Chapter 26 - Canglan County, Wei Qingqing

Canglan County was situated on the southwest border of the Great Zhou Empire.

By the time Zhou Yuan and his group reached the outskirts of the city, half a month had already passed.

Zhou Yuan observed the gigantic city from the carriage. Compared to the grandness of Great Zhou City, Canglan City seemed a little menacing. It was after all close to the border and had a first-row seat to the skirmishes that constantly broke out. Hence, a taunt aura of vigilance naturally surrounded the place.

In addition, the majority of the passersby gave off a faint bloody scent and varying Genesis Qi undulations.

Canglan County neighboured Blackwater, and only god knew how many Genesis Masters gathered here first before heading to Blackwater to hunt Genesis Beasts or search for other opportunities. The Black Forest Mountain Range Zhou Yuan had gone to previously was practically a child in comparison.

Lu Tieshan rode over on his horse and reported in a strong voice, "Your Highness, Canglan City is just ahead, but we cannot enter the city because our numbers are too many, and have to head for the neighboring Canglan barracks instead."

Zhou Yuan nodded. "It's getting late. We'll go to the barracks and visit General Wei tomorrow."

Lu Tieshan acknowledged and turned around to pass the order. Soon after, the thousand-man group transformed into a rumbling flood that flowed past the city, heading straight for the barracks.

The approach of unfamiliar troops naturally drew a response from the Canglan barracks. Dozens of riders quickly exited the barracks and rode towards Zhou Yuan.

"Who goes there!"

The riders blocked their path, a commander in red armor at their head. As Lu Tieshan and the rest approached, they realized that the commander was a girl.

"A captain of the imperial guard, Lu Tieshan." Lu Tieshan gazed at the riders as he continued in a stern voice, "We have come on orders of the king and plan to enter Canglan barracks."

"So it's captain Lu." The face of the red armor girl thawed slightly. It was clear that she had received news of their arrival. "Wei Qingqing greets you."

Wei Canglan had a son and a daughter whose name was Wei Qingqing.

"So it's General Wei's daughter." Lu Tieshan cupped his fists together.

Upon hearing this, Wei Qingqing indifferently said, "The only one present here is Canglan army's second-in-command Wei Qingqing, there is no general Wei's daughter."

Lu Tieshan seemed to choke for a moment, to teach this girl a lesson, Zhou Yuan immediately said, " I see, Captain Lu let's head straight to General Wei since she is not his daughter, as his daughter was supposed to receive us."

Even Yao Yao and Su Youwei had weird faces as they likely found the girl's statement idiotic, she was denying her biological heritage to make herself look cool.

Wei Qingqing's face turned red as she sputtered, "Y-You.."

To diffuse the conflict Lu Tieshan quickly intervened, "This is his highness Zhou Yuan. He has come with me this time."

Hearing this Wei Qingqing calmed down. She had originally never heard of the latter, but he had become quite a hot topic recently after the class ranking exam at the Great Zhou Institute. Word on the street was that their once crippled and unable-to-cultivate prince had defeated Qi Manor's second prince, Qi Yue.

However, her brows quickly knitted together because she had spotted Yaoyao and Su Youwei at Zhou Yuan's side. The two were extremely beautiful and made him look like one of those frivolous princes.

"So, it is prince Zhou Yuan." Due to having a bad first impression, Wei Qingqing's face was stoic as she cupped her hands together while shaking her head inside. Looks like someone must have pulled some strings in the class ranking exam.

She was truly unable to believe how a frivolous prince who would even bring along two beauties on a trip would be able to defeat Qi Yue, who was rumored to be rather talented. He only had a sharp tongue.

Ever since young, Wei Qingqing had a rather strong character and hated those scummy men who indulged in pretty women. Else she would never have become a part of the Canglan army with her identity as a woman.

"Follow me. I will arrange a place for all of you to stay." Wei Qingqing did not wait for Zhou Yuan to reply and immediately turned her horse around.

"Let's go Your Highness. We have no choice but to keep a low profile on someone else's territory." Lu Tieshan advised, afraid that Zhou Yuan had been angered. After all, their biggest goal was to bring Wei Canglan to their side. If Zhou Yuan fell out with Wei Qingqing here, it would likely worsen Wei Canglan's image of them.

But Zhou Yuan didn't care how she viewed him as in his opinion she was just a conceited toad who had never seen the world outside her well, and he also didn't care if he angered her.

"Just now, the woman looked at you with a wrong look."

Yaoyao, who was beside Zhou Yuan, suddenly said, and because her voice was small, only two people and one beast heard it.

"I noticed it. She probably thought of me as a romantic prince who travels with a beauty."

Zhou Yuan didn't have a good impression of these kinds of people who assumed things about people at first glance.

Their IQs are probably lower than the room temperature. (27 Celsius)

"Let's go."

Zhou Yuan waved his hand, indicating for the troops behind to follow. They quickly caught up to Wei Qingqing and entered the enormous Canglan army barracks.

A thousand imperial guards poured into the barracks, drawing the attention of countless eyes as they passed. However, the majority of these gazes were filled with curiosity and provocation.

The three strongest armies in the Great Zhou Empire were known to be the imperial guards, King Qi's army, and the Canglan army.

As troops that were equally well known for being the strongest, the Canglan army soldiers were naturally sizing up the imperial guards, hoping to see if the latter truly had the qualifications to be as famous as themselves.

While Zhou Yuan and the group advanced, the crowd in front of them suddenly parted as several figures emerged.

Wei Qingqing dismounted upon seeing them and muttered something under her breath.

Zhou Yuan and Lu Tieshan also walked forward at this moment.

Wei Qingqing turned around and said, "These are the officers of the Canglan army, and this is my elder cousin, Wei.. "

"Not interested, no need to introduce, I'm too lazy to know her."

She pointed towards a certain woman as she spoke. The latter was also clothed in a set of soft armor that did nothing to hide her sexy figure. However, her facial features were not as pretty as Wei Qingqing's. Wei Ting's eyes swept across Zhou Yuan as a superficial smile emerged on her lips. "I'm hurt that the Prince doesn't want to know me. It must be so nice to have two beauties accompany you even on such a long journey."

A tall and slim young man walked forward from the woman's side. He wore a set of white armor while his helmet was currently tucked under his arm, displaying a handsome smiling face.

Faint but powerful Genesis Qi pulsed around him, evidence that he was a Qi Nourishing stage expert. Moreover, it was the advanced Qi Nourishing stage!

Under Zhou Yuan's watching eyes, the white armored man approached with a smile and said, "You are Prince Zhou Yuan? We can be said to have met before."

The white armor youth grinned as he extended a hand towards Zhou Yuan, however, the former's gaze was akin to a snake's.

"I am Qi Hao. I heard that my disappointing younger brother has been crippled by your highness?"

However, Zhou Yuan did not extend his hand, and merely replied, "It is in your blessings that he was not killed but only crippled, and it was his lack of ability in a fight that led to it."

Speaking of Qi Yue he was as good as dead, as Zhou Yuan had left a strand of Dragon Resentment Poison in his body.

Which would burst out in about 2-3 months if not removed.

According to Zhou Yuan, a good enemy is a dead enemy, he liked to be thorough when dealing with pests and insects so they do not bite back in the future.

Hearing this Qi Hao's face turned dark but he soon smiled he nodded in acknowledgement. "Indeed, that brat deserves to be crippled."

He looked straight at Zhou Yuan and continued in a seemingly genuine voice, "Us Canglan army brothers are very happy to hear that our guests today are the imperial guards. Your Highness must attend the welcome party tonight."

"Moreover, we army people are rather straightforward. If Your Highness is unable to make it, I'm afraid that everyone will feel that Your Highness is looking down on them."

"I see then, do tell them that I am indeed looking down on them, as I have much more important things to do.", Zhou Yuan replied in a seemingly Indiferrent Tone.

All the people except for Su Youwei and Yaoyao were shocked at Zhou Yuan's statement.

Wei Qingqing and Wei Ting's faces were now red from anger.

Zhou Yuan ignored several people and walked straight to the empty tents.

Yaoyao and Su Youwei naturally followed Zhou Yuan.

"I should warn your Highness about something first. Canglan County is right next to Blackwater, it won't be strange for even a prince to die here. Hence, your Highness must be careful in this place.", Qi Hao said in a Cold Tone.

Zhou Yuan stopped for a moment and turned his head to look at Qi Hao and his entourage with his eyes that were now just like a dragon, "Then you should be even more careful. Since if even a prince can die then, a son of a dog can die in this place as well."

Zhou Yuan said it lightly but Qi Hao and the people around him were terrified due to the murderous intent and Aura rolling of Zhou Yuan in waves.

After saying this Zhou Yuan continued walking.

As Zhou Yuan had said he had no time for these games as he had to consolidate his Cultivation and make some preparations for tomorrow.

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The next day.

Lu Tieshan and his group followed Wei Qingqing to General Wei's mansion.

"General Wei, Lu Tieshan has met you."

As soon as they met, Lu Tieshan saluted with his fists, very respectfully.

Wei Canglan raised his head and looked at the group. His gaze paused on Zhou Yuan for a moment as he rose and said in an indifferent voice, "Wei Canglan greets his highness, Zhou Yuan."

Zhou Yuan replied indifferently: "My father asked me to say hello to you on his behalf."

Just as Wei Canglan was about to reply he was interrupted by Wei Qingqing.

"Dad! Qi Hao is here with Master Ying, who is proficient in the third-grade Genesis Runes! My brother can be saved!"

Hearing his Daughter, Wei Canglan turned his gaze towards Qi Hao and the elder beside him. "I believe that this honored guest is Master Ying right? I have long heard of you."

His cold face grew much kinder at this moment, clearly aimed at Master Ying.

"Greetings great general."

Master Ying withdrew his arrogance in front of Wei Canglan, respectfully bowing as he cupped his fists together.

Wei Canglan asked, "I heard from my little girl that master is adept in the art of Genesis Runes and specializes in poison expelling Genesis Runes?"

Master Ying smiled slightly as he answered, "General's son has been afflicted by the Devil Miasma Poison, right? I once encountered this poison while in Blackwater and ultimately managed to neutralize it."

Upon hearing these words, Wei Qingqing's face immediately filled with joy, growing respect in her eyes as she looked at Master Ying. Even a smile had emerged on Wei Canglan's solemn face.

Wei Canglan cupped his fists and said, "Then we'll have to trouble Master Ying. I will be greatly thankful if you cure my son!"

Qi Hao smiled a little at this moment. "Great general need not be so courteous. It's mostly thanks to my father that we managed to invite Master Ying this time."

Wei Canglan's expression fluctuated for a moment. Qi Hao's words were clear. Accepting Master Ying's help would be akin to accepting Qi Manor's goodwill.

Although this did not mean that they would now side with Qi Manor, Canglan County's neutral position would be slightly affected.

Wei Canglan shot a glance at Zhou Yuan as he hesitated for a while. However, his love for his only son ultimately won and he said in a low voice, "Then I'll have to thank Qi Manor for their kindness. If my son is cured, I will surely pay a visit to give my thanks."

A grin was revealed on Qi Hao's face as he covetedly swept a pleased glance at Zhou Yuan. If Wei Canglan visited Qi Manor, it would undoubtedly signal to numerous factions that the great general's faction was no longer neutral.

This would undoubtedly affect the Great Zhou Empire's current state of affairs.

Zhou Yuan was expressionless, it did not matter whether the General joined Qi manor as he would destroy them all the same and one Alpha Origin practitioner could not hinder him in that process.

Wei Canglan was rather anxious as his gaze turned towards Master Ying. "There is no time to lose, please start the treatment."

Master Ying responded with an indifferent nod.

Zhou Yuan glanced at Wei Qingqing and Wei Canglan and felt that both of them were extremely pathetic, they were being so thoroughly deceived and yet did not even have any clue about it.

Especially Wei Canglan, his vision was too narrow and he did not see the bigger picture.

They then entered a courtyard in which a young boy was lying on a bed.

Wei Canglan tenderly gazed at the young boy as he walked forward and gently stroked the latter's head. Subsequently, hope-filled eyes turned towards Master Ying. "Please help him master."

Master Ying strutted over as Wang Canglan hastily gave up his seat. After being seated, Master Ying looked at the black spots on Wei Bin's body and said, "The poison has already entered deep into the bone. This is very serious indeed. If delayed any longer, I'm afraid that he would no longer be able to keep his life."

The moment these words were said, Wei Qingqing paled, while Wei Canglan's expression changed.

"Master, you have to save my little brother!" Wei Qingqing begged with red eyes.

Qi Hao stepped forward, his hand landing on Wei Qingqing's shoulder as he consoled in a soft voice, "Don't worry Qingqing, Master Ying will save him."

Wei Qingqing promptly nodded, taking no notice of the hand that was now on her shoulder.

Master Ying smiled as he nodded and pridefully said, "General Wei and Miss Wei can rest easy. Since I have come, I'm naturally confident in dealing with the poison."

"Undress young master Wei." Master Ying instructed with a wave of his hand.

A servant girl immediately stepped forward from the side and very carefully removed Wei Bin's clothes, revealing the black dots and pale body underneath.

Master Ying retrieved a dark grey Genesis Brush from his waist, concentrating slightly as the brush descended. The brush tip flickered as it slowly painted cryptic stroke after stroke on Wei Bin's body.

"Let's watch a show"

Zhou Yuan asked the two women to sit on the chairs, and he sat on the table.

Wei Qingqing's and Wei Canglan's faces were filled with anxiety and hope, while Qi Hao wore a faint smile. There was a pleased look in his eyes as he looked towards Zhou Yuan and the rest from time to time as if victory was already in his grasp.

While varying expressions decorated everyone's faces, Yaoyao carried Tuntun in her arms, her beautiful face indifferent and her bright eyes faintly flickering as she observed the Genesis Rune being drawn by Master Ying.

The room was stiflingly silent and no one dared to speak. The only noise that could be heard was the nearly inaudible rustle of Master Ying's Genesis Rune Brush across the skin.

As time slowly flowed, an extremely complicated rune began to emerge on Wei Bin's body. The rune extended across half of his body and gave off a faint yet astonishing aura.

"It's a grade 3 Genesis Rune!" There was a grave expression on Wei Canglan's face. Soon after, he remarked with a sigh of admiration, "But it looks to be a support type rune, so little Bin's weak body should be able to handle its power."

With one last hooking motion, Master Ying's brush tip completed the final stroke. If one took a look at this moment, one would see a mysterious glow emerge from the now-complete Genesis Rune. The light spread a little before shrinking back, burrowing into Wei Bin's body.

Wei Bin released a groan of pain as he tightly clenched his fists.

Upon seeing this, Wei Qingqing anxiously called out, "Little brother!"

Master Ying smiled faintly and said, "No need to worry Miss Wei, my Genesis Rune has begun neutralizing the poison, a process that will be a little painful."

Wei Qingqing nodded when she heard his explanation. She could only try to restrain the worry in her heart though her gaze never budged an inch from Wei Bin.

A long and tense wait ensued before everyone discovered that the black spots on Wei Bin's body had indeed started to show signs of receding. In a short few minutes, the originally appalling black dots had completely vanished.

"The Devil Miasma Poison has been neutralized?!" Wei Qingqing's shocked voice rang out as joy flooded her face.

Wei Canglan's eyes were wide open, his fists tightly clenched, his heart trembling with emotion.

Master Ying proudly said, "I came across this grade 3 Genesis Rune by chance. It is known as the Poison Neutralization Rune and is capable of neutralizing all poisons, even one as domineering as the Devil Miasma Poison."

Wei Canglan nodded as he sighed in admiration, "The Poison Neutralization Rune is indeed very formidable. Although it is only grade 3, it has managed to dispel even the Black Venom King's Devil Miasma Poison."

He looked towards Master Ying and respectfully cupped his fists. "Master Ying is truly the benefactor of my Wei family."

Wei Qingqing also hastily bowed towards Master Ying.

Master Ying responded with a light smile, "I came here at the request of another."

Wei Canglan could not help but sigh in his heart as he glanced at the smiling Qi Hao and the expressionless Zhou Yuan. This debt of gratitude was far too great.

Wei Canglan said, "Your Highness, you should temporarily stay in the barracks. A storm is stirring over Canglan County and all sorts of characters have gathered here. The barracks is the safest place for you."

Lu Tieshan's expression changed slightly. Did Weird Canglan intend to confine them to the barracks? If so, how would they be able to vie for the Fire Spirit Grain and Jade Infant Fruit?

Qi Hao had a faint smile on his face as he looked towards Zhou Yuan, a toying smile overflowing with mockery.

Wei Qingqing sighed inwardly and shook her head.

"What are all of you so happy about?" As the atmosphere grew heavier, an indifferent yet melodious voice was heard. Everyone turned, only to find that it was Yaoyao who had spoken.

Qi Hao chuckled and said, "Hehe, young master Wei's poison has been successfully neutralized and is on route to a full recovery. Is this not a matter worth celebrating?"

Yaoyao stroked Tuntun's fur as she said, "It would certainly be a happy event if the poison was fully neutralized, but I'm afraid that such superficial effort would instead hurt him even more."

The expression of everyone in the room changed the moment these words were said.

Master Ying was the first to react. His expression frosty as he scolded in anger, "Little girl, what nonsense are you spouting!", after taking a few steps toward Yaoyao, his hands raised as he was ready to attack. 

Crack

Suddenly, a sound of bone cracking rang through the room, followed by Master Ying's howl.

Zhou Yuan was standing in front of Yaoyao with his fists raised, his face was reeking of anger.

"You Bastard you dare try to touch her", His voice was so cold that several people in the room shivered.

Just as Zhou Yuan was about to take further action, he was stopped by Yaoyao.

Wei Canglan frowned deeply, his eyes like a lion's as he stared at Yaoyao. "What do you mean young miss? If you are spouting nonsense, I'm afraid that I will have to teach you a lesson even if you are part of his highness' entourage."

"Try it General and you will buried where you stand.", Zhou Yuan said releasing his spirit Pressure along with Tuntun who was now releasing a ferocious Aura.

"Don't do anything for now Zhou Yuan.", Yaoyao said as she started walking towards the bed her eyes swept over Wei Bin while her red lips parted slightly, "Poison Neutralization Rune? What a joke."

Master Ying's rage swelled as he shouted while holding his broken hand, "Are you blind little girl? Do you see any traces of poison on his body? Do not blame me for being rude if you continue to utter such unreasonable nonsense!"

By the side, Wei Qingqing's brows were also furrowed. There was currently a hint of healthy rosiness on Wei Bin's pale face, a sign that the poison had indeed been successfully neutralized. Wei Canglan's expression was stern because he had checked previously and the Devil Miasma Poison had indeed disappeared from Wei Bin's body.

Yaoyao continued to ignore Master Ying's bellowing and instead indifferently said to Wei Canglan, "Poke a needle three inches above the tailbone."

Master Ying's pupils seemed to shrink when he heard these words. He immediately faced Wei Canglan and said in a low voice, "Great general, I was invited to provide my services, not to be told off by a little girl."

Qi Hao also spoke up, "Great General, Master Ying rushed here from far away to save young master Wei. It will be really cold to doubt him at this point."

Wei Canglan's expression fluctuated for some time. He ultimately cupped his fists towards Master Ying and said, "Please accommodate me Master Ying, I will seek justice on your behalf if I find that they are slandering you."

"Bring me a silver needle!"

Wei Canglan icily shouted and a servant girl immediately brought over a silver needle.

Wei Canglan grabbed the needle and approached the bed as he confirmed in a low voice, "Three inches above the tailbone?"

Yaoyao replied indifferently, "All of the Devil Miasma Poison has been forced into that very spot by Master Ying. No other place will work, it has to be here."

Wei Canglan took one long and deep look at Yaoyao before decisively taking action. The needle in his hand instantly pierced the spot three inches above Wei Bin's tailbone. Half of the needle disappeared, before being slowly drawn out.

Everyone's expressions abruptly changed the instant the needle emerged.

The tip of the needle was pitch-black and gave off a pungent smell.

It was the Devil Miasma Poison!

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END

3948 Words