Chapter 233: Chapter 122: New Cooperation
After answering, Xia Yao met Wang Ping’s gaze. She seemed to guess what was on his mind and broached the subject directly. "Over a hundred years ago, my father, the Emperor, became aware of the drawbacks of practicing Divine Techniques, so he sent me to Lishui Prefecture to cultivate..."
"Because I’m a woman, the Five Sects of Xuanmen couldn’t very well object." Xia Yao’s eyelids drooped, her words coming out slowly as if she were lost in memory.
"This move was a century in the making, but now that we’re here, it’s not as simple as we once imagined. A hundred years is enough time for many people to change their minds, including some of our initial supporters. Meanwhile, some who originally opposed us have now started to back us, like... the True Yang Sect."
Upon hearing this, the hand Wang Ping was holding a game piece with trembled, and he nearly dropped it.
"A hundred years of prosperity has seen countless capable individuals rise to prominence, but even more conflicts have festered in the shadows," Xia Yao continued. "You are based in the south, so your perspective on the situation in Zhongzhou is necessarily incomplete."
"Xiao Shan Lord wants to seize Zhongzhou’s destiny to ascend to the Fifth Realm. But in this world, there are the Five Profound Sects, not just the Daoist Scripture Hall. Beyond the Mystic Sect, there are also the two great heavenly gates, not to mention the elusive High Realm Star Gods. Who supports his ascension and who opposes it? He probably doesn’t even know himself."
CLACK.
Jiangcun placed a piece on the board and smiled. "On the grand chessboard of Zhongzhou, you and I are merely pawns. We cautiously play by the rules, trying to pass one trial after another, yet some people can simply change the rules and seize the ultimate prize."
Wang Ping fell silent, mulling over the couple’s words while simultaneously contemplating the board in front of him.
CLACK.
As he placed a piece, Wang Ping said in a low voice, "My demands are modest. In fact, I have none. Everything is simply for self-preservation."
"And are we not also acting for self-preservation? But both of us have already taken the first step, and now you can’t stop. It’s just like this game—or you could simply forfeit," Xia Yao retorted.
"Once a piece is on the board, it’s part of the game. You could become an asset to others, or you could become an obstacle in their path. Deciding the next move is a delicate matter. Just like in our game, sometimes you don’t even realize you’ve made a wrong move. But it’s a different story if you have someone there to advise you."
Jiangcun placed another piece as he spoke.
Wang Ping pinched a game piece between his fingers. While contemplating the board, he asked, "What can I provide, and what can you provide for me?"
"Everything that belonged to your second martial brother, returned to you, untouched. Also, the assets established within the Wang Family will become yours." Xia Yao first laid out what she could offer before stating her demand. "I need you to help me ascend the throne at the critical moment, so I can command the Zhongzhou Divine Artifact!"
Wang Ping was not surprised.
’Now that the conversation had come to this, certain things were clear. The Imperial Family’s long-term plan was for members of the royal bloodline to practice Mystic Sect Techniques to achieve longevity, then use Divine Techniques in tandem to control the Zhongzhou Divine Artifact.’
’Lishui Prefecture had been in on the plan from the start, supporting the Imperial Family. And now, the True Yang Sect was backing them as well.’
’But from Xia Yao’s tone, he could tell that after a century of erosion, their plan had changed. There were probably dissenting voices within the Imperial Family, and even the people of Zhongzhou might object. She needed someone to build up public support for her, and the academy founded by Liu Zixiu was the perfect tool for the job.’
"This northern expedition needs to be as grand and momentous as possible—that’s something everyone agrees on. But there’s one more thing. I need the common people to have absolute confidence in this campaign."
As Xia Yao spoke, even Wang Ping could sense the extremism in her intent. He instantly understood what she intended to do. His mind couldn’t help but jump to Su Sea, who was on his way north, and to the millions of laborers and hundreds of thousands of Government Soldiers being mobilized.
Wang Ping resisted the urge to make a sarcastic remark and said, "I will write a letter to my martial nephew. He’ll know what to do."
"Excellent."
Xia Yao was overjoyed. It was apparent that she had probably already tried to contact Zhang Xinghuai, the Direct Disciple of Wang Ping’s second martial brother, but had failed to persuade him.
Wang Ping’s expression turned serious. "We’ve known each other for a hundred years, since we were nobodies. We should be clear about a few things to avoid damaging that friendship."
"Of course!" Xia Yao replied, her own expression turning serious.
"Given our century of friendship, I will spare no effort to help with what I can. But you must not force my hand on matters I cannot assist with. Furthermore, Qianmu Temple is under the protection of the Xiao Shan Lord. The moment you enter into direct conflict with him, our cooperation is automatically terminated. You understand what I mean, don’t you?"
"Of course!" Xia Yao sat up straight and cupped her fists. "Rest assured, Fellow Daoist. I will not put you in a difficult position."
"Good!"
Wang Ping nodded.
And with that, their partnership was officially established.
’At that moment, Wang Ping felt as if he were walking across a narrow log bridge—perilous, yet filled with a thrilling sense of excitement that made his human emotions feel incredibly vivid.’
Over the next two games, the two parties discussed the relevant matters in greater detail.
Only after they had ironed out all the details did Wang Ping mention Si Ran. Upon hearing this, Jiangcun said excitedly, "I haven’t had a chance to stretch my legs in a while. Consider this a gift to mark the new partnership between you and my wife."
Xia Yao chimed in, "You can stay with us for a while. By the end of the year, the matter concerning your second martial brother will be made public. When that happens, we can take care of Si Ran and use the opportunity to our advantage."
Wang Ping accepted the invitation, and Yu Lian was very pleased as well.
However, he chose not to stay in the mountain palace, opting instead for Dongxu City at its base. Although he was someone who abided by the rules, the sheer number of public regulations in Lishui Prefecture made him feel constricted.
Wang Ping chose the residence himself. The city was most famous for its underground market, where an astronomical amount of money changed hands annually. A great many outsiders passed through, so the rental market was booming, leaving Wang Ping almost dizzy with the number of options.
In the end, he chose a small courtyard house near an upstream freshwater source. The house had a central garden he found appealing, with a beautiful fish pond at its heart.
While living there, Wang Ping would go for walks to take in the sights of the Southeast Islands when he had free time. When he preferred to stay in, he would admire the flowers and feed the fish in his garden.
Ten days passed in this manner. Then, one foggy morning, Zi Hong knocked on the gate of the small courtyard.
The moment the Tongyu Taoist sensed Zi Hong’s presence, he shot out of the Purgatory Banner. After studying Zi Hong intently, he remarked, "The Array within his body is functioning perfectly, but he lacks genuine humanity. He still can’t enter the realm."
’Wang Ping recalled what Zi Luan had said about the Taiyan Third Realm’s ’Heaven-Reaching Talisman’—how it could connect with heaven and earth to bestow spiritual consciousness and memories upon a puppet. The thought filled him with anticipation.’
As he was thinking, an idea suddenly flashed in Wang Ping’s mind. He took out a Soldier Talisman he had prepared earlier. Yu Lian, understanding his intention, immediately released a wave of Water Spirit Qi to seal off the courtyard’s aura.
Feeling the familiar Water Spirit Aura in the air, Wang Ping struck Zi Hong’s body with the Soldier Talisman instead of merging it with him. This was because his current Soldier Talisman was dependent on a Luck-Borrowing Talisman; if Zi Hong fused with it, he would be unable to leave Wang Ping’s side.
