Chapter Nine: Knock on the Door
plummeting through the air at incredible speed, one hand holding a sword pointed downwards, cleaving through the air and accelerating their descent. It seemed like they were about to collide with the...Boom boom boom! Boom boom boom!
“Open the door! Open the door for me!”
With a bruised face and body bearing several pieces of broken armor, Zhongli Yan roared loudly outside the imperial city, pounding on the gate with all his might.
The Imperial City Guard Commander, Xiang Zhaohui, was on duty tonight. Dressed in armor and wielding his sword, he stood on the city gate tower, feeling a headache coming on. "Zhongli, my younger brother," he said, "What on earth are you doing breaking into the Imperial City in the middle of the night"
Zhongli Yan pounded several times before finally retreating from the city gate. He looked up at the general above: "You surname Xiang! Inform the emperor, that Zhongli Yan, the number one arrogant of Chu, requests an audience!"
Toward Zhao Huai, he did not refute his self-proclaimed title, sparing him resentment. He simply said, "The sky is getting dark, and Your Majesty's mind is weary. It would be inappropriate to disturb you. If Gongzi Zhongli has something to say, please come back tomorrow morning."
“I can’t wait until tomorrow!” Zhong Liyan waved his hand grandly: “This is a huge matter! I must see the Emperor! I must ask him to uphold justice!”
Toward Zhao Huai smiled wryly: "Younger brother, you're joking - who wouldn't give you justice"
“You don't want to give it to me now!” Zhongli Yan pointed at him: “I'll count to three, and if you don't let me connect, I'll go knock on the Drum of Ten Thousands Sounds—I’ll beat the drum to seek justice!”
This kid doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk.
Toward Zhaohui jumped directly from the city wall, warmly grabbing Zhong Liyan's arm: "Younger brother, younger brother! What are you in such a hurry for"
Glancing at Zhong Liyan's appearance, she whispered, "What happened to your injuries Let me ask the imperial physician to take a look first. It wouldn't be dignified to meet the emperor like this.
"Don't even think about it!" Zhongli Yan broke free from him, "These are all pieces of evidence! I'm going to show the Emperor how Dou Zhao disrespects the law and openly attacks my position, trying to steal my place!"
Xiang Zhaohui earnestly wanted to calm things down, but then he felt something was off: "That's not right. You and Dou Zhao have been fighting since you were kids, and I've never seen you complain about him. When has your brother Zhongli ever complained"
“You mustn’t confuse such a serious matter with an ordinary brawl!” Zhongli Yan roared angrily: “The Emperor has granted the members of the Tai Xu Pavilion, and now Dou Zhao is refusing to give it up! There’s no way to resolve this, I will never back down!”
In the past, it was pointless to file a complaint. Though Zhongli from the renowned Xian Gu clan held a high position, the Wei Guo Gongfu was an even more powerful aristocratic family. No matter what kind of accusations were made, they couldn't be defeated in court.
This could be useful for filing a complaint.
Leaving home with a national decree in hand, returning home bruised and battered, whose face is injured How can one not publicly denounce this!
Is there anything else you want to say to Zhao Huai
Zhong Liyan angrily pointed at him and scolded: "If you stop me again, I'll sue you too! You dare to protect that young troublemaker!"
Toward Zhao Huai, I felt a deep sense of helplessness.
But at this moment, I heard an order and could only smile bitterly as I told someone to open the door: "Fine, fine, you can come in. I'll pass on your message—Zhongli, old brother, I might have to take responsibility tonight."
“Rest assured, no one will blame you.” Zhongli Yan immediately changed his expression to a smile and patted his shoulder in comfort. “Everyone knows that I, Zhongli Yan, am a reasonable person. You listened to reason when you approached the General and refused to collude with your family. That’s why he let me into the Imperial City. If it had been those people from the Dou family… hmph!”
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Xiang Zhaohuai had already regretted speaking to him. He randomly pointed down a path and hurried back to his post.
Yet, it is said that Zhongli Yan entered the imperial city without restraint. Under the guidance of a small eunuch, he walked through corridors and halls, quickly arriving at the Shehuti Palace where Emperor Chu was resting.
"Your Majesty!" he shouted, rushing into the room. "You must take care of this! In broad daylight, under the clear sky, that scoundrel Dou ripped up the imperial decree! He has no regard for the court, nor for the grand state of Chu - hey"
In the empty Palace of Shooting Tigers, Gu Chi stood alone, thin as a clothes rack. He awkwardly rubbed his nose: "Your Majesty hasn't arrived yet. Why don't you rest for a while and call again"
Zhong Liyan let out a cold 'hum' and crossed his arms, refusing to speak. He, Zhongli Big Brother, looked down on associating with these demons and goblins.
Not long after, the warmth inside the hall suddenly surged, like a warm spring. The majestic figure of the Chu king appeared before the jade brazier. He was only wearing his usual attire and casually picked up a pair of tweezers to adjust the incense pieces without turning back: "Zhongli boy has been clamoring all night long, what is it about"
“Your Majesty!” Zhongli Yan immediately entered his role, dragging out the last syllable and howling, "I am here on my orders to enter the cabinet, representing the Chu Kingdom in the Tai Xu affairs. Dou Zhao refused to listen to reason, clinging to his position and launching a surprise attack on me. I was caught off guard for a moment, and thinking we were both from Chu, I held back—and as a result, I was severely injured!”
He rose and spoke in a dramatic voice: “This is not an attack on me, but an attack on Your Majesty’s face! I beg you, banish Dou Zhao! Exile him to the Demon Realm! Let him guard the gate!”
The Chu emperor stroked his forehead, momentarily silent.
Zhongli Yan insisted on meddling in everything, now feeling righteous and determined not to back down. "Your Majesty! I have always followed your orders and dedicated myself to the country. I specially resigned from my post as General of the Qianniu Guard, publicly declared my withdrawal from the Chu clan, and devoted myself wholeheartedly to participating in the Tai Xu affairs - Now Dou Zhao is refusing to give up his position, leaving me stranded with nowhere to go, like an orphaned child. How could you bear to see me like this"
Gu Chi listened with gritted teeth.
Chu State's political reforms were underway with great fervor. With the first submission of troops from the Duke of Huai, the other aristocratic families also expressed their support… Overall, things went smoothly. Left, Dou, Wu, and Qu, all from the Xiong royal family, could be said that there was no peace in Chu land without them.
But there are also times when things don't go smoothly.
Taking away the interests of the aristocratic families was a painful and deeply wounding experience, even for someone as dignified as the Marquis of Huai. Within the Left clan, he could only suppress dissent, not make everyone willingly accept it. Look at how often Lord Left has been speaking out recently, how his younger son repeatedly visits the ancestral temple, offering sacrifices to their ancestors... Yet on top of Luoshan Mountain, how many more heads have been hung!
Duke Yu was a gentle man who treated his relatives with kindness and leniency. The Qu family, however, especially Qu Shuncai, took advantage of this and acted arrogantly. These days, Qu Shuncai has been going from house to house with a knife, trying to reason with them.
The Dou clan had a defiant and unruly Dou Zhao, who tyrannized both internally and externally. It wasn't too bad.
With the death of the heir, no other successor emerged to command respect. Furthermore, with the current turbulent situation, internal affairs were thrown into further disarray.
Even noble families, renowned throughout the land, were steeped in such intrigue. As for those beneath them, it was even more so. The currents of power surged and ebbed, hidden from the common eye.
The Chu state was a large family, and major families were each like small Chus.
Now that the top brass of Chu has reached a general consensus, there are disagreements among the middle and high ranks under the table, while the lower ranks only know to cheer for Huang Wei's return.
For example, right now, Zhongli Yan isn't saying anything, is he
The Xianghu Zhongli family was a renowned family, second only to the powerful Xiangguo clan. During this political reform, they were among the families who suffered the most losses.
Who says this kid is reckless and clueless
The scramble for cabinet positions among the officials is indeed true, and it’s also true that some couldn’t secure them. To have a definite position in the new system after its implementation is absolutely crucial!
It was probably Zhongli Zhaijia's idea, right
“You lazy bum.” Chu Tianzi turned around and scolded with a smile, “Your father is doing well over there, able to eat, drink, and have fun. Why do you keep saying you’re an orphan”
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Gu Chi's eyelids drooped slightly. "Torture" wasn't exactly a glowing endorsement for someone in Zhong Li Zhaojia's position.
“Filial piety and loyalty are hard to balance throughout history!” Zhōnglí Yán shouted. “For the sake of national affairs, I have severed ties with Xiǎn Gǔ and broken off relations with my father, Zhōnglí Zhàojiǎ! Although I am reluctant to be a member of the Tàixūgé, I will do my best!”
"Alright, alright." Emperor Chu waved his hand. "Dou Zhao is also a stubborn person, like two ox horns clashing. I wouldn't want to be the one to force them apart. It's good that he's back. As for the Tai Xu Pavilion position, you can forget about it — don't rush, don't clamor. Go back to Qian Niu Wei, and you can still be a general. I'll raise your salary by three ranks, increase your troop quota by one thousand, and give you access to choose three scrolls of royal secret arts to help you turn the tables next time. What do you think"
“Your Majesty, who is Zhongli Yan” Zhongli Yan said with indignation that betrayed a lack of trust: “I am not here to seek an official position! Nor riches!”
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Then the Son of Heaven laughed and said, "You just went through the motions for me, and I gave you these things. Are you not satisfied Even if it was Jiang Wang, the acknowledged number one genius, the appearance fee would probably be less than this."
Zhong Liyan looked up and said, "It's a pity that the people of the world are short-sighted and cannot distinguish between stones and jade. Your Majesty has also underestimated me!"
The Chu emperor looked at him: “Then tell me, what do you seek”
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“Your Majesty, I request to take the imperial examination!” Zhongliyan declared loudly. “The national education and governance are beneficial for a thousand autumns. We, as descendants of noble families, offer our sons to serve the country; how could we not support this I want to lead the way and participate in the examination, relying on my own abilities to prove myself worthy, earning fame through sheer skill. All I ask is that the court treat everyone fairly, without preferential treatment or suppression for me.”
The Chu emperor, looking at this bruised and battered fellow in a sorry state, was rather impressed: "You certainly don't share your father's views."
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“He's old! As people age, it’s inevitable they become attached to the past. Those old interests and ties, he has to consider them, and can't let go.” Zhongli Yan waved his hand grandly, looking very proud: “I’m different. From a young age, I’ve disowned all six relations and possess all five poisons. The Emperor simply removed him, stripped him of his armor. I came to be the leader of the Zhongli clan. I will exile those old things completely, vigorously promote young talents, and surely make great contributions!”
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Gu Chi remained silent throughout, but in his heart he was already silently adjusting his attitude towards Zhong Liyan... Indeed, one couldn't simply view him as a reckless man. This young master from the Zhongli family is destined to hold an important position in the new policy!
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"What nonsense!" Prince Chu raised his finger and shouted, "You are being disrespectful to your father, the great general of my Chu State!"
"Loyalty and filial piety have always been difficult to balance!" Zhongli Yan said openly, "Your Majesty, I'm on your side, you can't go against me."
The Chu emperor remained silent, glanced at him with his eyes, and said: "The official examination is for all, regardless of status. The gate faces the heavens, welcoming all Chumen. If you want to take the exam, go ahead—if anyone treats you unfairly, come back and strike the drum of public grievances."
Zhong Li Yan respectfully said, "Thus, this minister has only one small request."
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The Chu emperor chuckled and said, "Tell me."
>
“Then the Royal Secret Art would not be chosen by me.” Zhongli Yan said, “You choose for me.”
“This is quite simple,” Chu Tianzi smiled. “What do you require”
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"As you say, there's nothing much to ask for..." Zhongli Yan grinned. "Being able to suppress Dou Zhao is enough!"
"Suppressing the Fighting Buddha's Golden Body and suppressing the Other Shore Golden Bridge are all feasible methods." The idle Jiang, using a Taoist platform to deduce Daoist techniques, happened to use the Tai Xu Jade pendant to discuss some cultivation issues with other real people.
This letter was sent in reply to Qin Zhizhen.
Qin Zhizhen was indeed very interested and replied faster than ever before - "What method"
Jiang Wang replied, "Go to the Duke's mansion of Chu and Wei to find someone named 'Doumian'."
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Upon receiving the letter, Grandmaster Jiang withdrew his focus. With a single point of his finger, he stopped the erupting magma that was about to burst forth nine hundred zhang below the earth. Seventy li away, the demonic mist that was spreading was instantly dissipated by a spark of light.
He followed at the tail end of the line, under Captain An'an's leadership they climbed over two mountain ridges.
Qin Zhizhen's letter flew over again—
Then what
"What then" Jiang Wang asked.
>
This time Qin Zhizhen didn't reply for a long time.
Probably hasn't organized the words to insult me yet.
Jiang Wang had no intention of reading the letter again, he threw himself wholeheartedly into this expedition.
Because he spotted a trace of enduring tenacity on the mountain peak not far ahead. It was a sapling pushing out from a crack in the rocks, its tenacious vitality clearly demonstrated by the distinct fissures in the stone.
The spiritual traces on the sapling come from Dao Cang, an old Daoist who died in battle at Tianjing City.
Though he has passed away, his true spirit remains.
This sapling has no meaning here.
The only meaning was to tell the one who could never come back, his master, that he had been here, that he had searched, and that he would always wait.
The ancient Devil's Cave where Zhao Xuanyang captured and hid back then, is right here.
>
Jiang An'an chose this place as her expedition destination
Jiang Wang's heart skipped a beat, she leaped forward, intercepting the swiftly flying gray thing. She raised her hand to ask the captain for permission, indicating she had a question.
“Go.” Jiang An’an, entering captain mode, had a cool and composed style.
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She didn't know that this place had once been a place where her brother almost met his end. Jiang Wang never told her about the dangers he faced. All the dangerous deeds that could not be concealed, spread by people, and finally reached her ears, were described by Jiang Wang as an adventure game.
That's why Jiang Anan is so keen on exploring now.
She's just like when she was a child, imitating and learning.
She drew near to the person she adored most, in this way.
Of course, her expression was serious, and her eyes were alert. The grown-up Jiang Xiaxia took this great adventure very seriously.
Jiang Wangdao: "I would like to ask the captain, how far is our final destination for this expedition from here"
Jiang An'an lowered her head and looked at the map for a while: "There are still three mountain passes to cross."
Jiang Wang let out a sigh of relief.
Having gone through all sorts of situations, he no longer believed in coincidence. Those with hearts and minds were very good at using subtle coincidences to trigger monumental changes.
He dared to face any situation himself, but he didn't dare to take risks with Jiang An'an and Ye Qingyu.
"Any more questions, team member" Jiang An'an asked.
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Jiang Wang smiled faintly and unconsciously returned to the end of the line.
Of course, the Wu'en Mountain Range is terrifyingly ominous in legend. All sorts of horrifying tales have made this mountain range a name that can stop even a child from crying at night.
But compared to desolate lands like the Land of Woe and the Fallen Immortals' Forest, anyplace in the current world could only be described as pleasant.
This is especially true for Jiang Wang.
As long as one avoids the ancient Demon Cave where he and Zhao Xuanying once resided, does not touch upon the vestiges of the Seven Hates Demon Lord's existence, and does not meet face to face with that Seven Hates Demon Lord... this Wu Entan Mountain Range would pose no danger whatsoever.
A gigantic ferocious dog, with flames swirling around it and smoke billowing from its nostrils, flew across the sky majestically.
Three figures, each more graceful than the last, flew after the vicious dog.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Captain Jiang An'an, a fearsome figure with menacing fangs emerged from the ranks. He swaggered past the sapling growing in the crevice and flew towards the ancient stone cave that had once witnessed life and death.
>
At the end of the year 3928 Daoli, Master Jiang appeared in his demonic ape form and knocked on the door of the past.
(End of the chapter) power of the Starry Light Tower was rapidly burned by the might of the Divine Flame.The intangible, tangible barrier instantly dissipated.Wu Yiyu felt a tremendous fear.Here is the text translated in...