Chapter 112: A Timely Snow Promises a Bountiful Year

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Since Jiang Yuan had already said to set this matter aside for now, Shen Gongbao, despite his lingering doubts, knew better than to say anything further at this moment. However, there was one thing he was now certain of.

The Great King was a flesh-and-blood man. Although he held the exalted title of Human Emperor, he was unlike other sages—cold and unfeeling, merely devoted to following the heavenly Dao and safeguarding his own interests.

Jiang Yuan’s willingness to challenge the Celestial Clan for the sake of a subordinate spoke volumes; this was precisely the kind of charm a Human Emperor should possess.

This was also why the Human Tribe had stood atop the myriad tribes since ancient times. With such a Human Emperor, how could their faith ever be lacking?

The rest of the meal was harmonious.

Except for Nezha and Yin Jiao, who were busy snatching the fish, everyone else was lost in their own thoughts.

Yang Jian was pondering how to rescue his mother; Shen Gongbao was considering how to further strengthen his ties with Jiang Yuan; and Empress Jiang was thinking about the prospect of the Great King visiting her chamber tonight.

She also wondered whether the King’s expressed desire to have another prince was sincere.

As for Jiang Yuan… at that moment, he was also eating the fish seriously. Having spent more than half a year in the Investiture of the Gods world, this family-like feast finally gave Jiang Yuan a sense of belonging.

In truth, after coming here for so long, Jiang Yuan often felt as if he were dreaming.

Thus, he acted somewhat recklessly and fearlessly in many things.

For instance, the Abyss of Heaven—such a mysterious place that ordinary people wouldn’t dare pry into. But Jiang Yuan felt he couldn’t come all this way and learn nothing.

He had to find out something, so he charged in headfirst.

It turned out that sometimes recklessness was not a bad thing. Jiang Yuan had managed to grasp two powerful allies.

Shennong and Suiren, though they did not yet acknowledge him as their long-lost son, remained, in his heart, forever his fathers.

With two unruly children like Nezha and Yin Jiao present, there was no need to worry about wasting the fish.

Without any urging from Jiang Yuan, the two boys eagerly devoured all the fish on the table.

“It seems the Empress’s cooking is truly excellent; the fish disappeared so quickly,” Jiang Yuan said with a smile to Empress Jiang.

Empress Jiang, only shy in front of Jiang Yuan, replied softly, “If the Great King likes it, I can prepare more.”

“No need. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future. Once you’re fully satisfied, you won’t want more,” Jiang Yuan laughed.

Empress Jiang looked at Jiang Yuan with a gentle, lingering gaze. Did this mean the Great King would visit Fengyi Palace often?

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“I have eaten my fill. Today, I thank the Great King and Empress for their hospitality,” Shen Gongbao said as he stood up and prepared to take his leave.

“I shall see the Grand Tutor off,” Jiang Yuan smiled.

Shen Gongbao hesitated for a moment but ultimately did not refuse.

The Empress also rose to accompany Jiang Yuan in sending Shen Gongbao off.

After all, as the Grand Tutor of the Great Shang Kingdom, the Great King himself was going to see him off; as Empress, she could hardly afford to be discourteous.

Upon reaching the gates of Fengyi Palace, Shen Gongbao could no longer hold back the question that had been brewing in his heart for some time.

He turned to Jiang Yuan and asked, “Has the Great King truly decided to venture to the Celestial Clan?”

Here it came. Jiang Yuan had been waiting for this very question. To be honest, he knew little about the Celestial Clan.

He had deliberately mentioned the matter to Yang Jian while eating fish, hoping Shen Gongbao would overhear.

After all, Shen Gongbao was a disciple of the Primordial Supreme Venerable, albeit an unacknowledged one, and would likely know more about the affairs of the higher realms.

Jiang Yuan’s intention was to use Shen Gongbao to gather information.

Although he could ask directly, that would appear too deliberate, as if he were using Shen Gongbao merely as an informant.

“Is there something the Grand Tutor wishes to entrust?” Jiang Yuan asked calmly.

Now it was time to put on a show, to avoid appearing too obvious.

Shen Gongbao hesitated but eventually said, “I do not know much about the Celestial Clan’s affairs.”

“But one thing I can be certain of is that the Celestial Clan is very powerful, and the Celestial Emperor is a primordial being akin to the Three Pure Ones.”

“To say he shares the same lifespan as Heaven and Earth would not be an exaggeration.”

Jiang Yuan felt somewhat impatient. Was this the trivial information he wanted? It was useless to him now.

The arrow was on the string and had to be released; this Celestial Emperor was definitely an enemy.

“I have some understanding of these matters. Does the Grand Tutor have nothing else to say? For example, about the Peach Mountain where Yang Jian’s mother is imprisoned?” Jiang Yuan raised an eyebrow.

He had hinted so clearly; surely Shen Gongbao would say something.

“I do know a little about that,” Shen Gongbao replied.

“Oh? Please do share,” Jiang Yuan showed interest.

“It is said that Peach Mountain is a massive meteorite fallen from beyond the heavens, landing right within the Celestial Clan’s domain.”

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“This meteorite is extremely hard, almost comparable to a primordial treasure-level defensive artifact.”

“However, it is very difficult to refine. The Great King can imagine how challenging it would be to rescue someone from such a primordial treasure-level Peach Mountain.”

“Moreover, Peach Mountain is guarded by ten golden crows of the Celestial Emperor. Even if I personally went, I fear it would be difficult to rescue Lady Yang.”

Shen Gongbao sighed.

Jiang Yuan was deeply puzzled. A meteorite from beyond the heavens? The Investiture of the Gods world already had thirty-three heavenly layers; there were even realms beyond the heavens?

Wasn’t this world created by the Great Pangu at the dawn of time?

Why did it become increasingly mysterious and confusing—completely unlike the Investiture of the Gods world he knew?

“Beyond the heavens?” Jiang Yuan frowned.

Shen Gongbao only shook his head in response: “I do not know. What lies beyond the thirty-three heavenly layers, probably only a few sages are aware.”

“No matter how highly regarded a disciple of Primordial Supreme Venerable is, they are not permitted to venture beyond the thirty-three heavenly layers.”

Jiang Yuan’s head ached. His troubles with the sages hadn’t yet been resolved, and now he was told there were unknown realms beyond the thirty-three heavenly layers?

Still, Jiang Yuan didn’t press further. First, Shen Gongbao likely didn’t know the specifics; second, knowing more now would be of no use—best to preserve his own life for the time being.

None of these sages were trustworthy; they kept all their secrets to themselves, not sharing so much as a crumb with clueless onlookers like him.

“Thank you for your counsel, Grand Tutor. I have taken everything to heart,” Jiang Yuan said with a smile.

Shen Gongbao had indeed provided one useful piece of information—that Peach Mountain was an indestructible meteorite from beyond the heavens.

Jiang Yuan wondered if his Xuanyuan Sword could cut through it.

“I shall take my leave now,” Shen Gongbao said, cupping his fists.

Jiang Yuan nodded and watched him walk away.

Once Shen Gongbao was out of sight, Empress Jiang stepped forward and gently linked her arm with Jiang Yuan’s.

Jiang Yuan smiled knowingly, gazing at the heavy snowflakes falling outside like goose feathers, and mused without cause, “A timely snow promises a bountiful year.”