Chapter 1023

Ancient great demons like Zhu Erniang are exceptionally independent, always maintaining a deep vigilance toward humans and local powers. Achieving such a state is not easy.

He Lingchuan knew his efforts had finally moved them.

It was an exchange of sincerity for sincerity.

From now on, the spider demon sisters truly stood with him.

This thought brought him a sense of ease.

Gaining the friendship of two ancient great demons was undoubtedly one of the biggest achievements of the night!

Upon arriving at White Wave Villa, He Lingchuan first changed out of his wet clothes, dried his hair, and tidied his attire, making himself presentable before going to see Fang Canran.

When receiving distinguished guests, a presentable appearance is a matter of courtesy.

Fang Canran had been waiting for him and handed him a cup of hot tea the moment He Lingchuan appeared:

"Is everything settled?"

Neither of them noticed He Lingchuan’s hand, hidden in his sleeve, clenched into a fist.

“Songyuan has already told me about your deeds,” Wang Xingyi said, getting straight to the point. “Ling Mountain rarely pays attention to individuals, but you accomplished something that others had planned for decades without success, and the elders are very appreciative.”

Lu Zhensheng spared no expense, spending millions of taels of silver to pave the way for his second son, Lu Qinglin, to rise steadily through the ranks.

Though politely phrased, this young man neither understood nor trusted him, and clearly wanted more time to observe and consider. However, Wang Xingyi was not angry at all.

Wang Xingyi going to bathe was his way of giving them a chance to talk privately. The old man understood the situation perfectly.

“Ling Mountain not publicizing this matter is my greatest protection,” He Lingchuan said seriously. “As for joining, please allow me to consider it carefully. Of course, I wish to be close to Ling Mountain and Mu State. If you have any need, I am willing to serve.”

This single sentence alone revealed Wang Xingyi’s power and prestige in Mu State.

He Lingchuan understood, and dismissed all the bathhouse attendants.

Only three people remained in the reception hall.

Fang Canran chimed in from the side: “Martial Uncle, you need to propose a specific official position. A county magistrate is an official, and a prime minister is also an official.”

He Lingchuan was about to order food, but Wang Xingyi waved his hand. “No rush. Have you two finished talking?”

Both of these statements were the plain truth.

He Lingchuan maintained his smile. Others had planned for decades without success? Didn’t that “others” refer to Ling Mountain itself?

They didn’t mention a single word about Bailie’s machinations behind the scenes.

Fang Canran was somewhat surprised, but didn’t ask further, simply saying: “Martial Uncle Wang has been waiting for you for a long time.”

“It has nothing to do with Beijia,” He Lingchuan truthfully stated. “It was Bailie causing trouble.”

He Lingchuan’s previous actions had taken a good deal of time, and Wang Xingyi had already finished his hot spring bath. His personal attendants had not only changed his clothes but also replaced his belt, ornaments, and hat pin.

Over thousands of years, countless extraordinary talents and distinguished figures had done the same. Even Panlong City, known as the 'City of Iron and Blood' over 160 years ago, had gone down this path.

Only then did He Lingchuan realize that Wang Xingyi was over seventy years old, yet he looked under forty. He had a full head of black hair, broad shoulders, a wide frame, and a robust physique, with no visible trace of aging.

“Serve at the imperial court? Without having to join other Taoist sects or organizations?”

He Lingchuan smiled: “Thank you for your kindness, Grand Tutor Wang. But I know very little about Mu State and Ling Mountain; I only heard about them for the first time from Songyuan in Lingxu City.”

He Lingchuan and Fang Canran exchanged glances and smiled.

He Lingchuan didn’t even mention Yu Zecheng and Beijia, much less the thrilling battle on the eastern side of Suoding Island.

Even Fang Canran wanted to know the answer.

“Grand Tutor Wang is astute,” He Lingchuan said with a wry smile. “I’m afraid it’s both.”

After resting, Wang Xingyi was even more refreshed and invigorated.

This was absolutely not something a normal person would dare to do. Such a thought shouldn’t even cross one’s mind.

“It’s settled,” He Lingchuan slumped into a chair. “There was an unexpected danger; I apologize for letting you witness that.”

“We’ve chatted for a while, and Brother He also took care of some personal matters. Martial Uncle Wang must be getting impatient, right?”

He was right, wasn’t he? He truly foresaw everything.

“Acting secretly is easy, but confronting something openly is difficult, right?”

“What urgent matter could I have in this hurricane weather?” Wang Xingyi took a sip of hot tea. “Come, tell me, why was the island so lively today?”

He Lingchuan then briefly recounted the mutiny instigated by the Bailong people, and then said: “I apologize for disturbing our distinguished guest; it was due to my poor management.”

There is no mountain that goes to a person; only a person goes to a mountain. Ling Mountain was always there, what was there for it to be anxious about?

None of that compared to a single word from Wang Xingyi.

Otherwise, why would the esteemed decision-maker of Ling Mountain and Grand Tutor of Mu State specifically travel to this remote island overseas?

The commotion on Suoding Island tonight was immense, with the dock exploding and fights on the main road, causing concern among the guests.

To be able to pull off such a major event, on one hand, showed his extraordinary talent and immense luck, but on the other hand, wasn’t it also youthful recklessness?

Once he truly recognized the power and terror of Beijia and the gods, and realized he had no turning back, he would naturally seek Ling Mountain as a reliance.

“Whichever Taoist sect you wish to join, I can arrange it,” Wang Xingyi said calmly. “As long as that sect is not located within Beijia territory.”

Most of the merchants had already been appeased, but Wang Xingyi’s guards remained highly vigilant, daring not to let their guard down.

Wang Xingyi’s words held a deeper meaning, which He Lingchuan and Fang Canran, who had planned the incidents at Heavenly Palace and Lingxu, both understood.

“Coveting the Yangshan Archipelago?” Wang Xingyi immediately said upon hearing this. “Their ambition is commendable, but unfortunately, their abilities don’t match it. However, these several hundred Bailong people, who clearly arrived not long ago, were able to move freely on your island just as the hurricane was approaching. Hmm, either your defenses have loopholes, or they have inside help here.”

Knowing too little, he harbored doubts. This was also human nature.

Wang Xingyi asked He Lingchuan: “Do you wish to pursue a civil career or a military one?”

He took two quick gulps of hot tea.

Wang Xingyi glanced at Fang Canran, who nodded: “At that time, I tested Brother He, and he looked bewildered.”

Wang Xingyi lightly stroked his jaw beard: “Island Master He, why did you target the Heavenly Palace?”

He Lingchuan glanced at Fang Canran, seeing a smug expression on his face.

Having been out in the wind and rain, he was indeed full of chill.

After all, He Lingchuan had once caused a great disturbance in the Heavenly Palace, which pushed him to the opposite side of Beijia, leaving almost no room for maneuver.

“No matter,” Fang Canran said, merely curious. “You’ve hidden yourself on a sea island, so why would anyone still want to take your life?”

“I came to the Yangshan Archipelago today to ask—” Wang Xingyi said solemnly. “Are you willing to take office in Mu State?”

Wang Xingyi immediately said to He Lingchuan: “Ling Mountain was founded by immortals, and immortals still guard it to this day. If the Heavenly Palace knew what you did, only Ling Mountain and Mu State in all the world could protect your safety.”

Wang Xingyi remained silent, casting a glance to the side.

“It was just a small misunderstanding,” He Lingchuan said with a smile, glancing at Fang Canran. “It was resolved later, wasn’t it?”

Wang Xingyi paused, then it clicked in his mind, and he couldn’t help but chuckle aloud: “You young people!”

Arrogant, so arrogant.

A matter of immense importance was “just” a small matter to him!