Chapter 1247 - 876: Visiting the Zhong Family

Kyoto

In a majestically grand mansion, within a secluded back garden, a certain Big Black Dog suddenly raised its head, its eyes fixed in the direction of the Inspection and Supervision Department, immediately baring its teeth and showing a fierce glint: "You brat! I’ve finally detected your presence! You dragged this old ancestor into the turbulent space currents, rendering me powerless. I will certainly make you pay!"

The Heavenly Roaring Divine Monarch’s eyes were filled with coldness as he glanced at the girl sitting on the swing nearby, his heart let out a faint sigh: "To save this little girl, it seems only that rogue Zhang Chen can do it. I, the Heavenly Roaring Divine Monarch, never owe anyone a favor in my life, I must repay this debt soon."

With this in mind, the Heavenly Roaring Divine Monarch slowly got up, heading towards the girl on the swing, but hadn’t yet drawn close when he saw the girl’s eyes turn white, suddenly falling off the swing, landing on the ground, unconscious.

"Damn it, the illness relapsed again!" The Big Black Dog hurriedly approached the girl, staring at her as she fainted, then looked around, coming to her head and slowly raised its hind leg, releasing a spray of liquid: "My urine as the Heavenly Roaring Divine Monarch is a Pure Yang object, capable of repelling all evil spirits, but doing this every day tarnishes my reputation as the Heavenly Roaring Divine Monarch."

After a while, the girl’s frosty aura dissipated, and she slowly opened her eyes, looking at the Heavenly Roaring Divine Monarch: "Big doggy, am I going to die?"

The Heavenly Roaring Divine Monarch stood proudly, ignoring the girl’s words.

"Big doggy..." the girl called again, only to see the Heavenly Roaring Divine Monarch reluctantly approach her, being pulled into her arms, starting to get his head stroked, causing him to roll his eyes, trying to break free from her grip, but couldn’t escape her hands. In an instant, the expression on the Heavenly Roaring Divine Monarch changed multiple times.

"What a sin! Damn Zhang Chen, I won’t spare you!" The Heavenly Roaring Divine Monarch cursed inwardly.

Meanwhile, Zhang Chen, accompanied by the gentle sound of the carriage, was pondering about the Heavenly Roaring Divine Monarch’s situation. Only by finding him could he have a chance to complete the Profound Technique.

"Sister, do you know where in the world there is an especially annoying Big Black Dog?" Zhang Chen asked.

He believed that with the Heavenly Roaring Divine Monarch’s behavior, once in the Material Realm, it would surely cause a huge commotion, bringing countless troubles.

"Especially annoying Big Black Dog?" Xie Lingyun was taken aback by his words, showing a strange expression.

"What’s wrong?" Zhang Chen noticed Xie Lingyun’s peculiar expression and felt secretly delighted: ’I knew that with that Big Black Dog’s troublesome nature, it would surely cause chaos anywhere.’

Coincidentally, just as he mentioned it, Xie Lingyun happened to know.

"The Academy has a genius named Jie Feihua, who keeps a Big Black Dog by his side. That Big Black Dog is extremely annoying, always likes to sit on people’s heads, and once it even jumped on Mr. Da’s head and peed there, causing quite a stir throughout the Academy, becoming a laughingstock there," Xie Lingyun said, surprised.

"Jie Feihua raised a Big Black Dog?" Zhang Chen’s heart skipped upon hearing Xie Lingyun’s words, feeling that the Big Black Dog was the one he knew, after all, that Big Black Dog liked to stand on people to find someone to pet it, and even liked peeing on people’s heads, as the Martial Dao Number One Zhou Chuan was once peed on.

Most importantly, the Big Black Dog liked to make faces!

Is there another such annoying Big Black Dog in the world? Surely, it is one-of-a-kind!

"Why are you asking about the Big Black Dog? Do you perhaps know its origin?" Xie Lingyun asked curiously.

"Of course, I know!" Zhang Chen didn’t hide from Xie Lingyun: "To be honest, I know that Big Black Dog, it comes from a secret world that appeared in the Northern Land back then."

Xie Lingyun’s face turned serious upon hearing this: "There’s such a background?"

"Indeed, could you help me arrange a meeting with Jie Feihua?" Zhang Chen asked.

"It’s difficult! Jie Feihua is not having a good time lately, he seems to have contracted a strange disease, he’s always hiding in the backyard and doesn’t come out. Meeting Jie Feihua is extremely hard," Xie Lingyun said: "I can only try my best to find a way."

Zhang Chen nodded upon hearing: "Thank you, sister."

"But if you want to meet Jie Feihua, perhaps you could take a detour through Zhong Xiang. The relationship between Jie Feihua and Zhong Xiang is quite good, if you can persuade Zhong Xiang, you’ll surely meet Jie Feihua," Xie Lingyun said.

"Zhong Xiang, I do know him, I had dealings with Zhong Xiang in the past." Zhang Chen recalled using Zhong Xiang as a furnace to melt rocks before, his lips curled up, thinking that fellow was quite interesting.

"However, Zhong Xiang is not having a good time lately," Xie Lingyun added.

"What happened?" Zhang Chen asked surprised.

"The fire wielded by Zhong Xiang is the Qilin Fire. Yet, after venturing into the secret realm of the Academy a few years ago, he inadvertently absorbed a burst of flame into his body, making his fire even fiercer, with signs of losing control and backfiring." Xie Lingyun said.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Chen’s expression grew serious. The fire within Zhong Xiang is the Qilin Fire. What sort of terrifying thing could suppress the Qilin Fire?

"Zhong Xiang now meditates daily in isolation at the Academy, using the Dragon Qi gathered there to suppress the flame energy within his body. If you wish to see Zhong Xiang, you’ll have to personally visit the Academy." Xie Lingyun commented.

"I see!" Zhang Chen said, "It seems I need to find a time to personally visit the Academy."

As Zhang Chen’s mind raced with countless thoughts, the carriage’s creaking sound announced their arrival at the Zhong Family estate. Gazing at the impressive Zhong Family mansion, Zhang Chen couldn’t help but be taken aback: "What an imposing estate, it ranks among the top tier in the area."

"The Zhong Family is a lineage that has endured for countless millennia. In the days of the Great Victory Dynasty’s founding Emperor, the Zhong Family contributed much effort." Xie Lingyun added.

The carriage stopped at the Zhong Family’s entrance. Seeing the luxurious carriage, a servant hurried forward to respectfully inquire, "May I know which esteemed guests have arrived? I will convey the message on your behalf."

"Inform your master that a Zhang from the Northern Land and Xie Lingyun are visiting in joint name!" Xie Lingyun addressed the gatekeeper.

Who hasn’t heard of Xie Lingyun, one of the leaders of the Inspection and Supervision Department?

The gatekeeper quickly returned inside the estate, and soon emerged again hurriedly, respectfully announcing to Xie Lingyun: "My master invites both of you to enter by carriage through the back gate."

Entering by carriage through the back gate isn’t meant to be an insult; all carriages enter through the back because the front entrance has steps and a threshold that carriages cannot pass.

A servant led the carriage to the back gate, which swung open. A steward guided the carriage through the gate, which promptly closed. The carriage drove into a garden, where Zhong Wubai was already standing, waiting. Seeing the carriage arrive, he quickly approached with a smile to inquire:

"Brother Zhang Chen, you’ve finally arrived."

Zhang Chen lifted the carriage curtain and leaped out, respectfully greeting: "Elder Mr. Zhong, we’ve met again. I hope you’ll forgive my presumptuous visit."

"What presumptuous visit? The relationship between us is closer than family, there’s no need for formalities." Zhong Wubai said, as he appraised Zhang Chen with delight: "You’ve grown more handsome than before! You’ve the air of a young hero."

Looking at Zhong Wubai, Zhang Chen also complimented: "Mr. Zhong, you’re looking younger."

Zhong Wubai truly appeared younger. If one were to count from when he broke through to the Yang God, he should appear as if in adolescence.

Leading Zhang Chen into the grand hall, Zhong Wubai joined Xie Lingyun, the three of them took seats. Zhong Wubai poured Zhang Chen a cup of tea: "When did you arrive?"

Speaking, he cast a thoughtful glance toward Xie Lingyun.

He knew Zhang Chen’s relationship with the Xie family father and daughter was good, but never expected it to be so close. Zhang Chen had just arrived in Kyoto, and Xie Lingyun was personally safeguarding him.

"I just arrived in Kyoto, and hurried to pay respect to you!"

"Dear nephew, now that you’re in Kyoto, stay at my place; there’s no need to go anywhere else!" Zhong Wubai earnestly suggested: "Kyoto hasn’t been peaceful lately. Stay at my residence, and I will ensure your safety."

"I’ve already settled at the Inspection and Supervision Department. There’s no need to trouble you, Elder. I came to see you today with a request." Zhang Chen addressed Zhong Wubai.

"I have a general idea of your request; no need to explain further, I approve it. However, relying only on us few individuals to plead for you before the Emperor won’t be enough; we can’t contend with the court officials. If you truly want to secure an opportunity, you’ll need Elder Grandmaster Ji Zun’s support. As a senior official across three dynasties, Ji Zun is the Emperor’s tutor and a crucial minister who served the former king. With many pupils and former officials in the court, only by persuading Elder Grandmaster can we withstand the pressure from the eight great clans and secure a chance for you." Zhong Wubai assured Zhang Chen before he could speak.

"Elder Grandmaster Ji Zun? I’ll think of a way to manage that! Your willingness to go out of your way for me is deeply appreciated. This elixir is a token of my gratitude." Zhang Chen placed the jade bottle on the table.

"What kind of friendship do we share? You’re being too formal; take it back quickly!" Zhong Wubai said as his expression darkened upon seeing the jade bottle.

"This elixir, consuming one can break through from the ninth tier to the tenth. Are you sure you don’t want it?" Xie Lingyun quipped from the side.

Zhong Wubai appeared stunned, gazing at the jade bottle blankly: "There truly exists such a divine object? You two must be teasing me!"

As he finished speaking, he’d already swiftly taken the jade bottle, tucking it into his pocket.