Qin Feiyang said, "Lu Hong, close the windows too."

Lu Hong walked to the window, glanced outside, then closed them.

In that quick glance, she had noticed several peddlers on the street looking towards their window. Moreover, on a rooftop not far away, two figures were lurking.

She turned back to Qin Feiyang and whispered, "The people spying on us haven't left yet."

"Never mind them."

Qin Feiyang waved his hand dismissively, then turned to the Eldest Prince and Third Prince and asked, "What is it you wanted to discuss?"

The Eldest Prince whispered, "Two days ago, while I was chatting casually with Elder Lin, he unintentionally mentioned that Jia Hei has often been sneaking out alone recently."

"Isn't that normal?" Qin Feiyang frowned. It was Jia Hei's first time in King Pan City, so it was quite normal for him to go out and explore.

The Eldest Prince said, "If it were just that, it wouldn't be an issue. But every time he goes out, he does so secretively, picking times when no one is around."

Qin Feiyang raised an eyebrow and asked, "Are you sure?"

The Eldest Prince nodded. "Absolutely. Elder Lin found his behavior odd, so he followed him one day and discovered Jia Hei had actually left the city."

"Left the city?" Qin Feiyang's brows knitted tightly.

If he were just wandering around inside the city, that wouldn't be a problem. But leaving the city is indeed a bit strange. Being unfamiliar with the area, what could Jia Hei be doing outside the city?

The Eldest Prince smiled. "That's all I know. I'm not sure if it's helpful to you."

"Very helpful. Thank you, Your Highness," Qin Feiyang cupped his hands and said with a smile.

The Eldest Prince said, "Not at all. I just hope my goodwill can help ease the tension between us somewhat."

Qin Feiyang smiled. "Let's put the past behind us. From today, let's be friends and look out for each other."

Overjoyed, the Eldest Prince sighed, "Brother Qin is truly magnanimous. I am in awe."

Qin Feiyang responded with a faint smile, "Your Highness's magnanimity is also beyond compare."

He ruined my wedding and publicly embarrassed me, yet he still takes the initiative to show goodwill. This isn't something an ordinary person could do.

After exchanging pleasantries, the Eldest Prince and Third Prince took their leave.

Qin Feiyang was lost in thought.

That imposter back then eventually entered the Elixir King Palace. And now, Jia Hei's movements are furtive. Could that imposter, Elder Lin, have been Jia Hei in disguise? Is Jia Hei really from the Blood Slaughter Palace? If so, who is the other one? This is giving me a headache. This matter is so convoluted and complex. And I still can't find any key clues. How am I supposed to figure this out?

He turned to Fatty and Lu Hong, his voice deep, "Your primary task now is to monitor Jia Hei!"

"How do we do that? He's a War Emperor," Fatty's face paled.

Qin Feiyang smiled. "I believe you'll find a way."

Fatty rolled his eyes but began to rack his brain.

"I'll go back to my room to cultivate. Call me if anything happens," Ling Yunfei said and quickly left the room.

Initially, he had been rather pleased with reaching Two-star Martial Ancestor so quickly. But after witnessing the strength of Xia Fan and Feng Ling'er, he realized he was still far from adequate. Although he was only sixteen, while Feng Ling'er was almost nineteen and Xia Fan nearly twenty, he still felt inferior. Simply put, he wasn't ready to admit defeat.

Qin Feiyang and Wolf King also entered a state of cultivation, making the most of every second.

「A short while later.」

Lu Hong asked, "Fatty, any ideas?"

Fatty's eyes gleamed, and he said with a sly grin, "I've got it, but you might have to endure some hardship."

Lu Hong said, "Just spit it out!"

Fatty grinned. "We'll disguise ourselves and apply for server positions at Phoenix Tower."

Lu Hong frowned. "Is that necessary? Can't we just change our appearances and watch from outside Phoenix Tower every day?"

"No, that won't work." Fatty said with a cunning smile, "Jia Hei is an old fox. Over time, he'd definitely notice. But if we become servers at Phoenix Tower, we won't need any cover and can monitor him openly."

Lu Hong pondered for a moment, then nodded. "That seems to make sense, but Phoenix Tower might not hire us."

Fatty replied, "That's easy. Money talks. As long as you're not afraid of a little hardship, we can act immediately."

Without hesitation, Lu Hong smiled. "Alright, I'll do as you say."

"'Boss, we're off to get busy!'" Fatty called out, then he and Lu Hong quickly departed.

"Xiao Qinzi," Wolf King transmitted mentally, "keeping Fatty by your side was a very wise decision. He'll definitely be a great help when we return to the Imperial Capital."

Qin Feiyang smiled. Though Fatty wasn't particularly talented in martial arts or alchemy, his quick wit and resourcefulness made him an asset. This was precisely the kind of talent he lacked on his team.

However, Lu Hong still needs more training. Because in a place like the Imperial Capital, without a sharp mind, she'll just become someone else's pawn.

「Early the next morning.」

The four great magnates of Pan County swallowed their pride and personally visited Phoenix Tower to negotiate with Jiang Zhengyi. The topic of discussion was, naturally, the ingredients for the Potential Elixir. After the sweep by Jiang Zhengyi and Qin Feiyang, Pan County simply couldn't gather enough medicinal ingredients for twenty Potential Elixirs, so they wanted to ask if substitutions could be made.

But Jiang Zhengyi refused outright, leaving no room for negotiation. They must be joking! What could possibly be more valuable than the Potential Elixir?

Rebuffed, the four great magnates were infuriated. They personally led their men to conduct a sweeping search across Pan County. It's better to rely on oneself than on others!

They practically turned Pan County upside down.

「Half a month passed.」

They had gathered enough ingredients for fifteen sets. But they were still short five sets!

With no other choice, the four great magnates had to plead with Jiang Zhengyi again. After much persuasion, Jiang Zhengyi finally agreed to let them substitute with the ingredients for fifty Vermilion Glazed Pills.

Upon receiving all the medicinal ingredients, Jiang Zhengyi notified Qin Feiyang and the others to assemble, ready to return to Yan City immediately.

BOOM!

Inside his room.

After half a month of arduous cultivation, Qin Feiyang broke through once more.

Four-star Martial Ancestor!

He was quite thrilled. At this rate, within a year, I'll be able to awaken my Battle Soul and enter the War King realm!

However, he didn't go down to assemble immediately, as if he was waiting for something.

「In the main hall.」

Seeing that everyone had gathered except for Qin Feiyang, Jia Hei was furious, saying, "Always keeping everyone waiting! Does he really think he's someone important?"

"He might not be a great figure, but his current status in Yan Province is no lower than yours," Ling Yunfei responded coolly.

"Is it your place to speak?" Jia Hei's eyebrows shot up.

"With Pavilion Master Jiang here, it's not your place to speak either. What are you complaining about?" Ling Yunfei retorted fearlessly.

"You…" Jia Hei glared, grinding his teeth.

"Gentlemen, please stop arguing. We'll go get Master Qin for you."

"Yes, yes, arguing spoils the harmony."

A slightly chubby attendant and an ordinary-looking woman hurried out from the back hall to smooth things over.

"Go quickly!" Jia Hei ordered.

"Yes, yes." The man and woman nodded and bowed, quickly running towards the second floor.

Arriving at Qin Feiyang's door, the chubby attendant knocked before pushing the door open and entering.

"Is Jia Hei throwing a tantrum downstairs again?" Qin Feiyang looked at the two and asked with a smile.

"You know what that Old Bastard is like, don't you?" the chubby attendant said with a look of utter disdain.

Then, the man and woman each took out a Disguise Pill and swallowed it. Their appearances quickly changed. Who else could they be but Fatty and Lu Hong?

Qin Feiyang asked, "Did you find anything in the past half a month?"

"No." Lu Hong shook her head, saying that Jia Hei had been very well-behaved during this period, rarely leaving his room and keeping to himself.

"You've both worked hard. Go rest in the Ancient Castle for now." With a wave of his hand, Qin Feiyang sent the two into the Ancient Castle.

Then, with Wolf King, he left the room, turned right, descended the stairs, and said apologetically, "I was at a critical point in my breakthrough just now, so I was delayed. My apologies."

"Breakthrough?" Jiang Zhengyi and the others were amazed.

Feng Ling'er asked in astonishment, "Does this mean you're now a Four-star Martial Ancestor?"

Qin Feiyang nodded.

GASP!

Everyone drew a sharp breath. What a freak! they all inwardly exclaimed.

Feng Ling'er found this the hardest to accept. She remembered that when she had consumed a Top-Grade Vermilion Glazed Pill to break through to Five-star Martial Ancestor, Qin Feiyang had only been an Eight-star Martial Master. Yet, how much time had passed since then? He was only one step away from catching up to her.

However, everyone present knew that although Qin Feiyang was extraordinarily talented, the main reason was that he had opened the second layer of his Door of Potential.

Thus, at this moment, everyone's desire for the Potential Elixir was unprecedented.

Jia Hei's old eyes, however, flashed with a vicious glint. The others, astounded by Qin Feiyang's cultivation speed, failed to notice. But Qin Feiyang, who had been covertly watching him, caught it clearly.

Qin Feiyang couldn't help but become warier.

Jiang Zhengyi mused to himself, Given enough time, this boy will surely surpass us old fellows. Truly something to look forward to.

Then, with a sweep of his large sleeve, he enveloped everyone. Transforming into a streak of light, he shot out of Phoenix Tower, soared into the sky, and flew towards the city gate.

"They've finally left." The pedestrians on the street, seeing this, couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief.

However, just as the group flew over the city wall, a resonant voice came from behind.

"Qin Feiyang, wait a moment."

A white-haired elder, along with the Hall Masters of Pan County's Martial King Palace and Elixir King Palace, tore through the sky and quickly caught up.

"What? Trying to snatch him away?" Jiang Zhengyi's expression turned hostile upon seeing the three.

"If we truly intended to snatch him, we would have done so long ago, not waited until now," the white-haired elder snorted coldly. He looked at Qin Feiyang and said with a smile, "Little brother, reconsider. As long as you're willing to stay in Pan County, our three factions will jointly provide you with resources."

The Hall Masters of the Martial King Palace and Elixir King Palace also nodded in agreement.

Jiang Zhengyi's brows furrowed tightly.

The Eldest Prince and the others felt their pupils constrict. The three major powers jointly offering resources—such an offer was indeed a tremendous temptation. If Qin Feiyang agreed, his status in Pan County would be even greater than his current standing in Yan Province. These three were truly willing to invest so heavily.

Qin Feiyang pondered for a moment, then cupped his hands and said with a smile, "Seniors, there's an old saying: 'Man strives upwards, water flows downwards.' However, this junior believes that one should never forget their roots. Therefore, I can only offer my apologies. Thank you, all three of you, for your profound kindness."

Jiang Zhengyi's brow immediately relaxed. With a wave of his hand, he took Qin Feiyang and the others, and they swiftly disappeared into the horizon.

The leaders of the three major powers wore expressions of regret. However, his words—"one should never forget their roots"—earned their deep admiration for this young man.

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