Facing Zhang Jian’s slightly surprised gaze, Bai Liying smiled at this moment.
"Brother Dao seems not to fully understand some of the mysteries of our Sheji Divine Dao. After receiving a Divine Position, every deity must make a solemn oath to the Sheji Divine Dao to uphold the Sheji Divine Law and not act recklessly. Those who violate it will surely face divine punishment!"
"The requirements Brother Dao mentioned are merely the most basic elements of the Sheji Divine Law! They are not considered to be difficult!"
Bai Liying lightly smiled and sincerely said, "Of course, Brother Dao can propose other conditions!"
Bai Liying did not choose to conceal the truth, but rather addressed it directly.
This was not only because she indeed admired Zhang Jian’s character but also to show goodwill.
Such a ’kindhearted and humane’ cultivator can be regarded as a fellow traveler, and there’s no need to complete everything in a single deal.
So, it’s better to be a little more generous.
"That won’t be necessary!"
Zhang Jian was somewhat amazed as well, realizing that the Sheji Divine Law was stricter than he had imagined.
He was just puzzled why, if that was the case, Prince Mian had once imprisoned the Bai Shui Dragon Monarch back in the day.
Soon he recalled the rumors of Prince Mian painstakingly refining elixirs on Phoenix Tail Mountain in his later years, and the Dragon Pearl in his hand.
Suddenly, Zhang Jian formed a hypothesis in his mind.
Zhang Jian put down the Talisman Scripture in his hand and said, "Very well, as long as the Dragon Monarch is willing to sincerely make an oath, ensuring favorable weather along both banks of Bai Shui for a hundred years, and does not act maliciously towards me and the Zhang Family, I will naturally return the Supreme Treasure of the Bai Shui Dragon Palace!"
Bai Liying couldn’t help but ask, "Then, Brother Dao, when will you accompany me to the Water Mansion to meet my father?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian was speechless and shook his head, "That Water Mansion is the territory of nobility, and a gentleman does not stand beneath a crumbling wall. If the Dragon Monarch desires the Dragon Pearl, he must come in person!"
Of course, Zhang Jian would not foolishly venture deep into the Water Mansion; he is not skilled in underwater maneuvers, and going deep into Bai Shui would only make him vulnerable.
"This..."
Bai Liying furrowed her brows; the Bai Shui Dragon Monarch currently needs the Dragon Pearl to break free from shackles and cannot appear too easily.
However, Bai Liying could understand Zhang Jian’s concerns.
"I will report this matter to my father; he will decide!"
Zhang Jian nodded and suddenly smiled, "In that case, let me offer the princess a piece of advice: beware of the two Well Dragon Kings in the depths of the water!"
"Well Dragon Kings?"
Bai Liying’s jade face changed slightly, and she looked at Zhang Jian with astonished eyes, then nodded in agreement.
"Thank you, Brother Dao, I will inform my father about this matter!"
Bai Liying understood the seriousness of the situation.
She immediately leaped into the Bai Shui Water Pool.
...
At this time, on the outskirts of Fengyang County, a major event affecting the entire situation of Fengyang County was unfolding.
In the territory of Shanyang County, at Linfeng Gorge
At this time, a narrow waterway was shrouded in white mist blocking the sun and moon. On the shore, Qing Yu Daoist, holding the Command Flag, enveloped the surrounding mountain tops with a flag array, and the ground below was covered with countless runes. As he chanted spells expressionlessly, rolling mist was swept across the river surface by the wind blowing through the valley.
In the reeds at the foot of the mountain, boats carrying teams of martial artists suddenly rushed towards the center of the river, and soon the sound of battle cries erupted.
Shortly after, explosions and the illumination of flames broke the tranquility within the white mist.
Witnessing this scene, another figure beside Qing Yu Daoist couldn’t help but express his admiration.
"Clouds and Mist, Extraterritorial Techniques are indeed vast and profound, impossible to defend against!"
He was quite tall, holding a sword, clad in blue, exuding a terrifying aura of restrained vigor and energy.
Qing Yu Daoist shook his head in response, "In terms of slaughter skills, we folks from beyond this realm are still not as adept as generals like yourself!"
"There are quite a few formidable characters on those boats; General Chao, I must trouble you to take a trip!"
The figure laughed heartily upon hearing this.
"No problem!"
As he finished speaking, his figure shot out like an arrow, piercing into the white mist over the river. His entire body radiated a righteous and vigorous aura that soared into the sky. Within just a few seconds, he crossed a hundred zhang across the river and landed directly on the official ship.
Seeing this, Qing Yu Daoist couldn’t help but nod in appreciation.
This Grandmaster Stage martial artist indeed possessed the power to sweep through armies.
...
Zhang Jian was still meditating in seclusion until a piece of news compelled him to rush back to the Qi Mansion.
Qi Mansion, Main Hall
Qi Yi and Qi Yuan Si wore solemn expressions, an unusual gravity etched on their faces.
Beside them, Daoist Tianxu sat casually, holding a duster, seemingly indifferent.
As Zhang Jian walked in, everyone’s eyes turned towards him.
"How is the Gu Family?"
As he stepped in, Zhang Jian immediately asked.
Zhang Jian previously received the news brought by the Qi Family.
The Gu Family’s fleet was attacked, losing a significant amount of cargo and skilled personnel. Even a heterodox sorcerer hired by the Gu Family, accompanying the ship, was lost.
Ji Ming is dead!
The heterodox sorcerer who fought Zhang Jian in Fengxi County.
Qi Yuan Si spoke with a heavy tone:
"Aside from part of the goods destined for Haojing, including grains, which might just mean a loss of finances, there was also a shipment of tributes, and losing them is a disaster!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian was acutely aware of the serious implications. Every year, the Court’s Ministry of Revenue issues a list of required tributes to each commandery, including all sorts of peculiar tributes—some are procured, while others are voluntarily supplied by the regions.
Fengyang County produces some unique delicacies, like tangerine red, imperial field rouge rice, Jian lotus, imperial tea, etc. These items cannot be gathered just by wanting to; they are usually collected at fixed times and quantities.
Every major family in the Commandery City has the obligation to assist in fulfilling this task, and the responsible party is the Gu Family. Thanks to this, the Gu Family has established connections with certain officials from the Court’s Ministry of Revenue.
Now that the tribute ship has been robbed, disaster looms.
Qi Yi snorted coldly, "This strike really hit a vital point. No wonder that Commandery Princess has been holding back; who would have thought she would be this audacious, daring to target the tribute ship. It’s truly bold beyond belief!"
As he spoke, a hint of fierce light flashed in Qi Yi’s eyes.
Zhang Jian’s gaze shifted slightly, "Where was the ship robbed? Did it leave the Fengyang County territory?"
Listening to Zhang Jian’s words, Qi Yuan Si vaguely understood his meaning and shook his head, "It already passed Linfeng Gorge; that’s Shanyang County territory!"
"Leaving no trace!"
Zhang Jian nodded.
Qi Yi stroked his beard, "We are indeed powerless in the vastness of Bai Shui!"
Qi Yi and Qi Yuan Si both looked grim.
Now, with the three-family alliance, if the Gu Family falls, the pressure on the remaining Qi and Yu families will increase significantly.
It can be imagined that if they cannot complete the task, the imminent disaster of the Gu Family being seized is right before their eyes.
During this process, the Qi and Yu families can only try to assist in recollecting tributes to see if they can gather enough.
Qi Yuan Si looked towards everyone, "It’s a pity we can’t find any evidence. Elder Tianxu, Ah Yu, do you have any way to gather proof of the Commandery Governor’s misconduct? Maybe, the Commandery Governor’s Mansion might end up losing more than they gain!"
Tianxu Daoist chuckled.
"That Bai Shui River—you think it’s just any place—with its flowing waters, all traces are easily concealed!"
Qi Yi and Qi Yuan Si nodded immediately upon hearing this, though a hint of disappointment remained in their eyes.
Zhang Jian’s eyes, however, suddenly brightened.
Bai Shui is within the domain of the Bai Shui Dragon Monarch’s Divine Office. If Bai Shui Dragon Palace is willing to help, it might not be impossible to find some hints and traces.
His thoughts fluctuated, preparing to inquire with the Dragon Maiden when he returned to see if any methods could be devised.
...
After nightfall, Zhang Jian once again saw the Dragon Maiden.
Accompanying the Dragon Maiden was an unusual figure.
His entire being was intangible, yet emitted a solid, clear brilliance, marked by divine dignity and a sense of profundity.
"Yin Spirit?"