Undying Life

Chapter 902: Wang Jingwen

In the southern region of the Zhuanlun territory, within the Tianci Mansion of the Wuxiang Holy Court, the Third Prince and his entourage hurried back from Zhuanlun Hall. As soon as they reached the mansion's entrance, a servant rushed up to them.

"Your Highness, Third Prince!" the servant said respectfully.

"What is it?" the Third Prince asked, puzzled.

"An envoy sent by the Sacred King arrived ten days ago and is currently in the main courtyard of Tianci Mansion," the servant replied.

"An envoy?" The Third Prince was slightly surprised, then waved the servant away.

Soon, the Third Prince, accompanied by a few officials, entered Tianci Mansion.

In the main courtyard, by a pavilion overlooking a pond filled with ornamental fish, a scholarly man in a white robe was seated, an ancient zither placed before him. Two attendants stood nearby, tending to an incense burner as the man gently played the zither. The music was tranquil, causing the fish in the pond to seem entranced, gathering near the pavilion and remaining still.

The Third Prince and his officials exchanged glances. The Third Prince frowned but did not interrupt the zither player, who continued to play as if unaware of their presence.

Wisps of mist floated above the lake, gathering and dispersing in harmony with the zither's melody, forming images of mountains and rivers in the air.

After the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the final note echoed, and the mist dissipated instantly. The fish in the pond became lively again, darting about energetically.

The man in the white robe exhaled deeply and rose gently. One of the attendants immediately handed him a white towel, which he used to wipe his hands before returning it.

The man then turned to face the Third Prince and his group.

"I am Wang Jingwen. Greetings, Your Highness, Third Prince!" he said with a slight bow, exuding the air of a wise man, his demeanor proud and untouched by worldly concerns.

"Wang Jingwen? The newly appointed top scholar of the Wuxiang Holy Court?" the Third Prince asked, his brow furrowing slightly.

The Third Prince was naturally displeased with Wang Jingwen's earlier display, but he was not a reckless man. While he did not practice the way of the emperor, he was highly skilled in the art of power, knowing how to handle people instinctively.

"Indeed, it is I," Wang Jingwen responded calmly.

"What is your purpose here?" the Third Prince inquired.

"Years ago, news from the Third Prince reached the Wuxiang territory, and the Sacred King took it very seriously. Regarding the recent battle in the northern Zhuanlun territory between the Temporal Dojo and the Great Zheng Holy Court, I presume it was the Great Zheng Sacred King, Zhong Shan, who emerged victorious," Wang Jingwen said with a faint smile.

The Great Zheng Sacred King, Zhong Shan, emerged victorious!

Upon hearing this, the Third Prince's pupils contracted, and the officials behind him showed expressions of astonishment. How did he know? They had rushed back from Zhuanlun Hall as soon as the battle ended! They were the first to know in the southern Zhuanlun territory.

But how did Wang Jingwen know?

Wang Jingwen's strength was lacking; he was still a mortal, which had been a renowned story in the Wuxiang Holy Court. To achieve the top scholar position as a mere mortal was big news. A mortal's speed could not match their own.

"Your information is accurate," the Third Prince said cautiously. "But how did you come to know about the outcome of the battle so quickly?"

Wang Jingwen smiled enigmatically. "My knowledge is not limited to what is within my reach. I have my ways of obtaining information."

The Third Prince nodded slowly, recognizing the wisdom and insight behind Wang Jingwen's words. "What is your purpose here, Wang Jingwen? And what message does the Sacred King have for me?"

Wang Jingwen's expression grew serious. "The Sacred King has foreseen the growing threat from the Great Zheng Holy Court. He has sent me to assist you in countering Zhong Shan's influence and to ensure our territory remains secure. We must prepare for what is to come, for the ambitions of Great Zheng are vast."

The Third Prince and his officials listened intently, understanding the gravity of the situation. The battle with the Temporal Dojo was just the beginning; greater challenges lay ahead.

"We will follow the Sacred King's directives," the Third Prince said resolutely. "Wang Jingwen, your presence here is timely. Let us discuss our next steps."

As they moved to the pavilion, the officials felt a renewed sense of urgency. The battle for control over the Zhuanlun territory was far from over, and they needed to be prepared for the ambitions of Zhong Shan and the Great Zheng Holy Court.

"But he knew? How could he guess such an impossible outcome?"

"Indeed, Zhong Shan was victorious! How did you guess that?" the Third Prince asked gravely.

"Guess? There was no need to guess. By examining the records of the Great Zheng Holy Court and their strategic movements over the past few years, it was evident," Wang Jingwen replied, shaking his head.

The officials were speechless. No need to guess? Just by looking at the records?

"What instructions does the Sacred King have for you?" the Third Prince asked, taking a deep breath.

"A new Great Zheng Holy Court has emerged in the Zhuanlun territory. From various signs, the Sacred King has discerned that the Great Zheng Holy Court is extraordinary and might even pose a threat to Tianci Mansion. He has sent me to assist you, Your Highness. Here is the Sacred King's decree; please review it," Wang Jingwen said solemnly, handing over a scroll.

The Third Prince took it and read it carefully. As he read, his brow furrowed deeper, and he glanced sharply at Wang Jingwen.

"The Sacred King sent you to assist me?" the Third Prince asked, puzzled.

"Yes, I am to give my full support to Your Highness to strengthen the influence of the Wuxiang Holy Court in the Zhuanlun territory," Wang Jingwen replied with a slight bow.

After scrutinizing Wang Jingwen for a moment, the Third Prince's expression softened, and he laughed heartily. "Excellent! With you by my side, Tianci Mansion's position in the Zhuanlun territory will be unassailable."

"I will do my utmost!" Wang Jingwen nodded.

"Your talent was evident in the imperial examinations a hundred years ago. Given the current situation, what do you suggest we do?" the Third Prince asked.

"These past few days, I have studied the geography and power dynamics of the Zhuanlun territory. In the north, the aggressive expansion of the Great Zheng Holy Court is inevitable. A conflict between them and Tianci Mansion is only a matter of time," Wang Jingwen said, his expression serious.

"Indeed!"

"However, a holy court from the Small Thousand World, regardless of its current strength, cannot match our foundation," Wang Jingwen said.

"You underestimate the Great Zheng Holy Court's foundation?" an official asked, unconvinced.

Wang Jingwen glanced at him and said calmly, "Foundation is not merely about strength. It includes many factors: culture, acceptance, connections, popular support, and more. Pure strength alone is not a foundation. The Great Zheng Holy Court is newly established and lacks depth. To grow, they must absorb talent from outside their court, particularly from the Zhuanlun territory, to bolster their foundation and integrate more deeply into the territory. This is not just about increasing strength but enhancing their foundation, making the people more inclined towards Great Zheng and rapidly solidifying their base."

Wang Jingwen's explanation left the officials enlightened. Several of them looked at him with newfound respect.

"The gentleman is correct. After defeating Luo Xingchen, Zhong Shan announced an open imperial examination, inviting talents from the Zhuanlun territory to participate!" the Third Prince said, startled.

The Great Zheng Sacred King? So the examination was not just about recruiting talent but had deeper implications. Zhong Shan was indeed a formidable figure!

Wang Jingwen nodded. "I have studied Zhong Shan as well. His announcement, at the peak of his victory over Luo Xingchen, was strategically timed, demonstrating his brilliance. This moment was optimal for declaring the examination. The rise of Great Zheng is inevitable."

"So, what should we do?" the Third Prince asked.

"Great Zheng is leveraging this momentum to develop. But rest assured, Your Highness, we have our advantages. Our foundation is far stronger than that of Great Zheng. Our first step should be to subdue the four nearby celestial dynasties," Wang Jingwen said.

"These four celestial dynasties have always been a great threat to Tianci Mansion. They've harassed us for many years. Taking them down? That's easier said than done!" the Third Prince frowned.

"If I may be so bold, if the Third Prince entrusts the troops to my command, I can completely pacify the four celestial dynasties within five years!" Wang Jingwen said solemnly.

"Five years? How is that possible?" another official asked incredulously.

Wang Jingwen shook his head and looked at the Third Prince. "It's up to you to decide, Your Highness."

"Five years? That's indeed hard to believe. How confident are you?" the Third Prince asked, frowning.

"We have such favorable innate conditions in the Wuxiang Holy Court. Why would taking down the four celestial dynasties in five years be difficult? I'm completely confident," Wang Jingwen said with assurance.

The Third Prince's eyelids twitched, and the other officials also had peculiar expressions.

"And then?" the Third Prince did not answer immediately but continued to ask.

"And then? Naturally, we will unify the southern Zhuanlun territory. By then, the Great Zheng Holy Court would likely have unified the northern Zhuanlun territory. We will face each other north and south, and then we can fully confront the Great Zheng Holy Court!" Wang Jingwen said with great certainty.

Unify the southern Zhuanlun territory? Is it really that easy?

Everyone looked at Wang Jingwen with odd expressions, and the Third Prince was also skeptical. He looked at Wang Jingwen seriously and asked, "How can you guarantee that?"

Wang Jingwen smiled slightly and replied, "Guarantee? The Wuxiang Holy Court is the best guarantee. Our court has the strongest foundation here. When the great battle begins, talent will quickly gather around us. With a holy court against a celestial dynasty, do we need more guarantees?"

Wang Jingwen's words left the officials feeling ashamed. What they had painstakingly preserved now seemed laughable in Wang Jingwen's eyes.

After a deep look at Wang Jingwen, the Third Prince suddenly laughed heartily. "Hahaha, good! I believe you. From today, the military forces of the four surrounding cities of Tianci Mansion will be under your command. However, I need to see your plan before you proceed."

"Yes, I will do my utmost to assist you, Your Highness!" Wang Jingwen nodded.

Great Zheng Holy Court, Changjing

Changjing was a colossal floating island, resembling the Heavenly Palace in grandeur, with the imperial examination location set below it.

In the Immortal Palace:

"Sacred King, the eight celestial dynasties are on the brink of collapse after multiple suppressions. If we continue to pursue our victory, we can pacify the eight celestial dynasties completely," Yi Yan said earnestly.

"Yes," Zhong Shan nodded from his throne.

"However, I have a thought. Should we cease our military campaigns for now and enter a period of rest and recuperation?" Yi Yan asked.

"Oh?"

The ministers in the hall were surprised. Shouldn't they capitalize on their victory and swiftly pacify the eight celestial dynasties?

"Although the eight celestial dynasties are on the verge of defeat, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. If we keep pressing them, it will provoke a desperate counterattack, which could be counterproductive. Moreover, if we eliminate the eight celestial dynasties, we will face even more celestial dynasties. Our rapid expansion could unite them against us, which would be disadvantageous," Yi Yan explained.

"True," Zhong Shan nodded.

"I propose a temporary truce. The weakened state of the eight celestial dynasties will undoubtedly attract the envy of surrounding dynasties. We can leave the task of eliminating the eight celestial dynasties to these short-sighted dynasties. Once they exhaust each other, we can take advantage of our well-rested and strengthened forces to reap the benefits," Yi Yan suggested.

"I second this proposal," Xiao Wang immediately said.

"I second this proposal," Zhao Suoxiang also quickly agreed.

"We second this proposal!" many ministers echoed.

"Approved," Zhong Shan declared.