Free Web NovelChapter 1312: Chapter 6: The Return of Honor _2
One wonders what the sister of such a precocious fellow as Jiang Wang would be like.
"I didn’t say much, just told her to work hard and diligently cultivate," replied Jiang Wang cheerfully, with a radiant smile, "Could I really show off in front of a little child?"
"Oh, is that so?" Zhongxuan Sheng replied half-heartedly, somewhat incredulously, before breaking into a teasing laugh, "This time I actually got to see Qiao Yanjun. Even though she was wearing a veil and I couldn’t see her clearly, Xu Gaoe says she must be an unparalleled beauty who may even rival Ye Laner!"
"Of course she’s no less than Ye Laner..." Jiang Wang responded subconsciously, then suddenly became alert and chastised with righteous indignation, "Why are you guys so idle? Gossiping all day! Can’t you focus on more important matters?"
He had only spoken to Ye Qingyu briefly that day after winning the first prize. It wasn’t long before Ye Lingxiao showed up with a stern face and took her away, claiming there were urgent matters to tend to in their home country...
In that brief moment, he had thought that Li Longchuan, Xu Xiangqian and others might not have even noticed. He never expected that they would actually start discussing it behind his back!
Zhongxuan Sheng laughed, "We were just casually chatting. Not much was said!"
In fact, they had already clear understanding of Lingxiao Pavilion’s history. It was less of "not much was said" and more of "not much left to be discussed" — mainly between him, Xu Xiangqian and Li Longchuan. Yan Fu was busy whispering sweet nothings to Wen Tinglan, without much time to join in their idle chatter. Zi Shu had gone to console their sect member Yin Wenhua alongside Zhao Wuyan. Of course, Fourteen had been eavesdropping the whole time.
Jiang Wang spat disdainfully, "Vulgar, superficial, unbearably trite!"
Zhongxuan Sheng laughed heartily.
Fourteen tilted his head, his voice emerging from beneath his helmet, "When we used to chat about Yan Fu’s marriage, you didn’t have this to say."
Jiang Wang: ... ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com
"Hey, where are we now?" In an effort to avoid further embarrassment, he lifted the curtain and asked.
Zhongxuan Sheng looked outside with a smile on his face, "Ji Country."
According to the map, to the northeast of Ji Country lays a nation known to an old acquaintance of Jiang Wang, called "You Nation." The sight of that Giant Turtle carrying a city on its back had left a deep impression on Jiang Wang.
To the southeast of Ji Country, not too far away, lies the famous Qingya Academy, the place where Xu Xiangqian sought his scholarly pursuits.
Yan Fu and Li Longchuan were following the troop back to Qi Country.
As for Xu Xiangqian, after leaving Fertility Country, he headed west with Zhao Wuyan and Zi Shu, reportedly to view the snow in Snow Country.
Zhao Wuyan has been traveling far and wide for the sake of cultivation. This time, with great confidence, he seems to have determined his path, claiming he would attain Godly status in the land of Xiji.
Another Godly cultivator before the age of thirty, his future is boundless.
When Xu Xiangqian visited Guanhe Platform, he simply passed by the Academy without entering. Upon his departure, he left as carelessly as he arrived, not even turning his head once to look back... what an exemplary Confucian scholar of Qingya Academy.
"Is Ji Country a vassal state under Jinguo?" Now that the topic was broached, Jiang Wang couldn’t help but ask casually.
"Ji Country is not a Taoist vassal state. Neither are Fertility Country and You Nation," answered Zhongxuan Sheng, who of course knew these matters well, "With Sheng Country in the north, Mu Country’s influence is hard to extend here. Although these small countries are not Taoist vassals, they find it hard to resist the will of Jinguo."
"A strong neighbor makes it hard to thrive," Jiang Wang mused. Having personally experienced the annexation by Yang Country and the struggles of Rong Country, he had developed a deeper understanding of the plight of these smaller nations.
"If something were to happen in a country like You Nation, would Jinguo intervene?" he inquired.
Being the person he is, Zhongxuan Sheng immediately realized what he was getting at, "Are you referring to Yin Guan? Does he have any concrete actions now?"
"Not that I’m aware of." Jiang Wang shook his head, "I was just thinking about it and thought I’d ask. After all, I was there when Yin Guan had a confrontation with Zheng Chaoyang, the commander of You Nation’s Negative Stele Army. That Giant Turtle... also left a lasting impression. Xu Xiangqian even composed a poem about it..."
Zhongxuan Sheng had no interest in Xu Xiangqian’s poetry, but he mentioned, "Due to its geographic location, You Nation cannot escape Jinguo’s influence, but geographically speaking, it’s closer to Sheng Country. To the south lies the Dao Sect country, and to the east the number one Taoist vassal state, yet it’s not a Taoist vassal—it already speaks volumes."
After some thought, Jiang Wang asked, "Speaks volumes about what?"
"Of course, Sheng Country would like to exert influence over a country like You Nation, as it’s their will as a great power, not just a slashing blade, but Jinguo certainly cannot agree..." Zhongxuan Sheng trailed off, shaking his head, "Nevermind. All you need to know is, as long as You Nation doesn’t provoke fury and resentment, at least for the next ten years, Jinguo couldn’t be bothered to give it a second glance."
"Ah, I see," Jiang Wang nodded and changed the subject, "The path of cultivation is long, to not advance is to recede. Let’s not waste time on the road; how about we spar a bit in the Taixu Illusory Realm?"
Although I trust your judgment, it seems like you don’t quite respect the number one Inner Mansion in the world, huh. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com
"Hey, Fourteen," Zhongxuan Sheng turned his head, propping open one eye with his chubby finger, "Take a look here, is there sand in it?"
Fourteen leaned in a bit closer.
"Hey, come closer, how can you see anything from that distance..."
Jiang Wang: ...
Jiang Wang quietly closed his eyes, continuing his exploration of the Inner Mansion.
It must be said, possessing half of the Single Horse Enter Formation Map, made exploring the Inner Mansion much more efficient.
The joy of cultivation, with so many delights!
...
...
With Cao Jie stationed there, and the carriage having the emblem of grand Daqi, the journey was smooth sailing. Especially after entering the Eastern Region, the states through which they traveled—if not "out with the finest food and drink eagerly welcoming the royal troops"—at least swept the streets clean, clearing the way ahead of time.
