In the company of cherished friends, all restraints were cast aside, and a pleasant haze of intoxication had settled over them.

With a gentle smile, Jiang Wang spoke, “I thought you would stay and aid me, just as you did in Qingyang Town back then… Why did you leave?”

“I went!”

How could the Marquis of Wu An refuse such a generous invitation from a dear friend? After that single meal, he promptly decided to have the cook stay at his residence. The man’s culinary skills were truly beyond compare. Since his arrival, Chong Xuan Sheng’s visits had become even more frequent.

Qian Xiang’s reply was swift and resolute, a voice like a sheathed sword, sharp and decisive.

The head cook at the Marquis of Wu An’s residence was someone Yan Xian had brought with him to a banquet. At first, it was only wine, then furniture, and eventually, a cook. This progression was a testament to the deepening bond between the two.

Yet, for Qian Xiang, the capital of Ba Country held a far more profound significance.

It was the sixteenth day of November, in the year 3921 of the Dao calendar. On this day, Qian Xiang, the sole successor of the contemporary Sword Dao, set foot in Lin Zi for the very first time in his life.

With a reputation that grew heavier, the freedom of movement once enjoyed became increasingly restricted.

Before, when Jiang Wang wore the garments of a prefect, how many recognized him upon entering a residence? He could stride with unrestrained confidence.

Now, the desire to quietly slip away to Yun Country to see An An presented a hundredfold increase in difficulty compared to before.

Just as his deliberate journey to the sea this time, intended to personally thank Zhu Bi Qiong, necessitated careful consideration of the political implications his identity as the Marquis of Wu An carried.

Only lightly equipped, traveling simply, like a thief in the night.

But even arriving in such a discreet manner, he could not see Zhu Bi Qiong herself.

Bai Yu Xia, bearing Jiang Wang’s handwritten letter, sought an audience. The letter was received, but Zhu Bi Qiong herself did not appear, claiming to be in secluded cultivation.

“Her attendant delivered a message, saying she’s at a critical juncture in her cultivation and unable to receive guests,” reported Bai Yu Xia, who had fully settled into his role as emissary.

Jiang Wang himself found it inconvenient to appear on Crescent Island.

A public appearance would incite unease, while a furtive one would only heighten suspicion.

Hence, he could only remain at sea, sending Bai Yu Xia to deliver the letter and seek an audience.

The last time he had come near the island archipelago, Zhu Bi Qiong had also claimed the time was not yet right for a meeting.

It was only now, in retrospect, that Jiang Wang realized Zhu Bi Qiong seemed to be intentionally avoiding him… When pursuing and killing Li Dao Rong, how was her cultivation not at a critical juncture?

He did not understand Zhu Bi Qiong’s thoughts. Since emerging from the Heavenly Abode secret realm, Zhu Bi Qiong was no longer the little girl whose thoughts could be easily read. Only her two instances of unreserved, active assistance still proved their initial friendship.

Zhu Bi Qiong undoubtedly had her reasons.

Jiang Wang could only accept this.

He couldn’t possibly block her door, could he?

Disrupting the Fishing Sea Tower would surely make them think he intended to fight another battle like the one at the Edge of the World Terrace.

The Marquis of Wu An blocking a door and Jiang Qing Yang blocking a door were entirely different concepts. One misjudgment could even lead to a direct conflict between the Fishing Sea Tower and Determination Island…

Thinking of it, since he had once again ventured out to sea, he truly ought to seek out Chen Zhi Bo of the Fishing Sea Tower, the one who “regretted not being born fifteen years earlier,” for a spar.

But considering Zhu Bi Qiong, he would not cause trouble.

The current Chen Zhi Bo… was not his opponent.

Even considering the entire Fishing Sea Tower, below the four Great Sea Stabilizing elders, he was confident he could sweep them all.

“Then let us depart,” he said to Bai Yu Xia.

“Where do we go next?” Bai Yu Xia inquired.

At that moment, the small boat bobbed on the green sea, the sound of the tide rising and falling in layers.

Jiang Wang, hooded and standing alone at the bow, spoke lightly, “The Gate of Ten Thousand Demons.”

Extraordinary cultivators, who enjoyed the extraordinary resources of the world, naturally also bore extraordinary responsibilities.

Of course, not every cultivator possessed such awareness.

It was only after the great prosperity of the national system that some extraordinary responsibilities became a consensus, not merely driven by personal morality.

Many believed that their current cultivation was achieved step by step through their own efforts, without any assistance, and therefore saw no need to give back to the world.

Unaware that the “present world’s stability” was not a matter of course, and that their ability to cultivate in stability was itself the result of countless people’s struggles.

In the East Domain, every cultivator in the Outer Building realm had a responsibility to venture out to sea.

And in Qi Country, every Divine Manifestation cultivator was required to participate in guarding the Gate of Ten Thousand Demons for at least one month.

Jiang Wang, of course, would not shirk his own responsibility.

As is well known, the history of the Gate of Ten Thousand Demons stretches back to ancient times. The Gate of Ten Thousand Demons is located in the Central Domain, suppressed directly beneath Heavenly Capital City.

However, long before, Heavenly Capital City was no longer the sole entrance to the Gate of Ten Thousand Demons.

The earliest instance, of course, was when Emperor Jing Tai Zu established Heavenly Capital City above the Gate of Ten Thousand Demons, also founding the most prosperous Da Jing central empire. It was said, “With Jing Dynasty, the Emperor guards the national gate.”

Prior to this, there were some so-called “states” or “countries,” but their systems were incomplete, no different from the tribal era, and they did not see places that transcended sects… scattered and not forming a cohesive force.

It was Emperor Jing Tai Zu who first established a complete system, an empire with a clear political structure, and at that moment maximized the utilization of the human realm’s destiny, thus leading the world to imitate. The national system thus greatly prospered from this.

These stories are all detailed in 《Chronicles of the Great Dao at Sea》.

And Volume Three of 《Jinglüe》 also meticulously describes how Emperor Jing Wen, during his reign, convened the world and divided the interests after the Gate of Ten Thousand Demons.

But as history progressed, eras evolved, and the development of various countries throughout the world.

Great nations like Yang, Chu, Qin, etc., already played a role in the aftermath of the Gate of Ten Thousand Demons that was not inferior to Jing Country’s, and they bled and sweated more, harvesting far less.

Jing Country alone holding the deer-cutting knife was, in objective reality, no longer permitted.

Thus came the historically famous event, the “Meeting of the Five Emperors at Tian Jing.”

According to the records in Volume Five of 《Jinglüe》, this is a story that occurred during the reign of Emperor Jing Qin…

It is said that before that session of the Yellow River Meeting began, the emperors of the five great Hegemon Countries directly descended with their dharma bodies outside Heavenly Capital City, naming the Jing Emperor and demanding a re-discussion of each country’s responsibilities towards the Gate of Ten Thousand Demons.

This matter directly awakened Jing Country from its beautiful dream of holding supreme power over the world. If not handled well, it would have resulted in the iron cavalry of the five countries – Yang, Chu, Qin, Jing, and Mu – drinking from the rivers of Heavenly Capital City, with the armies of the five countries jointly attacking the Central Domain.

Historical records state: The Emperor’s face was as usual, and on the spot, he pointed and drew the rivers and mountains, dividing the universe, jointly discussing the great matter of eliminating demons with the various emperors. After the matter was settled and he returned, his face was ashen, the color of blood faded, and his index finger still trembled. That night, he wept in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

In this grand affair, how Yang, Chu, Qin, Jing, and Mu achieved cooperation is not clearly summarized in 《Chronicles of the Great Dao at Sea》, which skips the process and focuses on the outcome and influence of this matter. However, in the separate historical records of each country, pieces of the puzzle can be found. Those with discerning hearts can see the full picture.

It must be said, Si Ma Heng’s ability to write out this segment behind Emperor Jing Qin – what “face white as paper,” what “midnight cry temple” – was truly remarkable.

Being able to know these things, to find evidence to confirm them, is one kind of ability.

Daring to write them out, and writing them in such detail, is another kind of ability.

It is right that he could enjoy great renown and, with this 《Chronicles of the Great Dao at Sea》, surpass all previous historians to become the foremost historian.

At that time, the one representing the East Domain was still the Emperor of Yang Country. Of course, everything thereafter was taken over by Qi Country. And the process of Qi Country taking over was naturally not smooth and uneventful, with everyone getting along. Hence, those shares that belonged to Yang were all gradually snatched back by the current Qi Emperor, leading the civil and military officials of Qi Country, bit by bit, in the East Domain.

This is a later story, and let us not dwell on it.

Since that “Meeting of the Five Emperors at Tian Jing,” the control of the Gate of Ten Thousand Demons changed from being solely in the hands of Jing Country to being jointly governed by six strong powers. The six strong powers of the world could not open or close the gate alone. At least three Hegemon Countries had to agree for any change in the state of the Gate of Ten Thousand Demons to occur.

From that time on, the Gate of Ten Thousand Demons also opened five sub-doors, each placed by the five great Hegemon Countries within their own territories.

From then on, the armies of the other five great countries could also directly enter the Gate of Ten Thousand Demons from their own territories, without having to gather in the Central Domain and walk under the watchful eyes of Jing Country, worrying about Jing Country turning hostile at any moment.

The rules of that session of the Yellow River Meeting have also continued to this day. Following that, dividing the interests after the Gate of Ten Thousand Demons based on the results of the Yellow River Meeting became a convention.

Qi Country’s sub-door to the Gate of Ten Thousand Demons is located at the source of the Zi River.

The “Zi” in Zi River is the same “Zi” as in Lin Zi.

From this, one can see the importance of this river.

However, it seems to have little sense of presence in Qi Country, unlike the Wei Water to Qin Country, which is known to everyone.

This is because it has never been open to ordinary people, fishing has always been prohibited, and even the main river course is rarely permitted for people to approach. Barriers and checkpoints are set up far away, and in some places, it is even directly covered by arrays.

The Zi River is important and mysterious.

People’s feelings and closeness to it are more through its branches that spread throughout the Qi border, such as the Tan Zhu River located in Bei Commandery.

The Zi River is a rare large river independent of the Long River water system, forming its own water system, flowing east into the sea with magnificent momentum.

In fact, if the Qi Country navy wants to send large troops to sea, they will not go through the docks of Linhai Commandery, but directly use the mouth of the Zi River that enters the sea. However, as a military stronghold, it is not open to the public.

Jiang Wang returned from Crescent Island, and his light boat sailed directly to this port.

Chang Ji Water Stronghold is the name of this water stronghold upstream on the Zi River. It is already a considerable distance from the imperial capital and is located within the territory of Ji Chuan Commandery.

This stronghold is bordered by Le An to the north and overlooks Qiao Mountain to the south. Not far to the west is Autumn Yang Commandery, where the Chong Xuan family is located, and to the east is Lin Zi.

Jiang Wang was also visiting here for the first time.

Before this, he had never imagined that another Gate of Ten Thousand Demons was hidden here.

Just as he had not imagined that the one currently responsible for this water stronghold and this Gate of Ten Thousand Demons was unexpectedly Chao Yi Great Officer Song Yao.

This Chao Yi Great Officer had just begun to flirt with the Marquis of Shuo Fang’s residence through the marriage of his disciple’s daughter to the Shuo Fang Bo’s residence. But this year had not yet passed, the joy of the wedding had not yet faded, and that bridge of political power connecting the two sides had already broken…

Although it is said that the cooperation between the two sides would not collapse so easily. But Bao Zhong Qing’s death would undoubtedly leave Song Yao, who had personally attended that wedding, very dissatisfied.

Was Bao Zhong Qing’s death inevitable?

If Bao Zhong Qing’s fate was already sealed, then what was the meaning of that wedding? What was the meaning of him, Song Yao, going to support it?

Was it just to let Bao Zhong Qing give birth to a son in peace?

The happiness of a disciple’s daughter, of mere Miao Yu Zhi, could perhaps be sacrificed, but was it necessary for him, Song Yao, Song Zhen Ren, to personally deliver it to their door?

This was a blow to Song Yao’s reputation.

Chong Xuan Sheng had privately judged that the Marquis of Shuo Fang, Bao Yi, would definitely have to make some concessions in the interests of his family to be able to salvage the situation. He was still thinking about whether he could join in and get a piece of the pie, after all, he had also personally paid respects to Bao Zhong Qing, the ‘Marquis’s son’s friend before death’, and there was a reason to mix in and get a meal…

But the actual actions of the Marquis of Shuo Fang’s residence had not yet been seen, and Song Yao’s side was also calm and uneventful.

Chong Xuan Sheng guessed that Bao Yi’s solution might unfold in a personal capacity and involve secrets at the level of Dong Zhen… he was still indignant for a long time, directly calling Bao family’s uncle too wasteful of resources, saying Song Zhen Ren was not that difficult to appease.

However, what Jiang Wang least expected was that Song Yao, with whom he had had no prior interaction, would greet him with a discussion about the characters “Chang Ji” of the Chang Ji Water Stronghold.

The Chang Ji Water Stronghold spanned the upper reaches of the Zi River. Its structure utilized both wood and stone, supplemented with wrought iron. Its overall style was majestic and grand, appearing from afar like a ferocious giant beast, clearly possessing the ambition to swallow the sea.

At that time, Song Yao was standing outside the water stronghold’s gate, looking up at the vertical plaque bearing the characters “Chang Ji,” which seemed to wander like dragons and snakes.

“Marquis of Wu An, do you know who wrote these two characters?” he asked.

Jiang Wang, of course, did not know, and truthfully replied, “Please forgive Jiang Wang’s ignorance and inexperience… This is even my first time coming to Chang Ji Water Stronghold, and this name is also the first time I’ve heard it.”

“The one inside the Azure Stone Palace.”

Song Yao’s voice was so calm, so light.

Light, as if teaching Jiang Wang how to read the characters “Chang Ji.”

But in Jiang Wang’s ears, it was no less than a clap of thunder.

He lifted his eyes to look at the water stronghold above, where strict water army soldiers patrolled back and forth. They seemed to hear nothing, perhaps indeed heard nothing.

Jiang Wang also acted as if he heard nothing, leaving the small boat and continuing to walk towards the water stronghold.

His guard commander, Fang Yuan You, under the order of the Political Affairs Hall, had already brought a guard team of one or two hundred people and was waiting near the water stronghold. Bai Yu Xia had already gone ahead to arrange the personnel.

At this moment, outside the water stronghold, upon these ten thousand qing of green waves, only Song Yao and he stood side by side.

“Very surprised?” Song Yao’s voice was calm, and he spoke in a narrative tone, “Our country’s navy only truly became strong after that rectification. He participated in several fierce battles on Determination Island. So, there were always many people in the court and among the populace who recognized him. However, as time passed and borders changed, not many people still remember. That year, he made a major error on the Xia Country issue, which led to a series of resulting mistakes, allowing him to bury everything completely, and also preventing His Majesty from shifting his position to transcend earlier… time and fate.”

It must be said, his historical storytelling was excellent.

But Jiang Wang merely calmly said, “What surprises me is not this, but… why would Great Officer Song want to tell me this?”

“Oh, just a casual mention.” Song Yao smiled, “Hope it didn’t frighten the Marquis of Wu An.”

“I’ve also passed by outside the Azure Stone Palace.”

Amidst the shouts of the water stronghold soldiers and the creaking sound of the windlass as the tempered steel stronghold gate slowly lowered, Jiang Wang calmly said, “I didn’t feel afraid.”

The tempered steel stronghold gate, engraved with array patterns, dropped completely, becoming a bridge parallel to the water surface.

A huge air wave pushed the water patterns far away, rippling out in circles.

()

Lin Zi is, of course, a good place.

It is the center of power in the East Domain, one of the most famous male cities in the world.

Here, dragons and tigers compete, and here lies the prosperity of the world.

Without waiting for Jiang Wang to say something, he turned and left again, laughing heartily, swaggering out, “I’ll go roam the world again, and come back when I’ve saved up some courage!”

Bai Yu Xia did not know why Qian Xiang was doing this, but he respected Qian Xiang’s choice.

Now, he needed even more to respect Jiang Wang’s acquiescence.

Hence, he only stood up and said, “I will see you off.”

And Jiang Wang sat alone in his seat, holding a cup of wine in his hand, slowly finishing it.

Qian Xiang’s face, obscured by a messy beard, lacked a clear outline, and his eyelids drooped listlessly, “My courage is already used up.”

Jiang Wang did not stand up, only lifting his eyes to look at this fellow.

It can satisfy all desires, and tolerate all ambitions.

Of course, it is worth the heroes of the world contending here.

Jiang Wang, Qian Xiang, Bai Yu Xia, and adding one Chu Yao, ate and drank heartily, the joy continuous.

Chu Yao was not allowed to drink wine. After eating her fill, she was sent away to practice writing.

Because of Zhang Lin Chuan’s act of taking Lei Zhan Qian’s place, Chong Xuan Sheng had conducted a thorough rectification in Lu Shuang Commandery. The rectification was done very well. Without mentioning other things, the fine wine in the Marquis of Bo Wang’s residence and the Marquis of Wu An’s residence was more than they could drink, already filling the wine cellars.

The desire of the mouth and stomach is a vulgar matter, but being vulgar can indeed be very happy.

The remaining three slowly drank and savored.

Waiting until their mouths were oily and their eyes somewhat hazy, Qian Xiang picked up a napkin and wiped his mouth, then drained the remaining wine from the cup, letting out a satisfied burp of wine, and stood up.

Read “Searching the Heavens with a Sincere Heart.”