Pure Yin Body

Spring returned to the land, warming the mortal world, while the Flood Dragon Pearl's thunderous roar shook the Nine Heavens.

The enormous ship towered into the clouds, continuously emitting deep rumbles. The Black River, hundreds of miles wide, rocked violently beneath it.

"Boom, boom, boom..."

Along the riverbank, ten thousand drums thundered in unison, and the crowds roared with excitement. The various noble clans and aristocratic families craned their necks in anticipation, all hoping to buy rare spirit fish when the Flood Dragon Ship returned.

As the saying went, those who lived by the mountains ate from the mountains, and those who lived by the sea ate from the sea. The Black River contained over ten thousand species of spirit fish. Some extremely rare varieties appeared only once in a century, much like the Silvermoon Fish compared to ordinary fish.

Of course, the Flood Dragon Ship was not alone. Hundreds of thousands of vessels followed behind it. Countless fishermen watched with excitement, hoping the Flood Dragon Ship would display its might and let them benefit from the leftovers.

"Outstanding disciples from the Inner Courtyard of the Tian Yuan Star Observation Manor have arrived!"

Countless gazes converged on the boarding procession. The disciples were like immortals ascending into the clouds, and the cheers and shouts of the common people made them appear even more majestic.

Chen Fusheng turned his head to gaze at the densely packed crowd along the Black River. His fists clenched unconsciously. Once, he had been no different from them.

But now, relying on the Contemplation Method, he had already rewritten the trajectory of his fate.

Instead, the approaching Flood Dragon Ship brought him a pressure that was savage and ancient, carrying the heavy air of history and vicissitudes, along with a terrifying, faintly discernible ferocity!

Chen Fusheng silently watched the enormous Flood Dragon Ship and felt an indescribable oppression. This was an ant gazing up at a dragon.

The pressure even bent his spine. An intense sense of mortal danger surged through his heart, and his head buzzed.

He could almost feel the Flood Dragon reviving and transforming into a terrifying Demon Dragon that roared at him: Submit!

"Crack!"

Chen Fusheng's fists clenched fiercely. In his mind flashed the magnificent words of the Ancient Prodigy, who had spent one hundred and eight years observing all beasts and compiling the Furnace Contemplation Method.

"If I can't even withstand this pressure, do I deserve to retrace the Ancient Prodigy's Old Path?"

Chen Fusheng slowly raised his head. His eyes were sharp, and lofty ambition surged within him, as if he wanted to trample the heavens beneath his feet!

Chen Fusheng did not know why he had developed such an arrogant mindset. It seemed more as if the pressure from the Flood Dragon Ship had awakened it.

"Hmm?"

At the summit of the Flood Dragon Ship, Xu Changfeng stood with his hands behind his back, looking down at the boarding disciples.

A strange light flashed in his eyes. He gazed at the large number of disciples who were nearly prostrating themselves on the ground, then fixed his attention on the handsome youth standing at the edge with his head held high.

"This kid..."

The strange light in Xu Changfeng's eyes deepened. A menial servant? He could actually withstand the pressure radiating from the Flood Dragon Ship. His mental will was extraordinary.

On the path of cultivation, conviction was crucial. Without great ambition, how could one speak of becoming strong? Only absolute will could carry one farther.

Xu Changfeng could not help sighing. Ninety-nine percent of the disciples in the Star Gazing Manor were flowers raised in a greenhouse. When had they ever experienced the baptism of blood and fire?

After coming to his senses, Chen Fusheng gained some insight and murmured inwardly:

"Can I understand what happened just now as suppression by the environment? No wonder the Inner Courtyard disciples break their heads trying to enter the Heavenly Star Manor. Dragons have dragon lairs, ants have ant nests, and people must strive for higher ground."

Chen Fusheng followed the disciples who gradually came to their senses onto the deck of the Flood Dragon Ship. The procession suddenly fell silent, and all the disciples turned around in unison.

Chen Fusheng discovered that the second wave of boarding disciples was astonishingly powerful. Even from far away, extraordinary star power pressed over. They were surely disciples ranked among the top one hundred in the Inner Courtyard.

Most were at the peak of the Other Shore Realm, and there were even leading figures at the Spirit Wander level!

As Chen Fusheng scanned the procession, he saw Mu Zhen. He was astonished that, despite her cultivation, she was walking at the very front. Although she possessed a sixth-grade Heavenly Water Star, she had only just entered the Other Shore Realm.

"I heard Miss Mu Zhen gained the favor of an honored figure from the Heavenly Star Manor and was suspected of being accepted as a nominal disciple. It seems that's probably true."

The deck erupted in commotion. Had Mu Zhen really stepped halfway into that ultimate dreamland just like that?

Chen Fusheng was moved. Was his future Senior Sister going to become a major figure?

Many Star Masters who had pursued and fawned over her were left dejected. Faced with such a gap, how could they ever catch up?

"Who is that? His aura is so powerful!"

Even more gazes focused on the young man at the very front of the procession. He wore Golden Battle Armor, and his pupils resembled condensed blazing suns. Divine radiance shot from them whenever they opened and closed.

The young man wore a Purple Gold Crown and Starcloud Boots. He was valiant and extraordinary, constantly surveying the front with an aloof, downward gaze. Anyone he looked at instinctively lowered their head.

"Spirit Wander, a High-Ranking Star Official, and still so young..."

That contemptuous gaze made Chen Fusheng's heart jolt. Within the young man's body, the image of a crimson great star was reflected!

This was an exclusive manifestation of the Spirit Wander Realm. One contemplated the stars and preserved their images in the sea of qi. Once the image emerged, it could resonate with the stars in the heavens and unleash terrifying combat power.

"Today has truly opened my eyes."

Wang Lie muttered. The surrounding disciples discussed the matter even more excitedly. This man was the imperial grandson of the Tian Yuan Kingdom's ruler, Xuan Yuanchang, and also a disciple of the Heavenly Star Manor!

"So he's Xuan Yuanchang, the possessor of a sixth-grade Crimson Sun Star, at the Peak Sequence of Spirit Wander. He might even become the Crown Imperial Grandson in the future!"

The disciples exclaimed. To them, the Tian Yuan Kingdom itself was the heavens!

"I heard Xuan Yuanchang came for Miss Mu Zhen. Could she be marrying into the imperial family in the future?"

Those words made even more disciples feel miserable. With Mu Zhen's appearance, origins, and talent, it was perfectly normal for Xuan Yuanchang to pursue her.

"Boom!"

At that moment, the rumbling of the Flood Dragon Ship gradually grew heavier. The disciples on the deck scattered, searching for their respective quarters.

The twelve-story Flood Dragon Ship had banquet halls, trading venues, living quarters, and the like mainly on its lower six levels. The upper levels were residences for the top hundred disciples, while the top two levels were the exclusive territory of the Star Officials. Everything appeared orderly, with status clearly distinguished.

Mu Zhen strolled leisurely to the tenth level. Xuan Yuanchang, who had been walking at the front all along, turned around with a smile,

"Junior Sister Mu Zhen, I happened to obtain several imperial treasures recently. In my opinion, you are the only one in this Tian Yuan Star Observation Manor qualified to appreciate them. Why don't we go to the top level and sit down for a chat?"

"Senior Brother, I've encountered some difficulties in my cultivation these past few days and plan to seclude myself for several days. I won't disturb you." Mu Zhen refused tactfully.

Xuan Yuanchang watched the black-robed girl turn away. A fierce masculine aura suddenly radiated from his entire body. He raised a domineering hand and seized Mu Zhen's delicate wrist.

Even through her sleeve, Mu Zhen was startled. She had never been treated with such disrespect.

"Why be so polite, Junior Sister? I can guide you in matters of cultivation as well."

Xuan Yuanchang's nature was incomparably forceful. He lowered his head and stared at the peerless beauty before him, his eyes filled with aggression, completely unlike his earlier heroic bearing.

"Senior Brother, please show some self-respect." Mu Zhen's face flushed red as she angrily rebuked him. She pulled her wrist free and left in fury.

Xuan Yuanchang looked down at her graceful figure as she walked away, then lifted his palm to his nose and inhaled. "A Heavenly Water Star, and a Pure Yin Body as well. Such a specimen is unique even in the Heavenly Star Manor."

He also regretted arriving a few days too late. Mu Zhen was now practically half a disciple of Old Han's, so using force would be rather inappropriate. Still, being close to the water meant he could enjoy the moon first. He had plenty of time to discipline her.

"Your Highness, who exactly is the honored figure from the Heavenly Sun Star Palace?"

Four guards stood behind Xuan Yuanchang. Their bodies were as sturdy as four great fiendish beasts, and bronze masks covered their faces, filling them with the aura of slaughter from the battlefield.

Unable to hold back, someone asked the question. Although the Heavenly Sun Star Palace was ferocious beyond measure, the Tian Yuan Kingdom's influence within it was also extremely deep!

They knew full well how iron-fisted Xuan Yuanchang was. Could taking a little girl from the Other Shore Realm really be difficult? Yet Xuan Yuanchang clearly had his reservations.

In truth, Xuan Yuanchang's pursuit of Mu Zhen was secondary to his visit to the Tian Yuan Star Observation Manor. His primary aim was to replace Xu Changfeng and seize control of the manor, thereby paving the way for his advancement into the Heavenly Sun Star Palace!

But he had never expected Mu Zhen to possess a Pure Yin Body as well. He could not have sensed it incorrectly. This came from the subtle perception of his Crimson Sun Star!

"I'm not entirely sure, but his status shouldn't be high. The hidden treasury is about to open, so for now, we shouldn't create any more complications."

Xuan Yuanchang spoke coldly. Old Han was like a fog before him, and he could not see through him.

As for the masters of the various Star Observation Manors under the Heavenly Sun Star Palace? Xu Changfeng and the others were already the leading figures in excavating the hidden treasury. Xuan Yuanchang was urgently trying to seize Xu Changfeng's position and make plans for the future.

The sound of horns rang out. The Flood Dragon Ship sailed into the distance, followed by hundreds of thousands of fishing vessels in a magnificent procession.

In a kitchen on the first level, a group of Star Masters from the Other Shore Realm worked feverishly. On ordinary days, this sight alone would have made ordinary people's jaws drop.

According to custom, the Ten Thousand Fish Banquet would be held in the next few days. The preliminary preparations were hectic, with all kinds of side dishes and bizarre seasonings... Of course, the most important place was the inner kitchen.

The Inner Courtyard Spirit Chef Hall had three assistant chefs and one head chef. Each led a menial servant, and they were all busy in the inner kitchen.

Calling it busy... Chen Fusheng gazed at the dazzling medicine cabinets, his stomach rumbling. He almost wished he could sweep all of them into his arms.

They were also different from the menial servants outside, because their work was meant for Star Officials, and the ingredients they handled were extraordinarily precious.

"Where did this little brother come from? I've never seen him before." Several broad-waisted, burly men stared at Chen Fusheng curiously.

Compared with them, Chen Fusheng looked far too refined. He had thought Wang Dapang's build was impressive enough, but these young men all weighed five or six hundred pounds...

"Big brothers, I'm Master Wang's older sister's son. My name is Chen Fusheng."

Chen Fusheng approached and greeted them one after another. The connections behind these relatives were all extremely powerful. Their primary duty was to prepare ingredients for the head chef.

"Oh, so you're Master Wang's younger brother. I say, Fusheng, you're far too thin."

A Big Black Fatty slapped his round belly, then casually opened a medicine cabinet and took out a century-old White Jade Ginseng.

He gave Chen Fusheng a meaningful look, then tore off more than ten ginseng rootlets.

Chen Fusheng froze. What was he doing? He dared to touch food exclusively supplied to the Star Officials?

The Big Black Fatty did not eat them. Instead, he handed them to Chen Fusheng with a solemn expression.

Chen Fusheng fell silent. He noticed several fat men around him watching with predatory eyes. A flash of inspiration struck him. He picked up the rootlets, stuffed them into his mouth, chewed them, and swallowed.

"Fusheng, you can't eat it like that. It's too spicy. Here, have a sip of Hundred Flowers Dew!" The Big Black Fatty excitedly rushed to a white jade water vat in the corner and lifted its seal. The fragrance of hundreds of flowers immediately filled the air.

Chen Fusheng's eyes widened. Hundred Flowers Dew was brewed by collecting the dew of various spirit herbs. He had only seen it in books and had never expected that there would be an entire vat of it, even though it was supplied directly to the Star Officials.

"Come on, Fusheng!" The Big Black Fatty scooped up a ladle of the liquid with a jade spoon. It shimmered with multicolored light, and its fragrance was even more intoxicating.

He had already eaten the ginseng rootlets. Why hold back from the Hundred Flowers Dew? Chen Fusheng drank it in one gulp. It was wonderfully fragrant, unlike anything he had ever tasted.

The Big Black Fatty and the others were extremely satisfied. After eating these things, he was one of them now!

Seeing the Four Fat Men gulping it down, Chen Fusheng finally understood why they were so fat. The nourishing effects of these medicinal ingredients were too powerful. Without a corresponding physique, refining them was easier said than done.

"Cough, cough..."

A coughing sound came from outside. The four fat men and one thin man promptly returned to their positions, their expressions solemn as they inventoried the medicinal ingredients and worked with meticulous care.

Several even more massive chefs entered one after another. With them inside, Wang Dapang could only be called Wang Little Fatty. He glanced at Chen Fusheng, then followed the head chef into the innermost room.

"So Spirit Chefs are the ones with truly lucrative jobs..."

"No wonder everyone wants to become a Star Official. Spirit Chefs eat scraps, while the Star Officials eat the finest dishes."

Chen Fusheng had broadened his horizons. Of course, as one's cultivation rose, ordinary medicinal ingredients became nearly useless. Only thousand-year-old medicines, rare heavenly treasures, and Starry Sky Great Medicine could still have an effect.

Suddenly, a guard wearing a bronze mask strode in.

The Big Black Fatty's expression turned cold. Did he not even know how to knock?

When he saw the guard's mask and black-and-gold heavy armor, he sneered inwardly. No wonder he was so arrogant. He was actually a member of the Imperial Guards of the Tian Yuan Kingdom, one of Xuan Yuanchang's personal attendants.

Chen Fusheng sensed a terrifying, brutal fluctuation originating from the black-and-gold heavy armor. It made the guard's tall physique look like an upright demon beast.

"What do you want?" the Big Black Fatty asked. His uncle was the head chef of the Spirit Chef Hall and a High-Ranking Star Official. Why would he fear a guard?

The heavily armored guard took out a package and ordered indifferently, "Use the ingredients inside to prepare two dishes. One for His Highness, and one for Miss Mu Zhen."

After speaking, he glanced over the medicine cabinets. "Add the finest medicinal ingredients wherever possible. This is a rare opportunity for your Tian Yuan Star Observation Manor to distinguish itself, so be clever."

"Of course, of course. His Highness's affairs must not be delayed."

Everyone was delighted upon hearing this. The Big Black Fatty hurriedly called out, "Quick, prepare a five-hundred-year-old medicine and let His Highness taste the skill of our Tian Yuan Star Observation Manor's Spirit Chefs. Fusheng, don't just stand there. Hurry and take the commander to the inner room to sample some spirit tea."

"You don't need to be so courteous to me," the guard said, even as he followed Chen Fusheng briskly inside.