Chapter 1255 - 884: Lending You a Helping Hand

After listening to Xie Lingyun, Ji Zun gently stroked the table with his fingers, contemplating for a moment before speaking: "If you’re asking about the likelihood of success in this matter, the key factor is how the Human King perceives it. From the perspective of the Human King, the Eight Great Clans are a lingering power that he would rather eliminate swiftly, and the emergence of Zhang Chen presents an opportunity to tear the Eight Great Clans apart internally. There are those within the Eight Great Clans who want to push Zhang Chen out to bear the blame, while members of the Zhang Family wish to protect him—this is a chance for the Human King. Using this as a pretext, if we petition the Human King, we can surely secure a narrow path for Zhang Chen."

"I’m just afraid that in order to win over Prince Pingbian, the Human King might directly hand Zhang Chen over," Xie Lingyun expressed her greatest concern.

Upon hearing this, Ji Zun laughed and said: "Prince Pingbian is no longer the greatest threat; the greatest threats now are the Demon Race, the Yellow Heaven Dao, and the Eight Great Clans. If Zhang Chen disrupts the Eight Great Clans, drawing in his backing forces to confront them, it’s something the Human King would be glad to see. If the Eight Great Clans want to hand over Zhang Chen, and we choose to protect him, we will certainly be on the opposing side to the Eight Great Clans, which the Human King would be eager to see us engage them in a life-and-death battle. That way, the Human King can find an opportune moment to strike."

As Ji Zun spoke, he began to carefully strategize: "Now that we’ve gathered together, we can indeed contend with the Eight Great Clans, with sufficient bargaining chips to weigh in."

On the side, Zhang Chen, listening to Ji Zun, had already made some deductions in his heart. The crafty old Ji Zun’s willingness to assist undoubtedly had an ulterior motive, likely intertwined with the Human King’s own intentions.

After discussing with everyone for a moment longer, Ji Zun left with Ji Feihua, his figure disappearing within the Inspection and Supervision Department.

Watching Ji Zun’s retreating back, Xie Lingyun muttered irritably: "It seems our previous plan was unnecessary; treating Ji Feihua is completely redundant. This old fellow has most likely already received the Human King’s blessing. As long as we show up at the door, he will lend his support effortlessly."

"Even so, the extent of that support will still depend entirely on personal connections. Ji Zun is a veteran of three dynasties, with protégés and former subordinates widespread throughout the lands, and countless people rallying behind him, making him worthy of our significant efforts to forge ties with." Zhang Chen replied to Xie Lingyun.

While speaking, a guard outside announced: "Leader, Chief Eunuch Dugu Qiu is here to pay a visit."

"I will personally invite him in." Xie Lingyun said this, then followed the guard out the door.

Beside them, Zhou Zhen said: "You have a pretty significant influence in Kyoto, don’t you, boy? Even managing to place people within the Inner Palace. How do you have connections with the Grand Steward? The Grand Steward holds a unique position within Kyoto, highly favored by the current Human King; countless people want to curry favor with him but find no way in."

"I once saved the Grand Steward’s life in the Northern Land, and he adopted me as his godson." Zhang Chen said with a wry smile.

Hearing this, Zhou Zhen frowned: "Though the Grand Steward holds an exalted position, remember, he is still but a eunuch. If word of you being adopted by the Grand Steward gets out, it might not bode well for your reputation. This matter must be kept under wraps as best as possible, and once this storm subsides, find a way to create some distance."

However, Zhang Chen was indifferent to Zhou Zhen’s concerns and responded: "I am neither a scholar nor a titled noble. What use do I have for reputation? Dugu Qiu has treated me with genuine kindness. Back when I was insignificant, his decision to take me in as a godson was devoid of any personal gain, so how could I repay such sincerity with coldness? Why should I mind what others think?"

When Zhang Chen finished speaking, he picked up the teacup and poured tea for Zhou Zhen: "Even a eunuch is a person, and moreover, a pitiable one; in my eyes, all life is equal. I am not in office, nor am I expanding a family, so reputation to me is nothing but an external ornament. Alone, what need do I have for reputation?"

The indifference Zhang Chen showed towards Dugu Qiu’s position was genuine, an expression filled with inexplicable depths, his words coming from the heart.

"So long as the heart is true, it matters not what status a person holds, they are worthy of my friendship." Zhang Chen replied.

"You truly possess an extraordinary mindset, transcending the tangles of fame and fortune." Zhou Qiucheng could only remark as such.

Hearing Zhou Qiucheng’s words, Zhang Chen grinned, then rose and went outside. About the time it takes to drink a cup of tea later, Xie Lingyun and Dugu Qiu came walking over together.

"Greetings, Grand Steward." Zhang Chen bowed respectfully to Dugu Qiu.

"Why are you being so formal with me, kid? We’re family, no need for such courtesy, it’s too distant, isn’t it?" Zhou Qiucheng helped Zhang Chen to his feet, gazing up and down at him for a while before speaking: "Though we haven’t met in years, you look the same, as though you haven’t suffered much."

"With my skills, I can manage to thrive wherever I go, where’s the suffering in that? Unless I personally seek hardship." Zhang Chen responded with a light-hearted smile.

The group made their way into the room. Once seated, Dugu Qiu addressed Zhang Chen: "I received your letter, so of course, I will advocate to the Emperor on your behalf, striving to get you an opportunity. When the time comes, combined with Leader Xie and their actions, you will undoubtedly emerge from this predicament to claim an honorable identity. As for the Eight Great Clans, we will naturally bear the brunt for you."

"Thank you, Grand Steward!" Zhang Chen quickly bowed upon hearing the words.

The Grand Steward gestured for Zhang Chen not to stand on ceremony, then turned his eyes to Zhou Qiucheng: "I didn’t expect you to be mingling with Mr. Zhou. With Mr. Zhou stepping forward, our chances increase by ten percent."

"Mr. Zhou and I have a life-and-death friendship," Zhang Chen said with a smile.

Zhang Chen and Dugu Qiu, having not seen each other for a long time, conversed at length, then shifted the topic to Xie Lingyun: "Leader Xie has broken into the Tenth Tier, and is the foremost of the younger generation. The Human King heard of your breakthrough into the Tenth Tier and wishes to summon you to the palace for further reward; you should prepare yourself in advance."

Upon hearing this, Xie Lingyun said, "Thank you, Grand Steward, for the reminder."

Dugu Qiu then spoke of Zhong Wubai, his voice full of emotion: "In a single day, two Great Cultivators were born, boosting the morale of us cultivators and letting cultivators worldwide know that we are not behind others, and won’t let the Divine Dao become the sole extraordinary path. It’s a monumental event for our path of cultivation. Those countless cultivators facing dim futures, or those considering changing to the Divine Dao, will undoubtedly take you two as examples."

After some more polite conversation, Zhang Chen took the opportunity to discuss matters regarding the escort agency again. However, when this topic was brought up, Dugu Qiu could only smile wryly, for he was helpless. Do you know why?

Because of the loss of the Tree of Life Coffin, although he wasn’t punished by the Emperor, he was sidelined, giving Chu Mingyue a chance to shine. This matter was a thorn to Dugu Qiu, yet he knew the culprit was the Gong Family, so he didn’t intend to vent anger on the escort agency. He knew Zhang Chen’s relationship with Chen Ping; Zhang Chen had mentioned it during Zhou Qiucheng’s enlightenment.

Now that Zhang Chen brought it up again, Dugu Qiu agreed without hesitation and set to handle it immediately.

Turning to leave, Dugu Qiu went to resolve the escort agency’s matters, leaving Zhang Chen and his two companions to continue their tea in the Inspection and Supervision Department. After chatting a little more, Zhou Qiucheng rose to leave, leaving Zhang Chen and Xie Lingyun in the Inspection and Supervision Department.

"How is it?" Xie Lingyun suddenly asked, looking at Zhou Qiucheng’s departing figure.

After a slight pause, Zhang Chen said, "Whether it’s Elder Grandmaster or Dugu Qiu, they can only be used, not trusted! The royal family tags on them are too strong. Although I have favors with them, even lifesaving ones, they’ve long tied themselves to the royal family’s chariot. My lifesaving grace might be significant but perhaps not outweigh the tangled interests within."

"Strange!" Xie Lingyun exclaimed in astonishment.

Zhang Chen turned towards Xie Lingyun, his eyes showing confusion, and heard Xie Lingyun say: "The Zhong Family is also part of the court. Why did you directly give Elder Zhong the breakthrough pills and not them? By friendship, you should be closer to those two than the Zhong Family. You should’ve given them the pills first."

"Because of Zhong Xiang!" Zhang Chen replied. "Through Zhong Xiang, I’ve judged that the Zhong Family isn’t die-hard loyalists like the royal family from the Inner Palace. When the Tree of Life appeared, various forces gathered, but Zhong Xiang showed no intention to serve the court."

Of course, all of this boils down to his friendship with Zhong Xiang. For the Great Freedom Celestial Demon resides in Zhong Xiang’s body, and also in Zhong Wubai’s heart, as well as Xie Lingyun’s heart. This is the main reason Zhang Chen granted the Creation, but such matters should only be acted upon and not discussed openly.

Xie Lingyun scrutinized Zhang Chen but didn’t quite believe his explanation. However, she did not press further, instead saying, "You should focus on your cultivation. We’ve already planned everything. At the next imperial assembly, we can resolve your identity issue. You’ll need to personally attend the assembly and engage in debate with various factions. You should prepare now; I won’t disturb you further."

After speaking, Xie Lingyun bade farewell to Zhang Chen, leaving him alone in the room pondering the upcoming situation.

Watching Xie Lingyun’s figure recede, Zhang Chen lightly tapped the table, pondering countless strategies: "Bai Cang is a chess piece I should support. If he can take root in the Great Victory royal family and devour its Dragon Qi, it will be a great aid to me. But how can I support Bai Cang?"

He initially wanted to ask Dugu Qiu to handle Bai Cang’s matters, but upon seeing Dugu Qiu, he immediately dismissed the thought, realizing that after living in the Imperial Palace for countless years, Dugu Qiu must be fiercely loyal to the royal family. If he asked him to intervene in Bai Cang’s affairs, it would surely raise suspicion, and who Dugu Qiu might ultimately side with would remain uncertain.

"Throughout history, eunuchs have been fiercely loyal to the royal family. I dare not gamble on how much my lifesaving grace means to Dugu Qiu. Bai Cang is my key piece against the Great Victory royal family; there must not be slightest oversight. He must enter the Human King’s view naturally and without flaw." Zhang Chen’s mind raced with countless thoughts, pondering all possible conditions to leverage. After a long while, his eyes suddenly brightened:

"I’ve thought of a way for Bai Cang to be noticed by the Human King. Now Bai Cang frets over having no chance to meet the Human King. But what if I can create an opportunity for him to meet the Human King?"

"Just now, Xie Lingyun mentioned that I have a chance to enter the court and debate the Eight Great Clans. This may be my opportunity!" Zhang Chen contemplated.