Chapter 1680: Revenge Plan

Zhang Zitong was startled. She instinctively rolled to the side, dodging a fatal blow. However, her vital energy was sealed at the moment, preventing her from mobilizing it to counterattack. When she saw the opponent's second slash coming, she no longer had the ability to dodge and could only watch in despair as the blade descended.

Suddenly, she felt a sense of relief. After all, she had long resigned herself to death. Being poisoned or cut down by a blade made little difference.

However, if this blade struck, she might die a very unsightly death. She really didn't want Master Eleven to return and see such an ugly scene.

Just then, a fist suddenly appeared from the side, knocking the blade away.

At the same time, a towering figure stood in front of her. Zhang Zitong's heart leaped. It was Master Eleven!

At this moment, Zu An was looking at the black-clad figure opposite him, who was completely wrapped up, with no discernible features from their usual appearance. Clearly, they had come prepared.

Seeing Zu An here, the black-clad figure was also startled. Without the slightest hesitation, they urgently tried to rush out. Just then, several Soul-Snatching Ropes intertwined, blocking their path. Leading them were Xiao Jianren and a few other Silver-Badge Embroidered Uniform Guards.

None of the Silver-Badge Embroidered Uniform Guards were incompetent. Combined with the unique combined attack techniques of the Embroidered Uniform Envoys and the coordination of the Soul-Snatching Ropes, they could even hold their own against top masters for a while.

Moreover, there was a Gold-Badge Embroidered Uniform Guard lurking behind, eyeing them like a tiger.

The black-clad figure suddenly turned and looked at Zu An, their eyes seemingly filled with anger from being deceived.

Rage points from Zhang Jie +444444444...

Seeing the name in the system, Zu An thought, "Just as I suspected." He then said, "Lord Zhang, I didn't expect you to come in person."

As soon as he spoke, everyone else in the room was startled. They had only assumed it was an assassin targeting Zhang Zitong, never expecting such a prominent figure to arrive.

In the entire Yi Commandery, who else named Lord Zhang was as famous as Zhang Jie?

The black-clad figure was also surprised, but still said in a hoarse voice, "What are you talking about? I don't understand."

Clearly, he was making a last struggle, unwilling to admit his identity.

Zu An didn't expose him. Instead, he continued, "Actually, I've been led around in circles by you all this time. The King of Yan used the death of Gold-Badge Seventh to make me investigate Xiaoyao Tower, hoping I'd uncover your connection to it, and bring you down."

"But then another mysterious force led me to investigate the King of Yan. Initially, I did fall for it, thinking the King of Yan was behind it, as he had both motive and capability."

"However, along the way, many doubts arose that I couldn't resolve. It wasn't until these past two days' events that I finally sorted everything out."

"What remained was figuring out who this mysterious force was. Many things appear complex, but there's a simple principle to follow for judgment: whoever benefits the most is the prime suspect."

"If the King of Yan truly fell because of Gold-Badge Seventh or the rebellion, who would be the biggest winner?"

"Of course, it would be you, the Grand Administrator of Yi Commandery. You and the King of Yan have been locked in fierce struggles for years. Although you deliberately pretended to be mediocre in front of me, someone who could contend with the King of Yan for so many years would hardly be an ordinary person, would they?"

Hearing him speak so clearly, the black-clad figure knew further argument was pointless. He removed his mask, revealing himself to be none other than Zhang Jie, the Grand Administrator of Yi Commandery.

Xiao Jianren and the others swallowed hard, feeling that everything before their eyes was beyond their imagination.

This involved the King of Yan and such a high-ranking regional official. If they weren't so convinced by Master Eleven, they would even suspect if they might be silenced afterwards.

Zhang Zitong looked at Zhang Jie opposite her, her expression changing multiple times.

"When you came to me about Zhang Zitong," Zhang Jie spoke bitterly, "I should have realized it was a trap." He had been too careless. The key was that this young man's story was so convincing. Master Yan's reputation was well-known, and Zhang Jie had also heard of the Truth Talismans, fearing Zhang Zitong might genuinely reveal something.

"Recently, the King of Yan was arrested. The Crown Prince of Yan openly led troops in rebellion. Even if the Emperor compromises and appeases them this time, there will certainly be a thorn in his heart. Sooner or later, he will settle accounts with them. You won too decisively. Even the calmest person would be swept away by victory in such a situation." Zu An paused, then added, "I didn't expect you to come in person."

"If I didn't come in person, and something like this happened with her again, dealing with the aftermath would be troublesome," Zhang Jie said. He glared fiercely at Zhang Zitong. If it weren't for the issues arising from her, everything he had planned would have been seamless.

At his glare, Zhang Zitong lowered her head, feeling a little apologetic. However, thinking that the other party wanted to silence her, her expression again showed reluctance and disappointment.

"I have a question. Although your official rank is high, in the end, you are still just an imperial official. Do you really have the motivation to go to such lengths?" Zu An was somewhat puzzled. This was also why he hadn't suspected Zhang Jie initially. To put it nicely, he was a high-ranking regional official; to put it bluntly, he was just an employee. He could just move to another place and continue his official duties. There was no need to go to such extremes just to eliminate the King of Yan.

If all of Zhao Hao's subordinates were this capable, then it would indeed be quite terrifying to imagine.

"Hmph, what do you know?" Zhang Jie said with hatred in his voice. "Back then, Zhang Zhiquan saved my life. I cannot fail to avenge him."

Hearing this, Zu An was startled. He looked at Zhang Zitong and asked, "You're both named Zhang. Are you relatives?"

Before Zhang Zitong could answer, Zhang Jie already spoke. "We are relatives, but so distantly related that the relevant family records probably can't even be found. If not, if Zhang Zhiquan hadn't committed a crime back then, I wouldn't have had the chance to reach my current position."

"So you said Zhang Zhiquan saved your life. Did the imperial court not know about this?" Zu An found this strange. Such high-ranking regional officials surely underwent strict political vetting before taking office.

"He saved me during my destitute youth. It was his financial support that gave me the chance to embark on the path of cultivation. Brother Zhiquan was of noble character, disdaining to publicize such acts of kindness. I also never told anyone, simply keeping it silently in my heart. Naturally, no one knew," Zhang Jie replied.

"I didn't expect you to be such a loyal and righteous person." Zu An then sneered. "But today you're here to kill the only living descendant of your great benefactor. Isn't it a bit ridiculous to say all this now?"

"All of this is merely for the sake of ultimate revenge," Zhang Jie said coldly, "and I imagine she herself is willing."

"That's right!" Zhang Zitong also spoke up. However, her heart couldn't help but ripple. She was willing to sacrifice her life for this cause, and had previously attempted suicide without hesitation. But now, being silenced, felt significantly different from choosing to end her own life.

"What crime exactly did that Zhang Zhiquan commit, and why was his entire family executed?" Zu An asked curiously. "What exactly is this 'ultimate revenge' you speak of?"

Zhang Jie sneered, "Even if I dared to tell you, you probably wouldn't dare to listen."

Zu An smiled. "I don't have many other abilities, but I am courageous. I'm all ears."

Zhang Jie looked at Xiao Jianren and the others nearby. "After hearing this information, they might not live."

Xiao Jianren and the others' expressions changed. Having served as Embroidered Uniform Envoys for many years, they had witnessed no small amount of darkness. They naturally knew his words weren't necessarily alarmist. Indeed, there were many truths that, once heard, meant certain death.

Zu An waved his hand. "Wait for me outside. Do not approach this area."

Xiao Jianren immediately grew anxious. "Master Eleven, be careful! He might be trying to trick us and use this chance to send us away."

Zu An thought that this old fellow had some loyalty and righteousness. He was even more unwilling to let them take risks, saying, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Xiao Jianren and the others, left with no choice, could only withdraw outside the room.

Seeing them leave, Zhang Jie was somewhat surprised. "You're quite bold, young man. Aren't you afraid I'll attack you here?"

After all, he was a Grandmaster, and Gold-Badge Embroidered Uniform Guards rarely reached this realm.

Zu An's expression was calm. "Now that the people have been cleared out for you, you can say whatever you wish."

Zhang Jie slowly began, "The case of the Zhang family's extermination back then involved the imperial grandson of the previous dynasty..."