Chapter 2022: Vast Sky and Wide Earth, Where Is There No Opportunity?

"Alright, then let me ask you another question," He Lingchuan continued. "What do you think is the probability of the Divine Lords defeating all my armies in Flashgold Plains and then successfully killing me? And yes, they must kill me, otherwise I will certainly rise again."

Fan Shuang opened his mouth, finding himself even more at a loss for words.

Killing the former "He Xiao" might not have been difficult for the Divine Lords, but killing the Great Emperor of Nine Nether?

He asked, his voice dry, "Did the Divine Lord Myozhan truly die by your hand?"

"That is true," He Lingchuan replied with certainty. "Absolutely no doubt about it."

This man before him was capable of killing even a Great Divine Lord, a legendary "reincarnated Dragon God." How confident could the Divine Lords be in defeating him?

"Then, it must be very low."

"With such a small chance of the Divine Lords killing me, isn't it worth my full effort to fight?"

Fan Shuang fell silent.

"Let me ask you, when Tu Shanfang joined my army and fought with his life on the line, did he ever consider what would happen if he died on the battlefield?"

Fan Shuang nodded. "Yes, he did."

"So he wouldn't go to battle then?" He Lingchuan's gaze was sharp, every word striking Fan Shuang's heart. "In Flashgold Plains, we can only embrace death to find life."

Don't misunderstand; while Tu Shanfang was a lone individual and He Lingchuan commanded millions, fundamentally, what was the difference between them? Both had to give their all, fight with all their might, and could only press forward. For they had both wagered their lives and had no path for retreat! To advance was life; to retreat was death.

"In your eyes, Tu Shanfang was brave and fearless, sacrificing himself for the people. But in the corners you don't see, there are thousands upon thousands of Tu Shanfangs. They are the true essence of the Black Armored Army and the Dragon God Army." He Lingchuan's voice was soft yet resolute. "They sacrificed themselves for the ideals I envisioned, for the future of Flashgold. What I do must never betray their bloodshed and sacrifice."

Fan Shuang felt a lump in his throat and took a deep breath. "To be honest, when I was an official in the Kingdom of Yao, my mind was solely focused on how to rise through the ranks and bring glory to my family. Yet, I clearly knew I was dull-witted and stubborn, simply not cut out for officialdom, which always left me feeling lost."

Not only was he lost, but he was also frustrated by his lack of success. Watching younger officials climb faster than him, the fear, shame, and agony were truly tormenting.

"You're not the only one," He Lingchuan said knowingly. "Aren't most officials in the Kingdom of Yao like that?" He Lingchuan understood. If Fan Shuang hadn't been with him, he would still have been a low-ranking official when troubles struck Yao. "And now?"

"One great change, and I've lived two lives!" Fan Shuang sighed. "Looking back now, how foolish I was to be disheartened by my inability to scheme and flatter!" It was the crucible of war that revealed the truth, showing him that his pursuits in the first half of his life had been nothing but futility.

He Lingchuan laughed heartily, patting his shoulder. "If being an official simply means fawning, forming cliques, flattering superiors while oppressing subordinates, and engaging in corruption, only thinking of clawing your way up the ranks through endless social maneuvering, then your inherent unfamiliarity with such practices is truly a blessing!"

The Kingdom of Yao had been established for too long; the practices of its officialdom were two centuries of accumulated rot. The officials He Lingchuan encountered in Tianshui City in the Kingdom of Yao were preoccupied daily with nothing but factions, promotions, and their own political achievements. The rules of officialdom took precedence over everything else; how many truly cared for the common people, how many genuinely considered their well-being? With such an environment in officialdom, where everyone was steeped in this 'dye vat,' not feeling shame but rather viewing it as normal, it was no wonder Fan Shuang couldn't see past it.

Fan Shuang chuckled self-deprecatingly. "It seems I'm not cut out for officialdom." What would become of him and his father now?

"Who says that?" He Lingchuan's smile was knowing. "If you aspire to be *that* kind of official, you'll never find your way in. But if you wish to be a *good* official, it's actually not difficult at all. Simply address the people's needs and act on their behalf, and you'll naturally know what to do."

A different starting point leads to a different perspective. With a different mindset, the world opens up; there's no limit to what you can achieve.

Fan Shuang murmured, "Like County Magistrate Huang?"

During the hundred days facing Guo Baiyu, County Magistrate Huang diligently fulfilled his duties, constantly striving to address issues of public welfare and battle logistics, while also boosting the morale of the city's military and civilians. Without him, Miancheng would have long ceased to exist.

He Lingchuan became solemn. "Miancheng will erect a monument to its heroes. Huang Chengqi, Tu Shanfang, and all the brave warriors who shed blood and sacrificed for Miancheng should be remembered by future generations."

"I understand," Fan Shuang said, taking a long breath. "Brother He, what should I do?"

"Just as before, act as my envoy and recruit talented individuals from among the Yao people for me," He Lingchuan replied. In Tianshui City, He Lingchuan had always kept Fan Shuang by his side, and discerning individuals, seeing how well Fan Shuang was doing, had naturally gravitated towards him. "The Kingdom of Yao has existed for two hundred years and boasts the largest number of talents in all of Flashgold. With its downfall, these people have been displaced, which is truly a pity."

The Kingdom of Yao had been stable for many years and possessed its own system for selecting talent, so the quality and quantity of its skilled individuals were not to be underestimated. Among other things, the literacy rate of the Yao people was unparalleled in Flashgold. He Lingchuan was preparing for the future, seeking to accumulate talent for the great nation that would emerge after Flashgold was unified. He Lingchuan already knew many people in Tianshui City, but being busy with his own affairs, he couldn't seek them out one by one. Thus, entrusting this task to Fan Shuang was most suitable. While Fan Shuang's talent wasn't exceptional, he was diligent, meticulous, and responsible in his work, making him one of the best candidates for this role. It was most appropriate for a Yao person to recruit other Yao people.

As expected, Fan Shuang nodded vigorously. "Good! I will not let you down, Brother He... I mean, I will not let you down, my Lord."

From that moment on, he would work for He Lingchuan. Their relationship would now be one of superior and subordinate; how could they continue to address each other as peers? He Lingchuan smiled, glancing at him. Who said Fan Shuang was slow-witted? He was, in fact, more perceptive than many.

Fan Shuang then added, "Also, Tu Shanfang's hometown is in Xike. I would like to personally deliver his ashes and the compensation to his family, and visit them." Tu Shanfang had saved his entire family's lives twice, and Fan Shuang wanted to go and see what else he could do for the Tu family.

"Returning the favor, fulfilling this karmic bond—excellent!" He Lingchuan nodded. "The journey is long; I will assign one hundred elite soldiers to you to escort him home with honor. You must tell the people of Xike that Tu Shanfang was a pivotal figure in the defense of Miancheng, a hero of all Flashgold."

Fan Shuang assented and bowed before taking his leave. From then on, he would follow the Dragon God Army.

Before he had even left the main gate, a gentle rain began to fall, refreshing his spirit, and the surrounding air gradually filled with the scent of damp earth. He knew that after the Dragon God's arrival, everything would be different.

Fan Shuang exhaled deeply towards the sky, stepped over the threshold, his footsteps now more resolute. How vast was Flashgold Plains, and how murky the boundless world. But from this day forward, he had direction and would never feel lost again. Since heaven had put him through a hundred days of tempering by blood and fire, and allowed him to survive, then he was surely meant for a purpose!