The Northern Wolf King searched the area where Zhang Yang disappeared for a long time.
Finding nothing, he had no choice but to return the way he came.
He immediately informed the Emperor that Zhang Yang had left Shennong Gorge alive.
...
At the same time.
Zhang Yang, having entered Fuxi Village, arrived at the village chief's house.
As he entered the courtyard, Di Yi, who was drawing water, saw Zhang Yang and subconsciously nodded.
Zhang Yang also nodded in acknowledgement.
He couldn't see Di Yi's face, but the pupils exposed outside the mask filled Zhang Yang with a sense of surprise.
Di Yi seemed surprised by his return.
Had he truly lost his memory?
His eyes did not seem to suggest that at all!
Immediately.
Zhang Yang quickened his pace, wanting to speak with Di Yi.
However, Di Yi seemed to deliberately avoid Zhang Yang and turned to leave the courtyard directly.
"What's wrong?" the Fuxi Village Chief asked, sensing Zhang Yang's unusual demeanor.
Zhang Yang shook his head. "Village Chief, has Di Yi been like this since you rescued him?"
"Heh, he's been like this for so many years. Why are you suddenly interested in Di Yi?" the Fuxi Village Chief asked.
"It's nothing, just a little curious." Zhang Yang shook his head and didn't press further.
Afterward.
He followed the Village Chief into the house.
After a brief chat, the Fuxi Village Chief proactively asked, "Zhang Yang, was entering Shennong Gorge dangerous this time?"
"It was dangerous, but in the end, I managed to turn danger into safety. My luck was quite good," Zhang Yang said with a smile.
This trip was actually a brush with death. If Shennong hadn't appeared, they would all have perished inside.
The Fuxi Village Chief nodded.
He stared at Zhang Yang thoughtfully, but ultimately said nothing and turned to leave.
This made Zhang Yang curious.
The Fuxi Village Chief gave him a strange feeling.
Late at night.
Standing by the window, watching the moonlight, Zhang Yang noticed Di Yi was still chopping wood. He went out and approached Di Yi.
"Thank you for the warning," Zhang Yang said.
He recalled the first time he saw the bluestone path. Without Di Yi's warning, he might have fallen into the same trap as the giant crocodile.
But Di Yi remained deaf to his words, continuing to chop wood without acknowledging Zhang Yang.
"You haven't lost your memory, have you? You must have secrets in your heart, right? Why don't you tell me? Perhaps I can help you?" Zhang Yang tried to strike up a conversation.
But.
Di Yi remained silent.
"You must be from outside too, why don't you go home?"
"Where do you live? I'm going down the mountain tomorrow, why don't you come with me?"
"Is your real name really Di Yi?"
"..."
Unwilling to give up, Zhang Yang asked a string of questions.
But like a one-man show, Di Yi remained silent, focused on his task.
Seeing this.
Zhang Yang sighed and no longer pressed the issue.
He always felt that Di Yi had secrets and was by no means an ordinary person.
"You should get some rest."
After saying that.
Zhang Yang went back inside.
...
The next day.
Zhang Yang woke up early, preparing to descend the mountain.
When he got up to bid farewell to the Village Chief, he found the house empty.
However, when Zhang Yang reached the village entrance, he found the Fuxi Village Chief and others waiting for him.
All the villagers of Fuxi Village had come. They were enthusiastically seeing Zhang Yang off.
This surprised Zhang Yang. "Village Chief, what's going on?"
"Heh, just consider it a village custom. You won't be back anytime soon after leaving this time. This is how we see guests off. Thank you for your visit," the Fuxi Village Chief said with a smile.
The other villagers also showed simple smiles, looking at Zhang Yang with warmth.
Of course, Di Yi was an exception.
"Heh, thank you all for seeing me off. I'll be going now. I'll visit again when I have time," Zhang Yang said his farewells.
"Alright, be careful on your journey," the Fuxi Village Chief nodded and then said.
"Zhang Yang, I had a dream last night. When you leave this time, be careful of those around you, or you might find yourself in a life-or-death situation."
This!
Zhang Yang stopped in his tracks, looking back with confusion.
"The Village Chief had a dream last night? Was it about me?"
"Heh, it was just a dream. Perhaps dreams are the opposite of reality. In any case, be cautious," the Fuxi Village Chief said with a smile.
"Alright, thank you for the reminder, Village Chief." Zhang Yang nodded silently, keeping the matter in mind.
After he left, the villagers dispersed one by one.
They had a reason to thank Zhang Yang.
It was because Zhang Yang had helped them greatly by entering Shennong Gorge.
Otherwise.
They would not have been able to continue enjoying their peaceful lives here.
Finally.
Only the Fuxi Village Chief and Di Yi remained.
They watched Zhang Yang's receding figure, and the Fuxi Village Chief said.
"Di Yi, this is a good opportunity. Aren't you planning to go down the mountain?"
Di Yi shook his head and said nothing.
"Alas, you... I really don't understand. The situation is already very good, and you're still waiting?" the Fuxi Village Chief said, somewhat annoyed.
However, Di Yi still shook his head, finally picked up his chopping knife, and left.
...
After a night of rest.
Zhang Yang, on his way down the mountain, disguised his appearance.
The reason he stayed overnight in Fuxi Village was that Zhang Yang considered that the Emperor would definitely send people to track him.
If he appeared openly, the trackers might even attack him.
Although Zhang Yang was not afraid.
It was easier to dodge an open attack than a hidden arrow.
Zhang Yang did not want to be put in a passive position in his subsequent actions.
Therefore, he chose to disguise himself.
After traversing the mountains for a long time, Zhang Yang emerged from a mountain path.
Like a backpacker, he blended into the urban area.
He successfully boarded a train bound for the capital!
On the train.
Zhang Yang's phone finally got a signal.
He looked at the messages on his phone and nodded inwardly.
Huo Zhu and the others were proceeding with the plan to relocate as he had arranged when he went to Shennong Gorge.
This way, his trip to the Imperial City would be free of worries.
The Northern Territory was not far from the capital.
About a day's journey, Zhang Yang arrived at the Kyoto Station.
Looking at the towering and majestic buildings in the center of Kyoto, Zhang Yang's gaze turned cold.
Imperial City!
I, Zhang Yang, have returned.
I hope that when I leave this time, you will still be as magnificent and majestic, and not reduced to ruins!
After leaving the station, Zhang Yang walked towards the Imperial City.
Step by step, unhurriedly!
At the same time.
Within the Imperial City.
The Northern Wolf King, unable to find Zhang Yang in Shennong Gorge, reported to the Emperor by phone and then rushed to the Imperial City overnight.
At this moment.
The Emperor, the Northern Wolf King, the Eastern River Dragon King, and the six great maternal uncle families were all present.
These were the peak combat powers of the entire imperial authority.
The Emperor himself was unfathomable!
The two War Kings were trusted confidants of the Emperor, and their strength was not to be underestimated.
As for the six great maternal uncle families, they were the strongest forces below the Yuan Mansion realm!
The gathering of these individuals was no small matter.
"Everyone, Zhang Yang disappeared after leaving Shennong Gorge. What are your thoughts?" the Emperor asked.
"Wolf King, are you sure you searched thoroughly? Did Zhang Yang really disappear? Or is he hidden, and you didn't find him?" the Eastern River Dragon King asked.
"I'm sure he disappeared. I have that much confidence," the Northern Wolf King replied.
"Strange, where could he have gone?" the Eastern River Dragon King asked with a look of suspicion.
At this time.
The ancestors of the six great maternal uncle families spoke one after another.
"Your Majesty, even if Zhang Yang disappeared, he would definitely come to the Imperial City."
"We sent people to watch Jiangnan City, and they found no disturbances. Those people from the Five Dragons of Huaxia have been holed up in their base."
"As long as they are still there, Zhang Yang cannot be missing. He will definitely appear."
"..."
Listening to their statements, the Emperor nodded silently.
In the depths of his eyes, a different light flickered.
He was very surprised that Zhang Yang had managed to return alive after spending a week in Shennong Gorge.
He knew how terrifying Shennong Gorge was.
Even he did not have absolute certainty of coming out alive if he entered that place.
Yet Zhang Yang had done it!
Could it be that he had discovered its secrets?
Immediately.
The Emperor's killing intent towards Zhang Yang grew even stronger.
Zhang Yang was too dangerous; he had to be controlled.
Once Zhang Yang was controlled, the five ministers of the Five Dragons of Huaxia would appear.
If he secretly dealt with these people, then the entire empire would be his.
Then, with a little maneuvering.
This ancient country, which had existed for over five thousand years, would finally become their territory!
"Send out all personnel to investigate. Notify me immediately if there is any news of Zhang Yang!"
As soon as the Emperor finished speaking.
A thunderous shout came from outside the Imperial City!
"I, the King of Jiangnan!"
"Zhang Yang has come to deliver medicine!"
"On the Emperor's orders, I, the King of Jiangnan, ventured alone from the Northern Territory into Shennong Gorge, disregarding my own safety to find the Nine Revolutions Soul Returning Grass that the Emperor requires."
"Please open the gates to welcome me, Emperor. I, Zhang Yang, have arrived!"
That's right.
Zhang Yang had arrived.
And he appeared very high-profile outside the Imperial City.
His voice echoed through the heavens and the earth!
The entire Kyoto heard it!
Everyone curiously converged towards the Imperial City.
They saw Zhang Yang standing outside the Imperial City, and three feet in front of him was a plant emitting a faint glow.
Nine leaves!
"These leaves are so beautiful! Why have we never seen them before?"
"Nonsense, didn't you hear the King of Jiangnan say it? This is the Nine Revolutions Soul Returning Grass that the Emperor asked him to find. It must be rare in this era, so you definitely haven't seen it."
"It's just a bit strange. The King of Jiangnan is in the south, why did he go to the north to find this medicine? Isn't the Wolf King in the north?"
"..."
The common people, filled with curiosity, muttered to themselves as they looked at Zhang Yang.
Zhang Yang, however, stood outside the Imperial City, not entering, just standing there!
At this moment.
In the Imperial City's grand hall, the Emperor and the others were stunned by Zhang Yang's high-profile arrival.
They rushed out towards the Imperial City!
Soon.
The Emperor, accompanied by the two War Kings and the ancestors of the six great maternal uncle families, appeared.
"Zhang Yang, where have you been these past two days?"
As soon as he saw Zhang Yang, the Northern Wolf King directly asked.
"The Nine Revolutions Soul Returning Grass is a rare divine medicine. I was worried someone might covet it, so I naturally wouldn't let you find it," Zhang Yang said with a smile.
"You!" The Northern Wolf King, hearing Zhang Yang's implication, his face darkened.
Just as he was about to erupt, the Eastern River Dragon King pulled him back.
All of them looked at the Nine Revolutions Soul Returning Grass in front of Zhang Yang, greatly shocked.
Especially the Emperor.
He had no idea if the Nine Revolutions Soul Returning Grass existed in this world.
He had asked Zhang Yang to find it merely as an excuse to lure Zhang Yang into Shennong Gorge and have him perish.
Who would have thought that Zhang Yang would actually find it?
Although the Emperor didn't know if it was real or fake, seeing Zhang Yang so confident.
And this plant with nine leaves was something they had never seen before.
It was likely genuine.
"Heh, King of Jiangnan, you have worked hard this time. Thank you for finding the Nine Revolutions Soul Returning Grass for this Emperor." the Emperor said politely.
Zhang Yang sneered inwardly.
The Emperor probably wished he could kill him, yet he acted as if nothing had happened in front of everyone. He was quite formidable.
"Heh, Your Majesty, are you sure this is the Nine Revolutions Soul Returning Grass?" Zhang Yang retorted.
The Emperor was taken aback, but quickly recovered. "Of course. I used a Nine Revolutions Soul Returning Grass once when I saved your mother. This is it."
Hearing this, Zhang Yang laughed.
"Haha, since that's the case, please accept it, Your Majesty."
With that.
Zhang Yang threw the Nine Revolutions Soul Returning Grass directly to the Emperor.
The Emperor caught it steadily and said.
"King of Jiangnan, you must be weary from your journey from Shennong Gorge to the Imperial City. Come into the Imperial City and rest. I have some matters I wish to discuss with you."
Oh?
Discuss with me?
I think you want to lure me into the Imperial City, don't you?
Zhang Yang immediately shook his head. "No need. Besides delivering the Nine Revolutions Soul Returning Grass, I have another matter to discuss with Your Majesty."
"Oh, what matter do you have?" the Emperor asked curiously.
For some reason, he had a bad feeling.
"I, Zhang Yang, am not capable enough to hold the position of King of Jiangnan. I am here today to resign, and I request Your Majesty's approval." Zhang Yang shouted loudly.
This shout was exceptionally loud.
Everyone outside the Imperial City heard it.
The Emperor and the others' expressions changed. Zhang Yang was no longer the King of Jiangnan?
Then, in the future, they would have even less reason to restrict Zhang Yang!
After a moment of thought.
The Emperor said, "Zhang Yang, why do you want to resign when everything is fine? Is there anything I have done that is not to your satisfaction? You can tell me directly. If there is, I will apologize to you."
There were people outside the Imperial City at this moment.
The Emperor naturally had to present himself as a wise ruler.
Zhang Yang sneered inwardly, but his face remained calm.
"Indeed, I feel that Your Majesty has not done enough, which is why I wish to resign!"
Upon these words.
The entire city was shocked!
"Did Your Majesty really do something to betray the King of Jiangnan?"
"My heavens, how much anger must the King of Jiangnan harbor to dare to speak so directly."
"What exactly happened?"
...
The people outside the Imperial City erupted.
The Northern Wolf King and the Eastern River Dragon King immediately stepped forward and reprimanded him!
"Bold! Zhang Yang, how dare you speak to Your Majesty like that! Do you wish to die?"
"Zhang Yang, you are rebellious! How can the Emperor's majesty be challenged by you? Apologize to Your Majesty at once!"
Zhang Yang's expression turned grim as he looked at the two War Kings.
"What? Does Your Majesty dare to do it but not let others speak of it?"
"You! You are courting death!"
The two War Kings, unable to resist Zhang Yang's goading, were about to make a move.
Fortunately, the Emperor stopped them in time.
He finally understood why Zhang Yang had come to deliver the Nine Revolutions Soul Returning Grass so ostentatiously.
He probably wanted to resign from the position of King of Jiangnan and regain his freedom.
"Zhang Yang, I have always treated you fairly. Why do you say this about me?" the Emperor asked.
"Heh, treat you fairly? Hahaha, how ridiculous!" Zhang Yang burst into laughter.
Then, he shouted directly.
"Your Majesty, do you know that what I gave you is not the Nine Revolutions Soul Returning Grass at all! This is just an ordinary weed from Shennong Gorge!"
"And you, you just held it in your hand and confidently claimed it was the Nine Revolutions Soul Returning Grass! Don't you find it ridiculous?"
"Your Majesty, when you asked me to go to Shennong Gorge to retrieve the Nine Revolutions Soul Returning Grass, it was merely to persecute me!"
"You even used my mother as an excuse, saying you used the Nine Revolutions Soul Returning Grass when saving her, and now you don't even recognize the Nine Revolutions Soul Returning Grass?"
"Since you feel I am a threat and want to assassinate me, I might as well resign as King of Jiangnan voluntarily, so as not to be on your mind!"
This!
Upon these words.
The entire city was in an uproar.