“Jiang Wang, you shall surpass all Tianjiao under heaven.”

Thus spoke Jiang Wang, before the Emperor of Qi.

In those days, the Emperor had intended to appoint Jiang Wang as the Chief of the Northern Gate Yamen. Jiang Wang, however, declined. The Emperor, far from taking offense, merely asked, “How then shall you repay me?”

To this, Jiang Wang offered that bold declaration as his answer.

Today, having been enfeoffed with the title of Marquis of Three Thousand Households for his military merits, and casting his gaze across the world, he found no contemporary Tianjiao who could stand shoulder to shoulder with him. Truly, he had fulfilled the audacious words he had spoken that day.

And now, bearing the imperial seal, he embarked on a mission to the grasslands as an envoy, representing the very face of the Great Qi.

Especially in the aftermath of the State of Mu’s crushing defeat at the hands of the State of Jing, a defeat that forced them to retreat entirely into the northern reaches, this succession ceremony of the Divine Crown Preaching High Priest at the Cang Tu Divine Hall held extraordinary significance.

The eyes of the entire world would be fixed upon the grasslands, anticipating the next move of the female emperor of the State of Mu.

In this moment where winds and clouds converged, the dignity of the Eastern realm could not be compromised.

Both Chong Xuan Zun and Jiang Wang were excellent choices, unmatched by any of their generation across the vast landscape. But since the Emperor had personally chosen Jiang Wang,

he was obligated to bear this responsibility.

The one who carried the seal was the chief envoy of the Great Qi Empire, appointed by the Emperor himself, and seen off by an Imperial Princess…

Jiang Wang’s departure northward from Hengyang was, in a word, grand.

Two hundred soldiers from the Tian Fu Army were specially assigned as Jiang Wang’s escort for this journey. Each one possessed a cultivation base no lower than the Teng Long realm.

Just as it had been when he, Ji Zhao Nan, and Chong Xuan Zun journeyed to the battle at the Yellow River Assembly, the guard was similarly composed.

The only difference was that then, two leaders in the Inner Treasury realm had led the contingent, while this time, there was only one.

His name was Qiao Lin.

He was the very same Tian Fu Army soldier who, at Guan He Platform, had accompanied Jiang Wang daily to watch the matches, eagerly sharing all sorts of rumors and tidbits with him.

From the time of the Yellow River Assembly until now, he too had opened his Inner Treasury, becoming a leader within the Tian Fu Army.

Being assigned to escort Jiang Wang on this mission to the grasslands, commanding two hundred elite soldiers, could be seen as a reunion of old acquaintances.

Frankly speaking, even if two hundred Tian Fu Army elites formed a military array, it would be almost impossible for them to influence a battle at Jiang Wang’s current level of power. Their protective function was, in that sense, negligible.

However, Jiang Wang’s journey was a state mission, representing the empire itself, and the necessary guard detail could not be omitted.

Bidding farewell to the throng of well-wishers in Hengyang County, and with two hundred elite soldiers mounted and surrounding the carriage, Jiang Wang sat alone within the specially crafted envoy’s carriage, and thus journeyed north.

All matters in Linzi were settled peacefully, leaving him with no worries.

The newly appointed Governor of Hengyang County, Lou Zishan, traveled ten li to see him off, reluctantly parting ways at the border city.

Indeed, the Marquis of Wu An was now the pride of Yang Di.

And within the three counties of Yang Di, Hengyang County, as the former capital of the State of Yang, was naturally far more prosperous than the other two. After Huang Yixing’s demise, the Governor of Chi Wei County, Gao Shaoling, had once schemed to be transferred to govern Hengyang, but ultimately failed due to the insufficient foundation of the Lin Hai Gao family.

Unexpectedly, it was Lou Zishan who had the last laugh. This man was not from a prominent family, nor was he known to rely on any powerful figure. Jiang Wang had specifically reviewed the Political Affairs Hall’s evaluation, which described him as “outstanding in internal affairs.” He appeared to be a man who had ascended through merit, and so Jiang Wang intended to foster a connection. Earlier, when Fourteen had gone missing, he too had put in effort.

Furthermore, Tian An Tai, having become a madman on the Fu Xia battlefield, could naturally no longer serve as the Governor of Rizhao County. As this was a sacrifice for the state, the court could not strip him of his position. Consequently, an elder from the Tian clan succeeded him; one Tian Chang had long plotted for this position, making many efforts, but in the end did not achieve his goal.

It was said that Tian Anping had specified the final candidate.

The details of this were not entirely clear to Jiang Wang. After achieving Dong Zhen, Tian Anping’s influence within the Tian family had clearly increased significantly. Tian Chang’s contact with Jiang Wang had also become more cautious. Since returning from Fu Xia, there had been almost no communication.

Jiang Wang did not necessarily intend to use Tian Chang or Tian He for any purpose. It was merely that he felt an instinctive wariness towards a person as dangerous as Tian Anping. Having a few cards in hand could also provide a sense of security.

This journey to the State of Mu, spanning ten thousand li, was, for Jiang Wang, still primarily a journey of cultivation.

Aside from Qiao Lin’s talkativeness, who would occasionally come to share anecdotes from the army with Jiang Wang, there was almost nothing else.

Jiang Wang didn’t mind, viewing it as a brief respite from his travels.

A few casual words would not disrupt his cultivation.

“The place we’re passing through now was very chaotic before, called Wo Niu Fen,” Qiao Lin lectured with great enthusiasm. “The States of Zheng and Qu fought fiercely here, and the surrounding small countries were also stirred up. There were also many mountain bandits and thieves, all roaming this area.” He continued, “After the battle on Xing Yue Plain ended, both sides became much more well-behaved. Our Great Qi and the State of Jing, they always have to pick a side to stand with.”

For a minor team leader to explain the world’s affairs to the current Marquis of Wu An was not at all strange.

Initially, at the Yellow River Assembly, he had even explained the battles to the Marquis of Wu An!

In other words, the Marquis of Wu An had seized the title of Yellow River Chief; didn’t that mean he, too, had contributed?

Many within the army still didn’t believe it. This time, so many people had witnessed it, and they would return to slap the faces of those who doubted.

“They really fought?” Jiang Wang asked.

“Of course! They fought like dogs,” Qiao Lin swore. “It’s only because they’re wary of our and Jing’s attitudes, otherwise, either Zheng or Qu would have been annihilated by now.”

Jiang Wang, as an undoubtedly high-ranking figure in the Great Qi, naturally knew that the States of Zheng and Qu had always engaged in open conflict and secret cooperation, striving for their independence through a relatively intense method.

But he did not therefore mock Qiao Lin for his ignorance. Instead, he said with interest, “You also understand the situation in the State of Zheng?”

This place was now named Wo Niu Ao, situated precisely between the States of Zheng and Qu. He didn’t know why it was named thus, but the fact that it was extremely vast was true, and that it had been chaotic for many years under the tacit consent of Zheng and Qu was also true.

At this moment, the carriage curtain was half-raised, and Qiao Lin had snatched the coachman’s job, sitting on the driver’s seat, holding the reins, and lecturing with great confidence, “The State of Zheng, ah, their monarch is no good. He’s already old and decrepit, barely clinging to the Shen Lin realm with national power. His cultivation is very unstable. Transcending the official path is impossible,

and advancing further is also out of the question. And he can’t abdicate now; abdicating means his cultivation will reverse, which means death. He can only consume national luck to preserve his cultivation and prolong his life. The civil and military officials below work themselves to death, but it’s still not enough for him to consume. He’s already one hundred and seventy years old now; who knows how many more years the State of Zheng can keep him alive?”

Jiang Wang thoughtfully asked, “Doesn’t the State of Zheng have Gu Shiyi? Doesn’t he care?”

Speaking of Gu Shiyi, Qiao Lin also showed respect. “Great Hero Gu said long ago that he wouldn’t interfere with state affairs. Unless they face a national extinction disaster, he won’t act. The Zheng royal family only produced one Great Hero Gu; otherwise, with that monarch as he is now, he would have been overthrown long ago.”

The heroic reputation of Gu Shiyi truly spread wide. Even a Tian Fu Army soldier like Qiao Lin could speak of him with clarity and logic.

Thinking of heroes, Jiang Wang’s mind again drifted to the hero of Wei land, Yan Shaofei. That was also a figure who had left a deep impression. Since the Yellow River Assembly, he had heard no further news of him, nor did he know where he had gone.

Perhaps one day he would again become famous throughout the world, or perhaps he would never be heard of again. Neither outcome would be surprising.

The present world was vast, and history was vast.

How many heroes were like fleeting lights, and how few could shine like the fierce sun for long?

Jiang Wang said casually, “Since this place is a bit chaotic, you all should be more vigilant.”

“Rest assured, Marquis,” Qiao Lin said. “The humble general has already made arrangements. The brothers are all very alert.”

Jiang Wang added, “With Tian Fu Army elites as guards, I doubt many blind fools would dare to come and cause trouble.”

Qiao Lin naturally felt honored.

He said happily, “Exactly! This is the envoy team of our Great Qi Empire; those petty individuals wouldn’t dare to seek trouble. The humble general guarantees to protect your carriage watertight, not even a fly can fly over. Just cultivate with ease!”

Before his words had even finished, a voice suddenly rang out—

“Xu Ze Ming of the Tai Xu Sect requests to see the Tai Xu Envoy, Jiang Wang!”

He addressed him as the Tai Xu Envoy, not the Marquis of Wu An of Great Qi.

Jiang Wang then looked out from the carriage and saw a young man, dressed in a Yin Yang Daoist robe, tall and straight, standing in front of the procession.

Though he looked completely different from Xu Ze Fu, whom Jiang Wang had once met and received the Tai Xu Angle Tower token from, their names differed by only one character. They should be senior brothers of the same generation.

This person’s Qi was vast and profound, immeasurable, truly embodying the foundation of the Tai Xu Sect.

Jiang Wang waved his hand, signaling the escorts not to be on guard, and said loudly, “Then please, Daoist, enter the carriage for a talk.”

Xu Ze Ming was not overly polite. With a single step, he squeezed into the carriage.

Compared to the calm and composed Xu Ze Fu, he was clearly much sharper.

Sitting opposite Jiang Wang in the spacious carriage, he first raised his hand, lowered the carriage curtain, and then blocked the sound, appearing intent on discussing secrets.

Jiang Wang remained unmoved, pouring tea, and asked, “Might I ask, what is the relationship between Daoist Xu Ze Fu and yourself?”

“He is my senior brother,” Xu Ze Ming probably didn’t want to mention Xu Ze Fu much, so he just replied casually and then said, “From now on, I will be the one coordinating matters related to the Tai Xu Illusion with you.”

Jiang Wang asked, “Has something happened to Daoist Xu Ze Fu?”

Xu Ze Ming glanced at him. “Actually, who you coordinate with has no influence on you.”

“Just a concern for an old friend,” Jiang Wang smiled.

Xu Ze Ming then said, “He suffered backlash while creating a Dao technique. He is still recuperating now and won’t emerge from seclusion for another three to five years.”

“Is that so?” Jiang Wang sat with his hands in his sleeves, a light smile still on his face. “This Marquis remembers that when I communicated with Mister Ze Fu last time, there was no mention of any follow-up matters. This Marquis provided the people, the materials, the location, and built the Tai Xu Angle Tower, thus gaining ownership, nothing more. I wonder, for what matter has Daoist come to visit today?”

Xu Ze Ming also felt that Jiang Wang’s attitude was distant. He said very seriously, “Jiang Wang, please believe that I bear absolutely no ill will towards you. The Tai Xu Illusion is the greatest creation of the present world, born for the glorious future of the human race. One day, it must realize all its brilliant designs. As a Tai Xu Envoy, you are, like us, a part of this great endeavor. We should unite as one and strive together for the human race.”

Jiang Wang’s smile was very calm. “I fully recognize the greatness of the Tai Xu Illusion… However, Mister Xu, you still haven’t stated the matter for which you’ve sought me out.

This time, I am on a national mission to the grasslands and may not have too much time for delays.”

Xu Ze Ming then said, “The Tai Xu Illusion has developed to the point where large numbers of cultivators join every day, and its coverage extends to almost all countries under heaven.

This has inevitably led to a multitude of problems. For example, some people who shouldn’t participate have joined; some people disrupt the rules of the Tai Xu Illusion through special divine abilities; and some people haven’t joined through the Tai Xu Angle Tower or the Moon Key, but through abnormal means—these behaviors will affect the stability of the Tai Xu Illusion and add many unnecessary burdens to our work. In the long run, they will affect the healthy operation of the Tai Xu Illusion and the future of the human race.”

This was truly a person who was accustomed to grand narratives.

From a historical perspective, such people were often very dangerous.

“So?” Jiang Wang asked.

Xu Ze Ming sat up straight, his tone also very serious. “We, the Tai Xu Sect, adhere to the principle of absolute justice and absolute neutrality. It is not suitable for us to interfere too much with the Tai Xu Illusion. Currently, we hope to encourage the participants of the Tai Xu Illusion to solve these problems themselves.”

Jiang Wang thought thoughtfully. “How to solve them?”

“Currently, our plan is as follows, Envoy. You can also provide feedback and offer your opinion,” Xu Ze Ming said. “We hope to create a Tai Xu Scroll that can record some of the problems that arise during the operation of the Tai Xu Illusion, the difficulties encountered, and those who cause trouble. In the form of rewards, we will release these tasks to all participants of the Tai Xu Illusion, thereby achieving a healthy self-governing cycle for the Tai Xu Illusion. All matters begin from this and return to this; we will not interfere.”

“That sounds very good,” Jiang Wang said. “Then why haven’t you all done so already?”

“Because not everyone, like the Envoy, has a clear understanding of the Tai Xu Illusion and its great significance,” Xu Ze Ming said.

“The operation of the Tai Xu Illusion needs to be under the supervision of the major forces in the world. Any adjustments we want to make must be recognized by most of these forces. This includes the creation of the Tai Xu Scroll.”

Jiang Wang picked up the teacup, his voice light. “Then you have found the wrong person by seeking me out.”

“I believe I am not a confused person. These two eyes can still perceive a bit of what is happening,” Xu Ze Ming looked at Jiang Wang with very sincere eyes. “The weight of the Great Qi Marquis of Wu An within the State of Qi is beyond doubt. The political resources you can mobilize are clear. We hope you can help promote this matter. Of course, we have not only invited you; you only need to express your attitude when discussing this matter in your country. For this, we are willing to pay a generous remuneration.”

“You all?” Jiang Wang smiled. “May I be so bold as to ask, Mister Xu… can you represent the entire Tai Xu Sect?”

Xu Ze Ming said without hesitation, “Of course.”

“Alright, I understand,” Jiang Wang said. “I will consider it.”

Xu Ze Ming frowned. “But you haven’t even heard what the remuneration is.”

Jiang Wang thought he himself was already quite lacking in worldly understanding, but this Xu Ze Ming was even more so by several degrees.

He didn’t understand the polite custom of finishing the tea to signal a guest’s departure, nor did he understand polite conversation.

Perhaps he had been isolated from the world for too long, or perhaps because of the Tai Xu Sect’s transcendent status, he was rarely rejected by others, and thus didn’t understand a too-tactful refusal?

Jiang Wang felt a slight headache. He thought about it, and still said, “Based on my last communication with Mister Ze Fu, regarding this identity as a Tai Xu Envoy, my only obligation is to construct the Tai Xu Angle Tower and maintain the Tai Xu Angle Tower. I believe I have done quite well. As for other matters, they are not within my ability, nor are they my responsibility. I have my own affairs to attend to and cannot spare too much energy. I apologize; I cannot join you in creating greatness.”

Xu Ze Ming looked at him in bewilderment, and his eyes actually slowly revealed a kind of somewhat injured expression. “Envoy, I have heard of your deeds, understood your past, and have some understanding of you. We all hold goodwill towards this world, we are all full of eagerness for the future, we all have ideals, we are all very sincere—I thought we should be fellow travelers.”

“Perhaps you still don’t understand me enough,” Jiang Wang did not plan to explain further. Having said this sentence, he smiled and said, “Daoist does not plan to travel with me to the State of Mu, I presume?”

Xu Ze Ming looked at him deeply, saying nothing more. He picked up the cup of tea poured for him, took a light sip, and then set it down.

His entire being then materialized, and he disappeared within the carriage.