Chapter 140: Voice and Fame at Court (Combined Volume)

At this moment, Zhang Jian could also see in his spiritual eyes a long river of killing intent seemingly flowing in the sky above the Grand Canal, a river possessing power against which gods and ghosts could not prevail.

Zhang Jian glanced at several troop transport ships, then slowly withdrew his gaze.

He could tell that the forces sent to suppress the rebellion in Shan Yang Commandery this time were indeed elite troops gathered from the surrounding areas, not the local militia of Shan Yang Commandery of that standard.

The Xuandu Sect would likely have to fight several tough battles ahead.

Zhang Jian quickly withdrew his gaze!

The master and servant, along with other examination candidates, waited at the Immortal Ferry for several days; after all the troop transport ships had passed the ferry, the candidates jointly found a large passenger barge and then busily purchased supplies, preparing for the final leg of the journey, which would last over ten days.

One can imagine that this journey of over ten days would inevitably be tedious.

Fortunately, seven or eight candidates traveled together, which could somewhat alleviate the boredom of the journey.

However, for some unknown reason, as they neared the approach to Hao Jing, Zhang Jian's Seven Apertures Exquisite Heart deep within always felt a sense of alarm and trepidation.

"A sudden impulse? The road ahead may well be dangerous?"

Under the night curtain, Zhang Jian's heart was not at peace; he stepped out of the ferry inn, where many boatmen and haulers were eating, drinking, and chatting lively.

Beside them, a woman with light makeup sat in the inn's main hall holding a zither and singing, her voice melodious and pleasing to the ear.

Zhang Jian suddenly stirred, his gaze turning toward the ferry, where he saw an official barge of the Canal Transport Bureau moored on the dark ferry, its small boat brightly lit, as if someone inside was resting.

Yet for some unknown reason, Zhang Jian caught a whiff of a strange odor!

The aura of death and lingering spirits.

At that moment, two bailiffs emerged from the Canal Transport Bureau's official barge—one old, one young, both appearing weary; they walked one after the other in silence, at this time slowly entering another Canal Transport Bureau barge.

They appeared to be merely on routine duty.

Zhang Jian furrowed his brow and stared intently, then stepped forward a few paces.

In an instant, his face darkened, and his keen spiritual sense detected a faint scent of blood seeping from within the Canal Transport Bureau's barge.

At this moment, in his spiritual perception, he saw two figures clad only in middle garments lying on the ground.

"Those two bailiffs are suspicious!"

His expression shifted slightly, his eyes flickering; he noticed that soon a faint smell of blood was coming from within the adjacent Canal Transport Bureau barge, indicating that the bailiffs stationed on that second vessel had also met with misfortune.

It was already too late to warn them!

Zhang Jian frowned, and shortly thereafter saw someone dive up from the water into the cabin, quickly change into a human skin mask, and then swiftly place the corpse of the Canal Transport Bureau bailiff inside into a snakeskin sack to sink it into the Grand Canal.

Thereafter, several 'bailiffs' were seen piloting the official barge, openly replacing the original Canal Transport Bureau soldiers, proceeding to inspect merchants and travelers passing through the ferry.

"They are infiltrating!"

At this moment, Zhang Jian had this thought flash through his mind, and at this time he had a vague guess about the origin of those figures.

People of the Xuandu Sect.

He then found a nearby boatman who was mending his fishing net and struck up a casual conversation.

"Boatman, are there many ships at the ferry lately?"

Hearing Zhang Jian's words, the elderly boatman laughed.

"Young master, what you say— the ferry at Xianxian Town has always been one of the busiest ferries among the southern commanderies, with all kinds of ships passing through, stopping, every day; however, recently the number has increased somewhat."

Zhang Jian's eyes flickered slightly, and he added: "I see that the Canal Transport Bureau has set up checkpoints on the ferry, and the inspection seems extremely strict!"

The old boatman, hearing this, laughed and said: "Don't mind them; they mostly just want some petty gains, they won't really make things difficult for us, as long as you have a travel permit!"

"Not good!"

After bidding farewell to the boatman, Zhang Jian felt his heart grow heavy at this time.

The Xuandu Sect's infiltration of Ji Xian Commandery was even more severe than imagined.

It is still unclear exactly how many have infiltrated!

As a local magnate of Feng Yang Commandery, he naturally does not wish for Ji Xian Commandery to encounter trouble, for once Ji Xian Commandery encounters trouble, the Xuandu Sect will certainly not let off the nearby Feng Yang Commandery.

With these thoughts turning in his mind, Zhang Jian formed an idea.

He must not allow the Xuandu Sect to easily take Ji Xian Commandery.

If nothing else, he must at least delay the Xuandu Sect's advance, buying time for the court to respond.

He then quickly returned to the inn, found an opportunity to meet Shi Lun alone.

"Cheng Feng brother, a major incident has occurred!"

Shi Lun was about to inquire; hearing this, his expression froze for a moment, and Zhang Jian then whispered a few more words into Shi Lun's ear, instantly causing Shi Lun to widen his eyes.

"What, Zhang brother, you mean..."

A flicker of alarm appeared in his eyes, but in an instant it was suppressed by Zhang Jian's composure.

"This matter must not be heard by a third party!"

Zhang Jian's gaze was solemn.

Shi Lun also realized the gravity of the situation; if, as Zhang Jian said, the Xuandu Sect was continuously infiltrating the surroundings of Ji Xian Commandery through the canal transport route, then Ji Xian Commandery would indeed be in danger.

This made his heart suddenly feel icy.

Unlike other candidates, the Shi family's entire foundation lies in Ji Xian Commandery; if Ji Xian Commandery encounters trouble, these aristocratic clans would likely become fat meat in the Xuandu Sect's mouths.

Regarding Zhang Jian's words, he had no doubt; from the moment Zhang Jian gave him the talisman, he knew this newly acquainted young candidate was not one to speak idly.

Zhang Jian seemed to possess a special bearing; his words carried conviction.

Shi Lun hastily summoned paper and brush, while saying:

"I will now write a letter to have my family send it back to the Shi household; for added safety, I will also have my father personally go to see the Governor of Wu Commandery!"

Shi Lun is no fool; on the contrary, his mind is extremely meticulous, and he also has a special gleam in his eyes.

He said to Zhang Jian.

"Zhang brother, if this is true, then it may also be an opportunity for you and me; if we can achieve great merit before the Ministry of Rites' grand examination, we may gain fame before the Son of Heaven's imperial desk, and both of us may hope to be specially selected by His Majesty!"

At this moment, Shi Lun's eyes shone with brilliance.

Zhang Jian didn't expect Shi Lun to think of so much in an instant.

But if it's really as Shi Lun said, it will certainly be helpful for the two of them's futures.

He thought for a moment, then solemnly warned.

"Cheng Feng brother, this matter is best forgotten by us now; if word gets out, not to mention whether we can get this opportunity again, even the retaliation of those heretical evils will be enough to bring us endless 'trouble'!"

Upon hearing this, Shi Lun nodded repeatedly.

At this moment, the letter in his hand was already written; he then took out a family seal from his sleeve, stamped it, added a secret phrase, and had his close family send it back to Jixian Prefecture.

Only then did he take a deep breath, merely exchanging a glance with Zhang Jian, though there was still some apprehension in his eyes.

Zhang Jian, on the other hand, didn't care.

If this matter succeeds and turns out well, good; if not, then the Zhang family can only prepare for the worst.

……

The next day, after the checkpoint on the canal was opened, many examinees finally boarded this large passenger boat as wished, beginning their journey to Haojing.

Junxian Ferry gradually receded in the sight of several examinees.

Just after boarding the boat, several examinees still had interest in gazing at the shimmering river surface on the deck, while also discussing ancient and modern times; when inspired, some even intended to imitate a certain noble in the court by composing a poem on the deck.

Zhang Jian did not participate in such mutual flattery and self-promotion.

Not that he couldn't, but today he had no interest.

After boarding the boat, the sudden inspiration from the depths of his Seven Apertures Exquisite Heart had not faded; for this, he entered the cabin to make preparations, just in case.

As the day passed, the inspiration from the depths of his Seven Apertures Exquisite Heart grew stronger; Zhang Jian felt that a major event was imminent, so he found the boatman and first advised him to find a place to avoid wind and waves, temporarily delaying the voyage.

However, regarding Zhang Jian's suggestion, the boatman hesitated somewhat.

"Zhang brother, do you still understand the art of divining weather?"

Inside the cabin, many examinees listening to Zhang Jian's suggestion were all extremely surprised.

Shi Lun also gazed at Zhang Jian in astonishment.

Zhang Jian nodded and said: "I know a little! If you all trust me, then let the boatman first find a place to avoid wind and waves; I worry that if we delay, there will be an accident; of course, if there are no wind and waves, I will apologize to all of you brothers!"

His eyes were sincere.

He was not actually skilled in observing weather or divine calculation, able to predict the weather.

All these speculations came from a hint of unease arising in his Seven Apertures Exquisite Heart.

Being able to make him feel uneasy, and on the Grand Canal, this matter is likely related to the Grand Canal eight or nine times out of ten.

If so, having the boatman find a calm area to avoid wind and waves is certainly correct.

Upon hearing this, Shi Lun spoke first: "Then there's no need; I trust Zhang brother!"

"If you all trust me, Shi Lun, let's together first find a sheltered place to avoid accidents!"

At this moment, other examinees were also stirred with curiosity; although many felt this suggestion abrupt, due to their good impression of Zhang Jian's speech and cultivation, as well as Shi Lun's guarantee, they agreed to temporarily stop the boat; a few examinees, although having objections and even explicitly opposing, could not overcome Zhang Jian's influence among the people, and could only resentfully give up!

"With such good weather, where would there be any wind and waves? Truly senseless!"

Several examinees muttered with resentment.

At this moment, Zhang Jian's Dragon Chapters and Phoenix Physique destiny configuration once again took effect.

In such a small group, he could easily command the right to speak.

The boatman, helpless, could only follow Zhang Jian's suggestion and first found a shallow bay to avoid wind and waves.

And Zhang Jian's premonition was fulfilled by evening.

"What's going on? Why has the Grand Canal under our feet started to wave?"

In the evening, for unknown reasons, wind and waves suddenly began on the distant Grand Canal.

Inside the cabin, many examinees hearing the commotion all stood on the deck; but as they gazed, many examinees' faces turned pale in an instant.

Boom—boom—boom!

In just an instant, the sound of huge waves booming arose.

The Grand Canal underfoot seemed like a suddenly surging long dragon; terrifying undercurrents suddenly appeared beneath the water surface.

Soon, the omens became increasingly frequent!

Boom—boom—boom!

Only to see, in the distance of the Grand Canal, wave after wave of flood surged upward, snow waves piled up; looking at it, the momentum seemed increasingly wrong.

Towering waves several zhang high began to appear.

Gazing at this scene, many examinees were stunned, feeling their souls tremble.

Everyone hurriedly lay down on the small boats.

That huge wave was too much for people.

"How can it be so terrifying?"

At this moment, several examinees' faces turned deathly pale, devoid of color; even Shi Lun gritted his teeth, tightly gripping the rope; soon, after the boatman's reminder, everyone hurriedly ran back into the cabin.

Fortunately, this area underfoot is located in a relatively calm slow-flow zone; although affected, the passenger boat could still stabilize.

The boatman also struggled to adjust the sails, stabilizing the passenger boat.

"Divine power fluctuation?"

Inside the cabin, Zhang Jian's expression changed at this moment; his keen spiritual sense felt that deep in the Grand Canal, several strands of mighty divine power had suddenly erupted, colliding fiercely.

"Are other deities fighting with the Water Earl deep in the Grand Canal?"

Zhang Jian's gaze changed.

This is not a natural disaster, but a man-made calamity!

A hint of deep color flashed in his eyes; he glanced at both banks of the Grand Canal; such huge waves sweeping past would doom passing passenger boats, and likely also affect the people on both banks.

However, Zhang Jian knew that this change, for him, might be an opportunity.

An opportunity to shear the ancestors' wool.

Every time he completes a major event, it seems to bolster a part of his own momentum, enabling him to gain something in the ancestral hall.

Since that is the case, Zhang Jian naturally will not give up.

Perhaps his opportunity lies underwater.

As for the possible dangers he might face, he has given them deep thought!

He still has the minimum living allowance in his hand.

He still holds in his hand the two borrowings of power granted by the Slaying Demon True Lord!

Moreover, he is also carrying the ancestral divine aspect with him!

After summoning Zhang Lu over, he briefly instructed Zhang Lu, then gave him a talisman, and then his figure, pinching a water-avoiding bead, found an unnoticed corner and jumped into the depths of the Grand Canal.

At this time, the water-avoiding bead in his hand emitted a faint glow, illuminating the underwater path, and he headed straight toward the direction of the divine power collision.

That water-avoiding bead was given to him by Bai Li Ying, and it is a necessary item for traveling to and from the water mansion.

……

And at this moment, downstream of the Grand Canal.

In the black night, one can still see numerous large troop ships sailing swiftly on the surface of the Grand Canal; after passing this relatively narrow stretch of water, they will soon reach within Shan Yang Commandery.

And in the distant green mountains, there are black-robed figures gazing afar at the troop ships on the canal, their faces cold and stern.

At this moment, in the darkness, an invisible sound came and entered the ear of the leading black-robed Daoist.

"Second Sect Master, the Holy Mother in the depths of the canal has already clashed with the Canal Dragon Lord, and the Canal Dragon Lord can no longer interfere!"

"Then let the lads make ready; we shall present that Southern Governor with another 'great gift'!"

A hint of indifference flickered in his eyes.

At this moment, before him lay a small sandalwood table, upon which were placed numerous command flags.

And as his words fell, suddenly, ripples sprang up in the depths of the canal, causing those huge troop ships to begin swaying.

"Suppress!"

But at the same time, accompanied by loud shouts on the troop ships, yellowish talismans flew out, suppressing these troop ships.

Clearly, there are experts aboard the ships.

And along the banks, black-armored soldiers emerged one by one from the thickets.

Each of these men held a bow with an arrow nocked, the arrows wrapped in fire oil.

And at this moment, the black-robed Daoist took out a tablet imbued with intense Daoist divine resonance, its surface covered with thunder symbols; at this moment, a hint of gloomy smile appeared in his eyes.

"Summon the Storm!"

Only seen as this figure performed the ritual, a surge of magical power entered the tablet in his hand, and instantly, countless dark gales blew forth from the void, sweeping across the river surface.

"Kill!"

And just as the gales reached, the archers on the banks, long prepared, simultaneously drew their bows and loosed arrows; amidst the gusts, streaks of fire pierced through, like meteors shooting swiftly toward the troop ships.