Chapter 354

Chapter 354: Canglan Sect (4000 words)

Inside the Wudu Imperial Palace, Ming looked over the documents given to him by the Emperor of Wu.

Contained within were all matters concerning his mother from her past.

The Chen family hailed from a farming household in the suburbs of Wudu.

When Chen originally arrived in Wudu, due to her extraordinary beauty, she caught Zheng’s eye.

Afterward, Zheng coerced and enticed Suyan into marrying him.

Not long after their marriage, Suyan became pregnant, leading to Ming’s birth. From there, Ming learned the rest.

While residing at the Xu Mansion, Suyan was exceptionally obedient, no different than an ordinary wealthy person.

Just as Ming understood, whether in the past or after achieving “a son’s success elevating his mother’s status,” his mother’s life remained largely unchanged.

Even though, post-“son’s success,” Suyan had to interact with people like the wives of Wudu’s high-ranking officials.

Since when invited to banquets, it would be impolite not to attend; declining would mean losing face and could lead to gossip about her arrogance.

However, each time Suyan attended such gatherings, her conduct was impeccable. She kept herself humble, never boasting about her son.

Even when praised by noblewomen in her presence, Suyan merely smiled, neither agreeing nor deliberately belittling her son.

Ming reviewed the dossier on his mother again.

But instead of reading further content, he focused intently on the earlier parts.

The latter sections weren’t worth reading; the former held more importance.

Then Ming examined some information related to people associated with his mother.

He discovered that his “grandfather” and “grandmother” passed away early, even before his mother’s childhood, leaving her raised by the village head.

From records, both his grandparents and the kind village head appeared to be nothing more than ordinary farmers.

They followed laws, conducted themselves appropriately, without any notable issues.

If anything stood out, it was their natural deaths—all unrelated to Suyan.

As Ming delved deeper into the archives,

he found that his great-grandfather also adopted a daughter who later disappeared.

Further back, his great-great-grandfather did the same, with this daughter vanishing as well. At this point, Ming sensed something amiss.

How could multiple generations adopt daughters only for them to go missing? It didn’t add up.

Ming marveled at the capabilities of the Wu Kingdom’s state institutions.

Despite being a cultivation world with extraordinary powers, it couldn’t rival the technology of Blue Ocean Star.

Yet, impressively, the Emperor managed to trace several generations of a villager’s lineage, uncovering events from long ago.

Given Wu Kingdom’s short history, Ming believed the Emperor could track even further back if needed.

Previously, Ming had heard rumors of the formidable nature of the Ting Feng Pavilion but dismissed them as hearsay.

Now, upon personal experience, he realized how terrifyingly efficient they were.

It seemed Ting Feng Pavilion meticulously recorded everyone’s details unless they resided in places like the Rootless Mystic Realm beyond Wu Kingdom’s reach.

Initially, Ming thought tracing further back might yield more revelations.

However, beyond his great-great-grandfather, there were no more adoptions.

“According to Ting Feng Pavilion’s investigation, your mother likely emerged during your great-great-grandfather’s generation. Back then, she possessed her original personality.

Others were merely tools.

In recent years, perhaps to prevent calculations or something else, your mother sealed her memories.”

“In this world, everything has cause and effect.

Based on time estimates,

According to Ting Feng Pavilion’s reports,

There’s a strong possibility your mother is connected to the Canglan Sect of the Northern Wilderness.”

The Emperor stated.

“The Northern Wilderness, Canglan Sect?” Ming hadn’t heard these names before.

“Canglan Sect is a sect from the Northern Wilderness that reached the Ascension Realm. However, two hundred years ago, it was besieged by the ten major sects of the Northern Wilderness.

The exact reason was the appearance of some rare treasure in the Northern Wilderness. This artifact, unknown in specifics, drew the covetous eyes of ten sects.

At that time, Canglan Sect’s strongest cultivator faced difficulties.

Seizing this opportunity, various sects invaded.

The entire Canglan Sect resisted fiercely, but ultimately met extinction.

Canglan Sect’s disciples either perished or fled, most going into hiding, disappearing without a trace.”

Ming: “…”

“What does Your Majesty mean by telling me this?”

From Ming’s perspective, the Emperor sharing this must hold significance, otherwise, it’d be a waste of effort.

Unless the Emperor merely wanted to show concern, which wouldn’t make sense since mere concern wouldn’t earn loyalty—only tangible help would suffice!

The Emperor, hands behind his back, said, “Though Canglan Sect has been extinct for two hundred years, according to Ting Feng Pavilion, they’ve never abandoned their quest for revenge.

If she is indeed a disciple of Canglan Sect, I believe revenge is her goal.

But how easy would it be for Canglan Sect to take vengeance against those ten sects?”

Ming’s eyes lit up, finally understanding the Emperor’s intent: “Your Majesty, you mean…”

The Emperor smirked, “If we offer to help her seek revenge as a condition, what do you think? I believe at least she’d agree not to erase your mother’s personality?”

“…”

After pondering, Ming deeply bowed to the Emperor.

“Subject thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness!”

“Ho ho ho! Ming, there’s no need for such formalities.” The Emperor helped Ming up. “You are the Zhuangyuan Lang of our Wu Kingdom! Your affairs are the affairs of our kingdom, and Wu Kingdom cannot stand idly by!” The Emperor patted Ming on the shoulder. “Time waits for no one. Return quickly and negotiate with her. If it’s too late, all will be lost. Remember, tell her that if she can preserve your mother’s personality, our Wu Kingdom will fully assist her in seeking revenge! With our Wu Kingdom backing her, I don’t believe she won’t be moved!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

Without hesitation, Ming bid farewell to the Emperor and promptly returned to the Xu Mansion.

Leaving the palace, Ming sat in the carriage, reflecting on his conversation with the Emperor.

Truthfully, the Emperor’s actions today genuinely touched him.

Ming felt an urge to serve the Emperor unto death to repay his kindness.

But eventually, he restrained himself.

By the time he returned to the Xu Mansion, he had calmed down.

Indeed, the Emperor treated him exceptionally well, seemingly solely for his benefit.

However, the Wu Kingdom itself harbored deep enmity towards the Northern Wilderness, wishing to annihilate it.

Although Canglan Sect was destroyed, its remnants persisted, secretly plotting revenge.

After all, this was an Ascension Realm sect with profound foundations! Many cultivators might have established new sects under pseudonyms in the Northern Wilderness, weaving intricate networks of power.

If the Wu Kingdom could ally with Canglan Sect, it would surely cause significant trouble for the Northern Wilderness.

Thus, for the Emperor, this was an excellent opportunity.

Moreover, it allowed him to grant Ming a massive favor.

After this, should the Wu Kingdom require assistance, Ming couldn’t possibly remain aloof.

“Ah, truly, no emperor is simple.”

Sitting in the carriage, Ming shook his head.

Upon returning to the Xu Mansion, Ming directly headed to the Xiao Chun Courtyard, intending to have a proper discussion.

He wasn’t sure of the chances of success, but they were likely favorable.

Even if slim, he should attempt it rather than sit idly waiting for doom.

Upon entering the Xiao Chun Courtyard, Ming saw his mother.

Just as he was about to greet her, Suyan turned around.

The moment Ming saw her eyes, he knew this wasn’t his mother.

His gaze sharpened, becoming vigilant and cautious, with sword qi subtly rising around him.

“Son, don’t look at your mother like that. It pains me.” Suyan clutched her chest, feigning sorrow, as if betrayed.

Seeing this woman pretending while using his mother’s body, Ming barely restrained himself from drawing his sword.

“Where is my mother?” Ming asked coldly, suppressing his rage.

‘Suyan’ tilted her head, smiling at Ming. “Son, what are you talking about? Isn’t she right here?”

“Where is my mother?” Ming repeated, clearly growing impatient.

“Alright, alright~ why so serious? You’re frightening. Rest assured, your mother is safe. Even if I intended to consume her personality, it would take considerable time—not as simple as you think.”

Suyan lightly laughed, patting the spot beside her.

“Weren’t you summoned by the Wu Kingdom’s Emperor? They say their Ting Feng Pavilion spans the land, gathering intelligence.

So, what did the Wu Kingdom’s Emperor tell you about me? Why stand there? Aren’t your legs tired? Come, sit, let’s talk.

You came straight here from the palace, surely wanting to discuss something.”

Listening to ‘Suyan,’ Ming retracted his sword qi, stepped forward, and sat beside her.

‘Suyan’ extended her hand, pouring Ming a cup of tea, then looked into his eyes. “I’ve never seen you this close before. You really resemble me, not that man. Thankfully, you look like me—it suits you better.”

Ming sipped the tea. “If I’m correct, Xu Zheng isn’t my biological father.”

‘Suyan’ smirked. “You’re right. Xu Zheng isn’t your biological father.”

Ming narrowed his eyes. “Who then is my real father?”

‘Suyan’ shook her head. “You don’t need to know who your biological father is. He was useless anyway, even less capable than Xu Zheng. All you need to know is that I am your biological mother.”

Ming countered, “My mother isn’t you.”

“Ahhh,” Suyan sighed. “Son, you always say hurtful things. My blood and flesh gave you life; how can I not be your mother? Saying otherwise might invite ridicule.”

Ming remained silent, merely staring at her.

“Enough, enough. One day, you’ll accept me as your mother.”

‘Suyan’ poured herself a cup of tea. “Speak, what did the Wu Kingdom’s Emperor tell you? What do you wish to say to me?”

Ming stared directly into ‘Suyan’s’ eyes and slowly uttered three words: “Canglan Sect.”

Hearing this, Suyan paused briefly, then chuckled. “Indeed, your investigation was correct—I am from the Canglan Sect.”

Ming took another sip of tea. “With your cultivation level, you were likely in the Upper Five Realms. Elder Zhou speculated you might be in the Xiānrén Jìng.”

‘Suyan’ nodded, revealing no secrets. “That old hag was right—I am indeed in the Xiānrén Jìng.”

“No matter the sect, a Xiānrén Jìng cultivator holds a high position.” Ming looked at Suyan. “What was your role in the Canglan Sect?”

‘Suyan’ smirked. “Call me Mother, and I’ll tell you.”

Ming hesitated.

“Don’t jest, Lady.” Ming said seriously.

“Fine,” Suyan sighed. “Since you’re my son…”

“I’ll tell you.” Suyan rested her chin on her hand, smiling at Ming. “In the Canglan Sect, I was the Sect Master.”

After Suyan spoke, silence fell between them. Clearly, Ming didn’t believe her.

“How could you be the Sect Master of a sect that reached the Ascension Realm?” Ming questioned.

“Who says reaching the Ascension Realm makes one the Sect Master?” Suyan smiled. “The Ascension Realm cultivator in the Canglan Sect is your grandfather.”