Chapter 234: 227 Dwelling in Yantai

A month or so after parting, Zhang Rong was still as melancholic as he had been back under the willows, his eyes seeming to harbor endless sorrow.

Seeing that this man was full of scholarly air, disheveled and thin, matching the image in her imagination, Mai Shiyu thought he must be a scholar who had not met with success, one who ignored the affairs of the world outside his window and had spent many years diligently studying the Heavenly Derivation Technique with great results; he was unwilling to cause trouble or show his face, so he had secretly thrown the book as a warning. Feeling slightly at ease, she said, "Sir has great talent; surely you know why I have come to find you."

Zhang Rong saw Tang Zhao and revealed a slight look of surprise, but he did not speak to acknowledge him, instead ushering the two into the room.

The layout of the room was the same as its exterior, very homey, yet it had a subtle difference in style from Yunzhou, being of the same model as the houses outside. Tang Zhao became increasingly convinced of his guess:

This room was a part of Zhang Rong's Sword Image, Yantai.

But that shouldn't be; for a Sword Image to Manifest, one must reach the realm of a Sword Hero, and Zhang Rong had only recently become a Sword Guest. He certainly wasn't a Sword Hero, so what kind of method had he developed to achieve this?

Is the world of geniuses really this unreasonable? Is it even less bound by basic laws than cheating?

Tang Zhao never expected that one day he would have such thoughts himself.

Besides Zhang Rong, there was a cute, jade-like little girl in red with pigtails in the room; seeing people arrive, she hopped and skipped back into the inner room.

Zhang Rong cleared the two teacups from the table, poured three new cups of tea, and looked at Tang Zhao, saying, "This is..."

Mai Shiyu said, "This is my friend, Xiao Tang. He is public-spirited and righteous, willing to help me eliminate the Demon, and is the most trustworthy person."

Zhang Rong sighed and said, "Zhang is a criminal who has committed a great transgression. By meeting with a dangerous person like me, are you going to implicate this young man as well?"

Tang Zhao smiled and said, "I am also a member of the Land Inspection Division, holding the eighth rank. In such dangerous matters, it has always been us in the Land Inspection Division who fear implicating the common people; the common people never worry about being implicated by us."

Zhang Rong said in surprise, "Is that so? Truly, one cannot judge a book by its cover. If the Yunzhou Land Inspection Division is this upright, then I have even more confidence."

Mai Shiyu spoke up, "Mr. Zhang, is it—you know you have committed a monstrous crime, don't you? Then why do you still dare to hand over evidence of the Heavenly Derivation Technique to officialdom?"

Zhang Rong calmly said, "When weighing two evils, choose the lesser. Should I sit by and watch thousands of common people suffer just because of my own cowardice?"

Mai Shiyu stared at him, as if wanting to see through to his heart, but every move this man made was very sincere and calm; the confession he had just made did not carry any extra clanging force, as if he were stating the most ordinary of things.

His sincerity and openness reminded Deputy Envoy Mai of Tang Zhao, who was right beside her.

Even for Tang Zhao, or herself, Mai Shiyu could not guarantee that she would still be this pure by the age of forty.

She could not help but praise, "Since ancient times, there has been no lack of benevolent and righteous people among scholars who would sacrifice their lives for righteousness. Xun City having you, Sir, is truly a blessing for the people."

Zhang Rong shook his head and said, "What great righteousness? It is merely Zhang's own selfish desire. Back then, my hometown, Yantai, was reduced to ashes in a great Yin Calamity. When I rushed back to my hometown, I didn't even have time to take one last look at my neighbors; I only saw devastation everywhere. At that time, I thought, if I could know the timing of the heavens and understand the cycles of the moon, and prepare early, how could it have come to this? Therefore, I turned to study the Heavenly Derivation Technique, and until now, I can be considered to have barely entered the door. I made calculations the day before yesterday and discovered that a Demon Cave would descend upon Xun City, so I rushed to Xun City and calculated for many days locally, obtaining a result, and at least I can do my meager part."

Tang Zhao suddenly understood; no wonder Zhang Rong had insisted on going to Xun City after learning of the blockade halfway there. He had thought there were relatives of Zhang Xiansheng in Xun City, but it turned out it was to race against time to calculate.

Mai Shiyu nodded. Nowadays, Demon Caves descend frequently; neither Qingtian Temple nor the Land Inspection Division can guarantee absolute safety. In places as chaotic as Lingzhou, there isn't even a Land Inspection Division, and human tragedies of broken homes and lost lives often occur. It is just that most people, upon witnessing tragedy, can only wail and be at a loss, and very few can pull themselves together or even strive for it.

Wait...

Mai Shiyu swallowed and said, "I remember the Yantai Mo Ku disaster was a year ago."

Zhang Rong sighed lightly, "Yes, a year has passed in the blink of an eye."

Mai Shiyu said blankly, "You have only been studying the Heavenly Derivation Technique for a year..."

Zhang Rong explained, "Deputy Envoy, do not think that because I have studied for a short time, I am not proficient. I am confident in this calculation. I have calculated twice before, once in Youzhou and once in Qingzhou, and the time and place were both without error. It is just that the local Land Inspection Division did not accept it, so the tragedy could not be avoided. After feeling disheartened, I had to head north to Yunzhou to see if this place was any different."

No... I am not doubting you.

I am doubting myself,

And those two idiots at Qingtian Temple.

Mai Shiyu muttered, "Those two Doctors have already been studying at Qingtian Temple for over ten years."

How can the gap between people be so large?

Tang Zhao found it amusing; she still didn't know that in this one year, Zhang Rong hadn't even delayed his realization of the sword to become a Sword Guest.

However, he did hear a different meaning from Zhang Rong's words.

Mai Shiyu collected her thoughts and said, "Mr. Zhang, I believe your calculation is correct, and my Land Inspection Division has taken on this matter, so we are naturally duty-bound. But since you know the taboos of the Heavenly Derivation Technique, you should know that your situation is very dangerous. You are not a member of the Land Inspection Division, and if something happens, it will be difficult for me to protect you legitimately. Why not leave first to avoid it?"

This was, of course, a test. Mai Shiyu could not yet fully confirm that Zhang Rong was trustworthy. Regardless of whether this person was friend or foe, sending him far away at this critical moment was the most time-saving and effortless way, and it was also a form of protection. If this person insisted on not leaving and wanted to actively participate, then he would be worth suspecting.

Zhang Rong smiled and said, "Of course, the Land Inspection Division has its own duties and methods, and as an outsider, I would only be a hindrance if I tried to cooperate. I will leave Xun City. However, I observe that those two people from Qingtian Temple are also dandy types; keeping them here is harmful and provides no benefit, and it will only delay the grand plan. Would you like me to take them away?"

Mai Shiyu asked curiously, "Does Sir have some clever plan? I'm afraid those two won't be willing to leave."

Zhang Rong smiled, "No matter, I will just invite them to be guests at my humble abode."

Mai Shiyu was very confused. Zhang Rong looked at Tang Zhao, and Tang Zhao understood, explaining, "It is possible that Mr. Zhang's Sword Art has a method to take people away."

Mai Shiyu was stunned. Tang Zhao said, "This gentleman is a Sword Guest. We met a month ago, and he and I have a teacher-student bond. I am also surprised to see him again today. Sir, have you been well?" After saying this, he performed a formal salute.

He was also very curious; Zhang Rong had only been a Sword Guest for a little over a month, so what kind of Sword Art could he have developed? Surely he couldn't be a genius in this aspect as well?

Even if the Heavenly Dao is biased, there must be some restraint, hey!

If he really can develop it... no matter what, let me touch and see!

Mai Shiyu was amazed, but her doubt decreased by a few points. Tang Zhao knew this person and had a good relationship with him, so she still trusted Tang Zhao. Moreover, he had taken the initiative to reveal his identity as a Sword Guest, which was also to gain trust; otherwise, it would have been better to hide it as a trump card.

Since this person had taken the initiative to show himself and had also taken on the task of dealing with the people from Qingtian Temple, Mai Shiyu decided to test his ability first. If it didn't work out, Tang Zhao could still serve as a backup.

So Mai Shiyu said, "Very well, those two are indeed a hindrance. To have them come here, we need to find an excuse. How about..."

Zhang Rong smiled, "I will write a letter and call them over."

Mai Shiyu asked curiously, "You know them?"

Zhang Rong said, "I don't know the young people of today, but I have met a few of their elders. I will just write a letter in the name of their elders and invite them over."

Mai Shiyu said, "But the handwriting..." Immediately after, she understood; one look at this Mr. Zhang showed he had been writing for many years, so was mere handwriting even an issue?

With the plan thus perfected, Mai Shiyu nodded and said, "Sir, can you deduce the specific time?"

Zhang Rong said, "I am afraid I cannot deduce it too specifically..."

Mai Shiyu felt slightly disappointed and was about to speak when Zhang Rong said, "It will be within a margin of an hour."

Mai Shiyu:...

That is enough; even autopsies cannot be that accurate nowadays.

Confirming that this person always spoke with such humility, Mai Shiyu silently reassured herself and said, "Since that is the case, please trouble yourself with Qingtian Temple, and as for Azhao's matter, let us each perform our duties. Let us launch the operation on the day before the Demon Cave descends, which is the day after tomorrow."

Tang Zhao and Zhang Rong nodded. Although launching only one day early was inevitably hasty, it could catch people off guard and would be safer; the common people could not hold out in the temple for too long, and the two from Qingtian Temple would not have time to react and rush back.

Mai Shiyu chatted with Zhang Rong for a few moments; both sides were very restrained. Mai Shiyu did not mention the specific arrangements of the Land Inspection Division, and Zhang Rong did not introduce his own background. The two just chatted casually, nothing more than the scenery and customs of Yantai and Yunzhou.

After chatting for a while, Mai Shiyu rose to take his leave, and Zhang Rong said, "Could young friend Tang stay a moment?"

Tang Zhao gestured to Mai Shiyu, who did not mind and took his leave first, saying, "See you at the usual place tomorrow morning."

Tang Zhao stayed behind and exchanged greetings with Zhang Rong again, naturally maintaining the etiquette of a student.

Zhang Rong rarely smiled, praising Tang Zhao for looking increasingly spirited and appearing to have made progress. He then asked about the cultivation of the Free Gang. Tang Zhao could not help but feel embarrassed, saying that he had not yet had time to cultivate it, thus failing to live up to Zhang Rong's kind intentions.

The topic shifted to Jianzhou, and Tang Zhao chatted about the stories of Jianzhou while drinking tea. Aside from matters involving the Glasses, Zhu Yang, and the details of the Kun Sword which were inconvenient to disclose to outsiders, he did not hide the general process, recounting it like a storyteller in a stirring and soul-stirring manner.

Zhang Rong listened and sighed in admiration repeatedly. Upon hearing Tang Zhao speak of simplifying the operation of Art Tools, he praised, "Xiao Tang has a heart of compassion for the world." Hearing Zhu Yang speak of the Great Dao of the Soul, he also praised, "What a grand vision, what courage, what talent. How many brilliant talents there are in this world!"

Finally, hearing about the Turtle Bandits, Zhang Rong shook his head, suddenly let out a cold laugh, and said, "Do they think they can do it again? It is nothing but wishful thinking."

Tang Zhao said, "Does the master also know their origins?" He realized it in a flash and laughed, "I forgot, the master once compiled the Wei History; how could you not know?"

Zhang Rong said, "Indeed, among those who are familiar with the former Wei, I can be counted as one. This dynasty was fundamentally illegitimate from the start. Now that the Great Jin is gradually losing its grip on power, it is not the turn of these vermin to reach out; otherwise, it will surely be a catastrophe. People of benevolence and integrity will not allow them to act perversely."

Tang Zhao's heart stirred, and following his lead, he whispered, "Does the master think we are about to enter an era of great contention? Judging by your tone, having just mentioned offering strategies along the way to Youzhou, Qingzhou, and finally Yunzhou, it seems you have the intention of a phoenix perching on a parasol tree..."

Zhang Rong waved his hand and said, "What phoenix perching on a parasol tree? I am just a middle-aged man who refuses to admit defeat, still considering myself a good bird flying here and there, looking for a place to rest. The central government is truly a mess, and most of the feudal lords in the world are short-sighted people who rely on their own strength. I have become more and more disappointed as I traveled; if even the Gaoyuan Marquis, who has long enjoyed a reputation for virtue, does not succeed, I will have no choice but to be a turtle dragging its tail in the mud."

Tang Zhao said, "The Marquis should be quite good..." He had never met the Gaoyuan Marquis; he only knew that Xing Ji admired the Gaoyuan Marquis greatly, and that he had truly implemented benevolent governance in Yunzhou. Now that the lives of the common people were improving, he figured that even if he were not a heroic ruler, he should at least be a virtuous one.

If compared to places like Lingzhou or Yan Prefecture, he would practically be a sage ruler.

It was just that seeing is believing; his experience was limited, and he could not give Zhang Rong any guarantees. Besides, who knew what kind of image a "wise ruler" held in Zhang Rong's heart?

Zhang Rong said, "To see a leopard through a tube, I intend to observe the Land Inspection Division as a sample first. However, Xiao Tang, since you are a first-class Talisman Sword Master and Heavy Swordsman, and also in the Land Inspection Division, you are also hiding your true depth."

Tang Zhao hurriedly declined the compliment; when it came to hiding one's depth, how could he compare to Zhang Rong?

Zhang Rong continued, "Since you are a Talisman Sword Master, have you ever learned the method of the Fu Array for relocating a Demon Cave?"

Tang Zhao said, "I have a little bit of insight... ah, could it be that you have..."

Zhang Rong nodded and said, "When I was compiling books back then, I saw a rare collection that contained a method for relocating a Demon Cave. However, I do not understand the Rune Formula and do not grasp its meaning; I can only recite the text. If you want to learn it, I can recite it to you word by word, but I do not know if you..."

Tang Zhao said excitedly, "That would be wonderful, please teach me, Master!"

Although he had some plans, learning one more method meant one more layer of insurance, which was incredibly precious in these times!