Life in Xingyueyuan is peaceful.

Cultivation, earning money, teaching disciples.

Jiang Dongjia has listed a list, asking Bai Zhanggui to collect according to it. The list contains the Immortal Palace materials that Baiyun Tongzi recalled after a friendly discussion.

These days, the little immortal boy is poring over dozens of large books. They are all things like *Records of Strange Objects in the World* and *Collection of Exotic Treasures*, used to help him compare the differences between strange objects from ancient times to the present, awaken memory fragments, and find corresponding substitutes.

Baiyun Tongzi is visibly becoming Heiyanquan Tongzi, looking a bit like an Iron Eater.

Regardless of whether Yunzhong Xianguan can return to its peak level, Zhenren Jiang has made a firm decision. Since Xu Wang, Yang Zhen, Xu Qioci, and the others are willing to pay a high price to repair it, it must have its value, right?

“Baiyun, ah, read more books, it only benefits you, no harm. Would I, the old master, harm you?”

Baiyun Tongzi huffs and puffs as he flips the book, not speaking.

“Junior Brother.” At this time, Zhu Weiwo comes up the stairs and sits across from Jiang Wang. “Recently, I’ve made some progress in spear techniques. I want to find a place to temper myself. I’ve been to Yuanyuan before, so no need to go again. Do you have any suggestions?”

After the battle of cutting down the village, everyone who participated in slaying the true has made some progress.

Zhu Weiwo has always been a battle genius. After experiencing such a life-and-death battle, his harvest is naturally immense.

Jiang Wang looks at him. “Your injury hasn’t fully healed. Why are you so anxious?”

Zhu Weiwo just smiles faintly, not speaking.

In this world, too many people are striving day and night. From Lin Xian, who returned to the country far away, to Zhong Li Yan, who just left nearby, who dares to relax?

Zhu Weiwo has even more reasons.

Hard work?

In the giant city, his loved one is still imprisoned.

Danger?

How could he be a person who fears danger?

Jiang Wang cannot advise, and doesn’t plan to advise again. He only says, “I will go with Senior Brother. We brothers, let’s join hands and show off our might once!”

He also says, “Having reached Senior Brother’s level, general small worlds are easy to traverse. Ordinary dangerous places no longer hold meaning. It’s nothing more than the Demon World, the Maze World, the Border Wasteland, Yuanyuan, the Fallen Immortal Forest, and the Disaster Water.”

“The Demon World is a place of national contention. Going alone, you can’t grasp the situation and it’s very easy to be caught in unexpected events. Uh… most importantly, the demon race has some opinions about me. I can’t go there again.”

“The great war in the Maze World has just ended. Gao Ji died and sealed this world, preventing Divine Descent and above from entering. But the Maze World still has several special areas, among which there are Dongzhen, possibly even derived Dao, and super-transcendent weapons. Senior Brother’s cultivation is suitable, but it probably won’t provide any tempering. The opponents in there now are either too strong or too weak.”

“The Border Wasteland is also not suitable. I just erected a stele. Going again will easily cause trouble.”

“Senior Brother has already been to Yuanyuan. I’m not very familiar with the Fallen Immortal Forest. Otherwise, how about going to the Disaster Water? I’ve been there once. All sorts of evil ideas are there, killing endlessly. It’s quite suitable for honing combat skills. Of course, it’s also very dangerous, with super-transcendent level existences, but there’s no possibility of them coming out in the short term.”

Zhu Weiwo doesn’t hesitate. “Then let’s go to the Disaster Water.”

Jiang Wang says, “Then it’s decided. But I have to go out once. Wait for me to come back, then we’ll set off together.”

Zhu Weiwo naturally knows that Jiang Wang still hopes he fully recovers before going out. He only asks, “Where are you going?”

Jiang Wang says, “Qi State.”

Zhu Weiwo’s sword-like eyebrows rise. “Didn’t you already leave Qi, cutting off contact? Why are you going to Qi State?”

Jiang Wang looks towards the east and says in a daze, “To visit old friends, and also to settle some old matters.”

Going to Qi State, Jiang Wang didn’t bring Chu Yao, fearing that this child might return to Linzi, experience Linzi’s prosperity, and then be unwilling to come back to Xingyueyuan.

Since he wants to step onto the cultivation path, all the tempering up to now is for laying the foundation for the super-mundane. Without a settled heart, it’s not a good thing. After all, the path is long and difficult, and the peak is hard to climb.

Initially at Donghua Pavilion, when he saw Qi Tianzi, Jiang Wang stated what he sought—

“Seeking the Dongzhen method, seeking true person invincibility, seeking to cut off heart obstacles, seeking to have my wishes granted in this life.”

He has sought and obtained the Dongzhen method himself.

He has already cut off heart obstacles in Mingxiang.

He is going to stride forward on the path of true person invincibility.

Having his wishes granted in this life is exactly what he wants to do.

Divine Descent immortality is only the pseudo-immortality of the flesh not decaying for 518 years. A true person is about returning to the origin and seeing true immortality. This process of seeing and understanding true immortality is Dongzhen.

Jiang Wang walks the path of the true self. Although this path is rare, it is not without predecessors. However, each person’s “self” is different, and each person’s path is difficult to walk.

Although he has already “divinely and clearly perceived it,” reaching the limit of the Divine Descent realm and grasping the self, and then “洞察ed the true nature of the world,” understanding the world,

“Understanding the self” and “洞察 the world” are eternal cultivation. He has only reached a certain stage at a certain time in his life. However, who is the “self” – the current me or the me of that time? Is the truth seen now really the only truth?

If he stops here, that is all.

The true self he envisions is not arbitrary, but arbitrary without overstepping.

Debts that should be repaid must be repaid, debts that should be claimed must be claimed, matters that should be settled must be settled.

Having already become true to himself, seeking pleasure is also cultivation.

Zhenren Jiang leaves Xingyueyuan, then flies horizontally to the eastern domain, directly towards Linzi.

Of course, at the border city of Da Qi, he also honestly lowered his cloud and registered his entry—reporting a fake name, Ling Dugu. He also subtly bribed with some silver.

His identity documents were not a problem. It wasn’t that he had to pay to enter, but he deliberately tested the administrative situation of the border defense and also conveniently allowed himself to cut in line and take the VIP channel, to avoid long waits.

In fact, human nature indeed cannot be tested.

When he added one hundred taels of silver, a small team leader of the border defense personally drove a carriage and sent him from the west gate to the east gate.

On the carriage, the team leader kept sizing him up. When he got off, as if possessed, he said, “Has anyone said that you look very much like the former Wu An Hou? In the army, there was a Shadow Stone that recorded his image. I have seen it several times.”

Jiang Wang laughs heartily. “Don’t worry, I won’t report you. The money I gave voluntarily. You earning a little extra that doesn’t harm others is nothing to be ashamed of. But don’t do it again.”

He patted his shoulder and left on his own.

Only leaving the team leader stunned in place.

Jiang Wang used his steps as a carriage, walking all the way from the border city to Linzi. On the well-connected official road, he observed the human scenery and the vehicles coming and going. Having proved Dongzhen, it was as if he was newborn. He should newly and curiously examine this world.

The scenery of the eastern country is good, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen it!

But at a certain moment, he suddenly stopped and calmly looked forward.

Space just like that split open a gap. A man wearing a scholar’s long gown, with a fair face and no beard, just like that walked out. He tore open a page of space as if tearing paper, then retracted his hand and also closed the space. On his face was a shallow smile. “Long time no see, Hou—I should call you Zhenren Jiang!”

“Han Zongguan!” Jiang Wang smiled looking at him. “Or should I say the leader of the Night Watchmen, Han Daren?”

Although Han Ling had changed into a scholar’s robe and begun to adopt an elegant style, his habit of keeping both hands tucked in his sleeves hadn’t changed. You always felt he was about to take out an imperial decree at any moment.

“I only took office a few days ago, how did you know? Did Bo Wang Hou tell you?”

“Bo Wang Hou wouldn’t tell me these Qi State high-level secrets. How could I hear about them? It’s your clothing that’s too obvious. I knew at a glance,” Jiang Wang said. “Previously, when I saw Han Daren, he never took off that red inner official robe.”

Han Ling cupped his hands. “I have yet to congratulate you. Seeing you again today, you are already a contemporary Zhenren! Thinking back to the day you were enfeoffed as Hou, I went to invite you and Champion Hou to enter… it feels like yesterday, sigh! They say time flies like a white horse passing a crevice, don’t be careless. You and Champion Hou are people time can’t catch up with.”

Jiang Wang laughed. “I also have yet to congratulate Han Daren. Years of accumulation, success in one morning. Stepping into a high position also proves the truth of this!”

From the perspective of an inner official, becoming the Grand Inner Supervisor in this lifetime is already the limit.

From the perspective of the emperor’s private confidant, becoming the leader of the Night Watchmen in this lifetime is already the peak.

From the perspective of personal cultivation, a contemporary Zhenren has already reached the threshold to be listed in the Political Affairs Hall and the Military Affairs Hall.

Han Ling, who has not shown his abilities or revealed his strength for many years, quietly serving by the monarch’s side and quietly grasping power, is truly not a simple character.

But in front of Jiang Wang, he is very humble and shakes his head. “Although we both proved Dongzhen, I achieved it by borrowing power, while you are the first in history. The gap is still very large.”

Han Ling’s words are truly too humble.

Just like the cultivation threshold of the Political Affairs Hall and the Military Affairs Hall is Dongzhen,

Just like the Court Discussion Doctor and the Nine Troops Commander, they all need vast national power to support them, positions that can “nourish the true.” But apart from top-level Divine Descent like Zhong Xuan and Chu Liang, how can ordinary Divine Descent cultivators rise?

If they really want to borrow power to nourish their truth, they also need to consider how intense the internal competition is in a hegemonic country and whether they are willing to support idle people!

Generally, Court Discussion Doctors or Nine Troops Commanders either have established immense merit, or are generations of loyal and good officials, with accumulated honors, and they themselves must be strong in Dongzhen.

Furthermore, let’s talk about the inner officials of Da Qi,

Below Han Ling, there are eight Eunuchs Holding Pens and eight Eunuchs Attending Halls. Their status is equal, all are powerful figures only below Han Ling, and all have Divine Descent cultivation.

If Han Ling were just an ordinary Divine Descent, how could he suppress them?

The previous leader of the Night Watchmen, Zhu Sui, was a derived Dao character, a strong person who had patrolled the night for the country for over a thousand years. If Han Ling were just an ordinary Dongzhen, how could Qi Tianzi allow him this position?

That Zheng Shi is also the emperor’s trusted confidant, a close confidant for many years, hardworking and meritorious, his ability obvious to all. He has been dragged to this point, yet has not become the Zhan Yu Commander? He already lacks nothing, only lacking cultivation.

He is also among the countable strong in the Divine Descent realm, but not strong enough, not strong to the degree of Zhong Xuan and Chu Liang, and he doesn’t have the family background of Zhong Xuan and Chu Liang.

In a world with super-mundane great power, insufficient cultivation means not being tough enough.

Da Qi Tianzi is also not a monarch who appoints people based on favoritism.

Jiang Wang smiles. “I am alone. Han Daren has Tianzi above and a hegemonic country behind him. The gap is indeed very large. I am looking up.”

“Alright, alright, let’s not flatter each other.” Han Ling seems to be in a very good mood and greets, “Since you’ve come, why not fly directly into Zi? Walking over step by step is quite like neglecting our home!”

Jiang Wang says, “After entering the border, I thought it would be better not to bother Han Daren to carry me!”

“Zhenren Jiang’s heart is truly—fine as hair.” Han Ling also laughed and said sideways, “As the patroller of Da Qi, I still have to ask you—what is the purpose of your visit this time?”

Jiang Wang says seriously, “I wish to visit Tianzi. This is the primary purpose of my coming west.”

Han Ling looks at him meaningfully and says, “Today you flew here yourself, Tianzi specially permits it.”

Jiang Wang is slightly silent, then says, “It seems Tianzi is still more intimate with Han Daren…”

Han Ling says, “I have no special skills, only loyalty.”

Jiang Wang says, “I still want to walk around. I haven’t walked this road for a long time. Previously, I was anxious about cultivation and didn’t have time to properly look around. The first twenty-three years of my life were too rushed. Now I also want to slow down a bit at important moments.”

“You say you want to slow down, yet you’ve become the first Zhenren in history!” Han Ling smiled and said sideways, “Then I will accompany Zhenren Jiang for a walk. Please!”

The two walked side by side on the right side of the official road, talking as they walked, not obstructing any possible fast horses.

Jiang Wang asks, “I forgot to ask Han Daren, who is the current head of the inner officials?”

Han Ling counters, “Who does Zhenren Jiang hope it is?”

Among the eight Eunuchs Holding Pens and eight Eunuchs Attending Halls, Jiang Wang is only familiar with Qiu Ji, and recognizes Zhong Li Wen.

He only says, “Just asking casually. How could I have any hopes? This is a state matter, only Tianzi decides.”

Han Ling says, “Eunuch Attending Hall Huo Yanshan, I don’t know if you are familiar with him?”

Jiang Wang shakes his head. “Not only have I never seen him, I’ve never even heard of him.”

Han Ling sighs. “Gentlemen group but do not form factions, petty men form factions but do not group. Zhenren Jiang was formerly a state Hou, yet you don’t fully know the Eunuchs Holding Pens and Attending Halls. You can be called a gentleman!”

These sixteen eunuchs are all often by the monarch’s side, true trusted attendants. As an official in Qi, one should have some interactions. Even if not forming factions, one should be a bit courteous and friendly. At key moments, a word or half a sentence could make the situation greatly different!

Someone like Jiang Wang, who doesn’t inquire, doesn’t seek power, doesn’t form cliques, in a high position, yet is like an isolated person, only busy with cultivation, is truly an anomaly.

Facing such praise, Jiang Wang yet says, “I read books earlier, and I also read ‘Gentlemen do not form factions, so their misfortune is not aided; petty men form alliances for profit, so their benefit is mutually aided. If Dao righteousness is lost, there is no punishment; if misfortune has no solution, one must be trapped.’ I feel it’s also very reasonable.”

“I think when people face the ways of the world, there is no single truth. Not necessarily one way is more correct. Each person faces different situations and has different positions.”

“As for me, although I do not form factions, I am also dedicated to cultivation, bearing an empty name and title, and have not done much for the people. I admit I cannot be called a gentleman.”

Han Ling listened quietly, only feeling that the current Jiang Wang was indeed different from before. This youngest Zhenren in history, when saying this, who was he thinking of?

It was not the first time Jiang Wang had come to Lu Palace.

He stood in front of the Lu Palace square for the second time.

The last time he left, he and Zhong Xuanzun had completely destroyed this place.

Now there is not a single trace of the battle left.

Just like after he left Qi State, Qi State is still glorious.

The world does not exist solely for Qi, and Da Qi does not have only Jiang Wang.

After standing there for two hours, only then did someone from the hall come out to announce.

Jiang Wang thus saw the new Grand Inner Supervisor, Huo Yanshan.

This person is tall and burly, a rare figure among inner officials. His voice is suppressed, also low and deep, unlike the soft or sharp voices of other inner officials.

“How should I address you?” His facial skin is purplish-red, whether innate or due to practicing some special technique, I don’t know. He came in front of Jiang Wang, his attitude not distant.

How to say, he is also the first Zhenren in history. After standing for so long, there is no hint of impatience on Jiang Wang’s face. Instead, he is as amiable as a spring breeze and warmly says, “Supervisor Huo, no need to be polite. Just call me by my name is fine.”

Huo Yanshan then says, “Zhenren Jiang, His Majesty summons you.”

Jiang Wang nods in courtesy. “Thank you, Supervisor, for leading the way.”

These few steps were walked slowly. Even the Grand Inner Supervisor had changed from Han Ling to Huo Yanshan, as if carrying a kind of severe meaning.

Lu Palace is where Tianzi cultivates, relatively speaking, it is not so solemn.

But the hall is wide and the building is high, and Tianzi is also more casual.

“Casual” means… he is easier to lose his temper.

Huo Yanshan’s back figure became increasingly tall.

The palace’s large doors opened, like two flung open guillotine blades.

Jiang Wang took a deep breath and stepped into the hall.

“Gentlemen group but do not form factions…” – from *Analects*, words of Confucius quoted and rephrased by later generations.

“Gentlemen do not form factions, so their misfortune is not aided…” – (*Withered Glory Mirror* by Feng Dao of the Five Dynasties)

(Except for those whose sources are widely known, the quoted phrases are noted, not to show off, as some people say. It’s to avoid broad readers thinking these classics are my original. Causing such cognitive bias would make me very embarrassed, with the shame of stealing predecessors’ reputations.)

(Those not specifically noted and whose source cannot be found are all written by me.)

Thank you to book friend “Dust However External Matters” for becoming the alliance master of this book, the 588th alliance for *Red Heart Patrolling Heaven*!

Thank you to book friend “Love to Eat Chicken Breast” for becoming the alliance master of this book, the 589th alliance for *Red Heart Patrolling Heaven*!

Thank you to book friend “Flowing Water Raising Fish” for becoming the alliance master of this book, the 590th alliance for *Red Heart Patrolling Heaven*!

Thank you to book friend “Xiao Yao Big Brother” for becoming the alliance master of this book, the 591st alliance for *Red Heart Patrolling Heaven*!

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Thank you to alliance master Impulsive Consumption is Devil for becoming the silver big alliance of this book! This is the 25th silver alliance for *Red Heart Patrolling Heaven*!

This chapter is 4K, added for alliance masters Open_Sakura and Fang Hao Ri Tian.

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