320: Chapter 314 Liu Shengli's daughter, Liu Xuan

Chen Zhiwen chuckled softly.

He slowly stood up, walked to the window, and through the gap in the curtains, watched Wan Xingwang's retreating figure.

Everything was already clear. Wan Xingwang going to find Xia Yu was obviously not to drink tea and chat.

He was going to ask for reinforcements, and also to seek protection.

"The Xia Family and the Wan Family..."

Chen Zhiwen narrowed his eyes.

Regarding the relationship between these two families, he had heard some rumors from Huang Yu before.

Generations of intermarriage, living as neighbors.

Although it was rumored that the Xia Family was somewhat weak, to outsiders, these two families were allies who were inseparable.

Since the Young Lord Wan Xingwang had spoken up,

that old fellow named Xia Yu, no matter how reluctant he might be, would likely not sit idly by.

"I originally just wanted to crush an ant in passing."

Chen Zhiwen's fingers tapped lightly against the window lattice, making a "tap-tap" sound.

"I didn't expect this ant to actually bring a rock."

His tone was very calm.

There was no fear, nor panic.

It even carried a trace of excitement, like a hunter discovering that the prey had become plumper.

"Then let's reunite in the Yellow Springs together."

Chen Zhiwen's gaze turned cold.

Originally, he didn't have any intent to kill that Xia Yu.

After all, they had no grudges, and he was not the kind of Devil Head who slaughtered the innocent indiscriminately.

However,

since you want to get involved, and since you want to act as a protective umbrella for my enemy,

then don't blame me for being impolite.

The Cultivation world is just like this.

If you stand on the wrong side, you have to pay the price.

Moreover...

Chen Zhiwen's gaze fell once again on the location of private room no. 1.

In his mind, he recalled the fluctuations of aura on Xia Yu just now,

as well as the trace of greed that Xia Yu tried his best to conceal the moment the stunning spirit stone appeared.

"A spiritual treasure of heaven and earth like the stunning spirit stone is rarely found alone."

As a former Artifact Refining Grandmaster, Chen Zhiwen knew the habits of Ores like the back of his hand.

"In the same mineral vein, within the same mine cave, it is common for two to three pieces to be produced concurrently."

"Since that Xia Yu cared so much about this stone, yet held back and didn't make a move at the final moment,"

"the greatest possibility is..."

A sharp glint flashed in Chen Zhiwen's eyes.

"It is highly likely that he is already hiding a second stunning spirit stone on his person!"

"Perhaps even one of better quality!"

Thinking of this,

Chen Zhiwen's heartbeat involuntarily quickened a little.

One stunning spirit stone had already greatly increased his strength.

If he could obtain a second one...

That would simply be a windfall from heaven!

"I absolutely cannot let this big piece of fat go."

Killing people and seizing treasures; this was the most common thing in the Cultivation world.

What's more, the other party had malicious intentions toward him first.

Then he was simply "passively counterattacking."

Half an hour later,

the grand auction finally came to an end.

The crowd began to disperse.

Some returned fully loaded, while others returned dejectedly.

To celebrate the complete success of this auction, and to further win over various Cultivators,

the Artifact Refining Alliance had truly spared no expense.

At the back mountain of the Artifact Refining Alliance headquarters, which was also the vicinity of that famous fourth-grade Magic Treasure, the "Earth Fire Sun," they had set up an extremely luxurious open-air banquet.

The main course was the meat of various High Grade Yao Beasts.

Roasted with earth fire, the fragrance drifted for ten miles.

Paired with the Artifact Refining Alliance's specially brewed spirit wine, the taste was simply something even immortals would find hard to come by.

However,

the number of Cultivators who actually stayed behind to attend this banquet was not high.

Only one or two out of ten.

After all, wealth should not be exposed.

In this place without legal constraints, no one wanted to be targeted.

Those who had bid on treasures were all busy leaving quickly, looking for a safe place to hide.

Only those who relied on their own powerful strength, or those who hadn't bid on anything at all, would stay behind to mooch this meal.

Inside private room no. 3,

Chen Zhiwen was not in a hurry to leave.

He remained sitting there, like a sculpture.

But his Divine Sense had already been released silently, covering a range of several miles.

He was monitoring.

He was waiting.

Sure enough,

not long after,

those familiar figures appeared in his Divine Sense net.

Wan Xingwang, with his ugly-faced servant Ugly One, like two pieces of dog-skin plaster, followed closely behind Xia Yu.

The group did not leave the sphere of influence of the Artifact Refining Alliance.

Instead, they were respectfully led by a Golden Core deacon of the Artifact Refining Alliance into a luxurious pavilion across the street.

That was the guest building specifically used by the Artifact Refining Alliance to entertain distinguished guests.

It seemed they intended to stay there.

"As expected."

A cold smile curled the corner of Chen Zhiwen's mouth.

Since they weren't leaving, it would be even easier to handle.

Like catching a turtle in a jar.

With a thought,

a wisp of extremely weak, almost imperceptible Divine Sense silently passed through layers of crowds.

Like a speck of dust in the wind,

it landed gently on Wan Xingwang's shoulder, attaching itself to his robe.

This was a simple tracking marker.

For Cultivators below the Nascent Soul Stage, it was impossible to detect.

Even Xia Yu, who was at the Mid Nascent Soul Stage, would find it difficult to discover this subtle abnormality unless he deliberately used his Divine Sense to carefully scan Wan Xingwang's entire body.

After doing all this,

Chen Zhiwen did not stop.

His Divine Sense continued to expand.

Around that luxurious pavilion, within a range of a thousand zhang,

he laid down a layer of invisible alert Restriction.

This Restriction had no offensive power, nor did it have defensive power.

Its purpose was only one: perception.

As long as any Cultivator approached or left this pavilion, Chen Zhiwen would be able to detect it at the first moment.

A breeze brushed past the window lattice, bringing a hint of morning chill.

The fish-belly white on the horizon was struggling to tear open the last corner of the night.

Chen Zhiwen stood in front of the window, withdrew his gaze from the luxurious pavilion opposite, and let it fall back onto the tea table in front of him.

Although his killing intent was set, before taking action, he still had one final piece of the puzzle that needed to be completed: how strong this big net of the Artifact Refining Alliance truly was.

"Tap, tap."

Just then, two very light knocking sounds came from outside the door.

That was the agreed-upon secret signal.

"Come in."

Chen Zhiwen flicked his sleeve casually.

A wave of gentle spiritual power surged out, and the tightly closed door opened silently.

Standing outside the door was none other than the Deputy Alliance Leader of the Artifact Refining Alliance who had returned—or rather, who had never dared to go far—Huang Yu.

He lowered his head, hands folded in front of him, his posture respectful to the extreme.

Seeing that the man in green robes inside the room was still sitting high and upright, his expression as indifferent as an idol, Huang Yu couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions in his heart.

"Sigh..."

He sighed silently in his heart.

"In less than a day, I've run to this private room no. 3 no fewer than five times."

"If those uninformed Disciples in the Alliance saw this, they would probably think I've changed allegiance and become a lackey under this Senior Chen."

Although he was somewhat self-deprecating, his steps did not dare to hesitate in the slightest.

"Junior Huang Yu, greets Senior."

Huang Yu crossed the threshold and bowed deeply.

Chen Zhiwen did not put on any airs; he just reached out and gestured to the empty chair opposite him.

"Sit."

His tone was very light and cheerful, completely devoid of the murderous aura from just moments ago.

"There were too many eyes and ears earlier, so some things weren't discussed thoroughly."

"Anyway, there's still a while before dawn, so let's continue chatting about daily matters."

Huang Yu sat down half-way, flattered and intimidated, only daring to let his buttocks touch the edge of the chair.

"Senior, you are too kind to this Junior."

He rubbed his hands together somewhat nervously.

"Whatever Senior wants to talk about, this Junior will naturally accompany you."

Chen Zhiwen picked up the teapot and poured Huang Yu a cup of hot tea.

The curling steam rose, blurring his deep eyes.

"I see that you know everything on this island like the back of your hand."

Chen Zhiwen asked as if it were a casual question.

"You are a native Cultivator of this Artifact Refining Alliance, right?"

Huang Yu nodded quickly, a trace of pride belonging to a local appearing on his face.

"Replying to Senior, this Junior is indeed a native of the Artifact Refining Alliance."

"It's not just this Junior."

"Starting from my great-great-grandfather's generation, counting up eight generations, all are members of the Artifact Refining Alliance."

Speaking of this, his back seemed to straighten a bit.

Eight generations of Legacy; this was not just seniority, but also a kind of loyalty and honor engraved in the bones.

Chen Zhiwen nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping across Huang Yu's body inadvertently.

That seemingly casual gaze was actually like a sharp blade dissecting him, instantly seeing through the other party's background.

"No wonder."

Chen Zhiwen picked up his teacup and blew gently on the foam.

"I see your bone age is over three hundred years, and while your spiritual power is not top-tier, it is quite solid."

"If this Seat is not mistaken, you should have a High Grade Wood Spiritual Root, supplemented by a High Grade Earth Spiritual Root, right?"

Huang Yu was shocked, and the teacup in his hand almost fell.

With just one glance, he saw through his Spiritual Root attributes and bone age?

Just how strong was this Senior's Divine Sense?

"Senior's divine eyes are like lightning!"

Huang Yu quickly put down the teacup and bowed respectfully.

"This Junior is indeed a dual-element High Grade Wood and Earth Spiritual Root."

"It's just a pity that my Aptitude is dull; having wasted over three hundred years, I am still trapped at the Late Golden Core Stage, failing my ancestors."

Chen Zhiwen smiled and did not dwell on this topic.

Wood generates fire, earth is thick and carries things.

But this Huang Yu was not a fire-element main Spiritual Root; although he could refine artifacts, he was ultimately a step behind in the control of flames.

The idle chat reached this point, and the atmosphere seemed to have truly eased.

Chen Zhiwen put down the teacup, making a slight "clack" sound.

This sound was not loud, but it made Huang Yu's heart jump violently.

He knew the main topic had arrived.

Chen Zhiwen stood up slowly, walked two steps in the room with his hands behind his back.

Then, he turned around and stared at Huang Yu with eyes like torches.

"Since you are an old hand of the Artifact Refining Alliance."

"Then, there are some things you should know better than anyone else."

Chen Zhiwen's voice became a bit deeper.

"This Seat wants to know."

"On this Eastern Continent territory, which large forces are truly on good terms and have close relationships with your Artifact Refining Alliance?"

"Exactly which ones are they?"

Once this question was asked, the air in the entire room seemed to freeze.

Huang Yu's heart gave a "thump."

He smiled bitterly to himself.

"As expected..."

"The Artifact Refining Alliance possesses numerous Artifact Refining talents and controls massive amounts of Magic Treasure resources; it is naturally a 'sweet pastry' in the eyes of various forces."

"Although this Senior Chen claims to be just passing by, the Ten Thousand Swords Sect behind him surely wants to get a piece of the pie."

Questions involving siding with forces could cost one's head if not answered well.

But facing the interrogation of a Nascent Soul powerhouse, how could he dare to hide anything?

After weighing the pros and cons, Huang Yu took a deep breath and decided to tell the truth.

Anyway, this was an open secret, not some top-secret intelligence.

"Replying to Senior."

Huang Yu tried to make his voice sound as steady as possible.

"Although the Artifact Refining Alliance has always considered itself neutral and makes friends widely."

"But if we are talking about large forces that are truly closely related and can be called allies..."

"There are mainly three."

He held up three fingers and counted them one by one.

"The first one is the Moon Gazing Sect."

"The second is the currently flourishing Wan Family."

Speaking of this, he paused, seemingly observing Chen Zhiwen's reaction.

Seeing that Chen Zhiwen was expressionless, he continued: "As for this third one..."

"It is the Canghai Sect, located in the hinterland of the Eastern Continent, quite far from here."

Chen Zhiwen was not surprised by the first two names.

The Moon Gazing Sect and the Wan Family were nearby; being close to the water gets the moon first, so it was perfectly normal for them to have connections with the Artifact Refining Alliance.

However,

when he heard the words "Canghai Sect,"

Chen Zhiwen's brows could not help but furrow slightly.

"Canghai Sect?"

He muttered these two words, his expression becoming somewhat strange.

His fingers tapped lightly on the table, the sound produced somewhat hurried.

"If this Seat remembers correctly."

"Although this Canghai Sect is also a Nascent Soul force, it is a full million miles away from this sea area where your Artifact Refining Alliance is located."

"In between, it is not only separated by vast distances, but also by countless forces large and small."

"Moreover..."

Chen Zhiwen's gaze revealed a trace of skepticism.

"According to what this Seat knows, the Canghai Sect is not some top-tier great Sect."

"There is only one Nascent Soul Cultivator sitting in the Sect."

"With such strength and such distance."

"How did they manage to reach out to your Artifact Refining Alliance across the two local snakes, the Xia Family and the Wan Family?"

"And still have a substantial influence on you?"

This was unreasonable.

The geopolitics of the Cultivation world emphasizes making distant alliances and attacking neighbors.

But it also emphasizes that the whip is too short to reach.

How could a single Nascent Soul Sect a million miles away become one of the three major allies of the Artifact Refining Alliance?

Facing Chen Zhiwen's questioning,

Huang Yu was not panicked.

He seemed to have expected this question.

He gave a bitter smile and explained: "Senior, there is something you do not know."

"The reason for this is not because of the strength of the Sect, or the distance of geography."

"But because of... human sentiment."

"Human sentiment?"

Chen Zhiwen raised an eyebrow.

"Exactly."

Huang Yu nodded and lowered his voice.

"Our current Alliance Leader of the Artifact Refining Alliance, Great Master Liu Shengli."

"He has a beloved daughter, named Liu Xuan."

"This girl has extraordinary talent; not only did she inherit Alliance Leader Liu's talent for Artifact Refining, but her Aptitude on the path of Cultivation is also astonishing."

"As early as a hundred years ago, Alliance Leader Liu sent her to the Canghai Sect."

"Now."

"She is not only the personal Disciple of that Grand Elder of the Canghai Sect—Senior Ye Xin."

"She is also highly valued, and is even being cultivated as the next Sect Leader!"