Chapter 127 Request Assistance

Outside the Taoist temple, several burly men of varying heights, weights, and distinctive features stood waiting.

Each face bore the marks of wind and frost, as if carved by knives and axes, revealing they were seasoned warriors who had spent years fighting on the battlefield. They were none other than Qi Pei jia's party from Tianwang Stronghold.

The leader was the chieftain, Lu Longchuan. The others were prominent leaders within the stronghold, summoned to the capital to receive rewards and titles.

"We have no prior relationship with the Yufeng Zhenren, and I wonder if he will even grant us an audience," Xiang Tianjie muttered softly, his tone hesitant.

Lu Longchuan shook his head, "It's hard to say. This man is a favorite of the emperor, enjoying great favor and high status, far beyond what we can compare to. He may not be interested in meeting us."

Hearing this, a rough-looking, bearded man beside him grumbled in dissatisfaction, "Brother, you're being too self-deprecating. He's just a Taoist priest. If you want to see him, brother, I'll just rush in and drag him out!"

"Erhu, be respectful!"

Lu Longchuan immediately scolded him. After a pause, he said sternly, "This Yufeng Zhenren is famous throughout the land, rumored to possess great supernatural powers, a peerless master of this era. You must control your temper and not offend him!"

"What master with supernatural powers? I've never seen one. It's mostly fake. Everyone has one head, and a hammer can smash it flat. He'd still be dead," Erhu muttered, disgruntled.

This man was named Shi Hu, nicknamed Erhu. He was skilled with twin hammers and was often responsible for leading the charge in the stronghold, a boorish and unruly fellow.

"Erhu, you must not speak later, lest you offend someone," a scholar said, gently waving a bamboo fan in his hand. He smiled and said, "This Yufeng Zhenren has an extraordinary position in the capital. Even Prime Minister Qin gives him some face. If we can establish a relationship with him and have him say a few good words to His Majesty, the benefits will be immeasurable in the future."

"Since the strategist says so, I won't speak later then," Shi Hu grunted, showing respect for this scholar.

This scholar was named Sun Rong, the third leader of Tianwang Stronghold and the chief strategist of the stronghold.

It was he who had strongly urged everyone to visit the Yufeng Zhenren this time.

Lu Longchuan lowered his voice and asked, "Strategist, it's fine to visit and get to know the Yufeng Zhenren, but we have no kinship with him. Is it really necessary to ask him to leave the mountain?"

Sun Rong's expression turned serious, and he nodded, "Indeed. Although we will receive rewards for our meritorious service in suppressing bandits this time, the court also requires us to go to Huyang next spring to suppress bandits. We must ask a master to assist us on this trip, otherwise, our future is bleak!"

Saying this, he paused and continued:

"Bandits run rampant in Yanbei and Taidong. Fortunately, we used to be the leading figures in the northern Green Forest, so we have subdued those we could, and eliminated those who deserved it. The rest are just scattered remnants, so pacifying these two places is more alarming than dangerous… But Huyang is different. It is one of the most treacherous places in the world!

Chen Feng possesses unparalleled martial prowess, and his Dragon King Stronghold has an army of 100,000 men. Moreover, Huyang is riddled with waterways. We are not skilled in naval warfare and will be tired from a long march, while they have a strong navy and will be waiting in force. This is using our weaknesses to attack their strengths. If we are not careful, all our brothers will be lost there… Therefore, if we cannot invite a master to help us, we will likely meet a tragic end on this trip."

The others nodded in agreement.

Besides establishing connections, another goal of this sudden visit was to ask this master to help them quell the banditry.

After all, the martial strength of the "Dragon King" Chen Feng was unparalleled in history. If they could not find a way to defeat him, they really felt they had no chance of winning.

If this Yufeng Zhenren truly possessed the immortal methods of summoning wind and rain as rumored, then he might be one of the few people in this world who could deal with Chen Feng.

"Hopefully, he is not a fraud… And is willing to see us," Xiang Tianjie sighed.

At this moment, a receptionist Taoist came out and greeted everyone, "My master invites you. Please follow me."

The Tianwang Stronghold party immediately breathed a sigh of relief and quickly entered the Taoist temple. Following the Taoist priest, they passed through several courtyards and soon arrived at the main house.

As soon as they entered, they saw Zhou Jing dressed as a high Taoist priest and saluted one after another.

"Greetings, Divine Firmament Wind Spirit Zhenren."

"No need for formalities."

Zhou Jing waved his hand, his gaze sweeping over each of the men before finally landing on Lu Longchuan. He smiled slightly.

"I have long heard of Chieftain Lu's surrender to the court and his return from the wrong path. Today, I am fortunate to meet you."

Lu Longchuan was stunned. He did not expect this person to be so polite and was immediately flattered. He cupped his hands in response, "Zhenren's name is known throughout the world, and I have always admired you. I have taken the liberty of visiting today. I hope Zhenren will not be offended."

The two exchanged a few pleasantries, and then Zhou Jing invited everyone to sit down, instructing his disciples to serve tea to the guests.

After chatting for a while, everyone got to know each other.

Finding that this powerful Yufeng Zhenren was not arrogant or domineering, but rather quite amiable, the Tianwang Stronghold party felt relieved and had fewer concerns.

Sun Rong gave Lu Longchuan a look.

Lu Longchuan understood, cleared his throat, and changed the subject, saying seriously:

"To be honest, we have come here today to ask Zhenren for a favor."

"Speak freely," Zhou Jing said, unperturbed.

Lu Longchuan's tone became serious as he said, "The official has issued an decree ordering us to go to Huyang to suppress bandits. The bandit leader Chen Feng's martial arts are superb, and his naval forces are well-trained and numerous. I am afraid we are no match for him, and we will ruin the court's plan. After thinking it over, only Zhenren has the ability to subdue this man, so we have come to request Zhenren's assistance."

After listening, Zhou Jing's expression remained unchanged, and he smiled and asked, "Has the official issued an decree ordering this poor Taoist to join the army on the expedition?"

"That has not been done..."

"Well, since this matter has nothing to do with me, why should I help you?"

Zhou Jing's tone was unhurried.

Lu Longchuan sighed, "I know this matter is abrupt, but Chen Feng is causing trouble in the Huyang area and has become a serious problem for the court. If given time, he will become a malignant tumor, detrimental to the country. I have heard that Zhenren was born to seek out the secrets of heaven and protect peace. This Chen Feng demon is harmful to the people and needs to be saved. We are no match for him and had to seek help, so we came here on our own initiative."

Sun Rong stood up, bowed deeply, and interjected, "I hope Zhenren will take action to subdue the demon for the sake of the common people."

Zhou Jing remained smiling, his expression unchanged.

He casually flicked his horsetail whisk, looked around at everyone, and suddenly asked, "I have heard that Chen Feng is redressing grievances for the people in Huyang, claiming to be acting on behalf of Heaven. You were also Green Forest fellows and have similar behaviors. I wonder what you think of this?"

Everyone's expression froze, and they were somewhat speechless.

Sun Rong, however, remained calm and said:

"This kind of action, although it may bring temporary satisfaction, disrupts the rules of the world. It seems to be a benevolent act, but in reality, it lacks consideration. The court has its own laws and regulations. If they are repeatedly ignored and punishments are carried out privately, then the order of the court will be destroyed, and the people's livelihood will become even more difficult, leading to chaos and desolation. We have been in the Green Forest for many years before understanding this principle. Finally, we turned back from the wrong path and were inspired by the court to serve the country. Chen Feng, however, goes his own way, which is truly an act that harms the country and the people and should be stopped."

"Well said." Zhou Jing nodded with a smile, "Since you have such insight, this poor Taoist is willing to help you."

Hearing this, Lu Longchuan and the others showed joy.

But at this moment, Zhou Jing changed the subject and slowly said:

"However, I am responsible for refining elixirs for the official. The official may not be willing to let me leave the capital. Why don't you formally submit a memorial requesting to dispatch this poor Taoist to join the army on the expedition? Let the officials discuss it during the court session. If the official agrees, I will come out to assist you."

"This..."

Lu Longchuan looked embarrassed.

They usually did not have the qualifications to attend court. This time, they were able to meet the emperor because they were rewarded for their merits. They had already met him not long ago, so it was not easy to submit a memorial and have the officials discuss it now.

Seeing this, Zhou Jing shook his head and said, "Although I am willing to help, I must also have the official's approval. This poor Taoist will wait for your good news."

After speaking, he offered tea to see them off.

Lu Longchuan and the others were sensible and had no choice but to bid farewell and leave.

The group left the Taoist temple and looked at the closed door before looking at each other.

Shi Hu snorted angrily:

"Humph, this Taoist priest speaks nicely, but I think he just doesn't want to help and doesn't want to be criticized, so he uses this excuse to prevaricate! He looks strange. Maybe he became the emperor's male concubine, that's why he has such wealth and glory. How could the emperor let him do such hard work?"

"Shut up, don't talk nonsense! How can you, a fool, run wild here?!"

Lu Longchuan was startled and scolded angrily.

"I won't say it if I don't say it." Shi Hu turned his head away, still indignant.

Lu Longchuan was so angry that his chest heaved. It took him a while to calm down before he looked at Sun Rong and frowned:

"Strategist, what do you think of this..."

Sun Rong shook his bamboo fan and pondered, "The Zhenren has already agreed, only the official's approval is needed… Chieftain, it seems we must pay a visit to Prime Minister Qin."

Hearing this, Lu Longchuan sighed slightly.

Qin Song was one of the seven traitors of the current dynasty and had always been the connection between their Tianwang Stronghold and the capital. If there was a choice, Lu Longchuan would not want to rely on the relationship of a treacherous official, but what's done is done, and they can only rely on Qin Song to act.

On the other side, in the main house of the Taoist temple.

Zhou Jing sent away the Tianwang Stronghold party and sat back in his seat, slowly drinking tea, his eyes becoming playful.

"Meeting with Chen Feng in the past... not bad either."

He had his own calculations when he agreed to the request of the Tianwang Stronghold party.

Now that Chen Feng's reputation as the world's number one had been established, letting Bill rub off on his popularity was also a way to gain fame.

There was no opportunity to make a move in the capital. This time, he could let the two apostles clash and create a big scene, not only demonstrating Chen Feng's unparalleled contemporary martial prowess but also showing the power of his own "magic."

As long as the movement was big enough and amazing enough, and he showed the power to "contend" with Chen Feng, then he would probably be worshiped by the court in the future and used as a backer to restrain Chen Feng, which would benefit both apostles.

In addition, his own expedition with the Tianwang Stronghold could also serve as an undercover agent, sending confidential information to Chen Feng's side.

After all, the Tianwang Stronghold had many soldiers and generals, and it was not easy to deal with. A head-on collision would result in low war damage, which would make the court laugh their teeth off.

As the saying goes, all warfare is based on deception. It was better to plant a spy in the enemy's army so that Chen Feng could control the enemy's movements and deal with them more easily.

Moreover, Ling Fengzi's identity was as white as white could be, and no one would suspect that he was sending intelligence.

As long as the Tianwang Stronghold was defeated, then even if Ling Fengzi withdrew, it would not be because of his lack of ability, but because the army was not strong enough, which would not damage his image much.

"This wave is reliable... I can even bring some money and transport it to Chen Feng along the way, just as a courier."

Zhou Jing smacked his lips and secretly calculated.

…

In the evening, at Prime Minister Qin's residence.

"That Ling Fengzi really said that?"

Qin Song was a little surprised after listening to Lu Longchuan's words.

"It's absolutely true," Lu Longchuan nodded.

"I see..."

Qin Song was thoughtful, subconsciously tapping the table with his finger.

He suddenly realized that this might be a good opportunity to kill someone with a borrowed knife.

Since Ling Fengzi entered the capital, his great favor from the emperor was envied by many. Some went to curry favor with him, while others secretly feared him.

Although Yufeng Zhenren had no intention of fighting for power, some still regarded him as a thorn in their side. On the surface, everyone gave him face, but in reality, some wanted to get rid of him quickly.

Qin Song was not one of them. He could not be considered hostile, but the emperor's trust in Ling Fengzi did make him feel threatened.

Moreover, Ling Fengzi's method of refining elixirs was useful, and countless officials and wealthy gentry supported him, allowing this person's connections to become wider and his status to become extraordinary.

Qin Song also enjoyed the benefits of the elixir and exclaimed its wonderful effect.

—Because of this, such powerful ministers were even more afraid of Ling Fengzi.

Although Ling Fengzi was now just a minor official in the Department of Astronomy and had no power... Qin Song deeply understood that as long as he became the emperor's favorite, the official position was completely unimportant.

In this court, the greatest power came from the emperor. Even a prime minister could be dismissed with just a few words from the emperor.

If he said you were white, you were pure white. If he said you were black, you were full of evil.

Without Ling Fengzi, there would be one less competitor whose actions could not be measured by common sense, which Qin Song did not consider a bad thing.

As for the emperor's long-cherished dream of immortality... he should forget about it as soon as possible. Why should someone sitting on the dragon throne want to live forever? When the time comes, he should die.

"I know about this matter. Go back and wait for news."

Qin Song came back to his senses, his tone indifferent.

Whether the matter succeeded or not, he did not intend to antagonize Ling Fengzi or the emperor... So he should let others take the lead. He had too many cards in his hand.

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