I can only beat noobs.

Chapter 248 Fusion
"Such a treasure exists in this world, capable of granting a martial artist the temporary strength of a peak first-grade martial artist?"

Chen Ming leaned forward slightly, appearing very interested, but expressed his doubt.

Tang Yaoyang said with some emotion, "The world is full of wonders. When I first heard my master talk about this, I was just like the sect leader now, unable to believe that such a rare treasure existed in the world."

“My master said that when the old sect leader’s cultivation was not yet fully developed, he used this item to kill a first-rank expert with his third-rank cultivation. Although all those who witnessed the battle have died, the story has been passed down. Many aristocratic families and sects have recorded this event. In the past few years, I have consulted many friends and asked them to verify it. This matter is indeed true.”

Chen Ming still couldn't quite believe it. "Since such a rare treasure exists, why didn't the former sect leader pass it on to his grandson?"

“Jin Yu is of mediocre talent and has been unable to break through to the third rank. His temperament is also extreme. Giving him such a rare treasure will only harm him. Moreover…”

Tang Yaoyang looked at the "Taiyue Sword" again, a hint of fervor inadvertently flashing in his eyes. "If the Taiyue Sword does not recognize its master, then we cannot open that treasure trove."

Chen Ming's breathing quickened, and he asked with a hint of urgency, "Where exactly is that rare treasure hidden?"

Looking at her expression, Tang Yaoyang thought that she had finally taken the bait and said, "Please grant me a request, Sect Leader."

Chen Ming's gaze turned cold. "Are you threatening me?"

"I wouldn't dare. I was just trying to protect myself."

"In that case, you may leave."

"what?"

"Get out!"

Chen Ming flicked his sleeve, and the door swung open with a bang.

Tang Yaoyang was swept away by a powerful gust of wind and flew out of the door, landing on the open ground outside. He was stunned for a moment, never expecting that this woman would turn on him so suddenly.

How could this be?
She was clearly already interested.

hateful!

At that moment, several whooshing sounds rang out, and guards, hearing the commotion, rushed over. Tang Yaoyang dared not linger, concealed himself, and quietly departed.

……

"Sect Leader, there was some commotion here just now, so I came to investigate."

A report came from outside from the guards.

Chen Ming said calmly, "It's nothing, I was just practicing my martial arts. Everyone, you can all leave now."

"Yes."

The people outside quickly left.

He stroked the "Taiyue Sword" with a slight smile on his lips. Tang Yaoyang must have his own purpose in coming to him to inform on him.

He didn't want to know the man's purpose; he just wanted to take the opportunity to find out some information.

The parts about Sun Chuxian should all be true. Since they knew that these people had colorless and odorless poisons and knew the art of curse killing, they could have taken precautions in advance.

As for the treasure that could grant someone peak first-grade strength, he didn't care whether it was real or fake.

It's good to have something like this, but it's okay if you don't. There's no need to risk taking it.

He has a cheat code; it won't be long before he breaks through to the first rank.

The pinnacle of the first rank held little appeal for him.

"continue."

Chen Ming put aside his distracting thoughts, sat cross-legged on the ground, and continued to comprehend the contents of the "Mysterious Earth True Skill".

This technique is in line with the other three chapters, with the Fire, Water, and Wood chapters as its foundation, making it easy to comprehend.

"I see!"

After an unknown amount of time, Chen Ming suddenly realized something, and a notification appeared in his field of vision.

[Detection indicates that "Xuanwu Divine Skill" can be fused into "Five Elements True Skill (Missing)". Fuse?]

It finally happened.

"Yes!"

[The techniques are currently being merged and are expected to take 24 hours. During this time, please do not use your inner energy. Find a place to sit still and do not move around.]

Chen Ming called the man in and instructed him, "I need to practice my skills. No matter what happens, do not disturb me. Anyone who disobeys will be executed!"

Then, he closed the door tightly, bolted it, and waited for the techniques to merge.

……

"Why can't I go to Sister Yuan?"

In the study of the Jiang family's villa, Jiang Yingxue angrily questioned Jiang Jinan. Ever since Chen Ming became the head of Jinyutang, she had tried to visit him several times, but this great-uncle had stopped her each time.

Jiang Jinan said with a stern face, "Her status is different now. She is the head of a sect. How can you just see her whenever you want? If she wants to see you, she will come to you. There is no room for discussion on this matter. Granny Fang, please keep an eye on her."

An old woman behind Jiang Yingxue bowed and agreed.

This Granny Fang had just arrived from the Jiang family. She originally served by her grandmother's side, but after the incident, she was specially assigned to protect her.

Jiang Yingxue was so angry that her nose twisted.

"Alright, go on out, I have things to do." Jiang Jinan dismissed her.

Then, Jiang Yingxue was pulled out of the study by Granny Fang.

Once outside, amidst her anger, a hint of worry crept into her eyes.

She had witnessed countless power struggles and infighting among major forces since childhood, and was well aware of the dangers involved.

Her great-uncle forbade her to go to Jin Yutang, probably because he was worried that she would be in danger there.

Has Jin Yutang's situation gotten this bad?
No, I need to find out about Brother Chen's situation.

Thinking of this, Jiang Yingxue immediately called for someone to come over, "Someone, prepare the car."

Once the carriage was ready, she boarded it with a maid and her ever-present nanny, Fang, and ordered, "Go to the Prince of Zhenhai's residence."

She can't go to Jin Yutang herself, but she can ask someone else to go. Princess Mingyu is a kind-hearted person; she can ask her for help.

……

At the Zhenhai Prince's villa, Princess Mingyu, having been delayed last time, was not in a hurry to return to Qingfeng City and remained in Jiangzhou City. When Jiang Yingxue arrived, she happened to meet Princess Mingyu, who was dressed in men's clothing today. "So it's Sister Jiang. Why didn't you send someone to inform me in advance that you were coming? I could have made preparations."

"Sister Mingyu, I've come to you this time because I have a favor to ask."

"Oh?" Princess Mingyu, seeing her pitiful appearance, dismissed the others, leaving only the two of them, and asked, "What is it?"

"It's about Sister Yuan."

Jiang Yingxue looked worried. "Ever since she came out of that secret realm, she was put in the position of the leader of the Golden Jade Hall. These days have passed, and I haven't heard from her at all. I'm really worried about her. I don't know how she is now. But my great-uncle forbids me from going to see her. So, I can only come to you, sister, for help."

Princess Mingyu's expression turned somewhat solemn upon hearing this, and she said, "I have also heard about the situation at Jin Yutang. I'm afraid that the girl in purple became the leader of Jin Yutang against her will. However, my identity is sensitive, and associating with prestigious sects is quite sensitive. I'm afraid it would be inconvenient for me to visit her."

"Sister Mingyu, I beg you. I really can't find anyone else." Jiang Yingxue was about to kneel down.

Princess Mingyu stepped forward to help her up, saying with a look of pity, "Why did you have to go through this, Sister Jiang? Sigh, alright, I'll go in your place. At most, I'll just get a scolding."

Jiang Yingxue was overjoyed and said gratefully, "Thank you very much, Sister Mingyu."

Princess Mingyu was a decisive person. She immediately called over the person beside her and said, "Go and inform them that I have something to do and cannot go."

She had clearly made an appointment, but chose to stand it up for Jiang Yingxue. This naturally made Jiang Yingxue even more grateful.

……

Jiang Yingxue watched Princess Mingyu's carriage drive towards Jinyutang, feeling somewhat uneasy. Next, she would go home and wait for news from Princess Mingyu.

On the way home, Granny Fang suddenly spoke up, her voice hoarse, "Ninth Miss, you shouldn't get too close to this princess."

"Why?"

Jiang Yingxue was somewhat puzzled. In the Jiang family, there was no taboo against associating with royalty.

Granny Fang said quietly, "This princess has questionable eyesight."

"?"

Jiang Yingxue was extremely puzzled. Her eyes were not straight. What kind of reason was that?
"The way she looks at you is the same way your cousin looks at you."

"what?"

Jiang Yingxue was taken aback at first, then realized what she meant. Instantly, goosebumps rose all over her body, and she stammered, "This...this can't be...right?"

Her cousin, her aunt's youngest son, was a member of the Qin family. Knowing that she was currently in Jiangzhou, he came to fawn over her every day. She was perfectly aware of his intentions.

To say that Princess Yu and her cousin share the same heart, wouldn't that mean—

The thought of this made Jiang Yingxue feel nauseous. She suddenly remembered that the other woman had touched her hand earlier, and she felt so wronged that she wanted to cry. She had been taken advantage of by someone else. How could she face Brother Chen like this?

No, maybe the nanny made a mistake?

She whispered, "Granny, you can't say things like that. A single look doesn't mean anything."

Granny Fang glanced at her and said no more. It was indeed inappropriate to speak ill of a princess. Anyway, it was good that Ninth Miss understood.

……

Upon hearing that Princess Mingyu had arrived, Sun Chuxian personally came out to greet her, saying, "I was unaware of Your Highness's arrival. Please forgive my failure to greet you properly."

Princess Mingyu, dressed in men's clothing, looked handsome and elegant, exuding an air of nobility. She smiled and said, "I am an old acquaintance of your gang leader, so there is no need for formalities."

"I see. Your Highness, please come in."

Sun Chuxian suddenly realized and welcomed the person inside, not daring to be negligent in the slightest.

He had naturally investigated Yuan Ziyi's background and knew that she knew Princess Mingyu and had some connection with her. He just didn't expect that Princess Mingyu would actually come to visit him in person.

It's important to know that the royal family has a prohibition against imperial relatives associating with prominent local families and powerful clans. This is to prevent the imperial family from colluding with powerful forces, which could lead to a situation that is difficult to control.

Although she was a princess and had fewer restrictions, she was still somewhat wary of such things.

It's clear that she has a close relationship with the sect leader.

Sun Chuxian and others welcomed Princess Mingyu to the main hall and treated her as an honored guest.

He said with a troubled expression, "Your Highness's timing is truly unfortunate. The sect leader is currently at a crucial stage of her training and has already given orders that no one should disturb her, no matter what happens. What do you think..."

Princess Mingyu raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? It seems I've made a wasted trip today."

Sun Chuxian wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said, "How about this, I'll send someone to inform the sect leader and see how he reacts."

"can."

Before long, the messenger returned with a reply: "The sect leader said that it is inconvenient to meet at this moment. He will personally visit Her Highness the Princess tomorrow. He also instructed me to apologize on her behalf for any neglect of the Princess and hope that she will not take offense."

Princess Mingyu was not offended. Instead, she smiled and said, "Of course, practicing martial arts is more important. I'm not that angry. In that case, I will wait for you at the manor tomorrow."

After saying this, he took his leave.

……

After Princess Mingyu left, the Second Elder said with some worry, "I didn't expect her to have such a relationship with Princess Mingyu. Will this affect our grand plan?"

This Princess Mingyu is quite remarkable; she comes from a noble family and is greatly favored by the palace. For this trip to Jiangzhou, she even sent an old monster at the Divine Realm to protect her.

If she intends to interfere, things will get complicated.

"It doesn't matter."

Sun Chuxian remained calm. "She's a member of the royal family. No matter how willful she is, she wouldn't dare to interfere in local affairs. With Pan Zhiyuan keeping an eye on things, there's nothing to worry about. On the other hand, why did the sect leader suddenly go into seclusion? Is it related to what happened last night?"

The Second Elder frowned and said, "There is indeed something strange about this matter."

Sun Chuxian's gaze was serious. "I don't know why, but since last night, I've felt uneasy. Our sect leader's background is unknown, which makes me uneasy."

"what do you mean?"

"Isn't she going to the Zhenhai Prince's Mansion tomorrow? You personally take action and cripple her cultivation."

"Alright, leave it to me." The Second Elder licked his lips excitedly.

Sun Chuxian warned him, "Be careful, this woman is quite capable, don't let yourself be caught off guard."

"Haha, if I can't even handle a second-rank girl, then all my training in this life has been for nothing!"

P.S.: This is 700,000 words. Just noting it down. Requesting monthly votes.

(End of this chapter)