Rong Yu’s face flashed with anger, but he forced himself to suppress it. He knew that pleading further was meaningless.
An old fox like Wei Chengzong would never risk offending Rong Ruiming for the sake of a fallen scion of the Rong Family. Saying any more would only bring humiliation upon himself.
At that moment, Wei Chengzong coughed lightly and said, “Rong Yu, I still need to continue refining pills. If you have nothing else to do, please leave.”
Rong Yu met his gaze with an expressionless stare.
Something about his calm but icy look made Wei Chengzong feel uneasy.
Then, without a word, Rong Yu turned and walked out.
He slowly made his way toward the pier, his mind racing.
He frowned. The problem was clear.
Even if he had a 100% success rate, what good was it?
With Rong Ruiming’s interference, he couldn’t even attempt the assessment.
The only way to break this stalemate was if someone influential spoke up for him.
That person had to outrank Rong Ruiming in the family and have enough authority to override him.
But after thinking hard, no one came to mind.
His heart grew heavier.
Just then, he caught sight of Rong Zonglie still on duty at the pier.
His eyes lit up.
Perhaps this man could help?
Even if it was a long shot, he had to try.
Rong Yu quickened his pace.
Rong Zonglie immediately noticed him and sighed, as if he already knew what had happened.
“Back so soon?” he asked gruffly. “I take it you failed the test again?”
His expression darkened.
“Boy, I told you—stop chasing this impossible dream. Instead, think about pleasing the Fifth Elder and securing her protection in the future.”
Rong Yu ignored the insult and got straight to the point.
“Uncle Lie, it’s not that I failed. Rong Ruiming blocked my assessment outright.”
He quickly explained how Wei Chengzong had refused to test him under Rong Ruiming’s orders.
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Rong Zonglie’s expression turned grim.
His brows furrowed as he pondered the situation, but then he shook his head and sighed.
“It looks like you want to ask for my help, but I’m telling you now—it’s useless.”
Rong Yu felt his heart sink at the blunt rejection.
Still, Rong Zonglie continued.
“It’s not that I don’t want to help you, boy. With my friendship with your father, I would if I could. But I simply don’t have the power.”
He crossed his arms.
“You should know who Rong Ruiming is. The family is grooming him to be the next Chief Alchemist. His status far outweighs mine. Not only is his lineage one of the eight direct branches, but he also has a close relationship with the Third Elder.
“You think a mere Fierce Wind Hall warrior like me can change anything?”
Rong Yu clenched his fists.
He knew his uncle was right.
But then…
Was he truly doomed?
Was his only choice to submit and become Rong Huarong’s cauldron?
The idea sickened him.
He had finally traveled to this mystical world of immortal cultivation. He possessed a heaven-defying artifact—the Mysterious Scroll.
And now, because of some petty power struggle, he was being robbed of his future?
Unacceptable.
Still… He had to be realistic.
If he couldn’t take the test, he had no way to pass.
And if he couldn’t pass, then the bet with Rong Huarong would be enforced.
If his Dao foundation was damaged, his cultivation—already slowed by his incomplete Thunder Spiritual Root—would be crippled forever.
However, there was one hope left.
Even if he had to become her cauldron, with his current mastery over Zengyuan Pill refinement, he could earn enough spirit stones to later repair his foundation.
Though it would be difficult, it was not impossible.
Rong Yu sighed, his tension easing slightly.
“…I understand, Uncle Lie. I’ll head back now.”
He bowed and turned toward the dock.
“Wait, kid.”
Rong Yu stopped.
Rong Zonglie’s tiger-like eyes flickered with thought.
After a long moment, he said in a low voice,
“Boy… Maybe there is someone who can help you.”
Rong Yu’s eyes widened.
“Who?”
Rong Zonglie quickly looked around, then leaned in and whispered.
As he listened, Rong Yu’s eyes lit up with excitement.
“Thank you, Uncle Lie! I’ll go try it right away!”
Rong Zonglie sighed and added,
“Just remember—don’t tell anyone I sent you. Otherwise, I’ll be in trouble.”
Then he gestured toward a blue spirit boat docked nearby.
“That’s the Blue Wave Spirit Boat. It’s heading to Yunchang Island soon to deliver spiritual materials. I’ll let them know to let you on.”
Rong Yu nodded eagerly and rushed to the boat.
Yunchang Island was only a hundred kilometers away. With the speed of the spirit boat, Rong Yu arrived in less than half an hour.
A hazy white mist covered the verdant mountains of the island. Occasionally, cranes and mystical birds soared in the sky, filling the air with melodious cries.
It was the most fairy-like place he had ever seen.
But he wasn’t here for sightseeing.
He was here to see the Ninth Elder, Rong Shaohong.
Rong Shaohong was one of only two female elders in the family, the other being Rong Huarong.
However, unlike Rong Huarong, she wasn’t known for combat or seduction.
Instead, she was a rare and respected Spirit Embroiderer.
Spirit Embroiderers were artisans who crafted enchanted robes for cultivators. It was a niche profession, but highly lucrative.
Though it was not as crucial as alchemy or talisman-making, wealthy cultivators paid fortunes for finely crafted enchanted garments.
Rong Shaohong was one of the best.
She even founded Lingxiu Hall, the Rong Family’s exclusive embroidery guild, which supplied high-end robes to elite cultivators.
Her craft had earned the Rong Family immense wealth, and for this, she was given the rank of Ninth Elder.
And most importantly…
She once had a history with Rong Yu’s father.
A history that might just save him now.
Rong Yu approached Yunchang Island’s dock, but was immediately stopped.
A female guard stepped forward, her gaze sharp.
“Who are you?” she demanded coldly.
“And why are you here without a pass token?”
Rong Yu smiled slightly.
He had been expecting this.
(End of Chapter)