But will Crimson actually be enough? Su Chen couldn't help but wonder.
"It's actually the Crimson talent," Zhong Ming stated in astonishnt, unable to hold back his shock. "I wonder what his strength is like."
Feng Ze, however, shook his head. "Talent and strength aren't the sa thing. At his absolute limits, he's just a peak 4th-tier professional. Advancing in special classes doesn't rely depend on talent anyway. Looking at his age, he probably hasn't advanced in many classes. His strength over peers in the sa tier is likely just average."
"Sa tier?" Wei Yufan let out a chuckle. "The Holy Court doesn't have any challenge arenas, and certainly no one forcing them to step into one. They aren't going to talk about 'sa tier'."
The expressions of the surrounding people were subtle. With Chong Jingtian sitting right in front of them, it wasn't appropriate to say much as they watched Wu Chenpei lead the group from Yuandu to offer condolences to Wei Yinshuo.
Besides Hong Xuan, there were several other seemingly young individuals who repeatedly cast glances in their direction.
Almost everyone in the hall focused their attention on this group from Yuandu, discussing them in low voices.
After offering condolences, Wu Chenpei sat down alongside Chong Jingtian and a few others, while Hong Xuan and the rest took seats on the opposite side.
"I heard this Chief Inquisitor was killed right inside the Adjudication Court." One of them raised his head to look at the massive black-and-white photo, a playful smile tracing his lips. "The Adjudication Court..."
"An Ming, watch what you say," another frowned. "This is Yingfeng's business."
An Ming shrugged. "Just speaking the truth. I heard the Adjudication Court set up a fun little thing called the challenge arena, which can suppress both parties to the sa level for those under the 5th-tier."
"The past few tis we ca, it was just minor skirmishes with differing skill levels, so no one took it to heart. But if they have this thing..."
Hong Xuan, who sat beside him, stated calmly, "We are not here to cause trouble."
An Ming chuckled and fell silent.
The two sides remained as distinct as the Jing and Wei rivers. Although they studied each other, no one exchanged a word.
When the morial ended, they had to leave in batches due to the elevator's limited capacity.
"Su Chen, have you advanced in that Armored Bone Adept yet?"
Upon reaching the ground floor, Ming Lin grabbed Su Chen with a completely pained expression.
"What's wrong?" Su Chen asked, curious.
"Getting beaten up every day is too agonizing. I calculated it, and to endure enough beatings to fulfill the requirent will probably take close to two years." Ming Lin had clearly been severely tornted. Unfortunately, the class requirents were strict; missing even a little ant the abilities gained post-advancent would be proportionately weakened.
"Sa here, I figure it will take even longer than you." Su Chen put on an expression of deep agreent, which imdiately made Ming Lin feel much better.
Ming Lin enthusiastically insisted they share a ride so they could discuss the secrets to taking a beating.
"You're not returning to the Adjudication Court?"
After being rejected, Ming Lin looked at Su Chen in surprise.
"Nope," Su Chen nodded. "I'm heading to the Class Decoding Departnt."
"Tsk..." Ming Lin couldn't hide his envy. "If you snag any secrets to advancing, don't forget about ."
"Secrets to advancing?" Su Chen burst into laughter. "If only such a thing existed."
The two parted ways. Yesterday, stepping onto the hovercar and looking at the people from Yuandu outside the window, he murmured, "Spirit Adept, hm..."
He wasn't familiar with those from Yuandu, and probing them for class details would be very difficult. Su Chen decided it was best to visit the Class Decoding Departnt and ask Old Sang for his opinion.
It was also a good opportunity to uncover their actions. If the other party truly wanted to view the stone slab, they would definitely have to go through Old Pu.
...
The delegation from Yuandu was staying at the Guest House, and they had hovercars specially prepared by Yingfeng for travel. However, Wu Chenpei stopped Chong Jingtian. "The Chief Inquisitor wouldn't mind giving a ride, would he?"
"Please, Holy Envoy," Chong Jingtian replied with surprise, a glint of contemplation briefly passing through his eyes before accepting. He couldn't refuse, inviting the other party into his vehicle.
The heavy, black car with gold patterns offered a spacious rear cabin. Its driver was also a chanical puppet.
Chong Jingtian was very direct, "Holy Envoy, what brings you to ?"
Wu Chenpei hadn't expected Chong Jingtian to be so blunt. Having to adjust his train of thought, his voice lowered, carrying a hint of sorrow:
"You must have realized it too. The activities of the Evil God Cultists have been growing increasingly frequent. Our people have seen massive divine statues floating in the wilderness, reaching up to a thousand ters tall."
"The Holy Banquet is imminent. The Evil Gods are about to tear this planet apart and feast."
Chong Jingtian's gaze shifted, but he wasn't frightened. He responded neutrally, "Weren't you here to explain why people from Yuandu appeared in Yingfeng's subordinate cities?"
"Because we are also investigating this matter," Wu Chenpei stated, offering no further explanation about that incident. Instead, he continued:
"Ten years ago, a spaceship fell from outside our world, and three people survived. That was when we learned of the existence of the Royal Court."
"We tried to join them but were rejected. Integrating us would cost too much for their rule unless there was sothing of imnse value on this planet."
"They weren't even sure if that Morning Star Tier class existed, but with our joint concealnt, they found nothing and left disappointed."
"But now, everything they said back then is coming true. The Holy Banquet is imminent, and we only have one opportunity."
"You want to request aid from the Royal Court and hand over the ruins?" Chong Jingtian's tone was icy. Looking sideways at the passing scenery outside the window, he added, "Pinning your hopes on others—once they obtain the most valuable item, will they still pay the price to help us fight the Evil Gods?"
"No," Wu Chenpei shook his head, denying Chong Jingtian's speculation. "We wouldn't hand over the Morning Star Tier class itself, but the person chosen by the spirituality."
"What do you an?" Chong Jingtian turned his head, furrowing his brows.
Wu Chenpei profoundly declared, "Hong Xuan has been ticulously cultivated by us. With a Crimson talent, everything is perfect. As long as he gains the recognition of that Morning Star Tier class, we will have a way to survive."
"After that, we will destroy all items bearing the spirituality, leaving only Hong Xuan. Those people ntioned that planets capable of birthing a Morning Star Tier class are incredibly rare. Even in the Royal Court, Morning Star Tiers are major figures."
"With no other choices, they will be forced to pour their resources into cultivating Hong Xuan. One can assu they'll help resolve our troubles for the sake of a future Morning Star Tier native."
"So that is your goal—an excuse to let Hong Xuan view the stone slab?" Chong Jingtian exclaid with a gloomy face. He had finally figured it out; Yuandu had planned this all along before even coming.
"Not an excuse," Wu Chenpei shook his head. "It is our only way out."
"Our only way out?" Chong Jingtian curled his lips in a cold sneer. "You plotted this long ago, and you're only telling now. Saying you're doing this for us—do you expect to believe you?"
"From my perspective, this is even worse than simply delivering the news directly to the Royal Court."
"This is the best thod," Wu Chenpei sighed. "When the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact. Once the Holy Banquet begins, none of us can escape. Why would I want to harm you?"
"We have prepared for this path of survival for a very long ti."
"So you already know what that class is?" Chong Jingtian's face grew somber, realizing the hidden implication.
Wu Chenpei fell silent. Only after a long while did he reveal, "Its na is, the Crimson Fla Responding Thunder Great Exalted."
Chong Jingtian was taken aback. "Crimson Thunder Planet? Responding Thunder Great Exalted? That class is the deity you have always worshipped?"
"We didn't know before; we only found out later," Wu Chenpei spoke ambiguously. "Perhaps long ago, to our ancestors, a fragnted na was perceived, and they worshipped it as a deity, a tradition carried down to this day."
Chong Jingtian looked out the window, his expression cold. "You hid it truly deeply. However, I refuse."
Wu Chenpei frowned. "Are you rejecting this, or is the Council of Elders rejecting it? You aren't soone who ignores the big picture, or do you simply not trust ?"
"Whose big picture?" Chong Jingtian retorted. "I don't just distrust you; I also distrust the Royal Court."
"Only if the Holy Banquet succeeds will it result in the scenario you ntion. If we successfully block it, that won't happen."
"There isn't much ti left." Wu Chenpei let out a long sigh. "You know in your heart, this is the only path."
"Even if there is only one path, it doesn't necessarily have to be Hong Xuan." Chong Jingtian spoke coldly, "Could it be that in all of Yingfeng, there is no one who can gain its recognition?"
"You've had the stone slab for thirty years, have you gained anything?" Wu Chenpei emphasized, his tone gradually rising. "Only Hong Xuan. The Crimson talent is just one part of it. Every step we've had him take has been directed toward gaining its recognition, even toward being the Chosen One."
"No one in Yuandu is more outstanding than him, and Yingfeng won't have anyone either. On this entire planet, there is no one more excellent, more suitable, or more perfect than him."
"We have arrived at your destination," Chong Jingtian said plainly.
Wu Chenpei alighted from the vehicle and watched the black hovercar depart into the distance.
Inside the car, Chong Jingtian mumbled softly, "Crimson Fla Responding Thunder Great Exalted, the Chosen One..."
...
Traveling all the way to the Class Decoding Departnt, Su Chen noticed sothing amiss the mont he arrived.
There were too many hovercars parked outside. He had co and gone countless tis, but he had never seen so many hovercars in the parking lot.
"Jing A0056, this is a Guest House vehicle..." Su Chen stepped out of his car and glanced at the nearby black hovercar's license plate, a thoughtful look crossing his face.
"Uncle Wang..." When Su Chen arrived at the guardhouse of the Class Decoding Departnt, he had already pulled out a bottle of alcohol he had stashed in his Storage Space at so unknown ti.
The guards stationed outside were ticulous, but the middle-aged man inside the room wore a cheerful smile.
"Little Su ah..." Wang Jie was quite familiar with Su Chen, smoothly accepting the offered bottle. He couldn't help but marvel, "Jade Pot Spring, good stuff. You certainly are generous."
"A pity I'm on duty right now." He smacked his lips and tucked the liquor away.
Su Chen then asked, "The Class Decoding Departnt sure is lively today?"
"You sneaky little brat..." Wang Jie nodded. "You saw those cars outside, right? They all belong to the Guest House. A lot of people from Yuandu ca today."
His guess verified, Su Chen remained puzzled. "What did they co to the Class Decoding Departnt for?"
"What for? To flaunt their power, obviously," Wang Jie snorted coldly. "Whenever people from Yuandu visit, they have to drop by the Class Decoding Departnt every single ti, claiming it's for 'exchange and learning,' but in reality, it's just a covert flexing contest."
"I rember their last visit was three years ago." A hint of anger surfaced in Wang Jie's eyes as he pointed out the window. "They actually parked their cars right over there. Right there, blocking the main gate."
"Back then, I was just a small squad captain. I almost couldn't hold myself back."
Su Chen turned to look; that spot faced the main gate of the Class Decoding Departnt directly.
"Blocking the gate? They're that fierce?" Su Chen was astonished. "The armistice is already in effect, yet they still pull stunts like that?"
"The armistice has only been around for ten years; hatred doesn't vanish that easily. Whenever the four cities exchange delegations, whether we go there or they co here, it's always kept quiet without much commotion." Wang Jie shook his head. Then, looking around like a thief, he lowered his voice even further.
"However, it's also because those old professors inside aren't living up to expectations. They just can't decode the Saint Word Stones the other side brings. There's nothing we can do about it."
Su Chen raised an eyebrow. They couldn't decode it? Really? Are they that incompetent?
Wang Jie's words were vague, given that he was rely a guard and many things were just hearsay. After chatting with him for a bit longer, Su Chen finally entered the Class Decoding Departnt.
He could clearly feel today that there were far fewer staff mbers walking along the internal pathways.
Arriving at Old Sang's experintal building, he searched around but found no one. From Old Sang's work assistant, he learned that everyone had gone to the grand eting hall.
"The people from Yuandu ca aggressively, so all the professors went over."
Old Sang's work assistant was nad Fang Xinghan. He could be considered half a student, and Su Chen was relatively familiar with him. He asked about the specific situation.
"What else could it be?" Fang Xinghan forced a bitter smile. "Sa as before. They brought a piece of Saint Word Stone and wanted to make a bet with us."
"Bet on what?" Su Chen was inherently curious.
"This ti, it's probably the 'Saint'..." Fang Xinghan answered thoughtfully.
Su Chen felt a jolt in his heart. "They've bet before? On what class?"
Fang Xinghan pondered, "Last ti it was the 'Sage'. Originally, this class was kept highly confidential within the Class Decoding Departnt. It was the second class discovered with abilities similar to the 'Scholar'. They believed there might be a connection. It was only after losing to the other side that they simply made it public."
"Then what were the other side's chips?" Su Chen silently ford a guess.
"What else could it be? It's always been 'Spirit Adept'. Everyone believes these classes are connected, but no one can find the exact link," Fang Xinghan said helplessly.
"I don't even know where they got the Saint Word Stones in their possession either. Last ti, several professors worked together and still couldn't completely decipher what class it was after nearly half a year."
"It's that outrageous?" Su Chen was quite surprised. He felt that the skill level of Sang Hanhai and Qin Qiyuan, whom he interacted with, wasn't low at all. To think they suffered such a miserable defeat.
"Elder Pu didn't step in?" Su Chen couldn't help asking.
"Elder Pu wasn't at the Adjudication Court last ti," Fang Xinghan explained, a bit of anticipation creeping into his voice. "But this ti, with Elder Pu here, Yuandu will definitely return in defeat."
Isn't this my area of expertise? Surprisingly, Old Sang never even ntioned a word of this to .
Puzzled, Su Chen nonetheless offered his thanks and prepared to go over and see what was happening.
However, Fang Xinghan stopped him, pulling him into a lounge area. He shook his head, "You'd better not go. Decoding a Saint Word Stone is a lengthy process. If they are truly betting on it, you'll definitely be able to witness the results eventually."
"Regarding your matter, we've all signed a Secret Contract. Elder Sang probably doesn't want to expose you."
He knew Su Chen was a Heaven-Bestowed Class Decoder, but each resonance required a long interval in between. It wasn't like he could decipher it right on the spot anyway.
"Ah, I see..." Su Chen finally understood why Old Sang hadn't brought it up with him.
But with the Spirit Adept he intensely yearned for on the line, how could Su Chen possibly stay away? He imdiately replied, "Don't worry, I'm just going as an idle spectator."
Fang Xinghan hesitated, wanting to say more, but he was only a work assistant. If Su Chen insisted on going, he couldn't stop him.
Leaving the experintal building, Su Chen headed straight in the direction Fang Xinghan had indicated.
...
The Grand eting Hall was usually where the Class Decoding Departnt held its etings, but today the atmosphere was tense, with swords drawn and bows knocked. Both sides of the long, rectangular tal table were already packed with people.
Sang Hanhai, Qin Qiyuan, and others stood on the left side, their expressions grim and cold.
On the right was a group of folks dressed in red robes. The leader wore a smile and sported a small mustache. Placed before him was a radiantly glowing piece of a Saint Word Stone.
(End of this chapter)
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