Chapter 227: Chapter 227: Provisions in Crisis, Trouble for the Tiger Armor Army!

Ten Rings overlap, Primordial Qi fluctuates.

But it’s not over yet, Chu Ming’s eyes focused, and a point of light appeared at the center of the first Primordial Qi Ring.

The point of light first blossomed and expanded, shining like a starlight, and at a certain moment, suddenly shrank and condensed.

Wow—

The light seemed to condense to the extreme, emitting a series of low hums.

The air rippled, the ring vibrated, seemingly unable to withstand the terrifying power of the Primordial Technique ’Primordial Qi Extreme Star Fall’.

In the next moment.

Bang—

The first ring exploded with a bang, and a terrifying gust of air instantly surged out.

Chu Ming’s face remained unmoved, he waved his hand, and the Primordial Qi gust disappeared without a trace.

Then, the center light of the second ring expanded, condensed, until it exploded.

Next came the third, fourth, fifth...

The final result of the ten rings was all uncontrollably exploding due to being unable to bear the ’Primordial Qi Extreme Star Fall’.

"Missing something?"

Chu Ming’s eyes closed slightly as his Heart Spirit delved into the Sea of Consciousness.

He was attempting to merge the two major Primordial Techniques ’Ten Rings of Primordial Qi’ and ’Primordial Qi Extreme Star Fall’ into a more powerful Primordial Technique.

The Book collection Lake continued to output white Primordial Qi, with the bright area of the Sea of Consciousness having already expanded greatly.

[Sword Gourd Spirit] due to the expansion of the Sea of Consciousness, the coverage area extended beyond seven miles.

Seven miles, also the hunting ground for the Primordial Black Blade.

At this time, overhead the lake of the Sea of Consciousness, a massive mass of white Primordial Qi was drawn by the Primordial Consciousness into the body, and flowed along the meridians towards the abdomen’s Primordial Qi Mansion.

In the Primordial Qi Mansion, there was not a single wisp of Primordial Qi, only a mass of Primordial Qi filling the entire mansion with no extra space.

When the white Primordial Qi from the Sea of Consciousness fused into it, the Primordial Qi Mansion was forcibly expanded, on the verge of bursting.

Yet Chu Ming remained unmoved, drawing another mass of white mist from the Sea of Consciousness into the Primordial Qi Mansion.

The Primordial Qi Mansion expanded again, seeming like if half a point more of Primordial Qi were to enter, it would immediately collapse.

At the same time, the Primordial Qi inside boiled and swirled, seemingly dissatisfied with the cramped space.

Chu Ming sat cross-legged, the Primordial Qi lake in his Sea of Consciousness automatically rotated, forming a small vortex in the center.

The vortex spun rapidly, absorbing an increasing amount of the lake’s water, until finally forming a tornado-like water column.

The moment the tornado water column formed, the Primordial Qi Mansion in the abdomen suddenly experienced a change, the mansion itself aggressively contracted.

The Primordial Qi inside the mansion seemed like a defeated army surrounded by a large force, squeezing together, mutually pressing and killing, the living space continuously diminishing.

At a certain moment, when only one defeated soldier remained, and the Primordial Qi only a single glistening droplet, the aggressive compression of the Primordial Qi Mansion ceased.

"Primordial Qi Liquid Realm..."

Primordial Qi Introduction, Primordial Qi Unity, Primordial Qi Liquid.

The third realm of the Primordial Qi Warrior was achieved.

Chu Ming opened his eyes, a gleam seemed to flash.

From Jin Yu, he obtained the Cultivation Technique for the third realm of the Primordial Qi Warrior, ’Divine Essence Deceit Primordial Qi Technique’, and by combining it with the other two Primordial Qi Techniques, finally deduced a Primordial Qi Technique suitable for himself.

On the panel.

[Mountain and Sea Divine Qi·Qi Liquid (Early Qi Liquid)]

[Progress: 1/100]

After taking a brief rest, the Primordial Qi Mansion stabilized, and Chu Ming continued to draw Primordial Qi from the Sea of Consciousness into the Primordial Qi Mansion, attempting to condense a second droplet of Primordial Qi Liquid.

Soon, the second and third droplets of Primordial Qi Liquid successively condensed.

The three droplets of Primordial Qi Liquid, compared to the vast Primordial Qi Mansion, were akin to grains in the ocean.

Yet, the three droplets of Primordial Qi Liquid were already the limit at this stage.

There are two major obstacles in the cultivation of the third realm of the Primordial Qi Warrior: the vast amount of Primordial Qi required, and the stronger the repulsion as one condenses more Primordial Qi Liquid.

The former can be supplemented through the Book collection Lake in the Sea of Consciousness, but the latter cannot; he needs to comprehend more Primordial Qi Techniques to deduce a higher Liquid Condensation Technique.

His Heart Spirit exited the Sea of Consciousness, Chu Ming extended his right hand once more, a ring condensed in his palm, with the center light point expanding.

Primordial Qi Unity Realm is insufficient to merge the Primordial Technique, but what about the Primordial Qi Liquid Realm?

The point of light rapidly expanded, the ring emitted low hums, seemingly about to explode due to being unable to withstand it, just like before.

Just when cracks appeared on the surface of the ring, Chu Ming controlled a droplet of Primordial Qi Liquid from the Primordial Qi Mansion to enter the ring.

The ring that was supposed to explode was like a land long parched, and the Primordial Qi Liquid was like rain from heaven.

The cracks healed, the ring was reborn, the central light point transformed into a Singular Star.

Simultaneously, on the panel, the texts of the two major Primordial Techniques ’Ten Rings of Primordial Qi’ and ’Primordial Qi Extreme Star Fall’ vanished, and a new line of text emerged.

[Ten Extremes Star Ring]

[Progress: 10/100]

The point at the center is the Singular Star, the ring the Star Band, thus creating the Star Ring.

The merger of the Primordial Techniques succeeded.

Or rather, Chu Ming comprehended and inferred a set of even more formidable Primordial Technique.

He looked at the Star Ring quietly floating in his palm, a smile flashed across his face.

The power of the ’Ten Extremes Star Ring’ is not simply the addition of ’Ten Rings of Primordial Qi’ and ’Primordial Qi Extreme Star Fall’.

According to his comprehension in creating the Star Ring, the power of the first Star Ring already rivals the combined power of the tenth ring of ’Ten Rings of Primordial Qi’ and ’Primordial Qi Extreme Star Fall’.

With this Primordial Technique in hand, along with the seven-mile coverage of the Black Blade, his strength achieved a qualitative leap.

Sitting in the chair, Chu Ming continued to observe the Star Ring, attempting to condense the second Star Ring.

After multiple attempts, the second Star Ring continued to fail.

"The quantity of Primordial Qi Liquid in the Primordial Qi Mansion is too low."

The key point in condensing the Star Ring is the Primordial Qi Liquid, and the amount of Primordial Qi Liquid required increases with each ring.

The three droplets of Primordial Qi Liquid are insufficient to sustain two Star Rings.

With a flip of his hand, the Star Ring dissipated.

Chu Ming got up and walked to the window, bending over to observe the dried stem planted in the terracotta pot.

This dried stem was the Wind Vine twig he brought back from the dungeon of Blood Vine Castle, the twig that refused to be tainted by blood even unto death.

Though transplanted into soil for two days, the twig remained as it was when brought back, yellowed like grass, seeming to have little vitality.

He had consulted numerous references, gaining a good understanding of the growth environment, moisture, soil, and nutrients required for Wind Vine.

According to the materials, Wind Vine’s life force is incredibly tenacious as long as its vitality isn’t completely cut off, then there remains a chance to regrow into a Wind Vine capable of dispersing harsh winds.

But, this process is a long one, and there is no unified opinion on how long it will take.

Chu Ming moved the Wind Vine to a spot where it could receive direct sunlight, then sat back down at the desk and immersed himself in reading.

As the number of books he read increased, the books that could expand the Sea of Consciousness’s Book Collection Lake became fewer, with many books containing similar content.

One by one, he flipped through them, and the Book Collection Lake showed little effect.

Suddenly.

Chu Ming stopped flipping through the books and got up to walk towards the door.

The Sword Gourd Spirit sensed that Shen Yu had returned.

"Chu Ming."

The door opened, and Shen Yu hurried in.

"Brother Shen, what did County Magistrate Xiao say about the Blood Evil Sect’s secretive invasion of the major clans in Xirong County?" Chu Ming asked.

"Old Xiao said he needs to think about it."

Think about it?

Indeed.

This matter is quite troublesome.

"Chu Ming, take a look at this." Shen Yu took out a document regarding the transportation of grain.

"What is this?" Chu Ming took the document and looked at it, "Grain transportation from Pingzhong County?"

His brow slightly furrowed, and a sense of worry arose in his heart.

The document stated that the Tiger Armor Army’s grain supply was critically low and needed to borrow grain from Pingzhong County.

Master Xiang Yue has been preparing for a long time to attack the Nine Hordes Kingdom, how could he run out of grain so quickly?

There must have been an unexpected event!

"The edict for transferring supplies from Qin Capital will arrive in two days."

Shen Yu looked at Chu Ming, guessing something was amiss, and quickly added,

"Old Xiao said that Commander Xiang led the Tiger Armor Army to annihilate a hundred thousand enemies of the Nine Hordes Kingdom and is currently attacking Yangjia City in the Nine Hordes Kingdom. Once this city is taken, our Great Qin Kingdom would have created a breach in the Nine Hordes Kingdom’s defenses."

"However, the consumption deep inside enemy territory is far beyond expectations, the supplies are hard to keep up with, and they encountered a massive sandstorm in the middle of it, which led to the shortage of grain."

"The Tiger Armor Army itself hasn’t suffered much loss, and Old Xiao has already mobilized grain from within the county to transport over there as soon as possible, so you don’t need to worry too much."

"The transporting of grain from Pingzhong County is just to prevent any further unexpected incidents."

Encountered a sandstorm?

Upon hearing this, Chu Ming’s concern did not lessen.

"Brother Shen, I must make a trip." His expression was grave.

The fact that grain is being transported from another county is enough to indicate the severity of the situation.

Not going would leave him uneasy.

Shen Yu looked at Chu Ming’s serious demeanor, knowing further persuasion would be useless.

"Chu Ming, you only have two days. Once the edict for grain transportation arrives, you must set out for Pingzhong County..."

"I, your brother, can only delay it by one more day for you at most."

"Thank you, Brother Shen." Chu Ming expressed his gratitude in a solemn voice.

Three days should be enough.

Even without three days, even if Qin Capital condemns it, he must go.

"Brother Shen, I’ll leave Little Shan to you for these few days."

"Don’t worry. I’ll take Little Shan to stay at Old Xiao’s place for a few days; Old Xiao was just talking about her fruit brew this morning."

Shen Yu knew that with the Blood Evil Sect’s recent activities becoming more frequent, taking Little Shan to the Commandery Mansion was the safest option while Chu Ming was away.

"..."

Chu Ming walked into the room, glanced around, and seemed to find nothing necessary to take since the Golden Fragments contained everything needed.

Except for the Wind Vine.

This plant with its special function wasn’t safe to leave at the residence; he intended to find a remote mountain forest to let the Wind Vine grow freely.

Dark clouds were surging within the county, and his master seemed to be encountering difficulties as well...

Time was pressing.

He grabbed the Wind Vine, concealed himself, left the residence, and headed towards the southwestern city.

With more than two hours until sunset, before leaving, he needed to give some instructions to The Medicine Maniac.

"..."

...

Xirong County, Southwestern City, Treasure Medicine Tower.

"Benevolent one, there is indeed an issue at Baiyun Pier." Yao Qi took out a sheet of paper and said with a solemn expression,

"According to investigations, Baiyun Pier, from the officials and guards to the porters, seems to have been infiltrated by the Blood Evil Sect."

"Furthermore, this old man also discovered that some of them appear to be..." Yao Qi paused, "members of the Wolf Race that was destroyed a hundred years ago."

Chu Ming’s expression remained calm.

"Did you already know, benevolent one?" Yao Qi immediately guessed something upon seeing his reaction.

"Yes." Chu Ming unfolded the paper to check it. Its content was roughly in line with his suspicions; Baiyun Pier had long been controlled by the Blood Evil Sect, and the smuggling of Jingyan had been through this pier.

"Today’s visit is to ask you to do something."

"Please tell me, benevolent one." Yao Qi bowed in respect.

"The Blood Evil Sect has not only invaded Baiyun Pier but also controlled several major clans in Xirong County," Chu Ming said indifferently.

Upon hearing this, The Medicine Maniac frowned and remained silent.

"If nothing unexpected happens, Xirong County will soon face a great calamity."

"What does the benevolent one ask of this old man?" Yao Qi inquired.

"In the case of ensuring your own safety, help the Commandery Mansion as much as possible," Chu Ming said solemnly.

Helping the Commandery Mansion is equivalent to helping Xirong County.

He does not care about Xirong County itself, but the Commandery Mansion must remain intact, as Shen Yu and Little Shan are there, and County Magistrate Xiao, who once helped him, is also there.

The Medicine Maniac’s strength might not match that of Xiao Jianxin, who guards the Commandery Mansion, nor that of the Eastern Expeditionary Deputy General Han Ji, but his methods, especially his use of poison, should not be underestimated.

With three great Meridian Unlocking Realm protectors safeguarding the Commandery Mansion, the Blood Evil Sect’s plans should not easily succeed.

Protect the Commandery Mansion?

The Medicine Maniac pondered deeply.

He had long suspected the benevolent one to be someone from the imperial court, and now he was even more certain.