Chapter 253: Who Was Provoked?

Chapter 253: Who Was Provoked?

The path of martial cultivation is extremely arduous. The higher one's realm, the greater the difficulty of advancement. One must tread steadily, step by step, ensuring each foundation is solid to unlock greater potential in the future.

A martial artist's innate talent can be altered, but it must be done before reaching the Earthly Venerable Realm. Once one steps into the Earthly Venerable Realm, the martial body is nearly solidified, and attempting to enhance one's innate talent afterward becomes a hundred—no, a thousand—times more difficult than before.

Thus, Ning Xiaochuan cherished the Transcendent Realm's nine layers, striving to refine each layer to its utmost limit, aiming for talent that could be called "once in ten thousand years."

"If I can achieve 'Blood Qi Like a Dragon' before reaching the Earthly Venerable Realm, I should be close to that legendary level of talent," Ning Xiaochuan mused as he refined Transcendent Pills and absorbed the innate Blood Qi from the Blood Toad Wood Tree, tempering the blood within his body.

The so-called "Blood Qi Like a Dragon" meant that a single drop of blood from his body could transform into a blood dragon.

A blood dragon possessed the power to topple city walls.

At present, each drop of Ning Xiaochuan's blood could manifest into two blood tigers.

This was already considered remarkable in the martial world—something even some Martial Venerables couldn't achieve.

But it was still far from "Blood Qi Like a Dragon." Ning Xiaochuan would need to cultivate until each drop of blood could manifest into ten blood tigers before he could refine ten tigers into a dragon.

The Blood Toad Wood Tree provided him immense assistance, rapidly enhancing the quality of his Blood Qi, expelling impurities from his body, and strengthening the power contained within his blood.

Two full days passed. Ning Xiaochuan completely refined the Pill Qi of the Transcendent Pills, yet his cultivation hadn't made a major breakthrough—he remained at the Transcendent Realm Fourth Layer. However, the Blood Qi within his body had grown denser, steadily progressing toward "Three Blood Tigers Per Drop," though he hadn't yet fully reached the stage where a single drop of blood could manifest three divine tigers.

If he continued cultivating under the Blood Toad Wood Tree, Ning Xiaochuan was confident he could reach the "Three Blood Tigers Per Drop" level within a month. But now, he had more pressing matters to attend to.

Martial prowess was undoubtedly important, but unless one reached invincibility, protecting family and friends—or even dealing with enemies—required the support of one's own forces.

Though Ning Xiaochuan possessed extraordinary martial talent, it was impossible for him to become an invincible powerhouse in a short time. How, then, could he contend with the cunning and ruthless Yue Wuyang? How could he oppose the Jade Emperor, who viewed the Jian Pavilion Marquis House as a mortal threat? And what of the Millennium Ancient Demon, who sought to tear out his heart?

The answer was simple: he had to establish his own faction.

Only by building a force strong enough could he survive the encirclement of numerous enemies and protect those he cared about.

"What is the current situation at Yunhu Gathering?" Ning Xiaochuan asked.

Xie Mengyao reported, "The Crown Prince and Fire God Child have both returned to the Imperial City. The Situ Family has recalled all their martial artists from training abroad. It seems they intend to fight Ghost Manor to the death. Manor Lord, it appears the Crown Prince and the Kirin Prince's Manor have already abandoned the Situ Family. Should we seize this opportunity to uproot them completely?"

Her gaze flickered toward Situ Fengwu not far away, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Situ Fengwu glared fiercely at Xie Mengyao, thinking her schemes were far too vicious—she was clearly trying to take advantage of the situation to wipe out the entire Situ Family.

She quickly interjected, "Manor Lord, you mustn’t listen to her nonsense. The Situ Family has thrived for over five hundred years, with deep roots not only in the Imperial City but also significant influence throughout the entire Yulan Empire. If Ghost Manor truly clashes head-on with the Situ Family, both sides will suffer heavy losses."

"Although the Situ Family has lost many excellent Forging Masters and forging equipment, if you think this means they’ve lost their value and will be abandoned by the Kirin Prince's Manor, you are gravely mistaken. The Situ Family became the largest forging family in the Imperial City not just by relying on a few Forging Masters and some forging tools."

Ning Xiaochuan said, "The Crown Prince and the Kirin Prince's Manor have retreated to the Imperial City as a tactical withdrawal—luring the snake out of its hole. If we actually attack the Situ Family, we might be walking right into their trap."

"Manor Lord is wise. This subordinate failed to consider that," Xie Mengyao said.

Ning Xiaochuan asked, "How are things at the mines?"

Xie Mengyao smiled. "Everything is proceeding according to your arrangements. Ghost Manor’s martial artists raid the mining pits daily, specifically targeting rare ores. Our people have also blocked all major routes around the mines. Even if they manage to extract ores, they can’t transport them out—and if they do, we seize them."

"I’ve heard this has driven a certain high-ranking figure in the Kirin Prince's Manor to fury. They’ve even dispatched the military to escort the ores."

"But our people set up ambushes along the way, leaving the military battered and suffering heavy casualties. I suspect it won’t be long before the Kirin Prince's Manor abandons those mines."

"You’re far too naive. Mountains are the foundation of nobility. Even if they turn the mines into forbidden zones guarded by the military, they’d never willingly surrender them to Ghost Manor," Situ Fengwu said coldly.

Ning Xiaochuan stood up, gazing toward the direction of the Imperial City. "Both of you, accompany me back to the Imperial City."

Clip-clop.

A Green Deer Horse Carriage departed from Ghost Manor and soon entered the gates of the Imperial City. After winding through the streets for three turns, it finally entered the Sword Intent Martial Academy through the back gate.

The Head of Sword Intent Martial Academy, having already confirmed Ning Xiaochuan’s identity with the Old Marquis, immediately stepped forward upon seeing his carriage. "Greetings, Special Envoy."

Ning Xiaochuan remained seated inside the carriage without stepping out. "Deliver a message to the Marquis for me: ask him to personally negotiate with the Kirin Prince about 'purchasing the mines at a high price.'"

The Head of Sword Intent Martial Academy asked, "May I ask which mines you refer to, Special Envoy?"

Ning Xiaochuan replied, "The Seven Border Markets, including the Yunhu Gathering."

The Head of Sword Intent Martial Academy frowned slightly. "That’s the largest cluster of mines around the Imperial City. Even if the Marquis personally intervenes, the Kirin Prince may not agree to sell."

"In the past, he wouldn’t. But now, if we offer a high enough price, the Kirin Prince will definitely sell."

With those words, Ning Xiaochuan ordered the carriage to depart from the Sword Intent Martial Academy and re-enter the bustling streets of the Imperial City.

The interior of the carriage was remarkably spacious, with a fragrant carpet spread across the floor. A sandalwood table stood atop the carpet, bearing a pot of exquisite wine.

Ning Xiaochuan sat on the soft fragrant carpet, deep in thought about how to rebuild a larger forging base after acquiring the mines. To be precise, it should be a forging sanctuary belonging to the Jian Pavilion Marquis House.

Xie Mengyao's delicate figure leaned against his chest, her long black hair cascading over him. Her slender, snow-white jade fingers lifted a bronze wine cup to Ning Xiaochuan's lips.

This was the first time Ning Xiaochuan had been attended to by such a bewitchingly beautiful woman, and it was indeed an immense pleasure. Thus, he did not refuse.

Xie Mengyao exuded a faint, alluring fragrance. Her arms were soft and smooth, her curves full and enticing, her waist as slender as a willow. Every movement carried an endless allure.

Situ Fengwu sat at the other end of the carriage, poised and elegant, her demeanor noble and aloof. She disapproved of Xie Mengyao's wanton and seductive behavior.

"Ghost Manor didn’t appear out of nowhere—it must have ties to a Marquis House. But which one?" Situ Fengwu didn’t know whom Ning Xiaochuan had been speaking with earlier, but she had keenly caught the words "Marquis."

"Whoever purchased the mines must be the Marquis House connected to Ghost Manor. Once I deliver this information to the Crown Prince, Ghost Manor will be doomed. This would be a great merit for His Highness, and he would surely be delighted. Perhaps he might even marry me as his Crown Princess immediately." A vision of the Crown Prince's peerless grace flashed through Situ Fengwu's mind, and a faint blush colored her fair cheeks.

Ning Xiaochuan naturally noticed her expression but pretended not to see it.

Later, Ning Xiaochuan went to Lingjian Pavilion to discuss the "establishment of a forging sanctuary" with Liu Wenyu. Their conversation lasted well into the quiet of the night before he departed, secretly driving to the Jade Viewing Tower.

The Jade Viewing Tower was the best place to hide.

As Ning Xiaochuan entered the rear courtyard of the Jade Viewing Tower and approached the small courtyard where Yu Ningsheng resided, he heard the harmonious music of qin and se.

The qin's melody was elegant and enchanting, lingering in the air like an ethereal dream.

The se's notes were deep and melancholic, evoking a subtle sorrow.

Even Ning Xiaochuan, who had only a superficial understanding of music, couldn’t help but marvel at the exquisite performance.

Upon entering the courtyard, he saw a young man and woman dressed in white sitting in the bamboo pavilion—the man handsome and refined, the woman pure and dignified. They sat facing each other on a stone platform, their instruments blending seamlessly with strands of Profound Qi and soundwaves, creating an indescribably beautiful scene.

The moment they noticed Ning Xiaochuan entering, the two immediately stopped playing.

Yu Ningsheng acted as if she didn’t see Ning Xiaochuan, her starry eyes fixed solely on Xiao Yizhi, her gaze tender as water. "Young Master Xiao truly lives up to his reputation as the Imperial City’s top scholar. Your qin playing is graceful, ethereal, and mesmerizing. Your unparalleled talent leaves Ningsheng in awe."

Xiao Yizhi glanced briefly at Ning Xiaochuan before rising to his feet and bowing respectfully. "So Lady Ningsheng has already arranged to meet with the Minor Marquis. Yizhi shall take his leave now. Another time, perhaps, we may play 'Xiao Xiang' together again."

Xiao Yizhi was well aware of Yu Ningsheng's true motive for inviting him to play music—it wasn’t about the music itself, but rather to provoke Ning Xiaochuan. However, he had to tread carefully. If the provocation went too far, his life might be at stake.

Though he was one of the Imperial City's Ten Outstanding Youths, he dared not provoke the Minor Marquis of the Jian Pavilion Marquis House. Moreover, this Minor Marquis held the Imperial Authority Token. If angered, even if he killed Xiao Yizhi, there would be no recourse.

Yu Ningsheng’s beautiful eyes flickered toward Ning Xiaochuan, observing whether he would show jealousy or care.

Ning Xiaochuan did feel a sour pang in his heart, but he wasn’t irrational enough to grab Xiao Yizhi and beat him up. After all, theirs was a friendship of mutual respect, shared understanding, and musical appreciation. If he resorted to violence, it would only make him seem petty.

Seeing Ning Xiaochuan frozen in place, Yu Ningsheng felt quite pleased.

A faint satisfaction rose in her heart—So you don’t care? Do you still not care now?

But the next moment, the smile vanished from her face.

Two stunningly beautiful women followed Ning Xiaochuan into the courtyard.

They were both peerless beauties—one enchantingly seductive, the other pure and elegant—like a pair of flawless jades.

"Manor Lord, what is this place? Why haven’t you brought me here before?" Xie Mengyao’s voice was soft and alluring, dripping with charm. Her slender jade-like arm hooked around Ning Xiaochuan’s wrist, their intimate gesture making her seem like his little lover.

Ning Xiaochuan hadn’t expected her to be so bold in front of others.

From afar, within the bamboo pavilion, Yu Ningsheng’s gaze grew increasingly icy, sending a chill down Xie Mengyao’s spine—as if a venomous snake had locked onto her, ready to strike at any moment.