Time Travel: The Survival of Li Zhi

Chapter 399 Xiang Nan, Zhang Peng

Although Yan was just a small country.

But its actual territory is not small.

Looking back in time, the State of Yan once owned twelve cities spread across this land.

However, under the advice of Master Cangliu, King Yan resolutely implemented drastic reform measures, demolished all the twelve cities, and then mobilized the whole country to rebuild three large-scale super cities.

It was also because of this that the urban layout of Yan State underwent fundamental changes, making it difficult for Li Zhi and his party to bypass Yan State and continue on their way. These three big cities were like insurmountable barriers, blocking their way to the Wei State.

Li Zhi and others are now stepping into one of the three super cities - Yancang City.

The moment they stepped into the city, the scene before them made Li Zhi's heart sink.

The people in the city were all skinny and haggard, as if they were suffocating under the burden of life.

From their sunken eye sockets, sallow complexions and ragged clothes, Li Zhi could easily imagine how hard and difficult their daily lives were.

This is a world of difference compared to the group of officials who had just led them into the city, dressed in gorgeous clothes and with a dignified demeanor. The huge gap is shocking.

Just as Li Zhi was still immersed in this strong contrast, several people in light blue uniforms walked towards them steadily.

Xiang Nan had sharp eyes and recognized the people at a glance. He quickly stepped forward with a smile on his face and said in a very polite tone: "Deacon Zhang, they are the people of Yongguo that the True Immortal State Master mentioned."

The man called Deacon Zhang looked arrogant when he heard this. He just nodded slightly and then turned his gaze to Li Zhi and others.

His eyes were like torches, and he instantly realized that Li Zhi and the others were all cultivators. His expression immediately became serious, and he bowed to Li Zhi and the others and said, "My fellow Taoists are polite. I am Zhang Peng, an inner sect disciple of Cangliu Xianzong."

Li Zhi was secretly surprised. He didn't expect that an inner disciple of Cangliu Xianzong seemed to ignore Xiang Nan when facing him.

You know, whether it is Yongguo or other countries, the ranks of officials are mostly imitated according to the rules passed down from the Wei Dynasty.

Generally speaking, officials who are able to wear red official uniforms are definitely not lower than the third rank, and their status is very high.

However, even so, Xiang Nan didn't seem to mind it at all.

Li Zhi glanced at the other people around him calmly, and saw that they all acted as if it was normal, as if all this was natural.

This detail made Li Zhi feel more deeply that the power of the Cangliu Immortal Sect in Yan State has already surpassed the imperial power and national power, and its influence is beyond imagination.

Although Li Zhi had a lot of thoughts in his mind, he still remained polite and hurriedly bowed and said, "Thank you for your courtesy, fellow Taoist. I hope you can forgive me for bothering you this time."

Zhang Peng laughed, his tone seemed relaxed and casual, but it also hinted at a tone that could not be refused: "No problem, the ancestor wants to talk to you about something, and is waiting for you in the sect. I hope you fellow Taoists will follow me to our Cangliu Immortal Sect."

Li Zhi was slightly stunned when he heard this, but he quickly reacted.

It seems that Master Cangliu was not investigating their whereabouts for no reason, but had something to discuss with them.

However, no one knows how powerful this Master Cangliu is, and the influence of the Cangliu Immortal Sect in the Yan State is so huge that it is difficult to judge whether it will be a blessing or a curse to meet him this time.

This put Li Zhi in a dilemma. If he agreed to go, he would inevitably worry about encountering unexpected events; if he refused to go, he was afraid of offending the Cangliu Immortal Sect, which had all the power in Yan State.

Li Zhi thought for a moment, and with a warm smile on his face, he said neither servilely nor arrogantly: "Since we have arrived in Yan State, we must first pay a visit to the King of Yan State. Otherwise, if the Emperor finds out, he will probably say that we are impolite."

Zhang Peng's smile did not fade at all, as if he had expected Li Zhi to respond in this way. He said slowly, "It's okay, it's just on the way!"

These brief words seemed to be understated, but they seemed to imply that no matter how Li Zhi and others tried to refuse, they could not avoid the meeting with Master Cangliu.

Li Zhi's eyes flashed, and he thought to himself that the other party was determined. If he refused rashly at this moment, it would be very likely that the relationship between the two sides would be completely strained. Now they were in the territory of Yan State. The Cangliu Immortal Sect was extremely powerful in Yan State, and it was indeed not advisable to offend them easily.

After weighing the options, Li Zhi nodded decisively and said, "Okay, if that's the case, let's go."

Zhang Peng waved his hand and said calmly, "Don't worry, it's getting late today. You guys should rest in Yancang City first. I will come to see you tomorrow."

After that, he turned to look at Xiang Nan beside him, and his tone suddenly became serious: "Arrange their accommodation well, understand?"

Xiang Nan nodded hurriedly, with a flattering smile on his face, and replied: "Yes, yes, I will make proper arrangements."

Under Xiang Nan's arrangement, Li Zhi and his party stayed in two inns respectively.

After everything was arranged, Xiang Nan enthusiastically invited Li Zhi and Su Liang to the banquet, and Li Zhi and the others were very considerate and readily agreed.

Although Li Zhi is not good at socializing, Su Liang is a master at it. He is very skilled at dancing at the dinner table and is at ease.

With Su Liang around, Li Zhi naturally didn't need to deal with Xiang Nan and other old-timers in officialdom personally.

So he was happy and relaxed, quietly inquiring about various affairs of the Yan State while feasting on the food.

The banquet lasted until midnight.

Li Zhi and Su Liang declined Xiang Nan's offer to send someone to escort them back, and the two walked side by side on the quiet streets of Yancang City.

As soon as he left other people's sight, Su Liang, who was originally drunk and unsteady on his feet, straightened up instantly and regained consciousness.

His cheeks were still flushed with alcohol, but his eyes were bright as stars, without any sign of drunkenness. He leaned closer to Li Zhi, lowered his voice, and whispered, "Master Li, this Yan State is really weird!"

Hearing this, Li Zhi nodded slightly, feeling the same way.

He originally thought that under the protection of the Cangliu Immortal Sect, the Yan State was free from the invasion of demons and monsters, and the people should live a prosperous and happy life.

But when he entered the city, he noticed something strange.

The skinny and sallow appearance of the common people in this city does not seem like they live a good life at all.

Li Zhi also learned the reason at the banquet.

It turned out that since the establishment of the Cangliu Immortal Sect, several large-scale and costly ceremonies had been held.

The huge expenses required for these ceremonies were, unsurprisingly, passed on to the common people.

Not only that, in order to support the Cangliu Immortal Sect, the State of Yan also implemented various taxes collected by the Cangliu Immortal Sect itself.

What is even more shocking is that these taxes increased year by year, becoming heavier year by year. The common people of Yan State were squeezed layer by layer, almost drained of their last drop of blood and sweat.

It can be said that the State of Yan is using the entire country's strength to support this sect.

This is from the State of Yan, this is the Cangliu Immortal Sect!