Chapter 31: Conspiracy

Chapter 31: Conspiracy

Pigs were creatures whose genetic makeup and physical structure bore an uncanny resemblance to that of humans, particularly in regard to the internal organs. In the interstellar era of his previous life, the pig remained a staple for scientific experimentation even as biological technology advanced. Hence, when Wu Yuan decided to conduct an experiment, the first creature that came to mind was the pig.

I have precise control over my body. Under normal circumstances, even if I were to imbibe deadly toxins, I could purge them entirely. However, it's better to be cautious. I should first ascertain whether the liquid in this jade vial is beneficial or harmful!

Carefulness ensures a ship's thousand-year voyage.[1] The more Wu Yuan saw through the underlying principles of this world, the more vigilant he became.

Let's begin. Wu Yuan approached the pigsty.

Night descended as Wu Yuan commenced his biological experiment. In the darkness, Li City swirled with undercurrents.

Inside a brightly lit study of the mayor's manor.

"Sir, the Luo family, Wang family, Xu family [2].....these eight major families have all agreed, they're willing to jointly sign a letter accusing Xu Shouyi of protecting gangs, causing wanton harm to the villages and trampling over the sect's laws," a respectful elder in a white robe reported, "However, the Guan family of Dongye Municipality has explicitly stated that they will not participate."

"Guan Zishan, that old geezer." A hint of severity flashed through the eyes of the cultured Jiang Dongque, but it was soon followed by a sigh of resignation.

Guan Zishan, formerly a first-rate Adept, was previously a high-ranking general of the Chu-Jiang Empire. Although not part of the sect's core, the Guan family continued to prosper even after the collapse of the empire and his return to his hometown in his old age. Dongye Municipality was practically his private fief, and now, disciples of the Guan family were beginning to join the sect's headquarters.

Though he was a county mayor, he was unwilling to provoke the Guan family.

"Forget it. The joint signatures of eight families, together with the remnants of the captured Vicious Tiger Gang, and the evidence collected in secret over the years, should be just about enough," Jiang Dongque decided.

He then turned towards Meng Qiang, "Brother Meng, how are things on your end?"

"The Wu Clan refuses to admit that the martial academy major tournament was rigged," Meng Qiang towered over the others, his voice booming like a bell, "Given the stance of the Wu Clan and Wu Yuan, it doesn't seem fake. Could we have made a mistake?"

"Mistake?" Jiang Dongque smiled and gently shook his head. "The Enforcement Bureau officers briefed me moments ago. They've uncovered that a few days back, the Xu faction deliberately instructed the Vicious Tiger Gang to target the Wu Clan, raising this year's tribute from 3000 taels to 8000 taels!"

"According to the words of the convict, ‘we aren't asking the Wu Clan to make additional payment. Since they took the money, of course they should spit it back out’," Jiang Dongque said. "However, the Xu faction didn't state clearly what task the Wu Clan failed to accomplish."

Meng Qiang was slightly surprised. After a moment of thought, he said, "You mean to say, the Xu faction spent 5000 taels to bribe Wu Yuan so that he would throw the major tournament. But in the end, the young master of the Xu Clan ended up losing to Liu Ruyan?"

Jiang Dongque nodded subtly.

"But what can we do if the Wu Clan doesn't admit it?" Meng Qiang furrowed his brows.

Without a victim, plus the fact that Xu Yuanhan was fairly defeated, would the higher-ups believe it even if the matter was reported to the sect? They might dismiss it as mere fabrications from Jiang Dongque.

"It’s not a problem. I will have someone 'accidentally' leak this news to the Xu faction," Jiang Dongque said lightly. "The Xu faction will think that the Wu Clan is preparing to jointly accuse them."

In the end, ingestion proved to be the most effective!

Of course, the so-called 'large dose' was just a relative amount.

The three-day experiment consumed less than one-tenth of the total liquid in the jade vial. I shouldn’t waste any more of it. Today, I shall test it on myself.

With the jade vial in hand, Wu Yuan returned to the center of the courtyard.

Over the past few days, he had remodeled it, completing all necessary repairs. The four walls of the courtyard were quite high, ensuring no one in a neighboring building could spy on what he was doing. One could say it was completely private!

After procuring a basin of clean water, Wu Yuan poured a tiny amount of crystal-clear purple liquid into it. The liquid slowly dissolved in the water, releasing a refreshing fragrance.

Gulp~ Wu Yuan lifted the basin, tilting his head back to take a massive swig, and then set the basin aside.

So hot! What overwhelming energy. As the solution entered his stomach Wu Yuan's eyes lit up. Everything was going as he had predicted.

Once the solution entered his stomach, his abdominal muscles convulsed, and the liquid immediately began to exhibit its function. A flood of energy coursed through his blood, quickly spreading to his entire body - his musculoskeletal system, internal organs, eyes, ears, mouth, nose, and even his brain. Every piece of flesh in his body, every organ, was infiltrated by strands of mysterious energy, and then began to grow stronger!

This energy is at least ten times purer than a low-grade body tempering pill. Even just a trace contains so much energy! Absorbing it doesn't burden my body at all!

Wu Yuan found it unbelievable. How could such pure energy exist in this world? After all, when Wu Yuan absorbed the energy from a body tempering pill, there was a limit to the body's tolerance despite his internal organs' ability to filter out impurities. It had to be done gradually and progressively, so he could only train once every two days. But by absorbing this mysterious energy, he could cultivate continuously until his body reached the limit of its endurance.

Is this a natural treasure? The effects are much stronger than I had anticipated.

Little did Wu Yuan know that Ancient Immortal Dew was extremely suitable for body tempering. Even among natural treasures, it was considered one of the best, and was extremely precious. One drop of Ancient Immortal Dew could be exchanged for a divine weapon with plenty of change!

Treasures are just external powers. If I let this natural treasure flow freely, 99% of its power will be wasted.

Wu Yuan leaped into the air, striking a peculiar pose. It was an exercise in the Tiger Leopard Bone Training Technique.

Conscious control, combined with the strongest Strength Training technique, can allow me to fully utilize the effects of this natural treasure.

Wu Yuan was highly focused, pouring all his efforts into cultivation. In an instant, all parts of his body, all 206 bones came together as one, faintly trembling.

Like a glutton, Wu Yuan's body and muscles devoured and absorbed the mysterious energy converted from the Ancient Immortal Dew.

"Ah~" Wu Yuan felt spasms of pain in every muscle and bone of his body. His heart rate rose, and his whole body sweated as though in a sauna. A faint layer of mist began rising from his body. This was the manifestation of a drastic metamorphosis of one's body.

So exaggerated. Sensing the transformation of his physical constitution, he was somewhat shocked. He had never seen his physique improve at such an insane speed. The changes were actually visible, and it was several times faster than when cultivating with body tempering pills!

1. Previous line of proverb: Cautiousness captures a thousand autumn cicadas. In other words, cautious individuals can catch even the most elusive cicadas, while careful individuals can keep a ship afloat for thousands of years. It metaphorically means that being cautious and careful helps avoid mistakes and ensures long-term stability and development. ?

2. Different from the Xu in General Xu ?