Free Web NovelChapter 427: Chapter 238: Translation of the Stone Inscription; Speculation (2)
"Yes! This subordinate will cripple his cultivation and start over."
Luo Dingran did not refuse. He naturally wanted to try a Cultivation Technique that could take him all the way to Innate Great Perfection and even allow him to break through the Innate realm.
This was a Cultivation Technique countless powers in the outside world couldn’t hope to obtain! As for whether the final layer’s Heart Method was a Condensing Technique, he would know once he tried.
He himself didn’t need to. Once he entered the Fourth Grade, he could just use Points to upgrade his Cultivation Technique, which was much better than slowly researching other techniques.
The matter of the stone carving was settled for now. It also helped him understand how the Huangfu Family had managed to grow from a minor family into a power that almost became a Royal Influence, all within two hundred years!
The Huangfu Family wasn’t annihilated because their Cultivation Technique was weak, but because they couldn’t stand against the combined forces of the Imperial Court and several other families.
’Speaking of which, were those two the only things the Stone Ring gave the first host as a reward?’ Cheng Zongyang suddenly considered the possibility.
’I’m the second host, and I didn’t get a starter pack. Maybe it was because the Jade Stone Box was lost. Now that it’s been returned, is this me getting the starter pack I should have received back then? Fucking hell, I’ve had the Stone Ring for a year, and the system’s starter pack is only just now arriving?’
After letting his imagination run wild, Cheng Zongyang suddenly realized the probability was extremely high.
’But... the first host’s starter pack had the Innate Qi Technique and the Divine Weapon Refining Technique. What else? Was it also a ’pick two out of five’ deal? Or maybe ’pick three out of five’? Were there any unique, special items? Golden Level items... no, wait, the Demon Beast Bone!’
The thought of things like that Demon Beast Claw Bone made Cheng Zongyang’s eyes light up again.
’Back then, a single small finger bone was already Purple Grade. So the first host might have received a Demon Beast palm bone, which would have been Golden Grade and had some other special function! The Huangfu Family must have snatched that up later too. In that case, should there be more Demon Beast Bones left in the Huangfu Family’s ancestral land?’
Cheng Zongyang grew more and more convinced that his speculation was likely true. Otherwise, where would the Huangfu Family have found such high-grade Demon Beast Bones?
At the same time, this string of theories he’d concocted formed an almost complete story—a tale of friendship and betrayal between the first host and the first Clan Leader of the Huangfu Family.
’This is why a system like this needs to be obtained by someone from the Great Xia of Blue Star. Not only are we quick to accept and understand, but we also know how to develop it. Give it to a local, and not only are they slow on the uptake, but they’d get themselves killed the moment they accidentally leak the secret. Hey, Ring Spirit, you were lost in the mountains for over two hundred years, and this marketplace hut is as dilapidated as Du Fu’s thatched cottage. If it weren’t for me, you probably wouldn’t even have a chance to ’get online,’ huh?’
Cheng Zongyang’s mood improved considerably. After teasing the Stone Ring, he turned and went to the third floor of the warehouse.
After grabbing the booklet, Cheng Zongyang left the Wilderness World.
He needed to see which official position would be most beneficial to him, or to the development of the Wilderness World. As for the Cheng Family and the Celestial Break Gang, they could simply proceed with the established plans; no major changes were needed.
「A quarter of an hour later」
Zhang Chuchu came hurrying from the courtyard and knocked on the study door.
"Young Master, this subordinate has arrived."
"Come in." Cheng Zongyang put down the booklet in his hand and looked at the sweating Zhang Chuchu. "No need to rush like that. Sit down and catch your breath first."
"This subordinate is fine, fine. Please speak, my lord, this subordinate is listening." Zhang Chuchu didn’t dare make Cheng Zongyang wait and quickly said.
Seeing his nervous appearance, Cheng Zongyang chuckled.
"Don’t be nervous. I called you here for something good. Remember what I promised you last time? You’ve done a fine job while I was away. The Second Boss has also repeatedly praised your thorough and meticulous way of handling things. He said he learned a lot from you."
Zhang Chuchu replied with humble trepidation, "Young Master and the Second Boss praise me too highly. This is all just part of my duty; it’s only right."
Cheng Zongyang shook his head. "In this world, nothing is simply ’as it should be.’ Every cause has its effect. You recommended Li Yihuo to me, an exceptionally rare talent. I am very pleased. That is one meritorious deed.
You assisted the Second Boss, and you did an excellent job. He learned some skills from you, and he will continue to need your assistance in the future. That is a second meritorious deed.
Steward, I made you a promise. I said that if you assisted him well, I would either let your son or grandson become a Martial Artist, or I would give the Zhang Family a stable foundation. That is why I have summoned you. This time, however, you don’t have to choose. I am combining both as a reward for your merits.
You may choose whether it will be your son or your grandson who becomes a Martial Artist. Think it over carefully. I will inform Zhenwu Hall of the Celestial Break Gang, and they can be sent over at any time to be trained as a future core member.
I will also give the Zhang Family a foundation. The Cheng Family has much to do, as does the Celestial Break Gang. But considering your family’s unique situation, I don’t know what you would be willing to do. Tell me your thoughts."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Chuchu immediately fell to his knees before Cheng Zongyang, kowtowed, and said with tears streaming down his old face:
"This subordinate thanks the Young Master for his generosity! You have already rewarded me so much, and now this... This subordinate can only repay you by giving his all. I will not fail to live up to your grace!"
He knew this day marked the beginning of the Zhang Family’s rise. He couldn’t help but lose his composure!
Cheng Zongyang rubbed the bridge of his nose in resignation. "Get up. If you’re having trouble choosing, I’ll give your family a business. The Cheng Family is involved in many businesses—wine, rice, flour, oil, salt, and so on. These all rely on external forces to last and are not businesses a family can pass down for generations.
Therefore, I will give you a special type of Medicinal Material, which is also a special food ingredient. As long as it’s cultivated using a specific method, you can have a continuous and unending harvest. Whether made into medicine or used as an ingredient, it is a rare commodity."
"Thank you, Young Master!! This subordinate will guard the secret and never let it leak!" Zhang Chuchu was so excited he nearly knelt and kowtowed again, but Cheng Zongyang stopped him.
"Once you have a harvest, you can sell it to the Cheng Family Medicine Shop or the Cheng Family Restaurant. You can even sell it to others in the future. That is your family’s freedom, don’t overthink it. I’m not that petty." Cheng Zongyang made this clear upfront. Whether Zhang Chuchu listened or not was his own business.
"Yes, Young Master!" Zhang Chuchu cupped his hands and agreed. But in his heart, he had already decided he would never bite the hand that fed him. He would have to pass this ironclad rule down to his descendants.
He was clear-headed, not blind. Only by relying on the Cheng Family could the Zhang Family truly endure for generations. Possessing a treasure invites disaster. Those Noble Race powers collapsed and were annihilated in an instant. He wasn’t arrogant enough to think he could ensure the Zhang Family’s safe continuation with just this business alone, so he knew exactly what to do.
He immediately said, "Young Master, in that case, this subordinate has made up his mind. I’m preparing to have my grandson learn martial arts. Even if he just becomes your carriage driver in the future, it would be a good thing. Only by doing this can we repay your grace!"
Cheng Zongyang waved his hand. "You should ask your grandson first. As for the item, I’ll give it to you next time you come. From now on, just cultivate it according to the secret recipe. It can bring your family a considerable income each year. If you expand the scale, you’ll earn even more."
"Yes, Young Master! Do you have any other instructions?" Zhang Chuchu asked again, his tone and posture growing even more respectful.
"As for the household affairs, just arrange for someone else to manage them from now on. Having you as a steward is a waste of your talent," Cheng Zongyang said.
Zhang Chuchu hesitated, then said uncertainly, "This... Then this subordinate will have my son do it. He’s not very bright, but he can manage household matters. He’s learned a thing or two from me."
But Cheng Zongyang replied nonchalantly, "I trust you. Since you say your son is capable, bring him for me to see next time."
"Yes, thank you, Young Master, thank you! This subordinate will not disappoint you!" Zhang Chuchu grew excited again.
This way, his Zhang Family could firmly rely on the Cheng Family and receive their protection. In the future, they wouldn’t have to worry about others coveting their business.
After dismissing Zhang Chuchu, Cheng Zongyang continued to read the booklet by himself.
