With the completion of the third form of the Chaotic Star Sword Technique, Zhang Jian knew when to stop.
Although Zhang Jian felt that if he delved deeper, he might be able to refine and innovate the Chaotic Star Sword Technique.
But currently, Zhang Jian's priority is to continue perfecting the Map of Mountains and Rivers, achieving the perfection of Sheji Sovereignty, preparing for the Fifth Tribulation of the Yin Spirit.
Surviving the Fifth Tribulation of the Yin Spirit is the true transcendence of life and death, clearing one's name from the Death Registry, and attaining the Longevity Body.
This is also the most original wish of all cultivators when they start.
Zhang Jian stepped into the courtyard, where the trees were sparse, and Zhang Fu was pruning the overly lush branches with the gardener.
In the Blessed Land, the overly rich Spiritual Mechanism keeps the gardeners busy as they always find the fruit trees and foliage growing rapidly.
At this moment, Zhang Zhao and Zhang Chang'an were playing under the jujube tree, frolicking, and upon hearing Zhang Jian's footsteps, they couldn't help but look over.
"Father!"
Zhang Chang'an was the first to call out and quickly ran over.
Zhang Chang'an was already seven years old this year, a lively girl dressed in a light green jacket and skirt.
Zhang Jian and Qi Yuhua both had excellent features, and the girl's facial features were exceptionally delicate.
Seeing the sweat on her face, Zhang Jian smiled slightly and picked her up, spinning her around once.
The loneliness of divine traveling through the Star River for billions of years seemed to momentarily vanish.
Zhang Zhao also ran over, looking very quiet and reserved, gazing at Zhang Chang'an and Zhang Jian with a bit of envy in his expression.
Seeing him nearby, Zhang Jian gently patted his head; Zhang Zhao was still a bit reserved, as in his memory, his father was always imposing, or busy testing their lessons. Only the nighttime was the most joyful, allowing the siblings to play in the courtyard, have supper, and make various snacks, desserts, and barbecue.
Thinking of this made him miss his elder brother Zhang Yi a bit.
On the other side, Zhang Fu, upon seeing Zhang Jian, brightened his eyes slightly and hurried over.
From Zhang Fu's expression, Zhang Jian knew something must have happened.
Before going into seclusion half a month ago, Zhang Jian had instructed Zhang Fu to pay attention to the various happenings in Haojing City, and it seemed that the city had not been peaceful during his absence.
"Lord, three days ago, the Second Master of the Dingyuan Marquis's Mansion has been found!"
Seeing Zhang Fu's serious demeanor, Zhang Jian's eyes shifted slightly.
"Is he in trouble?"
Zhang Fu nodded and said, "Lord, the Second Master Song has died!"
"He died at the hands of the young master of the Han City Marquis's Mansion. It is said that when he was fleeing, he was discovered by the guards of the Han City Marquis's Mansion. During the capture, Second Master Song resisted and killed several people, so..."
Zhang Fu's expression was solemn.
Hearing this, Zhang Jian frowned. This was a blood feud.
The Marquis Dingyuan's brother died, and regardless of the circumstances, he would not let it go. Otherwise, how could he continue to unite his clan and rally his allies?
Even if they couldn't protect their own, or seek justice, how would others trust him?
Even though both families knew there might be some strange circumstances involved.
Zhang Jian looked over and asked, "Has the Black-clothed Guards found anything?"
Zhang Fu shook his head and said, "Lord, our contacts within the Black-clothed Guards are mostly on the fringes and can't uncover any useful information!"
Zhang Jian nodded.
The Zhang Family also had its own intelligence network, but it only operated on the mortal level. When faced with an extraordinary organization like the Black-clothed Guards, it had little effect.
Zhang Jian didn't mind. Such extraordinary organizations can't be established overnight, unless one uses the Zuo Dao Dao Technique or Demonic Technique; otherwise, it requires long-term development.
But for Zhang Jian, that holds little significance.
Against high-tier cultivators, such intelligence organizations are just numbers.
High-tier cultivators may not be able to act against martial artists with Dragon Qi, but they have little concern about other cultivators.
Zhang Jian inquired about other targets of interest within Haojing City.
Recently, Zhang Jian had sent people close to these targets not to control them but to observe in secret the 'weaknesses' of these military generals, so that if the opportunity arose, they could be effortlessly drawn to his side. This is what Zhang Jian needed to do next.
The time left to him was not much.
Zhang Fu managed a slight smile and said, "Lord, there is actually quite a bit of progress in this matter!"
"Marquis Fei Cheng values profits heavily, and most of the young generals in the court are more focused on their martial progress. However, one of those the Lord asked to pay attention to seems to have encountered some trouble recently..."
"Oh, who is it?"
Zhang Jian's eyes moved slightly.
"The son of the General of the South, Zhao Qingshan..."
Zhang Jian's eyes moved slightly; he was not unfamiliar with Zhao Qingshan.
During the Shanyang County rebellion, Zhao Qingshan participated in its suppression alongside Qi Yi. However, afterward, the son of the General of the South got entangled in a romantic rivalry with a Prince of the Royal Family and was later shunned.
Currently, he's merely a commander within the Imperial Guard, wielding authority over three to five thousand guards. But in a force boasting two hundred thousand Imperial Guards, this power is negligible.
Zhang Jian nodded approvingly.
"You've done well!"
Zhang Fu bowed slightly.
Right after Zhang Jian appeared, Jingming Daoist hurried over.
Seeing behind Jingming Daoist many disciples bearing gifts, Zhang Jian's mouth twitched. Judging by Jingming Daoist's demeanor, it seemed he had encountered another significant trouble.
As expected, Jingming Daoist ordered those disciples to leave the gifts and leave the hall before approaching Zhang Jian.