Chapter 93: Return to Chaoge

Upon hearing this astonishing news, Ji Fa’s expression became one of utter disbelief. Staring at Jiang Yuan with shock written all over his face, he asked, “Is what Your Majesty said true?”

“Do you think I have any reason to deceive you?” Jiang Yuan replied confidently.

“Then where are the wise human sovereigns of past generations now?” Ji Fa questioned, puzzled.

“That’s not something you need to know,” Jiang Yuan said. “The reason I’m telling you this is because of your attitude toward the human race.”

“What I’m about to say must remain between the two of us. Until the final moment, it must never be revealed, not even in death.”

“I assure you, everything I do is for the sake of our people—for the human race not to become mere vassals, for us to reclaim the glory of ancient times.”

“Will you listen?” Jiang Yuan raised an eyebrow.

“A true man must have things he will not do. If Your Majesty acts for the great cause of our people, then I am at your command,” Ji Fa said firmly.

“You should know the current state of the world,” Jiang Yuan continued.

Ji Fa was silent for a moment before finally saying, “Great Shang, Your Majesty’s kingdom, is in danger.”

Ji Fa himself carried a great destiny, so he was sensitive to its ebb and flow. The fate of Shang was now dwindling like a river running dry.

Though it hadn’t reached the final decline, Ji Fa suspected, based on this alone, that a Sage was secretly working against Shang.

“Who do you think will ultimately rule the land?” Jiang Yuan asked with a smile.

He was confident he could withstand the invasion of various lords, but nothing in life was absolute.

Especially under the schemes of Sages, Jiang Yuan felt he ought to prepare for the worst.

“At present, Western Qi seems most likely. My father is ambitious and carries great destiny. No other lord can compare,” Ji Fa replied without hesitation.

In his eyes, the fate of the human race always took precedence over the fate of the world.

If the human race lost its position as the leader among all living beings, the consequences would be unthinkable.

Although he now knew that the sovereigns of past generations were not dead, they clearly could not fight for the human race for some reason.

Thus, the future of their people depended on themselves; the presence of the sovereigns merely ensured the worst did not happen—annihilation.

“And so, this is the plan I wish to discuss with you,” Jiang Yuan said with a calm smile.

Ji Fa looked at Jiang Yuan with anticipation, not asking further, knowing the king would soon speak.

“One day, when I am gone, you must take charge of Western Qi,” Jiang Yuan stated calmly.

As their conversation continued, Ji Fa’s expression shifted from bewilderment, to shock, and finally to deep admiration.

“Rest assured, Your Majesty, I will not fail your expectations—for the sake of our people,” Ji Fa said, bowing deeply with his fists clasped after their talk.

“Since I’ve told you all this, I won’t linger in Western Qi any longer. Remember, when Jiang Ziya arrives, tell him about the destiny you carry. A clever man knows what to do,” Jiang Yuan instructed.

“I understand,” Ji Fa replied.

Throughout, Ji Fa had no objection to Jiang Yuan’s arrangements; he accepted everything the king planned.

If someone could even plan his own death, what could one not trust him with?

“As for my departure, just tell Ji Bo that Western Qi is too dull for me. Invite him to visit me at Chaoge when he has time,” Jiang Yuan said with a wave and left the hall.

Zhang Kui and Yang Jian were chatting outside, while Nezha crouched nearby, eating grapes from a plate.

“General Zhang, what kind of person is the king really? Why are there so many rumors about him? From what I’ve seen, he’s nothing like what they say,” Yang Jian asked Zhang Kui.

Zhang Kui shook his head blankly. “I haven't followed the king for long, but from what I know, most of the rumors circulating among the people about him are true.”

Yang Jian was taken aback. What could have caused the king’s temperament to change so drastically?

“What are you discussing?” Jiang Yuan emerged from the hall, smiling at Zhang Kui and Yang Jian.

Zhang Kui smiled carelessly. “Just chatting with Brother Yang. Did the king finish his business?”

“It’s done. As for what was discussed, you needn’t ask; you’ll know in time,” Jiang Yuan responded coolly.

Zhang Kui nodded; he hadn’t intended to ask.

“That Ji Fa?” Zhang Kui was curious why the king valued Ji Fa so highly.

“If nothing unexpected occurs, it will be Ji Fa who governs Western Qi after the Marquis’s death,” Jiang Yuan replied casually.

“But I’ve heard Ji Fa doesn’t have much presence in Western Qi,” Zhang Kui said, puzzled.

“One cannot judge by appearances alone. Ji Fa is destined for greatness!” Jiang Yuan said with a mysterious smile.

Had the Sages not intervened, and if the human race followed the old system of abdication and succession, Ji Fa would likely be the next human sovereign after Jiang Yuan.

Yet the Sages would not allow him that chance. Preventing the sovereign from cultivating wasn’t enough; they wanted to strip the human race of its sovereign’s destiny.

The threat posed by the human sovereign was simply too great. The Sages had no desire to relive those days when the human race held them powerless.

“Should I remove such a threat?” Zhang Kui asked darkly.

Ji Fa was only at the True Immortal stage; Zhang Kui was confident he could assassinate him.

Jiang Yuan looked at Zhang Kui with distaste.

A brute! Kill anyone who poses a threat? That would make him enemies throughout the Three Realms!

Some people can be drawn to cooperation.

“With the destiny Ji Fa carries, you could never kill him,” Jiang Yuan replied calmly.

“How would I know if I don’t try?” Zhang Kui grumbled.

“No need. I am working with Ji Fa. From now on, act as if Western Qi has no Ji Fa, no matter how he develops—do not interfere,” Jiang Yuan instructed.

“I understand,” Zhang Kui said respectfully, bowing.

“Why are you still crouching here?” Jiang Yuan asked, turning to Nezha, who was squatting in the corner.

Only then did Nezha realize Jiang Yuan was speaking to him.

“I’m eating melon,” Nezha said, holding half a large melon, with a few seeds stuck to his lips.

“Let’s go,” Jiang Yuan said, clearly annoyed.

When Nezha wasn’t causing trouble, he was just like any mischievous child—curious about everything.

And loved to eat!

“Where to?” Nezha asked, confused.

“Back to my Chaoge,” Jiang Yuan replied, expressionless.

“I think it’s great here; everything is delicious. Why not stay?” Nezha pleaded.

The melons and grapes here were just too sweet and fragrant.

“Return to Chaoge. If you want melons, I’ll have as many prepared for you as you like,” Jiang Yuan said, thinking Nezha was truly simple-minded.

Wasn’t the capital of Shang, Chaoge, richer than Western Qi?

“Really?” Nezha’s eyes shone, forgetting to eat his melon.

“I do not make empty promises.”

“Then I’ll go with you!” Nezha agreed immediately, excited.

Jiang Yuan looked toward Chaoge. This time, he would likely have to remain there for quite some time.

He could only hope chaos would come later, for in the end, it was the common people who suffered.

It was not out of pity, but because he was the human sovereign, and the peace of his people was his duty.

“Set out! Return to Chaoge!” Jiang Yuan commanded, and the Jade Kirin appeared before him.