Immortal Dynasty Hounds

Chapter 91 Swiftly Reach Jiangzhou, Aiming for the Capital (End of Volume)

“These people don’t even know how they lost, it’s pathetic.” Zhang Aniu’s tone was somewhat complicated.

Lian Shanxin reminded him, "When gods fight, mortals suffer; it has always been so. My lord, you should stop pitying them and pity yourself more. Qianmian actually managed to escape to the capital under your pursuit and even inflicted serious damage on His Majesty. You bear the responsibility."

Zhang Aniu: "..."

grass.

He suddenly realized what was happening.

He suddenly looked at Eunuch Wang.

"Eunuch Wang, what did His Majesty say?"

Eunuch Wang glanced at Lian Shanxin with surprise.

He came to Jiangzhou with three tasks on his shoulders.

He had already explained the tasks of dealing with the Golden Scale Alliance and the governor of Jiangzhou to Zhang Aniu.

However, he had not yet discussed the matter of holding Tianjian accountable with Zhang Aniu.

After all, he still needed Zhang Aniu's help with his mission in Jiangzhou.

Although Eunuch Wang came on behalf of the emperor, he was well aware that imperial power was imperial power, and he was himself.

It's absurd to assume that an imperial envoy can have absolute authority once he arrives in a region. Over the years, there have been quite a few imperial envoys who were framed or even killed, like Yu the Great.

After all, the Great Yu Dynasty was a feudal dynasty teeming with warriors, and those with greater martial prowess often possessed greater courage. After all, possessing a weapon naturally breeds a murderous intent.

These people lacked the courage to assassinate the emperor; the title of "thousand-faced" was far too prestigious. However, they certainly had the courage to kill imperial envoys, and this had happened many times throughout history.

Eunuch Wang was fully aware of this.

Putting everything else aside, just considering Tianjian's explosive temper—daring to blind the princess—he didn't think Tianjian would ever truly bow down to him.

Therefore, he chose to postpone addressing the matter of holding Tianjian accountable.

Unexpectedly, before Tianjian could react, one of his soldiers discovered it in advance.

Now that things had come to this point, it would be inappropriate to conceal anything further, as it would be suspected of using Tianjian. Therefore, Eunuch Wang told the truth: "His Majesty is indeed very angry and has ordered me to question Lord Tianjian about how he pursued and killed Qianmian. Is there any suspicion that he deliberately neglected his duties and nurtured the enemy to enhance his own power?"

Zhang Aniu cursed again: "Do you think you can just catch Thousand Faces like that? Even with His Majesty's strength, plus Old Wang protecting him, didn't Thousand Faces still manage to get close and escape? Even His Majesty couldn't stop Thousand Faces, so what right do I have?"

Eunuch Wang coughed lightly and explained, "I have never seen Thousand Faces. I was outside the Imperial Estate when His Majesty had the accident. After that, I could no longer find him. Thousand Faces is a man of many forms and is indeed unique in his ability to conceal his tracks. Lord Tianjian has indeed suffered an undeserved misfortune this time. I believe His Majesty is only angry for a moment and will not really hold you accountable after he calms down. After all, the things you and Governor Jiang did are not quite the same."

Governor Jiang was implicated in the Second Prince's conspiracy to rebel.

At most, Zhang Aniu's actions can be considered dereliction of duty and poor performance.

Your Majesty's favor is boundless; this matter certainly cannot be Your Majesty's fault, and someone must be held responsible.

However, given Tianjian's status and Qianmian's record, and most importantly, with the Second Prince's faction standing in front of him, it's not Tianjian's place to be the scapegoat.

Zhang Aniu also realized this and gradually calmed down: "Fortunately, His Majesty has a discerning person like Lao Wang by his side, so I won't be harmed by villains. However, as long as Qianmian is not eliminated, His Majesty's heart will not be at peace. Lao Wang, let me introduce you to a young hero. If you want to capture Qianmian, he will be a more useful divine sword than I am."

"Oh?" Eunuch Wang became interested.

In his opinion, Qianmian's strength was nothing special; he was confident he could easily defeat Qianmian in a one-on-one fight.

However, Qianmian's mystery is such that he can be ranked among the top five or even three among all the grandmasters, and he has no confidence in capturing Qianmian in a one-on-one fight.

Defeating Thousand Faces and capturing Thousand Faces are completely different levels of difficulty.

"Is there anyone else capable of capturing a thousand faces? Which young hero is it?"

“It is him. I believe he will become the future ‘eye of heaven’ and have a place in the heavens.”

Zhang Aniu helped Lian Shanxin.

Lian Shanxin was both surprised and delighted.

He hadn't expected to get involved in the turmoil in the capital so early, especially the political turmoil.

When gods fight, the aftershocks can easily kill mortals. For example, right now, the officialdom and martial arts world of Jiangzhou have been overturned by the aftershocks of the fight between the demons in the capital city.

But now that you have an opportunity to meet a big shot, and it's been recommended by another big shot, you can't be ungrateful.

No matter how you look at it, this isn't a bad thing; it allows you to accumulate political resources in advance.

So Lian Shanxin introduced himself to Eunuch Wang again: "Eunuch Wang, I am Lian Shanxin. I was the first newcomer from Jiangzhou to join Jiutian. I have seen through the disguise of Qianmian twice."

"Having seen through a thousand faces twice?" Eunuch Wang was instantly moved.

He couldn't do that.

"But really?"

The question slipped out, and Eunuch Wang immediately gave his answer: "It must be true. Lord Tianjian wouldn't lie to me about something like this. Lianshan Xin? What a fine surname, what a fine young man."

At this point, Eunuch Wang made no attempt to hide his praise: "Truly worthy of being a descendant of Shennong, a young hero, a worthy successor to the heavens."

Lian Shanxin felt that the big boss's words were indeed pleasant to hear; no wonder he was a professional at flattering the emperor and the top leader.

If you can speak, you should speak more.

Of course, he quickly replied modestly, "Shennong tasted hundreds of herbs and saved countless lives. The Lianshan clan is now just a surname, so it's really hard to associate it with the ancient Yan Emperor."

Eunuch Wang instructed, “No need to be modest. I have read many books in the palace and have some understanding of the history of ancient times. In ancient times, our human race was far from being as glorious as it is now. At that time, there were hundreds of races, and dragons, phoenixes, and unicorns were not uncommon. Later, the immortal path flourished, and the human race rose, but the crisis never ceased. The human race that has survived the trials and tribulations and whose bloodline has been passed down to this day all have ancestors who had some immortal or divine blood. Those who were not strong enough would have been extinct long ago.”

Lian Shanxin looked as if he had just realized something: "So that's how it is. If it weren't for your guidance, I wouldn't have known the inside story."

Weird.

He knew from his past life that every family had produced emperors and generals in their ancestors.

Those whose ancestors were not illustrious enough simply could not survive the long river of history, with its plagues, wars, natural disasters, and other calamities.

The swallows that once graced the mansions of the wealthy and powerful now nest in the homes of ordinary people. Don't assume that just because you are ordinary now, your ancestors were too.

However, this is something that an innocent 18-year-old boy from Jiangzhou should not know.

Therefore, he should humbly accept instruction.

Many older, well-meaning people like to offer advice to younger people, often with the air of someone who's been there all along. If this older person is also rich and powerful, then you'd better listen to them obediently.

Lianshan Xin was very well-behaved.

Eunuch Wang was clearly pleased with Lian Shanxin's attitude: "After all, you've lived in Jiangzhou since you were a child, so it's normal that your horizons haven't been broadened. When you go to the capital, you can read more books. If the Nine Heavens headquarters doesn't have it, you can come to me to borrow it. The imperial palace's collection of books is indeed richer than that of the Nine Heavens. That was one of the reasons why I resigned my position to become a courtier in the imperial palace."

"So it turns out that my father-in-law almost ascended to the highest heavens back then." Lian Shanxin was filled with awe.

Grandpa Wang waved his hand modestly and said, "It wasn't that I was close. There was no one who could compete with me at the time, so I gave up on my own initiative."

Lian Shanxin realized that showing off was indeed something everyone liked.

Zhang Aniu liked it, he liked it, and his father-in-law, who didn't have a second son, also liked it.

"Don't listen to his nonsense. He ran into trouble when he was practicing his martial arts. He had a problem with his kidneys, and even the Heavenly Physician couldn't cure him. Even if he hadn't entered the palace, he wouldn't have been able to eat meat. His Majesty personally recruited him, so he went to the palace to become the Inner Minister. After all, there are nine 'Nine Heavens,' but only one Inner Minister."

Zhang Aniu sent a telepathic message to Lianshan to undermine Eunuch Wang.

Lian Shanxin immediately believed Zhang Aniu's words, after all, this made sense.

What do you mean, "love reading"? You're kidding me.

“Since you are a descendant of Shennong, you are indeed destined for the Nine Heavens. If you have not yet chosen a faction, I suggest you join the Heavenly Physician lineage.” Eunuch Wang instructed, “Descendants of Shennong are born into the Heavenly Physician lineage, and the current Heavenly Physician is a descendant of Shennong.”

"what?"

Lian Shanxin's expression changed slightly; this time he was genuinely surprised.

"Is the contemporary Heavenly Physician also surnamed Lianshan?"

"Shennong's descendants are not limited to the Lianshan clan; there is another major surname, Jiang, which is also the surname of Shennong. The current Heavenly Physician is surnamed Jiang. Lord Tianjian, haven't you mentioned this to him?" Eunuch Wang asked curiously.

In his view, since he was surnamed Lianshan and had joined the Nine Heavens, he was a promising talent of the Heavenly Doctor lineage.

If he knew that Lian Shanxin's family ran a medical clinic, he would definitely think it was a match made in heaven.

Zhang Aniu said helplessly, "Before I could even say anything, he was snatched away."

"Who stole it?"

"Qi Shiyun".

"Qi Shiyun? The chosen one, Qi Shiyun? Lian Shanxin, you've joined the chosen lineage?" Eunuch Wang was greatly surprised.

Lianshan nodded honestly.

Eunuch Wang stared blankly at Lian Shanxin for a moment, then looked around at the chaotic Jiangzhou, and suddenly became alert: "Could this be a trap you set up?"

Lian Shanxin sighed softly: "Eunuch Wang, you really overestimate me. It was clearly a rainstorm in the capital that flooded the officialdom and martial arts world of Jiangzhou. What does that have to do with me? Do you think I have the ability to control a thousand faces?"

Eunuch Wang thought it made sense, so he didn't put on airs and immediately apologized to Lian Shanxin: "It's my fault for being a bit paranoid. I was tricked so badly by Master Xie back then, so I have a prejudice against your chosen lineage."

Lian Shanxin knew that the Xie lineage leader mentioned by Eunuch Wang was the current lineage leader of their chosen lineage, Qi Shiyun's master, and the powerful figure he had never met.

"Master... how could you possibly betray you, Father-in-law?"

Lian Shan Xin said, "Master, aren't you just making trouble for me?"
Grandpa Wang sighed softly.

Zhang Aniu revealed Eunuch Wang's past: "Back then, Old Wang fell in love with Old Xie at first sight and pursued him relentlessly, which annoyed Old Xie to no end. So he recommended a divine skill to him. After mastering the skill, all desires vanished. From then on, Old Wang became celibate and entered the palace to serve His Majesty."

Old Master Wang blushed and glared at Zhang Aniu.

Zhang Aniu calmly said, "Don't look at me like that. This kid is highly regarded by Qi Shiyun. She'll find out sooner or later."

"Wait, the Chosen One is a woman?" Lian Shanxin grasped the key point.

Grandpa Wang asked in surprise, "You didn't know?"

"I don't know. I only joined the Heavenly Chosen lineage a few days ago. Qi Tanhua hasn't introduced me yet, and I've never met the Heavenly Chosen." Lian Shanxiao said.

Eunuch Wang: "Miss Xie was once ranked number one on the list of beauties."

Zhang Aniu said with a look of disgust, "Old Xie is already so old, still thinking about Miss Xie. Old Wang, you still can't forget her."

"Zhang Aniu." Eunuch Wang was angry and called Zhang Aniu by his real name.

Lian Shanxin was startled. He didn't want the two of them to start a fight and get caught in the crossfire, so he quickly changed the subject.

At the same time, he gained a rough impression of the clan leader, whom he had never met:

He sounds like an even bigger gambling addict than Qi Shiyun. But the mastermind's scheme against Eunuch Wang back then might not have been just a goddess's endless pursuit of a sycophant.

It is known that His Majesty was chosen by the heavens to ascend to the throne, and the two are bound together by a shared destiny, where one's fortune is tied to the other's.

Master Xie certainly didn't want anything to happen to Emperor Yongchang.

What could be more reliable to ensure His Majesty's safety than having a Grandmaster personally protecting him?

Lian Shanxin is driven by ambition. He believes that the chosen one who can put the current emperor on the throne is also likely driven by ambition, and that everything he does is based on his ambition, which makes his explanation more reasonable.

Of course, a simp wouldn't care about this.

Lian Shanxin glanced at Eunuch Wang and thought to himself that even without his second brother, he wasn't exactly a man of few desires.

That's true. If that were the case, there wouldn't be any eunuchs engaging in extramarital affairs.

While pondering Xie Maizhu's style of conduct, Lian Shanxin, multitasking, solemnly bowed deeply to Eunuch Wang: "Lian Shanxin was saved by your help today, otherwise I would have been utterly humiliated. It was a small favor for you, but for Lian Shanxin, it is a life-saving grace. Please accept my bow."

Before Eunuch Wang could react, Lian Shanxin had already bowed deeply in worship—when you are still weak, owing favors to a great leader is definitely not a bad thing, and the bigger the favor, the better.

A high-ranking leader can help you once, and can help you countless times, and in the end, you may not have to repay him.

Of course, you need to show your support. Actions aren't as important as attitude.

Those who can do things will never be as good as those who can talk.

Therefore, Lian Shanxin solemnly replied, "If you ever need my help in the future, please just give the order, and I will certainly serve you faithfully."

After glancing at Jiang Jingbin, who was lying on the ground and had completely died, Eunuch Wang understood why Lian Shanxin had thanked him.

“You are indeed no match for Jiang Jingbin,” Eunuch Wang commented. “However, you are still young. He has been famous for five years. For him to attack you is an act of bullying the weak. Even if you lose, you will still be honorable.”

Lian Shanxin shook his head and said, "Father-in-law, there's no need to comfort me. In a life-or-death duel, age doesn't matter. The truth is, I've only just entered the True Intent Realm, and it's difficult for me to be a match for Grandmaster Jiang Jingbin in a one-on-one fight. If it weren't for your divine intervention, I would probably have been utterly defeated tonight. My own loss is a minor matter, but if it weakens the prestige of the Chosen Ones lineage, or even implicates the Nine Heavens and affects Lord Tianjian's plans in Jiangzhou, then that would be a grave offense."

Upon hearing Lian Shanxin's words, Eunuch Wang nodded slightly.

He wasn't just trying to comfort Lian Shanxin; he genuinely believed that 18-year-old Lian Shanxin had more potential than 25-year-old Jiang Jingbin, and that even if he lost, it wouldn't change his opinion.

But he knew that what Lian Shanxin said was true.

People only look at the results.

Winning or losing is the most important thing.

Considering that Jiang Jingbin orchestrated such a large-scale operation tonight by connecting the Jiangzhou officialdom and the martial arts world, it is indeed something that Lianshan Xin alone could not handle.

Only I can solve this.

I came to Jiangzhou on His Majesty's orders. The capital city had already been sealed off, and no one could have predicted it in advance.

Thinking of this, Eunuch Wang praised, "You are really lucky. If I had arrived even half a day later, your fate would have been different."

Lian Shanxin was still shaken: "It was indeed a stroke of luck. I was too weak to even handle a mere Jiang Jingbin."

How could someone like that dare to murder a princess?

How dare you command a thousand faces?

How could it possibly be related to the coup that occurred in the capital?
This was the understanding that Lianshan Xin subtly instilled in Eunuch Wang.

Actually, at that moment, Eunuch Wang wasn't thinking that much.

But this is not important.

Importantly, Lianshanxin had laid so much groundwork that it had already imprinted Wang Gonggong's thoughts on his still very weak understanding.

This will make Eunuch Wang no longer consider what outrageous things Lianshan Xin might do.

Jiang Jingbin, you did a great job.

If you weren't so outstanding, I wouldn't be able to absolve myself of all responsibility so easily.

Seeing that Eunuch Wang no longer doubted him, Lian Shanxin felt genuinely grateful to the still-dead Jiang Jingbin.

This time, his victory over Jiang Jingbin was indeed largely due to luck.

But throughout history, who hasn't relied on luck to achieve great things?
Lian Shanxin has never seen anyone reach the top of the world purely through their own strength; not a single one.

Besides, Jiang Jingbin's death was the result of a fight between the number one and number two big shots on the leaderboard.

Why are the top two on the leaderboard fighting like fairies?

Lian Shanxin thought of the matter of asking the second-ranked brother to kill Elder Zeng.

tsk...

Dear top contributor, I really didn't think that much about it back then.

Qianmian still has too much subjective initiative.

"Don't be so hard on yourself. His Majesty will forgive young people for making mistakes," Eunuch Wang comforted him. "You're only eighteen this year, and you've been with Nine Heavens for less than a month. If you could defeat the thirteenth-ranked person on the Hidden Dragon List now, even without any flawed strategies, you would be a true prodigy. Such a performance is already worthy of the young hero that Lord Tianjian spoke of."

"Really? Is His Majesty really that magnanimous?" Lian Shanxin asked expectantly.

Eunuch Wang understood perfectly that those who could join the Nine Heavens must agree with the idea of ​​"learning literary and martial arts and selling them to the emperor's family," so of course they had to value the emperor's opinion.

He laughed loudly, “His Majesty is as magnanimous as the ocean, and his tolerance for others is rare throughout history. He is a sage ruler praised by all under heaven. Rest assured, His Majesty could laugh off what Qi Shiyun did to the Crown Prince, let alone your little matter. Not to mention, you even won today. If His Majesty knew your name, he would probably reward you.”

It's so nice to have a top fan.

Lianshan sincerely praised it.

Zhang Aniu, who had been observing coldly, suddenly spoke up: "Old Wang, now that you're here, the Jiangzhou affair is nearing its end. Even if these people initially intended to rebel, it's too late now."

Grandpa Wang nodded.

With Tianjian and the Inner Minister personally overseeing Jiangzhou, no matter how great the turmoil in Jiangzhou, or how deep the schemes of the local bullies, it's all in vain now.

"In that case, let's join forces and sweep through Jiangzhou as quickly as possible, then you can return to the capital to report back."

This was not Zhang Aniu's original plan.

His original intention was to transform Bailudong Academy into a thorn in the side of the Nine Heavens in Jiangzhou. This required a long period of infiltration, including the infiltration of influence, ideas, and power.

It can't be resolved in a short time.

Taking things slowly and methodically is the best approach.

But plans can't keep up with changes.

His Majesty is wise and discerning; in the face of such a momentous event, all private schemes must be set aside for the time being.

Unless you want to bear the wrath of Emperor Yongchang at this moment.

Zhang Aniu didn't want to.

He could only go with the flow.

“His Majesty is certainly still furious. Unless we capture Qianmian, it will be difficult to quell his anger,” Zhang Aniu calmly assessed.

Eunuch Wang nodded and said in a low voice, "Before I left the capital, the Empress Dowager revealed some information that His Majesty suffered a rather serious injury this time, and the Second Prince is still in prison."

Zhang Aniu subconsciously glanced at Eunuch Wang's crotch.

Use yourself to save others.

If he were Emperor Yongchang, he would have to kill countless people to quell his anger if he didn't capture Qianmian.

Even killing a whole bunch of people might not be enough to calm things down.

It's not impossible that he would continue to take his anger out on himself.

Although Zhang Aniu had never experienced the pain of losing his younger brother, he could completely empathize with it.

Therefore, he tried his best to save himself: "Qianmian is the key to breaking the deadlock. We must try our best to catch Qianmian before this matter can be considered over. Xiaoxin will be the best helper to catch Qianmian."

Eunuch Wang turned his attention back to Lian Shanxin.

He realized that Zhang Aniu was actually seriously recommending Lian Shanxin to go to Shenjing City to take charge of Qianmian.

“He’s only eighteen, still very young. Is he really capable? Should we give him a few more years of training?” Grandpa Wang earnestly suggested.

He meant well.

The situation in Shenjing City is too complicated. At Lianshan Xin's age, getting involved might not be a good thing.

Even though he is very talented at capturing thousands of people.

Lian Shanxin nodded firmly: "Lord Tianjian, I think I am more suited to studying at the academy now."

Zhang Aniu said in a deep voice, "The officialdom and martial arts world of Jiangzhou will be purged in a very short time. At that time, the academy will become a true holy place for teaching and nurturing people. You are a member of the chosen lineage. Do you think studying at the academy is a waste of your time? Or do you want to spend four or five years breaking through to the Grandmaster realm?"

Lianshanxin: "..."

Zhang Aniu bluntly reminded him, "The Second Prince is still in prison."

Lian Shanxin was startled: "Sir, what do you mean?"

"It's nothing, I won't force you. Xiao Xin, you are indeed still young. Whether you go to the capital to try your luck for wealth and status, or stay in Jiangzhou and live a peaceful life, the choice is yours. Whatever you choose, I will agree."

Zhang Aniu patted Lian Shanxin on the shoulder, his tone meaningful: "A person's fate is often determined by a few important choices. Think it through, think it through carefully!"

Zhang Aniu kept his word. After leaving those words, he went to the governor's mansion side by side with Eunuch Wang.

The situation in Jiangzhou ended in a way that no one had anticipated.

Given Governor Jiang's position, they needed to personally announce this "good news" to him!
Lian Shanxin watched Zhang Aniu's departing figure, a surge of emotion stirring within him.

He was 100% certain that Zhang Aniu was deliberately trying to lure him into messing with the Second Prince.

But he had to admit that the second prince was indeed very tempting to him.

The princess has killed two, but she hasn't killed any princes yet.

The Second Prince's head is in the capital city.

In Lian Shanxin's eyes, that was not a human head at all.

That is his path to becoming a master!
……

End of volume!
Next volume: Or leaping in the abyss.

(End of this chapter)