Chapter 201: Chu Yunlong

Jiang Changkong continued studying until evening before finally taking stock of the Star Stones.

Six thousand Fifth Rank High-Grade, four thousand Fifth Rank Top-Grade.

One thousand Sixth Rank Low-Grade, five hundred Mid-Grade.

These were Heng Xuanqing’s Star Stones—540,000 Essence!

It had to be said, this Third Uncle was worth keeping. He had saved up so much stock, truly a good Third Uncle of the Heng family.

No need to say more—first, head deep into the swamp to improve his martial arts.

This time, he would improve the Spirit Control Art and the Blazing Sun Art. After that, he would rob the Anding Alliance, and he would surely step into the late stage of Star Spirit.

Deep in the swamp, Jiang Changkong improved the Spirit Control Art and the Blazing Sun Art.

Invisible Star Power spread out, causing the surrounding weeds and soil to float into the air.

The Star Gate within his body solidified further, and his Star Power increased once again.

Now, even if the three major alliances joined forces, they would be unable to do anything to him.

Jiang Changkong: Mid-Stage Star Spirit

Mid-Rank High-Grade Martial Arts:

Indestructible Diamond Divine Art: Minor Mastery: 0/0

Mystical Tai Chi Art: Minor Mastery: 0/0

Three Blades of the Fleeting Swan: Minor Mastery: 1/225,000

Blazing Sun Art: Minor Mastery: 0/0

Spirit Control Art: Minor Mastery: 0/0

Cold Moon Art: Minor Mastery: 1/225,000

Essence: 193,195

“Soon, very soon, this mineral vein will be mine. No one will be able to take it from me, no matter who comes.”

Jiang Changkong was filled with motivation. Once the city was built, he could earn another fortune. Life was full of hope.

Ding-dong.

His phone rang. Opening it, he saw a message from Xu Xinghe.

“Did Jiang Changyue bring Chu Yunlong?”

Jiang Changkong looked at the message, surprised inside.

Jiang Changyue brought Chu Yunlong and went out with Xu Xingheng?

Where did this Jiang Changyue come from?

Jiang Changkong replied: “Jiang Changyue did not go. Did you see Jiang Changyue and Chu Yunlong?”

Xu Xinghe: “Lunar Blade and Sword, Moon Laurel Leaf, a person in black, and Chu Yunlong are currently discussing with my uncle, Xu Xingheng.”

“Discussing what?” Jiang Changkong asked.

Xu Xinghe replied: “I don’t know. I didn’t dare get too close, only watched from afar.”

“Address.” Jiang Changkong said.

Xu Xinghe sent a location.

“Go back first. Act as if nothing happened.” After saying this, Jiang Changkong took to the air and simultaneously sent a message to Heng Xueyue.

Heng Xueyue replied instantly: “You go first. I’ll head over immediately.”

The location wasn’t far from him, near the Taiyin Cold Pool.

Jiang Changkong arrived by air, seeing only an old man and a young man hurrying deeper into the area.

No person in black?

Jiang Changkong quickly sent a message back to Heng Xueyue, telling her not to reveal herself hastily.

“Patriarch Xu, what a refined interest, taking a stroll so late at night.”

Descending from the air, Jiang Changkong blocked their path, his expression cold and stern as he looked at the young man.

“President Jiang, what brings you here so late at night?” Xu Xingheng’s aged face showed a smile, but his gaze was icy.

“I came for him.” Jiang Changkong pointed at the young man beside him. “The Chu family’s Chu Yunlong?”

“You’ve mistaken me for someone else.” The young man’s expression remained calm as he looked directly at him.

Jiang Changkong frowned. The face before him was unfamiliar. He had seen Chu Yunlong’s photo, and this wasn’t him.

It was clearly Chu Yunlong, so why had he suddenly changed?

Had the person in black left because they sensed something?

“President Jiang, this is a young friend of mine. Please don’t make baseless accusations.” Xu Xingheng said lightly. “If you want to cause trouble, at least find a suitable excuse.”

“A person at the early stage of Star Vault can become a friend of Patriarch Xu?”

Jiang Changkong stared directly at the young man, Blazing Sun Star Power fluctuating around him.

“President Jiang, don’t you also have friends at the Star Sea and Star Gate stages?”

Xu Xingheng wore a smile on his aged face. “Who doesn’t have a few weaker friends, right?”

“Just so happens, I also enjoy making friends. May I ask what this friend is called?” Jiang Changkong said with a light smile.

The young man clasped his hands. “I’ve long heard of President Jiang’s reputation. I am He Junchu.”

“Then I invite Brother He to accompany me to the research institute as a guest for a few days,” Jiang Changkong said calmly.

“Jiang Changkong, what do you mean by this? Forcibly abducting someone?” Xu Xingheng’s expression darkened.

Jiang Changkong sneered coldly. “So what? Out here in the wilderness, does Patriarch Xu want to test whether I can keep you here?”

“You… this is too much!” Xu Xingheng exclaimed in shock and anger, the Star Power within him surging uncontrollably.

He Junchu quickly spoke up. “Patriarch Xu, please don’t be angry. I’ve long admired Professor Yun and would like to visit the research institute.”

“Let’s go.” Jiang Changkong sneered, waving a hand as Star Power enveloped He Junchu, and they flew away.

Xu Xingheng watched Jiang Changkong leave, his expression grim. “Why did he come here? If someone hadn’t tipped me off, things would have been troublesome.”

Jiang Changkong brought the man back to the research institute.

Professor Yun and Tang Ruoxi looked at him in confusion. “Why did you bring someone back? A new friend?”

“Indeed, a new friend. Professor Yun, do you have a prison here?” Jiang Changkong asked.

“Not really,” Professor Yun shook her head.

“Then that’s fine too.” Jiang Changkong raised his palm, and Taiji manifested, enveloping He Junchu, forcibly suppressing the Star Power within him.

“You…”

As soon as He Junchu opened his mouth, Jiang Changkong struck him with a palm, knocking him unconscious.

“What are you doing?” Tang Ruoxi frowned.

Professor Yun’s expression turned unpleasant. “Don’t think just because I accepted you as a student, you can cause trouble for me.”

Jiang Changkong quickly explained. “Professor Yun, you’re the teacher. I brought him here mainly to seek your guidance.”

“Guidance?” Professor Yun looked at him curiously, signaling him to continue.

“It’s like this…”

Jiang Changkong recounted the events, omitting Xu Xinghe and only mentioning that he had received a message. “I find it strange—how can someone be turned into another person? In such a short time, they couldn’t possibly create a new person.”

If the man in black had escaped, he would have accepted it. But Chu Yunlong was at the peak of the Star Gate a year ago.

With his talent, he should now be about the same as this He Junchu, likely at the early stage of the Star Vault.

Professor Yun approached He Junchu, patted his face, and took out an instrument to scan it.

“Any findings?” Jiang Changkong asked.

“The facial bones and surface have been adjusted and altered. If not plastic surgery, then it’s some form of disguise technique.”

Professor Yun pondered for a moment, pricked He Junchu’s skin, and drew some blood. “I’ll give you an answer in fifteen minutes.”

Jiang Changkong waited patiently while Tang Ruoxi brewed tea nearby.

Fifteen minutes passed quickly, and Professor Yun hurried out. “He is Chu Yunlong.”

“Plastic surgery, no wonder it’s an unfamiliar face.”

Jiang Changkong snorted coldly, his gaze shifting to the man on the ground. Suddenly, his expression changed—black blood trickled from Chu Yunlong’s mouth.

His life force dissipated along with it.

“Dead?” Jiang Changkong stared blankly at the corpse.

Ding-dong

Jiang Changkong’s phone chimed. Heng Xueyue sent a message: “I’ve gone back to sleep. Don’t spread false information next time.”

“Clean up the body,” Professor Yun said, waving a hand.

“This also counts as a contribution, so I’ll let Sister Ruoxi take it,” Jiang Changkong said, since Chu Yunlong was a fugitive.

“Thank you, Changkong,” Tang Ruoxi replied cheerfully, not standing on ceremony.

Jiang Changkong frowned, carefully recalling the earlier scene. “Xu Xingheng didn’t seem surprised by my appearance. When I took Chu Yunlong away, he tried to stop me, but Chu Yunlong came over willingly. Now, he’s dead from poisoning.”

“Clearly, someone knew you were coming,” Tang Ruoxi chimed in. “He must have realized that coming to the research institute would expose his identity, so he took poison in advance and came with you willingly. As for not resisting, he likely had no ability to do so.”

“This incident involves more than one person. Thank you, Professor Yun.”

Jiang Changkong sorted out his thoughts, and his frown eased.

This time, the issue clearly indicated that there were enemies around Heng Xueyue. The only question was whether they had discovered his cooperation with her.