Chapter 902: Wang Jingwen

Chapter 902: Chapter 902: Wang Jingwen

In the southern region of the Zhuanlun territory, within the Tianci Mansion of the Wuxiang Holy Court, the Third Prince and his entourage hurried back from Zhuanlun Hall. As soon as they reached the mansion's entrance, a servant rushed up to them.

"Your Highness, Third Prince!" the servant said respectfully.

"What is it?" the Third Prince asked, puzzled.

"An envoy sent by the Sacred King arrived ten days ago and is currently in the main courtyard of Tianci Mansion," the servant replied. Finndd the newest novels on n/o/velbin(.)com

"An envoy?" The Third Prince was slightly surprised, then waved the servant away.

Soon, the Third Prince, accompanied by a few officials, entered Tianci Mansion.

In the main courtyard, by a pavilion overlooking a pond filled with ornamental fish, a scholarly man in a white robe was seated, an ancient zither placed before him. Two attendants stood nearby, tending to an incense burner as the man gently played the zither. The music was tranquil, causing the fish in the pond to seem entranced, gathering near the pavilion and remaining still.

The Third Prince and his officials exchanged glances. The Third Prince frowned but did not interrupt the zither player, who continued to play as if unaware of their presence.

Wisps of mist floated above the lake, gathering and dispersing in harmony with the zither's melody, forming images of mountains and rivers in the air.

After the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the final note echoed, and the mist dissipated instantly. The fish in the pond became lively again, darting about energetically.

The man in the white robe exhaled deeply and rose gently. One of the attendants immediately handed him a white towel, which he used to wipe his hands before returning it.

The man then turned to face the Third Prince and his group.

"I am Wang Jingwen. Greetings, Your Highness, Third Prince!" he said with a slight bow, exuding the air of a wise man, his demeanor proud and untouched by worldly concerns.

"Wang Jingwen? The newly appointed top scholar of the Wuxiang Holy Court?" the Third Prince asked, his brow furrowing slightly.

The Third Prince was naturally displeased with Wang Jingwen's earlier display, but he was not a reckless man. While he did not practice the way of the emperor, he was highly skilled in the art of power, knowing how to handle people instinctively.

"Indeed, it is I," Wang Jingwen responded calmly.

"What is your purpose here?" the Third Prince inquired.

"Years ago, news from the Third Prince reached the Wuxiang territory, and the Sacred King took it very seriously. Regarding the recent battle in the northern Zhuanlun territory between the Temporal Dojo and the Great Zheng Holy Court, I presume it was the Great Zheng Sacred King, Zhong Shan, who emerged victorious," Wang Jingwen said with a faint smile.

The Great Zheng Sacred King, Zhong Shan, emerged victorious!

Upon hearing this, the Third Prince's pupils contracted, and the officials behind him showed expressions of astonishment. How did he know? They had rushed back from Zhuanlun Hall as soon as the battle ended! They were the first to know in the southern Zhuanlun territory.

But how did Wang Jingwen know?

Wang Jingwen's strength was lacking; he was still a mortal, which had been a renowned story in the Wuxiang Holy Court. To achieve the top scholar position as a mere mortal was big news. A mortal's speed could not match their own.

"Your information is accurate," the Third Prince said cautiously. "But how did you come to know about the outcome of the battle so quickly?"

Wang Jingwen smiled enigmatically. "My knowledge is not limited to what is within my reach. I have my ways of obtaining information."

The Third Prince nodded slowly, recognizing the wisdom and insight behind Wang Jingwen's words. "What is your purpose here, Wang Jingwen? And what message does the Sacred King have for me?"

Wang Jingwen's expression grew serious. "The Sacred King has foreseen the growing threat from the Great Zheng Holy Court. He has sent me to assist you in countering Zhong Shan's influence and to ensure our territory remains secure. We must prepare for what is to come, for the ambitions of Great Zheng are vast."

The Third Prince and his officials listened intently, understanding the gravity of the situation. The battle with the Temporal Dojo was just the beginning; greater challenges lay ahead.

Wang Jingwen shook his head and looked at the Third Prince. "It's up to you to decide, Your Highness."

"Five years? That's indeed hard to believe. How confident are you?" the Third Prince asked, frowning.

"We have such favorable innate conditions in the Wuxiang Holy Court. Why would taking down the four celestial dynasties in five years be difficult? I'm completely confident," Wang Jingwen said with assurance.

The Third Prince's eyelids twitched, and the other officials also had peculiar expressions.

"And then?" the Third Prince did not answer immediately but continued to ask.

"And then? Naturally, we will unify the southern Zhuanlun territory. By then, the Great Zheng Holy Court would likely have unified the northern Zhuanlun territory. We will face each other north and south, and then we can fully confront the Great Zheng Holy Court!" Wang Jingwen said with great certainty.

Unify the southern Zhuanlun territory? Is it really that easy?

Everyone looked at Wang Jingwen with odd expressions, and the Third Prince was also skeptical. He looked at Wang Jingwen seriously and asked, "How can you guarantee that?"

Wang Jingwen smiled slightly and replied, "Guarantee? The Wuxiang Holy Court is the best guarantee. Our court has the strongest foundation here. When the great battle begins, talent will quickly gather around us. With a holy court against a celestial dynasty, do we need more guarantees?"

Wang Jingwen's words left the officials feeling ashamed. What they had painstakingly preserved now seemed laughable in Wang Jingwen's eyes.

After a deep look at Wang Jingwen, the Third Prince suddenly laughed heartily. "Hahaha, good! I believe you. From today, the military forces of the four surrounding cities of Tianci Mansion will be under your command. However, I need to see your plan before you proceed."

"Yes, I will do my utmost to assist you, Your Highness!" Wang Jingwen nodded.

Great Zheng Holy Court, Changjing

Changjing was a colossal floating island, resembling the Heavenly Palace in grandeur, with the imperial examination location set below it.

In the Immortal Palace:

"Sacred King, the eight celestial dynasties are on the brink of collapse after multiple suppressions. If we continue to pursue our victory, we can pacify the eight celestial dynasties completely," Yi Yan said earnestly.

"Yes," Zhong Shan nodded from his throne.

"However, I have a thought. Should we cease our military campaigns for now and enter a period of rest and recuperation?" Yi Yan asked.

"Oh?"

The ministers in the hall were surprised. Shouldn't they capitalize on their victory and swiftly pacify the eight celestial dynasties?

"Although the eight celestial dynasties are on the verge of defeat, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. If we keep pressing them, it will provoke a desperate counterattack, which could be counterproductive. Moreover, if we eliminate the eight celestial dynasties, we will face even more celestial dynasties. Our rapid expansion could unite them against us, which would be disadvantageous," Yi Yan explained.

"True," Zhong Shan nodded.

"I propose a temporary truce. The weakened state of the eight celestial dynasties will undoubtedly attract the envy of surrounding dynasties. We can leave the task of eliminating the eight celestial dynasties to these short-sighted dynasties. Once they exhaust each other, we can take advantage of our well-rested and strengthened forces to reap the benefits," Yi Yan suggested.

"I second this proposal," Xiao Wang immediately said.

"I second this proposal," Zhao Suoxiang also quickly agreed.

"We second this proposal!" many ministers echoed.

"Approved," Zhong Shan declared.