Chapter 115: The Second Mistress's Letter

Now, at last, there were no obstacles before him. Once he transformed his demonic arts into the ten-year Dao techniques, wielding the Fish Scale Blade would surely be no less formidable than Chu King Yu’s!

When that Chu King Yu arrogantly believed he had secured first place, how would his expression change upon seeing Chu Youcai’s newfound strength?

Thinking of how the other had slaughtered countless villagers and even dared to harm his mother, a surge of fury welled up within Chu Youcai’s heart. Now, the time for retribution had come!

At that moment, several women emerged from the house. Upon seeing the golden invitation, their faces tightened. They didn’t know what had happened to Chu Youcai over the past ten days, but seeing him barely regain his health before immediately facing this crucial contest filled them with unease.

Suddenly, cheers erupted around them. Countless candies and copper coins were tossed from outside, scattering into the air before falling upon every household.

Voices roared through the streets: “Second Young Master Chu has cultivated the ten-year Dao technique—what joy, what congratulations! The people of Yanzhou rejoice as one!”

“Great celebration! Candies and copper coins gifted in abundance—hundreds of thousands of copper coins given away! Come witness the grace of Second Young Master Chu!”

These voices echoed alongside the beating of drums.

Chu Youcai and his companions frowned, taken aback by Chu King Yu’s grand display.

It seemed the other party was determined to win this contest at all costs, and to make a show of it.

Shangguan Wanru’s gaze grew solemn as she softly said, “Young Master Chu, perhaps I should accompany you.” Having cultivated her body for decades, her physical form had greatly improved. Though she could not alter her meridians, she was far stronger than before.

Now that Chu King Yu had mastered the ten-year Dao technique, and Chu Youcai’s demonic arts could not be used openly, danger lurked everywhere.

The other women also displayed hopeful looks, wishing Chu Youcai would bring them along.

Chu Youcai smiled faintly. “You need not worry about me.”

Hearing this, Yun Cuixian and the others grew even more concerned.

At that moment, Chu Youcai moved his hand, and countless flames roared forth. Then, a Daoist secret scripture descended from the heavens—it was “Boundless Heaven and Earth, Borrowing the Power of the Cosmos”!

As the scripture slammed heavily onto a tree in the courtyard, the tree instantly blackened and cracked. Shaking violently, it toppled with a thunderous crash!

Everyone gasped in shock—this was clearly a Daoist secret technique. How could Chu Youcai possess such a thing?

Chu Youcai smiled softly and said, “During these ten days of dreaming in the immortal realm, I learned to transform my demonic arts into Daoist methods. This can now be put to good use, so you need not worry.”

He did not reveal that he now possessed ten-year demonic arts, for that was too astonishing. Still, the women’s faces lit up with excitement, their worries dispelled.

They never imagined Chu Youcai had acquired such miraculous arts; if so, he could freely wield secret techniques henceforth.

At the same time, they felt an urge to learn demonic arts themselves. If they could harness this transformative power, they might convert their own skills into Dao techniques to aid Chu Youcai without fear.

Yet Shangguan Wanru’s eyes flashed sharply. Having been taught by her master and knowing much about cultivation, she understood such transformations must come with limits. Though she couldn’t perceive them, those who had cultivated fifty years of Dao techniques would see clearly as if in a mirror.

Still, she kept silent, knowing the immediate priority was to confront Chu King Yu.

Yun Cuixian’s face brightened briefly before her brows furrowed. She asked, “My lord, in this contest, how will you act when facing Chu King Yu?”

The question struck everyone’s hearts. Though Chu Youcai bore great hatred toward Chu King Yu, this was a contest within the prince’s manor, watched closely by the matron and with his long-absent father present. Even if he could defeat Chu King Yu, could he really kill him?

Chu Youcai’s gaze grew serious. Even if he bested the other, he had no reason to kill him.

They all exchanged looks and shook their heads.

“Must this contest be only a contest?” Chu Youcai felt a tinge of reluctance deep within.

Just as they were at a loss, a paper crane flew in from afar, slowly landing in the courtyard and settling in Chu Youcai’s palm.

Startled, he noticed numerous characters written on the paper crane.

“This is a letter from Second Madam? What could she have written? She has long left Yanzhou City. How could she have sent me a letter? Given her status, she seldom initiates contact. Could this be something urgent?”

With these thoughts, Chu Youcai unfolded the crane, which transformed into a letter filled with swift, flowing script.

Upon reading it, Chu Youcai could not contain his joy.

“After a desperate search yielding no result, the answer comes effortlessly! At such a critical moment, Second Madam sends this news!”

If this was true, then Chu King Yu would find no escape, even with wings. Chu Youcai would hold the moral high ground, the righteous cause, and could even slay him!

In that instant, Chu Youcai shared the letter with the others. After reading it, the women all felt immense joy and inexplicable excitement.

For a time, they brimmed with anticipation for the contest.

After long being oppressed by Chu King Yu, finally, vengeance could be attained!

Yun Cuixian then spoke gravely, “My lord, even so, you must remain cautious. This letter must be used at a critical moment—ideally when Chu King Yu’s scheme is fully revealed. Otherwise, it may have little effect and be brushed aside by the matron and others.”

Chu Youcai nodded, carefully tucking the letter away. “I understand.”

Glancing at the dusk sky, with the contest banquet drawing near, he said, “I shall go now.”

********************

At this moment, within the prince’s manor, the sound of a bell rang out, deep and resonant, cleansing the soul.

The manor was the most mysterious place in Yanzhou and the highest-ranked domain. Its pavilions and towers were arranged in harmonious elegance. Within, rooms stretched in close succession, while outside, cranes soared and white deer wandered the gardens, evoking a scene from the immortal realm.

When Chu Youcai held the golden invitation and was welcomed by the steward at the manor’s gate, a mixture of familiarity and estrangement washed over him.

After so many years, I have finally returned.

Now, I am no longer the abandoned pawn of the prince’s manor, no longer someone manipulated at will. I possess the Dragon-Territory Pearl of Tuolong Mountain and ten-year demonic arts—powers that cannot be ignored. From this moment forth, I shall rise like a dragon from the depths, making those who once despised and oppressed me deeply regretful, even despairing.

Chu Youcai took a deep breath, steadying the breath within his body.