Chapter 1, Blindness
Although he is only twelve years old, Su Chen has already demonstrated a rare composure, diligence, and eagerness to learn among his peers, which has earned him the deep affection of his teachers
The last emperor of the Glorious Divine Dynasty was Emperor Yao, who reigned for six hundred years. This individual was incompetent and foolish, yet he had a violent temperament and squandered extravagantly. During his reign, he established one hundred and twenty-four new palaces and summoned young women from across the nation thirty-two times, in addition to having a penchant for personally committing murder. It is said that, according to historical records, the number of officials he ordered to be executed exceeded three thousand, with countless others implicated in the aftermath
This calmness, in the eyes of the teacher, is a manifestation of having depth and the demeanor of a great general; however, in the eyes of other "bratty kids," it is undoubtedly seen as "showing off"
This world is called the Source Wasteland, where people gain power through the cultivation of source energy. It is said that this energy is the origin of all beginnings, born at the dawn of the world's creation, and thus has the ability to influence and control all things. This notion was later widely accepted and became the origin of the name 'source energy.' Those who can skillfully wield source energy are referred to as source energy practitioners.
The two points of cold light have already pierced into Su Chen's eyes
Therefore, being a person without bloodline means that no matter how exceptional Su Chen's talent is or how hard he practices, his future is destined to be limited
With a crack of the coachman's whip, the horse-drawn carriage moved forward, leaving a clear trail of hoofprints in the snow
It is said that in order to harness the power of source energy, the human race invented the Bloodline Extraction Device, which extracts the bloodlines of demon beasts to control source energy, as demon beasts are the only beings in the Source Wasteland world that can naturally wield source energy. The inventor of the Bloodline Extraction Device thus established a glorious era for humanity, known as the Radiant Divine Dynasty
However, the power of source energy is not easily controlled. In the earliest times, humans were not even able to harness the power of source energy; it was the primal beasts that could truly wield this power. At that time, the human race was merely food for the primal beasts
He said, "I do have an answer in my heart, but you must promise not to tell anyone."
"Jianxin, didn't I already say? I have reached the fourth level of body refinement, so this kind of weather won't freeze me." Su Chen said as he walked towards the carriage
The teacher spoke very earnestly, but the children below clearly showed little interest, each one listening drowsily.
The teacher said with a mix of anger and helplessness: "What? Have you all learned it?"
The teacher was somewhat angry and pointed at a child, saying: "He Si Nian, stand up and explain what the Fuluan Incident is about"
There was a hint of self-satisfaction in his tone. The words he just spoke were actually taught to him by his father, yet he used them to instruct his own servants.
A group of eleven to twelve-year-old children is sitting here, listening to a lecture given by a teacher above them
After all, it is the nature of youth; Su Chen naturally finds great pleasure in the adoring gaze directed at Jianxin.
He lowered his voice and said, "I believe that this bloodline extraction device was not invented by the human race at all"
After asking several people in succession, not a single one could provide an answer, which infuriated the teacher to the point of slapping the table and exclaiming: "This is truly unacceptable; I just explained this! Su Chen, you stand up and speak."
Looking back, I saw an old beggar approaching, his entire body emanating a foul stench, unsteadily walking with a tattered bowl in hand
A series of questions left Kenshin speechless
"How could it be lost? This is a matter of great importance concerning the rise and fall of our human race. How could it possibly be lost?" Su Chen asked again.
Su Chen further stated: "Even if the loss of the method was due to various reasons, why was there not an effort to produce more devices at that time? According to the records, a bloodline extraction device could only extract ten bloodlines per year back then, so why was only one device made? Even if the manufacturing method was truly lost, why can't our human race explore it again? Since we were able to achieve it in the past, why are we unable to do so now?" Even if the manufacturing method was truly lost, why can't our human race explore it again? Since we were able to achieve it in the past, why are we unable to do so now?
Fortunately, bloodlines can at least be inherited, and for this reason, a system of bloodline nobility has formed in the Seven Kingdoms of the human race
Su Chen did not raise his head and said: "That is because you have not seen the story hidden within this book"
Time flies swiftly
In response to the praise for his mentor, Su Chen remained very calm
While idly sitting in the car, Su Chen held a copy of "Historical Records" and read it. The young servant, Jian Xin, feeling bored beside him, said: "Young Master, is this 'Historical Records' really interesting? I find it utterly meaningless and keep feeling drowsy."
However, with the passage of time, this once glorious human kingdom ultimately perished due to its own decline. It is said that even the bloodline extraction device was destroyed during that chaotic era of warfare, and from then on, humanity lost the ability to extract bloodlines
The fourth level of body refinement signifies that Su Chen possesses the strength of four horses. Although this level of power remains relatively weak for most adults, it is already at a crushing level when dealing with He Si Nian.
Stop! Su Chen shouted loudly
Su Chen turned around to get into the car
Although the Su family is a prominent family in Linbei, as a newly established clan, they lack a bloodline inheritance and can only obtain bloodline power through the Blood Spirit Potion. The Blood Spirit Potion is a replica of the bloodline extraction device, but its efficacy is vastly inferior to that of the genuine bloodline extraction device. The bloodline obtained through the Blood Spirit Potion is referred to as mixed blood, implying that it does not hold a place of distinction, with limited potential for advancement and no possibility of inheritance. Nevertheless, countless individuals still flock to it. The bloodline obtained through the Blood Spirit Potion is referred to as mixed blood, implying that it does not hold a place of distinction, with limited potential for advancement and no possibility of inheritance. Nevertheless, countless individuals still flock to it.
Su Chen spoke clearly: "It is now the time when snow falls, and a true beggar would not come out to beg at this time. Because the weather is too cold, there are few pedestrians on the road, and even if there are occasional passersby, most would keep their hands to themselves and would not stop in the freezing cold. To beg at this time not only exposes oneself to the cold but also yields no results. This is an inappropriate time. Furthermore, this is Hanshui Avenue. Hanshui Avenue is the main road of Linbei, and the city lord has prohibited beggars from begging here to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. To beg at this time not only exposes oneself to the cold but also yields no results. This is an inappropriate time. Furthermore, this is Hanshui Avenue. Hanshui Avenue is the main road of Linbei, and the city lord has prohibited beggars from begging here. If a beggar appears, soldiers will immediately come forward to drive them away, beat them, or even arrest them; this is an inappropriate place. Additionally, you, although your clothes are tattered and dirty, the torn areas are very clean, which indicates that these clothes have not been damaged for long. Moreover, the smell on you is also wrong; a true beggar has a long-term rotten smell, unlike the odor you have, which resembles that of someone who has just come out of a sewage ditch. Furthermore, you, although you have made yourself very dirty, your nails are very clean, which is not characteristic of a person in your situation!"
Su Chen was the last to step out of the school. Just as he exited the classroom, a young servant rushed over to drape a white marten fur cloak over him, saying, "Fourth Young Master, you have finished school. It is cold and freezing outside, so be careful not to catch a chill."
The heart of battle extinguished, He Sinian's mouth twitched, and he finally squeezed out a sentence: "So what, in the end, it is merely a mixed-blood family."
Su Chen stepped out of the car and looked around, where snowflakes were drifting everywhere
Certainly, He Sinian's situation is not much better. The Blood King Clan, the Demon Blood Nobility, and the Mixed Blood Families, as can be inferred from the names of the bloodline feudal system, indicate that the so-called Four Great Families are all devoid of bloodline inheritance. As one of the four families, the He family is no exception. However, this does not prevent He Sinian from looking down on his competitors—if the finish line is the same for everyone, then no matter how fast one runs, it is merely a temporary lead.
Another winter has arrived
"What is there to be so precious about? If you have the ability, let's compete in the body training class," muttered He Sinian, with a hawk-like nose.
Su Chen simply handed the book to Jianxin, saying: "Take a look at this section."
The old man, upon hearing this, laughed heartily and said: "Hahaha, good lad, you possess a pair of keen observational eyes and a mind adept at analysis. It is a pity, however, that you are still a bit young, with limited experience, and a certain simplicity in your character, not yet understanding the value of concealing one's strengths and maintaining a low profile. But it matters not, for you have encountered me. With my guidance, you will learn all of this; meeting me is your misfortune, for I will bring you suffering; yet it is also your fortune, for I will offer you a future filled with infinite possibilities... Let me give you a new pair of eyes, so that you may see more, and also help you discern the true nature of this world!"
The development over millions of years, along with the changes in the source wasteland, has gradually transformed everything. Humanity has finally progressed from complete ignorance of source energy to the later stages of the Seven Realms of Source Masters.
"Well said!" The teacher clapped and laughed heartily: "Listen, listen, this is what a class should be like. If it weren't for Su Chen being here, I wouldn't want to teach you little rascals at all! Indeed, it shows the depth of family education; children from prominent families are just different..."
"Young master, some matters are not solely about practicality; certain appearances must also be maintained. Otherwise, if some servants see that the young master does not even have a cloak, those who know will naturally understand that the young master focuses on physical training, treating frost and snow merely as a form of tempering. However, those who are unaware might mistakenly believe that the young master has fallen from grace. At that point, they may not take the young master seriously anymore" said Jianxin, following behind Su Chen.
Su Chen smiled and patted the book, saying: "This is the story hidden within the book, so reading requires not only the use of one's eyes but also the use of one's heart"
Next comes a barrage of praise
It is evident that the opponent in one's mind is not only academically outstanding but also surpasses oneself in martial arts training.
Kenshin was rendered speechless
However, after Su Chen observed the old man for a moment, he said: "I do not know who you are, but I know that you are certainly not a beggar"
Upon seeing this, the teacher said nothing, but simply rolled up the book in his hand and tapped the desk.
"Young Master, what is the matter?" Jianxin asked as he poked his head out of the carriage
Kenshin had served Su Chen for many years and had learned some characters, reading aloud: "The Radiant Emperor was assassinated, leading to great chaos in the Divine Dynasty. The blood extraction device was also destroyed due to the turmoil of war, resulting in the cessation of blood extraction methods. Until now, our human race can only replicate some functions of the blood extraction device and produce blood spirit potions, but we can no longer extract high-level bloodlines as we did in the past... What is wrong with this passage?" Until now, our human race can only replicate some functions of the blood extraction device and produce blood spirit potions, but we can no longer extract high-level bloodlines as we did in the past... What is wrong with this passage?"
What? Jianxin was shocked: "Who is that?"
The children lowered their heads in silence together
At that moment, a soft laugh suddenly echoed, as if someone were whispering in Su Chen's ear
The pedestrians on the road have thus become scarce, and the streets have turned desolate. In this cold winter season, no one is willing to venture out more than necessary
The old man was taken aback and asked, "What does the young master mean by this?"
Su Chen shook his head and replied: "It's nothing, just go back."
In an era that is not particularly enlightened, questioning the accuracy of human history will undoubtedly bring trouble upon oneself
A child with a hooked nose stood up, yet hesitated for a long time without being able to speak
The Su family is one of the four prominent families in Linbei City, holding a distinguished position, and Su Chen is one of the third-generation descendants of the Su family
When it came to the latter name, the tone of the instructor noticeably improved.
Kenshin patted his chest and assured, "Young Master, rest assured, I will definitely not speak of it."
Although he is intelligent, he is only twelve years old and cannot truly understand how precious and rare the quality of keeping promises is
Kenshin still looked confused yet somewhat admiringly at Su Chen and asked, "What does the young master think, why is that the case?"
An aged voice came from behind: "Young master, have pity on this old beggar and give me a warm meal."
The children rushed out of the classroom with cheers, and the servants at home were already waiting outside the school.
The old man stood not far from Su Chen, extending the broken bowl in his hand towards Su Chen, his expression pitiful, his eyes filled with emptiness and despair
"If you don't know, just stand there. Yueyang, you come out and speak." The teacher then pointed to another person.
Su Chen retracted his writing and said: "Do you not find it strange? Since the bloodline extraction device was invented by our human race, why is it that after the device was damaged, our human race cannot recreate one?"
Finally, the time for the next semester has arrived
This time, He Sinian's criticism has finally hit the mark
As Su Chen finished speaking, he turned to the old man: "So although I do not know who you are, I am certain that you are definitely not a beggar"
Snowflakes drift down from the sky, carrying the sharp chill of the new winter, laying a layer of white frost upon the land of Linbei City
Kenshin replied: "Isn't it written in the book? The method of manufacturing has been lost to time"
Su Chen listened and laughed: "Only you know how to speak, who doesn't take me seriously? If there is anyone, it must be you."
The boy with the eagle nose comforts himself with this unique theory
Breaking the barriers to the application of source energy is the bloodline
The Luo Mansion, located in the city, presents a warm and inviting scene in the early days of spring. Several sunstones are placed on the open ground of the classroom, radiating light and heat, repelling all frost and cold air, thus creating a warm spring-like environment indoors
Su Chen shrugged his shoulders and said, "How would I know? I just feel that this is the only way to explain why the human race possesses the bloodline extraction device but is unable to manufacture it. However, you must not let anyone else know I said this."
With the words spoken, he raised his hand
The sound of the desk being struck roused a group of children to muster their spirits, opening their dazed eyes to look at the teacher.
The child named Yueyang clearly did not know either, and could only stand together with He Sinian, wearing a smile of indifference on his face
On the street, there are only a few pedestrians walking, and not a single one seems to be someone who can laugh beside me.
He Sinian's expression of trying to slim his face immediately became unattractive
What stories are hidden within the book? Jianxin was astonished, repeatedly looking at the book, his eyes filled with curiosity. What other stories could be concealed within this book?
A young boy with delicate features stood up and confidently replied, "In the year 23,000 of the New Star Era, the Grand Minister of Works, Cheng Huai'en, submitted a report stating that the national treasury was empty and requested a delay in the construction of the Four Imperial Palaces. Emperor Yao was enraged and personally executed the Grand Minister of Works in the court. This incident shocked the entire court and the populace, leaving everyone in fear. Ultimately, seven noble families joined forces to confront Emperor Yao, leading to the downfall of the Radiant Divine Dynasty. The assassin, Zuo Chengshu, approached under the pretext of the imperial carriage during the assassination of Emperor Yao, which is why this event is historically referred to as the Rebellion of the Imperial Carriage. After that, the Radiant Divine Dynasty perished, and the seven noble families divided the territory, establishing their own dominions, which is the origin of the present Seven Kingdoms."
Kenshin does not understand
Upon hearing these words, Su Chen felt relieved
Got on the car amidst Kenshin's loud cries of injustice
"Si Nian, Su Chen was just promoted to the fourth level of body refinement yesterday." Yue Yang whispered over to remind.
The carriage has stopped
Su Chen cast him a glance and said, "It's not in here, it's in the story... Sigh, I can't explain it clearly to you."
The playful nature of children leads to a lack of interest in tedious subjects; history is clearly not as engaging as physical education classes. Some bold children are even secretly grappling with each other below.
Su Chen's heart and mind were greatly shaken