Chapter 60 Journey (1/2)

The next day.

In front of the royal palace.

A group of imperial guards stood ready and waiting. Beside them, Zhou Yuan’s gaze constantly swept outwards into the distance as he talked to Zhou Qing and Qin Yu, whom had come to send him off.

Clatter clatter!

The hurried sounds galloping was transmitted from afar as a fiery red horse seemed to fly towards them. It eventually came to a stop a short distance from them with a neigh and lithe figure gracefully dismounted.

The figure naturally turned out to be Su Youwei. Today, she wore a grey shirt and trousers, while her long hair was bundled into a ponytail, making her look relaxed and pretty.

The imperial guards did not stop her, allowing her to pass through and walk to the carriage. Due to having hurried here, her pretty face was a little flushed and beads of sweat dotted her fair forehead.

“Youwei greets his and her majesties.” The first thing Su Youwei did was cup her fists and bow towards Zhou Qing and Qin Yu.

Zhou Qing and Qin Yu responded with warm smiles. They had seen Su Youwei’s performance during the class ranking exam and were quite fond of this strong and independent girl.

“Youwei, treat this trip as a training experience. Also, help me take care of Zhou Yuan and don’t let him cause too much trouble.” Qin Yu smiled.

Zhou Yuan chuckled. Both Yaoyao and Su Youwei were tagging along this time. Yaoyao was coming because she had become rather bored in the palace. As for Su Youwei, he hoped that she would be able to gain different experiences which would be beneficial for her cultivation.

After all, Su Youwei was on the verge of unblocking her eight meridian channel and stepping into the Qi Nourishing stage. Hence, the Great Zhou Institute no longer had much to offer her. So as to not delay her cultivation progress, Zhou Yuan decided to bring her along on this trip to Canglan County.

“It’s about time, prepare to set off.” Zhou Yuan glanced at the sky before turning to Lu Tieshan. “You shall be tasked with protecting them.”

Lu Tieshan replied in solemn voice, “Don’t worry your majesty, I will offer you my head if anything happens to his highness.”

“I do not wish for anything to happen to any one of you.” Zhou Qing waved his hand.

Lu Tieshan nodded, before he stood up and mounted his horse. With a wave of his hand, he loudly shouted, “We’re setting off!”

Zhou Yuan took a step onto the carriage, waving his final goodbye to Zhou Qing and Qin Yu before entering.

The group began their journey, accompanied by rumbling sounds of movement as they passed through various streets, ultimately exiting Great Zhou City and heading straight towards Canglan County.

…

When Zhou Yuan left Great Zhou City.

Qi Manor.

In a certain study, Qi Manor’s housekeeper, Qi Ling, respectfully reported, “Master, Lu Tieshan and a thousand imperial guards have accompanied Zhou Yuan out of the city. Their destination should be Canglan County.”

Behind the desk, Qi Yuan nodded with an emotionless face.

“Looks like the royal clan has also heard of the most recent news regarding those ruins.”

An eerie light flickered in Qi Yuan’s eyes as he indifferently said, “Things did not turn out well for us in the Great Zhou Institute matter, but this time, I am determined to get my hands on the Fire Spirit Grain!”

The Fire Spirit Grain was a grade 4 Genesis Food, an item with an inestimable value. With it, Qi Manor would be able to both nurture and gather multitudes of experts.

Just think about it, the royal clan had managed to stabilize their situation with the grade 2 Mysterious Crystal Rice. If Qi Manor obtained the Fire Spirit Grain, Qi Yuan believed that they would be able to completely crush the royal clan in less than a year.

“I will stay in Great Zhou City to keep Zhou Qing in check. You shall set off immediately, head for Canglan County and get in contact with Hao’er. He has after all managed to build up a place for himself there over the past two years. I want the both of you to find a way to pull Wei Canglan to our side!”

Qi Yuan’s eyes hardened as he continued, “As long as Wei Canglang stands with us, there will no longer be anything to fear and we will immediately take action to remove the royal clan.”

“Of course…” Tea cup in hand, Qi Yuan icily said, “If Wei Canglan shows any indications of leaning towards the royal clan, it will be best that you find a way to eliminate him. Once Wei Canglan dies, the Canglan army would be akin to a headless dragon, allowing Hao’er to swiftly take over and use them to attack the royal clan.”

Qi Ling responded, “Understood!”

Qi Yuan’s eyes narrowed like a vicious wolf as he said in a hair-raising voice, “As for Zhou Yuan, tell Hao’er if there is a chance, make sure that the little bastard never returns to Great Zhou City!”

“Canglan County is right next to Blackwater. It will not be strange for anyone to die there, even a prince.”