Chapter 863: Only Him

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A family of three was seen walking down the bustling street, the picture of happiness. 

Zhuo Fan and Shangguan Qingyan held Gu Santong’s hands between them. The image of the parents taking their child to play earned the jealousy of many, especially from bachelors.

And even more so from a certain shadow from a certain corner, gnashing his teeth with bloodshot eyes.

Shangguan Feixiong had them go out to gather info, since everyone else was too conspicuous with their build and aura. The Flying Cloud City’s guards would find them on the spot.

Being in the Radiant Stage and Ethereal Stage, the lovely family blended naturally in the urban jungle, raising no eyebrows and no warning. Even the Shangguan Yulin, a fresh Soul Harmony Stage cultivator, found nothing wrong with this picture. 

The four of them thus went out as scouts, making it look easy. Which it was since no one minded a few ants.

They acted on two fronts, Shangguan Yulin in the shadows, while the family in the open.

Which was the only choice since Zhuo Fan was recorded to be the owner of that house. Shangguan Yulin was a vagrant. And while the patrol might ignore his cultivation, the papers showed he wasn’t on them. So, what could an undeclared bachelor supposed to do? Slunk from the shadows with tears of jealousy streaming down his cheeks at other’s happiness.

“Dad, that one!”

“Here.”

“Auntie, I want one!”

“Here.”

“Dad, auntie, I want everything!”

“Give me all of them!”

…

Zhuo Fan and Shangguan Qingyan looked quite happy holding Gu Santong’s hands. Only Shangguan Yulin was their complete opposite.

The worst thing wasn’t seeing the person he admired being with another man, but being unable to block it.

This helplessness was driving Shangguan Yulin nuts. Who told him to be a vagrant anyway? All that a shadow could do was just bottle it up.

Dang~

The sudden sounds of a gong captured the people’s attention and the family of three approached the source.

It was an announcement, with a Soul Harmony Stage guard banging the gong.

With all gathered, the man ahemed before announcing, “People of Flying Cloud City, take heed, a message from the imperial capital. Sword Star Empire’s best talent, His Highness the Crown Prince, has suffered from cultivation deviation and his Dantian is ruined. Countless alchemists had lent a hand but nothing they did helped. Now we are welcoming any and all alchemists from all over to the imperial capital to consult. If any of you have the skills, you can report to the Flying Cloud manor. After careful screening, we will then recommend you to imperial capital. Whether you can heal Crown Prince or not, your future will be assured. Don’t let this chance pass you by…”

The crowd’s eyes shone with ambition.

In the central area, there were no sects, only the Sword Star Empire ruling supreme. Getting a job in the imperial capital would set them for life. 

Whispers spread around, with many looking excited, like they were bound to win.

Zhuo Fan just squinted in thought.

[Whether the Crown Prince’s situation is real or not, it’s also a great chance to slip into Flying Cloud manor.] 

Getting an early grasp of the terrain and assets would make his mission that much easier.

“Gu, uh, cousin!”

Shangguan Qingyan looked excited, but she didn’t speak before making sure there was no one around, “We’ve been walking for a while now. Let’s go back, young Sanzi must be tired.”

Eyeing her, Zhuo Fan knew exactly what she wanted, to report.

Zhuo Fan nodded and they went back.

A sudden shadow flashed by them after a few steps, vanishing them from the street and taking them into a dark corner.

Shangguan Qingyan asked, “Cousin…”

“You go back with the child. I need brother Gu for a moment.”

Shangguan Yulin was tense, “I saw some people from Flying Cloud manor moving around in secret but I can’t do much as I am. I want brother Gu to cover for me to investigate.”

Shangguan Qingyan took it at face value and nodded, “Alright, but you have to stay safe, cousin. You must bring Sir Gu back safely. He’s just a Radiant Stage cultivator. Anyone can beat him.”

“Don’t worry, cousin, he’ll be back safe and sound.” With resentment in his eyes, Shangguan Yulin put on a smile.

Shangguan Qingyan chuckled, while Zhuo Fan could read more into it. Though too curious about his plan to expose him.

Shangguan Qingyan took Gu Santong back while Shangguan Yulin grabbed Zhuo Fan’s arm towards a forest with a brutal gaze…

“Flying Cloud manor is recruiting alchemists?”

Shangguan Qingyan started at the news, then turned serious, “Yan’er, is this true?”

Shangguan Qingyan nodded, blurting, “Yes, the whole street heard it.”

“Then it must be real.”

Shangguan Feixiong’s eyes flashed, “This is our best chance to get into the manor. But what if it’s a trap?”

Shangguan Feixiong then looked around, “Where’s Yulin?”

“Cousin found clues into the manor and wanted Gu Yifan to cover for him.”

“Yulin has always been level-headed. He must have his reasons for doing this. Gu Yifan will be fine with him.”

Shangguan Feixiong squinted, muling over this information before walking outside.

He went to a familiar room, where the three old men sat.

Bowing, Shangguan Feixiong made his report and added, “I’m yet unclear if this is a chance or a trap.”

“Danger and opportunity often walk hand in hand.”

An elder spoke, “Regardless, this is our chance to scout the manor. It’s far better than going in head first. We lost too many last time, with even your daughter suffering a heavy wound, threatening her life. We shouldn’t have taken the kids with us.”

Shangguan Feiyun shook his head, “Venerable, the Shangguan clan isn’t afraid of death, nor are we conceited. The same goes for my daughter. I brought them along because Shangguan Feiyun

doesn’t know them, but can keep a lookout for us. Last time they followed our trail and attacked our base, scattering the kids. But this time we’re thorough and won’t be as dangerous.”

“I hope so.”

The elder sighed, “We were indifferent to having them at first, coming to the central area with the intent to take the divine weapon even in death. But they are still young, they are the future of the eastern lands. I can’t bear to see them go.”

Shangguan Feixiong nodded.

Another elders spoke, “Second, none of us can leave if we want to now. Why talk about it then? Our goal is to find where the divine weapon is located. The fact that it recruits alchemists, is a chance for us, regardless of anything. But who can we entrust with infiltrating the manor?”

“None of us can go, since even after a hundred years since Shangguan Feiyun left eastern lands, he’d still remember us. No matter how we try to hide, he’ll find us.”

Shangguan Feixiong frowned, “That means we can only give it to a junior. But who among them has the alchemical skills to get into the manor?”

The men shook their heads, “Our clan has many talents in cultivation, but none in alchemy.”

“Yeah, alchemy is related to cultivation, skill and arts to become a grandmaster!”

The elder sighed, “Alchemists will flock to Flying Cloud manor with this announcement. Without the power of a Soul Harmony Stage it’s difficult to stand out.”

“We can only have Yulin try…” Shangguan Feixiong muttered.

The three elders nodded helplessly.

[He may not be an alchemist, he’s the only choice among the juniors…]

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