Trafford's Trading Club

Chapter 1012: How Could There Be a Path to Immortality in This World? (20)

Inside the room, Long Xiruo was sitting cross-legged with her eyes closed—in her current childlike form.

This room was the most private part of a villa owned by Xuanyuan Palace in Mt. Tai. Both inside and outside, Kui Qianyi had set up numerous defensive measures.

Long Xiruo had not come here to heal but to focus entirely on controlling her created body. Every time she used this form, it had a time limit and required her to expend her own blood essence. The process also drained a large amount of her mental energy.

At her current state, her mental power was barely different from that of a normal human child, though her resilience and willpower remained at a non-human level. Even so, continuously using her created body was an immense burden on her.

Sweat covered Long Xiruo’s translucent face. Luo Pianxian, who was accompanying her in the room, gently wiped it away.

Luo Pianxian watched Sister Dragon nervously, growing anxious inside: When will that person finally leave?

A guest had arrived at the villa today—someone from Xuanyuan Palace. This person seemed to hold a status comparable to Kui Qianyi, addressing him by name without the slightest formality.

His name was Gongsun Shiyu.

—

Some time earlier.“Gongsun Shiyu?”

Long Xiruo had just returned to the villa from the water pool, already in a foul mood. The moment she arrived, hearing this name only made her even more irritated. “Why is that guy running around instead of staying in his lair?”

Kui Qianyi shook his head. “I’m quite curious myself. But since Gongsun has come out, he must have an agenda… Lord Long, you should know that ever since Her Highness the Princess left, Xuanyuan Palace has been leaderless. In the past, when the Divine Land was in chaos, Xuanyuan Palace dominated both the Daoist and Demon worlds, subjugating countless demons and reorganizing them into the ‘Kun’ division. Meanwhile, warriors of Xuanyuan Palace, descended from His Majesty the Yellow Emperor, formed the ‘Qian’ division. Over the centuries, these two factions have frequently clashed…”

Long Xiruo waved her hand impatiently. “I don’t interfere in Xuanyuan Palace’s affairs. How you deal with Gongsun Shiyu is your problem.”

Kui Qianyi had expected this response. He sighed and said, “But Gongsun Shiyu is here specifically to see you, Lord Long. Ignoring him wouldn’t be wise… However, if he finds out about your current state, that would be even worse. Gongsun Shiyu is talented and ambitious. For years, the Qian division has remained dormant, and Gongsun Shiyu has been biding his time. You should know why. After all, before the Princess, you were the rightful heir of Xuanyuan… Princess Xiruo.”

“That title has nothing to do with me anymore. Don’t bring it up again,” Long Xiruo said coldly. She then sneered, “And do you really think the title of ‘Princess’ would be enough to suppress Gongsun Shiyu? What he fears is not some ‘rightful heir’—he only fears the power of the True Dragon.”

Xuanyuan Palace reigned over both Daoist and Demon worlds, but the Divine Land’s True Dragon was the ultimate authority.

Kui Qianyi sighed. “Lord Long, I truly have no idea what Gongsun’s intentions are. It’s been keeping me up at night…”

“Fine, fine.” Long Xiruo didn’t want to see Kui Qianyi struggle. “I’ll prepare to meet him. Let’s just hope he doesn’t try anything funny, or I’ll send him flying back where he came from.”

—

It was said that the Yellow Emperor was the son of Shaodian and Fubao. His original surname was Gongsun, later changed to Ji, which is why he was called Ji Xuanyuan. He lived on Xuanyuan Hill and ruled from Youxiong.

Xuanyuan Palace housed many people with the surname Gongsun—descendants of the ancient Xuanyuan clan. However, the true lineage of the Yellow Emperor had only one direct line, so the Gongsun clan could not claim the name Xuanyuan. Nevertheless, some in the Gongsun clan inherited portions of the Yellow Emperor’s bloodline, possessing monstrous talent.

Gongsun Shiyu was one of the younger members of the Gongsun clan—though for his kind, “young” still meant he was over a hundred years old. In fact, among them, his age was considered quite advanced.

Due to ancient techniques that allowed them to surpass human limits, members of the Qian division could easily live for centuries. The most accomplished among them could even reach a thousand years.

Gongsun Shiyu was currently 729 years old.

However, his appearance had remained unchanged since the moment he surpassed the mortal threshold. With clear, refined features that were neither delicate nor weak, he possessed an undeniable charm.

If judged purely by looks, he could be considered the pinnacle of human genetics.

Long Xiruo sat at her desk, gazing at Gongsun Shiyu, who stood before her with perfect composure, hands respectfully clasped behind his back. Behind him stood an attendant, a remarkably capable member of the Gongsun clan named Gongsun Zhishui.

Years ago, when Long Xiruo had returned to Xuanyuan Palace out of boredom, she had taken note of him.

“Hm… not bad. You could probably become a celebrity and at least avoid starving to death.”

The immense presence of the True Dragon filled the study, a pressure so overwhelming that even Kui Qianyi found it difficult to remain at ease.

Gongsun Shiyu, however, simply smiled. “Lord Long is as humorous as ever. But if I became a celebrity, I fear my clan would disown me.”

Long Xiruo replied indifferently, “Then just debut as a group. The entire Gongsun clan looks decent enough. If you all do it, no one will judge.”

She was deliberately making things difficult.

Gongsun Shiyu let out a small sigh and then spoke seriously. “Lord Long, I left Xuanyuan Palace for a reason. I hope you will understand.”

“Oh? Is it something important?” Long Xiruo asked nonchalantly. “If it’s not, don’t bother. Things in Mt. Tai are chaotic right now, and I don’t have time for Gongsun clan drama.”

Gongsun Shiyu’s expression remained composed. “Princess Xiruo, do you truly believe the matter of Xuanyuan Palace’s succession is a trivial one?”

Long Xiruo’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Gongsun Shiyu met her gaze without hesitation.

A vast and powerful aura naturally flowed from him—an inherited force of the Yellow Emperor. Gongsun Shiyu was one of the rare individuals outside the main line who had inherited the true power of their ancestor.

This man… was among the few who could wield the Xuanyuan Sword.

“Speak. What do you want?” Long Xiruo exhaled slowly.

Gongsun Shiyu said, “Not long ago, I felt a disturbance in my heart and sensed the Xuanyuan Sword’s energy… Lord Long, may I ask if the sword was recently used? Was it you, or was it Princess Zijun?”

Xuanyuan Sword?

Long Xiruo’s heart skipped a beat.

Gongsun Shiyu was likely referring to the incident where Xiangliu attempted to seize the Spiritual Vein. During that crisis, Su Zijun had impulsively drawn upon the power of the Xuanyuan Sword.

As someone partially qualified to wield the sacred weapon, it wasn’t strange that Gongsun Shiyu had sensed its activation.

“I used it. Is there a problem?” Long Xiruo replied casually. “Or are you saying I’m not allowed to?”

"It actually required Lord Long to use the Xuanyuan Sword—this must have been no small matter," Gongsun Shiyu quickly said. "Do you need to mobilize the warriors of the Qian Department?"

"I just took it out to wipe off the dust. Why are you making such a big deal out of it?" Long Xiruo snorted coldly. "It's my freedom to use it as a clothes rack if I want! Alright, that's enough. You can leave now. I'm fine, no need to worry!"

Gongsun Shiyu silently gazed at Long Xiruo for a while before finally speaking. "Princess Xiruo, could you tell me the whereabouts of Princess Zijun? Xuanyuan Palace cannot go without a ruler for even a day. This time, I left the palace under the elders' orders… Our entire clan hopes Princess Zijun will return soon."

"Heh, you can't find her. What does that have to do with me?" Long Xiruo sneered. "If your betrothed ran away, that's your own incompetence. Don't bring it to me. I don't do arranged marriages!"

"Lord Long, Master Shiyu is only thinking of Xuanyuan Palace!" At that moment, the attendant behind Gongsun Shiyu stepped forward and spoke with measured confidence. "Master Shiyu is by no means incompetent! He is the most outstanding successor our Gongsun clan has seen in centuries!"

"Heh."

A faint dragon's roar echoed through the room.

It was a sound that seemed to resonate from deep within one's soul. Though the room was small, at this moment, it felt vast and boundless. Above their heads, a colossal golden dragon loomed, gazing down.

The True Dragon—China's totem, the golden divine dragon.

A shiver ran through Gongsun Zhishui's body as his throat tensed involuntarily. A bead of cold sweat trickled down his forehead.

"Lord Long, please calm your anger!" Gongsun Shiyu swiftly dropped to one knee, bowing his head. "Zhishui was disrespectful. I will discipline him properly upon our return. I hope Lord Long can forgive his rudeness!"

"If you have no business here, leave. You're just in the way." Long Xiruo spoke indifferently before standing up and walking out of the study.

After Long Xiruo left, Gongsun Zhishui's legs gave out, and he collapsed onto the floor. "Th-That… that is the power of the True Dragon…"

"Haha, Gongsun, don't take it too hard," Kui Qianyi chuckled as he approached. "Lord Long has always been like this—unpredictable in temperament. Were you frightened?"

"Elder Turtle, you're joking." Gongsun Shiyu stood up again, his expression calm. "I would never dare disrespect Lord Long. My reverence comes from the depths of my heart."

"I know you're eager to find Princess Zijun."

Kui Qianyi chuckled. "Like you, I'm quite anxious myself. But Princess Zijun's whereabouts are a mystery, and I'm at a loss… How about this? If I hear any news about her, I'll inform you immediately. How does that sound?"

"Then I'll trouble Elder Turtle with that task." Gongsun Shiyu nodded. "However, I don't plan to return just yet. Since I'm already outside the palace, I intend to take my time and look around."

Kui Qianyi raised an eyebrow and studied Gongsun Shiyu for a moment. "If that's the case, consider it a leisurely trip. I'll be staying here for a while, so if you need anything, feel free to come to me."

Gongsun Shiyu smiled. "If I need anything, I'll be sure to trouble Elder Turtle. But don't worry, Elder Turtle—our Qian Department has some properties in this area, so I can manage on my own."

"Haha."

"As for Lord Long, I'll leave it to Elder Turtle to attend to her." Gongsun Shiyu clasped his hands and bowed to Kui Qianyi. "Then, I shall take my leave."

Kui Qianyi silently returned the gesture.

As Gongsun Shiyu turned, he bent down to help Gongsun Zhishui to his feet before calmly departing.

Kui Qianyi shook his head and sat down on the sofa in the study, making himself tea. Before long, Gui Ying returned and reported that Gongsun Shiyu and Gongsun Zhishui had left the villa.

Kui Qianyi suddenly mused, "Actually, Gongsun Shiyu isn't bad. He could barely be considered a match for Princess Zijun. It's just a pity… And really, the descendants of the Xuanyuan royal family always seem to have such unfortunate personalities. Sigh."

"Master Kui, Lord Long hasn't gone far yet," Gui Ying suddenly remarked.

Kui Qianyi's hand trembled, and he quickly glanced at the study door, confirming it was completely shut before he let out a sigh of relief and shot Gui Ying a glare.

Gui Ying smirked playfully.

"You're learning all the wrong things," Kui Qianyi rolled his eyes, then became serious again. "But Gongsun wouldn't have left the palace just for Princess Zijun… The princess has been gone for years. If she were going to return, she would have done so already."

"I'll send a few men to follow Gongsun Shiyu," Gui Ying said directly.

Kui Qianyi nodded. "The Gongsun clan has many people with special abilities. That Gongsun Zhishui may have looked pathetic earlier, but in terms of strength, he is not to be underestimated… This time, you'll have to go in person."

"I understand. I'll take care of it," Gui Ying nodded.

Kui Qianyi nodded as well, but just as Gui Ying was about to leave, he suddenly called out and asked, "By the way, have you developed those photos I asked you to?"

"…" Gui Ying's face remained expressionless. "I'll take care of it on my way."

…

…

After leaving Kui Qianyi's villa, Gongsun Shiyu quickly got into a black business-class vehicle.

Once the car had completely exited the villa’s neighborhood, Gongsun Zhishui suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood.

Gongsun Shiyu remained calm. "How are you?"

Gongsun Zhishui wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his face slightly pale but his voice steady. He replied indifferently, "As expected of the True Dragon's power. Just the pressure alone nearly ruptured my blood vessels."

Gongsun Shiyu chuckled. "Long Xiruo is still just as powerful."

He suddenly extended his hand and made a grasping motion in the air. "I really wish I could wield that unbeatable True Dragon power myself."

Gongsun Zhishui glanced at him and said flatly, "Just don't end up playing with fire and getting burned… By the way, I scanned Kui Qianyi's villa with my abilities. There was nothing suspicious—except for one area heavily warded with multiple restrictions. I couldn't see through it. I originally planned to provoke Long Xiruo and feign resistance to probe further, but the True Dragon’s power was too overwhelming—I had to focus on protecting myself."

"No matter," Gongsun Shiyu said indifferently. "I'm certain Princess Zijun isn't there. As long as she's not, she won't interfere with me."

A silence settled in the car.

After a while, Gongsun Zhishui asked, "Where to now?"

"To meet someone."

(End of Chapter)