Chapter 125: The Mysterious Letter

Chu Youcai paused for a moment, slowly sheathed his Fish-Scale Blade, and walked into the center of the grand hall.

At this moment, everyone around was rendered speechless. No one had expected such a dark horse to emerge; Chu Youcai’s strength far exceeded their expectations. Yet, at the same time, they felt a profound sense of shock deep within. How had Chu Youcai cultivated? He had suddenly acquired ten years of Taoist cultivation, two Demon Cloud Flowers, a bronze-level cursed artifact, and had even gained the high regard of figures like Jiang Xue. In their eyes, Chu Youcai was no longer the discarded son; he was a dragon in the depths, now leaping out of the abyss and soaring into the vast heavens.

The Sixth Young Master, Yan Yudong, trembled all over. He was grateful that he hadn’t acted against Chu Youcai earlier and had instead proactively conceded, which had earned him a favor. Perhaps, relying on this favor, Chu Youcai might help him resolve his own impending crisis.

At this moment, Prince Chu laughed heartily, his voice filled with an indescribable boldness. Chu Youcai had completely defied his expectations. Moreover, Chu Youcai possessed a unique quality: he remained calm and composed, even when facing formidable enemies. The Prince could not help but feel joy for Chu Youcai; he had not expected his son to have grown to such a degree.

Without hesitation, the Prince walked up to Chu Youcai. With a flick of his hand, a golden bell adorned with five-colored clouds appeared. He handed it to Chu Youcai and said, "Caier, this is a cursed artifact I obtained while killing an enemy, called the Phantom Gold Bell. I have not yet claimed it with my blood, so I bestow it upon you now!"

The Phantom Gold Bell shimmered with a scorching light, its radiance flowing. As Chu Youcai held it, he felt it to be light as a feather, yet it gave him a peculiar sensation: it seemed that once this bell was unleashed, enemies would be instantly bewildered. If this cursed artifact were used in conjunction with the Six-Jia Divine Array, it could potentially amplify the art of luring enemies to its absolute limit, sounding like the wailing of ghosts and the howling of spirits.

Prince Chu explained, "The Phantom Gold Bell has the power to bewilder the human mind, and its wielder can resist external illusions. While its offensive power is weak, its effects are extraordinary when used with finesse."

"Thank you, Father," Chu Youcai said, feeling truly grateful. Possessing this bell would greatly enhance his abilities. With his Tuo Dragon Mountain and River Pearl temporarily unusable, this Phantom Gold Bell was all the more vital.

Seeing this, everyone looked at Chu Youcai with envy. Regardless, they knew that Chu Youcai had risen; he was now, without question, the second most significant person in the Prince's estate.

Prince Chu laughed and said, "Caier, do you have any other requests? If it is within my power, just ask."

Chu Youcai took a deep breath and asked, "Father, do you truly mean that?"

Prince Chu nodded solemnly. "No matter the request, just ask."

At this, the First Lady fixed a vicious glare upon Chu Youcai. If he used this opportunity to return to the Prince’s estate, it would be a devastating blow to her. She desperately hoped he would not make such a request.

Chu Youcai spoke: "I hope that Father will permit my mother’s tomb to be moved into the Prince’s Hall of Ancestors."

"What?" Prince Chu was momentarily stunned. The Hall of Ancestors was reserved only for those who had made monumental contributions to the estate; even close relatives, like the First Lady herself, were not necessarily qualified to enter.

Hearing this, the crowd was shocked; this was an act of overstepping, and the Prince would surely refuse. Prince Chu’s expression darkened. "Caier, do you know the rules of this house?"

"I do," Chu Youcai replied.

"If you know them, why would you ask this?" The Prince’s voice carried an inherent, awe-inspiring authority.

Chu Youcai answered, "Because just a few days ago, my second brother petitioned the First Lady to have my mother’s spirit tablet removed from the Hall of Serenity and buried in some desolate place for wandering souls."

Upon hearing this, Prince Chu was struck as if by lightning. His body tensed, and he rose like a lion, a domineering aura erupting from him. He turned to the First Lady and demanded, "Is this true?"

The First Lady, rarely seeing the Prince in such a state, felt her heart tighten. "It is," she admitted.

"Under which house rule did Yuwang act?" the Prince asked.

"Rule Number Nine: Treason and impiety," the First Lady replied.

"What act of treason did Caier commit?" the Prince asked.

The First Lady was left speechless.

Prince Chu’s gaze swept toward Chu Yuwang, who lay on the ground. "Yuwang, do you know which rule you have broken?"

Chu Yuwang trembled violently, collapsing to his knees, unable to utter a word.

"Tell me, which rule?" the Prince’s voice boomed like a bell.

"Rule Number Three: Strife between brothers," Chu Yuwang stammered, shaking uncontrollably.

"For the sake of your own selfish gain, you not only harmed your own brother but also desecrated the memory of the deceased!" the Prince roared. "Treason! It is you who are guilty of treason! What use is there for this wicked sorcery of yours!"

Prince Chu raised his hand high and brought it down in a powerful strike. The palm was wreathed in flames and carried the overwhelming might of an army—the force of thousands retreating before it!

In an instant, this power, vast as the ocean, slammed into Chu Yuwang’s chest. Not daring to resist, Chu Yuwang was sent flying, vomiting blood as he felt his chest nearly shatter. He soon realized that his cultivation had been reduced to a mere five years; the power he had gained through illicit means was completely purged, his wicked arts utterly destroyed.

He glared at the Prince with the most venomous hatred, before turning that same gaze toward Chu Youcai. Powerless before his father, he poured all his malice and hatred upon Chu Youcai.

Those nearby shuddered at the look in Chu Yuwang’s eyes. Chu Youcai, sensing the depth of his brother’s hatred, realized that the situation had reached a point of life or death. To show mercy now would only invite endless future trouble. Furthermore, the countless people Chu Yuwang had killed were innocent!

Chu Youcai did not hesitate further. He took a letter from his robe and handed it to the Prince. "Father, I received this letter a few days ago. I hope you will investigate it thoroughly."

It was the letter sent to him by his second mother.

Prince Chu paused and opened the letter. But as he read its contents, his expression shifted instantly. He became like a maddened lion, his eyes turning cold to the extreme. The immense, military killing intent radiating from him threatened to shatter everything around him into dust.

With nearly fifty years of cultivation, his power was formidable; wherever his blade pointed, all things would perish. Everyone was stunned, trembling so violently they dared not move.