Legend of Zhan Zhao

Chapter 26 Taking the Case
Zhan Zhao raised his eyebrows.

Guo Huaiji, who was not far away, scratched his head as he listened.

Both "Invincible Divine Mirror" and "Lotus Heart Treasure Mirror" are martial arts techniques practiced by eunuchs.

The opening doesn't explicitly state that one must castrate oneself before practicing divine skills, but both founders cultivated their skills while physically disabled. If a normal person were to do so, they would undoubtedly suffer a qi deviation and go mad.

What use would I be to Zhan Zhao?
Guo Huai disagreed, saying leisurely, "Young friend, you naturally won't cultivate such martial arts. However, you can learn from others' experiences. If you want to become a martial arts master, you will benefit greatly from seeing all kinds of unique skills in the world."

"Moreover, Lianxin was originally a devout Buddhist. When he created the 'Lotus Heart Treasure Mirror,' he also drew heavily on Buddhist martial arts. He also had good relations with the eminent monks of the Great Xiangguo Temple in the contemporary era."

"The Lotus Heart Treasure Mirror also contains techniques such as disguise, poisoning, acupuncture, Miao people's use of Gu poison, and mind-controlling techniques, which do not require a disabled body and can be practiced."

"This will not only broaden your horizons, but also provide you with greater security when you travel the world in the future."

Zhan Zhao remained silent.

Not only was Guo Huai's statement reasonable, but it was also strange that the other party, as the Grand Eunuch and the Empress Dowager's confidant, would not be promised official positions or wealth and honor, but instead would use martial arts as a condition for the promise...

But don't say it.

He was indeed somewhat tempted.

Guo Huai, observing the expressions and demeanor, made up his mind.

He would rarely be so polite to anyone else, let alone the palace maids and servants in the imperial city, or even to the officials in the court.

Because the future and even the lives of those people were under Guo Huai's control and influence, he naturally had no say in anything.

If Zhan Zhao were just a wandering swordsman, that would be one thing, but he is a disciple of the Great Xiangguo Temple, with the Buddhist sect behind him. The Great Xiangguo Temple would definitely value such a talent and cannot afford to make a move against him lightly.

Unfortunately, I have no interest in a career in government, so I can't decide what to do.

If you want the other party to investigate the case, you naturally have to cater to their preferences and make them willing to cooperate so that they can truly put in the effort, uncover the truth as soon as possible, and resolve the crisis.

then.

The chief eunuch continued, "I have some discernment when it comes to people. Young friend, your ambition lies not in an official career, but in the path of a martial arts master. I hope you will accept this token of your appreciation!"

Zhan Zhao finally spoke: "Does Steward Guo think my choice was wise?"

"Of course it's wise!"

Guo Huai spoke slowly, but each word was like a nail driven into wood, exuding an undeniable confidence: "In this world, there are countless powerful figures, and nations are in conflict. Martial artists can also achieve extraordinary feats!"

"Like the 'Venerable Master Wanjue' of the 'Wanjue Palace' in the Liao Dynasty back then, who was the best in the world and had unparalleled divine skills, and was relied upon by Empress Xiao, what glory and wealth could not be obtained by his own hands?"

"With your talent, young friend, it would be putting the cart before the horse to pursue an official career at this age. In the future, our Great Song Dynasty will have another top expert, which will be a blessing for the country and all its people!"

Guo Huaiji then realized what was happening.

My godfather is truly magnanimous!
'This person is truly terrifying!'

Zhan Zhao sighed silently, 'No wonder he has such a high position, and has almost single-handedly controlled the succession to the throne…'

Zhan Zhao did not want to get involved in that matter too early; he would leave it to Bao Zheng in the future.

Now, he has already expressed interest in the "Zhong Kui Painting" case.

Power and wealth are not appealing, but martial arts skills are.

Ninth on the Heart Sutra Ranking, thirteenth on the Heart Sutra Ranking. The other party gave far too much.

Seeing that Zhan Zhao was finally interested, Guo Huai pressed his advantage: "The Imperial City Guard has already prepared detailed case files on the 'Zhong Kui Picture' case, which are available for review, and elite personnel should also be dispatched."

“We have entrusted two other reliable people to investigate this matter. One of them is a close friend of ours who is currently serving as an official in the local government and with whom we have correspondence.”

"If you need, you can also refer to their opinions."

'Huh? Guo Huai's "three close friends"? Isn't that Bao...?'

Just as Zhan Zhao was about to inquire about his friend Guo Huai, Guo Huai took out a brocade box from his sleeve and handed it over, saying, "Please accept this!"

Zhan Zhao refused to take it: "What is this?"

Guo Huai solemnly explained: "There are three 'Ten-Complete Rejuvenation Pills' inside, which are secret medicines of the Imperial Medical Bureau in the palace. They are composed of ten rare medicinal materials, including century-old ginseng, snow mountain cordyceps, cold jade marrow, and earthworm molting."

"During cultivation, one can transform internal energy into a protective aura, aiding in the circulation of internal force and greatly increasing the efficiency of opening acupoints."

"When poisoned, the poison condenses into beads and is forced out from the fingertips. If this fails, it can also suppress all poisons and prevent the heart from weakening."

"Most importantly, it can stimulate life force and temporarily replace blood circulation when seriously injured, making it a precious medicine for protecting the body!"

Guo Huaiji was very envious when he saw it, and quickly winked at Zhan Zhao, indicating that he should accept it.

This is good stuff!
Compared to the martial world, the imperial court has a great advantage in terms of abundant resources, and the Ten Perfections Pill is the strongest manifestation of this. Every time the Imperial Medical Bureau refines it, it is immediately sent to the palace for fear of being stolen.

Even so, there have been cases of martial arts masters sneaking into the palace to steal things, because this item can be a life in a critical moment.

Guo Huaiji, as Guo Huai's godson, was not usually entitled to enjoy such things. However, Guo Huai saw that he also had excellent martial arts talent, so he not only gave him the "Lotus Heart Treasure Mirror" to cultivate, but also promised to give him precious medicine when he needed to break through the barriers and condense the acupoints in the future.

Zhan Zhao refused, saying, "I haven't even started the investigation yet. I can't accept such a precious medicine without having done anything right. Besides, I just made it clear that once the case is solved, I only need to see the 'Invincible Divine Mirror' and the 'Lotus Heart Treasure Mirror'."

"Hey! Hey! This isn't about receiving a reward, it's about getting better at investigating the case!"

Guo Huai waved his hand.

In fact, he hadn't originally planned to give it all.

But after just exchanging blows with Zhan Zhao, and during the ensuing conversation, I really felt that this young man had unlimited potential.

Those mere three precious medicines are an incredibly worthwhile investment to build relationships.

He earnestly said, "The Invincible Divine Mirror and the Lotus Heart Treasure Mirror should have been handed over in advance. However, this investigation is bound to be dangerous. If the secret manuals are lost and the palace's martial arts are discovered by outsiders, it would be a small matter if we lose our lives, but if the Empress Dowager and the Emperor are injured, that would be a great crime that would destabilize the country!"

"Since the secret manual is still kept in the palace, what do three pills matter?"

"If you need help when you're capturing 'Zhong Kui,' it would be a shame to refuse now. If you really don't need it, you can return it to us later."

This statement is very frank.

"All right!"

Zhan Zhao thought for a moment, then stopped refusing and reached out to take it.

“Huaiji is our adopted son. He is kind-hearted and sensible. He also holds a position in the Imperial City Guard. These days he is responsible for running errands. If you need anything, please feel free to ask him to do it.”

Guo Huai clasped his hands in a fist salute, then gracefully retreated, disappearing from the backyard in the blink of an eye, leaving only his deep and pleasant voice echoing in the distance: "I entrust the 'Zhong Kui Painting' to you, young friend. We await good news from you!"

(End of this chapter)