Inside the Heavenly Prison, Zhang Yu slowly opened his eyes.
Feeling the ceaseless surge of Internal energy within him, growing ever denser and more powerful, he was still somewhat disappointed.
The infusion of "one year of cultivation" on the third day had finished. This time, his cultivation had increased more slowly than he'd expected. He hadn't broken through to Innate, as he'd thought he would, but had instead settled firmly at the peak of the ninth rank.
"It seems the martial path barrier between the ninth rank and Innate is far greater than I imagined."
Zhang Yu understood now. Before, he'd only been at the first rank, and his knowledge of high-rank martial arts had been limited. He'd known only that Innate came after the ninth rank, but not that the chasm between them was so vast.
Only after experiencing it for himself did he understand why, in all of Great Wei—a nation of eighty million people—there were only a few dozen publicly known Innate Masters.
This wasn't merely a matter of accumulating resources. It was a crucial leap in one's very level of life, a threshold requiring a profound understanding of the true meaning of martial arts and the first steps toward controlling the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.
Countless gifted martial artists spent their entire lives stuck at the peak of the ninth rank, unable to advance even an inch.
"Still, at this rate, I'll definitely break through to Innate tomorrow."
Zhang Yu was brimming with confidence.
The system's "one year of cultivation" was measured against the standards of peerless geniuses. Its quality was exceptional, and the foundation it built was incomparably solid. Breaking through was only a matter of time.
Just as he was about to get up and stretch his muscles, his gaze swept over Xiao Sheng, who was attentively directing maids to bring him tea and water. Then he glanced at the spacious passageway between the two prison cells, which had been completely opened up at some point. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
"Power really is a wonderful thing."
The Heavenly Prison under the Ministry of Justice had strict rules and clear divisions.
If Xiao Sheng had been alone, even as the Heir of Prince Jing, it would have been no easy matter for him to open up two cells reserved for serious offenders.
But now, after learning "part of the truth" about Zhang Yu, everyone in Jing Prince's Estate—from Prince Jing Xiao Jingfeng to Princess Fenghua—had completely changed their attitude.
They had actually turned a blind eye to Xiao Sheng's "mischief"—and even secretly supported it.
With the influence of Jing Prince's Estate brought to bear, opening up two prison cells wasn't difficult at all.
And so, Zhang Yu's "single room" had become a "suite."
Not only did he have far more room to move about, but Xiao Sheng had also made it comfortable and luxurious, in stark contrast to the cold, filthy conditions throughout the rest of the Heavenly Prison.
Just as Zhang Yu was marveling at the convenience of power, a young voice brimming with mockery and scorn came from the other end of the passageway:
"Well, well, isn't this our famous Heir of Prince Jing, Xiao Sheng?
"I hear you put on a grand show, 'President Du's Secret Visit to the Heavenly Prison,' and conspired with prisoners to turn the place into a complete mess, all so you could get out sooner?
"Princess Fenghua exposed your little scam in front of everyone, and you still have the nerve to keep up the act?"
As the voice rang out, a young nobleman in purple robes and a gold sash swaggered over, surrounded by a crowd of attendants.
He bore some resemblance to Xiao Sheng, but his features carried a more mean-spirited, arrogant air. He looked at Xiao Sheng with undisguised hostility and gleeful malice.
The newcomer was Prince Rui's heir, Xiao Yun.
Prince Rui and Prince Jing had never gotten along, and they often clashed at court.
With their fathers constantly at each other's throats, it was only natural that the two heirs, Xiao Yun and Xiao Sheng, wouldn't get along either.
Now that he'd heard Xiao Sheng had made a laughingstock of himself in the Heavenly Prison, how could Xiao Yun pass up such a perfect chance to kick him while he was down?
The moment Xiao Sheng saw Xiao Yun, his face darkened. He sneered, "What this heir does is none of your business."
"Hmph. Still barking even with your head in the noose."
Xiao Yun pointed his fan at Zhang Yu and snickered. "You acted like a fool, conspiring with this prisoner to put on a show. By now, everyone in the Capital City knows."
The attendants behind him burst into laughter as well, pointing at Xiao Sheng and ridiculing him as much as they could.
"Mr. Zhang is a man of great talent. A fool like you could never imagine what he's capable of."
When Zhang Yu came up, Xiao Sheng seemed to rein himself in.
"Him?"
Xiao Yun glanced sideways at Zhang Yu, his face full of disdain.
"An outcast from Marquis Yong'an's Estate, with a face like a lopsided melon and cracked jujube—he thinks he can have anything to do with President Du?
"Xiao Sheng, if you're going to put on a show, at least find a better supporting actor."
Zhang Yu raised an eyebrow. He seemed to have just been insulted to his face.
"You will not insult Mr. Zhang like that."
Furious, Xiao Sheng still didn't dare actually attack him, because he couldn't win.
All he could do was grit his teeth and threaten him. "Once I get out, you'll pay for this."
"Heh. You'd better start thinking about how you'll explain to your Imperial Grandfather that you spread rumors about President Du."
Xiao Yun sneered disdainfully, then turned his gaze back to Zhang Yu.
"And this prisoner conspired with you to put on a show, even daring to pretend he was a friend of President Du. That's a grave offense against the throne.
"As a member of the Imperial Clan, how could I stand by and do nothing?
"Guards!"
Two burly guards with the air of seasoned fighters immediately stepped out from among his attendants.
"Break the limbs of this brazen prisoner who dared conspire with Xiao Sheng and tarnish President Du's good name, then take him to the Alchemist Guild to confess his crime."
Xiao Yun shouted sharply, a cruel glint flickering in his eyes.
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