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Chapter 260: Photograph technology

The three of them walked into an empty laboratory where there was a strange instrument hung up in the middle. Yun Tianhe was fiddling with the instrument as Meng Yingying directed several researchers, busying herself.

Chu Tian asked as soon as he came in, "Yingying, is it done?"

Meng Yinyging gave a strong un sound and made a sign with her hand showing that there was no problems!

"Alright, then let's begin." Chu Tian waved his hand at Yun Tianhe operating the instrument, "Make the preparations, we're taking a picture!"

Picture?

Was this the projector Chu Tian wanted to make?

The projector was different from the phonograph, but its function was close to the same. In order to distinguish it from the phonograph, after careful consultation, everyone decided to call it the camera, with the ability to capture light and pictures.

Meng Qingwu was curiously looking over the camera.

Because there were only a few cameras made, the design was currently very rough, but it was also very complex. On a tripod, there was a black rectangular box with a cylinder pointing outwards, pointing straight forward.

Chu Tian specially changed into new clothes and combed his hair into a stylish matter. He held the little fox as he came over, "Yingying, young miss, Nangong, come over here."

Meng Yingying, Meng Qingwu, and Nangong Yun were all called over.

Meng Qingwu was stunned because the normally crazy Nangong Yun was very serious at this moment, looking very fiery but charming, "You all are….."

"First let's not talk. We're taking a group picture!"

"I still haven't prepared myself yet."

"I say, young miss, you still need to prepare yourself?"

Chu Tian pulled the three girls over. Meng Qingwu's face was bewildered while Meng Yingying and Nangong Yun had looks of excitement. No one had this experience before, so they were filled with anticipation.

"Are you all ready?" Yun Tianhe placed a small crystal chip in the hole and aimed the equipment at the people in front of him, "I'm taking the picture!"

Meng Yingying and Nangong Yun immediately put on good expressions.

"Wait!"

Chu Tian yelled out.

"What are you doing?"

"You wasted this old woman's expression!"

Chu Tian gave a proposition, "Think about it. This is the first picture in the world, it may be spread for thousands or even tens of thousands of years, becoming one of the famous moments in histories, having an era creating significance."

"Stop beating around the bush." Meng Yingying glared at him, "Just say it!"

"Eh. My meaning is that, for a picture with such historical value, if we all stood like blocks of wood, wouldn't it be not creative?" Chu Tian said with a bit of seriousness, "I don't wish that in ten thousand years, when people see us in their textbooks, they will think that we're old fashioned people!"

The three girls revealed smiles.

This was a bit reasonable.

Meng Yingying then asked, "Then what positions should we take?"

"How about this." Chu Tian gave a suggestion, "In order to show that Miracle Commerce is a close family, I'll suffer a loss and let you all kiss my handsome face."

"Scram!"

"Hoodlum!"

"Go die!"

The three women all said the same thing at once.

I knew it wouldn't be a good idea.

"Forget it, forget it, then just take a random posture and take the picture!"

Chu Tian and Meng Qingwu just stood there in the end. Meng Yingying stood to left of Chu Tian and Nangong Yun stood to his right, both of them revealing signs of victory with their hands.

"Get ready. Three, two, one!"

The moment Yun Tianhe pressed the button, Chu Tian suddenly reached out his hands. One went around Meng Yingying's neck and the other went around Meng Qingwu's waist.

Kacha!

The source energy arrays released a light that enveloped the four of them.

Meng Yingying flew into a rage, like an angry rabbit, "Bastard, you used a sneak attack!"

Meng Qingwu directly kicked out with her long leg.

"Sorry, sorry, I couldn't control myself." Chu Tian quickly dodged out of the way, moving to the side with an evil smile, "Old Yun, how is the picture?"

"It's done!"

Yun Tianhe took out the small crystal chip and placed it in Chu Tian's hand.

The little fox was interested and stole it first, taking a look at it.

The four of them were reflected on the crystal, just like the real people. It was like looking into a mirror. The little fox looked at itself on the crystal and excitedly pointed at it with its claw before visibly jumping with joy!

"Let me see!"

Yingying and Nangong went over. Meng Yingying's nose went crooked with anger because in the picture, her shoulder was was being hugged by Chu Tian. Her face was completely red and it looked very cute.

Meng Qingwu angrily glared at it. She was being held by Chu Tian by the waist. She had been smiling, but it was also filled with shock and nervousness.

"Not bad, not bad!" Chu Tian said to Yun Tianhe, "This is the result that I wanted. It want this picture to be passed through the ages, letting everyone be envious of me surrounded by beauties, ha, ha, ha, ha!"

Meng Qingwu angrily rolled her eyes.

"It really looks exactly the same!" Meng Yingying took the little crystal card and did not keep pursuing Chu Tian. She frowned and said, "Only it's too small. It would be better if it was a little bigger."

"You don't understand this." Chu Tian said, "This little crystal stone disc is called a negative. It is placed in the camera and after the source energy array is activated, the energy in the crystal is release and the picture in front of it is captured. After we've made this small negative, then we can use it to develop pictures.'

Chu Tian gave the negative to Yun Tianhe.

Yun Tianhe immediately walked out.

In around ten minutes, Yun Tianhe ran back in with a bunch of things in his arms, "I've made ten different copies of different sizes, how about you take a look at them?"

The four heads immediately gathered together.

The largest was a foot long, clearly reflecting the images of the four of them.

"Wa!" Meng Yingying shouted out in pleasant surprise, "It's so clear, it's like looking into a mirror. How can it be so clear even after it was enlarged like this?"

Nangong Yun also began to praise it, "This really is incredible!"

"The picture clarity is related to the density of Hidden Image Stones. The more dense the Hidden Image Stones are, the more light is stored and the clearer the picture. Even if this picture was made to three meters wide, it would still be as clear."

Meng Qingwu stroked the warm jade picture and her brows slightly knit, "It's made from jade. This will cost quite a bit and will hurt the promotion."

"Don't be worried, vice chairman." Yun Tianhe stroked his beard and said, "The material doesn't really matter. What is really forming the picture is actually a layer of Hidden Image Stone. This layer can be placed on jade or crystals, but it can also be placed on glass, animal pelt, and even on paper, it doesn't matter."

Meng Qingwu revealed a surprised expression, "This also means that any material can be a carrier?"

"Most materials would work!"

Meng Qingwu's expression changed. Like this, not long would pass before Central State City's newspapers, books, and even streets would be filled with high definition and practical pictures!

Chu Tian raised the picture up high and felt even more satisfied. What he was holding in his hand wasn't just a photo, it was history!

Many heroic characters would fade in time.

Chu Tian had froze history, which had a great significance!

This was an era changing invention!

If people had Source Energy Cameras, they would be able to take pictures wherever they went. This world was very beautiful and even if people did not leave their homes, they could use photos to see the tip of the iceberg.

"This thing is really fun!" Meng Yingying loudly shouted, "I want to take a picture! I want to take a picture!"

Nangong Yun then said, "You three look so close, I seem like an outsider. How could this be? Boss, I want to take one with you!"

"No problem!"

Nangong Yun casually placed her arms around Chu Tian's shoulders and they took a picture.

"Yingying, let's take one together."

"Alright, alright!"

The two sisters stood together to take a picture.

"Zhi, zhi, zhi!"

The little fox danced with joy, wanting to take one of itself. Chu Tian agreed and let it take a picture.

Meng Yingying was very excited, "It's no fun with just us, it would be more interesting if everyone was here!"

"You're right!" Nangong Yun revealed a look of approval, "I'll go call Yun Yao, Caidie, Aunt Chen, and everyone else!"

Everyone gathered together and all kinds of pictures were taken.

Just this small camera filled them all with joy.

"This camera's internal test does not have any problems." Chu Tian announced, "We'll carry out testing tomorrow in the city, letting everyone experience this magic! In order to advertise, we'll manufacture a few advertisements and let the people of the city see them!"

"Advertisements?" Meng Yingying asked in a curious voice, "What are advertisements!"

Chu Tian picked up the camera, "Come over here, I'll take a picture of you!"

Chu Tian had Meng Yingying hold a can of food and then took several pictures.

Chu Tian said to Meng Yingying, "We'll print these pictures on three meter tall boards and add a few words of advertisement on it, then paste it in the various cities. I can guarantee that in just a few days, the canned food revenues will increase by several times!"

"Really?"

"Whether it is the newspaper of the radio, it can't compare to these advertisements. If we post these pictures on the most prominent streets in each city, then people will find it hard to ignore them. It will arouse their interests and at that time, Yingying, you'll become a star!"

This really was a new method of advertising!

Because there has never been an advertisement that has been this effective on the continent before!

There was no method of advertising that was more direct than this. If Miracle Commerce used these advertisements and used the radio station every time they released a new product, the effects could be easily imagined.

Everyone played around for most of the night.

Because the photo studio was about to open in the city, Chu Tian had to go check things over before dawn, otherwise problems might occur. So Chu Tian left the headquarters and went to Miracle Commerce's photo studio.

When Chu Tian entered a secluded street.

"Wait a minute!" Chen Bingyu said in a low voice, "There are people following us!"

Chu Tian knit his brows. They were being followed? By who?

Chapter 261: Trap

There was no one in Central State that dared to move against Chu Tian. At least it wouldn't be remnants of the three great families, so who were these people?

Open the Mind's Lamp!

His divine sense spread around him.

Chu Tian found that there were several dozen people!

These people really were skilled in hiding their auras.

If Chu Tian was not focused, he wouldn't have found them. What made him surprised was that this group was very strong, with most of them being in the 5th-6th Awakened Soul Layer and the leader being at the 7th Awakened Soul Layer. Although they couldn't compete with the remote great elders, they were still considered top experts in Central State!

There was no doubt.

Since the Chu, Luo, and Ye's remote great elders were killed, the Central State family's did not have this kind of strength.

They had to be from Imperial City!

Chu Tian knit his brows. It wasn't from the strength of the other side, but rather the fact that the other side had sent forces into Central State City and he didn't know about it at all.

How could he be assured like this?

Chu Tian wasn't afraid of sneak attacks, but he was worried about things happening to people by his side, especially Yingying and the young miss. If they were more evil and crueler, Chu Tian would not know what to do if Meng Yingying and the young miss were kidnapped.

No!

It had to be taken care of.

"There seems to be quite a bit." Chen Bingyu asked in whisper, "Should I make a move?"

"No, there is a True Soul Realm expert." Chu Tian had confidence in Chen Bingyu, but even with Chen Bingyu's strength, she could not catch all of them, "If even a single one escape, then it would not be easy to find them again in the city."

"Your meaning is….."

"Fighting an invisible enemy is very disadvantageous and we need to catch them all." Chu Tian made his voice soft, "The plan will be to let them catch me and I'll leave a trail behind us. Go back and find Old Yun and Old Yu and his brothers, then catch all these villains at once."

Chen Bingyu knit her brows, "Too dangerous. What if they kill you?"

At this time, a furry white head came out of his chest and its sparkling, black eyes looked at Chen Bingyu. When Chen Bingyu saw the little fox, she immediately understood why Chu Tian had no fear.

That's right.

She almost forgot.

Chu Tian had a secret bodyguard!

This little fox did not have any battle strength, but the little fox was very smart and had a soul puppet in its hands which had the Hell Fire soul sealed inside. The little fox also had an ancient clan's soul summoning technique and could summon the Hell Fire one or two times.

The Hell Fire Demon could not compare to its pre death state, but its power still reached the peak 9th Awakened Soul Layer. Even if it was one of the Eight Marquises going against Chu Tian, he could still safely retreat.

"Alright!"

Chen Bingyu no longer hesitated and immediately left.

Cao Bao led fifty royal knights into the city and coordinated with the fifty outside to launch an ambush.

They had thought that it would be easy to kidnap Chu Tian with fifty people but they never thought that Miracle Commerce's headquarters would be so heavily guarded. There were more than one True Soul Realm experts, so they couldn't attack directly and had to wait for their opportunity.

Chu Tian had finally come out.

But in the end?

There was a high level expert by his side!

Although the royal knights were not weak, if they had to move against Chen Bingyu, it would not be an easy endeavour and they would suffer heavy casualties. So Cao Bao's group was not anxious to act and secretly followed them.

Finally a chance appeared.

Chu Tian walked half the way and suddenly thought of something. He turned to say a few words to Chen Bingyu and then Chen Bingyu took the initiative to leave.

"Strange. Is there a trick here?" Cao Bao's brows tightly knit together, "First observe the brat, but don't make a move. Li Hu, go and see if that woman has really left or not!"

A thin man quickly left and he quickly returned after a few minutes.

"Leader, she really left!"

"Good, everyone make your preparations. Don't make any noise and kidnap him as quickly as possible!"

Several dozen shadows quickly spread out, surrounding Chu Tian.

Chu Tian could clearly see everything, but he pretended not to notice as he casually walked along while whistling. After he walked around the corner in front of him, two fists quickly shot at him.

"Ah!" Chu Tian flew back in a panic, "Amb….."

He only said half of what he wanted to say.

Cao Bao quickly appeared behind him and his right arm was covered with ink black spirit energy, chopping the back of Chu Tian's neck.

With a thump sound.

The ground was split apart.

Chu Tian's protective spirit energy shattered and his unconscious body fell to the ground.

"Idiot!" Cao Bao thought they would have to use a lot of effort, but they never thought that this person was an idiot. He quickly waved his hand, "Take him away, we're leaving!"

Two royal knights lifted Chu Tian up and several dozen black shadows flashed a few times before completely disappearing. It was like nothing had happened at all.

Of course Chu Tian had pretended to faint!

Cao Bao didn't know Chu Tian practiced the Starlight Immortal Body and after being tempered by the starlight, his body was tough and firm.

Not to mention the fact that Chu Tian was already prepared. Chu Tian could not block a full force attack from an expert in the peak 7th Awakened Soul Layer, but if the attacker only wanted to knock him out, the force of the strike could be withstood.

It was the middle of the night and the city gates were already closed. If they left while holding Chu Tian, they would attract the attention of the people.

Cao Bao found a simple dwelling and placed Chu Tian in the basement.

"Soul Sealing Cuffs!"

"Origin Binding Rope!"

A pair of black handcuffs was trapping Chu Tian's hands.

This was a pair of handcuffs aimed at trapping Awakened Soul Cultivators. Not only could it withstand a strong force, it could also suppress an Awakened Soul Cultivator's source spirit. Without one's source spirit, an Awakened Soul Cultivator's strength would be decreased.

It wasn't just this.

Cao Bao also used a rope covered in runes to tie up Chu Tian. It was a rope that could seal one's meridians and make their spirit energy stop revolving, stopping them from fighting back. These people worked in a professional manner and Chu Tian could not escape these bindings.

"Li Hu, go and report to sir, telling him to come back as soon as possible."

"Yes!"

"Everyone else will guard the courtyard."

There was a little fox in Chu Tian's chest, sneaking to his back and biting through the ropes. Then it began to work on the handcuffs and not long passed before its cultivation technique broke them. The runes printed on it had expired and Chu Tian could break them just by using a bit of strength.

Cao Bao thought it was impossible for Chu Tian to escape, so he did not pay attention to him at all.

No one knew that Chu Tian could break free at any moment!

On the other side, after Chu Tian had been kidnapped, Miracle Commerce immediately reacted.

Yun Tianhe, the five Yu brothers, and the other experts of Miracle Commerce were all sent out at once, immediately finding where Chu Tian had been detained.

"It's here?" Boss Yu confirmed this and said in a hoarse voice, "There are people that dare to move in our Central State City, we will not let them off today! Go! Take them all out!"

The Yu brothers were all True Soul Realm experts and there were sixty-seventy Illustrious Soul Realm Giant Shark Gang elites. It was enough to take care of these people just with the power of the Giant Shark Gang, not to mention Chen Bingyu, Yun Tianhe, the elites of Miracle Commerce and the Yun Family.

"Stop!" Yun Tianhe stopped them by saying, "This might be people from Imperial City, so we can't kill them. We only have to draw them out."

Everyone thought about it and thought he was right.

It was not a good thing for Chu Tian to fight against Imperial City.

Boss Yu changed his orders, "It's best if you don't kill them and end the fight as quickly as possible.

Chen Bingyu, Yun Tianhe, and the five Yu brothers, the seven True Soul Realm experts attacked first, almost instantly surrounding the dozens of royal guards. When the royal guards finally reacted, the seven of them had led over two hundred experts to launch a wild attack.

How could the royal guards think that right as they brought Chu Tian back, they would be surrounded by Miracle Commerce?

"Leader!"

"This is bad!"

"We're being surrounded by a large number of experts, we can't stop them!"

"This fast! How is this possible? Hold on!" Cao Bao felt this was bad and immediately wanted to grab Chu Tian, "Go, take the captive and immediately leave!"

Who would have thought that when Cao Bao went to grab Chu Tian.

Sou!

A normal fox suddenly appeared in front of him and released a scarlet red needle from its mouth. It completely disregarded his spirit energy defenses to directly attack him, damaging Cao Bao's meridians, causing his spirit energy protective layer to dissipate.

Chu Tian destroyed the handcuffs and released a powerful strength. A jet black demon god's sword soared into the sky and charged out at Cao Bao.

This is bad!

He was pretending!

We've fallen into a trap!

It was already too late to notice it now.

Cao Bao was sent flying from the room. Although his cultivation was higher than Chu Tian's, under this sneak attack, he had already been severely injured.

Cao Bao angrily stood up to jump away.

A fish bone cane fell down from the sky onto Cao Bao's shoulder, immediately forming a barrier filled with water that trapped him inside.

"I recommend you don't move!"

Boss Yu came over and coldly stared at him.

Not even two minutes passed since the fight began and the fifty royal guards were all caught, even Cao Bao was unable to get away. With this many experts joining the fight, there was no noise made at all, not causing any disturbances in the city.

Cao Bao found this a bit unbelievable.

How was this possible? Central State City was only a Main City, how could there be so many experts! With this elite group and their quick reaction, even in the Imperial City, they could not be underestimated!

"An idiot like you thought you could capture me!" Chu Tian patted his clothed while walking out, looking at the imprisoned Cao Bao, "Tell me, who sent you!"

Cao Bao gave a cold snort and said nothing.

"I can guess even if you don't say anything." Chu Tian waved his hand at Boss Yu, "Lock them up first and clean up the scene immediately. This fellow is not their boss, he should just be in charge of the operation."

Yun Tianhe was shocked, "What? This person isn't there leader!"

"I heard them say that they had already sent someone to bring back the real leader. We'll form a net here and grab them all!"

Cao Bao suddenly broke out in laughter, "To resist against Sir Gu just, you really are seeking death!"

Yun Tianhe was shocked.

With Cao Bao's strength, he actually wasn't the leader!

Who was the person behind them? How strong was he? Where did he come from?

"Then our photo studio!"

"We'll still open it." Chu Tian said, "This matter will be handled secretly, I don't want to cause trouble in Central State City. I want to see what kind of people Imperial City has sent!"

"Just wait to die then!"

"You are nothing more than nameless ants! Daring to offend the great sir, just wait for death! Ha, ha, ha!"

Cao Bao was still smiling as he was led away. This was his first time hearing that someone was going to deal with the great scholar! Was't this a joke! The great scholar was the number one scholar in the Southern Summer Country, who had an intellectual mind as wide as the sea. A single word from him was something that not a normal person could handle. Going against the great scholar was going against all the scholars in the Southern Summer Country!

"So noisy!" Chu Tian waved his hand, "Block up his mouth first!"

Chapter 262: This old man hurting me!

How could Gu Qianqiu know what just happened? He spent all night without rest looking for Miracle Commerce's photo studio.

As a scholar.

Gu Qianqiu was always full of curiosity towards new things. He decided to personally try this photography technique and had completely forgotten about his task of catching Chu Tian!

What made Gu Qianqiu stunned was that when he arrived in front of the photo studio, there was already a large line in front of it. How long would he have to wait?

Gu Qianqiu suddenly had an idea.

He walked to the person in front. This was a loving couple that probably wanted a picture as a momento, "Hello, I can't wait this long, can you give your place to an old man like me?"

"Go, go, go! This fellow taking advantage of his age!" The youths waved their hands in disdain, "In this place today, even the noble old masters have to line up!"

Gu Qianqiu said, "I can use money to buy it."

"Buy it?" The youths looked at each other, "How much money can you take out? I'm telling you, I've spent quite a bit of effort to grab this spot, you can't treat me like a beggar."

"Of course, of course!"

Gu Qianqiu's heart filled with joy. He reached out to touch his wallet, but his expression suddenly fell. This is bad, when he paid his bill in the tavern, Gu Qianqiu had thrown out his gold coins.

Gu Qianqiu was a scholar, not a merchant, so he normally did not bring money with him when he travelled.

"I forgot to bring money." Gu Qianqiu looked at them with a bit of embarrassment and then took out a ring from his finger, "How about we use this to replace the money?"

This ring had an unusual glow to it, it was clearly not an ordinary item. How simple could something from the great scholar be? It was enough for a normal person to eat and drink for ten lifetimes!

Who would have thought that these people would not have any insight at all. They looked at how Gu Qianqiu was not dressed like a wealthy person and treated him as a swindler, "Old man, I'm telling you, don't think that you can take out any random ring to trick me with. You can take out money to buy this spot, or you can quickly scram, don't waste my time! I'm not lacking this tiny bit of money!"

Gu Qianqiu's nose almost went crooked with anger.

This old man is the respected great scholar!

Even the Eight Marquises had to respectfully greet him and even a normal citizen like you can go against this old man? Gu Qianqiu was filled with anger, but he didn't want to reveal his identity and he couldn't argue with a normal citizen. While he was thinking of a solution.

At this time, a figure suddenly appeared behind him. It was the royal knight's vice leader, Li Hu, "Sir, we've already caught the target. Our leader is asking you to quickly come over."

"You caught him this fast?" Gu Qianqiu knit his brows and then waved his hand, "Don't worry about this right now. Did you bring money with you?"

"Yes…..I did!"

"Great, then bring it out!"

Li Hu was confused by this. They had finally caught the person, but the great scholar was not anxious at all. Although his mind was filled with doubts, how could he not dare lend money to the great scholar? He immediately took out his wallet and Gu Qianqiu looked in to find over a hundred gold coins as well as several gold coin cards. He did not count exactly how much was inside.

"This ring is yours."

Gu Qianqiu gave the ring to Li Hu before throwing the wallet over to the youth.

"Take a look yourself!"

The youth opened the wallet and the gold coins released their glow, with even a few gold cards inside. Although the youth could not see it clearly, there was a card that was worth a thousand units of currency!

My god!

Just for a single position?

The youth quickly put the wallet away and laughed as he said, "Since old sir is so sincere, how could this member of the younger generation go back on a promise. This position is yours!"

The youth pulled the girl away.

He really had been hit by luck.

This money was enough to last him a lifetime! It was best to hide wealth, so he quickly left. He was someone from Central State, so how could he not take a picture in the future? Like this, Gu Qianqiu went to the first place in line. After seeing Gu Qianqiu buy his spot, the rich began to make their move, buying the first few positions for over several hundred gold coins.

Li Hu anxiously scratched his head.

Had the great scholar come under a spell? What kind of respected status did he have? He's running here to have fun with the normal citizens!

When the first beam of light filled the sky, there was a long line in front of the photo studio, but it showed no signs of opening.

"What is happening?"

"We've waited an entire night and the sun has come up, why is it not open yet!"

Gu Qianqiu was a little worried. Was it being postponed because Chu Tian had been caught? So he shouted, "You have to keep your word as a business. Since you've said you would open today, you have to open!"

The people began to complain.

The closed iron doors suddenly began to slowly open.

Several beautiful Miracle Commerce staff walked out with faint smiles covering their faces. One of them said, "Everyone, no need to worry, we have already fixed all the problems. We ask the people in line to enter now and try out this experience!"

Gu Qianqiu revealed a look of joy and said to Li Hu, "Wait for me here, I'll come once I finish taking my picture!" After saying this, he bravely walked into the studio.

Li Hu's chin almost hit the floor.

Was this person really the great scholar?

Gu Qianqiu walked in and was shocked to find many large picture hung inside the studio itself. There were forests, plains, lakes, and even the sky. Every one of them was three meters tall and very clear, like an image formed in a mirror.

"Old sir, please choose a background first!"

A white robed youth walked in. Gu Qianqiu recognized this person, wasn't this Yun Xiao from the square yesterday? Being able to pick a background for a picture, this really was strange.

Gu Qianqiu pointed at the sky background and said, "I want this one."

Yun Xiao waved his hand at the other staff, "Begin!"

Gu Qianqiu followed the directions of the Miracle Commerce Staff. When he was faced with Miracle Commerce's photo taking device, there was only a flash that went past him and Yun Xiao signalled to him that it was over.

What?

This fast!

"This old sir can print the picture in the side hall." After Yun Xiao said this to Gu Qianqiu, he said to the worked, "Let the next one come in."

Gu Qianqiu did not even have a proper taste and the picture had already been taken, wasn't this too fast? When Gu Qianqiu entered the side hall, he found several strange instruments and several male workers operating them. They asked Gu Qianqiu how big he wanted it and what kind of material he wanted.

The size of the material also determined the cost, with the cheapest only costing several silver coins.

Gu Qianqiu naturally picked the most expensive crystal picture. The worker took out a piece of clear white crystal and placed it into a printing machine. A layer of crystal was quickly printed onto it, creating the clear image, showing Gu Qianqiu's likeness.

Perfect!

Too perfect!

Gu Qianqiu was flying on the back of a goshawk with a Miracle Airship floating to the side. Each white hair, each wrinkle was all clearly printed.

This was technology that could be passed on through the generations!

The camera did not seem big and if it was smaller to the point of being portable, then its significance would be different.

If mercenaries, wandering scholars, and poets all had a camera, then all the places that they have gone to and seen could be photographed. It would leave countless precious pictures for the future generation, creating benefits for millenniums!

Gu Qianqiu held this picture as he left the studio like he was holding treasure.

If he had came here a day ago to come find trouble for Chu Tian out of anger, right now Gu Qianqiu was filled with respect towards Chu Tian. Not to speak of his character, but this was a well respected inventor!

Gu Qianqiu felt he was too lucky.

Several days ago, he met mister Yu with knowledge like the stars or the deep sea, and now he had met this free and unrestrained Chu Tian. If mister Yu was a true talent, then this Chu Tian was a strange genius.

One true and one strange.

It really made the countless scholars all blush with shame.

Gu Qianqiu asked, "You haven't hurt Chu Tian, right?"

"Sir Gu can be assured!" Li Hu patted his chest and said, "Leader Cao only knocked him out. He is currently being detained and waiting to be handled by sir."

"Alright, then let's go now!"

The two of them arrived at the secret courtyard.

Li Hu stopped outside the yard, "Strange? Where is everyone?"

Gu Qianqiu soared into the sky before falling into the courtyard. There was not a single person around and there was a strange aura in the surroundings.

This is bad, something happened!

As soon as this thought passed through Gu Qianqiu's mind, a source energy array suddenly appeared on the ground. The position that Gu Qianqiu was standing in was inside the source energy array. A strong sealing strength suddenly suppressed Gu Qianqiu's spirit energy.

"Charge!"

"Grab this bastard!"

People came from all directions with Boss Yu and Chen Bingyu leading the group. There were also several Illustrious Soul Realm experts.

Li Hu knew that his leader had an unfortunate fate when he saw this and immediately angrily shouted, "Villains! Do you know who this person is?"

"You, you are….." When Yun Tianhe came out and saw Gu Qianqiu, he felt his body tremble. He was covered in a cold sweat, "Great scholar, Gu Qianqiu!"

When Yun Tianhe said this.

Everyone almost jumped up in fright!

What? This old man was the great scholar, Gu Qianqiu!

Everyone had actually attacked the most famous old scholar in the Southern Summer Country? It's over, they had really kicked a hornet's nest this time. The millions of scholars in the country will speak up, cursing them to death!

Although they knew the person sent by the Imperial City was not a small character, they never imagined that it would be someone this important!

Li Hu angrily roared, "You bunch of ants. Since you've recognized the great scholar, why haven't you given up yet!"

Everyone including Boss Yu was filled with hesitation.

The trap that Chu Tian had prepared depended on everyone's strength and even against one of the Eight Marquises, they were still confident in seizing them. Only the person they were facing was the great scholar, Gu Qian Qiu. Could they really move against him?

Gu Qianqiu was secretly pleased because fame was such an easy thing to use. With a dignified and clear voice, he said, "You should all put down your weapons."

At this moment.

"Bullshit! Take him away!" The courtyard's door opened and a young man walked in. He angrily roared at Gu Qianqiu, "I didn't hesitate in guiding you! Old man, you actually dare to come hurt me!"

Other than Li Hu, Boss Yu and Yun Tianhe also turned to stone in that instant!

Chu Tian had called the great scholar an old man? This was insulting all the scholars in the nation! Just a single mouthful of spit from each one was enough to drown Chu Tian!

"You, you, you…..you are!"

When Gu Qianqiu saw Chu Tian, not only was he not angry, his face turned completely red. His eyeballs almost popped out of their sockets.

"You, what you?" Chu Tian ordered, "Catch this ungrateful old man for me!"

Chen Bingyu reached out a hand and slapped Gu Qianqiu to the floor. When the others saw this, they knew they could not go back, so they all rushed forward and tied up the great scholar.

"Misunderstanding! This is a misunderstanding!" While Gu Qianqiu was being carried away, he loudly shouted, "Yu, oh, no. Mister Chu, give me a chance to explain!"

Chapter 263: Southern State's army!

Cao Bao and the others were kept in a secret room

These royal knights never thought that they would end up in a place like this before!

However, with the status of a knight from the royal army and also with the support of the great scholar, they could at least keep their lives.

Even if Chu Tian's courage filled the sky, he would not dare kill these royal knights. Even if Chu Tian dared to move against them, he would not dare move against the great scholar.

Gu Qianqiu's name was well known in the Southern Summer Country. Even if the normal family's children did not know who the Eight Marquises were, they would still know the great scholar's name.

Gu Qianqiu had wandered in various other countries for twenty years, bringing back large amounts of books for the Southern Summer Country. Over half of the books in the eight state's schools had been brought back from a large kingdom by the great scholar.

If it wasn't for the great scholar's contributions, how would there be so many well known scholars?

If it wasn't for the great scholar laying the foundations for the country, where would the rich merchants gain their wealth from?

Gu Qianqiu by himself had raised skills of Southern Summer Country's symbol masters, alchemists, and weapon refiners by a level. Gu Qianqiu's contribution to the kingdom was not something a single marquis could match. Although he was not nobility, he actually exceeded nobility.

Even the mighty Southern Summer King had to give him respect, personally granting him the great scholar title!

For many years, Gu Qianqiu has been the peak for many Southern Summer scholars!

The knowledge of the great scholar was the peak of the kingdom. Every time there was a natural or man made disaster, Gu Qianqiu would rush to those regions to solve it. Every time there was a hard to solve problem, Gu Qianqiu would find a solution in the end.

Whoever went against Gu Qianqiu wasn't just going against the kingdom.

They would become the enemies of every scholar and citizen in the Southern Summer Country. Knowledge came with friendship, so just the saliva of the people would be enough to drown someone eight-ten times.

"Pei!" Cao Bao spat out the cloth covering his mouth, "Everyone just hold on a bit, these fools do not know that the great scholar has personally come to Central State. As long as the great scholar reveals himself, how could these villains act so rampantly? Just wait and we will definitely be able to get them back for this!"

Before he even finished speaking.

The sounds of fighting came from outside and in less than five minutes, two people with tied up hands were brought in. They were the royal knight's vice leader Li Hu and the other one was a simple grey robed old man.

Cao Bao's eyes almost popped out, "Great scholar!"

Gu Qianqiu was tightly bound up and had suffered several hits, with his face swelling up. He looked like he was in an awkward situation, not carrying the dignity of the great scholar at all!

Were the people of Central State crazy?

Could they not recognize this person was the great scholar!

The respected number one scholar of Southern Summer was given this kind of treatment!

"Do you not know what you are doing!" Cao Bao and the others shouted in righteous indignation, "Does Central State want to incur the anger of the entire world?"

"Cao Bao, don't speak so much!"

Gu Qianqiu sat up, but he was not filled with anger. Rather his face was depressed like he deserved what he received.

"This girl is truly ruthless, almost breaking these old bones to pieces!" Gu Qianqiu looked over at Chen Bingyu, "I know that you are Chu Tian's bodyguard. Where is Chu Tian, I want to talk to him!"

Gu Qianqiu did not know how to describe his feelings at this moment.

Pleasant surprise? Or depression?

No one would have thought that this self proclaimed foreign merchant, mister Yu was actually Central State's Chu Tian!

If he knew this earlier, with his Gu Qianqiu's courage, he never would have dared to bring people to Central State to cause trouble for Chu Tian!

Gu Qianqiu had only spent a few days with Chu Tian in Qing State and although he was a little wild, Gu Qianqiu was certain that he was not a great villain or anyone that cared about fame. The report that Imperial City sent, there had to be a mistake with it!

Pa da!

A strong searchlight was lit up.

Gu Qianqiu narrowed his eyes and several dark figures moved in front of him. They saw a chair being placed down and a person sitting down, crossing his legs over the other. Because of the light behind him, they couldn't see the person's appearance, but a familiar voice rang out, "Say it. Who are you and how many people are there!"

"You can kill us, but we won't talk!" Cao Bao flew into a rage. As the respected royal knight captain, he was being interrogated like a criminal, "Just kill me already!"

"You really have guts, I like people like that." Chu Tian waved his hand to Old Fifth Yu, "Take him to the side and beat him!"

Several Giant Shark Gang members came forward to pull Cao Bao to the side and beat him.

They really dared to hit him!

Was Central State seized by bandits?

"Stop, stop, I'll say it!" Gu Qianqiu quickly said, "I'll tell you whatever you want to know."

"Then say it already!"

"These people are the Griffin Knights of the royal palace, taking orders from the royal clan. They were sent to Central State, being led by this old man, with a total of a hundred people. The other people and griffin mounts are preparing to coordinate from outside the city."

Cao Bao revealed a look of disbelief, "Great scholar, you..."

Where did the great scholar's iron will go? How could he give up so easily?

Chu Tian then asked, "Just your group?"

"No, the royal knights are the vanguard." Gu Qianqiu did not hide anything, "The Southern State's Western Marquis has been sent to Central State, personally bringing your excellency to the Imperial City."

Chu Tian's nose went crooked from anger, "Whose vicious idea is it to send the Western Marquis to bring me back to the Imperial City? More like sending me to heaven!"

"Your excellency Chu Tian." Qu Qianqiu quickly explained, "Everything is a misunderstanding. This old man did not know your status, otherwise I would have never plotted against you."

These words not only stunned the royal knights.

It also stunned Yun Tianhe and the others.

What?

The great scholar knows Chu Tian?

"This old man understands that you are filled with dissatisfaction. However, considering their statuses as royal knights, you should still let us go." Gu Qianqiu said this and suddenly looked at Yun Tianhe, "Old Yun, why are you not speaking up for us? I, Gu Qianqiu always keep my words, you know I don't go back on my promises!"

Cao Bao and the other royal knights were speechless.

What was the great scholar afraid of?

Even faced with the Southern Summer King, he would still dare foam with rage, but now he acted so timidly like he was afraid of something.

"That's right, the royal proclamation!" Gu Qianqiu looked down, "The royal proclamation is in my pocket and there is the Calm Martial Ruler's secret letter. After seeing them, you will understand everything. I was just given a temporary order to lead these royal knights, I wouldn't think of hurting you!"

Chen Bingyu took out the royal proclamation and the secret letter.

Chu Tian first looked at the royal proclamation and found that it truly was the Southern Summer King's order. It wanted Gu Qianqiu to coordinate with the Western Marquis to bring him back to hold a trial.

The Calm Martial Ruler's secret letter?

Chu Tian opened it and immediately knit his brows.

This letter cursed Chu Tian for his many crimes and was even more detailed than the royal proclamation, even mentioning the grudge between Chu Tian and the great scholar.

If this wasn't mentioned, Chu Tian would have already forgotten about it.

When Chu Tian first came to Central State City, in order to quickly catch the Yun Family's attention, he performed a great play in the Yun Sect. Of the important scholars of the Yun Sect, the ones most affected was Gu Qianqiu's previous students. Chu Tian did not care about these small character and could not remember most of what he said, but it seemed like he wasn't too respectful to the great scholar.

This was a bit thought provoking.

With the Calm Martial Ruler sending this letter to the great scholar, wasn't he trying to kill with a borrowed knife?

It was a good thing Chu Tian had met Gu Qianqiu in Qing State and taught him many things. The current Gu Qianqiu did not dare move against him, otherwise the consequences would be hard to describe.

Did the Divine Wind Marquis fail to win the Calm Martial Ruler over?

Or, did the Calm Martial Ruler want to kill him?

He wanted to kill Chu Tian and hold the secret of the Source Energy Weapons?!

If there was nothing wrong with this letter, no matter what angle he considered it from, Chu Tian's situation was not good. The Southern Summer King was dissatisfied with Chu Tian and the Three Rulers wouldn't help him, then wouldn't Miracle Commerce not have anything to hide under in the Southern Summer Country?

Gu Qianqiu saw Chu Tian's expression was a bit stern, so he quickly said, "Your excellency Chu Tian does not need to worry. This old man has a bit of status in the Imperial City and as long as this old man speaks up for your excellency, the Southern Summer King will definitely let you off. Even if you have enmity with the Three Rulers, they still have to give me face."

"Chu Tian, if you can't rely on the Calm Martial Ruler, then the great scholar can help you." Yun Tianhe said to Chu Tian in a whisper, "This old man has some relations to me and is a person that can be trusted."

While this great scholar's strength and power could not compare to the Three Ruler's, his influence could be equal. He would at least be able to help Chu Tian more than the normal marquises.

While Chu Tian was a little bit hesitant.

'Boss, Chairman!" A Giant Shark Gang member suddenly ran in, "A bad thing has happened!"

Old Fifth Yu knit his brows, "What is it?"

"Our brothers noticed a large group of warships on the Four States Lake, which seems to be the Southern State troops heading to Central State. They're moving very quickly, so the future seems bad!"

What?

Southern State's army!

"The royal proclamation clearly states for the Western Marquis to send you to the Imperial City, but it doesn't allow him to move Southern State's army!" Gu Qianqiu's expression fell a bit, "Chu Tian, if it is the Southern State's army, then it is bad for Central State. Just believe this old man and I'll think of a way to stop him for you!"

Chu Tian gave a laugh, "The Western Marquis has a deep grudge with me, he might not give the great scholar any face."

"At least, I have a hundred royal knights to help you with!"

Cao Bao shouted as soon as he heard this, "Great scholar, our task is clearly to..."

"Don't forget, the royal proclamation has clearly stated that you are all under me and have to follow all of this old man's orders." Gu Qianqiu quickly restored his dignified manner in front of the royal knights, "Do you want to go against the royal orders?"

"This..."

"This Chairman Chu Tian is not our enemy!" Gu Qianqiu said to Chu Tian, "We don't have a lot of time!"

Chu Tian considered it and then nodded, "Alright, I'll believe you and let you go. Immediately close the city gates and prepare to fight!"

After Cao Bao was released, he took out a strange flute from his chest and blew into it, creating a shrill cry that echoed through the skies. Around ten minutes, a long cry resonated through the sky, as a hundred griffins slowly flew into Central State City.

The citizens of Central State City were shocked.

This was the legendary griffin beast!

Each one was a level two demon beast and each mount cost several million gold coins. The Griffin Knights was the most mysterious and strongest army in the Southern Summer Country. Now that the Griffin Knights appeared in Central State City, how could they not be shocked?

Following this, all the city gates were closed and the citizens were quickly asked to return before the defense army was stirred.

Something big was about to happen in Central State City!

Chapter 264: The invading army reaches the city

On the vast Four States Lake, a strong breeze blew the mist from the lake, letting a black banner appear in sight.

Dong!

War drums rang like thunder!

With an aura soaring into the sky!

An ice cold pressure seemed to fill the skies over Central State City. Central State City had suffered no dangers in the several hundred years it was established, so seeing this kind of scene made everyone shocked.

Several hundred warships arrived in the docks. In this large fleet of ships, there was at least a hundred thousand troops!

The Central State citizens were terrified.

"It's the Southern State army!"

"Why did the Southern State army come to Central State for?"

The South State army did not even give time for the people of Central State to react as the deck opened and boats carrying soldiers moved to the shore like a wave of ants. The warhorses neighed and the flags danced as countless cavalry landed on the shore. Almost in an instant, the Central State docks was completely taken over, with countless armoured soldiers with blades flowing like waves towards Central State City.

Had the citizens seen the pressure of an army like this before?

This was a joke fight! The Southern State troops had suddenly appeared and Central State City had made no preparation at all!

Central State City blew their horn and the Central State troops prepared their defenses. Several thousand archers quickly ran to the walls, pointing their sparkling arrows at the slowly approaching Southern State army.

"Stop!"

"If you take another step forward, we'll shoot!"

The Southern State army completely ignored the Central State soldiers' warning, as they entered formation in a short period of time. The Central State soldiers all felt tense as cold sweat covered them. Against these prepared invaders, Central State was not prepared at all. If it was a head on collision, Central State's army could not compare to Southern State's army at all!

There was no danger around Central State and did not have a large garrison. Most of the soldiers didn't even have battle experience!

The Southern State troops were not the same. The Southern State army was situated to the south of the Southern Summer Country, with the duty of guarding the border. Whether it was army size or battle experience, Central State could not compare at all. If they really thought, there would be no hope of winning!

At this moment.

A white haired old man riding a griffin flew into the skies above Central State. He quickly flew over the Southern State troops and loudly shouted, "Is the leader of the army in front the Western Marquis, Shangguan Hong?"

"This marquis is here!" The Western Marquis was riding a large Southern Barbarian War Rhino which had a set of heavy armour around it. When he found Gu Qianqiu riding on the griffin, he immediately gave a few loud laughs, "It's your excellency, the great scholar. I never thought that you would be a step faster than me. Since it's like this, please help this marquis capture that villain Chu Tian!"

Gu Qianqiu jumped down, fallen several dozen meters down, landing like a bomb on the ground. He completely threw the Southern State knights around him into a mess, "The Western Marquis has brought half of the elite troops of Southern State, this is going too far! Central State is a part of the Southern Summer Country. If you bring a large army into Central State like this and ignite the flames of war, creating a internal struggle, this is going against the laws of the kingdom!"

"The great scholar's words are wrong. Central State has fallen into chaos and Southern State is here to help, how could this be internal struggle?" The Western Marquis looked at Central State City before pulling out a gold glowing command token from his chest, "Not to mention that I have the command token from the Refined Ruler granted by my king, with the order to capture Chu Tian. With the royal command present, who dares to block me!"

Gu Qianqiu's frown became even stronger, "Since you have the royal command, why do you need this army?"

"Chu Tian is filled with arrogance and even an imperial envoy was crippled by him. With this kind of wild person, how could he obediently give up. This villain has a strong influence in Central State and if I don't bring something this serious, I might not be able to pressure him." The Western Marquis said in a righteous manner, "You should know that Chu Tian secretly swallowed up the three great families. Now that he has made a name for himself, if he stubbornly resists, this marquis can only lead my army to storm through!"

The Western Marquis did not want to listen to this bookworm's nonsense, "Chu Tian crippling the royal envoy is treason! Listen to my orders and charge in!"

Wu, wu!

The Southern State army sounded their horns.

The army formed several formations as they spread across the plains, preparing their siege weapons, being able to attack Central State City at any moment. The strong pressure was slowly released and crashed down on Central State.

The Central State citizens were scared silly!

The Southern State's army was very famous among the Southern Summer eight states!

South State bordered the southern barbarians and the Southern State army frequently fought the barbarians, so they had a lot of fighting experience. There were also several battalions formed from barbarians, becoming the only barbarian heavy armoured infantry troop the Southern Summer Country!

The southern barbarians were a branch of humans.

The barbarians were tall and strong, with an average height of two meters. They had pitch black skin, strong muscles, firm bone structure, and a cruel instinct. This was the characteristics of the barbarians.

Even if these barbarians did not cultivate, their body strength alone was equal to a soldier at the 5th Body Refinement Layer. If they did cultivate themselves, they had a terrifying battle strength, so they could become the most powerful heavy armour troop!

The Western Marquis had also brought this barbarian battalion.

They were truly prepared to attack the city!

This was a chance that Western Marquis was waiting for, after all, the Western Marquis' successor, Shangguan Feichen was half crippled by Chu Tian, so his anger could be imagined. Back in Thunder State, the Western Marquis had wanted to kill Chu Tian, but no one expected Chu Tian to kill the Abyss Demon with an unknown method, becoming the hero of Thunder State. Adding in the Divine Wind Marquis and the Golden Arrow Marquis, the deterrent of the two marquis stopped the Western Marquis from making a move.

Who would have thought that Chu Tian would go and seek death.

He actually crippled the Imperial City envoy!

The Refined Ruler seized this chance to give the Western Marquis this chance. Of course the Western Marquis understood the Refined Ruler's meaning which was to give him a chance to take revenge.

As for bringing the army to Central State, one reason was to destroy Chu Tian's influence, the other was occupy Miracle Commerce.

Would the Southern Summer King care about a nameless peasant?

The Western Marquis can blame it on a mistake or on Chu Tian for forcing him to kill him!

Like this, he could solve the hate in his heart!

"Listen closely citizens of Central State City!" The Western Marquis rode his giant barbarian rhino to stand in front of Central State City, wielding a giant brush which he pointed at Central State City as he shouted, "I am Southern State's marquis, Shangguan Hong. I have led the Southern State elite army here today to catch the villain Chu Tian! The citizens and soldiers of the city are innocent. If you open the door, then this marquis will give you a large reward!"

After saying this, the Western Marquis' voice turned, becoming sharp and fierce, "If you dare resist, you will be guilty of the same crime as Chu Tian. All the Central State officers cannot escape this responsibility, either being exiled as a light punishment or being beheaded as a heavy punishment. The Central State citizens will also be implicated!"

Gu Qianqiu's expression changed.

Good Western Marquis.

Launching a psychological attack before attacking the city?

The Western Marquis had the king's royal proclamation token, so his actions were considered just. The hundred thousand elite army of Southern State was enough to make people urinate their pants in fear. The Central State army could not stop the Southern State's army.

The Western Marquis' words were enough to cause revolts in the Central State army and even incite a riot among the citizens. The Western Marquis would not have to make a move before Central State would fall into chaos.

No one wanted to defy the royal proclamation.

No one wanted to affect their fish pond.

The hundred thousand soldiers began to chant together!

"Death to the rebel Chu Tian!"

This sound filled the skies, roaring like thunder, exploding in the skies above Central State City.

Shangguan Hong was feeling very proud.

The Western Marquis was on an expedition for the king, how could the bumpkins of Central State have ever seen this kind of large scene before? The Western Marquis was one of the Eight Marquises, guarding the southern border, having a well known prestige. His prestige was much higher compared to the Divine Wind Marquis that entered seclusion!

He had his army roar out in front of the city like this was to crush Chu Tian with this pressure. He wanted to create fear in the Central State citizens, throwing them into a panic at the fear of being implicated, capturing Chu Tian to present him for his punishment.

"This marquis will give you three minutes!"

"If you don't open the gates within three minutes, this marquis will attack the city. Whoever is injured will depend on fate! After the fight, everyone will be guilty of this crime, so clearly think this through!"

"Think of your own families. Do you truly wish to drag down your families and die for a single rebel?!"

Shangguan Hong raised the stakes!

Not opening the city gates?

When the attack comes, you will die with Central State City!

This world always belonged to the strong and even if he caused great casualties to Central State City, no one would do anything to him. One, Shangguan Hong was one of the Eight Marquises. Two, he had the support of the Three Rulers. Three, Shangguan Hong was taking action in the name of the royal proclamation.

A vicious slaughter did not mean a thing!

Central State City was silent for a few seconds before a voice like a wave blasted forth.

"Chu Tian is innocent!"

The roar from Central State City rang even more clearly than the hundred thousand soldiers of Southern State, just like a wild wave, completely submerging the Southern State army's pressure.

This was the roar coming from the millions of people of Central State City!

The hundred thousand Southern Summer soldiers counted for nothing!

It was trash in front of the millions of Central State citizens!

"This….."

The Western Marquis and the Southern Summer army were all stunned. With this large formation, not only did they not scare Central State City, they had instead stimulated revolt in the citizens!

"We pledge to guard Central State to death!"

"Southern State dogs! Scram out of Central State!"

Central State City was roused into action, with the voice becoming even stronger, with even some people grabbing loudspeakers. With this giant voice, the Southern Summer army was completely suppressed.

Even the soldiers without any brains could see it.

The soldiers and citizens were all of one heart, working to face the city's troubles!

If they really fought, the Southern State army might not gain an advantage!

"Since the citizens feel this way, what can this old man say!" Gu Qianqiu was touched as he sighed with emotions and said, "Western Marquis, you should recall your army!"

"Good rebel Chu Tian. Since he's bought the hearts of the people like this, he can only think of rebelling!" The Western Marquis said through gritted teeth, "This marquis cannot let him continue. Listen to my orders, prepare to attack the city!"

"Western Marquis!" A young man walked forward above the city gates and used a loudspeaker to shout at the dense Southern State army, "You really are domineering. For a small person like me, you actually sent out your army. This small one is truly blessed."

"Chu Tian, you still dare come out!" The Western Marquis said to Gu Qianqiu by his side, "Great scholar, Chu Tian has appeared, what are you waiting for? Immediately send out the royal knights to catch him!"

Central State City was still a Main City.

This city was not easy to break through.

However, with the Griffin Knights' help, the situation would be completely different. The Griffin Knights was an airborne unit and had a very strong battle strength, so they could easily open the city gates.

"Great scholar, what are you doing?" The Western Marquis, Shangguan Hong angrily said, "With the rebel here, how could you not make a move against him? Is the great scholar harboring the rebel?!"

"You bastard! Do you understand what you are doing?" The vein on Gu Qianqiu's head popped out and he roared out, "You idiot with a head filled with nothing, what do you understand! Recall your troops for me! Otherwise, don't blame me, Gu Qianqiu for being impolite! Others fear the Refined Ruler, but this old man is not afraid!"

Chapter 265: City assault battle!

Whether it was the Central State army or the Southern State army, they were all stunned. In front of the hundred thousand soldiers of the Southern State army, the great scholar was scolding the Western Marquis. This scene was something that no one had expected.

The Eight Marquises were the pillars supporting the Southern Summer Country.

Gu Qianqiu was the rally point of the Southern Summer scholars.

These two people were peak influences in the Southern Summer Country and now that they were facing each other, the great scholar was not giving the Western Marquis any face. He was even calling the Western Marquis an idiot like this?!

This time, the Southern Summer Country would shake!

The Western Marquis was not a normal marquis, but was a marquis from the Shangguan Family.

Gu Qianqiu was not a normal scholar. Although he had no title or royal blood, he was the great scholar of the Southern Summer Country, the first minister of the Dongfang Clan, and the number one scholar in the Southern Summer Country. He was a mountain among scholars and even if he had no real power, he had a strong influence that no nobles could look down on.

Gu Qianqiu had no title, but he could match the Eight Marquises!

If Gu Qianqiu were to publicly praise a person, that person would become famous across the nation. They would be guests of countless nobles and be swallowed by the countless hungry scholars. If he were to publicly denounce someone, all the scholars in the world denounce him, finding it hard to survive in the end.

This was the influence of the great scholar!

Scolding the Western Marquis in front of all these people, if this matter was spread, the Western Marquis would never be able to raise his head again.

This leader in intellect did not follow the world's customs.

His words could win against a giant army of a hundred thousand. Even the Three Great Clans had to give him respect.

"Good, good, good!" The Western Marquis, Shangguan Hong had never received this kind of treatment before and naturally was filled with rage, "This marquis has regarded you as the great scholar in vain and that's why I gave you face. You're actually going against the great scholar title and using the honor of the head scholar in the Southern Summer Country to rebel against the Southern Summer King, the royal orders, and to harbour rebels? Do you think no one would dare move against you since you're the great scholar?!"

"The Western Marquis only has the royal token and misinterprets the royal orders, sending forces into Central State, disregarding the several million lives in Central State. You are discrediting the royal clan, shaming the Three Great Clans, and disappointing the people of the Southern Summer Country! If Central State City is broken and the citizens suffer, then public rage will be invoked and Central State will fall into chaos! Will you take responsibility for throwing the country into chaos? You are only holding the royal order token, but even if I was faced with the Southern Summer King, this old man would fight to the end!"

"How would apprehending a rebel throw the country into chaos? The great scholar's words are too serious!"

"Saying rebel again and again. You claim Chu Tian has committed treason, but do you have any evidence?"

"He looked down on the royal clan and heavily injured the special envoy, what other evidence do you need!"

"There is no evidence and only your personal grudge, as well as bringing a large army like this, are you not ashamed of your actions?" Gu Qianqiu was foaming with rage as he angrily roared out, "The soldiers of my Southern Summer Country can bleed on the battlefield and can sacrifice themselves to fight against foreign threats. This is not the War Hound Plains nor is it the southern border, this is Central State. It is the rich Central State filled with millions of citizens and soldiers of our Southern Summer Country are stationed here!"

These words were very powerful.

Chu Tian looked very pleased watching from the city walls.

The great scholar and Western Marquis were slapping each other's faces, this was a rarely seen sight.

Meng Qingwu was very surprised deep down. She did not know why the famous great scholar was helping Chu Tian like this.

Meng Yingying said with a smile, "This old grandpa is so good at arguing!"

"Gu Qianqiu is the most famous scholar in our Southern Summer Country." Yun Tianhe stroked his beard and said with a laugh, "This art of slapping other's faces could be considered the most basic skill a scholar has."

The great scholar continued scolding him, continuously slapping the Western Marquis' face. The Western Marquis almost went crazy with his rage.

"Absurd! Chu Tian is the one throwing the country into chaos!"

"I only know that after Central State had Chu Tian, the poor could make a livelihood and the merchants all benefited. The citizens can live a rich and prosperous life and the rich can live an even better life. After the Western Marquis came to Central State, you threw everything into chaos, disturbing the peace, even bringing a disaster filled with blood." The great scholar did not even think about his words, with his words being like knives, "Just tell me who the one throwing the country into chaos is!"

The Western Marquis had already lost his patience. He knew that he couldn't compete with the great scholar in terms of quibbling, so he finally roared, "For a Chu Tian, the great scholar is willing to go against the Shangguan Family?"

"A single hair from Chu Tian is ten thousand times more precious compared to this empty marquis!"

Gu Qianqiu's manner was very firm.

There was no room for discussion.

This was performed for Chu Tian!

Gu Qianqiu finally understood Miracle Commerce's strength. Just this company alone could change the kingdom and even influence the continent. Just this point alone meant that Miracle Commerce could not be exterminated!

What surprised Gu Qianqiu even more was that Miracle Commerce's founder, Chu Tian was the person that solved the beast crisis of Qing State. He obtained even more news telling him that not only did Chu Tian solve Qing State's problem, he even solved Thunder State's problem!

This person's worth could not be estimated!

The knowledge this person had was enough to change the entire continent!

This idiotic Western Marquis, constantly calling him rebel. Did he not know how dangerous this was?

If Chu Tian really rebelled, what would the Southern Summer Country gain?

Kill him?

Not only did they need to pay a large price, the world would lose a heavenly talent. The Southern Summer Country would lose a true master!

Not killing him?

If Chu Tian had a grudge against the Southern Summer Country, there would be disastrous consequences. From the opinion the Central State citizens had of Miracle Commerce, Chu Tian had the ability to incite a rebellion from Central State. Even if Central State did not succeed, Chu Tian had the ability to escape. In just a few years, he would be able to destroy the Southern Summer Country!

In order to avoid this situation, Gu Qianqiu broke off relations with the Western Marquis without any hesitation.

Gu Qianqiu was the great scholar of the kingdom. Although he didn't have any real positions, he could still represent the Southern Summer Country. The least he could do was make sure Chu Tian wasn't angered!

"This marquis does not have time to quibble with you, the royal order is here!" The Western Marquis, Shangguan Hong raised the token high up, "Listen to my orders, begin to attack the city! Kill the rebel Chu Tian and anyone who blocks us is guilty of rebelling!"

Shangguan Hong was ready to fight it out.

Wasn't it just offending the great scholar?

Insulting the Shangguan Family like this, he would have grudges formed with the Shangguan Family. If they retreated out of fear of the great scholar, where would the Shangguan Family's face go? Since it had reached this point, he could only brace himself!

"Attack the city!"

Shangguan Hong waved the command flag.

The drums began to beat around them as the bugles rang out, like the roar of a giant beast.

The heavy infantry of the Southern State formed into two lines that were prepared to charge into Central State City like giant shields.

"Good!" Gu Qianqiu jumped high into the air and held the foot of a griffin as he returned to Central State City, "Then let's fight it out! Hear my orders Griffin Knights, defend the kingdom's city to death!"

Li Hu's expression became a bit ugly, "Leader, this….."

The royal knights all hesitated. One side was the Western Marquis with the Refined Ruler's backing, the other was the Southern Summer's great scholar, Gu Qianqiu. Neither of them could be offended!

"Did you not hear the order?" Cao Bao clenched his fists, "Go and protect Central State City!"

Being able to become one of the royal knight's leaders, Cao Bao was not an ordinary person. He lived in the Imperial City, so he knew what kind of person the great scholar was. The great scholar had a reason to act in this strange manner and although Cao Bao didn't know why, the great scholar was willing to offend the Shangguan Family without any hesitation, so what could Cao Bao do?

First, the royal proclamation ordered the royal knights to follow Gu Qianqiu.

Second, Gu Qianqiu's backing was the Dongfang Family. Not only was he the great scholar of the Southern Summer Country, he was also the first minister of the Shangguan Family. The royal knights all pledged their loyalty to the royal family, which was the Shangguan Family.

Could Cao Bao help the Shangguan Family go against the first minister?

Gu Qianqiu had a high status in the Dongfang Family and if he was chased off in anger, the one who loses the most would be the Dongfang Family! The Three Great Clans competed with one another, so this would make the Shangguan Family and the Nangong Family happy.

If they lost Gu Qianqiu, how could the Southern Summer King forgive them?

Since they had to offend someone and they had to pick one, they would choose to offend the Western Marquis!

The countless number of heavy infantry moved forward with incomparably heavy steps, advancing towards the Central State City gates. This was a troop formed from the barbarian tribes and were all barbarian warriors with strength that surpassed normal warriors, so the gates could not block them for long!

"Kill!"

A hundred Griffin Knights entered the air and let out a piercing long cry that shook the world.

"Griffin Knights?!" The Western Marquis forcefully waved the command flag, "Divine Arrow Battalion, shoot!"

The sound of bow strings releasing came from the Southern State army, creating sharp whistling sounds, as a large mass of spirit energy infused arrows flew out.

It was like a swarm of locusts.

It was like a dark cloud rising.

This created a magnificent scene.

"Quickly send my orders!" Chu Tian's expression slightly changed, "Make the citizens go home and hide in their basements. Before the battle ends, they can't come out!"

This war was inevitably beginning!

The Southern State army was too strong. Although they had the Griffin Knights led by the great scholar, this was going to be a bloody battle!

"Charge!"

"Protect Central State City!"

Cao Bao's griffin charged down and the other royal knights followed behind him, charging right into the dense mass of arrows.

The griffin gave a long cry.

Its wings created a gust of wind that formed a protective layer, deflecting most of the arrows. The royal knights charged through the rain of arrows without a single injury, charging at the dense crowd of heavy infantry.

"I want to see how many waves you can block!" The Western Marquis gave a cold snort, "Continue shooting! Second battalion and third battalion, go around the sides and cover the assault team!"

The battle drums rang louder.

The Southern State army was about to show their true strength! This was an elite team of a hundred thousand troops!

There was no danger around Central State, so there weren't many troops to begin with. The Southern State troops had attacked Central State City too suddenly, so Central State City could not bring in other troops for reinforcements.

This was destined to be a hard fought battle!

Chapter 266: The reinforcements that fell from the sky

Since they needed to fight, then they would fight!

Central State City would not give up Chu Tian!

From the large families to the poor citizens, Central State was already completely tied to Chu Tian. If Chu Tian and Miracle Commerce fell, this would be an incomparably heavy blow to Central State.

"Archery team, listen to my orders! Aim for the back army!" Xiong Wuji stood on the city walls, loudly shouting, "Fire!"

A sharp whistle came from Central State City as a dense cloud of arrows was released into the sky, sprinkling down below the city walls. They were mainly aimed at the back army of the Southern State army.

"Attack with full force!"

"Push them back!"

The Southern State troops were very vicious, using their weapons to block the arrows, while shooting arrows back. Both sides began to take casualties as the battle finally began!

The heavy armour vanguard was made of barbarians that had already arrived in front of the city. Several hundred heavy armoured barbarians pushed an incomparably large siege ram, slamming it against the Central State City gates.

Hong dong!

The heaven shaking sound was simply ear shattering.

A strong force erupted that sent the Central State soldiers behind the city gates flying, with all of them spitting out blood on the ground. That heavy and thick city gat was instantly being pounded down.

"Keep hitting it!" The commander of the Southern State vanguard shouted, "Break open the gate!"

The Central State army went all out to stop this.

As soon as a group of people was sent flying, another group went forward.

The consequences of the Southern State army attacking Central State City was inconceivable. After the lively Central State City was hit with the flames of war, it would definitely change. Not even the Southern Summer King had thought that to protect Chu Tian, Central State City would fight without any hesitation.

At this moment, the Griffin Knights charged down with Cao Bao in front. The griffin's incomparably large claws grabbed the commander of the Southern State army's vanguard. This Southern State commander was not a normal person. The moment he was grabbed by the griffin, he pulled out his sword and stabbed at the griffin.

"Die!"

Cao Bao was even quicker. The moment the griffin grabbed the commander, a three meter long lance pierced out, stabbing through his skull and killing him on the spot.

The other Griffin Knights also charged down.

The Southern State's heavy armoured unit was attacked by the Griffin Knights and fell into confusion. There were people being grabbed one after the other or they were being assassinated by the lances of the royal knights.

"Damn royal knights!" The Western Marquis angrily roared, "Charge forward! Whoever can open the gates will be rewarded a hundred thousand gold coins!"

Rows and rows of heavy armoured soldiers charged forward like the tide, but the griffins whipped their wings, sending out wind blades. Cao Bao also continuously wielded his lance and was already covered in blood. There were too many Southern State soldiers and they couldn't kill them all. Even a True Soul Realm expert or a powerful griffin would run out of spirit energy. The Griffin Knights would not be able to hold on for a long time!

Li Hu shouted, "Leader, we can't hold on!"

"Damn, has the Western Marquis gone crazy?" Cao Bao angrily roared, "He might really want to destroy Central State City!"

The Meng sisters were stunned by this.

They had never seen this kind of terrifying war before.

"The Southern State army is too strong." Yun Tianhe had a face of worry, "We won't be able to hold on. Once the wall breaks and the soldiers fight, the Central State army will not be able to stop the Southern State army!"

"Then defend the city walls!" Chu Tian gave a cold snort, "Little fox, give them something to play with!"

The little fox took out a puppet and blew at the little puppet.

The puppet turned into a small Hell Fire Demon that had a flaming body. The little fox forcefully threw it and the puppet turned into a green light that flew into the sky, turning into a giant demon stone, suddenly falling outside the city walls. It destroyed the siege ram with a terrifying might and the Southern State heavy armour soldiers around all died a pitiful death.

"Roar!"

A six meter tall giant slowly stood up. Its body was made of stones and covered in green flames, releasing a wild energy from its body. It turned into a giant ball of flame that destroyed a group of Southern State soldiers as well as summoning a large group of little demons.

"This…..This is!"

The Western Marquis was stunned when he saw this.

Wasn't this the demon from Thunder State?

No...This is wrong. It seemed much weaker, not even having a tenth of the Thunder State demon's strength, but it was not inferior to the Eight Marquises!

The Hell Fire Demon was an elemental demon, not having the weaknesses of a normal life form. The arrows had no effect on it and its body could release flames, making it hard to attack it from close range. The most important thing was that, once this thing that they had never heard of appeared, the Southern State soldiers were shocked and their morale was attacked.

The Hell Fire Demon continued to release flames, instantly forming a wall of flames outside Central State City. There was no Southern State soldier that dared to approach this green abyss flame.

"Marquis, this monster is too strong! Our soldiers' attacks have been blocked!"

"Waste! All of you are waste!" The Western Marquis roared out, "Isn't it just a single demon? I don't believe that it can stop my entire Southern State army! Exterminate it for me!"

As his voice fell.

The Western Marquis personally jumped out, raising a giant pen. A large seal slammed into the Hell Fire Demon, knocking it back several steps and exterminating a few flames from its body.

The Southern State troops regained their morale and wanted to launch another attack.

Who would have thought that at this crucial moment, a cry came from the Four States Lake.

An army?

What was happening!

In the light mist, another large army suddenly appeared that was not inferior to the Southern State army.

"Ah!"

"Thunder State's army!"

"Why did Thunder State's army come to Central State?"

The Eight Southern Summer States all had their own characteristic. Thunder State had a large garrison, sending large amounts of troops to the northern battlefront. So, the Thunder State army's power could not be looked down on and it was not inferior to the Thunder State army.

"Chu Tian performed a large favour saving Thunder State, so now that Central State is in danger, I, Jiang Xiong have come to help!"

On the largest flagship, Jiang Xiong was standing there proudly.

"My Thunder State is here to return the favour!"

"Kill, kill, kill!"

The Thunder State army's war cries were shocking and they were filled with morale. The Thunder State army was here to help Chu Tian?

What was going on?

Chu Tian was also stunned.

This really was an unexpected group of reinforcements!

Gu Qianqiu was also stunned. Thunder State had also sent troops into Central State, this was a matter that could shake the world!

The Golden Arrow Marquis was also a marquis, but he sent troops into Central State without an royal order, which was a large offense!

For a single Chu Tian.

He was willing to offend Imperial City!

The Golden Arrow Marquis also knew that Chu Tian could not fall into the Shangguan Family's hands. Not only would the Southern Summer Country lose a great expert, if Chu Tian could be controlled by the Shangguan Family, it would make the nobles much stronger.

The Southern Summer Eight Marquises was divided into two groups. One was the noble marquises, namely the Flame Departing Marquis, the Western Marquis, and the others. They were mainly from the Three Great Clans or born from another large Imperial City clan. The other group was the poor clan marquises, like the Golden Arrow Marquis or the Green Wood Marquis. The Divine Wind Marquis did come from a large family, but his family had been weakened and he could be considered a poor clan marquis now.

The poor clans and the noble clans always fought against one another.

The noble clan marquises had a natural advantage and prevailed in all aspects. The poor clan marquises could only work together to avoid being invaded by the noble clans.

There was no need to doubt that Chu Tian was born as a poor clan member and he would offend many noble clan members in his development. The Golden Arrow Marquis and the other poor clan members needed someone that could go against the Three Rulers of the Imperial City.

The only one that could do this was Chu Tian!

If Chu Tian survived, with his talents and skills, his rise was only a matter of time!

The Western Marquis' eyes turned red, "Rebels, you are all rebels!"

"Western Marquis, surrender immediately!" the Golden Arrow Marquis loudly shouted, "Listen to me Southern State troops, you attacking Central State City crosses the bottom line of the eight states. If you stubbornly resist, this marquis will join with Central State to slaughter you all! We will completely wipe out the Southern State's rebel army!"

Gu Qianqiu seized this opportunity to say, "The Golden Arrow Marquis has come right on time! The merit of saving Central State, this old man will report it to the king for you!"

When the Golden Arrow Marquis and the Thunder State army heard the great scholar, they were very excited. The problem in their minds was how to deal with the kingdom's punishment, but they never thought that the great scholar would stand on their side. The great scholar had a high position in the kingdom and if he spoke up for them, then what would they need to fear?

The Southern State army looked at each other in blank dismay.

This is bad!

There was the great scholar in front and the Golden Arrow behind them. Central State was also impregnable, not breaking after attacking for this long.

If they wanted to defeat the city today, it was an impossible matter!

"Don't mind them!" The Western Marquis had lost his reasoning, "Kill! Worst case scenario is both side perishing! If we go to Imperial City, I want to see who has more reasoning behind them!"

"Good Western Marquis, insisting on creating civil strife!" The Golden Arrow Marquis gave a cold snort, "Thunder State army, listen to my orders and quell this rebellion!"

The Thunder State troops quickly landed and attacked the Southern State troops like a wave. There was the Central State soldiers they couldn't defeat in front and the Thunder State troops who weren't lacking attacking from behind, causing the Southern State troops to fall into chaos.

Gu Qianqiu loudly shouted, "Griffin Knights, protect Central State!"

This group of powerful royal knights made a move once again. These over a hundred Illustrious Soul Realm Griffin Knights' airborne battle strength could not be underestimated.

It was already impossible to enter Central State City.

Forget it!

Since matters had become this big, he would see how the Golden Arrow Marquis and Chu Tian passed the Southern Summer King!

"Pass down my orders. The front will become the back and the back will become the front, break free and retreat!"

The Western Marquis had the Southern State army begin to retreat. When the Golden Arrow Marquis saw that the Western Marquis was prepared to retreat, he did not continue attacking. After all, the Southern State army was an army of the Southern Summer Country, so this kind of internal fight was good for nothing.

The Southern State army quickly rushed to their boats. The Western Marquis angrily said in a voice filled with killing intent, "Jiang Xiong, Chu Tian, and Gu Qianqiu, I want to see how you'll face the Southern Summer King's anger! We're retreating!"

The Southern State's warships slowly began to leave.

"Want to leave?"

"How could it be that easy!"

The Southern State's fleet had not even gone ten kilometers from the Central State docks before the ships suddenly began to sway.

"Marquis, this is bad!"

"There is something attacking the bottom of our ships!"

"Our ships are already leaking, what should we do!"

The Southern State army fell into confusion, with several soldiers jumping into the water to save themselves. These soldiers were all wearing heavy army and carrying heavy weapons, and they did not know how to swim, so the water became a large mess.

Chu Tian ordered, "Catch them all!"

The Giant Shark Gang began to make their move. They had placed giant nets in the water already and they began to catch the Southern State troops like groups of fish.

Chapter 267: Capturing the Southern State army

The Southern State troops were wildly flailing in the water while the Giant Shark Gang helped them with nets, with each net getting a large group. After they had been saved from the water, they were quickly captured in groups.

Chu Tian pointed at the Western Marquis and said, "Capture him for me!"

Boss Yu immediately threw his fish bone cane and a current of water curled around the cane. A large prison formed around the Western Marquis, forcefully trapping him in.

Shangguan Hong angrily attacked this water cage.

The instant the pen tip touched the water cage, vigorous spirit energy exploded, turning the originally transparent water cage into jet black ink, before breaking apart. The countless drops of ink in the air all flew towards Boss Yu.

The Western Marquis was in the peak 9th Awakened Soul Layer.

Boss Yu was not an opponent for him, but fighting on the water, he would not be easily defeated. He immediately formed a water shield that blocked the fatal drops of demon ink.

"Big brother, we'll help you!"

The five Giant Shark Gang leaders had practiced together and had coordinated for many years. If they worked together, they could go against one of the Eight Southern Summer Marquises. Not to mention the fact they were fighting on water where they had an advantage, so they could even win.

"This old man will help you!"

Gu Qianqiu dropped down from the clouds from the griffin he was riding on, releasing all his strength. A golden source spirit appeared behind him which was a large golden bell!

Dang!

The bell released an explosive sound.

The sound of this bell could not be heard by others, only Shangguan Hong's body trembled. He had been caught off guard and spat out a mouthful of blood because the sound made from the golden bell was not normal sound, but rather spiritual waves.

That's right, the attribute of Gu Qianqiu's source spirit was actually an energy attribute. This type of source spirit was very rare, so spiritual attacks were close to impossible to guard. It was very hard to find a defensive measure against this kind of attack.

After the Western Marquis had been attacked by Gu Qianqiu, his protective spirit energy dissipated. The five Yu Brothers, charged forward and grabbed the Western Marquis.

"The Western Marquis has been captured!"

"Why have you not surrendered yet! We will kill the Western Marquis!"

When the Southern State troops saw that the Western Marquis had been captured, their faces all turned ashen. They immediately stopped resisting and gave up without a fight.

The Southern State army of a hundred thousand people had turned into prisoners!

This was truly shocking!

Of the battle strength of the Eight State's armies, the Southern State army could be considered one of the forerunners, but the hundred thousand elites had turned into Central State's prisoners. This had completely swept away the Southern State's face, Shangguan Hong's face, and the face of the Shangguan Family.

Chu Tian ordered, "Confiscate their weapon and armour and create a temporary camp for them. Lock them all up!"

When the Western Marquis had been brought in all tied up, he was still angrily roaring, "Chu Tian, you think you've won? Committing this kind of large crime, you will die like a dog!"

Damn!

Chu Tian's violent temper erupted, "All of you, move!"

Boss Yu's brothers all moved to one side.

Chu Tian slapped Shangguan Hong on the face.

Pa!

Shangguan Hong was sent flying several meters!

"Daring to be this wild after being defeated. If I don't teach you a lesson today, then I won't be surnamed Chu!" While he was speaking, Chu Tian charged out to grab the Western Marquis and gave him a series of resounding slaps, "Don't think that because you are a marquis of the Shangguan Family that I won't dare move against you. I can cripple you without even batting an eye!"

This lunatic!

Perhaps he might truly do something crazy.

The Western Marquis suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

Gu Qianqiu quickly came over, "Calm yourself, calm yourself. You've already vented yourself, so just let it go for now."

Chu Tian threw the Western Marquis to the ground and stomped on him several times, "Alright, on account of the great scholar, I won't bother with you. Take him down and lock him up. Watch him properly and don't let him break free!"

Everyone was stunned by this.

Do you know who you are hitting?

This was the Western Marquis of the eight marquises!

Chu Tian dared to beat the Western Marquis in public!

Even the Golden Arrow Marquis was scared by Chu Tian's actions. This fellow really had a violent temper!

No wonder he could obtain a large basket like Central State. Just based on this fearless personality he had, even knowing that the Western Marquis had the Refined Ruler behind him, he did not give them any face and would even cripple him on the spot! This kind of wild attitude was something a normal person wouldn't dare to think of!

They could only go all in.

Since they had to offend the Southern Summer King, the Shangguan Family, and even the Nangong Family, Chu Tian had nothing that he couldn't do. At least Central State was still Chu Tian's territory and he had the Divine Wind Marquis to support him.

The Golden Arrow Marquis and the great scholar had also been pulled in.

Chu Tian had enough chips in his hands.

No matter how angry the Southern Summer King was, he had to consider a place as large as Central State. It was impossible for him to take away the titles of the Divine Wind Marquis and the Golden Arrow Marquis, and he had to give face to the great scholar with a high status.

"Come with me!"

The five Yu Brothers brought the Western Marquis who had a black and blue bleeding face away.

This prestigious marquis had been locked in prison.

"Yu….Oh, no, mister Chu!" Gu Qianqiu this famous great scholar of the Southern Summer Country arrived in front of Chu Tian with a nervous expression, "After our hard separation in Qing State, this old man has been thinking of you, but I never thought it would only take a few days to meet again. Although there has been a misunderstanding, everything can still be solved."

Did this old man know how to talk? He's making father skin break out in goosebumps!

Chu Tian looked at him with a face of disgust.

"This old man never would have thought that you would be the famous Chu Tian. No wonder you were able to perform such extraordinary feats."

"I taught a lesson to your students who don't know the heights of the heaven and the depths of the earth? Will you remember that grudge!"

"No, no, no!" Gu Qianqiu quickly shook his head, "How could I? With your excellency's knowledge, not to mention this old man's students, even if this old man were the student, I would have nothing to say. I would still thank your excellency for your guidance."

The humble way the great scholar treated Chu Tian was seen by the citizens and soldiers of the city.

Was this really the great scholar?

It wouldn't be someone pretending to be him right!

The Southern Summer's great scholar was recognized as the number one scholar, with knowledge even surpassing Yun Tianhe's. He was skilled in alchemy, talisman refining, and weapon refining, being the mountain in the hearts of the million scholars in the Southern Summer Country and the greatest authority within the academic circle.

Not only was Gu Qianqiu very knowledgeable, he was also a peak expert. He had a cultivation at the peak 9th Awakened Soul Layer, being on the same level as the eight marquises.

This meant that if Gu Qianqiu had not been focused on studying, he could have broken past the Awakened Soul Layer, becoming a higher existence in the Southern Summer Country compared to the Three Rulers.

Gu Qianqiu was a legendary existence that everyone in the Southern Summer Country knew of.

When he was young, he left his native land to wander, using twenty years to learn from the large kingdoms, bringing back countless pieces of advanced knowledge for the Southern Summer Country. He had established the cornerstone of academic development for the Southern Summer Country. Other than this, in dozens of years, Gu Qianqiu had solved countless problems for the Southern Summer Country.

Like the problem with Qing State, every time Gu Qianqiu personally took action, he would find the most suitable solution. The contributions Gu Qianqiu had made to the Southern Summer Country were more than enough to have him named a marquis. Only Gu Qianqiu was a scholar focused on academics and did not like titles, so he rejected the Southern Summer King many times.

Yun Tianhe quickly said, "The great scholar is one with great ethics, so these misunderstandings, there is no need to mind it. I think that if the great scholar knew the causes of this, then this matter would not have happened."

"Yes, yes, yes!" Gu Qianqiu was very grateful towards Yun Tianhe for speaking up for him, "It's a mistake, it's all a mistake!"

Chu Tian did not place this matter in his heart.

Chu Tian had already guessed Gu Qianqiu's great scholar status in Qing State.

Chu Tian was offending more and more people, and he couldn't stop this. Whether it was expanding his own influence or raising the research standard of the Yun Sect, this person had his uses. If the Calm Martial Ruler was not willing to support Chu Tian, he could only work with the great scholar.

"I, Chu Tian, am not a person who cannot recognize right or wrong. Since it was a mistake, forget about it." Chu Tian put on airs while saying, "Chu Tian is very grateful that the great scholar was willing to help me today. If the great scholar has any requests, I will try my best to fulfil them!"

Qu Qianqiu did not even think before saying, "I want to join your research facility!"

It was what he wanted!

Chu Tian hesitantly rubbed his chin, "This..."

"I have come to focus on studying!" Gu Qianqiu gave a heavy vow, "If I have any dishonesty, let the heavens strike me down!"

"Alright!" Chu Tian nodded, "I believe the great scholar's character, so the great scholar will be a part of our Yun Sect today. Old Yun, go and take the great scholar to look around the research facility!"

Yun Tianhe was very excited.

The citizens of Central State City were even more excited!

For a high status person like the great scholar to personally come to Central State to join the Yun Sect and become Chu Tian's subordinate!

Chu Tian having the great scholar's support far surpassed the support of any marquis!

As long as the great scholar supported him, Chu Tian would not easily topple.

"Great scholar, please."

"Please, please!"

Yun Tianhe brought Gu Qianqiu who had a face of excitement to tour the research facility.

Chu Tian cupped his hands to the Golden Arrow Marquis, "Many thanks for the Golden Arrow Marquis' reinforcements. Chu Tian will remember this great favour."

"Mister has saved the ten million citizens of Thunder State and you are Thunder State's great benefactor as well as this marquis' great benefactor. If our benefactor meets any troubles, how could this marquis not care?" The Golden Arrow Marquis gave a few crisp laughs, "Congratulations. The great scholar is an aloof character, but to become your subordinate, you really have good luck!"

"Hai, what does this count for. It wasn't easy for your Thunder State soldiers to come so far." Chu Tian said, "The Divine Wind Marquis is not in Central State, so Miracle Commerce will represent Central State to accommodate you."

"Miracle Commerce's food is excellent. My soldiers are lucky to be able to eat something like this!

"Miracle Commerce's restaurant will only serve Thunder State soldiers today, letting them eat their fill!"

"Good, good!"

The Thunder State soldiers revealed excited expressions. Miracle Commerce's canned food had already entered Thunder State, but they were very rare and only a few people had the chance to try them. They had come to Central State with great difficulty this time, so they would eat their fill!

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