Chapter 493 - 309: Duke Xirong! Golden Competition of Painting! Another Chance at the Golden List?! (Part 2)

"Father’s action has already shown that Chu Ming’s enlightenment did not fail..."

The Crown Prince said, shaking his head: "No, if Chu Ming had not failed in his enlightenment, the rewards of Duke and Three Bestowments would be insignificant to him."

"Logically, for someone enlightened on the Golden List, the Imperial Ancestor and King of Border should personally take Chu Ming away, giving him unimaginable protection and resources, not just father’s rewards..."

The Crown Prince analyzed seriously, his eyes suddenly brightening: "I understand now."

"Big brother?" The Fifth Prince and Seventh Prince looked over simultaneously.

"Chu Ming indeed failed in this year’s enlightenment, but... it doesn’t mean he will fail next year."

"Hmm?" The Fifth Prince and Seventh Prince were taken aback, "Big brother means that Chu Ming might get on the Golden List next year?"

"How is that possible?"

"Why not?" Understanding this point, the Crown Prince calmed down, "The Star Golden List is the National Treasure of our Great Qin Dynasty, incredibly profound and beyond imagination."

"Father cannot possibly confer a Duke title and give the Three Bestowments to someone who failed enlightenment."

At this point, the Crown Prince’s eyes became fervent.

If Chu Ming succeeded in topping the Golden List this year, they would almost have no further interaction with him.

But someone not topping it this year, with a high chance of topping it next year, is a different matter.

"Fifth brother, Seventh brother, prepare gifts, as Chu Ming might top the Golden List again next year!"

Golden List toppers in the history of the Qin Dynasty are fewer than five; each of them has grown to the National Guardian Realm.

This Crown Prince had a clear thought, taking the opportunity to interact with Chu Ming and give him benefits while he still could.

"After the Golden Competition ends, Fifth brother, Seventh brother, join me to congratulate him in person."

"..."

...

Qin Capital, Three Elements Mountain, Heavenly Inquiry Tower.

"Tower Master, news from Qin Capital that the Emperor Qin conferred Duke and gave the Three Bestowments to Chu Ming." Steward Wan bowed and reported.

"Hmm, then send the Dark Gold Armor and Longevity Pill."

"Yes."

"..."

...

Qin Capital, Outer City, some place.

"Manager Chang, the Emperor Qin conferred Duke and gave the Three Bestowments to Chu Ming."

"I said, do not call me manager until I make that step."

Chang Baiba said so with his mouth, but his face couldn’t help showing a smile.

"How’s the task I gave you going?"

"Reporting to the manager, I have already established the connections, and there will be someone to present the gift then."

"Got it, you can leave now."

"Yes."

"..."

...

Late at night, heavy snow was falling.

Chu Mansion.

Chu Ming sat at the desk, picked up a brush, and started painting with focused attention.

He finished the painting and put down the brush.

It was a painting of the starry sky, mimicking the Star Golden List.

"Only form, no spirit..."

He shook his head and, with a few strokes, destroyed the piece that could have been considered a masterpiece.

He looked up and gazed forward, his eyes becoming deep.

[Sword Gourd Spirit] spread out, covering both inside and outside the Chu Mansion.

Inside the mansion, the hundred Huang Forbidden Army soldiers brought by Bone Marrow Cleansing Realm expert Tang Guang, led by Cavalry Captain Nie Ting, were stationed inside, arranged by Fang Xiao.

Outside the mansion, there was a strong energy, as strong as the late stage of the Bone Marrow Cleansing Realm, having completed the reshaping of skin, muscles, bones, and internal organs.

If he guessed correctly, it should be the Luoyu Clan elder Luoyu Jin, as mentioned by mentor Ji Wujiang, secretly protecting him.

This person appeared almost simultaneously with his return to the mansion, and the Blood Evil Sect and Shadow Tower lurking outside were gone, presumably cleared by this expert.

Shaking his head slightly, Chu Ming felt a bit helpless.

The two groups were originally kept to gather more information and potentially lure out stronger entities.

"Having a master around for protection is troublesome too..."

Not to mention no one was bringing treasures to him, even his movements became inconvenient.

"Tomorrow is the painting competition, I promised Sister Hoong Ying, can’t break my word."

"Housekeeper Fang will have to endure some inconvenience."

With a gentle wave of his sleeve, a painting appeared in his palm, titled "Xue Qin."

Chu Ming slightly moved his heart thought, and the Qi Rhythm White Light around him split into strands and seeped into "Xue Qin."

"It should last for one day."

This move was about infusing the Qi Rhythm White Light into the painting to disguise his aura.

In this way, if Housekeeper Fang disguises himself as Chu Ming, it should avoid being noticed by outsiders.

...

The next day.

Qin Capital, Outer City, Cyan Fire Blacksmith Shop.

"Sister Hoong Ying, how is it, any insights?" The black-clad Chu Ming arrived early.

Today, Hoong Ying had taken off her usual red robe, wearing simpler clothes, although still red, not as conspicuous.

Seeing Chu Ming, Hoong Ying was delighted, "The artifact refining technique you gave me is profound and mysterious. I feel that in this competition, even if I don’t make it to the top ten, I’ll definitely be in the top twenty!"

"Then congratulations to Sister Hoong Ying in advance." Chu Ming smiled softly.

The artifact refining technique he gave to Hoong Ying, if fully comprehended, could make her not just top ten but also possibly take first place.

But the time was too short, and Hoong Ying’s comprehension was as it was; being confident about making the top twenty was already impressive.

"Did you know that yesterday during the Golden Competition, a young man made it to the Golden List!"

"And he was from Xirong County, can you believe it?" Hoong Ying said.

"Really? What a coincidence." Chu Ming laughed.

"Ah... unfortunately, that young man was unlucky, and his great opportunity was ruined by a traitor."

Hoong Ying sighed, "The young man is called Chu Ming, I’ve heard of him back in Xirong County, known as the greatest talent there in a hundred years, and he seems to be not even seventeen."

"I hope he won’t be discouraged."

"I’ve heard of him too, he will not be discouraged."

"Hmm, I hope so." Hoong Ying lowered her eyes, her tone suddenly somber, "I’ve had many thoughts these days in Qin Capital..."

"Especially after you gave me that precious artifact refining technique, I feel more and more guilty."

"Sister Hoong Ying?"

"I want you to use the name Hoong Jun to defeat Tang Bai’s disciple in the painting competition, as an act of breath."