Chapter 214: Observing the World from a Pond

Chapter 214: Chapter 214: Observing the World from a Pond

The next day, at the Grand Marshal's residence, on a floating island.

A pavilion stood at the center of a tranquil pond, with two tables set for a meal, laden with fine wine and gourmet dishes. Grand Marshal Yi Yan was at the edge of the pavilion, scattering fish food into the water, which attracted a swarm of ornamental fish eagerly competing for the morsels.

Yi Yan watched the pond intently, fully absorbed in the activity of the fish.

At that moment, Zhong Shan arrived at the edge of the pond, led by General Iron Blood. Pointing to the boardwalk that led to the pavilion, Iron Blood said, "Mr. Zhong Shan, the Grand Marshal has instructed that you may proceed directly to the pavilion. I will wait here for you."

Zhong Shan nodded and slowly walked along the boardwalk toward the pavilion, while Iron Blood stayed behind to wait.

As Zhong Shan approached the pavilion, Yi Yan remained focused on the fish, continuing to throw fish food into the pond. The fish scrambled to grab each piece of food he tossed in.

Upon reaching the pavilion, Zhong Shan looked out at the pond. Each time Yi Yan threw in a piece of fish food, the fish swarmed to consume it.

"Mr. Zhong Shan, have you discerned anything?" Yi Yan asked, still feeding the fish and speaking without turning around.

Glancing at Yi Yan, Zhong Shan smiled slightly and replied, "Mr. Yi Yan is a man of great talent. How could a mere Zhong Shan see through his thoughts?"

"This pond represents the entire world. The fish are like the world's power players—empires, dynasties, sects. When the water is calm, the fish remain undisturbed. But the moment food is introduced, they compete fiercely for it," Yi Yan said calmly.

"Observing the world through a pond—your insights are truly admirable, Mr. Yi Yan," Zhong Shan said with a frown as he looked at Yi Yan.

Yi Yan, having thrown the last of the fish food into the pond, turned to face Zhong Shan and asked, "Mr. Zhong Shan, do you think my analogy holds true?"

"All the hustle and bustle in the world is driven by profit; the competition and strife are all for the sake of gain. What you have said is indeed very accurate, Mr. Yi Yan. What's even more commendable is your role as the one casting the bait," Zhong Shan responded with a nod and a smile.

By this point, Zhong Shan had deduced the origin of the two invitations and naturally thought of Yi Yan as the one who had cast the bait. The two invitations were like fish food, luring Princess Qianyou and Crown Prince Han Jue, two big fish, into a deadly trap. Yi Yan's strategy was truly formidable.

"Mr. Zhong Shan, you are indeed extraordinary. Please, take a seat," Yi Yan said, looking at Zhong Shan with a smile.

"After you, Mr. Yi Yan," Zhong Shan replied.

The two men each chose a table and sat facing each other. Fôllôw new stories at novelhall.com

"To meet a great talent like you, Mr. Zhong Shan, even in the face of death is a great consolation for me. I raise my cup to you," Yi Yan said, lifting a glass of wine and drinking it down in one go.

Seeing this, Zhong Shan quickly responded, "Mr. Yi Yan, you overpraise me. I am but a nameless figure, unworthy of such compliments. I have long admired you, and I toast to you."

"Mr. Zhong Shan, you are too modest. You have surely figured out who orchestrated the deadly schemes at Foggy Lake and Ten-Thousand Peach Forest, haven't you?" Yi Yan asked with a smile, looking at Zhong Shan.

At Yi Yan's words, Zhong Shan frowned slightly. Who? Wasn't it you, Yi Yan? However, even though both men were well aware of the truth, Zhong Shan would never speak it aloud.

Hearing this, Yi Yan's pupils contracted. Small gains? The position of Grand Commander of the Great Yu Empire's army was considered small gains?

"How about we stop talking about matters of the two empires today?" Zhong Shan raised his cup and said to Yi Yan.

"Alright, no more talk of empires," Yi Yan said with a smile, raising his cup.

The two drank together, each with their own agenda. Yi Yan wanted to bring Zhong Shan into the Great Yu Empire, while Zhong Shan, in turn, wished to draw Yi Yan over to the Great Luo Dynasty. If the Great Luo Dynasty could secure someone like Yi Yan, it would be more valuable than an army of a million soldiers.

However, based on Yi Yan's previous statements, it was evident that he valued loyalty and obligations greatly. Even pulling him into the Great Luo Heavenly Empire would be extremely difficult, let alone bringing him into the Great Luo Dynasty, which was practically a pipe dream at the moment. But Zhong Shan wasn't in a hurry. Failing to win him over now didn't mean it was impossible; it simply meant the stakes weren't high enough. Only by raising the stakes and diminishing Yi Yan's current benefits could they eventually win him over. However, for Yi Yan, ordinary incentives wouldn't work; it had to be something he valued more, like loyalty and obligation.

Similarly, it was expected that Yi Yan wouldn't succeed in persuading Zhong Shan this time. It would take time; there's always a way to resolve any situation.

"Mr. Yi Yan mentioned he didn't have much time left. May I ask why?" Zhong Shan inquired.

"I'm at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage, but when I tried to break through, someone sabotaged me, and I was poisoned with 'Soul-Dispersing Powder.' It's not much of a secret," Yi Yan sighed, shaking his head.

"Soul-Dispersing Powder?" Zhong Shan asked, puzzled.

"Haha, there are things even you don't know? Soul-Dispersing Powder is imprinted on the soul and can't be removed unless one reaches the Integration stage and disperses it with their primordial spirit. But once it's imprinted on the soul, one can never break through again and is destined to suffer, enduring a life of hardship," Yi Yan said with a bitter smile.

Hearing Yi Yan's explanation, Zhong Shan frowned slightly. The Integration stage? He still had a Heavenly Yuan Elixir. But of course, Zhong Shan wasn't foolish enough to bring it up now.

"Do you know who harmed you when you were trying to break through?" Zhong Shan asked.

Yi Yan's pupils contracted upon hearing this. He then took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and gently shook his head.

Seeing Yi Yan's reaction, Zhong Shan had a rough guess. It was evident that Yi Yan probably knew who had harmed him but was unwilling to mention it.

Naturally, Zhong Shan didn't press the matter and instead switched to a different topic, and the two continued their conversation—

In the evening, on the square outside the Western Palace, Princess Qian You watched the setting sun, with Zhong Shan standing behind her.

Zhong Shan was reporting to Princess Qian You.

"Mr. Zhong Shan, did Yi Yan invite you to become the Grand Commander of the Great Yu Empire?" Princess Qian You suddenly turned to Zhong Shan, surprised.

"Yes, he did, but I didn't accept," Zhong Shan replied truthfully.

Since realizing how formidable Yi Yan was, Zhong Shan hadn't hidden anything from Princess Qian You. If he didn't mention it now and Yi Yan brought it up later, it would be troublesome.

"Thank you, sir," Princess Qian You said solemnly.

"No need to worry, Princess. Since I have promised to help you, I will naturally fulfill my duty," Zhong Shan said earnestly.