C2 Zhuang Family

"What on earth is this? Is this supposed to be a Pill?"

Zhuang Xing examined the Pill in his hand, unable to suppress his frustration. This type of Pill was the absolute worst.

Pills were categorized into four levels based on their quality: Low Grade, Middle Grade, High Grade, and Top Grade. Zhuang Xing, the esteemed Pill God, had mastered the Pill Refining Arts to the point of transcendence. He had never stooped to refining such a Low Grade Pill, much less consuming one.

However, this was to be expected. Cultivators at the Qi Refining Stage Level Two Heaven were inherently weak and could only handle Low Grade Pills. They were only able to use Middle Grade Pills when breaking through their cultivation levels. High Grade Pills were too potent for them; ingesting one would surely lead to their bodies exploding.

Zhuang Xing proceeded to inspect the other Pills. The highest quality among them was merely a Rank One Middle Grade Pill, hardly fitting for someone of his caliber.

"This is infuriating."

Ultimately, Zhuang Xing had no choice but to consume all the Pills. If anyone were to witness his frenzied consumption, they would be utterly astounded. Typically, a Qi Refining Stage Level Two Heaven cultivator would use only one Pill at a time. Even the medicinal power of a Rank One Low Grade Pill would suffice for an extended period of absorption.

Yet, it was clear that Zhuang Xing was no ordinary Qi Refining Stage Level Two Heaven warrior. His absorption rate for Pills was significantly faster than the average person. Furthermore, the cultivation technique he practiced was of the highest tier, greatly enhancing the efficacy of Pill absorption.

Martial skills are fundamental for a cultivator's training. Without them, even the most gifted individuals would find cultivation impossible. Martial skills vary in power and effectiveness, with superior ones offering greater efficiency in training.

Being a Pill God, Zhuang Xing was not in want of advanced martial skills. The Fire Phoenix Spell, a supreme Profound Arts he had acquired, was shrouded in mystery. He had no knowledge of its creator or its history. All Zhuang Xing knew was that when the Fire Phoenix Spell was first revealed, it sparked a frenzy among countless formidable figures vying for it. In his quest to secure this Profound Arts, he had nearly met his demise.

He initiated the Fire Phoenix Spell, and in an instant, every Pill burst open. They transformed into a torrent of medicinal power that surged into his dantian and spread through his limbs. This power from the Pills was not only capable of healing his wounds but also of enhancing his cultivation level.

"Qi Refining Stage, Level Three Heaven."

"Qi Refining Stage, Level Four Heaven."

All the medicinal power was absorbed, and his cultivation level soared until it reached the Qi Refining Stage, Level Five Heaven, where it plateaued.

"Hahaha, none of you could have imagined that I would come back to life, could you? Just wait. When I make my return, it will spell the end for all of you."

Zhuang Xing looked up into the vast expanse of space, his right fist clenched tight. Once he regained his formidable power, he would exact revenge on everyone who had ambushed and betrayed him.

He glanced at the two bodies on the ground, then Zhuang Xing raised his hand and released a burst of flames, quickly reducing the corpses to ashes.

With everything taken care of, Zhuang Xing turned and left the forest, heading toward the Zhuang family home.

As soon as he arrived, many people noticed him, each one looking at him with scorn.

"Isn't that the Zhuang family's 'great genius' who's about to compete in the Hidden Dragon Ranking? With a father as the patriarch, his presence certainly seems different now."

"He's nothing but trash. If it weren't for his father being the patriarch, the Zhuang family would have kicked him out long ago. We shouldn't have to support him, letting him freeload off the family."

"Exactly. Does someone like him deserve to be in a prestigious competition like the Hidden Dragon Ranking? He's just squandering our chances. It'll be a disgrace if he has to slink back in defeat."

"You shouldn't speak like that. Even if they can't achieve any results, they can still contribute to the pile of failures."

"It's a shame, though. Even with Mr. Guai's genius, he's unable to participate in the Hidden Dragon Ranking Great Competition, all thanks to Zhuang Xing, this waste of space. He's taken an opportunity that could have been put to better use. It's exasperating."

Trash?

Zhuang Xing let out a faint smile. If he were to be labeled as trash, then there would be no geniuses left in this world.

He paid no attention to the people around him and made his way to his residence.

"Young Master, where have you been? It took me forever to find you."

A young girl, breathless from running, approached him. She was Zhuang Xing's maid, Chunri.

"Chunri, I'm alright, no need to worry."

Relieved to see Zhuang Xing unharmed, Chunri let out a sigh of relief.

"Young Master, you haven't had lunch yet, have you? What would you like to eat? I'll have the kitchen prepare something for you."

"Anything is fine."

Zhuang Xing replied nonchalantly before heading back to his room.

Chunri made a mental note to ask the chef to prepare some of Zhuang Xing's favorite dishes.

Once back in his room, Zhuang Xing surveyed his surroundings. A small table was laden with books. He walked over and rummaged through them, pulling out a volume titled 'Complete Records of the Continent'. Settling onto a stool, he began to leaf through the pages.

"What is the Celestial Martial Continent like?"

Zhuang Xing furrowed his brow, digging deep into his memories. He could not recall such a world, nor did he have any idea where it might be.

He skimmed the book briefly, gaining a basic understanding of the Celestial Martial Continent. It was split into five major landmasses: the East Profound Domain, the West Profound Domain, the North Profound Domain, the South Profound Domain, and Central State, all separated by vast, endless oceans.

Zhuang Xing was in the East Profound Domain, an immense territory filled with innumerable large and small nations and various power structures. His own Great Qi Country was merely a minor state among many larger ones.

After a cursory glance at the book, his interest waned; he hadn't found what he was looking for.

Just then, Chunri entered with a tray of food, all of which were Zhuang Xing's favorites.

"Young Master, your meal is ready. Please enjoy it while it's hot."

Zhuang Xing had not consumed ordinary food for quite some time, relying mostly on Pills or Spirit Stones. However, being at the Level Five Heaven of the Qi Refining Stage, he hadn't reached the level of forgoing food entirely. He still needed to eat to satisfy his hunger.

"Delicious."

It had been quite a while since he last ate. Having tasted the meal, he found it exceptionally delicious.

Chunri smiled. The food was his favorite, so naturally, he enjoyed it.