Chapter 55 Wei Canglan (2/2)
“With his only son poisoned, great general Wei was overwhelmed by rage and his hatred for Black Venom King reached all the way to the heavens. From then on, great general Wei has never taken even half a step from Canglan County. He views the Black Venom King as a thorn and is constantly plagued by thoughts of vengeance.”
“This is why great general Wei has shut himself in Canglan County for the past few years and pays no attention to the affairs of the Great Zhou Empire.”
At this point, Zhou Qing’s voice lowered, “I know that great general Wei still blames me. It was I who asked him delay the Black Venom King back then while I led troops to encircle the latter. Who could have imagined that king Qi would chose such a time to intervene and impede us. By the time I arrived with the troops, great general Wei had already been struck by the Devil Miasma Poison.”
“That is why I too am somewhat responsible for the plight that had befallen great general Wei’s son.”
It was only after listening to Zhou Qing’s story that Zhou Yuan finally understood. To think that there was such a tale behind this matter. It was likely that great general Wei held a little grudge against father. In addition to the waning power of the royal clan, there was now enough reason for great general Wei to shut himself away in Canglan County.
After all, Wei Canglan would not dare to do such a thing if the royal clan was as powerful as it had been back in the day.
As for Wei Bin’s misfortune, it was a similar situation to his own. The only difference was that the Dragon’s Resentment Poison was many many times worse than the Devil Miasma Poison.
Therefore, great general Wei could be said to be a neutral faction. He neither acknowledged Qi Manor nor receive commands from the royal clan. No wonder father said that the side Wei Canglan chose to stand on would obtain absolute superiority.
Zhou Qing slowly said, “According to my sources, Qi Yuan’s eldest son, Qi Hao, headed to Canglan County after graduating from the Great Zhou Institute and enlisted himself under great general Wei. It is said that he now has somewhat of a reputation in Canglan County. Qi Yuan clearly plans on getting closer to the great general through his son, making it easier for him to tilt great general Wei to their side.”
Zhou Yuan’s eyes narrowed. If Wei Canglan chose to help Qi Manor, the royal clan would be at risk of being overthrown.
“But you need not worry too much. great general Wei is someone I understand rather well. There is no chance that he would side with Qi Manor to deal with Great Zhou.”
Zhou Yuan slowly replied, “But he will not help the royal clan deal with Qi Manor either.”
Zhou Qing stiffened momentarily before nodding with a bitter smile.
Zhou Yuan let out a soft sigh. Great Zhou was in a really unstable position, crisis looming at every corner. His victory in the Great Zhou Institute had merely been akin to pouring a little water onto the blazing fire that was Qi Manor. If this tumor was not removed, there will never be peace for Great Zhou.
“I called you over because I have something to tell you.” Zhou Qing’s expression turned rather serious.
Zhou Yuan could not help but ask when he saw Zhou Qing’s expression, “What is it?”
Zhou Qing’s gaze turned to the Blackwater region on the map as he slowly said, “I received information some time ago of some ruins that had been discovered in Blackwater.”
“Ruins?” Zhou Yuan was taken aback. Blackwater was an incomparably vast land. The discovery of a few ruins should be rather ordinary.
It was as if a fire had been lit in Zhou Qing’s eyes at this moment as he elaborated in a soft voice, “Someone found an unusual plant in the ruins. Red like fire, its absorbs sunlight to grow and its seeds look like fire crystals.”
“What is it?” Zhou Yuan was baffled.
“If I am not wrong, it is likely the Fire Spirit Grain, a grade 4 Genesis Food!”
“Grade 4 Genesis Food?!” Upon hearing these words, Zhou Yuan’s expression finally changed. One must know that even the Mysterious Crystal Rice owned exclusively by their royal clan was only a grade 2 Genesis Food. Even so, it had been extremely beneficial to his channel opening and had even won over many talents to their side.
It was really difficult to imagine just how much more amazing a grade 4 Genesis Food would be. Only when Great Zhou was at her peak did they possess a similar grade 4 Genesis Food, the Blood Rain-Dragon Barley.
If the royal clan could gain possession of the Fire Spirit Grain, Great Zhou’s strength might even rise to the point where she could once again threaten Great Wu.
A Genesis Food like this was a true strategic resource of utmost important to any empire.
Thus, Zhou Yuan finally understood why Zhou Qing had become so emotional earlier.
Zhou Yuan declared, “This Fire Spirit Grain must land in the hands of the royal clan.”
It was easy to picture how this item would enable Qi Manor’s power to swiftly grow in a few years, surpassing the royal clan.
Zhou Qing nodded and shot a glance at Zhou Yuan as he continued, “Besides the Fire Spirit Grain, it seems that there is also a gem-like tree which bears jade fruits akin to a new born child.”
Zhou Qing stared at Zhou Yuan as he slowly said, “This fruit is called the Jade-Infant Fruit and can be used to supplement one’s lifespan.”
Bang!
Zhou Yuan felt as if his head had exploded. His breathing grew heavier while his eyes turned scarlet red. His mother had lost a substantial amount of her lifespan in order to save him and now had less than ten years to live. This had always been a thorn in his heart, and he had many a times mulled over how to extend his mother’s lifespan.
But mystical items that could prolong one’s life span were just too rare, and even using all of the royal clan’s resources had not beared any fruit. Zhou Yuan would never have imagined such information would reach his ears today.
Zhou Yuan licked his lips, determination filling his eyes as he looked towards Zhou Qing, speaking with a pause between each word, “We must obtain the Jade-Infant Fruit!”
Previous Chapte