Chapter 467 - 403: Profound Embryo (Part 2)

Chapter 467: Chapter 403: Profound Embryo (Part 2)

Zhao Yuanhong accepted the order and immediately rushed to the Chen Mansion.

...

The Liyang Chen Mansion, in the study.

’Repair the embankment?’

’Rebuild the Lishui River Embankment? A project worth three million taels, and it’s being handed over to the Chen Family?’

Chen Li’s brow was tightly furrowed, his mind clouded with suspicion.

He had remained in Liyang precisely to deal with the simultaneous arrival of three major figures: the Duke of England, Xu State Governor, and the yet-unseen Junior Minister Cao.

Previously, he had guessed that the three of them had come together primarily for the Chen Family’s silk.

But the news Zhao Yuanhong brought was completely beyond his expectations.

His family had no prior dealings with these two men, let alone any sort of friendship.

’There’s no such thing as a free lunch.’ His thoughts raced, and several theories surfaced in an instant.

But he had too little information.

Chen Li took a deep breath, suppressing his chaotic thoughts.

Regardless, since they had specifically asked to see him, he had to go.

’Whether it’s a blessing or a curse, I’ll just have to take it as it comes.’

"County Captain Zhao, please wait a moment while I change my clothes," Chen Li said to Zhao Yuanhong, who was waiting nearby.

He went into an inner chamber, changed into a dark cyan brocade robe, and secured his headdress. A moment later, he boarded the carriage Zhao Yuanhong had prepared.

Inside the carriage, the atmosphere was somewhat delicate.

Zhao Yuanhong sat across from Chen Li, hesitating to speak several times.

He had always harbored a deep wariness and suspicion toward Chen Li.

His Divine Sense had been sealed and his Cultivation severely damaged. Although there was no concrete evidence pointing to Chen Li, various signs—especially the change in Gao Changhe’s attitude toward him later on—gave him a nagging feeling. He suspected that the mysterious, unfathomably powerful expert was very likely the Patriarch Chen sitting before him now.

He carefully chose his words and tried to probe with a few questions. However, Chen Li’s replies were flawless. After being politely but firmly rebuffed, Zhao Yuanhong gave a dry laugh and said no more.

...

Upon arriving at the governor’s mansion, Zhao Yuanhong led Chen Li out of the carriage and into a side hall where Gao Changhe was already waiting.

"Patriarch Chen."

Gao Changhe came forward and, using a secret voice transmission, informed Chen Li of everything that had just transpired.

Chen Li’s expression remained unchanged. He simply gave a slight nod to show he understood.

Seeing how composed he was, Gao Changhe lowered his voice. "The two superiors are resting. I’ll take you to them now."

"My thanks, Governor Gao," said Chen Li.

Gao Changhe led the way, passing through a moon gate into a side courtyard.

The courtyard gate was ajar, with light spilling out from within, faintly outlining the silhouettes of people.

Gao Changhe stepped forward and knocked gently. "Your Grace, State Governor, I have brought Chen Li, the Patriarch of the Lingxi Chen Family."

"Come in."

Gao Changhe pushed the gate open.

Chen Li stepped into the side hall.

In an instant, two incomparably tyrannical waves of the Power of the Primordial Spirit enveloped him.

Chen Li’s heart tensed, but his face remained composed and his steps steady as he walked into the courtyard.

He had made preparations before coming. His Second Primordial Spirit had already taken control of his physical body, while his Lifebound Primordial Spirit was hidden away in his sea of consciousness. The aura he currently projected was only that of the Void Transformation Realm. While impressive, it was not so extraordinary as to arouse suspicion.

The two waves of the Power of the Primordial Spirit swept over him several times before receding like a tide, quietly retracting a moment later.

As Chen Li got a clear look at the scene in the courtyard, his Heart Spirit trembled slightly.

During that brief moment of the Primordial Spirit probe, he had already gained a vague sense of the two men’s power.

State Governor Xu Yuanzhi’s Power of the Primordial Spirit was roughly on par with his own. ’This man is definitely a Dharma Powerhouse.’

’And this Duke of England... he’s even more terrifying!’ Chen Li could not see through his depths.

The man’s Power of the Primordial Spirit was utterly domineering. ’His Cultivation is definitely above my own.’

’But there’s a limit to his strength. I can still perceive his aura; it’s not completely incomprehensible to me.’

’He’s most likely a peak Spirit Realm expert who has already stepped into the Unity Realm.’

’So strong! Incredibly strong!’

Chen Li drew a sharp breath inwardly, grateful that he hadn’t been arrogant and had cautiously hidden his true strength.

’If I had really come using my Lifebound Primordial Spirit, I’m afraid I would have immediately aroused suspicion.’

He gathered his thoughts and bowed in salute. "This commoner, Chen Li, pays his respects to the Duke and to the Lord Governor."

Xu Yuanzhi smiled faintly. "Patriarch Chen, there is no need for such ceremony. Please, have a seat."

Chen Li thanked him and sat down properly.

Xu Yuanzhi’s tone was gentle. "We have troubled you by staying at your esteemed residence on our trip south. Your home is elegant and peaceful, and everything has been thoughtfully arranged. This official and the Duke are very satisfied. We must thank you for your generosity, Patriarch Chen."

Chen Li quickly replied, "State Governor, you are too kind. For the Duke and the State Governor to grace my humble home is an honor for the entire Chen Family; your presence brightens our lowly dwelling. My only fear is that our hospitality has been inadequate. How could I dare accept your thanks?"

After the polite exchange, Xu Yuanzhi changed the subject. "Patriarch Chen, I asked you here today because there is a matter I need to discuss with you."

He paused briefly, looking directly at Chen Li. "By the grace of the Court, funds have been allocated to rebuild the Lishui River Embankment. We wish for this project to be fully undertaken by the local Scholars and Gentry. Looking across all of Liyang, only the Chen Family has the necessary resources. This is a matter that will benefit the nation and its people, a contribution for the ages. I hope you will not refuse, Patriarch Chen."

Chen Li politely declined. "Lord Governor, you flatter me; this commoner is apprehensive. It’s just that my Chen Family has been farmers for generations. We’ve been fortunate enough to manage a silk business in recent years, but we have never been involved in construction projects. Rebuilding the embankment concerns the safety of the entire county. The Chen Family lacks the experience and the ability. I ask for the Lord Governor’s understanding and hope you will choose someone more capable."

His words were sincere, his posture extremely humble, and his reasons were sound.

As soon as his voice fell, the Duke of England, seated in the seat of honor, gave a cold snort. The sound wasn’t loud, but it rolled through the hall like muffled thunder.

The Duke of England stared at Chen Li and said bluntly, "And what if we were to insist on giving it to you?"

Chen Li’s heart sank. He knew there was no more room for refusal.

’They hold the Royal Decree Banner and he himself is a peak expert of the Unity Realm. If he truly decided to force the issue, I wouldn’t even have a chance to resist.’

He took a deep breath, stood, and bowed. "Your Grace, please quell your anger. This commoner was not trying to shirk responsibility, but was genuinely apprehensive about my lack of ability. Since the Duke and the State Governor have placed their trust in me and entrusted this great responsibility to the Chen Family, I will certainly do my utmost to repay this heavenly grace."

Seeing Chen Li relent and agree, the Duke of England’s expression softened slightly, and he said no more.

Only then did Xu Yuanzhi speak, his words carrying a deeper meaning. "It is good that you see it this way, Patriarch Chen. Although your Chen Family is not one of the Noble Families, your enterprise is thriving, and you have become a prominent family in this region. You must shoulder the responsibilities that come with that status. Rebuilding the embankment is certainly difficult, but if done well, it will bring great benefit to the nation, the people, and your family."

Chen Li replied, "Yes, this commoner will remember the State Governor’s teachings."

Xu Yuanzhi nodded again. "This matter is of great importance and is to be considered confidential until the official documents are issued by the Court. After you return, Patriarch Chen, do not publicize this or take any action for the time being. When all preparations are complete, this official will have Governor Gao contact you."

"This commoner will remain tight-lipped," Chen Li promised.

Xu Yuanzhi nodded. "The evening banquet is approaching. Patriarch Chen, you may go and rest for a while. We will all attend the feast together."

"This commoner takes his leave." Chen Li withdrew from the side courtyard.

Gao Changhe also withdrew.

Inside the courtyard, silence returned.

Xu Yuanzhi’s brow furrowed slightly. He glanced at the Duke of England and asked, "Your Grace, what do you make of this man?"

The Duke of England replied indifferently, "He has the strength of Void Transformation. For a member of the local Gentry to have quietly reached this Realm through Cultivation shows some ability and cunning. But to say he’s the one who stirred up the recent turmoil in Jiangzhou... this old man doesn’t believe it. Void Transformation isn’t enough to make a difference."

Xu Yuanzhi said nothing, his brow just furrowed deeper.

Unlike the Duke of England, who relied on experience and perception, he wielded the Divine Artifact State Governor Seal, a gift from the Court. It connected him to the fate of the entire state, granting him a mystical awareness.

In recent years, the rules of fate in Jiangzhou had been thrown into disarray, and the center of this storm was Liyang.

But seeing Chen Li today, his performance seemed to confirm the Duke of England’s judgment.

A Void Transformation Grandmaster with some skill and cunning would be absolutely incapable of disrupting the fate of an entire state.

’If it’s not him, then who could it be?’

Xu Yuanzhi’s gaze grew profound as he fell deep into thought.

...

The evening banquet was held in the mansion’s flower hall.

Nearly all the officials and members of the Scholars and Gentry from Liyang County had gathered.

Gao Changhe had put a great deal of thought into this welcoming banquet.

Not only was the feast exquisite, but he had also invited Liyang’s most famous Courtesan to perform. With the sounds of stringed and woodwind instruments, graceful songs and dances, and opera troupes singing, the atmosphere was exceptionally lively.

However, the mood at the tables was rather subdued.

The Duke of England and Xu State Governor, seated in the primary seats of honor, seemed listless.

The Duke of England only symbolically picked at his food a few times, completely ignoring the song and dance performances. His brow remained furrowed the entire time.

Xu Yuanzhi wore a smile as he accepted the toasts from the crowd, but there was a sense of detachment about him.

Just after 7:00 PM, the Duke of England was the first to rise. Citing fatigue from his journey, he left the table to rest. State Governor Xu Yuanzhi also left soon after.

Once the two main guests had departed, the banquet could only come to a hasty end.

The guests all rose to take their leave, departing with various thoughts on their minds.