Zhang Chen’s expression changed upon hearing this. Although he didn’t need these ten books from Mr. Wu, it didn’t mean that they weren’t valuable.
These ten books contained a complete set of cultivation techniques, extremely precious. In the outside world of the Martial World, they would undoubtedly stir up a storm of bloodshed, with countless people losing their lives over them.
However, Zhang Chen did not agree with the Confucian techniques. Confucian cultivation depended entirely on belief. Once that belief collapsed, one’s skill would disperse, just like what happened with Mr. Wu earlier, when Zhang Chen shattered his belief during their debate, causing his cultivation to turn to water in an instant.
"Thank you, sir," Zhang Chen said solemnly as he stood up and bowed respectfully.
Although the books were useless to him, the intention behind them weighed heavily on Zhang Chen, and he had to accept the sentiment.
"No need to be polite. When you helped me break through the Yang God, our fates were already intertwined in some mysterious way. I only hope that you live better and better, for it will benefit both of us," Mr. Wu said. "What I’m saying now might not be clear to you, but one day, when you understand what fate and cause and effect are, you’ll see."
Zhang Chen pondered his words but said nothing in response.
Then it was time to eat. After the meal, Zhong Xiang personally escorted Zhang Chen to the back door. Zhong Xiang stood there, his large, clear eyes looking at Zhang Chen, "Are you really not going to Kyoto? This meeting is quite rare."
With a heavy package on his back, Zhang Chen looked at Zhong Xiang and replied earnestly, "Of course I’m going, but the timing is yet to be decided."
"You have some self-awareness after all. With your reckless nature, if you went to Kyoto, who knows what trouble you might cause? You might not even know how you died then, so please don’t drag my Zhong Family into a place of no return," Zhong Xiang continued sarcastically.
Zhang Chen glanced at Zhong Xiang, and the next moment, he activated the Invisibility Rune. Before Zhong Xiang could react, Zhang Chen was already behind him.
Now that Zhang Chen had mastered the Wind Stabilizing Pill, he walked with no sign of disturbance, save for the faint, inescapable scent of ancient osmanthus, without a single flaw.
He raised his hand and firmly slapped Zhong Xiang on the behind, then quickly retreated, his mocking voice echoing at the doorstep, "Zhong, your rear feels even better than a woman’s."
Zhong Xiang was so enraged that his face turned red. He stood there hating, gritting his teeth, "Zhang Chen, you damned bastard, don’t let me find you again, or I’ll make sure you die. When I return to the Capital City, I’ll find a secret technique to break your invisibility method."
Zhong Xiang ranted angrily as he turned and walked back into the courtyard.
As for Zhang Chen, he made his way out of the city gate, stowed away the Invisibility Rune, and headed toward the deep mountains and old forests. As he reached a secluded place, about to transform into a Vampire Bat and fly away, a shout came from afar, "Zhang Chen, what are you doing running into the mountain?"
Zhang Chen paused upon hearing the shout and turned to see the Observatory Master Liu Feng with a bundle of firewood on his shoulder, peeking his head out from afar.
Seeing Liu Feng dressed as an old farmer, Zhang Chen’s eyelid twitched, and he quickly went over to ask, "Observatory Master, what brings you here?"
The Observatory Master Liu Feng was a great benefactor to him. Back at the Daoist Temple, if it hadn’t been for Liu Feng’s intervention, he would surely have suffered.
"I’m down the mountain this time to oversee the spreading of the Dao. Prince Pingbian’s Mansion has permitted our Yellow Heaven Dao to spread the teachings freely in the Northern Land. Our disciples from Huangli Temple are already going down the mountain to preach." Liu Feng looked dressed as an old farmer, appearing honest and earnest.
Zhang Chen was startled upon hearing this. Hasn’t Prince Pingbian’s Mansion gone mad? How could they allow Yellow Heaven Dao to spread their teachings at will?
Liu Feng seemed to notice the confusion in Zhang Chen’s heart and said with a smile, "Times have changed. I’ve heard that the ancestral masters of Yellow Heaven Dao have accomplished something significant and reached an agreement with Prince Pingbian’s Mansion, hence the permission to spread the teachings. However, despite gaining preaching rights, whether we can win the people’s faith and have them join us depends on our own means."
Zhang Chen replied composedly, "With your skills, Master, gathering followers shouldn’t be too difficult."
"Of course not. With the current drought, spreading the teachings is extremely easy, you just need a bowl of water," Liu Feng said, turning to Zhang Chen.
"You’re lucky to have run into me. Yellow Heaven Dao intends to hold a Luotian Grand Sacrifice for enthroning the Water God, and this grand event is said to be blessed by the Divine Spirit. Our Yellow Heaven Dao will finally make a name for itself in the Northern Land," Liu Feng said to Zhang Chen.
"You’re lucky to have met me. Let’s hurry back; in just three or five days, we can collect enough incense fate to appoint the Water God."
Zhang Chen found it hard to refuse, as he couldn’t come up with a suitable excuse. He could only silently hope that the Fox Fairy Nannan he worshipped wouldn’t cause any trouble.
The master and disciple walked toward the mountains, with Liu Feng glancing sideways at Zhang Chen, "How are you getting along with Commander Xie? Is there any progress in joining the Inspection and Supervision Department? We’ve dealt with Prince Pingbian’s Mansion, and the only obstacle now is the department. If we can embed our people there, it would be wonderful."
Of course, he didn’t say that if they could control Xie Lingyun or drag the entire Northern land’s department down, Yellow Heaven Dao’s rise would be unstoppable.
The burden on Zhang Chen’s shoulders was heavy!
"I’m just a small figure. If Commander Xie gives me a meal and some gold and silver, that’s already good enough. How dare I ask for more? As for my relationship with Commander Xie, for now, I can only say that he values me somewhat, but I’m still waiting for a chance to prove myself," Zhang Chen answered perfectly.
Hearing Zhang Chen’s response, Liu Feng said, "That’s a good start. You shouldn’t rush; take it step by step. We have plenty of time."
Suddenly, Liu Feng paused, "In fact, you have an opportunity to prove yourself this time."
Zhang Chen looked at Liu Feng in surprise, puzzled, "Please enlighten me, Master."
"Huangli Temple is holding the Luotian Grand Sacrifice intending to appoint the Water God of the Miluo River. If successful, the Water God will definitely grant blessings. If you inform Xie Lingyun about this, she might have the hope to further her cultivation if she receives the Water God’s blessings," Liu Feng explained to Zhang Chen.
"Enthroning the Water God?" Zhang Chen thought about the rumors of Yellow Heaven Dao but didn’t know the details. He pretended to be ignorant and asked, "Can humans enthrone Divine Spirits too?"
Liu Feng replied with pride in his voice, "It’s not a problem to tell you. After all, Yellow Heaven Dao has prepared everything, and we’re not afraid of it being known. The Grand Celestial Master of Yellow Heaven Dao once acquired an incomparable mysterious artifact that can gather the Power of Incense to enable the enthronement of Divine Spirits. The twelve Celestial Masters of Yellow Heaven Dao are disciples of the Grand Celestial Master, all appointed as godly figures. As long as there is enough Incense Faith, Yellow Heaven Dao can continually produce Divine Spirits! Moreover, some old patriarchs from prominent families, with their lifespans nearing end, are already coveting the divine position of Yellow Heaven Dao, having secretly aligned with us and been granted divine positions. However, previously, only humans were appointed as Divine Spirits, but this time it’s different. This time, a natural god, born from the essence of nature, is being enthroned, requiring the Luotian Dip."
"In the past, many people have heard of Yellow Heaven Dao’s Divine Enthronement, and many have secretly joined. It’s no secret; otherwise, how could Yellow Heaven Dao have established itself on the noble family’s grounds?" Liu Feng’s voice was filled with pride, "But this time it’s different. This time, it’s the enthronement of a God of Nature, which has significant implications. Once successful, Yellow Heaven Dao will truly flourish."
Zhang Chen’s heart stirred at the mention of enthroning a god, especially a God of Nature. That’s a monumental affair.