Chapter 332: Life in the Earth Abyss, Someone from the Royal Court Arrives |
Inside the Fortune Bronze Core, there was no one to disturb him, making it extremely quiet. After Su Chen got on track, he lived methodically in this place, continuously fine-tuning his own state. The environmental flow rate was extremely fast, which also interfered with Su Chen's judgment of time. Without Copper Spirit's reminders, he wouldn't even know exactly how much time had passed.
On this day, Su Chen lay flat on his back on the obsidian-like ground, his eyes tightly shut, saving even a tiny bit of Physical Stamina.
Crackle—
Molten gold arcs of lightning hissed and popped. Layers of fine gold patterns resembling spider webs surfaced on his skin, while crimson-red veins flickered and flowed beneath it. The ground beneath him had already turned into a crimson ocean. The flames were not of a common hue; looking closely, they actually seemed liquid, viscous and heavy, merely lingering around him like a crown's tassels.
Two kinds of power tore and blended within his body. With every crackle of lightning, the crimson flame would abruptly blaze a degree brighter.
Until a certain moment, Su Chen's body shook violently, his Aura suddenly blazing up, then quickly returning to calmness.
【World-Reflecting Thunder Ember Development Progress reaches 50%. Acquired ability: Sovereign Lord. When producing a deep resonance with the Crimson Flame Responding Thunder Great Exalted and reflecting its shadow upon oneself, every ten seconds, gain a 10% strength amplification, up to a maximum of 100% strength amplification.】
Su Chen let out a long breath. The gases wrapped in lightning arcs and flame light stretched out extremely far.
"Not bad." Glancing at the Status Panel, Su Chen was quite satisfied. Although his main strength composition currently relied on his Holy Class, his Primary Class merely served as a cornerstone to raise his base strength.
"Nearly a month and a half has already passed, yet the Profession Requirements for the Cauldron Forger are only half-completed. The time spent in this Endless Earth Abyss is far longer than I imagined."
The consumption of this progress leap made Su Chen feel somewhat exhausted, so he simply ended the Class Development time early.
Turning his head slightly, he saw a large cluster of plants growing rapidly on one side, either bearing fruit or blooming flowers, before subsequently withering and decaying.
The Healing Weaver Sage's requirement was over a thousand different things. Among them, plants had the highest cost-performance ratio. The evolution time of living beings or mineral Materials was too long, making it difficult to see the various state changes.
The Dust Star Sea was incredibly vast, with thousands of different plants. Copper Spirit could still easily simulate them.
A few hours later, a sound similar to an alarm clock suddenly rang In the Void.
Su Chen's eyes shifted, and his throat couldn't help but bob. "It's finally time to eat."
Living in this Endless Earth Abyss made him rediscover that kind of craving and satisfaction for food.
This was also the only thing worth sitting up for. Propping up his upper body, a table had already appeared before him, holding a large piece of roasted meat. Charred brown fat was snaking out along the grain, emitting fine "sizzle" sounds.
Su Chen was well-practiced. He picked up a large piece and stuffed it into his mouth. The spiciness of the secret spices instantly exploded on his tongue. The salty and umami juices, wrapped in a rough, meaty aroma, rushed straight to the top of his head.
"Ah." He closed his eyes, groaning in satisfaction.
This could be considered one of the few adjustments in his dull life. Although Nutrient Potions saved time, they were classified as external objects.
Chewing and swallowing, when his stomach felt slightly full, the food in front of him was also mostly eaten.
Su Chen seemed unsatisfied, licking the grease from his lips into his mouth.
Then, he lay back down again. He had maintained this posture for a long time, as it was the most stamina-saving position he had figured out.
No matter how big the news or the waves, as time passed day by day, everyone would become accustomed to it.
As nearly half a year passed since the start of the Preliminaries, Su Chen, who had reached the top of the preliminaries as a 6th-Tier, seemed to have become very normal.
In the high-level area within the Bronze Sect's Starport, which was isolated from the outside world, spaceships rarely arrived. Only high-ranking members of the Bronze Sect, or certain factions recognized by them, were qualified to use it.
"Why aren't they here yet?" Chu Ran paced back and forth at the Port, frequently looking towards the Star Gate.
Not long after, a spaceship resembling black jade sailed in, with extremely fine dark blue light patterns flowing on its surface.
A docking arm extended from the Port's side wall, accurately latching onto the stealth interface on the spaceship's belly.
The ship's hull trembled slightly, then was pulled into the berth by an invisible force. When the airtight gate closed, it emitted a "hissing" pressure release sound. "Finally here!" Chu Ran's expression shook slightly, and he hurriedly went closer.
Hum— The cabin door opened, and a towering figure walked out.
"Old Wei, you're finally back!" Chu Ran stepped forward in excitement, punching Wei Zhenghong's broad pectoral muscles.
His joy was genuine. When Wei Zhenghong became Chu Lingyuan's student, Chu Ran was only about ten years old. It could be said he grew up following behind Wei Zhenghong.
"Where is Head of Seat Li?" Chu Ran craned his neck to look inside the cabin.
"He's already gone back." Wei Zhenghong shook his head. "He has a lot of matters to attend to. This delay of More than Half a Year has caused quite a backlog of work."
"Right." Chu Ran then reacted, asking doubtfully, "Why did it take you so long this time? In the past, when others underwent Molten Casting Sacred Profession, it took a month or two at most. Why were you gone for More than Half a Year?"
"There was a slight accident." Wei Zhenghong looked like he had lingering fears. "The time for Molten Casting Sacred Profession was still a bit too early. I almost died during the casting process. Fortunately, the Head of Seat was watching over me, and I also had some luck, barely making it back alive."
"Molten Casting Sacred Profession is that dangerous?" Chu Ran couldn't help but be stunned.
Hearing this, Wei Zhenghong's brows tightened: "Isn't that nonsense? Molten Casting Sacred Profession naturally carries heavy risks. Don't think just because you've only interacted with guys who succeeded in Molten Casting, that you can take Molten Casting Sacred Profession lightly."
"That's because Sects like ours have countless experiences to follow. Even so, there are many dangers in the process. If you think it will inevitably succeed, you'll suffer a huge loss sooner or later!"
Wei Zhenghong warned sternly. This was also his own feeling. Before Molten Casting, he also thought he would inevitably succeed and nothing unexpected would happen. But it wasn't until he was near death that he realized nothing in this world is absolute.
"I was just saying it casually, who doesn't care?" Chu Ran shrunk his neck and muttered.
"However, danger is danger." A Sharp Gleam flashed in Wei Zhenghong's eyes. He clenched his fists, harboring strong expectations: "But it's also truly powerful. I've long been annoyed by Shen Yi'an's cold face; now I can finally vent my anger fiercely."
Glancing at the muttering Chu Ran, Wei Zhenghong asked again, "During my absence, how is the internal situation of the Sect? Has any dark horse jumped out in the Peak Star Tournament?"
Hearing this, Chu Ran couldn't help but look up in surprise, "You don't know?"
"Know what?" Wei Zhenghong frowned. "I was in the medical cabin repairing my injuries the whole way, and I only roughly recovered two days ago. Besides, there's no way to contact the outside world within the Star Gate."
Chu Ran's expression became strange, his eyes darting around: "Quite a lot has happened during this time. I'm afraid one or two sentences won't be able to explain it clearly."
"Is that so? Then take your time and explain." Wei Zhenghong didn't think much of it. Just as he was about to lead Chu Ran away, his expression couldn't help but change slightly, and he turned his head to look.
With a loud clang, a streamlined, three-story flagship slanted into the berth. Its silver-white hull gleamed with a liquid-metal luster under the cold light, and a golden crown emblem was etched on its side.
"Is that a ship from the Royal Court?" Wei Zhenghong was somewhat surprised.
Simultaneously, a group of people walked into the connecting corridor of the high-level area, their gazes sweeping over them.
"It's Han Xingliu," Chu Ran whispered.
Wei Zhenghong's gaze shifted, his eyes flickering. For Han Xingliu to come personally to welcome them, the visitor's status was not low.
Curious, he stared intently at the luxurious flagship. The gangway was lowered, the cabin door opened, and a thin figure walked out. His gaze immediately landed on Han Xingliu standing at the bottom of the gangway. Although a smile hung on the corners of his mouth, his eyes were very indifferent, and an imperceptible flash of jealousy passed quickly.
He didn't come down right away, but deliberately stood at the top for a moment, seemingly enjoying Han Xingliu's posture of looking up at him.
But finding that Han Xingliu's face remained expressionless, he inwardly scoffed before walking down the gangway.
"Sixth Brother," Han Xingliu nodded slightly.
He glanced at the seemingly submissive Han Xingliu, feeling disgusted in his heart. Who was this respectful act for?
His words were completely unceremonious, his voice gloomy and harsh: "Han Xingliu, Father is somewhat dissatisfied with you. It's been so long, yet Lu Huai is still here. Logically speaking, he should have headed to the Royal Court long ago."
Han Xingliu's tone was flat: "Sixth Brother, the matters that occurred during this period were not something I could..."
"Those are all excuses!"
Before he could finish, he was interrupted. Han Xingliu frowned slightly, then heard his Sixth Brother say coldly: "Father places high hopes on you, so you should leave everyone speechless."
"This was originally an extremely simple matter, yet it has dragged on until now. It's inevitable that some people will have opinions about you."
"Sixth Brother's lesson is correct." Han Xingliu was dissatisfied inwardly but didn't show it. This matter shouldn't have been his responsibility to begin with; he just took it up conveniently before coming.
He thought this matter couldn't be simpler, but he didn't expect the incident with Su Chen to happen halfway through. Because he transformed into a Dual Divine Dawn, the Profound Heaven Instrument became a highly sought-after item, which dragged things out until now.
Although it was a non-combat sin, it was hard to guarantee someone wouldn't use it to make trouble. His Sixth Brother's arrival was actual proof. What he said wasn't important; Father sending him here already revealed some attitude from a side angle.
"It's him?" Wei Zhenghong was somewhat surprised, while Chu Ran beside him whispered: "Who is this?"
"Han Jingting, the sixth son of the Vast Sea Emperor. Divine Dawn talent, but not a Star Seed. In the Peak Star Tournament before the last one, he lost to You Jinghong by one move, missing the position of Star Prime."
Wei Zhenghong explained: "At the time, I had only just become a Star Seed. I merely saw this person's battles, crazy and frenzied. He should be an 8th-Rank Professional now and a strong supporter of another Imperial Son Star Seed. Why would he suddenly come here?"
"You are the Bronze Sect's Star Seed, Wei Zhenghong, right?"
As Wei Zhenghong was pondering, he heard the other party's voice. Looking up, Han Jingting was staring straight at him.
Wei Zhenghong wasn't cowardly and strode forward: "I didn't expect Your Excellency to still remember me."
"I have some impression." Han Jingting said casually, "In the Peak Star Tournament I participated in, the rank you obtained in the Preliminaries wasn't high, being suppressed by several non-sect 6th-Tiers. After going back, it seemed you were almost made unable to step down by Qin Yun, so my memory is relatively deep."
Why is this guy's mouth so venomous? Chu Ran muttered behind him.
Wei Zhenghong's face darkened slightly, and he said coldly: "Your Excellency's memory is correct. My rank in that tournament was indeed not good. However, when I watched Your Excellency narrowly lose to You Jinghong, I felt quite pity for you."
A sharp light flashed in Han Jingting's eyes, and he smiled A Hollow Smile, "Since you are the Bronze Sect's Star Seed, and I am here, shouldn't you play the host?" His purpose for coming this time wasn't the Bronze Sect, nor did he come in the name of the Royal Court. Naturally, the Bronze Sect wouldn't prepare any grand ceremonies for him.
Wei Zhenghong had planned to refuse, but Han Xingliu spoke first: "I'll have to trouble Brother Wei to lead the way."
Han Jingting observed coldly from the side.
Wei Zhenghong frowned, but he was indeed the Sect's Star Seed, and on some levels, the face of the Sect. "If that's the case, then you two come with me." There was no hosting duties needed anyway, just bringing them to the station.
"Dragon Abyss is already in operation." Coming out of the Starport, Wei Zhenghong immediately saw the four Satellite Cities orbiting the Bronze Core. He dispatched a few Flight Vehicles and took the group to Dragon Abyss.
"Qing Shi still has his ways."
Upon nearing Dragon Abyss, Wei Zhenghong noticed the dense crowd flowing above, as well as the eye-catching arena in the center, which looked incredibly lively.
"I've heard that the Zenith Star Arena incorporates the Bronze Sect's Challenge System, with rankings updated in real-time. Why doesn't Star Seed Wei take us to have a look?" Han Jingting suddenly said. Wei Zhenghong glanced at him expressionlessly, and the Flight Vehicle stopped at the nearest station.
The group walked down imposingly, drawing sidelong glances.
But soon, the guards and research officers behind them dispersed one after another, until only the four of them were left.
"The first place is actually Old Su?" Even before arriving, Wei Zhenghong saw the massive Virtual Screen hanging around the Zenith Star Arena. Although surprised, he wasn't too shocked. Before he left, Su Chen was already able to defeat his Projection. It was precisely because he was provoked by Su Chen that he went to Molten Casting Sacred Profession without being fully prepared, almost breaking down in the end.
The second place was He Muyang. As for those guys who were suspected to have Molten Casting Sacred Profession, he glanced down and found them in the forties and fifties. They hid quite deeply.
They sure can endure... Wei Zhenghong muttered. Old Su was, after all, only a 6th-Tier. Being suppressed by him, if a Star Prime was truly born among this group, they would probably be ridiculed by people.
"Only a 6th-Tier, yet able to rank above so many 7th-Tiers. This Star Seed Su is truly putting on a grand display of might." As they approached, Han Jingting's meaning was unclear: "I don't know if this Star Seed Su is too strong, or if there are simply too many trashes in this generation of the Dust Star Sea."
Around the Zenith Star Arena, a large group of people gathered constantly, even forming external betting pools to gamble on every replacement of the rankings. Han Jingting's voice was neither loud nor soft, but the Professionals nearby could hear him clearly. Pairs of eyes couldn't help but look over, some appraising, some warning, some angry.
But they quickly realized that Han Xingliu and Wei Zhenghong standing nearby were both remarkable big shots. Their expressions changed slightly, and they immediately withdrew their gazes.
Is there something wrong with this guy's brain?
Chu Ran felt speechless inwardly, but then heard someone not far away speak in the same measured cadence: "Why is the first place a 6th-Tier?"
