Section 16: Upper Grade Immortal Pouch, A Critical Situation
By: Gu Zhenren
March 2, 2013
“Within Xingzhou, geniuses emerge endlessly, vying with each other. They are like stars in the sky and waves on the ocean. Why are there only a few who can break through the encirclement and stand out? Strength is one part, and luck is another. The Dragon Wish Tree is linked to a sliver of luck of the Zhou family. Possessing the Dragon Wish Tree provides protection of luck. It aids in times of difficulty, nurtures good people when in peril, increases luck during pill refining, and brings heavenly assistance during fortuitous encounters.”
The Azure Sea Dragon spoke eloquently, “The Archipelago has been in internal conflict, while other island countries cast covetous glances. Why, then, has it endured to this day? Throughout history, external forces attempting to interfere in the Archipelago’s internal affairs have met with various forms of opposition. A King level Beast Tamer once deduced that the Archipelago is protected by luck. The first generation’s five Kings all perished within the Archipelago, their spirit beasts buried somewhere within its islands. To this day, five currents of luck still protect this land.
Xingzhou has a long history, and by now, there have been over a dozen generations of Kings. The Sea Dragon King and Chu Bawang are from the most recent generation. The first generation’s five Great Kings were related to the five elements, and many legends about them still circulate today.
These words shattered everyone’s conventional view of luck, opening their eyes.
Luck, it turned out, was so important.
It could not only assist Beast Tamers and increase the efficiency of their cultivation but could even protect a nation and its people, safeguarding a region.
Whether in his past life or this one, Chu Yun’s standing was too low. It now seemed that the Sea Dragon King Jiang Bo’s inheritance consisted of two parts. One part was his remaining strength, which was the Azure Sea Dragon. The other part was his remaining luck, which was the Dragon Wish Tree.
The Azure Sea Dragon was heavily injured and could not act freely now. The Sea Dragon King’s remaining martial power was thus incomplete.
However, the Dragon Wish Tree was unharmed and remained a complete source of luck, sufficient to support a Beast Tamer in growing to become a King.
“The Dragon Wish Tree is very peculiar and has special requirements for its growth environment. It needs a dragon-attribute spirit beast nearby to survive by absorbing minuscule dragon energy. At the same time, it also feeds back a special demonic essence to help the dragon beast strengthen its cultivation. They are in a symbiotic relationship. Its spiritual energy is abundant, but it can only learn Dao techniques of luck, possessing no offensive capabilities…” the Azure Sea Dragon earnestly instructed Chu Yun.
Chu Yun then gradually understood: The Dragon Wish Tree was indeed a peculiar medicinal plant. In fact, any demonic beast related to luck appeared extremely strange. Because they lacked offensive power, they could only slowly improve their cultivation. They usually had special requirements for their surroundings and were very delicate.
Take the Dragon Wish Tree, for example. Its environmental standards for growth were very high. Soil, water, and air all had to be top grade natural treasures. In addition, a dragon beast needed to live with it year-round. The demonic essence it fed back to the dragon beast also seemed very special. It was with this demonic essence that the Azure Sea Dragon clung to life for over 100 years.
“So, in essence, you cannot do without each other?” Chu Yun frowned slightly.
“Not exactly,” the Azure Sea Dragon sighed, his words filled with the melancholy of a hero in decline. “I have been lingering in the Dragon Palace for over 100 years. My demonic energy permeates the Dragon Palace. As long as no other non-dragon spirit beasts survive here, it is enough to sustain the Dragon Wish Tree for a considerable period. And I myself feel my injuries are difficult to heal, and my end is near. I hope to soar through the skies and roam the seas one last time in the twilight of my life.”
Chu Yun’s heart stirred upon hearing this. In fact, healing the Azure Sea Dragon’s injuries was not difficult.
A beast’s physical constitution far surpassed that of humans. Some pills that humans could not tolerate could be tolerated by spirit beasts.
It was just that currently, there was a lack of extremely potent half-Supreme grade Pills. Pills of this caliber were beyond the White-Browed Alchemist’s ability to produce, but in Master White Brow’s memories, there were many stored in trap tombs. If they could retrieve them, they would have a very high chance of success with the Azure Sea Dragon.
After some thought, Chu Yun did not speak. He was still deeply attached to his old master, and his choice to recruit Shu Tianhao, who had lost an arm, was merely out of shared suffering. This aligned with his reasoning for how he interacted with Chu Yun in his past life.
Chu Yun secretly decided that he would temper the Azure Sea Dragon’s arrogance. Otherwise, it would be difficult for Shu Tianhao to control this dragon beast.
“I never expected that fate could be so unpredictable, and a turn of events would occur. I didn’t get the Azure Sea Dragon, but I obtained the Dragon Wish Tree,” Chu Yun sighed inwardly, then wailed, “This is terrible. The Dragon Wish Tree needs dragon energy to survive and cannot leave the Star Sea Dragon Palace. Do I have to leave it here for now?”
Leaving such a demonic plant here unattended, who could be at ease?
Even if someone was left to guard it, wouldn’t that be like protesting too much, revealing that there was something unusual here to the world?
As Chu Yun was pondering this dilemma, the Azure Sea Dragon’s laughter echoed in his ears: “Young man, what do you think this Star Sea Dragon Palace is?”
“That’s right! It was specially built by my old master for the Dragon Wish Tree and me—an Upper Grade Immortal Pouch!”
…
Two days later, the Shu family army completely withdrew from Wei Family Island and returned to their main island to defend.
By this time, the news of the ambush battle in Twin Gorges had already spread throughout the Archipelago, astonishing everyone.
Tiange Academy.
“A tiger father has no dog sons, a dual tiger’s counterattack!”
“The Fang family’s three stars have fallen, the Fang family patriarch is enraged!”
“Twin Gorges becomes the focus of attention from various factions.”
“It’s useless, Chu Yun! This is merely a deathbed struggle. Before prey dies, it struggles violently. If the armies unite, do you think you still have any chance?”
“I didn’t expect that cloud-coming child would adapt to the battlefield so quickly and perform so astonishingly. Truly, the younger generation is to be feared.” In a small courtyard on the mountaintop, Feng Bole chuckled as he sipped his tea. The White-Browed Alchemist sat before him. “So, after this battle, the enemy alliance is shaken. Will they develop strong apprehension and thus dissolve their alliance, ceasing their actions against the Shu family?”
Feng Bole slowly shook his head. “No. Severely wounding the Wei and Fang families has only weakened the alliance’s strength by ten percent. It is not enough to force the dissolution of the alliance. It might even have the opposite effect, inciting the alliance to send more troops. However, Shu Family Island resolutely abandoning Wei Family Island, and even releasing the captured Wei family members, this is a brilliant move…”
Hua Family Island, cherry blossoms fluttered in the gentle breeze.
Atop the main city’s castle tower.
On a low tea table sat two cups of clear tea. On one side of the table, Hua Ying sat rigidly, the usual unrestrained demeanor gone.
On the other side sat his father, the Hua family’s island master.
His temples were flecked with gray, his face was gentle, and his entire being exuded the aura of a mature man. It was evident that in his youth, he was also a dashing scholar like Hua Ying.
“Have you seen the military intelligence from Twin Gorges? I heard from the academy that you have been defeated by Chu Yun several times. Tell your father your thoughts.” He also sat upright, looking at his only son with a warm gaze.
“Yes,” Hua Ying replied solemnly. “At first glance, Chu Yun’s saber techniques are fierce and powerful, and his temperament is upright and fearless. In reality, however, he is incredibly steady, possesses unique insight, and harbors strategies and plans within him. Even more terrifying is his tenacious spirit and unwavering perseverance. He is decisive in action, ruthless to others and even more so to himself. Such a person must not be underestimated! If he grows up, his future achievements might not only reach the Talented Person Ranking but even the Peculiar Person Ranking! This is the best time to eliminate him before his wings are fully formed.”
“Hahaha, very good, very good,” the Hua family island master laughed heartily. “I must thank Chu Yun. It is good that you were defeated. Now that your youthful arrogance has been polished away, you can finally see the facts clearly and analyze them calmly. Cough, cough, cough…”
“Father!”
“My lifespan is approaching its end. However, to see your growth before my death brings me great comfort. I have decided to add another fleet, which you will command. You must do your utmost to eliminate Shu Family Island. Chu Yun, at such a young age, has performed so exceptionally, reminding me of Chu Bawang. If this child is not eliminated, he will surely be a great threat to our Hua family in the future. However, if this operation fails, then make peace with the Shu family and no longer be their enemy. Cough, cough, cough…”
“Father, I didn’t expect your evaluation of Chu Yun to be so high.” Hua Ying clenched his fist slightly. Although he had been defeated by Chu Yun twice, he was still inwardly unconvinced.
“Chu Yun’s most terrifying aspect is not his intelligence or martial prowess, nor his temperament, but his growth potential. He grows too quickly! Just like Chu Bawang back then, magnificent circumstances, soaring into the heavens. Recall the intelligence reports; he lived a life of dependence on Shu Family Island, struggling for thirteen years, appearing ordinary and unremarkable. But when the opportunity arose, he shone brightly at his coming-of-age ceremony. Afterward, he enrolled in Tiange Academy and overshadowed all the students. Now, he assassinated three of the Fang family’s sons during his night raid on Wei Family Island, accomplishing such a feat, and he is only 14 years old.”
Hua Ying was startled. With his father’s reminder, he finally realized Chu Yun’s true terrifying aspect.
Chu Yun’s strength and steady demeanor always made people overlook his true age.
Fourteen years old!
What a young and terrifying age.
Hua Ying recalled himself at 14, his mind filled with thoughts of fighting and beautiful women. Compared to Chu Yun, he couldn’t help but feel ashamed.
In July, Star Calendar 753, fourteen island powers including Tie, Fang, Wei, and Hua formed an alliance and threatened Shu Family Island. Chu Yun, the young island master of Shu Family Island, shone brilliantly. He counter-attacked, launched a surprise assault on Wei Family Island, and slew three of the Fang family’s sons, shaking the Archipelago.
The allied forces were furious. The Fang and Hua families dispatched additional fleets, and each family, casting aside their previous sluggishness, rapidly advanced towards Shu Family Island. For a time, Shu Family Island faced extreme danger, and the situation was dire.
