Chapter 61 - 61 58 The Incomplete Map

61: Chapter 58: The Incomplete Map 61: Chapter 58: The Incomplete Map “Indeed.” From a distance, Ye Xuan felt no surprise. He had previously predicted that the man in black was no ordinary character, and now, it turned out as he expected. The man in black was actually a master from Green Leaf Valley, and it seemed that the Jun family could only suffer in silence this time. Damn it! Watching the Jun family’s masters rolling on the ground, and Wuyan lying unconscious on the floor like a dead dog, Jun Shan’s face was ashen. In the Great Xia Kingdom, their family feared no forces, even the Royal Family was only a bit stronger than them. Yet, there was one force they could not afford to provoke—Green Leaf Valley! As the only First Grade sect in the Great Xia Kingdom, Green Leaf Valley had a history much longer than any of the three great families, and its strength was unfathomable. In short, with their family’s strength, they could absolutely not afford to provoke Green Leaf Valley. Even the Royal Xia family had to treat them with utmost respect, let alone them. However, Wuyan had just had his wrist shattered by the man in black. Even if it could heal, that hand was likely to be of no significant use anymore. This would definitely have a very adverse effect on Wuyan’s Martial Arts cultivation. Clearly, the man in black had also gone too far, intending to truly cripple Wuyan. But then again, it was Jun Shan who had previously demanded that the other party cripple one of their own arms. In a way, the man in black was just giving them a taste of their own medicine. It was rather fortunate that he didn’t kill anyone. In terms of power, the Jun family dared not provoke Green Leaf Valley, and they didn’t even have a justified reason to seek revenge. That meant Wuyan could only grit his teeth and swallow the bitter pill, unable to even let out a fart. “Not long ago, they lost a Third Master, and now they’ve crippled a Second Young Master. The Jun family has indeed faced successive misfortunes recently, don’t you agree?” Ye Xuan said with a somewhat mocking smile. “The Jun family has always been sinister in their dealings, resorting to any means necessary, including murder and smuggling in secret. This time, hitting a snag serves as a lesson for them.” Xia Xun spoke calmly, expressing her distaste for such matters, considering this end entirely self-inflicted by the two Jun Shan. “Let’s go, the show’s over. It’s time to head back.” With a subtle sneer at the corner of his mouth, Ye Xuan immediately turned around. This lesson for the Jun family was only the beginning. More troubles would slowly descend upon them, eventually leading to their complete destruction. … After returning from outside the city, Ye Xuan and Xia Xun visited the market to purchase some low-grade herbs needed for making Boiling Qi Powder, then returned to the Imperial Palace. After returning, Ye Xuan and Xia Xun went their separate ways. He went back to his residence. By now, he had almost all the herbs he needed to make Boiling Qi Powder. Boiling Qi Powder was a High Rank Earth-grade Spiritual Medicine. Given Ye Xuan’s current cultivation level, it would still take some time to prepare. Moreover, the seal on Xia Yanzeng’s strength had been in place for a long time, and it wasn’t something that could be solved with just one dose of Boiling Qi Powder. It required multiple doses and frequent circulation of True Qi by Xia Yanzeng himself to coordinate with the medicine’s power. The next day. It was just dawn, and before Ye Xuan even left his room, Xia Yanzeng had already come looking for him. Searᴄh the nôvel_Fire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Being able to restore his strength was extremely crucial for him; even waiting one day was tormenting. Thus, just one day later, he came to check on Ye Xuan’s progress, hoping not to be forgotten. However, by the time he arrived, Ye Xuan had spent the night almost finishing the preparation of the Boiling Qi Powder. Xia Yanzeng was anxious, and so was he; the sooner the latter recovered his strength, the better for both. “Take this Boiling Qi Powder once every fifteen days. When the effects of the medicine kick in, use your True Qi to strike the demonic power seal in your Dantian. Under normal circumstances, your seal should be completely released in about two to three months.” After giving Xia Yanzeng the Boiling Qi Powder in a jade bottle and some instructions, Ye Xuan exhaled deeply. Having not slept all night, he was rather weary. Taking the Boiling Qi Powder, excitement surfaced on Xia Yanzeng’s face, then his expression turned serious, “If my strength really returns to the level of a Martial Sect Master, from then on, my life will be yours, Ye Xuan. Whatever task you give me, I’ll risk my life to accomplish it.” For a Martial Artist, particularly for a Martial Sect Master, strength was more precious than life. After losing his, Xia Yanzeng had been living in a daze. If not for holding onto a sliver of hope, he would have already taken his own life. Living ineffectively was worse than dying. Thus, if Ye Xuan could restore his former strength, that would be as if granting him a new lease on life. Even if it meant walking through fire and water for him, it would mean nothing. Ye Xuan didn’t rush to say anything in response. If he were to help Xia Yanzeng regain his strength without expecting anything in return, that would be unlikely. Having a Martial Sect Master owe him a favor would be crucial at critical moments. “Risking my life is a bit too heavily stated. I believe if my father were still alive, he would support me in this. There is one matter at hand, however, and I would like you to help me with it.” Ye Xuan seemed to have recalled something and took out a black fragment he had obtained from Jun Ze, “This fragment has what seems to be an ancient map etched onto it. With your knowledge of the surroundings of the Great Xia Kingdom, you might be able to make something out, and I would like to ask for your assistance in identifying it.” “An ancient map?” Xia Yanzeng raised an eyebrow and took the black fragment, his gaze then fell upon the pattern etched on the surface of the fragment, and he immediately focused his attention. Seeing this, Ye Xuan did not speak to disturb him, as the map depicted someplace in the Tiannan Region that he was not familiar with. However, since Xia Yanzeng was a Martial Sect Master, his insights and experiences were surely extraordinary; he might know some information. “This place, if I’m not mistaken, should be at the northern part of the Great Xia Kingdom, on the border with the Great Yun Country, Black Annihilation Ridge. Look, only in Black Annihilation Ridge can one find the black miasma depicted on this map. I haven’t heard of it existing anywhere else.” After pondering for a moment, Xia Yanzeng spoke up. “Black Annihilation Ridge?” Ye Xuan took the fragment of the map and looked at it. On the map, there indeed seemed to be the black miasma described by Xia Yanzeng, which made Ye Xuan’s eyes light up slightly. It seemed highly probable, then, that this place on the ancient map was indeed the Black Annihilation Ridge mentioned by Xia Yanzeng. “I understand now.” Having confirmed the place, Ye Xuan started to plan in his heart. The place depicted on the ancient map was clearly a treasure site. For Ye Xuan, who had rich treasure-hunting experience from his former life, the location marked on the map was definitely worth exploring. “The miasma of Black Annihilation Ridge is not simple at all; ordinary miasmas are not enough to be lethal to ordinary people, but the miasma of Black Annihilation Ridge can kill invisibly—death upon contact and terrifyingly toxic. Even martial artists can’t endure for long in it. If you decide to go there, you must think it over thoroughly.” Seeing what was on Ye Xuan’s mind, Xia Yanzeng couldn’t help but caution him. “Oh, is the miasma that formidable?” Ye Xuan’s expression turned slightly apprehensive; miasmas that kill meant they were no ordinary miasmas but were mixed with toxins, creating a poison miasma. In that case, Black Annihilation Ridge would undoubtedly be a deadly place for ordinary people, and even for martial artists, it was a place spoken of with dread. “Black Annihilation Ridge has always been a forbidden area; practically all the Demon Beasts there are extinct, leaving only some venomous insects and Poison Beasts. Moreover, the place is shrouded in poison miasma, barren all around, and no one goes to that godforsaken place. If you really want to go, you should wait until my strength is fully restored, and then we can discuss it further,” said Xia Yanzeng. “There’s no need. I can handle a mere poison miasma. It will probably take you at least two or three months to fully recover your strength, and I cannot possibly stay idle in the Capital for such a long time.” Though the poison miasma was troublesome, for him, it wasn’t a big problem. He only needed to prepare more detoxification pills and spiritual medicines to replenish his True Qi. Martial artists, unlike ordinary people, are not so vulnerable with True Qi to protect their bodies against the poison miasma. “Indeed, for young people like you, secluding oneself from the world is ultimately not advisable. Then take care yourself. The exploration of such ancient treasures is fraught with unpredictable dangers, and perhaps, it might jeopardize your life.” Knowing that further persuasion was futile, Xia Yanzeng briefly cautioned and said no more. “I am aware of that.” Ye Xuan nodded, understanding that nothing comes without risk; even ordinary folk understood the principle of seeking fortune amidst danger, let alone himself. “But I don’t have much time.” Ye Xuan changed the topic slightly, his eyes slightly intensifying, “Before the spring begins in March next year, I must quickly advance to the Fifth Grade level and enhance my strength. What will happen in March, you should be well aware, Elder. Whether the Ye family can rise again hinge on that moment.” “March? Are you talking about the Hundred Clans Trial?” Xia Yanzeng’s eyes brightened, then his expression changed slightly. The so-called Hundred Clans Trial refers to a critical examination conducted for the major families in the Great Xia Kingdom by the people from Green Leaf Valley, held every five years. The young generation under thirty years from the major families participate, which can be regarded as one of the most significant events in the Great Xia Kingdom. The families that place in the top three in the Hundred Clans Trial receive substantial rewards and may join the ranks of the first-rate families unconditionally, while the youths from these families ranking in the top three can also choose to enter Green Leaf Valley and become a Core Disciple of the Sect! The Hundred Clans Trial is of utmost importance to all major families because it directly affects the status of the family! Xia Yanzeng now understood why Ye Xuan was so urgent. Indeed, for the Ye family, the Hundred Clans Trial undoubtedly represented a shortcut. Missing it would mean waiting another five years.