Chapter 50: Settled Publicly or Privately?

At first, Chu Tianchen also believed that Pan Xiong’s death was caused by the Fourth-Grade Dragon Bone Pill. However, after a careful examination and sensing the aura released by Xiao Fan, he concluded that Pan Xiong was actually killed by Xiao Fan’s hand.

Yet, there was one thing Xiao Fan said that was undeniably true: Pan Xiong had loyally served him for seven years, dedicating himself despite his mediocre talent. Almost everyone knew that Pan Xiong had always been by Xiao Fan’s side, and they shared a close relationship.

No one expected that he would resort to such ruthless means to kill Pan Xiong simply to target the Alchemy Hall.

Now, as Chu Tianchen dissected Pan Xiong’s body, nearly all the warriors present above the Tongyuan Realm could sense the scorching Yang energy that twisted the organs, identical to the Yang energy Xiao Fan had released.

So, the truth was clear to everyone at a glance.

However, due to Xiao Fan’s status, no one dared to speak too loudly about it.

But when everyone heard Chu Tianchen say he would take over the Alchemy Hall in the future, their eyes turned to him with newfound interest.

“The Chu family that was purged? He’s that fool from the Chu family, the last scion, Chu Tianchen? He doesn’t seem foolish, but with only Fourth-Stage Tongmai Realm cultivation, even if he’s not a fool, he’s still useless. And he dares to act arrogantly in front of the Sixth Prince?”

“Wait, what did he just say? That he’ll take over the Alchemy Hall? Has he lost his mind?”

“The Human Emperor showed mercy by leaving one bloodline for the Chu family. He’s clearly aiming to end the Chu lineage. The Sixth Prince kills even those closest to him; isn’t this courting death?”

...

After Chu Tianchen revealed his identity, heated discussions erupted.

The Chu family incident had gradually spread throughout the Great Qian Dynasty, shocking the entire nation. No one had imagined that the once formidable National General’s Mansion, guarded by six grand martial masters, could be wiped out overnight and reduced to an abandoned clan.

The six grand martial masters of the Chu family had disappeared without a trace, rumored to have perished in the Demon Abyss, leaving no remains.

Upon hearing Chu Tianchen’s name, Xiao Fan’s expression darkened. He knew of Chu Tianchen well, for the young man was not just the legitimate eldest grandson of the Chu family but had once been hailed as the greatest genius of the Great Qian Dynasty, his fame resounding far and wide.

However, five years ago, he had suddenly become a fool.

“Chu Tianchen, did you just say you want to take over the Alchemy Hall?”

“Do you know who you are now? The son of a traitor, a useless Fourth-Stage Tongmai Realm cultivator. Who gave you the courage to say such things? Was it Mu Ran?”

“If you had even one-fifth of Chu Qingcang’s talent, you wouldn’t have fallen to this state.”

Xiao Fan sneered coldly.

“Sixth Prince, Lord Tianchen is not joking. I do plan to let him take over the Alchemy Hall,” Mu Ran said immediately.

Since learning the Fire Control Technique from Chu Tianchen, Mu Ran’s alchemy skills had improved tremendously. Once he mastered seventy or eighty percent of the technique, he was confident he could become a Fifth-Grade Alchemist.

And that would take less than half a year.

Therefore, Mu Ran was now utterly convinced and loyal to Chu Tianchen.

Once he reached the Fifth-Grade Alchemist rank, his influence and authority would be entirely different.

At that time, even if Yun Changshan and Xiao Fan tried to move against him, they would have to think twice.

After all, a Fifth-Grade Alchemist could summon help from those at the Heavenly King Realm and even the Heavenly Gang Realm.

As for Chu Tianchen, Mu Ran couldn’t see through him. The fact he could casually produce such an unparalleled Fire Control Technique meant there was something extraordinary behind him.

Mu Ran’s position was clear: he unconditionally believed in and supported Chu Tianchen.

Not only him, even the old fellow Li Wenqing was tightly under Chu Tianchen’s control.

At present, if the Sixth Prince wanted to target Chu Tianchen, Li Wenqing would likely be the first to object.

If Chu Tianchen died, who would cure the alchemical poison inside him?

“Mu Ran, what right do you have to hand over the Alchemy Hall to someone else? The Alchemy Hall belongs to Yunhai Academy, and the academy has clear rules: to serve as the Hall Master, one must be at least a Third-Grade Alchemist.”

“Is Chu Tianchen a Third-Grade Alchemist?”

“Do you want to break Yunhai Academy’s rules? You’d better weigh your own strength carefully. You’re just a Fourth-Grade Alchemist. Do you have that qualification?”

Xiao Fan’s forehead creased as he coldly questioned.

“The Alchemy Hall’s leadership changes in half a year. Then, the academy will hold an Alchemy Conference open to all competitors. As far as I know, Sixth Prince, you’re also an alchemist and will participate.”

“Then we’ll see who’s truly skilled,” Mu Ran replied.

Chu Tianchen stood to the side, gazing at the corpse on the ground.

“Setting everything else aside, as the Sixth Prince of the current dynasty, not only do you kill your own loyal general, but you also openly frame the Hall Master of the Alchemy Hall. Surely, you owe us an explanation?”

Instantly, Xiao Fan’s eyes burned with murderous intent.

“Everyone outside says the Sixth Prince, though a dwarf, is brave and shrewd. But today, he’s nothing like I imagined.”

“So this ‘bravery’ means killing your own people?”

“Do you think the Human Emperor hasn’t done the same?”

Chu Tianchen’s gaze sharpened as he spoke.

His implication was clear—he referred to the Human Emperor’s actions against Chu Qingcang and the others.

Those around were stunned by Chu Tianchen’s words.

Though the Great Qian Dynasty valued freedom of speech and the Human Emperor had publicly declared that the sovereign is subject to the law like any commoner, no one dared openly challenge him.

“Chu Tianchen, you mean my father took action against your Chu family? You’re in a rush to get yourself killed,” Xiao Fan sneered.

Mu Ran wiped the sweat from his brow, thinking how bold Chu Tianchen was.

Others would have kept a low profile until their strength grew before speaking out.

Moreover, Chu Tianchen suddenly declaring his intention to take over the Alchemy Hall surprised him—could it be too brazen?

But Chu Tianchen had his own plans.

Today, he was announcing that he would compete for the Alchemy Hall’s leadership in six months.

He was also openly confronting Xiao Fan and challenging imperial authority, something he had restrained himself from doing for a long time.

The truth about the Chu family would come to light eventually.

When that day came, none of the so-called royal insiders would escape.

Besides, Chu Tianchen held a powerful trump card left by the Eternal Dragon Emperor—a sliver of power from the Land Immortal Realm. Ordinary martial masters would find it nearly impossible to resist, so he had no fear of dying here.

There was no need to hide anymore. The opening of the Yunhai Secret Realm was drawing near, and he needed to quickly assemble an invincible army.

Taking advantage of this moment, he would stand proudly before everyone and declare: Chu Tianchen of the Chu family was back!

“As a disciple of Yunhai Academy, openly framing the Hall Master of the Alchemy Hall should mean expulsion, right? Haha, the illustrious Sixth Prince being expelled would be quite the embarrassment for the royal family.”

“And you want to kill me? Dream on. With only those two Heavenly Martial Realm guards by your side, do you really think it’s possible?”

“So, Xiao Fan, are you going to settle this publicly or privately today?”

Chu Tianchen said with great interest.

Clearly, he had no intention of letting Xiao Fan off easily.

He had seized this opportunity and wouldn’t allow Xiao Fan to escape without being utterly cornered.