"I'll write a letter right away and have my family deliver it back to the Shi household. To ensure safety, I'll have my father personally meet with Governor Wu!"
Shi Lun was no fool; on the contrary, his thoughts were exceptionally meticulous, and there was a hint of a special brilliance in his eyes.
He said to Zhang Jian.
"Brother Zhang, if this matter is true, it could be our opportunity. If we achieve great merit before the Ministry of Rites examination, we might have a chance to present ourselves before the Emperor's desk, and both you and I could be favored by His Majesty!"
At this moment, Shi Lun's eyes sparkled with brilliance.
Zhang Jian hadn't expected Shi Lun to think of so many things in such a short time.
However, if things were indeed as Shi Lun described, it would undoubtedly be beneficial to their future prospects.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Zhang Jian still advised cautiously.
"Brother Cheng Feng, it's best for us to forget about this matter for now. If rumors leak, not only might we lose this opportunity, but the revenge from those heretic sects would already bring us more 'trouble' than we could handle!"
Upon hearing this, Shi Lun nodded repeatedly.
By now, he had already finished writing the letter. He took a family seal from his sleeve, stamped it on the letter, added a secret message, and instructed a close family member to ensure it was delivered back to Jixian County.
Only then did he take a deep breath and exchanged a glance with Zhang Jian, unease still lingering in his eyes.
Zhang Jian, however, was unconcerned.
If successful, it would be a boon; if not, the Zhang Family would have to prepare for the worst.
...
The next day, after the checkpoint on the canal was opened, many advanced scholars finally boarded the large passenger boat, embarking on the journey to Haojing.
Immortal Crossing gradually faded from view under the watchful eyes of several scholars.
Upon boarding the vessel, a few scholars, filled with interest, stood on the deck, gazing at the shimmering river surface, discussing ancient times and current affairs. In their excitement, some even attempted to compose poems, imitating a certain of the court's dignitaries.
Zhang Jian did not participate in this mutual praising and fame-seeking activity.
It wasn't that he couldn't; he simply wasn't in the mood today.
After boarding, the premonition deep within his Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart lingered, causing him to enter the cabin to make some preparations, in case of unexpected events.
That day, as the premonition from his Seven-Quartet Exquisite Heart intensified, Zhang Jian sensed that something significant was about to happen. He sought out the ship's captain to persuade him to find a place to shelter from the storm and briefly pause the journey.
However, the ship's captain hesitated at Zhang Jian's suggestion.
"Brother Zhang, you know divination and weather prediction?"
In the cabin, many scholars were also shocked to hear Zhang Jian's suggestion.
Shi Lun too looked at Zhang Jian in surprise.
Zhang Jian nodded, saying, "I know a little! If you trust me, let's have the captain find a place where we can shelter from storms. I'm worried that if we delay, unexpected events might occur. Of course, if there's no storm, I'll apologize to you all."
His eyes were earnest.
In reality, he didn't genuinely have the ability to observe and predict the weather using divine calculation.
All these speculations arose from a hint of unease from his Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart.
Causing him unease on the Grand Canal, this was most likely related to the canal itself.
Thus, it was wise to have the captain find a calm area to weather the storm.
Upon hearing this, Shi Lun was the first to speak, "No need, I trust Brother Zhang!"
"If you all trust me, Shi Lun, let's all find a place to shelter from the wind, to avoid unexpected events!"
The other scholars, intrigued by curiosity, agreed to pause the boat temporarily. While some felt the suggestion was abrupt, they were swayed by the good impression Zhang Jian's demeanor left on them, as well as Shi Lun's assurance. Only a few scholars, despite dissenting or even opposing, lacked Zhang Jian's influence among them, and had to reluctantly comply.
"In such good weather, how could there be a storm, truly incomprehensible!"
A few scholars complained.
Zhang Jian's Dragon Robe and Phoenix Attitude Life Plate played its role once again.
In such a small group, he easily gained a voice of authority.
With no other choice, the ship's captain followed Zhang Jian's advice, finding a shallow bay to shelter from the storm.
And Zhang Jian's premonition proved correct by evening.
"What's happening, why is the Grand Canal suddenly having waves?"
By evening, for reasons unknown, the distant Grand Canal unexpectedly began to surge with wind and waves.
Hearing the commotion, many scholars stood on the deck, and upon looking out, their faces turned pale in an instant.
Rumble!!
In an instant, the booming sound of enormous waves rose.
The Grand Canal beneath them surged like a dragon, with terrifying undercurrents suddenly emerging beneath the surface.
Before long, the ominous signs grew increasingly frequent!
Rumble!!
In the distance, the Grand Canal surged with wave upon wave of massive floods, building up as snow-white waves, and the momentum looked increasingly ominous.
Giant waves several feet high began to appear.
Witnessing this scene, many advanced scholars were dumbfounded, their souls trembling with fear.
Everyone hurriedly lay down on the small boats.
The giant waves were truly overwhelming.
"Why is it so terrifying?"
At this moment, the faces of several advanced scholars were ashen, devoid of color. Even Shi Lun was gritting his teeth, clutching the rope tightly. Soon, at the captain's reminder, everyone quickly ran back to the cabin.
Fortunately, this area was in a relatively calm and quiet flow zone. Although affected, the passenger ship could still stabilize.
The captain was also making efforts to adjust the sails and steady the passenger ship.
"Divine Power fluctuations?"
Inside the cabin, Zhang Jian's expression suddenly changed. His keen Divine Thought sensed a surge of vast Divine Power erupting violently and colliding in the depths of the Grand Canal.
"Is some other deity battling the Water Elder in the depths of the Grand Canal?"
Zhang Jian's gaze shifted.
This was not a natural disaster but a man-made calamity!
An unfathomable look flashed in his eyes. He glanced at the two banks of the Grand Canal. Such towering waves; not only would passing passenger ships be in danger, but even the people on the shores would likely be affected.
However, Zhang Jian knew that this change might be an opportunity for him.
An opportunity to pull the wool over his ancestor's eyes.
Every time he completed a major event, it seemed to help boost his own momentum, allowing him to gain something in the ancestral hall.
Since that was the case, Zhang Jian naturally wouldn't let it slip away.
Maybe the opportunity lay beneath the water.
As for the potential dangers, he had given it careful thought!
He still had his safety net at hand.
He still had the two instances of borrowed power granted by True Monarch Zhanmo!
Additionally, he carried the Divine Aspect of his ancestor with him!
After summoning Zhang Lu over and giving him brief instructions, and handing over a talisman, he grasped a Water-Repelling Pearl, found a corner where no one was watching, and plunged into the depths of the Grand Canal.
At this moment, the Water-Repelling Pearl in his hand emitted a faint glow, illuminating the path underwater, and he headed straight for the direction of the Divine Power collision.
This Water-Repelling Pearl was given to him by Bai Liying, an essential item for traveling to the Water Mansion.
...
Meanwhile, downstream of the Grand Canal,
even in the dark night, one could see huge military ships swiftly navigating the river, and after passing through this relatively narrow water surface, they would soon reach within Shanyang County.
In the distant green mountains, figures in black robes were watching the military ships from afar, their expressions cold and fierce.
In the darkness, an invisible voice reached the ears of the leading black-robed Daoist.
"Second Sect Leader, the Holy Mother has already engaged with the Canal Dragon Monarch deep within the canal. The Canal Dragon Monarch can no longer cause trouble!"
"Then let the men prepare themselves; let's send the Southern Governor a 'grand gift'!"
A faint calmness flickered in his eyes.
In front of him was a small table, on which were placed several Command Flags.
As his words fell, waves suddenly stirred in the depths of the canal, causing the huge military ships to start swaying.
"Steady!"
Simultaneously, from above the military ships came loud shouts, and yellow talismans flew out, stabilizing the ships.
Apparently, there were experts on board.
Along the edge of the banks, black-robed armored warriors emerged from the jungle.
Each of these people held bows and arrows wrapped in fiery oil in their hands.
At this moment, the black-robed Daoist took out a Token imbued with the intense charm of the Great Dao, covered with symbols of Thunder. A sinister smile appeared in his eyes.
"Summon the Storm!"
As he performed the technique, a surge of Magical Power entered the Token in his hand, and instantly, numerous dark and violent winds swept across the river's surface.
"Attack!"
As the gale hit, a thousand archers on the shore, already in position, simultaneously drew their bows and shot arrows. In the fierce winds, streaks of fire flew like meteors, swiftly aiming at the military ships.