Chapter 877: Chapter 877: No Good End
Although Xiu Jie Ming’s reputation does not match those geniuses from the great families, all major families know of his existence and recognize his remarkable talent.
Since joining the Great Cave Heaven, Xiu Jie Ming has always been cultivating in the Qin Family’s Great Cave Heaven. The Xiu Family has gradually distanced itself from the Ancestral Court and Qi Tianxin, growing closer to the Qin Family instead.
This time, Xiu Jie Ming’s candidacy is certainly a decision of the Xiu Family, but it’s hard to say that there isn’t a trace of the Qin Family behind it.
On the surface, it appears to be a Chief Judge election, but in truth, it might be a contest among the Ten Great Families behind the scenes.
This matter not only affects Chen Guan; it will also have significant implications for the future situation and direction of the Divine Land.
Under the drizzling rain, Chen Guan held an umbrella, walked past the rain-soaked stone path, and entered a stone pavilion built over a small river.
A beautiful woman with a graceful and tall figure was already standing in the pavilion, looking at the countless bubbles stirred by the raindrops on the small river.
"Lord Chen, long time no see." The woman turned around, her smile extraordinarily bright, as if the sky cleared up within her smile.
"How should I address you? Should I start calling you dear Judge Sister from now on?" Chen Guan said with a smile.
Xiu Yingmei let out a chuckle: "If you wish to call me that, I am more than happy to accept it, but whether it can become reality depends on whether you’re willing to lend me a helping hand."
"Helping you or the Xiu Family?" Chen Guan asked.
"Is there a difference?" Xiu Yingmei asked.
"Of course there’s a difference. Helping you is a personal favor, helping the Xiu Family is a favor to the family." Chen Guan replied.
Xiu Yingmei understood what Chen Guan meant, implying that he has no ties with the Xiu Family, thus there is no personal favor involved.
"What if it’s helping my brother, Xiu Jie Ming?" Xiu Yingmei asked seriously, reining in her laughter.
"Seeing that it’s for your sake, naturally, I will help." Chen Guan then closed his umbrella, shook off the rainwater, placed it aside, and sat down on a bench in the pavilion, asking Xiu Yingmei, "What does Xiu Jie Ming want me to do?"
"My elder brother has already gained the support of the Qin, Chu, Zhang, and Xia families, but to be elected, he needs more than half of the elder seats, specifically the votes of the Celestial King. He said you have a good relationship with the Jiang Family and hopes you can persuade them to support him." Xiu Yingmei stated.
"I’m afraid I don’t have that much influence; I can only try my best. Even if I can sway the Jiang Family, it will still be half the support; there’s one more seat needed." Chen Guan said.
Xiu Yingmei said, "My brother said that as long as you go to the Jiang Family as a persuader, this matter is bound to succeed. As for the remaining seat, he plans to negotiate with the Dushan Sect."
"No hope from the other families?" Chen Guan was somewhat surprised, not expecting Xiu Jie Ming to target the King of Du.
"The Feng Family has always supported Chief Judge Qi; the Feng Celestial King’s most beloved daughter is Chief Judge Qi’s wife, so this family cannot be swayed."
"The Ji Family is careful not to offend anyone; they are most likely to abstain from voting."
"The Gong Family thrives in chaos; only in chaos can they fish for benefits. Without chaos, they would never reclaim the resources they lost. Having Chief Judge Qi remain in his position is most in line with the interests of Celestial Void Palace."
"As for the Shang Family, they are businessmen; chaos is better for profit. They wouldn’t want the Xiu Family to take the Chief Judge position and return the Divine Land to its rightful state."
Xiu Yingmei sighed and said, "Our options are limited, and efforts are being made on all fronts—it seems we might have some chance with the Dushan Sect. But it’s merely possible; the King’s mindset is unpredictable, and whether he can be persuaded remains uncertain."
Looking into Chen Guan’s eyes, Xiu Yingmei continued, "Luckily, we have you. If you can persuade the Jiang Family to support my brother, the Ji Family might very well abstain, and even if we fail with the Dushan Sect, we can still win. The key lies with you."
"I can only attempt it. Such a matter isn’t child’s play, nor a family game. Despite having some rapport with several young people in the Jiang Family, convincing them to support Xiu Jie Ming is still uncertain. You shouldn’t place all your hopes on me." Chen Guan replied.
"My elder brother said, just do your best. Even if you fail, it’s fine; he has his plans. However, he also said that as long as you attempt it, the Jiang Family will most likely agree." Xiu Yingmei said.
"He seems to have more confidence in me than myself." Chen Guan smiled and said, "If I succeed, what benefit is there for me from Xiu Jie Ming?"
"Weren’t you just saying that helping me is a favor, and now you want benefits?" Xiu Yingmei gave him a sideways glance but immediately continued, "You and Chief Judge Qi are mortal enemies; bringing Chief Judge Qi down is the greatest benefit for you, isn’t it?"
"That’s true." Chen Guan said calmly.
Xiu Yingmei burst into laughter, unable to stop.
"What are you laughing at?" Chen Guan asked.
"My brother was right; without benefits, you can’t be moved." Xiu Yingmei ceased her laughter and said, "If you succeed, I will marry you and make you Judge Brother-in-law; does that count as a benefit?"
Chen Guan blinked slightly, then chuckled bitterly, "I’ve been fooled once, once is enough—you think I’d fall into the same pit twice?"
"Even if you wanted to fall, there’s no chance. I don’t agree either." Xiu Yingmei pouted and said, "My brother said, if he can ascend to the position, he can let you reorganize the Celestial Court Army, which would operate independently of the Ancestral Court system, under your full management without interference from anyone, including himself, and the army will be entirely under your command."
"Like making me Ji Nanhong number two?" Chen Guan laughed.
"No, you are Chen Guan, not anyone else; that’s my brother’s original statement." Xiu Yingmei said seriously.
"Alright, then let’s wish for a pleasant cooperation." Chen Guan was very satisfied with this promise.
Rebuilding the Celestial Court Army should be something Ji Nanhong was keen on doing; Chen Guan also needs a legitimate force to act with authority.
"Pleasant cooperation." Xiu Yingmei extended her hand toward Chen Guan.
Chen Guan hesitated for a moment before extending his hand to shake hers.
The drizzle outside the pavilion had stopped without them knowing. The sun peeked through the clouds, its rays reflecting on the misty river, forming a rainbow.
The rainbow happened to be behind Xiu Yingmei, making it look as though she was bathed in a halo of seven colors, extraordinarily beautiful and mysterious.
"That’s it then; I’ll leave first, going to the Jiang Family tomorrow." Chen Guan released Xiu Yingmei’s hand, picked up his umbrella, and headed out of the pavilion.
The sun, only partially visible, was once again obscured by clouds, and raindrops began to fall from the sky.
Chen Guan opened his umbrella, took a couple of steps, paused, and without turning back, said, "My life is probably destined not to end well; being too close to me has no benefit."
These words seemed directed at Xiu Yingmei, yet like self-talk, without context, and after saying them, Chen Guan continued to walk forward, soon vanishing into the rain.
Xiu Yingmei gazed in the direction of Chen Guan’s departure, sighed, and murmured to herself, "The meaning of life has never been about its end."
