Zhou Sheng's heart rose and fell like a tidal wave as he gazed at the youth in the painting. His usually calm face twitched violently.
One could see his state of mind.
Qi Yuan was also taken aback by the sight of the painting. He was all too familiar with the youth in the painting.
It was this youth who had forced Zhou Sheng into a state of depression for three years. Otherwise, how could he have only become a Kawang now?
Zhou Sheng clenched his fists as he stared at the painting, his eyes nearly turning blood red.
Jiang Taiyuan's finger had directly pinched his Achilles' heel.
Yes, why had he broken through his inner demons, walked out of the shadows, and worked hard to become stronger?
Wasn't it so that he could stand in front of that refugee one day and wash away all the grievances of the past?
Later on, he had tried to find out more about Xiao Xuan, but the only information he had obtained was that Xiao Xuan had left the Tianyuan Continent after becoming the champion of the Tianyuan Continent Tournament.
Now that Kang Of Gojoseon had taken out this painting, could it be …?
Jiang Taiyuan nodded slightly as if he knew what Zhou Sheng was thinking. "I've already found out where he went after leaving the Tianyuan Continent."
"Where, where did he go?" Zhou Sheng couldn't help but ask in a trembling voice.
Jiang Taiyuan's eyes flashed slightly as he half-smiled. "This is a secret, and also a deal I want to make with you.
"Moreover, even if I tell you where he is, what can you do? You weren't his match three years ago, let alone in the past three years."
Perhaps because he had become a Kawang, Zhou Sheng didn't feel the slightest bit of fear or shame. Instead, fighting spirit rose in his eyes as he slowly said, "What is his strength now?"
The corners of Jiang Taiyuan's mouth twitched as a strange look appeared in his eyes.
According to his intelligence, Xiao Xuan's strength had soared after leaving the Tianyuan Continent as if he had cheated, and he had somehow become a Kawang Saint.
Of course, that was the extent of his intelligence. He didn't know what had happened after Xiao Xuan had become a Kawang Saint.
He had wanted to use Xiao Xuan as bait to catch the big fish, Zhou Sheng.
However, if he really told Zhou Sheng the truth, how was he going to fish?
Jiang Taiyuan thought for a moment and calmly made up a story. "It's said that Xiao Xuan is already an eight Star Card King."
"Eight Star Card King …" Upon hearing these words, Zhou Sheng's eyes narrowed. Although his heart was in turmoil, this result was still barely acceptable.
His lips curled into a playful smile as he said, "Tsk, I thought he had already attained the Card Emperor Realm …"
"Yeah, with your talent, if you hadn't given up on yourself back then, you would have been an eight Star Card King by now."
Jiang Taiyuan stared at him and said, "I know that he is your inner demon. Only by defeating him will you be able to walk out of his shadow."
"However, you must know that because you've sunk into depravity for three years and stopped moving forward, with your current progress, you should know how difficult it is to catch up to him, right?"
Zhou Sheng fell silent. The gap between a one Star Card King and an eight Star Card King was so huge that it was a little terrifying.
After a moment of silence, his eyelids lifted slightly as he looked at Jiang Taiyuan and said, "Since Kang Of Gojoseon has brought this up today, I believe you already have a plan to deal with it, right?"
He didn't believe that Jiang Taiyuan had brought this up just to provoke him.
Jiang Taiyuan's eyes flashed slightly. "The new Tianyuan Tournament will begin next year."
These words stunned Zhou Sheng. The Tianyuan Tournament was the Star Card Tournament of the entire Tianyuan Continent. Every Star Card Tournament was attended by the top Star Card Masters of the entire Tianyuan Continent.
The vast Tianyuan Continent could be divided into five regions: Eastern Wasteland, Northern Desert, Southern Border, Western Region, and Central Continent.
Each region was overseen by a super faction.
The Yan Dynasty was one of the super factions that ruled over the Eastern Wasteland.
The five super factions would send the best Star Card Masters of the younger generation to participate in the Tianyuan Continent Star Card Tournament.
Jiang Taiyuan said, "In our Tianyuan Continent, there is a place called Maple Valley. Due to its special location, it does not belong to any faction and is jointly overseen by the five super factions."
"Not long ago, a saint artifact appeared in Maple Valley."
"Saint artifact?" Zhou Sheng's interest was immediately piqued.
Jiang Taiyuan nodded and said, "It's said that this sacred object was left behind by a Saint. It's called the Heart of a Saint, and it contains boundless power. If you absorb and refine it, you'll definitely be reborn and become a Saint."
"This effect is something that even a hundred Star Source Dragon Pearls cannot compare to."
"Because the Saint's Heart appeared in Maple Valley, it does not belong to any faction. The five super factions were in a deadlock over this matter and after several discussions, they decided to make it the reward for the upcoming Star Card Tournament."
"Whoever can emerge victorious from the crowd of heaven prides and become the champion will obtain the Saint's Heart."
"This is a result that all the factions can accept."
He paused for a moment as he looked towards Zhou Sheng. "If you obtain the Saint's Heart, the gap between you and Xiao Xuan will be instantly closed and you will even be able to become the Card Emperor."
"If you pledge allegiance to me, I will do my best to help you become the champion of the tournament after I unify the empire and obtain the Saint's Heart."
"Once you obtain the Saint's Heart and step into the Card Emperor stage, you will be able to go anywhere in the world. I will not stop you, nor will I restrict you in the name of ruler and subject."
"At that time, you will be able to leave the Tianyuan Continent and head to other continents to find Xiao Xuan and take revenge."
"The Heart of a Saint …" Zhou Sheng shuddered at the mere mention of this word. Although he had never seen a Card Saint before, according to legend, a mighty one of this level could burn mountains and boil seas, and destroy heaven and earth with a wave of his hand.
If he wanted to make up for the gap between him and Xiao Xuan, he indeed needed such a heaven-shaking opportunity.
Seeing Zhou Sheng's rather tempted appearance, Qi Yuan called him an expert. Jiang Taiyuan was simply too good at painting a pie in the sky.
That's right, Zhou Sheng could not refuse this condition, nor did he have any reason to.
Zhou Sheng pondered for a moment before he said, "If Emperor Yan wants to rope me in, he may also offer this condition."
In other words, based on this point alone, your bargaining chip is not big enough.
Jiang Taiyuan sneered. "That's right, Emperor Yan may indeed promise to help you become the league champion, but will he really do so?"
"You should understand that the reason why a mortal like Luo Feng could cultivate so quickly is because of Emperor Yan's support."
"But do you know the reason?"
"Because of Luo Feng's amazing talent?" Zhou Sheng was taken aback and immediately cast a curious look at Jiang Taiyuan.
"Let me explain."
Qi Yuan took a sip of tea and lowered his gaze. "Luo Feng has no background. Emperor Yan carefully supports him because they are childhood sweethearts."
"You should've heard that the empress had an affair with a novelist back in Tianyan City, and that she had a secret relationship with him."
Zhou Sheng nodded and said, "That person has guts, daring to fabricate rumors about the empress. I've also read his book called 'The Domineering Empress Fell in Love with Me.'"
Qi Yuan grinned and said, "Actually, that's not a rumor. It really happened. And you know that novelist too."
"I know him?" Zhou Sheng was even more confused. He was the master of the Thunder Court of the Imperial City. How could he know a lousy novelist?
"That lousy novelist is Luo Feng," Qi Yuan said.
Zhou Sheng was speechless.
"So, now you understand why Emperor Yan supports Luo Feng so much?"
Jiang Taiyuan walked to the gate of the prince's residence and looked at the bright moon in the distance. "It's not just because of his talent, but also because of their relationship that no one knows."
"So, even if she promises you great benefits, like me, to help you win the league after unifying the Yan Dynasty, will it really happen in the future?"
"Think about it from another perspective. If you were Emperor Yan, would you help your future husband win the league and obtain the bone of a Saint, or would you be an outsider?"
"Don't forget that you're the chief disciple of the old Emperor Yan, and the old Emperor Yan's throne was snatched from Zhuo Ying's father. So, how could she trust you, the disciple of her enemy?"
"The only reason she's keeping you alive now is because you're still useful!"
Boom!
Jiang Taiyuan's voice was like rolling thunder, exploding in Zhou Sheng's mind.
His heart was in turmoil, and he couldn't calm down for a long time. Kang Of Gojoseon was right. Even if there were benefits in the future, it wouldn't be left for him.
Moreover, the people in Emperor Yan's camp hadn't even tried to rope him in yet.
Jiang Taiyuan continued, "Maybe you're thinking that I'm also using you. After unifying the Yan Dynasty, I'll support my son Jiang Yan with all my heart, and not you."
"I don't think we're using each other. More accurately, we're working together."
"Actually, a relationship that relies on benefits is the most stable."
"Although my son Jiang Yan has good potential, if he wants to compete with the prodigies of the other superpowers for the league championship, he's dreaming too much."
"Due to the infighting in the Yan Dynasty over the years, there's a big gap between us and the other superpowers in terms of foundation."
"The other superpowers have many Card Kings among their younger generation. My son is only a Level 9 Star Card Master. Even if he's groomed to death, he won't have any chance of winning the league championship."
"Although I have my own selfish motives, I'm more aware of the big picture."
"So, I'll only train you with all my heart. After all, you're the top prodigy of the younger generation. Only by betting on you can we have a chance of defeating the prodigies of the other superpowers and winning the championship."
"I'm still aware of this."
Zhou Sheng's eyes twinkled. Jiang Taiyuan's words seemed to contain some kind of magical power. They hit the nail on the head, leaving him with no reason to refuse.
Taking a deep breath, Zhou Sheng slowly calmed himself down. He suddenly knelt on the ground, and his eyes suddenly became respectful. He said, "I'm Zhou Sheng. I'm willing to go through fire and water for Kang Of Gojoseon!"
Jiang Taiyuan nodded and exchanged a glance with Qi Yuan. Both of their gazes revealed an almost undetectable look of ridicule.
…
Gurgle, gurgle.
There was no more movement in the sacred pool. If it weren't for the faint trace of vitality that permeated the air, Zhuo Ying would have thought that Luo Feng was no longer there.
At the bottom of the sacred pool, a ball of golden light lingered, looking particularly dazzling.
In the dazzling golden light, a figure could be vaguely seen sitting cross-legged, solemn and dignified.
It was Luo Feng.
The extremely viscous Star Qi poured into Luo Feng's body like streams of water.
A month had passed.
Unknowingly, Luo Feng had already persevered at the bottom of the sacred pool for a month.
In this month, his physical body went from being damaged to being reconstructed, and then from being reconstructed to being damaged again. The cycle repeated over and over again.
Every time, he wandered between life and death.
However, every time his physical body was reconstructed, Luo Feng could clearly feel that his body was gradually strengthened compared to before.
…
Time flew. Unknowingly, the Chief Pavilion Master Battle was about to arrive.
Although this was the top competition in the dynasty, everyone's expectations for it were not very high.
This was because the final outcome was already clear. Jiang Yan and Zhou Sheng would definitely advance to the finals, and then Zhou Sheng would win without a fight and become the Chief Pavilion Master.
As everyone knew, everyone below Kawang was an ant.
There was no suspense at all.
Although the Chief Pavilion Master Battle was imminent, there were undercurrents surging in the dynasty.
After all, everyone knew that the upcoming Chief Pavilion Master Battle would determine the changes in the situation in the dynasty. Whoever the Chief Pavilion Master belonged to would be able to defeat the other party and break the deadlock.
However, the original spokesperson of Emperor Yan's camp, Luo Feng, did not have the chance to become the Chief Pavilion Master Battle because he did not obtain the Astral Source Dragon Pearl.
Everyone knew that Kang Of Gojoseon had been coveting Emperor Yan's position for many years. He had used all kinds of methods to infiltrate, and now he had achieved some results. If he obtained the position of the Chief Pavilion Master, then he would not be far from the day he would completely dominate the dynasty.
Although Zhou Sheng seemed to be neutral, some familiar people knew that he was more likely to side with Kang Of Gojoseon.
Because of this, some of the wavering neutral forces began to waver at this moment and began to take the lead in defecting to Kang Of Gojoseon's camp.
Therefore, the next focus was no longer on who would become the Chief Pavilion Master, but on what position Zhou Sheng, the future Chief Pavilion Master, would take, whose camp he would side with, and whose side he would be on.
While everyone was speculating, time flew by, and it was already the eve of the Chief Pavilion Master Battle.
At the bottom of the sacred pond.
Luo Feng was still entrenched at the bottom of the sacred pond. His eyes were closed, and a vast and majestic power emanated from the Saint Bone, rushing toward his body with a mighty momentum.
If it had been before, his body would have been torn apart in an instant by such a terrifying power.
However, he was indifferent now. He did not even circulate the Astral Qi around him to defend himself, allowing the terrifying Astral Qi torrent to rush toward him.
After this period of hard training, although he had not broken through to the next realm, his body was no weaker than a Kawang expert. In fact, it had far surpassed them.
Although in most cases, Star Card Masters did not need to fight in person, it was always a good thing to have a strong physical body, as it could block the knives that came from the dark.
Given Luo Feng's current physical strength, even if he didn't summon any star cards, even if a nine-star card master sent a star card to attack his body directly, it still wouldn't be able to break through his defense.
As for his Star Mansion, it continued to expand. From seven Star Mansions, it became nine.
Rumble …
Luo Feng's body was like a huge black hole, madly absorbing the power of the Saint Bone without any resistance.
The tyrannical power of the Saint Bone kept pouring into his body, raging greedily in an unruly manner.
However, no matter how much it raged, it could not destroy Luo Feng's meridians. After going around in circles, it finally surrendered and obediently poured into the Star Mansion like a kitten.
With the continuous influx of terrifying power, Luo Feng's nine Star Mansions could no longer bear it and were on the verge of exploding.
"Since I can't hold it anymore, I'll take this opportunity to break through …" His eyes flickered as he muttered.
The nine Star Mansions were lined up in a row.
As the saying went, when the nine Star Mansions were broken, the stars would come out.
Without destruction, there would be no construction.
After the nine Star Card Masters, the Star Card Masters had to crush the nine Star Mansions in their body and then compress and condense their power.
If they condensed a star, it meant that they had truly become a Star Card King.
However, it was risky. If they crushed the nine Star Mansions and did not condense a star, they would not be able to step into the Kawang Realm, and they would regress to the Kawang Realm because they did not have any Star Mansions in their body.
Therefore, in a sense, it was a tribulation to go from a Card Master to a Kawang Realm.
If they retreated, they would be mortal. If they advanced, they would be immortal.
Rumble!
Under Luo Feng's control, the nine Star Mansions exploded and turned into endless fluorescent lights.
Luo Feng's mental strength was gathered to the maximum. He manipulated the endless fluorescent lights and started to compress and condense them.
Under such compression, the fluorescent lights in the sky finally condensed into a white egg.
Starlight was shining on the egg and there was a thumping sound inside. It was as though life was about to be born.
Crack.
At this moment, cracks suddenly appeared on the surface of the egg and quickly spread to every corner.
Whoosh!
Endless radiance spread out from the egg and it was dazzling.
In the next instant, a star broke out of the egg like a blazing sun.
The demonic eyes slowly opened.
The fluctuation of the Stellar Aura that would spread out uncontrollably disappeared and was completely restrained. It looked as though he had never cultivated the Stellar Aura before.
All the power was under the control of the Stellar Aura.
"Is this the power of Kawang?"
Feeling the surging Stellar Aura in his body, Luo Feng's lips curled into a bright smile. It was a kind of incomparable satisfaction.
The current him could decide life and death with a single word.
A single word could decide the extinction of an entire clan.
Luo Feng looked down at his mind. Kawang also had nine stars, which corresponded to the nine stars in his body. It was said that if the nine stars were condensed, the nine stars would turn into one and become the Heavenly Sun.
When the stars turned into the Heavenly Sun, one could enter the Card Emperor Realm. At that time, the Stellar Aura would be as vast as the clouds and could cover hundreds of miles.
Awesome, so awesome.
Originally, with his cultivation speed, it would take him at least a few years to enter the Card Emperor Realm. However, a piece of bone from a Profound Sage had allowed him to advance rapidly.
Most importantly, this rapid improvement did not make his foundation unstable. Instead, it was unusually firm.
The bone of a Profound Sage was so terrifying.
At this moment, Qi Jin and Zhuo Ying were standing in front of the Sacred Pond.
"Emperor Yan, tomorrow is the Chief Pavilion Master Battle …" Qi Jin said in a low voice. His face was full of worry. Although he knew that Emperor Yan had used a special method that he did not understand to replace the Stellar Source Dragon Ball, Luo Feng still showed no signs of waking up. This made him very nervous. After all, if the Chief Pavilion Master Battle ended, what use would it be even if Luo Feng broke through?
"Why don't we try to wake him up in advance …"
"What are you talking about?"
Hearing this, Zhuo Ying's face turned sullen. She said coldly, "Don't you know the consequences of interrupting in advance?"
"If it's light, he will go berserk. If it's serious, he will explode and die. Can you bear the consequences?!"
"But …" Qi Jin's face turned red. He wanted to explain.
"But what?"
Zhuo Ying looked indifferent. She said coldly, "This is the Chief Pavilion Master Battle. If you can fight for it, then fight for it. If not, then so be it."
"I just want him to be well."
Qi Jin's heart trembled. He looked at her in a daze. In a trance, he vaguely understood something.
Zhuo Ying did not use Luo Feng's position as the Chief Pavilion Master to stabilize her position.
She was just using this Chief Pavilion Master Battle as a training for Luo Feng to grow. In other words, Emperor Yan was paving the way for his child bride …
"But even if he can wake up safely, he will at most be a Level 9 Star Card Master." Qi Jin stared at the Sacred Pond, looking worried.
Zhou Sheng could enter the Card King Realm after getting the Stellar Source Dragon Ball because he was already at the later stage of Level 9.
Luo Feng was only a Level 7 Star Card Master. Even if he got the Stellar Source Dragon Ball, he would at most be a Level 9 Star Card Master in such a short time. It was impossible for him to enter the Card King Realm.
Moreover, he had not gotten the Stellar Source Dragon Ball yet. What he was absorbing now was just a substitute that Emperor Yan had found.
He was thinking that no matter how strong Emperor Yan's substitute was, it would not be better than the Stellar Source Dragon Ball.
Therefore, Qi Jin could not figure out what Emperor Yan was so persistent about. What was he looking forward to?
Boom!
Right at this moment, a terrifying wave of astral energy rippled out from the Saint Pond, which had been calm all this time.
Under this tyrannical force, even Qi Jin's body actually retreated uncontrollably. Caught off guard, he spat out a mouthful of blood.
"Which master is here?!"
Qi Jin cried out in shock. Even though he wasn't on guard, an ordinary Kawang wouldn't be able to make him look so pathetic, right?!
Boom!
A column of water shot up into the sky. Under Qi Jin's astonished gaze, Luo Feng's figure slowly rose from the Saint Pond. He rubbed his forehead and smiled bitterly. "Prince Qi, it's me."
A question mark slowly appeared on Qi Jin's face.