To the major powers, poor people are like pigs; how could they possibly be willing to spend a lot of money on medicinal herbs?
"Not doing people any favors!" Zhang Chen complained irritably. These people spread their beliefs, but besides giving a bit of food, they do nothing, maximizing every ounce of value.
Putting down his teacup, Zhang Chen descended the stairs and walked toward Prince Pingbian’s Mansion.
As he walked, he gradually calmed down and contemplated the causes and effects. Countless clues flashed like threads in his mind, weaving a pattern.
"The Zhang Family in Shangjing, the Eight Great Clans, Prince Pingbian’s Mansion... it’s truly a grand chess game." Zhang Chen muttered to himself.
Zhang Chen increasingly felt the various entanglements were extraordinarily complex.
Arriving at Prince Pingbian’s Mansion, he was stopped by a guard: "This is a royal precinct; unauthorized individuals must not linger."
"I am Zhang Chen from the Yellow Heaven Dao, here to see Mr. Wuliu," Zhang Chen stated.
The guard assessed Zhang Chen, then said, "Mr. Wuliu has already instructed me. Follow me."
Zhang Chen followed the guard into Prince Pingbian’s Mansion. This wasn’t his first time entering; everywhere was battered and charred from fire, with countless craftsmen, like bees, busily repairing the mansion’s palaces.
Looking at the burned and decrepit halls, Zhang Chen was well aware that he had contributed to this state.
Along the way into a room, he saw Mr. Wuliu reading scriptures.
"Sir, Zhang Chen is here," the guard announced from outside.
Upon hearing this, Mr. Wuliu put down his scroll and looked at Zhang Chen standing outside. After a brief stare-off, Mr. Wuliu felt astonished at Zhang Chen’s fearless expression: "Young man, aren’t you afraid?"
"Why would I be?" Zhang Chen retorted.
"This is Prince Pingbian’s Mansion. With one command, thousands of armored warriors would swarm in and tear you to pieces. Even if you had immense skills, you’d be buried here," Mr. Wuliu spoke coldly, ready to act at any moment.
"Hehe, if the prince wanted to kill me, he could just send an order to the Daoist Temple. People would naturally take my life for him, without the need to send me down the mountain to kill me. It’s utterly redundant," Zhang Chen stepped inside casually, sat across from Mr. Wuliu, and poured himself a cup of tea, showing no fear.
If Zhang Chen hadn’t overheard this man’s scheming with Prince Pingbian earlier, he might have fallen for their bluff.
Mr. Wuliu, astonished at Zhang Chen’s nonchalance, was impressed despite himself: "Indeed, a dragon begets a dragon and a phoenix a phoenix. You really resemble your father; even rising from nothing, you carry an air of grandeur."
"When will you return my flying sword? Once you return the flying sword, our karma will be settled," Mr. Wuliu questioned Zhang Chen, his tone now much gentler: "Since you’ve joined Huangli Temple, you’re serving under the prince’s banner. We’re allies in the same camp; I won’t continue to entangle with you. Just hand over the flying sword, and all grievances will be wiped clean. From now on, we’ll be friends."
He feared Zhang Chen would die at Prince Pingbian’s ancestral tomb, and then his flying sword would be lost forever. Knowing Zhang Chen was practicing at Huangli Temple, he’d sent people to search Zhang Chen’s residence but couldn’t find the flying sword’s trace. Thus, he suspected Zhang Chen had subdued it and hidden it away.
"No way!" Zhang Chen wasn’t appeased: "Don’t claim to be righteous. If you have the skill, go ahead and target me! I’m only afraid you don’t have the guts to kill me!"
Mr. Wuliu’s body trembled with anger, his face twitching. Despite his composure, Zhang Chen’s ’go ahead and kill me’ demeanor almost made him vomit blood in frustration.
"You really think I don’t dare?" Mr. Wuliu glared at Zhang Chen.
Zhang Chen leaned his neck forward: "Go ahead! My neck is right here; if you have the skill, cut it."
Mr. Wuliu closed his eyes, took a deep breath, but truly dared not act against Zhang Chen, not even scold him, fearing Zhang Chen would quit.
"Young Prince has already learned you’re practicing at the Daoist Temple. However, he has now restored his appearance and feels you’re talented. He’s conveyed a message; as long as you serve the mansion well, this matter can be settled. It’s a landmark occasion that sets an example for gathering more talent," Mr. Wuliu said to Zhang Chen: "This time, your task is to visit the new Daoist Temple to pray for blessings on Prince Pingbian’s ancestors, while spreading faith and collecting incense."
Zhang Chen quietly sipped his tea, listening to Mr. Wuliu ramble nonsense.
"Now come with me, prepare to serve at the Daoist Temple. Currently, you’re the only steward there, lonely and quiet, but it benefits from tranquility. This is the mansion’s test for you; don’t succumb to loneliness and sneak off," Mr. Wuliu continually brainwashed Zhang Chen, promising: "Young Prince values your skills. Study the scriptures here for a while; later, the mansion has significant plans for you, where you can achieve renown and nobility easily."
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