestimated even after experiencing so many failures and setbacks.

Thus, the factions that were originally planning on taking advantage of the situation had no choice but to retract their ready claws, afraid that someone might catch a glimpse.

Everyone knew that after purging the cancerous King Qi, the royal clan would soon regain its authority in the Great Zhou Empire. Any factions that dared to challenge them would likely end up with the same fate as King Qi.

Hence, the atmosphere in the Great Zhou Empire seemed to become substantially better for a while. No one dared to go against the king's orders, afraid they might become the next target of the royal clan.

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"To think you managed to learn the Magical Python Scales within a week. "

Hundreds of flowers bloomed in a certain courtyard within the royal palace where Zhou Yuan and Yaoyao sat.

"There are said to be three levels to this Magical Python Scales which are shown by the color of the scales. The first level is green, the second is gold and the third is purplish gold."

"And you reached the Gold stage which is rather admirable, along with the Mystical Python's Great Golden Bell no practitioner under the advanced Heaven Gate Realm should be able to break your Defenses"

Zhou Yuan hearing this nodded, and soon asked another question, "Yaoyao do you have any other Genesis Qi Technique, my arsenal is a bit lacking."

"No, I do not possess any Genesis Qi technique, but I think you should focus on Developing the Dragon Claw more, as it is now a little Heaven Genesis Technique, with a little opportunity it should be able to evolve into a True Heaven Genesis Technique.", Yaoyao stated.

"So when do you plan on breaking through the Heaven Gate realm? I can sense that you are at the peak of the Qi nourishing Stage, and can break through at any time you want."

Hearing this Zhou Yuan rubbed the back of his head, "Well I was planning to further refine my spirit, and Genesis Qi and make it more solid and pure, and in the meantime also Learn more Grade 4 Genesis Runes from you."

(Factors that contribute to the height of Origin Qi Pillar: Qi Palace, Genesis Qi Cultivation Art, Divine Soul, etc.)

"How much, more do you want to purify your Genesis Qi? It is already 10 times purer than any average Qi nourishing Expert.", Yaoyao was a little puzzled.

"Well at least 15 times more."

"I see it is a good goal indeed"

The two continued to converse for a while until Yaoyao suddenly recalled something. "Since you're done with your seclusion, you should go visit Su Youwei. She seems to have encountered a little trouble."

"What happened?", Zhou Yuan asked.

Yaoyao gently stroked the languid Tuntun as she said, "Go take a look."

South of the city, outside a clean courtyard.

Zhou Yuan knocked on the courtyard door and waited for a brief moment, before hearing the soft sound of quickly approaching footsteps. The door was opened and a pair of bright, pretty eyes on a face that was beautiful regardless of anger or happiness was revealed.

It was Su Youwei.

She was first stunned when she saw Zhou Yuan outside the door before joy and surprise quickly flooded her eyes.

"Your Highness, you're done with your seclusion."

Hmm, Yaoyao tells me that you have encountered some trouble."

Who could have expected that Su Youwei would frown upon hearing this as she sighed? "I'm afraid that Your Highness won't be able to help..."

"Please come in first your highness." A soft laugh escaped Su Youwei's slightly pursed red lips as she opened the door and let Zhou Yuan in. She led the way along a little cobbled path as they entered the rear courtyard.

There were two recliners in the rear courtyard where two elderly men were leisurely lying.

One of them was Su Youwei's grandfather, a very familiar individual to Zhou Yuan. Upon seeing him, the former gave a kindly greeting which was met by a smile from Zhou Yuan. Subsequently, he cast his gaze towards the other elderly man in gray robes.

There were no Genesis Qi undulations around this old man, but a piercing pain was transmitted from Zhou Yuan's Spirit when he saw the former. His Spirit trembled, giving Zhou Yuan a fierce warning.

It was obvious that this seemingly ordinary old man was not ordinary at all.

This man is a law domain domain expert from Huanyuan Heaven.

The gray-robed old man lazily raised his head, his murky eyes casting a glance at Zhou Yuan before turning to Su Youwei as he lethargically stretched and sighed.

"Little lass, is it because of this kid that you're unwilling to leave with this old man?"

"Greetings elder, May I ask what elder wants with Youwei?"

The gray-robed old man smiled indifferently as he replied, "I plan on taking her away. A place like this will only waste her talent. She should not be squandering away her time here."

It was indeed as this gray-robed elder had said. Su Youwei's talent was akin to a precious pearl left to collect dust if she stayed in the Great Zhou Empire.

A phoenix should be perched atop a Chinese parasol tree and not a dead tree.

It was also good as Su Youwei would be able to become much stronger if she went to Huanyun Heaven.

The gray-robed elder chuckled and said, "But she is not very willing, she has a condition…"

He stared at Zhou Yuan before continuing, "She wants me to bring you along."

The gray-robed elder smiled a little, his gaze sweeping over Zhou Yuan as he said, "Truthfully speaking, you are also no ordinary individual. As one that once possessed the sacred dragon blessing, your talent cannot possibly be too pathetic."

"And I can sense that your talent and foundation in Divine soul are terrifying, even your Genesis Qi foundation is something that I have not seen anywhere. And to reach this stage in just one year is all testament to your talent, and dedication."

"However… my teachings may not be suitable for you."

The gray-robed elder's murky eyes seemed to glimmer deeply. His gaze locked onto Zhou Yuan as he slowly said, "I can faintly feel the remains of an extremely powerful presence from his body. Hence, he has likely encountered a destiny of his own and it is inappropriate for me to interfere."

Su Youwei gritted her teeth and declared, "If you do not bring his highness along, I won't be going either."

The gray-robed old man chuckled, pointed at Su Youwei, and said, "Little lass, you truly do not realize how fortunate you are. Do you know who I am? Do you know how many geniuses in this world desire to follow me?"

Su Youwei bowed towards the old man and earnestly answered, "I understand that it is my blessing to have obtained the elder's favor, but the elder was only able to meet the current me because his highness once helped me. If not for his highness, I will not be what I am now."

Perhaps, if her grandfather had not received treatment for his illness, the orphaned little girl would have been gradually embraced by death in the cold.

The gray-robed old man was a little taken aback as he slowly stroked his beard.

Zhou Yuan sighed softly. He smiled at Su Youwei as he placed his hands on her soft shoulders and said in a gentle voice, "Youwei, I know that you are very grateful to me for helping you back then. However, it was not for the sake of binding you to my side. It was so that you could stand alongside me, If you go with this elder you will be able to obtain better cultivation conditions."

Su Youwei blushed a little.

"But your highness… this goodbye may last several years." Su Youwei bit into her red lips as her eyes reddened.

She had already grown accustomed to staying by Zhou Yuan's side; feeling his presence, listening to his voice. In her opinion, no matter how amazing her future would be, it would never be as unforgettable as everything she had experienced during the past year she had spent in the Great Zhou Institute.

If they parted, even she did not know when they would meet again.

This thought made even the usually tough Su Youwei feel somewhat sad.

Zhou Yuan smiled as he reached out a hand and gently wiped away the glistening drops that had appeared on the young lady's long lashes. "Don't worry. Believe me, we will meet again. In less than 4 years I will come to find you."

Elder is from the Huanyuan Heaven right?", Zhou Yuan asked

"How do you know that brat?", The old man was a little surprised.

"Something a little birdie told me.", Zhou Yuan smiled smugly and then turned his attention to Su Youwei.

"And if this promise can't convince my little Weiwei, then I will give Weiwei something precious of mine and take something precious from her, that will not let both of us forget each other, Is that fine then?", Zhou Yuan said with a teasing smile.

"Ehh, what's that thing Your Highne-hmph", before Su Youwei could continue speaking her mouth was sealed by Zhou Yuan's mouth.

Zhou Yuan pulled her closer as he held her nape with one hand and the waist with the other.

Zhou Yuan kissed Su Youwei and turned around so that only his back was visible to the two old men.

While Su Youwei was stunned for a moment, she also started cooperating with Zhou Yuan.

The kiss started normally before both of them were passionately kissing each other.

They separated after a minute as Su Youwei was now short of breath.

"I think that was enough of a reassurance to you wasn't that Little Weiwei?" Zhou Yuan asked while hugging her.

Su Youwei very quickly fled Zhou Yuan's arms, her small face beet-red as she hid herself in the room.

The sudden absence of softness made Zhou Yuan feel both a little disappointed and frustrated. The sadness of their parting had likewise filled his heart. Just like how Su Youwei had become accustomed to following at his side, he too had grown used to her presence.

Su Youwei was his first friend, and now his girlfriend.

His first friend ever since he came into this world.

It was impossible for him not to feel sad.

Cough!

The gray-robed old man coughed, seemingly in a bad mood as he shot a look at Zhou Yuan before sighing. "Kid, at the end of the day, I still have to thank you for persuading the little lass."

Although he did not want to admit it, the gray-robed elder knew that if Zhou Yuan had not given his approval, the stubborn little lass would not leave with him.

Zhou Yuan smiled, cupped his fists together at the gray-robed old man, and said, "I hope that elder will take good care of her in the future."

"This you don't have to worry. Not just anyone is allowed to follow me because I'm very fussy when it comes to selecting someone. Since I've made my choice, I will naturally give my all." The gray-robed elder glanced at Zhou Yuan before continuing, "Are you disappointed that I am not bringing you along?"

Zhou Yuan mere chuckled. "Elder has already said that each person has their destiny. Even if I do not follow you, I have confidence that I will not be an ordinary individual."

This was not arrogance. He was cultivating the Ancestral Dragon Scripture, and even practicing the Primal Chaos Divine Grindstone Visualisation Method, both were top cultivation techniques and now he also had a supreme Body Cultivating Method, and with his future knowledge, he could easily become a god in the future.

To be honest Zhou Yuan pitied those who would fight against him as in the future he would be an absolute beast in all 3 types of cultivation.

"Oh, you do have a little backbone."

The gray-robed old man laughed, now a little in admiration of Zhou Yuan. The former pondered for a moment before he said, "I dislike owing you a favor. Since you helped me, I will help you this once."

"I may not have anything to teach you, but I can still give you a little pointer…"

Although Zhou Yuan knew it was info about Saint Remains Domain, he still solemnly replied, "Then this young one will respectfully listen."

In the courtyard, the gray-robed old man was all smiles as he gazed at Zhou Yuan and said, "Kid, you should currently be at the peak of the younger generation in the Great Zhou Empire, right?"

"No, I believe in the same stage there should be no one who could beat me"

"Oh such strong Confidence, but looking at your Genesis Qi Foundation it doesn't seem like you're lying.", as a person with cultivation in Law Domain he could naturally see how frightening Zhou Yuan's Qi Foundations are, even his Qi palace is a Mutated one.

Even he at the Qi Nourishing Stage didn't have such a terrifying Foundation.

"I believe that the Great Zhou Empire's old enemy is the Great Wu Empire, right?"

"As for you… the strongest enemies you now face are the Great Wu Empire's python and sparrow."

"Heh, it may be a little inappropriate to call them python and sparrow now. Thanks to you, these two have begun to spread their wings and soar like a true dragon and phoenix."

The gray-robed elder's gnarly fingers lightly tapped the back of his recliner as he continued in an apathetic tone, "It is said that the crown prince of the Great Wu Empire, Wu Huang, is already at the advanced Heaven Gate stage, and is only a step away from the Alpha-Origin stage."

Additionally, don't even think for a second that Wu Huang is an ordinary advanced Heaven Gate stage practitioner… from what I know, he is also a fierce fighter capable of doing battle with those above his cultivation level. It is said that he once slayed an Alpha-Origin stage practitioner with the strength of the advanced Heaven Gate stage."

"His kill was based on his abilities. Compared to him, I'm afraid that you're pretty lacking." The gray-robed old man grinned like a Cheshire cat.

"I see does the Elder believe Genesis Runes are not Part of one's Strength?", Zhou Yuan asked in a calm voice.

"The reason why I used my artifact to kill those Alpha Origin Experts was only to increase my Experience in combat when using Genesis Qi, As for Wu Huang, that guy is just a petty little thief, I was born with the Cultivation of Qi Nourishing stage thanks to my blessing, their family is just a group of little thieves."

"If the Elder believes that Wu Huang having the cultivation of the Heaven Gate Realm gives him an advantage then you're wrong, If I want to, I can break through to Heaven Gate Realm", While saying so Zhou Yuan just leaked a little bit of his suppressed Genesis Qi which very dense and pure.

"He took 14 years to reach his Cultivation, while It took me only 1 year to reach my present Cultivation, and that too with the difficulty of reopening my natural meridians."

"In the End, he is just a little snake who is destined to die in my hands", Zhou Yuan finished.

The Elder was a little dazed before he laughed, "Yes you're right, that is the confidence a strong man should have"

"And Elder compared to this so-called Dragon, I think that the Little Phoenix residing in the Huanyun Heaven is more troublesome don't you think"

Hearing this the old man was shocked before, he asked, "How do you know that?"

"Hmm, just something a little birdie told me."

"And worry not I promise to you that I will break her arrogance and false beliefs, Wu Yao's only advantage over me for now is due to the difference in Environment."

The Elder opened his mouth before closing it and shaking his head with a wry smile, as what the kid said was mostly true.

"Elder do you want to have a Friendly Bet?", Zhou Yuan with a sly smile.

"What bet?", the old man seeing his sly look asked Cautiously.

"If I cannot defeat the Strongest Geniuses in your Hunyuan Heaven in 5 years then I will join your Region, but if I can You would have to give me a precious Cultivation Treasure.", Zhou Yuan finished.

The old man thought for a moment before agreeing as he thought there were no big risks.

"Ok now that you're finished listen to me.", The gray-robed old man smiled thinly. "A long time ago, there was a Saint that died on this land. When his holy blood fell, it transformed into Saint Remains Domains filled with various wonders and opportunities, drawing countless geniuses to vie against each other for these treasures."

"Only by obtaining the Saint's blood will one be able to call oneself the Saint's successor and establish a Saint foundation. This can be said to be a huge blessing and opportunity. In the future, the Saint's successor might even be able to condense a Saint fetus, open a Law Domain and maybe even… have a peek into the greatness of that Saint."

"A single drop of blood from a Saint can turn into an azure sea."

"When the Saint from back then died, his Saint blood and remains landed in various places, forming several Saint Remains Domains."

"And one of these Saint Remains Domains exists in the Cangmang Continent."

The gray-robed elder chuckled and continued, "Practically every genius of the Cangmang Continent's younger generation is currently training hard in preparation to enter this Saint Remains Domain."

"What's more, I've heard that the Great Wu Empire's crown prince has been arduously training for several years specifically for this event, and is determined to be the final winner."

"Other large empires and great clans are also doing all they can to groom their young talents. Everything is solely for the sake of seizing the greatest gift within the Saint Remains Domain."

"Once the greatest gift is obtained, the six sacred sects of Cangxuan Heaven will turn their attention to you and come to receive you."

"Thank you, elder for his pointer, I had heard the gist of this news before, but you confirmed this information with your pointer."

Zhou Yuan suddenly asked, "Since the Saint Remains Domain is so important, won't the various factions dispatch their powerhouses?"

If the large empires sent Alpha-Origin or even the stronger Divine Dwelling stage practitioners, none of the young geniuses would have a chance no matter how strong they were.

"The Saint's pressure covers the Saint Remains Domain, and the stronger the individual, the greater the suppression faced inside." The gray-robed elder grinned as he continued, "The fear of their cultivation being suppressed and being killed by one of the younger ones makes it such that these powerhouses would not dare to enter so casually."

The old man retrieved a map from his sleeves and said, "This is a map of the entire Cangmang Continent. The location of the Saint Remains Domain has been marked on it. It will likely take several months to reach it from the Great Zhou Empire. Fortunately, there is still half a year till the opening of the Saint Remains Domain so you should be able to make it."

Zhou Yuan received the map and unfurled it. His gaze swept across the map, coming to a stop at the very center where a giant eye-grabbing blood-red area had been marked out.

From the terrain, it looked as if the area had been formed from a drop of blood.

The only thing was that… this drop of blood seemed to be a little too terrifying to imagine.

Zhou Yuan mumbled to himself, "So this is the Saint Remains Domain."

He let out a sigh. He realized that he would have to pass through the territories of dozens of empires to reach his destination.

Even rushing along at full speed would take several months at least.

After the gray-robed elder handed the map to Zhou Yuan, he began to rummage about again in his sleeves. In the end, he fished out a jade tile and threw it to Zhou Yuan.

Zhou Yuan caught it. The word 'Cang' had been carved onto the jade tile.

"What is this?" Asked a puzzled Zhou Yuan as he grasped the jade tile.

The gray-robed old man lazily replied, "If you manage to distinguish yourself in the Saint Remains Ruins, you will naturally find out what it is."

The gray-robed elder suddenly declared, "Kid, I've already said all that I need to. I will be leaving with Su Youwei and her grandfather today."

In the room, Su Youwei tidied up before walking out. The expression on her pretty face had become downcast once again.

She lifted her head, meeting Zhou Yuan's gaze. However, both of them were silent for a time.

"Your Highness, you must remember to look for me in the future!" Said Su Youwei in a soft voice.

Zhou Yuan smiled and nodded. "Don't worry. I will not go back on the promises that I've made."

A bright and beautiful smile appeared on Su Youwei's face when she heard this.

"Let's go."

The gray-robed old man smiled faintly. He shot one last glance at Zhou Yuan but did not say anything. With a wave of his sleeve, a gust of Genesis Qi unfurled, sweeping up Su Youwei and her grandfather as it transformed into a streak of light that soared into the sky.

"Work hard kid, if you fail to distinguish yourself in the Saint Remains Domain, I would advise against looking for her because you'll only be hurting your ego. Haha."

The laughter slowly echoed in Zhou Yuan's ears as the gray-robed old man transformed into a streak of light that dashed into the sky.

Zhou Yuan raised his head and watched the streaks of light vanish into the distance. It was a long while later before he finally withdrew his gaze in a somewhat crestfallen manner. He looked towards the small clean courtyard as he recalled the first time he had sent Su Youwei home…

Back then, she had only been a dirty little girl, but now, her radiance had been revealed and no one knew just how far she would go in the future.

Zhou Yuan smiled faintly before walking out of the small courtyard, slowly closing the doors behind him. The people here had already left, who knew when these doors would open once again?

Su Youwei, I hope that your future will be amazing.

...

"What? You're leaving the Great Zhou Empire?" In the royal palace, Zhou Qing and Qin Yu cried out in surprise when they heard Zhou Yuan's plans.

Zhou Yuan nodded as he placed the map in front of them and pointed at the Saint Remains Domain. "Father, mother, all the geniuses from our continent will be vying for the greatest gift of the Saint Remains Domain, including the Great Wu Empire's Wu Huang. If I miss out on this chance, I will probably regret it for the rest of my life."

"The Saint Remains Domain huh…"

Zhou Qing sighed as he gazed at the map, evidently having heard of this place before. However, the Great Zhou Empire's status was nothing like it had been in the past, and they were naturally no longer able to covet the Saint Remains Domain.

He never expected that Zhou Yuan would still come to know of it from somewhere else.

"Yuan'er, that Saint Remains Domain is extremely far away and your competitors will be geniuses from all kinds of places." Qin Yu seemed to be in pain. How could she not know just how many hardships one needed to face in the struggle for the greatest blessing?

Such struggles would likely be life-or-death battles.

"Does mother not believe in me?" Zhou Yuan smiled.

"Rebellious brat." Qin Yu smiled bitterly. Her son was naturally unrivaled in her heart, but the thought of Zhou Yuan leaving them and bearing all that pressure alone still cut deeply into her heart.

Zhou Qing was silent. Moments later, he said, "Your choice is correct."

He knew how significant this blessing was. If Zhou Yuan managed to obtain it, it would become an incomparably important aid to his future cultivation.

"But it will be very difficult to vie with the other geniuses." Zhou Qing clearly understood that the young individuals who received the full support of their respective factions would be top tier amongst the younger generation.

Zhou Yuan was already a step behind due to the late discovery of his meridian channels. Hence, competing with others would naturally be an uphill challenge.

Zhou Yuan nodded as he grinned and said, "If it was easy, it would not be a worthwhile contest."

Although these people proclaimed themselves as genius he would teach them the real definition of it and put leashes on their necks.

Zhou Yuan said, "Father, you need to quickly and covertly send men to take charge of the Battle Puppet Sect ruins and obtain control of the battle puppet army within. The Great Zhou Empire needs to rapidly strengthen itself and this army will be a huge help against the Great Wu Empire."

"Don't worry, I've already arranged for experts proficient in Genesis Runes to learn how to open the Genesis Rune Boundary from Yaoyao."

"When are you preparing to leave?"

Zhou Yuan lifted his head and peered into the distance where clouds were beginning to gather.

"In three days."

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END

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