To the north of Chong Yang Royal Palace, still within the confines of Chong Yang City, lies an area that isn't too bustling. This area is usually inhabited by cultivators without sects or free cultivators without affiliations, and it is known as the Secret Garden. Regardless of whether they are demons or humans, cultivators or ordinary people, they come here for one reason: to buy or sell secret information.
All information about the Nine Continents World is traded here. Anyone needing any kind of information can obtain it, provided they can pay the price, which could be treasure or other equally valuable information.
A new family had recently emerged, and within a few months, they had become famous for being willing to buy or trade information at very high prices. This family was called the Cui family.
There was a young boy who was always at the front gate of the Cui family's residence; his name was Cui Kun.
Anything related to martial arts or cultivation techniques, he would buy at a high price. But if it was just general information not related to martial arts, he would call for Grandpa Cui.
There was news that the Dragon Ocean Sect would hold a competition to recruit new students for the Dragon Ocean Martial School. The requirement was that each student must be no older than 15 years old and have a minimum cultivation level of Spirit Imagination. Although this information was common knowledge, it received great attention from the Cui family.
Cui Kun entered a building within his family's residential complex, where two people, an old man and an old woman, known as Granny Hu and Grandpa Cui, were waiting.
“Reporting to the Elders! The information about the Dragon Ocean Martial School's student recruitment will take place in four months. What is our next plan? Should I go directly to Chong Yang City with my parents?” asked Cui Kun.
Granny Hu responded, “Cui Kun, prepare yourself. You will depart in three days with General Tan Kui and your parents. Remember not to cause any trouble or unnecessary commotion there. I know your cultivation level can overpower the elders of that sect, but dangers are lurking, as there is a greater power behind them beyond your imagination. Use your wits, not just your strength, for there is a bigger plan beyond your personal intentions,” she said.
“I understand. In that case, I take my leave,” said Cui Kun. He was a very clever eleven-year-old boy, though he secretly despised the elders before him. However, he did not dare to show it, knowing he was weaker than Elder Hu Xie and General Tan Kui, who were at the 8th and 7th levels of the God King stage.
After Cui Kun left, General Tan Kui said, “Elder Hu, I am very suspicious of that boy. Although he is only at the early 5th level of the Human God stage, his eyes show extraordinary cunning,” said Tan Kui.
“You need not worry. I have received word from the Main Leader that this child likely has his own agenda, even more dangerous than his parents who are at the 1st level of the God King stage. You must use your intellect; remember to find his weakness,” said Granny Hu Xie. It turned out they were all agents from the Ancient Barbarian Continent, infiltrating Chong Yang Continent to execute a grand plan to strike back for the murder of Elder Hu Sheng, Granny Hu Xie's elder brother.
General Tan Kui was one of the Six Great Generals from the Ancient Barbarian Continent. This time, he was on a mission to infiltrate Chong Yang Continent and build strength there to form a destructive force from within. He would start by recruiting free cultivators in this area.
In the morning, as the sun illuminated the world, Chong Yang City's streets were bustling with activity. Posters announcing the recruitment of new students for the Dragon Ocean Martial School were everywhere. Many children under the age of fifteen roamed the streets, usually accompanied by adults or several guards, indicating that these children were of noble birth.
A nine-year-old girl walked between her parents.
“Lin Sie, remember not to repeat the carelessness of the other day! In a place like this, many cultivators possess higher levels than those in our continent. Our purpose in bringing you here is to broaden your horizons,” said the man named Wang Jie.
“I understand, Father. But I wonder what the cultivation level of that shabby boy was, that his power was so great,” said Wang Lin Sie, her clear eyes looking at her father.
“This world is vast, and power is everything. But to become powerful, it's not just talent that is needed. Opportunity and luck are the most determining factors. However, with great power comes great responsibility. The child you faced will likely do great things. It's better to form alliances with such talents than to create conflicts, especially since that child's nature did not seem cruel,” said the girl's mother, Zhang Mei, reminding her daughter.
Wang Lin Sie nodded, causing her two pigtails to move adorably.
From the opposite direction, four people walked steadily. One of them was a teenage boy. When they passed the Wang family, they only glanced briefly but continued walking, which caught the attention of Wang Lin Sie.
“Father, do you sense that those four are high-level cultivators?” asked the girl, looking at her father.
“Ask your mother. She is more sensitive than your father,” said Wang Jie, glancing at his wife.
“Shh, Lin Sie, be quiet. I'm afraid your question might offend them,” said her mother, Zhang Mei.
The small family continued walking, moving away from the spot. Wang Lin Sie's question was also heard by the four who had just passed them. The teenage boy turned around to confirm what he had heard and saw a beautiful young girl. His expression did not change, his eyes remained cold, but in his heart, he said a thousand words, wanting to tell them, "I am a Human God at the 5th level. I hope you will know this someday."
On the main street the Wang family walked on, another group passed by. Granny Sian, with Aliong and Cun Ek, walked lightly as usual. Cun Ek carried a large, heavy-looking cloth bag on his back but walked with ease.
“He he he... we're back at the market. Hopefully, we can make a lot of money again and eat our fill again. Hmmm... I'm already hungry again... even though it's still morning. But Auntie Sin's cooking is not as good as the Royal Taste Restaurant,” said Aliong to Cun Ek.
“We'll eat there again later, right, Granny?” asked Cun Ek to Granny Sian.
“Yes, we still have enough money to eat delicious food there. But now, let's sell our farm produce at the market,” said Granny Sian.
“Greetings, elder! I, Wang, humbly pay my respects,” said a voice from in front of Granny Sian. She was surprised to see three people, including a nine-year-old girl, standing before her.
“Oh, noble sir and madam, we are not worthy of this honor. We are just farmers. Your actions make me ashamed,” said Granny Sian, looking around nervously, as did Aliong. But Cun Ek looked calmly at Wang Jie and Zhang Mei, who were bowing to them.
“Forgive our rudeness. The other day, we did not watch over our daughter properly, and she acted recklessly. We would like to invite you to our place and offer our hospitality as an apology,” said Wang Jie.
“But we are going to the market to sell our produce. Early morning is the best time for us to sell,” said Granny Sian.
“Madam, let us buy all your produce, so you don't need to go to the market,” said Zhang Mei, giving a reason.
“Granny, what about our customers? They might be waiting,” said Aliong indifferently.
“Alright, I almost acted recklessly. How about this, I will wait for you at my place after you sell your produce. Whatever remains, let us buy it, and you three can rest at our place. Please consider it,” said Wang Jie again.
Without further ado, Granny Sian agreed to the suggestion, only glancing at Cun Ek, who just smiled and nodded.
Around noon, Granny Sian's group stood in front of a sturdy house with a sign that read "Wang Residence of Khui Ning Continent."
Thian Sian Li, or Granny Sian, actually knew who the Wang family from Khui Ning Continent was, having known them while with her son Han Long. In her heart, she could already guess that this family was interested in her grandson Cun Ek, who had reached the advanced 4th level of the Human God stage.
The three people, dressed very simply, were received with extraordinary respect at the sturdy building. The servants and guards were curious about the treatment they had to give to such a simple group of people. However, some members of the Wang family's forces, who had clashed with Cun Ek before, felt fear. After confirming who Cun Ek was, they became more obedient, though this obedience was directed only towards Cun Ek. They treated Granny Sian and Aliong as usual.
“Thank you for coming, Elder,” said Wang Jie on behalf of the Wang clan elders present in the meeting room.
“Forgive me, sir. I am just an ordinary old woman. Do not make me more ashamed,” said Granny Sian, bowing to Wang Jie and the other elders sitting together.
Wang Jie then stood up and quickly approached Granny Sian.
“I know, Granny, but you have an extraordinary grandson. May I know who you three are?” asked Wang Jie again.
“We are just farmers living outside the south gate of Chong Yang City. My grandson, Cun Ek, indeed has his own specialties. He has only recently become my grandson. I am telling you this to avoid misunderstandings in the
future,” said Granny Sian.
“Forgive me for being presumptuous. I would like to adopt Cun Ek into our family. Hopefully, he will be more than just a child. Although it is shameful for me to offer this because I have a daughter who will be suitable to be with him when they grow up,” said Wang Jie, looking at Cun Ek.
“This, forgive us. We only want to live quietly and not have high ambitions. Our experience is not much, and I will not hinder your desires. I leave everything to the child, but do not blame me if he cannot fulfill your wishes. We are merely ordinary people who do not know the ways of the nobility,” said Granny Sian again.
Cun Ek, who had been silent all this time, then stood up.
“Thank you for the kind offer. But please understand that we are only farmers and live off our small farm. My life will be challenging if you place me in a situation I do not understand. Please do not force me to live the way you want me to. I am merely a simple child who knows only one thing: farming,” said Cun Ek calmly and sincerely.
“Good! I respect your decision. Allow me to give you a small token of my appreciation,” said Wang Jie, then clapped his hands.
A maid entered, carrying a small chest and placing it on the table. Inside the chest were gold and various gems, showing the wealth of the Wang family.
“This is just a small token of our gratitude for your visit. Please accept it, Elder,” said Wang Jie, looking at Granny Sian and Cun Ek.
“No need, Sir. We are not used to receiving gifts, let alone such valuable ones. Let us return to our home, and I ask for your understanding,” said Granny Sian, standing up and bowing to Wang Jie.
The three of them then left the Wang residence, returning to their simple life as farmers.
***(In another room of the same residence)***
“Why did you refuse the offer?” asked Aliong as they walked out.
“You will understand in due time,” said Cun Ek with a smile. He was always calm and patient, though his inner thoughts were filled with strategies and plans.
At the same time, at another corner of Chong Yang City, a dark figure observed the happenings from a distance. He was a spy sent by the Ancient Barbarian Continent to gather information about the powers and forces in Chong Yang City.
He had seen the interaction between the Wang family and the simple farmers, and his mind began to form a plan. He knew that the Wang family had a significant influence and that forming an alliance with them could be advantageous for the Ancient Barbarian Continent.
The dark figure disappeared into the shadows, ready to report his findings to his superiors. The infiltration of Chong Yang City was going smoothly, and soon, the Ancient Barbarian Continent would strike back with full force.
