NOVEL NEXT Chapter 278: Leaving the Darkness and Joining the Light
Chapter 278: Leaving the Darkness and Joining the Light
“We should check out the underground market,” Lin Fengmian suggested.
Although he knew that the chances were slim, he still wanted to try his luck at the underground market.
Using a few tricks, the two of them managed to find a contact for the underground market in the city.
The contact confirmed that they had Spirit Fusion Pills, but they weren’t for sale at the moment.
When Lin Fengmian pressed for a reason, the contact only vaguely replied, “Someone important above has forbidden the trade.”
Lin Fengmian sighed. It seemed that Jun Fengya’s influence was more extensive than he had imagined. Even the underground market had to give up her face and refrain from selling Spirit Fusion Pills.
Not wanting to waste any more time, Lin Fengmian and Jun Yunshang bought a few more items and gathered the latest information before leaving.
Jun Yunshang was a bit depressed. She had been determined to do whatever it took to find Lin Fengmian a new top-grade Spirit Fusion Pill, no matter what the cost.
But now, it seemed that all her efforts were in vain. Even with all the Spirit Stones she could muster, she still couldn’t find a place to spend them.
Back at the Shanhai Residence, Lin Fengmian decided to put up a sign in front of the inn, offering a large sum of money for Spirit Fusion Pills, regardless of their quality.
“Do you think this will work?” Jun Yunshang asked worriedly.
“It’s better than doing nothing,” Lin Fengmian replied with a smile.
He carefully studied the information he had just obtained from the black market, analyzing the current situation in the competition for the throne.
After all, Jun Yunshang’s information was far from reliable. Knowing one’s enemy as well as one’s self will ensure victory in any battle.
The competition for the throne between the princes had now reached its peak, and the situation was becoming clearer. It had evolved into a scenario with one dominant contender and three strong challengers.
All four top contenders had Void Realm experts supporting them, with the Fourth Prince, Jun Chengye, having two such experts.
First Prince Jun Zhen, Seventh Prince Jun Yutang, and Ninth Princess Jun Fengya each had one Void Realm expert by their side.
The current leader, Jun Chengye, was still trapped in the nearest truce city, Linyuan City, unable to move an inch.
His maternal family, the Ding Clan, was quite powerful, with two Void Realm experts among them and many other skilled fighters under their banner.
Jun Chengye was exceptionally talented and had already reached the peak of the Unity Realm, making him the greatest contender for the throne.
His position near Junlin City seemed to give him a huge advantage. Many people believed that he was the unofficial successor to the Heaven-Soaring Sword Saint, with the others merely competing for second place.
But as the saying goes, the tallest tree will always be struck by lightning, and that’s exactly what happened. Jun Chengye quickly became the target of everyone’s attacks.
Despite his two Void Realm experts and an army of Unity Realm fighters, the combined strength of the other contenders was overwhelming.
The remaining three top contenders joined forces, and three Void Realm experts blocked Jun Chengye outside of Linyuan City.
If he dared to leave the city, these three Void Realm experts would kill him on the spot.
After all, their strength was second only to that of the Heaven-Soaring Sword Saint, and in these turbulent times, killing a prince was not a difficult decision.
Jun Chengye’s Void Realm protectors, his uncle and grandfather, were unable to break the siege as they were outnumbered three to two.
Feeling cornered, Jun Chengye opted to stay inside Linyuan City, drinking and enjoying himself while watching the other contenders fight amongst themselves.
But anyone who tried to enter Linyuan City now would find the way blocked. Jun Chengye made his stance clear: “You can deal with the last two contenders, then we’ll talk.”
“If I can’t go, then no one else can either.”
This created a stalemate, with no one able to break through or even get close to Linyuan City.
Three Void Realm experts guarded the north gate, preventing Jun Chengye from leaving, while his own forces blocked the south gate, stopping anyone else from entering.
Jun Zhen, Jun Yutang and Jun Fengya weren’t in a hurry to enter the city. Instead, they were out hunting for the other princes.
They, too, had to follow Jun Chengye’s rules – to decide on the last two contenders and then negotiate with him. If things continued like this, no one would be able to enter Junlin City.
Jun Fengya didn’t move forward. Instead, she waited patiently as she was focused on Lin Fengmian. The path ahead would be blocked by the First Prince and the Seventh Prince, so it was better to wait for this unexpected genius who had arrived like a dark horse.
Lin Fengmian, the surprising talent who had appeared out of nowhere, if he could maintain his rapid cultivation speed, he might indeed become a Void Realm expert.
Jun Fengya had already prepared a top-grade Void Breaking Pill, waiting for Lin Fengmian to arrive.
If she could make use of Lin Fengmian, she would gain a card that could decide the outcome of the competition.
Seeing the current situation, Lin Fengmian finally understood why she was so focused on him. Unknowingly, he had become a potential Void Realm expert!
But there was no point in overthinking it. His priority was to first figure out how to break through the Unity Realm.
After all, he hadn’t interacted with the subordinates of the other heirs, as Jun Fengya had probably intercepted them all. It was clear that she was determined to have him on her side.
If she couldn’t have him, she would most likely stop at nothing to destroy him.
Sigh, being too talented really was a problem.
Lin Fengmian and Jun Yunshang waited until dusk, but no one dared to come forward to trade.
Jun Yunshang asked anxiously, “What should we do now?”
Lin Fengmian smiled at her, “Go take a bath and change your clothes.”
Not understanding at first, Jun Yunshang crossed her arms and backed away, confused. “What are you trying to do?”
Lin Fengmian rolled his eyes. “What do you think? I just want you to bathe and get dressed. We’re going to a banquet soon.”
Jun Yunshang made a sound of understanding. She loved bathing, but her mind was elsewhere, and she reluctantly went to wash, feeling conflicted.
Young Master Ye really seems ready to run off with my sister.
I don’t have a Spirit Fusion Pill, and my sister probably even has a Void Breaking Pill.
But after thinking about it, she clenched her fist and encouraged herself.
“Yunshang, stay strong!”
After her bath, she emerged only to see Lin Fengmian heading straight for the bath.
“Young Master Ye, what are you doing?” Jun Yunshang quickly grabbed him.
As if it was obvious, Lin Fengmian replied, “I’m bathing too. What’s the problem?”
“But… it’s the water I just used,” Jun Yunshang said embarrassedly.
“I don’t mind,” Lin Fengmian replied as he stepped toward the bath.
“…?” Jun Yunshang was speechless. Was this really something to worry about?
But thinking about how Lin Fengmian had bathed just to meet Jun Fengya, she couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable.
She went to the vanity table, staring at her reflection in the mirror and thought for a moment before pulling out some makeup.
Even if it was a losing battle, she still couldn’t afford to look bad.
On his way to the bathroom, Lin Fengmian asked, “Luo Xue, do you have any good ideas?”
Luo Xue replied, “None!”
“Sigh, maybe we should switch sides. As long as we can get close to the Heaven-Soaring Sword Saint, that’s all that matters,” Lin Fengmian said with a teasing smile.
“Do you really think so?” Luo Xue asked.
“Although I would prefer to see things through to the end, your situation is more pressing,” Lin Fengmian replied seriously.
“What about her? Without our protection, she’ll probably be taken advantage of soon,” Luo Xue said, feeling a bit guilty.
“I knew you couldn’t bear it. Let’s talk to Jun Fengya. If that doesn’t work, I’ll have to use some unconventional methods,” Lin Fengmian said.
“Unconventional methods? What do you mean?” Luo Xue asked curiously.
“Make a show of honesty while secretly working behind the scenes. I’m going to summon the gods!” Lin Fengmian said solemnl