Chapter 355
Chapter 355: Target, Wang Jie
This answer pleased Ting Chen greatly, and she asked directly, “Were these people killed by you?” Wang Jie replied calmly, “Yes.”
“Your methods are ruthless, and your strength is commendable,” Ting Chen continued. “Yet, can a mere lock force cultivator really achieve this?”
Wang Jie looked straight at Ting Chen, his gaze steady and clear: “Everyone has their own fortunate encounters. Without some skill, one wouldn’t earn the attention of the Great Vault Travelers. And the greatest fortune in my life is being able to join Star Dome Visage.”
Ting Chen remained silent, glancing toward Aunt Shen. Aunt Shen shook her head slightly.
Ting Chen understood immediately.
Ever since she had first heard about Lu Bu Qi cultivating lock force from Nian Wei, she had been curious about him, mostly because of Wang Jie. She was particularly sensitive toward lock force cultivators. After all, how many truly powerful lock force cultivators could exist? Lock force cultivators were nothing more than cannon fodder, unable to rise in status.
One Wang Jie was already unbelievable enough. However, that man had the backing of a Star Path Master and cultivated qi, making his achievements somewhat understandable.
But this Lu Bu Qi? What could he possibly rely on? He even possessed the Zen Decree, making him seem even more miraculous than Wang Jie. She had suspected that perhaps he was in disguise—that he might actually be Wang Jie himself.
She sincerely hoped so, for it meant she could exact her revenge.
Yet Aunt Shen’s star artifact, capable of seeing through disguises, confirmed that Lu Bu Qi was genuine and not disguised. Ting Chen’s suspicion was disproven.
Her expression eased slightly. She paced a few steps aside, staring into the swirling snow, then soon returned to the spaceship.
Meanwhile, Aunt Shen began to formally incorporate the Lock Force Devour Star into Star Dome Visage. She informed Wang Jie that he was free to return to this Devour Star to replenish his lock force whenever he wished, and that this great contribution had been recorded in his favor.
After lingering for another two days, the spaceship rose and headed back toward Three Chan Heaven.
Naturally, Wang Jie accompanied them.
During these two days, he hadn’t seen Ting Chen again. This was just as well, for the fewer interactions, the safer his disguise. He was wary that too much contact would expose small flaws.
From his storage ring, Wang Jie took out a sheet of paper made from some unknown, sturdy material. Although creased from age and countless years, it remained intact.
This paper was the gift Miao Sha had intended for Three Chan Heaven.
It contained neither martial skills nor resources—only a few cryptic sentences.
If the Miao clan cultivators who had died knew their gift was just this piece of paper, they wouldn’t have wasted so much time lingering near the Lock Force Devour Star. Perhaps then, their lives would have been spared.
Unfortunately, they had no chance for regret.
Wang Jie’s eyes fell upon the ancient words inscribed upon the paper:
“Life and death, victory and defeat, black and white—all things in the universe constantly overturn. The Divine Court truly existed.”
“Now, whose era is it?”
Just these two sentences, left by someone unknown from a distant, forgotten past.
Divine Court? Era?
Wang Jie stared at the paper, lost in thought. Now that he had learned more about the universe, he had never once heard of any “Divine Court” in the four great bridge pillars. Its existence meant it had already faded away.
Since Miao Sha had intended to present it to Three Chan Heaven, the contents of this paper must be extraordinarily important.
While on Lock Force Devour Star, Wang Jie had tried searching for the term “Divine Court” on his personal terminal but found nothing at all.
Turning the paper over, he discovered a blurry emblem.
He had also researched this symbol, finding it belonged to a long-declined family—the Eastern Clan.
According to information on his terminal, this clan had vanished entirely.
At that moment, there was a knock at the door: “Sir Lu, the Young Miss requests your presence.”
Putting away the paper, Wang Jie stepped out, unsure what Ting Chen wanted.
Soon, he stood before Ting Chen again.
“Young Miss,” Wang Jie greeted respectfully.
Ting Chen’s expression was calm as she pointed toward a screen without a word.
Wang Jie’s eyes shifted toward it, and his expression changed immediately.
On the screen was himself.
More accurately, it was a replay of the final battle from the Full-Star Martial Contest. [Has Ting Chen recognized me?]
Staring blankly at the screen, Wang Jie’s expression went unseen by Ting Chen since he was facing away.
The room grew silent, save for the sounds of combat from the screen.
Notably, the scene of Wang Jie kissing Ting Chen had been removed from the recording.
When the screen faded, Ting Chen spoke, “What do you think?”
Wang Jie turned back, uncertain how to respond. [What is this woman trying to imply?]
Ting Chen observed him and asked, “Are you shaken by this?”
Wang Jie was utterly confused. [?]
Ting Chen continued staring, waiting for his response.
Wang Jie bowed slightly, asking, “Forgive me, Young Miss, but I’m unclear about your intention?”
“As a fellow lock force cultivator,” Ting Chen began, “I’d like to hear your thoughts about Wang Jie’s strength.”
Wang Jie relaxed slightly. [So that’s her intention. She startled me; I thought she recognized me.]
“This Wang Jie is indeed powerful,” he replied carefully.
Ting Chen remained silent, clearly expecting him to elaborate further.
Wang Jie continued, “It’s astonishing for someone cultivating lock force to reach such heights. I’ve heard he’s backed by a Star Path Master—truly remarkable.”
Ting Chen frowned slightly. “I didn’t ask you to praise him. What I’m asking is if you have the confidence to surpass him.”
Wang Jie feigned surprise. “Surpass him?”
Ting Chen’s gaze sharpened, icy and severe. “Your strength is also notable. With the full support of my Star Dome Visage, do you have what it takes to surpass this man?”
Wang Jie stood taller, declaring confidently, “Yes.”
Ting Chen fixed him with a piercing stare. “You’re truly certain of this?”
Wang Jie said, “This subordinate may doubt myself, but I have absolute confidence in Star Dome Visage. As long as I receive enough resources, this subordinate can surely climb to greater heights.”
Ting Chen nodded approvingly: “I appreciate your confidence.” Her gaze drifted past Wang Jie into the starry expanse as she continued, “That Wang Jie’s star path master has encountered trouble. He likely won’t be able to assist him until after the Starry Martial Meet, so within these ten years, Wang Jie might not even break through to Wandering Star Realm. Even if he does, he won’t progress far because no one will be aiding him.”
“But you’re different.”
“With my Star Dome Visage supporting you, not only can I help you break through to Wandering Star Realm, but I’ll also ensure you cultivate various powers until you surpass him completely. Then, at the Starry Martial Meet, you will defeat him as a fellow Lock Force cultivator.”
“I want him thoroughly humiliated.”
She turned back to Wang Jie, her face solemn: “Do you understand clearly? I want him utterly miserable.”
Wang Jie saluted: “This subordinate understands clearly. I shall give my all and never disappoint Young Miss.”
Ting Chen nodded slightly: “If you need anything, speak directly to Nian Wei. I’ll support you as best I can.”
Wang Jie felt a little embarrassed. Originally, it was true—as Ting Chen said—that his master could no longer help him much, but here she was, unexpectedly helping him instead.
“Why doesn’t Young Miss personally defeat him at the Starry Martial Meet?” Wang Jie asked tentatively.
Ting Chen’s voice turned icy cold: “He isn’t worthy.”
Wang Jie was speechless, [Again with this? Seems last time’s kiss wasn’t enough.]
Curious, Wang Jie probed further: “What exactly happened to that star path master behind him?”
Ting Chen brushed him off: “You don’t need to know. Return and focus on cultivation. Tell Nian Wei if you require anything—those are my words.”
“Yes.” Wang Jie turned away promptly.
Ting Chen stared into the starry void, slowly clenching her fist.
“Do you really think this Lu Bu Qi can defeat Wang Jie?” Shen Ru Yi asked curiously.
Ting Chen answered coldly: “Under normal circumstances, never. I still don’t understand how Wang Jie broke free from the Twelve Heavenly Stems. His Lock Force, Star Method, and sword techniques are all exceptionally strong, nearly flawless.”
“But Wandering Star Realm is another level entirely. Lu Bu Qi barely meets the threshold for our attention, but if he’s granted sufficient resources, it might not be impossible for him to battle Wang Jie at the Starry Martial Meet. After all, Star Dome Visage’s resources surpass all.”
Shen Ru Yi shook her head: “I don’t believe he can win. The gap is too great.”
“Let’s try and see,” Ting Chen said indifferently. Her gaze deepened. Initially, she’d wanted to personally cleanse the humiliation at the Starry Martial Meet, but the more she thought about it, the more resentful she became. That photograph had become her nightmare, filling her with anger and shame.
[He kissed me so furiously just because I said he wasn’t worthy. Fine, then—I’ll make sure he won’t even have the chance to face me. Wang Jie, I’ll never grant you the privilege of appearing alongside me again.]
Soon after, the spacecraft returned to Three Chan Heaven.
Upon reaching the OutTwo Chan, Wang Jie and Ting Chen were about to separate.
Just before leaving, Ting Chen approached Wang Jie once more and handed him something—a wooden figurine.
Wang Jie looked puzzled.
Ting Chen’s expression was extremely serious: “You should carefully study this wooden figurine first. If you have any enlightenment from it, only then cultivate the Heavenly Dipper Body Refinement Diagram.”
“Yes, this subordinate understands,” Wang Jie replied.
Ting Chen stared at him coldly: “Remember, you mustn’t let anyone else see this figurine. This is the greatest aid I can give you. Remember this clearly.”
Wang Jie hurriedly put the figurine away, stepped back, and bowed deeply: “This subordinate will forever keep this in mind.”
He realized the figurine must be extraordinary, otherwise, Ting Chen wouldn’t be so serious. She hadn’t given it to him last time, clearly needing to mentally prepare herself.
Ting Chen waved him off, adding that he could only keep the figurine for two years before returning it.
Wang Jie stepped off the spacecraft, watched it vanish into the distance, and let out a breath.
[What kind of situation is this? Making me fight myself. I wonder what face she’ll make the day she finds out Lu Bu Qi is Wang Jie.]
[The Nine Form Diagram truly is handy.]
The moment he parted with Ting Chen, his personal terminal buzzed. [Jiang Jing Yue?]
“Senior Sister?”
“Lu Bu Qi, come meet me at Two Chan.”
Wang Jie grew serious immediately: “Yes.”
At Zen Mountain, Wang Jie met Two Chan. Officially, Three Chan Heaven had three Star Refining Realm cultivators and one World Realm expert.
Chief Zen was the World Realm expert, holding the highest authority in Three Chan Heaven.
Next in line were Yi Chan, Two Chan, and Three Chan, who guarded Zen Hall, Zen Mountain, and Zen Lake respectively.
Aside from Chief Zen, only Two Chan held absolute control over Zen Mountain. Neither Yi Chan nor Three Chan had that authority.
Now, Wang Jie stood before Two Chan, flanked by Jiang Yu, Shu He, and their guardian Lao Ji. Jiang Jing Yue stood on the other side.
“Disciple Lu Bu Qi greets Two Chan.”
Ahead, Two Chan murmured in acknowledgment. He was an elder with a ruddy complexion, eyes half-closed in perpetual drowsiness. “Begin,” he said.
Jiang Yu stepped forward, respectfully saluting: “Grandfather Two Chan, this disciple suspects Lu Bu Qi. Not only does he know Armor Eight Steps, but he also has a star artifact capable of unleashing Star Refining Realm speed. How did a mere Lock Force cultivator get a Zen Token? Moreover, he’s spent extravagantly in the OutTwo Chan, purchasing even a Star Cloud-level spacecraft. Clearly, he lacks nothing.”
“All signs indicate he’s a spy from another faction sent to infiltrate Three Chan Heaven.”
Two Chan showed no reaction.
Jiang Jing Yue glanced at Wang Jie.
Wang Jie simply turned to Jiang Yu, meeting his smug gaze, and asked calmly, “Is that all?”
Jiang Yu raised an eyebrow: “Lu Bu Qi, you dare deny it?”
“I’m not denying anything. Everything you said is true.”
Jiang Yu’s eyes widened: “So, you admit you’re a spy?”