Lao Hei truly is a timely rain, Su Chen couldn't help but sigh with emotion. Just as he was fretting over Divine Blood and Power of Faith, it was delivered right to his door.
"I wonder if it's enough to refine Qin Yun into Morning Star Embers."
Su Chen pondered inwardly. Although he hadn't found an opportunity yet, he had to prepare the Materials first. What if a One in Ten Thousand chance suddenly presented itself one day, but he didn't have the Materials on hand? Wouldn't he be caught flat-footed?
The Divine Blood was fine; at the very least, he could still use Molten Casting a Sacred Profession as an excuse to requisition it. But the Faith Essence was truly a bit troublesome. He didn't even have a reason to requisition it.
"Whether it's enough or not, it can be considered an unexpected harvest."
Divine Blood had quite a few uses as well. He needed it for Forging Holy Classes. It was just that right now, he was severely lacking in all kinds of Eldritch Essences.
The essences he had obtained from Crimson Thunder Planet a while ago had all been devoured by the Eternal Physique. Right now, he only had two or three portions left of the main ones he used.
And if he wanted to Molten Cast an eight-in-one Holy Class, he would need at least eight portions of each type of essence. That was not a small number.
After some deliberation, Su Chen turned his attention back to Black Buddha's Advent Body.
"He Peiting... He Peiting..." He muttered this name as he opened his Comm-Bracelet, found Jiang Mufeng, and sent a message over.
Very soon, a data package was sent over.
Su Chen reached out and pinched his fingers together, then tossed it in front of him. The data package expanded into a series of pictures surrounding him, all of which were names.
"He Peiting..." He swiped through them. This was the Holy Hall roster, and it contained no shortage of familiar names.
He hadn't directly asked anyone to investigate the name He Peiting. He didn't know when he would expose Lao Hei's Advent Body.
When that time came, this investigation might attract attention. Of course, given his current situation, he could probably brush it off with a few perfunctory words.
But it was only a matter of taking a little more time. It was better to be cautious.
Soon, Su Chen saw the characters for He Peiting at the end of the roster.
Upon clicking it, the other data retracted, and in its place expanded all the information regarding He Peiting.
The most important part was the basic information panel with a photo in the center. He looked like a rather bright and clear youth.
"17 years old, single Profound Purple talent, 4th-Tier Class-User, brought up through the selection examinations."
Su Chen muttered. Within the territory ruled by the Bronze Sect, there was a complete and rigorous talent screening system. It wasn't held once every year or every few years; rather, it was operating at all times.
All eligible individuals of the appropriate age under their rule could go and participate in the selection examinations. As long as they met the qualifications, they could enter the Holy Hall, thereby reaching the heavens in a single bound.
This He Peiting had only recently been selected through the examinations.
Hailing from a ruined, minor family on a remote planet, his talent originally wasn't considered high. However, it had suddenly shot up to single Profound Purple, allowing him to pass the screening.
Very quickly, Su Chen investigated this person's information down to the very bottom.
"Should I expose his identity?"
Su Chen stared at the photo before him, rubbing his chin. He estimated that Lao Hei had several purposes for coming here, and the reason he took Zhou Yunyang as his master...
Was probably because his move against Qin Tianlin last time had caused him heavy losses. He wanted to confirm whether or not this guy had deceived him.
But Zhou Yunyang actually knew nothing at all. This, on the contrary, dispelled some of Lao Hei's suspicions.
Furthermore, he also needed a reason to freely enter and exit the Bronze Core.
"Zhou Yunyang shouldn't run into any problems in the short term. Next is me. The strength his Advent Body can unleash isn't great. The Divine Blood and Power of Faith should be to fill this flaw."
"There's also Falling Fire. The Ancient King is not present; this is indeed a rare opportunity. The third item is for assisting in Falling Fire."
Su Chen calculated for a moment. "His need for these items also shows from another angle that without the aid of external objects, his Advent Body actually can't do anything."
"If I expose him, who knows where he'll strike from next time? Keeping him under my nose is actually more reassuring. Furthermore, I can take the opportunity to fleece him..."
Iron Rhino Star... He muttered this name. With a casual wave of his hand, the Virtual Screens surrounding him vanished. He then opened his contact list, found Bo Siqi, and told him to come over as soon as possible.
...
Within a certain building in the core of the Royal Court, inside the medical pod in the top-floor room, the Vast Star Stream was currently lying there. His breathing was steady, and various Data constantly flashed on the equipment screens on both sides.
Suddenly, bustling and urgent sounds came from outside the door.
"Your Highness, Your Highness, you cannot enter!"
"His Highness Star Stream needs to rest and... recuperate!"
The voice suddenly became high-pitched. The main doors were pushed open, slamming into the walls on both sides with a
bang
.
A heroic and martial figure subsequently strode in, followed by a large crowd of people. They filed in imposingly, while the Guards blocking their path were flushed red in the face.
The Vast Star Stream, his upper body bare, suddenly opened his eyes. Looking at the newcomer, a flash of gloom crossed his eyes, but he forced a smile. "Third Brother, why have you come?"
The newcomer was the Vast Sea Emperor's third son, Han Xiao. He was also another Star Seed and a strong contender for the position of the next Emperor of the Royal Court.
"To see you, of course."
Han Xiao walked forward step by step. His heroic face bore a seventy percent resemblance to the Vast Sea Emperor. He looked the Vast Star Stream up and down, his eyes filled with the indignant anger of Sharing a bitter hatred of the enemy. He said sternly:
"To think they injured you to this extent, and you still haven't recovered even now! Who exactly is so audacious? Truly damnable!"
The Vast Star Stream took a deep breath. "It's nothing more than some reckless fools trying to stir up trouble and take advantage of Father's disappearance. Rest assured, Third Brother. I, your younger brother, am still living perfectly well."
"Mhm." Han Xiao smiled and placated him, "Then recuperate well in peace. Failing to seize the position of Star Prime was a non-combat fault. You don't need to take it to heart too much. Who asked that Su Chen to be so formidable?"
Mentioning this matter, the Vast Star Stream nearly lost his composure, but he ultimately suppressed it and forced himself to say, "The tournament has already concluded. I naturally won't dwell on this matter."
This Third Brother of his was much older than him and had accumulated many years of connections and influence. Originally, if he could have seized the position of Star Prime, he could have closed this gap.
But now that he hadn't obtained it, a portion of the people who had been watching from the sidelines lost interest in him.
At the same time, because of the Vast Sea Emperor's disappearance, the person maintaining the balance was no longer there. The advantages Han Xiao had built up over the years were suddenly revealed. He was now completely at a disadvantage and in a difficult situation.
"That's good." Han Xiao seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. He asked quite curiously, "Is that Su Chen truly as powerful and mysterious as the rumors say?"
The Vast Star Stream felt irritable inwardly, but he could only suppress his emotions and say, "Third Brother should have already seen the relevant materials and combat videos from the Peak Star Tournament."
Han Xiao nodded. "Although I've seen them, they are ultimately just on paper. To be so young and powerful, I'm truly curious as to how he achieved it."
The Vast Star Stream was Doubtful and Uncertain. Was this Third Brother of his planning to make a move against Su Chen?
But this matter couldn't be that simple, right?
The Vast Star Stream hesitated slightly and said tentatively, "Su Chen is the lifeblood of the Bronze Sect."
Han Xiao said indifferently, "Qin Yun performed a Ritual Sacrifice on the other Morning Stars in the Flare Realm... Several Morning Stars intend to use this momentum to strike at the Bronze Sect. The God-Defying King, King Peng, and the Black Tortoise King, carrying the Foundation of the Royal Court, will all set out."
The Vast Star Stream was stunned. He knew the Suppressing Hell King had awakened, but he truly didn't know about making a move against the Bronze Sect. Furthermore, with such a massive lineup, how would they Conclude it?
Han Xiao said softly, "I will bring Su Chen back to vent your anger for you. Little brother, recuperate well."
"Also, regarding the people who made a move against you, just say it was the Bronze Sect's doing."
The Vast Star Stream's expression sank uncontrollably. He finally understood what Han Xiao was here to do.
The person you couldn't beat, I will bring back.
The merit you couldn't obtain, I will obtain.
Even as for the people who made a move against you, I get to dictate who they are.
Han Xiao looked down at the Vast Star Stream on the hospital bed. He suddenly broke into a grin, which then turned into loud laughter. He turned and left, but his laughter didn't cease.
The Vast Star Stream's expression was ugly. He vaguely regretted it. Perhaps when he was at the Bronze Sect, he should have taken the risk to make a move against Su Chen.
...
In the Bronze Core, within Su Chen's Training Room. His palms faced upwards, his fingers slightly curled. His chest heaved like a bellows pumping, and the surrounding fiery energy was like a hundred rivers returning to the sea, seeping into his body through every inch of his skin.
His skin turned red, then shifted to orange-red, and finally emitted a blazing white light like a branding iron. The blood vessels beneath his skin were clearly visible. A golden-red stream of light formed by the intertwining of lightning plasma and molten fire surged and roared.
Formless Psionic Power twisted. Behind him, a Phantom Image condensed. It looked like an execution platform, its surface carved with lightning patterns. Eternal flames burned at its four corners, and Chains crisscrossed horizontally and vertically, piercing into various parts of Su Chen's body.
A long time later, Su Chen's body shook slightly. All the Manifestations dispersed, suddenly retracting and submerging into his body. He slowly exhaled a breath, and text surfaced on his Status Panel—
[Tribulation Sea Furnace Body-Tempering Art has been elevated to Master Level. Acquired Ability — Tribulation-Forged Body: Slightly increases strength intensity, defense intensity, and maximum stamina.]
[Heavenly Punishment Prison-Suppressing Meditation has been elevated to Master Level. Acquired Ability — Heavenly Punishment Like Iron: Slightly increases mental resilience, intensity, and total capacity.]
More than two months had passed since he contacted Black Buddha. His Body Tempering and Meditation Method had been elevated to Master Level, and his class progress had also reached 31%.
Su Chen swept his gaze across the Status Panel. He didn't circulate a new Body Tempering and Meditation Method. Instead, he brought out a molten-gold Metal Box the size of a basketball. Its surface was carved with complex patterns, looking extraordinary at first glance.
After gently popping it open, a small silver-white cauldron was stored inside. Within it, a pale golden medicinal liquid rippled with mist. This was the "Nine Tripod Great Bell Potion," the item required by the Eternal Physique.
It had been delivered earlier, but Su Chen felt that his Body Tempering and Meditation Method were only one step away from Master Level, so he simply waited until they were completed.
Right now, however, he couldn't wait any longer. He opened his mouth and swallowed it in one gulp. The medicinal liquid entered his throat, but it didn't enter his stomach. Instead, it vanished Without a Trace.
[The Eternal Physique has consumed the Nine Tripod Great Bell Potion. Successfully Fused five stamina-type Professions.]
[Tripod Physique receives partial enhancement — gains a 2500% stamina boost.]
[Fusing partial abilities of the Tripod Physique and Celestial Grace, acquires a new ability — Doppelganger: Performs a stamina reserve equivalent to one's Peak Condition. When one is thoroughly exhausted, fully restores to Peak Condition.]
A stamina boost going from fifteen times to twenty-five times... Su Chen's brow twitched. The Professions he had the Eternal Physique devour also increased the stamina limit. The effects could be said to be outstanding.
And this new ability... Su Chen pondered for a moment and finally understood the difference between it and the original Celestial Grace's forced continuation of a Peak Condition.
The original ability had a time limit. It was equivalent to squeezing out the last drop of potential, and it would also cause damage to the body.
But the new ability was a completely backup "body." It had no time limit and wouldn't cause damage to the body. He only needed to reserve the "Doppelganger" again afterwards.
"Although the simple stacking of Professions broke through the limit and made the Holy Class even stronger, it didn't birth a so-called Characteristic."
Su Chen had anticipated this long ago, so he wasn't disappointed either. He was very satisfied with the enhanced Eternal Physique.
He was just calculating inwardly, wondering if devouring Qin Yun's Morning Star Embers could induce a qualitative change?
"With five more Professions stacked, my Development Efficiency should probably be a bit faster." Su Chen glanced at his Status Panel. He was still quite lacking in the quantity of Eldritch Essences needed to Molten Cast a Top-Tier Holy Class.
He didn't immediately experience the Development Efficiency after another stacking. Instead, he walked out of the Training Room and arrived at the Port.
Not long after, a Flight Vehicle arrived. The person who stepped off was a travel-worn Bo Siqi.
"Old Su..."
He called out. Su Chen's current status in the Bronze Sect was extremely high. He felt it was somewhat inappropriate to continue calling him "Junior Brother," so he simply followed along and called him "Old Su."
Su Chen, however, continued to address Bo Siqi as "Senior Brother."
The two exchanged brief greetings without too many words, instead walking into the Nether Tower.
Su Chen's eyes flickered slightly, and firelight ignited, illuminating the Nether Tower as brightly as day.
Only then did Su Chen ask via mental fluctuation: "Did you get it?"
"I got it." Bo Siqi's expression was grave, and his Adam's apple couldn't help but bob. No wonder that kid Ming Lin went around with a bitter gourd face all day. Doing errands for Su Chen really put an extraordinary amount of pressure on a person.
To actually have to receive things from the hands of Evil God Cultists, and after receiving them, having to kill them at the first opportunity.
He carefully took out a few items from his breast pocket. They were all tightly sealed within identical standardized Metal Boxes, their surfaces engraved with numerous symbols.
These had been specially custom-made by Su Chen specifically to Blockade Evil God Power and bypass basic inspections.
Of course, the most important thing was his "face" [status/prestige]. Otherwise, no matter how tight the Blockade was, it would still have to be thoroughly inspected.
Seeing this, Su Chen breathed a sigh of relief. With Ming Lin absent, he could only have Bo Siqi do this sort of thing.
Although Old Bo had run errands for Xia Hanshi on the Crimson Thunder Planet and handled many matters, Su Chen was still somewhat apprehensive. It was only at this moment that he could set his mind at ease.
"You didn't leave any loose ends, did you?" He reached out to take them and asked.
Bo Siqi shook his head. "Don't worry. That place wasn't the core of the Sect. When I made my move, a ten-mile radius was flattened. No traces whatsoever will be left behind."
As Bo Siqi spoke, his expression couldn't help but turn somewhat odd.
Ever since he came to the Bronze Sect, he had stayed in the core. Because he was Su Chen's man, although the people here treated him with courtesy and never gave him any ugly looks, because his rank was too low, he also didn't receive any special treatment.
But going out to that whatever Iron Rhino Star, he had finally completely experienced what it meant to "enjoy the cool shade while leaning against a large tree."
Those 7th-Tier and even 8th-Tier Class-Users... don't even mention how obsequious each and every one of them was.
Su Chen nodded. "I've troubled you, Senior Brother."
"Spouting nonsense." Bo Siqi waved his hand. The two exchanged pleasantries for a while before Su Chen saw him off. He then turned back into the Nether Tower and carefully opened the boxes within.
Placed inside were clusters of pitch-black, mist-like swirling clouds, each the size of a fist. There were a full six portions.
"Could this be the Faith Essence?"
Su Chen pondered for a moment and switched to his Black Buddha High Priest state. He immediately confirmed that this thing was indeed Faith Essence.
"A minor Evil God can only be squeezed for a dozen or so portions. This is nearly half. It can probably allow his Advent Body to unleash strength comparable to a Morning Star for a short period of time, right?"