We're practicing all martial arts, so why did you switch to easy mode?

Chapter 296 The Joy of the Longevity Fruit, Treasure Elephant City

Inside the quaint courtyard, Shang Shuo was filled with astonishment.

Upon learning that Su Chen had spent over twenty years researching alchemy techniques, Shang Shuo immediately felt that Su Chen was neglecting his duties.

If Su Chen had spent those twenty years practicing martial arts, his cultivation level might have reached an even higher level by now.

"Ugh!"

Thinking of this, Shang Shuo sighed heavily.

It wasn't that he was lamenting Su Chen's level of cultivation, but rather that the gap between himself and Su Chen had widened once again.

"I thought that since you've been away training for so long and there's been no news of you anywhere, your strength probably wouldn't be too great. But it seems I was wrong. The gap between us hasn't narrowed at all; in fact, it's widened."

After a brief pause, Shang Shuo looked at Su Chen with a deep gaze, "I'm afraid there's at least a thirty-year gap."

Thirty years, no less.

Although he had reached the pinnacle of the Divine Realm and accumulated profound knowledge, he was still far from breaking through to the Dharma Form Realm.

Even he himself was unsure whether he could break through to the Dharma Aspect Realm within thirty years.

Even if I can reach the Dharma Aspect Realm within thirty years, who knows, Su Chen might have already reached the Longevity Realm by then.

Having cultivated to his current level, he has to admit that there are differences even among geniuses.

This difference becomes more and more obvious as the game progresses.

He felt that his potential was at most at the Dharma Aspect Realm, but Su Chen's potential... was simply immeasurable.

"There's no need to be so pessimistic. If thirty years isn't enough, then fifty years, or even a hundred years!"

Su Chen noticed Shang Shuo's emotions and comforted him instead.

Shang Shuo rolled his eyes; it would have been better not to say that at all.

"By the way, since you haven't come back all these years, many people have come looking for you."

"Who are they?" Su Chen asked.

"Fang Rou, Zhu Yan, Zu Peng, and a woman named Qian Xingyue," Shang Shuo listed the names.

They were all old acquaintances of Su Chen.

"Did they say what it was about?" Su Chen asked again.

"Among them, Fang Rou from the Xuan Yin Sect comes to see you the most. She comes almost every year at the end of the year, but she always leaves disappointed. I remember that she is from the same dynasty as you. I suppose she wants to go back with you."

"Secondly, there's Zhu Yan. For the past ten years or so, he would usually come to see you at the end of the year. But he stopped coming later. He said he would ask me to tell you when you came back that he was going to do something that would make him famous for the rest of his life. Before he left, he gave me a Yuan Shen token and asked me to give it to you. He said that if you wanted to find him, you could go to Baoxiang City."

When Zhu Yan was mentioned, Shang Shuo took out a primordial spirit token from his pocket, which contained the aura of Zhu Yan's primordial spirit.

After receiving the token, Su Chen examined it for a moment; the aura emanating from the primordial spirit token had not yet dissipated.

He accepted the token and, after a moment's thought, understood the meaning behind Zhu Yan's words.

The so-called "major event in one's life" refers to the conditions that Zhu Yan agreed to when he became the disciple of the Lord of the Burning Heaven Palace.

When I have achieved success in my cultivation, I will find the enemy of the Lord of the Burning Heaven Palace and avenge him.

Su Chen also knew about this matter. He had previously stated that he would help Zhu Yan if he wanted revenge.

However, Zhu Yan refused, so Su Chen had no choice but to ask Zhu Yan to inform him before he planned to take revenge.

“Baoxiang City? This is a border city between the Holy Blood Kingdom and the Holy Yuan Kingdom. Could it be that Zhu Yan’s enemies are in Baoxiang City?”

Su Chen had a vague guess, and his expression became solemn.

What he cared about wasn't Zhu Yan's position, but rather that Zhu Yan hadn't returned for many years and wondered if something had happened to him.

"Shang Shuo, do you know what level Zhu Yan was at back then?"

Shang Shuo gave a bitter smile: "Small Completion of the Dharma Aspect Realm, what's wrong?"

"fine."

Su Chen shook his head, somewhat surprised by Zhu Yan's cultivation speed.

Zhu Yan had already reached the Lesser Completion of the Dharma Aspect Realm several years ago. If that's the case, wouldn't he have broken through to the Dharma Aspect Realm even earlier?

"However, I remember that the Burning Heaven Palace Master's enemy is at the peak of the Dharma Aspect Realm, which is two realms higher than me. It seems that Old Zhu's hidden methods are no less than mine!"

Although he felt a little strange, Su Chen believed that Zhu Yan wouldn't do something he wasn't sure of.

Seeing Su Chen looking at him, Shang Shuo continued:
"Then there's Zu Peng. He looked for you three times, once every few years. He still couldn't find you the third time, so he asked me to tell you that he went to other holy countries to train. By the way, he also said that he would use the alias Yang Guo, so that you should pay attention when you hear this name in the future."

Su Chen: "...!"

Yes, that's very much like Zu Peng.

He was careful enough, but why did he use his usual alias?

"The last one is Qian Xingyue, Su Chen..." Shang Shuo hesitated before speaking.

"what happened?"

"Did you let her down? Every time this woman comes, she looks heartbroken. I've told her many times that you're not here, but she doesn't believe me. She thinks you don't want to see her. No matter how I explain, it's no use."

Su Chen: "...!"

"Tsk tsk, I heard that she is from the same dynasty as you and has joined the royal family of the Holy Yuan Kingdom. It is said that she has many admirers. Later, when her admirers found out about this, they all came to the Ziyang Sect to settle scores with you. In the end, I had to help you get rid of these people. It was so annoying."

Shang Shuo chuckled and looked at Su Chen with a mocking expression.

Hearing this, Su Chen ignored him and left the villa after talking with Shang Shuo for a while.

Footsteps could be heard outside. At a glance, there were many figures moving about, clearly indicating that the disciples of the Ziyang Sect had received the news and rushed over.

"Deputy Sect Master."

Not long after leaving, Su Chen originally planned to go find the deputy sect leader, but unexpectedly, the deputy sect leader took the initiative to find him.

"Perfected Dharma Aspect Realm, not bad." The Vice Sect Master saw through Su Chen's realm at a glance and said with full approval.

Su Chen smiled and asked, "Does the Vice Sect Master have something to discuss with me?"

"I heard you were back, so I planned to come and see you. It seems you were looking for me?"

Su Chen nodded: "Yes, this disciple has something to ask the Vice Sect Master."

"What's the matter?"

"Does the Vice Sect Master know where one can obtain Longevity Fruit?"

"Longevity Fruit?" The vice sect leader was taken aback upon hearing this, then frowned.

He stared at Su Chen for a long time before saying, "The Longevity Fruit is an essential ingredient for refining the Longevity Pill. Even if taken alone, it can increase a martial artist's lifespan. You are so young, there is no need for you to take the Longevity Fruit."

After hearing this, Su Chen gave the excuse he had prepared beforehand: "This disciple needs to take the Longevity Fruit because I am practicing a certain cultivation technique."

"I see." The vice sect leader suddenly realized, "The only way to obtain the Longevity Fruit is through royal channels."

"Royal family?"

"Well, since you know about the Longevity Fruit, you should also know about the restrictions imposed on it by the Spirit Race. Currently, only the Ten Directions Holy Kingdom is allowed to obtain the Longevity Fruit. Other forces, unless they can bring great benefits to the Spirit Race, can forget about getting the Longevity Fruit."

"Then how can one obtain the Longevity Fruit from the royal family?"

"The royal family's longevity fruit is never used by outsiders. It is an important means for the royal family to win over experts. However, if you really want it, I can ask around for you."

"Then I'll have to trouble the Vice Sect Master."

Su Chen quickly expressed his gratitude, saying that the vice sect leader had been a great help to him.

"It's nothing. It's just a Longevity Fruit. Compared to a martial artist at the Ten Thousand Longevity Realm, it's insignificant."

The deputy sect leader smiled, completely unconcerned about the longevity fruit.

After all, the Longevity Fruit is available every year, but the Longevity Realm warrior is not available every year.

Exchanging a Longevity Fruit for a Longevity Realm martial artist would be an incredibly worthwhile deal for both the Ziyang Sect and the Shengyuan Kingdom. Hearing the Vice Sect Master's words, Su Chen's heart skipped a beat.

He thought he had just let slip that he could break through to the next level by taking a Longevity Fruit.

After realizing it, I understood that the other party only valued my potential.

However, he guessed correctly. After obtaining the Longevity Fruit, he was indeed able to break through to the Longevity Realm.

After speaking with the vice sect leader for a while and learning that the results would not be available for another month, Su Chen took his leave.

He stayed at the Ziyang Sect for the next two days.

Nowadays, the various formations within the Ziyang Sect are no longer of much use to his cultivation, and Su Chen no longer indulges in cultivation every day.

Instead, he would occasionally meet with Shang Shuo and others.

Upon hearing of Su Chen's return, some acquaintances near the Ziyang Sect rushed back to the sect without delay.

In just two days, Su Chen met many old friends.

After a brief reunion, Su Chen bid farewell to everyone, intending to return to the Great Qian Dynasty.

Having been away for over twenty years, the Great Qian Dynasty has grown increasingly powerful.

Su Chen arrived at the gate of Huanghu Villa, paused and gazed at it, and for a moment, he was hesitant to go in.

After standing there for a long time, Su Chen finally entered the manor with trepidation.

Over the years, the layout of the resort has remained unchanged; what has changed are the people.

Fortunately, Hong Ming and Li Mo are still alive.

Hong Ming's condition is very bad. He is over sixty years old, his health is declining, and he is already showing signs of old age.

It took her a long time to recognize Su Chen.

Seeing Hong Ming's condition, Su Chen quickly took out a longevity pill and gave it to him.

In the days that followed, Su Chen continuously used elixirs to regulate Hong Ming and Li Mo's bodies, making them live longer and longer.

The entire Huanghu Manor became lively because of Su Chen's arrival.

Having resolved his worries, Su Chen didn't stay at the villa for too long.

Inside the villa, everything felt unfamiliar except for Hong Ming and Li Mo.

It evokes a sense of things being different now.

After bidding farewell to Hong Ming, Li Mo, and the others, Su Chen headed to Ping'an Town.

He planned to go and catch up with Zhu Yan.

However, upon arriving in Ping'an Town, they discovered that Zhu Yan had not returned.

He saw Cai Xiaoyue, but not Zhu Yan!
"Zhu Yan hasn't returned for three years?"

From Cai Xiaoyue, Su Chen learned about Zhu Yan's recent situation, which greatly surprised him.

After learning about Zhu Yan from Shang Shuo, he thought that Zhu Yan had successfully taken revenge and gone into seclusion with Cai Xiaoyue.

Now it seems that things did not go as he had thought.

After saying goodbye to Cai Xiaoyue, Su Chen took out his Yuan Shen token.

"This place is too far from Baoxiang City. The Yuan Shen token cannot sense Zhu Yan's location. The only thing that can be confirmed is that Zhu Yan is still alive."

After thinking it over, Su Chen finally decided to go to Baoxiang City to find out what was going on.

Among the Ten Holy Kingdoms, the Holy Yuan Kingdom is located in the eastern territory, while the Holy Blood Kingdom is located in the southern territory.

The two holy kingdoms have vast territories, and naturally, there are bound to be some overlapping areas.

Baoxiang City is one of them.

Su Chen arrived in Baoxiang City seven days later.

The structure of Baoxiang City is almost identical to that of Shouyang City, with its magnificent city gates exuding a sense of desolation.

The city walls are tall, and a wide river runs across the border between the two holy kingdoms.

Baoxiang City is located on the other side of the river.

Opposite to Baoxiang City is Liusha City; the two cities belong to two different holy kingdoms.

At this moment, Su Chen stood in Liusha City, gazing at Baoxiang City in the distance.

"Unlike the cultivation methods of the Holy Yuan Kingdom, the Holy Blood Kingdom cultivates the martial arts of Qi and Blood. Through continuous transformation of Qi and Blood, they awaken the bloodline of their ancestors and condense their bloodline dharma image. The bloodline dharma images of the demon race are mostly demonic creatures, while the bloodline dharma images of Qi and Blood martial artists are mostly powerful martial artists from ancient times."

Even from a great distance, Su Chen could feel the surging blood energy rising from Baoxiang City.

Those martial artists were like humanoid tyrannosaurus rex, their every move exuding a powerful aura of bloodlust.

Even Su Chen's blood and energy might not be much stronger than theirs.

At the same level, if Su Chen's blood and energy were like an ox, then their blood and energy would be like a precious elephant.

There is a significant difference between the two.

Of course, this does not mean that Su Chen's strength is inferior to that of a Qi and Blood Martial Artist of the same level.

Qi and blood are the manifestation of a Qi and blood martial artist's cultivation, while Yuan power is the manifestation of a Yuan power martial artist's cultivation.

The only way to determine true strength is through combat.

"The Primordial Spirit Token has been activated. Zhu Yan is still in Baoxiang City. If Zhu Yan came to Baoxiang City three years ago, has he stayed there all these years without leaving?"

Su Chen took out his Yuan Shen token, which responded, indicating that Zhu Yan was in Baoxiang City.

"It seems Zhu Yan has encountered some trouble, otherwise there wouldn't have been no news for three years."

After a moment's thought, Su Chen made a guess.

He put away the token, walked out of the Flowing Sand City, and did not cross the river in mid-air.

This river is like the Yellow River of a past life, its waters incredibly turbid, and this turbidity contains a strange power.

Any martial artist who attempts to cross the river in mid-air will eventually fall into the river and turn into a pile of blood and bones.

The only way to cross the river is via the ancient bridge that spans the Liusha River.

This is a huge bridge with a desolate atmosphere; from a distance, it looks like a long dragon coiled here.

"Listen up, people of the Holy Yuan Kingdom! If you want to cross this bridge to Baoxiang City, show us your true abilities. Baoxiang City welcomes the strong, not the weak. If you don't have the strength, go back to where you came from!"

As soon as Su Chen stepped onto the bridge, he heard an extremely arrogant voice coming from the middle of the bridge.

He looked in the direction of the sound and saw that the middle of the bridge was now filled with a crowd.

"As long as you can withstand my martial arts essence, I will consider you to have passed through this Dragon Gate Formation. Once a martial artist passes through the Dragon Gate Formation, they will receive a Royal Blood Pill as a reward from me!"

Imperial Blood Pill?
Su Chen noticed the pill in the other person's mouth.

He had also heard about it to some extent.

The Imperial Blood Pill is a top-grade fifth-rank pill among Qi and Blood pills. After taking it, it can enhance Qi and Blood, which is of great benefit to martial artists in the Divine Intent Realm.

It is quite effective even for martial artists at the Dharma Aspect Realm.

Therefore, after the other party finished speaking, a murmur of discussion immediately arose among the crowd.

Of course, there were many more complaints.

Su Chen never expected that the complaints would be related to him.

To be precise, it is related to the Heaven-Slaying Blade.

According to the crowd, the reason why the other side set up the Dragon Gate Formation was because of the mysterious divine weapon!
(End of this chapter)