Chapter 235: Chapter 172: Storage Bag, Ancient Forbidden Technique, Thunder Peng Netherworld Wings!
As the great competition approached, the atmosphere of North City changed completely.
Every tavern bustled with a constant stream of guests, and all rooms were booked solid.
Countless Martial Artists wanted to catch a glimpse of the Liang Family’s geniuses.
"I wonder how many dark horses this generation’s Liang Family geniuses will produce?"
"Look, the one who just went in isn’t bad. Liang Yuanzhou, a disciple from a collateral line, was always obscure and couldn’t break through the Refining Internal Realm. But yesterday, he suddenly had a breakthrough. In the Elder Hall, his talent was verified, and he was promoted to a genius of the Blood Exchange Realm."
"Impressive! It’s just a shame he’s from the collateral line, likely due to insufficient resources. If he were from the direct line, he might have reached the Blood Exchange Realm last year. Still, this is good. Now that he’s a recognized genius, the basic supply of resources won’t be lacking. Even if he can’t break through to the Acupoint Passage Realm later, he can still use his seniority to become a clan elder."
"He’s not married, right? I expect after the competition, many matchmakers will be knocking on his door."
The Liang Family servants bowed their heads one after another when they saw Jiang Shu approaching.
Some usually arrogant direct line disciples also came over to greet Jiang Shu.
Jiang Shu controlled his heartbeat and the flow of blood within his body, smiling and responding to each person without daring to make the slightest mistake.
Detachment Realm experts, their Martial Arts focused on Spirit cultivation, could envelop the entire Liang residence with their spiritual power in an instant.
Before stealing the Essence Blood, Jiang Shu’s task was to perfectly assimilate into Liang Yuanzhou’s identity.
"Cousin Yuanzhou."
Not far away, a slightly plump young man with an honest and charming look in his eyes walked over quickly. With a smile on his face, he said, "You came to the clan yesterday but didn’t tell me. I have a few bottles of Essence Purification Pills; if you’re free, why don’t you come with me and get some?"
Jiang Shu’s expression shifted—from anger and unwillingness to finally suppressing it, forcing a smile. "Thank you, Cousin. But your Martial Arts talent is even more outstanding. How could I presume to use your Martial Arts resources?"
"Ah, Yuanzhou, what are you saying? That’s too formal between us. When I was pushing for the Blood Exchange Realm, you kindly gave me the family’s Essence Purification Pills. It’s just a pity that I’ve been busy with duties since my breakthrough. Still, it’s good you also made it, breaking through to the Blood Exchange Realm."
Liang Yuanhong slapped Jiang Shu’s back hard. His true energy, robust yet firm, pierced directly into Jiang Shu’s body. Only upon hearing his cousin’s muffled grunt did Liang Yuanhong laugh proudly and say, "But Yuanzhou, I’m relieved that you understand me. What brings you to the clan today? Are you planning to visit the Hidden Technique Pavilion to exchange for a decent Middle Grade Martial Art? I’m familiar with the place; I’ll go with you and can offer some advice."
"I’ve just made my breakthrough, and my Realm isn’t stable yet. As for Martial Arts, I only plan to continue practicing the Giant Whale Calming Wave Palm for now."
Jiang Shu shook his head, declining the invitation.
The layouts of prominent families are often similar. The Chu Family’s Hidden Technique Pavilion was guarded by an Acupoint Passage Realm expert. The Liang Family could not be without one. Even though his disguise was exquisite, it could only fool a Martial Artist of the Blood Exchange Realm. In front of an Acupoint Passage Realm Martial Artist, he would be exposed.
Looking at Liang Yuanhong standing before him like a grinning tiger, Jiang Shu’s mind raced. According to his original plan, he was to arrive at the ancestral hall without obstruction. The ancestral hall of a prominent family, though extremely important, rarely had visitors and contained no valuable items, making it a somewhat idle post. Thus, it was unlikely an Acupoint Passage Realm expert would be stationed there; typically, a powerful clan member from the direct line would be assigned. Ordinary Blood Exchange Realm Martial Artists, while unable to see through his disguise, would inevitably question him continuously because he arrived alone. They might not directly open the Essence Blood Secret Chamber to let him in. So from the start, Jiang Shu was prepared to act forcefully if necessary. As long as he was fast enough to grab the Essence Blood, even if a Detachment Realm expert arrived, he could still use the Two Realms Shuttle and return to Xuanxing! But now, it seemed he might be able to take a shortcut. If he had Liang Yuanhong accompany him, the likelihood of accessing the Essence Blood Secret Chamber would undoubtedly be much greater. After all, compared to ’himself’—a disciple from a collateral line—Liang Yuanhong was a direct line member, one of their own. Those stationed at the ancestral hall might even be related to Liang Yuanhong. His visit to the Essence Blood Secret Chamber would be considered normal, so they likely wouldn’t be too formal or by-the-book.
"Cousin Yuanhong, speaking of which, I really do have a matter. Yesterday, after I advanced to the Blood Exchange Realm, the elder said he would accompany me to the ancestral hall to deposit my Essence Blood. But perhaps he got too busy later, and the matter wasn’t brought up again. It was awkward for me, so I came today hoping to inquire about it once more."
"But now that I think about it, with you here, Cousin, we can just handle it ourselves. The Liang Family’s great competition involves too many matters requiring the attention of the Family Head and the elders."
Jiang Shu carefully chose his words.
"Yuanzhou, you’ve indeed come to the right person. According to family tradition, an elder should naturally accompany us. But the elders are in the Acupoint Passage Realm; they barely have time for their own cultivation, let alone such trivial matters. When I deposited my Essence Blood, it was Cousin Yuanfu who took me."
"This is not a big deal. Rest assured, let’s go."
Liang Yuanhong would never have imagined that the cousin before him had long since been replaced. In his eyes, ’Liang Yuanzhou’s’ words were undoubtedly an attempt to show goodwill and that he held no grudge. Naturally, Liang Yuanhong felt he should reciprocate.