Swallowed Star 2: Origin Continent

Chapter 115: The Plot of Marquis Chu Yu

On the Origin Continent, there was a vast territory within the Tianji Icefield known as the ‘Black Sky Realm.’ For countless eons, this place had been shrouded in a vast layer of black clouds. The area covered by these black clouds was so extensive that it rivaled the entire territory of second-tier nations like Yuguo and Shiguo.

” Luo He? ”

Deep within the black clouds, a winged figure lay hidden.

“This Luo He is quite bold. He should have guessed that there is a Divine King behind the exotic beast, yet he still refused to give me face?” The winged figure pondered. “The one he follows, Marquis Chu Yu, is a newly promoted First-Class Marquis! The competition among the First-Class Marquises of the Di Chu lineage is fierce. It won’t be long before Luo He finds himself in trouble.”

“I’ll wait for the right opportunity to act.” The winged figure, having lived through endless ages, had become increasingly cautious in his actions.

For someone to reach the pinnacle of the Chaos Realm, even after reincarnation, they would retain complete memories.

Even so, he was unwilling to easily make powerful enemies.

But he knew very well that at critical moments, a little push from the shadows could plunge some powerful beings into desperate situations.

“This exotic beast was secretly enslaved by me, never revealed to the public.”

“Now that the exotic beast’s identity has been exposed, I’ve used a secret technique to obscure the causal ties. There are very few on the Origin Continent who could trace it back to me…” The winged figure considered. “Di Qing and the current emperor, Di Fu, of the Ancient Flame Kingdom are both skilled in tracking causality. They could uncover my identity.”

“However, the Tianqu Mining Vein that I targeted is under the control of the Di Chu lineage. The Di Chu would not go so far as to involve Di Qing and Di Fu for such a minor theft.”

The winged figure had once been a guest official at the Chaos Realm level in the Ancient Flame Kingdom, and during that era, he had even been a transcendent existence in the Chaos Realm.

Later, after becoming a Divine King, his power naturally deepened, and he left the Ancient Flame Kingdom.

Many Divine Kings establish their own nations or factions, believing they have the strength to stand tall in this world, making it extremely difficult for anyone to destroy them. Even Master Zuo Shan Ke had believed that he was more than capable of protecting himself and handling most of the dangers on the Origin Continent. He hadn’t expected the ruler of Shiguo to act so recklessly.

“The Ancient Flame Kingdom and the Ancient Thunder Kingdom occupy the core territories of the Origin Continent, monopolizing nearly all the treasures. What does it matter if I take just a tiny bit? After all, these are rare treasures born of the world.” The winged figure thought to himself, “The other exotic beasts haven’t been exposed yet.”

“Buzz.”

The winged figure merged into the endless black clouds, which were his true form.

The Black Sky Realm, covered by the black clouds, was home to countless cultivators and exotic beasts. Every time a Chaos Realm exotic beast was born, it would be quietly enslaved by him. Afterward, they were sent to the two great ancient kingdoms to steal some of the world’s rare treasures.

******

In the Chu Capital, at Marquis Chu Yu’s mansion.

“Brother Chu Yu.” Luo Feng relayed the details of the recent mission.

Marquis Di Chu Yu frowned slightly after listening. “This Chaos Realm exotic beast was never recorded in our intelligence. It was likely just born and immediately captured and enslaved. We have no idea who its master is.”n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Daring to send an exotic beast to steal rare treasures from the Ancient Flame Kingdom means either that they are powerful and unafraid of our Di Chu lineage’s investigation, or they are a powerful figure within our royal family.” Di Chu Yu was well aware that those who stole the most treasures were often the marquises within the royal family.

The competition among marquises was intense. When they couldn’t obtain enough resources through competition, they resorted to underhanded means.

“If you’ve managed to uncover the detailed identity of this exotic beast, then your mission is already a success.” Di Chu Yu smiled. “As for the rest, there’s no need to concern yourself. Whether the beast’s master is a royal family marquis or some ancient existence, it’s not your place to intervene.”

Luo Feng nodded. “After the beast died, there were no weapons or secret treasures left behind, only some Tianqu Stone Essence.”

As he spoke, he waved his hand.

Several half-human-sized pieces of Tianqu Stone Essence and a pile of Tianqu Stone Essence particles appeared.

“Twenty-three pieces of Tianqu Stone Essence and some fragments.” Luo Feng said.

“The beast must have regularly handed over some of the stolen Tianqu Stone Essence to its master.” Marquis Chu Yu glanced at it. “Twenty-three pieces is worth a little over 23,000 merit points. Keep it! The spoils of the mission are yours.”

Luo Feng nodded and stored them away.

Merit points in the Ancient Flame Kingdom were highly valuable, and Cosmos Sand couldn’t be exchanged for them.

As far as Luo Feng knew, it took 1,000 merit points to exchange for one complete piece of Tianqu Stone Essence. Buying it on the market would cost nearly three billion Cosmos Sand, but the price fluctuated since Tianqu Stone Essence was so rarely offered for sale.

“By the way, I’ve looked into the materials for the perfect level ‘Chaos-level Creatures’ that you need.” Di Chu Yu said. “Our Ancient Flame Kingdom has seven of them, six in the hands of Divine Kings, and one in the hands of ‘Marquis Wuhuang.’ Marquis Wuhuang belongs to the ‘Di Wu’ lineage… and has a poor relationship with our Di Chu lineage.”

“I’ll have to put in some extra effort. It’ll probably take quite a long time to get those Chaos-level creature materials.” Di Chu Yu admitted the difficulty.

“If you can’t get it, don’t force it.” Luo Feng replied.

Because the first tribulation of the *Eight Tribulations Life Form* didn’t contain a recorded transformation technique, Luo Feng had to rely on himself to continuously perfect the technique. Although Luo Feng had made great progress in the aspect of ‘life spirit,’ he also realized…

The Chaos-level creatures he had captured had too simple a life structure, limiting their potential. It was exceedingly difficult to deduce more intricate life structures out of thin air.

Luo Feng naturally hoped to obtain some more perfect Chaos-level creatures to study their life composition.

But from the looks of it, even Di Chu Yu found it difficult to obtain them.

“We’ll take it slow.” Di Chu Yu smiled. “I’ve only been a First-Class Marquis for a short time. As I make more connections in the future, I’ll find a way. There are seven perfect level Chaos-level creatures in our Ancient Flame Kingdom; I don’t believe I won’t be able to get just the materials.”

Di Chu Yu knew that the first thirty eras after becoming a Chaos Realm being were a protection period, with no mandatory tasks, giving him enough time to grow.

When the protection period ended, he would have to face the same competitive environment as the other six First-Class Marquises, and at that time, he would need Luo He’s assistance.

…

Time passed, and Luo Feng had been in the Chu Capital for over three eras.

He was fully focused on comprehending the inheritance of the first tribulation of the *Eight Tribulations Life Form*. The inheritance was vast, and Luo Feng absorbed the knowledge, constantly attempting to perfect the transformation technique.

In an elegant pavilion, Marquis Chu Yu sat across from a woman clad in bright red armor.

“Marquis Chu Yu, rest assured. As long as the ‘North Sea Beast Forest’ is entrusted to me, I will definitely obtain the perfect level ‘Chaos-level Creature’ materials you need.” The red-armored woman smiled brightly, full of confidence.

“I trust the promise of City Lord Lianyu.” Marquis Chu Yu smiled. “You should receive the appointment soon.”

The red-armored woman and Marquis Chu Yu continued to drink and chat.

Moments later—

“Hmm?” The red-armored woman showed a look of joy as she received a task issued by the royal family, appointing her to oversee the North Sea Beast Forest for ten thousand eras.

Without hesitation, she immediately accepted the task.

“Marquis Chu Yu, you’ve proven trustworthy.” The red-armored woman immediately stood up. “I’ll go seek my father’s help right away! Within three days, I will bring you the materials you need.”

Marquis Chu Yu rose as well. “I’m grateful, City Lord Lianyu.”

In the Ancient Flame Kingdom, apart from the Divine Kings of the royal family, there were also some guest Divine Kings. These guest Divine Kings had fully integrated into the Ancient Flame Kingdom and were even granted fiefdoms, with their descendants thriving in the kingdom.

The father of City Lord Lianyu was the ‘King Tiandu,’ who had been granted a fiefdom by the Ancient Flame Kingdom.

The Ancient Flame Kingdom didn’t think highly of ordinary Divine Kings, and those kings weren’t qualified to receive fiefdoms within the kingdom!

King Tiandu was a personal disciple of the Flame Ancestor, who referred to the emperors as his junior brothers, and was an extraordinary figure.

City Lord Lianyu was the only one among King Tiandu’s many children to reach the Chaos Realm. However, the management of the Ancient Flame Kingdom was controlled by the thirteen emperors and was overseen by the royal First-Class Marquises. Guest Divine Kings had no authority to intervene.

“Only ancient beings who can probe the entire Chaos level and capture perfect Chaos-level creatures,

such as the emperors or someone like King Tiandu, could obtain such materials.” Marquis Chu Yu felt a sense of accomplishment. “After all this planning, it has finally paid off.”

Marquis Chu Yu trusted City Lord Lianyu’s promise.

Whoosh.

Marquis Chu Yu led his entourage out of the pavilion, among whom were also two Chaos Realm cultivators. The Ancient Flame Kingdom had some ordinary Chaos Realm beings who would go to great lengths to get close to the First-Class Marquises, seeking opportunities.

“Di Chu Yu!” A fierce voice suddenly echoed.

Marquis Chu Yu’s expression changed slightly as he turned to look.

He saw two figures approaching with a group of subordinates.

“Di Chu Yu, I asked you to help with the North Sea Beast Forest task, but you refused to give me face!” A hideous, black-haired figure said, his eyes crackling with lightning. “I suspected you were helping City Lord Lianyu, and it turns out I was right.”

“I’ve been accommodating during the task distribution for the past three eras, but this North Sea Beast Forest task is important to me.” Di Chu Yu replied, “I can’t yield this time.”

“You’ve grown bold.” The black-haired figure chuckled menacingly, his aura of hostility causing Di Chu Yu to feel uneasy.

Among the seven First-Class Marquises, Marquis Chu Yuan was known to be a madman. Due to his mixed bloodline from both the Flame Royal Family and the Thunder Royal Family, Marquis Chu Yuan had endured many hardships and tortures in his youth, twisting his personality into something increasingly violent and cruel.

Marquis Chu Yuan only got along with Marquis Chu Ji, who shared a similar temperament.

“When you’re weak, you should stick to doing what the weak do.” The burly figure beside him looked at Di Chu Yu. “A King-level task, and you think you’re worthy?”

“We First-Class Marquises are of equal status.” Di Chu Yu’s expression turned grim. “I’ve let you have the King-level tasks in the past, never taking one for myself! But this time, the North Sea Beast Forest task… since I’ve never claimed a task, I have the right of first refusal.”

“Right of first refusal?” The hideous black-haired figure roared, “I’ve already told you to give it to us! You dare to defy me?”

Boom!

A terrifying force struck Di Chu Yu, affecting his subordinates as well. Even the two Chaos Realm cultivators beside him felt the overwhelming pressure.

The formation protecting this place of leisure immediately activated. Di Chu Yu was sent flying, crashing into the formation. The two Chaos Realm cultivators were also slammed into the formation, causing a loud crash that attracted the attention of many guests.

As for the ordinary attendants who were with Di Chu Yu? They had long since turned to dust.

“Oops, I accidentally killed a few of your attendants.” The hideous black-haired figure chuckled. “Guess I’ll be fined a few thousand merit points? Hahaha, fine by me.”

“This is just a warning.”

“Next time, I won’t be so gentle.” The black-haired figure turned and walked away.

Marquis Chu Ji, who was beside him, glanced coldly at Di Chu Yu. “Di Chu Yu, you know Chu Yuan’s temper! Behave yourself, and you’ll suffer less. Otherwise, even I won’t be able to stop him.”

With that, Marquis Chu Ji also left.

Di Chu Yu and the two Chaos Realm cultivators beside him looked grim.

“Marquis, are we just going to endure this?” One of the Chaos Realm beings with several tentacles couldn’t help but ask.

“Let’s go.” Di Chu Yu said coldly, turning and leaving.

The many guests in the leisure area were of considerable status, but seeing the conflict between the three First-Class Marquises, they dared not look too closely.

…

Two days later.

Di Chu Yu arrived at Luo Feng’s dwelling.

“Brother Chu Yu.” Luo Feng, having just finished a session of seclusion, came out to meet him.

“At last, I didn’t disappoint you, Brother Luo He.” Di Chu Yu laughed heartily. “Three eras of planning, and I finally obtained the perfect level Chaos-level creature materials.”

With that, Di Chu Yu produced a jade box, opened it, and inside was a yellow feather, glowing with a strange light, as if it were a precious gem.