Chapter 635 - 459: The Situation in the Cangyan Realm

Everyone at the mine noticed with curiosity that the Mine Master had gained a new companion.

Many people knew him as the nephew of Old Chen from Riverbend Village.

No one knew what means this young man had used, but he had suddenly become a favorite of the Mine Master.

Moreover, no matter where the Mine Master went, he would always bring this person along.

For the entire three days, Zhao Tianming took Zheng Yi around the mine, inside and out.

It was only then that Zheng Yi finally grasped the true situation of the mine.

In fact, Zheng Yi wasn’t particularly interested in the specifics of the mine.

Just getting a basic understanding and an impression was enough for him.

What Zheng Yi truly cared about was the situation of the Zhao Family.

From Zhao Tianming’s words, he learned that the entire Cangyan Realm was currently divided into five major states.

The Southern State, Northern State, Western State, Eastern State, and a Central State.

And the Central State is where the Zhao Family’s main base is located.

The current Emperor Zhao Mo, along with most of the Zhao Family, resides here.

Because it is said that the Azure Moon Flame Emperor ascended to the Celestial Realm from here.

Each of the Four Directions States is managed by a direct member of the Royal Family.

They hold a vast army and numerous cultivators.

"I actually think that His Majesty the Emperor can no longer truly command the world."

"The Princes of the Four Directions States outwardly follow the orders of the Emperor, but in reality, they govern independently."

"If not for the deterrence of the Azure Moon Flame Emperor, I think they would have already invaded the Central State, dethroned the Little Emperor, and seized the throne themselves."

Regarding Zhao Tianming’s speculation, Zheng Yi remained noncommittal.

After all, in his original world, such things have happened countless times in history.

Thanks to Zhao Tianming’s introduction, Zheng Yi finally gained a comprehensive understanding of the Cangyan Realm.

However, Zheng Yi didn’t fully believe Zhao Tianming’s words either.

After all, Zhao Tianming was merely a Mine Master, utterly out of touch with the upper-level power struggles.

But now Zheng Yi knew the location he was currently in was the Eastern State.

Governed by Eastern King Zhao Kongqing, who was the oldest among the Four-sided King. However, this man has no strong opinions and always followed his younger brother Zhao Kongyun’s lead.

Perhaps due to his personality, the Eastern State has seen numerous uprisings over the years.

Just last year, there were seventeen incidents.

"Excellent!" This was the news Zheng Yi was most satisfied with.

Under the oppressive rule of the Zhao Family, that so many choose to rise in rebellion shows just how chaotic the realm has become.

"Lord Immortal, I admit your power is formidable. Even among Zhao Family’s masters and tributors, few can match you."

"But, don’t assume that this is the true strength of the Zhao Family. They have ruled the Cangyan Realm for thousands of years, with wealth beyond measure."

"More importantly, their ancestor truly ascended to become an Immortal."

"No matter how strong you are, you’re no match for them."

Zheng Yi feigned surprise: "What does Minister Zhao mean by this? When did I ever say I want to be an enemy of the Zhao Family?"

Zhao Tianming sneered, his meaning unmistakable.

Zheng Yi smiled and explained: "Minister Zhao, you misunderstood. The reason for having you sign that was just to hope you cooperate with me."

"You can rest assured, the real purpose of my actions is simply self-preservation. Let the ambitious heroes rebel, not me."

"I, with my old bones, just want to live a peaceful life."

Zhao Tianming didn’t believe a word Zheng Yi said.

That wicked fellow, if he had no intentions of overturning, then let him suffer Fire and Demonic Heart during every cultivation session.

Taunting words were easily deflected by Zheng Yi, leaving Zhao Tianming a bit annoyed: "Lord Immortal, if you have instructions, I’ll comply fully."

Zhao Tianming heavily emphasized the words "Lord Immortal."

The folk of Riverbend Village were easily fooled by Zheng Yi, truly believing he was some Immortal.

Zhao Tianming knew very well, where was there any Immortal?

The man before him was nothing more than a powerful cultivator.

Ignoring his mockery, Zheng Yi continued: "You’re familiar with the procedure. Everyone in the mine, without exception, should write a loyalty statement."

"Those who persist in refusing, you know what to do."

"Alright!" Zhao Tianming may have millions of objections but dared not voice a single one now.

One by one, he summoned the people from the mine to write the loyalty statement.

There truly were a few individuals who were unwaveringly loyal to the Zhao Family.

They would rather die than write any loyalty statement.

For such diehards, Zheng Yi currently didn’t have the resources to deal with them and could only let Zhao Tianming handle them.

The majority of the others were quite pragmatic, choosing their lives over loyalty to the Zhao Family without hesitation.

Once everyone signed the loyalty statement, Zheng Yi gathered them together.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I know your hearts are restless right now, so I’ll be brief."

"The reason for asking you to sign this is only for self-preservation."

Silence was the only response to Zheng Yi.

Undeterred, he continued: "So you all can rest easy. As long as you keep working honestly as before, this will remain a secret."