Chapter 333

Zhang Jian slightly shook his head.

"Attaining the primordial spirit and achieving longevity is no easy feat—why must you wade into muddy waters here? Wouldn't it be better to live well?"

The Purple Origin Daoist's gaze swept over, fixing Zhang Jian with deliberate eyes, and he chuckled lightly.

"Yes, longevity is no easy achievement—why waste one's hard-earned longevity?"

Liu Xin stepped forward with a calm expression: "Make way, Scholar Zhang. Considering you are a disciple of Tongshan Sect, you may leave!"

Zhang Jian gave a light smile, glanced coolly at the two, and for a moment, a hint of ice flickered in his eyes.

At this moment, Wang Wan and many members of the Wang family watched Zhang Jian tensely.

Zhang Jian's expression remained calm, and he let out a derisive snort.

"Your tone is grand, but you are still far too weak!"

"Wang family, you cannot move!"

Almost simultaneously, three surges of vast primordial spirit power erupted in the courtyard. In an instant, Liu Xin and the Purple Origin Daoist both changed expression, and suddenly, threads of green light appeared deep in their pupils.

"Heart-Mind Immortal Method?"

This thought flashed through their minds, and their expressions changed violently in an instant. As their heart-minds fluctuated, a green lotus suddenly bloomed deep within their primordial spirits.

At the same time, a radiant light burst forth from deep between their brows—Liu Xin's was clearly much weaker, as she had only just attained the primordial spirit, her innate treasure not yet transformed into a pure yang treasure, and the two spiritual treasures she had refined were not her innate ones, unable to be pre-activated. In an instant, her figure froze, and her spiritual power fell into stagnation.

But deep between the Purple Origin Daoist's brows, lightning leapt and burst forth, and atop his head, a thunder god hammer condensed from countless thunderbolts transformed into lightning and shot out.

That is a spiritual treasure.

The primordial spirit treasure condensed by this Golden Body-level primordial spirit true person.

But to Zhang Jian, such speed was too slow.

Even without using the Ruyi Time Wheel!

With a wave of his hand, a streak of rosy light burst forth from atop Zhang Jian's head. Within the rosy light, nearly a thousand brilliant golden lights condensed from his crown, the East Emperor Treasure Mirror rotated into view, and in an instant, hundreds of golden beams pierced through the barrier of lightning curtains formed by the Purple Origin Daoist's lightning overhead. In an instant, the Purple Origin Daoist's body was riddled with countless holes, countless lightning leaking out, a primordial spirit clad in countless intertwined purple lightning robes, wearing a Purple Court Daoist crown on its head, flying out from within—but in the next instant, it fell before Zhang Jian, who seized it with one hand.

His palm descended, as if a great cauldron had fallen deep between the Purple Origin Daoist's brows, rendering him immobile.

At this moment, the Purple Origin Daoist's eyes widened, staring at Zhang Jian's eyes filled with utter disbelief.

Just one glance, and these two primordial spirit true persons were controlled by the other, like ants.

And yet he was already a Golden Body-level primordial spirit great true person who had attained the Dao over a thousand years ago.

On the other side, Liu Xin's expression was grim. At this moment, her eyes were tightly fixed on Zhang Jian, yet her entire body was completely immobile.

Seeing this Scholar Zhang's Daoist power and spiritual force surpassing her imagination, she could not even produce the few trump cards given by the Golden Light Holy Mother, and was completely suppressed.

Seeing their expressions, Zhang Jian's face remained calm.

Zhang Jian had not yet used any other primordial spirit immortal methods from within his body, nor had he used the Six Forms State Altar King Cauldron, the Mountains and Rivers State Altar Diagram.

In his view, this "little karami" before him was not yet worthy of such a luxurious combination.

He only needed to use this treasure mirror in his hand—it was already enough to make these two suffer.

Zhang Jian's expression stirred slightly.

At this moment, the East Emperor Treasure Mirror held the two fixed, and on its mirror surface, streaks of spiritual light now appeared.

All those spiritual lights were treasures.

Zhang Jian's Yang Spirit divine sense first locked onto Liu Xin, and on the East Emperor Treasure Mirror, Liu Xin's body glowed with the most concentrated spiritual light—clearly, she still possessed several powerful treasures.

As he reached out, an invisible wave enveloped Liu Xin, and in an instant, several streaks of spiritual light were seized from deep within her Niwan Palace.

"Oh, I've made a small fortune!"

Just a glance, and Zhang Jian's eyes instantly flickered with a hint of a smile.

Five or six treasures, at least three of which were spiritual treasures: a small flag endlessly flowing with countless chills, its surface painted with countless icy rains.

This is a Golden Body-level spiritual treasure!

Additionally, there was an ice-crystal-colored palace, seemingly formed from ten thousand years of congealed cold souls, its interior entirely wrapped in countless yin-cold runes, containing not just one primordial spirit immortal method, but within it lay two Golden Body-level immortal methods, three Pure Yang-level immortal methods, and it was a combined technique—belonging to an extremely special kind of Golden Body-level spiritual treasure.

Furthermore, there was a very strange bronze wine vessel.

Zhang Jian's gaze fell upon the wine vessel—he could not discern its exact grade, but the Daoist rhythm winding all over it was extraordinarily marvelous.

Besides these, there were many talismans, or one-time-use powerful magical devices, such as the Ice Soul Thunder Child, Secret Method Thunder Sound, and other treasures.

Of considerable value—once these things burst forth, even ordinary primordial spirit true persons would need to be cautious.

And the most valuable of all was likely that golden talisman.

Zhang Jian seized it in one hand, and his sensitive primordial spirit divine sense felt within it an extremely special creation-level primordial spirit immortal method, immensely powerful, and also containing a terrifying primordial spirit power.

Zhang Jian's gaze fell upon Liu Xin as he smiled and said:

"I look at you with new eyes, but Princess, you are a good person—you know this seat lacks treasures!"

Liu Xin opened her eyes, at this moment her eyes nearly splitting—these were all the trump cards given by the Golden Light Holy Mother, plus her foundation for ascending to primordial spirit true person.

Then Zhang Jian's gaze fell upon the Purple Origin Daoist, who also had several streaks of spiritual light on his body. He reached out casually and seized a jade belt.

This jade belt is a special spatial magical device, possessing over ten small dimensional spaces within. Zhang Jian merely glanced at it, and a hint of a smile appeared in his eyes.

The Purple Origin Daoist had only one spiritual treasure, but there were many heavenly materials and earthly treasures for auxiliary cultivation, not to mention millions of spiritual marrow crystals.

As for spiritual treasures, there was only that one innate spiritual treasure, which appeared to have only recently been promoted to Golden Body level.

A spatial technique pulled the two into the Blessed Land Void Law Realm within, suppressing them.

To him, these two still held value.

If used well, they could save him much trouble.

At this moment, seeing Zhang Jian suppress the two fierce individuals, Wang Wan's face was already covered in smiles.

He stepped forward.

"Old man thanks the Young Prefect for righteous aid—Young Prefect, your kindness to us Wang family is like a second creation!"

Speaking, Wang Wan was about to bow down, but Zhang Jian hurriedly helped him up.

"Minister Wang, you flatter me!"

"The student thanks his teacher for saving his life!"

At this moment, Wang Xiao stepped forward, he slightly clasped his hands, yet his eyes were full of gratitude; if not for this teacher arriving in time, the fate of the Wang family would be unimaginable.

Zhang Jian looked at Wang Wan, smiling as he spoke.

"Minister Wang, without the several National True Persons of Dongshen Guan stationed in Haojing City, the city is already a den of monsters and demons running wild, and Haojing City will only become more dangerous from now on. I don't know if Minister Wang has any plans for what comes next?"

"This..."

Upon hearing this, Wang Wan hesitated somewhat. In the palace ahead, the disaster that occurred in Dongshen Guan could be explained as these forces only targeting the imperial family and Dongshen Guan, but this time these monsters and demons have already come straight to the door, even the Chancellor's mansion was wiped out—this is simply a great chaos unseen in hundreds of years.

No cultivator would dare act so arrogantly.

As Zhang Jian said, things may become even more chaotic and dangerous afterward.

Wang Xiao glanced at the many family members beside him—Yun Ying, his unmarried sisters, his brothers, several elder sisters-in-law, and his aging parents—his gaze wavered.

He couldn't help but step forward and bow, saying:

"Teacher, your Dao arts are mighty and overwhelming—do you have a way to help us avoid danger?"

Zhang Jian turned around, facing the gazes of the Wang family members, and spoke calmly:

"The best way to avoid danger is to leave Haojing City!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Wan's eyes flickered slightly; he felt some difficulty. Although Daqian now faces unprecedented challenges—even the emperor has suffered misfortune—Dongshen Guan on the northern front of Bei Chu is advancing rapidly, even hoping to break through Guangyuan City and unify the fertile lands of Dongzhou.

How could Wang Wan be willing to leave Haojing City at this time?

Although Haojing City is full of danger, it is also full of opportunity.

Zhang Jian took in Wang Wan's expression, his eyes showing some ripples; Wang Wan's choice was as expected.

Leaving Haojing City means leaving the center of power; Wang Wan has only just attained the position of Nine Ministers—how could he willingly give it up so easily?

Especially now, with a new emperor about to appear.

Zhang Jian stepped forward and then said:

"There is another way, though it is like drinking poison to quench thirst. I have two jade talismans here: one is called the True Person Talisman, formed from my own magical imprint. Ordinary people who sense this aura will know you are under my protection and will not trouble you!"

"The second is called the Blessed Land Talisman. If true danger arises, the Wang family can also use this talisman to enter the refuge I have opened for temporary shelter!"

As Zhang Jian raised his hand, two crystal-clear jade talismans appeared in his palm, dancing between his fingers, radiant and colorful.

With a flick of his finger, Zhang Jian sent the two jade talismans into Wang Wan's hands.

Wang Wan merely glanced at them, his expression involuntarily showing a hint of joy; the faces of many Wang family members behind him also relaxed slightly.

After his joy, Wang Wan's expression shifted—he noticed Zhang Jian's gaze had been fixed on him, carrying a hint of indifference, as if there were deeper meaning in his eyes.

Wang Wan pondered briefly in his heart, then stepped forward and clasped his hands, saying:

"Scholar Zhang is a benefactor of my Wang family. If Scholar Zhang ever has need in the future, my Wang family will follow his lead without hesitation!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian glanced at Wang Wan—Wang Wan is a clever man, always able to speak to the point.

His two talismans are not given freely.

Setting aside sentiment, in business we discuss business, in politics we discuss politics—his protection is not given for nothing.

Given his relationship with Wang Xiao, saving the Wang family once or twice is naturally no problem, but he cannot attend to every need—after all, his energy is limited, and many other allies who have taken refuge with the Zhang family also need care.

After exchanging a few words with Wang Wan, Zhang Jian stepped forward and left.

But not long after, Haojing City boiled over, both inside and out.

Haojing City is only this big—two of the Three Dukes, the Chancellor Li's mansion, and the Zhu family where the Censor-in-Chief Zhu Ying resides, were all wiped out simultaneously. How could this not shock people? And afterward, the fate of the Chancellor Wang's mansion also gradually leaked out through secret channels.

At that time, many members of the Wang family who witnessed Zhang Jian's duel with Liu Xin and the Daoist Purple Origin, including many female servants and maids, saw Wang Wan intentionally "promoting" the matter during the process, and the gossip spread everywhere.

In a short time, the gates of the Zhang family's grand residence were crowded like a market.

……

Grand Commandant's Mansion

Wang Huan sat in the central hall, General Wang You sat below him, beside him were many Wang clan relatives and part of the trusted aides and disciples of the Wang family of the Grand Commandant.

At this moment, the Emperor Jingwu passed away, and the Wang family above and below no longer feared imperial taboos, openly displaying part of their strength.

In a chaotic world, those of value always find their place.

"Father, what is your opinion?"

Wang You gazed at the majestic Wang Huan seated in the place of honor—his entire body radiated fierce energy, his qi and blood like a blazing furnace, his aura heavy beyond compare.

Like a great demon god, he glanced at Wang You and the many Wang clan relatives, let out a light snort, and said:

"I observe that Scholar Zhang conducts himself with clear principles, and he is certainly no mere pure benevolent—he is likely seeking to win people's hearts!"

"Hmph, this Scholar Zhang has great ambition!"

Upon hearing this, Wang You, seated below, looked startled.

"But Father, the court above and below says Scholar Zhang is a living sage, full of righteous and noble spirit!"

Wang Huan glanced at Wang You, shook his head, and said: "A body of righteous and noble spirit—did he himself admit to having it?"

"Being called a living sage is something the common people bestowed; he himself never openly claimed to be a sage!"

Upon hearing this, Wang You was left speechless.

Which of those officials would ever style themselves a sage?

If they did, even spit could drown them.

Though Wang Huan's way of thinking is already familiar to Wang You, he has grown accustomed to it, and he said to Wang Huan:

"Then Father, should our Wang family simply watch and wait?"

Wang Huan let out a light snort.

"Within Haojing City, now think—whose strength is the greatest?"

Wang You originally wanted to say his own family, but after a moment of silence, a middle-aged general beside him—his face solemn, his body filled with killing aura—spoke in a deep voice.

"Now, naturally, only Scholar Zhang is the strongest in Haojing City!"

Upon hearing this, the other members of the Wang clan fell silent at once; this change was extremely perilous for everyone, for if the other party harbored ill intent, a single thought would suffice, and the Grand Commandant's mansion would likely vanish like the Li and Zhuang families.

Wang Huan slowly rose to his feet, and after a moment looked toward the crowd and said: "You'er, later you shall personally bring generous gifts and go to meet this Scholar Zhang, to inquire—find out exactly what this Scholar Zhang intends to do."

He gazed toward the upper seat, where at this moment several additional imperial edicts bestowed by the Son of Heaven were enshrined on the lacquered stand; Wang Huan spoke softly.

"As the knife and cutting board, I am the meat and fish—what can be done?"

Wang You, standing nearby, vaguely understood the concern in Wang Huan's eyes, yet still felt a sense of disbelief welling up in his heart.

……

At the Zhang family mansion, the surroundings teemed with carriages and horses.

Countless nobles' carriages were parked outside, blocking the entire long street so tightly that not even water could seep through; Zhang Fu had no choice but to bring his family out to maintain order.

Inside the mansion, Zhang Jian did not receive everyone; he merely ordered attendants to receive a few officials and nobles of special status, while he himself only met with a portion of the Nine Ministers from the court, as well as the leaders of the forbidden troops, gradually reaching a kind of consensus.

Naturally, this consensus was similar to the mutual advancement and retreat seen in the court!

Zhang Jian did not seek to achieve everything in one step!

First, the timing was not yet ripe—although the Great Qian dynasty had lost its emperor, it had not yet collapsed!

Second, within the Qian court, the Zhang lineage lacked direct heirs; though allies were many, should he ever rebel, few would be willing to follow him wholeheartedly to the death!

How could a single old marshal possibly cross the river?

Thus, Zhang Jian currently seeks only this "consensus," until the great dynasty collapses utterly and beacon fires spread everywhere!

After this "consensus" was reached, the steady stream of guests at the Zhang family gate gradually dispersed.

Beneath the large jujube tree, Zhang Jian now wore a smile.

To a certain extent, the holy maiden of the Jinniang Sect was indeed a fine person—she not only sent several precious treasures but also rendered him a great favor.

Now he effectively controls most of the power within and beyond Haojing City; as for a portion of die-hard loyalists and the pure-stream faction of the Great Qian imperial house, they can no longer stir up any major waves.

However, another issue remains ahead: how to face the Cave God Observatory.