Chapter Fifty-Three: The Veteran Bootlicker

Jiang Yuan made a swift decision and ordered E Lai, "General E Lai, gather the soldiers at once. As soon as they are assembled, head immediately to support the Grand Tutor. I, together with General Zhang, will go ahead to scout the situation."

"General Zhang, would you accompany me?" Jiang Yuan said calmly to Zhang Kui.

"It would be my greatest pleasure," Zhang Kui replied, delighted. It seemed another opportunity for merit had arrived. If he performed well before the king, he wouldn’t worry about missing out on rewards.

E Lai was terrified to hear the king intended to personally cross the Deep Abyss to join the battle. If he failed to safeguard the king, the Grand Tutor, upon his return, would surely skin him alive. Though the Grand Tutor often felt exasperated with the king’s shortcomings, he would never wish harm upon him and would certainly try to prevent such recklessness.

"Your Majesty intends to personally rescue the Grand Tutor?" E Lai asked.

"What else could I do? The Grand Tutor’s predicament has something to do with me. Would it not be fitting for me to go to his aid myself?" Jiang Yuan raised an eyebrow.

"But Your Majesty possesses a body worth ten thousand gold, the emperor of all humankind, the very foundation of the Shang Dynasty. If the Grand Tutor learns that I allowed you to lead troops, he will not spare me. He would never wish to see you in danger. Please, remain in the camp and await my good news," E Lai pleaded respectfully.

"So it seems General E Lai does not think highly of me? Have you forgotten that I, too, have fought on the battlefield and taken enemy heads?" Jiang Yuan replied coldly.

"That is not my meaning, Your Majesty. It’s just that the Witch Tribe is unlike any other. Their methods are mysterious and their curses are impossible to guard against. Otherwise, the Grand Tutor would not have fallen prey to them. I beg Your Majesty to reconsider!" E Lai clasped his fists in supplication.

"Reconsider? What more is there to think about? Have you not already considered everything for me, General E Lai? Am I to remain here as a useless piece, waiting for your triumphant return?" Jiang Yuan snorted.

"That is not my meaning! I am only concerned for Your Majesty’s safety. Please forgive me!" E Lai hurried to explain.

A crisp chime sounded: "Intimidate your minister, reward: twenty points of Tyrant Value. Current Tyrant Value: 57 points!"

Jiang Yuan was secretly pleased. A little intimidation and the Lamborghini two thousand miles away was as good as his. Not bad at all!

Jiang Yuan waved his hand dismissively. "There’s nothing more to say. I will do as I please. You need only follow my instructions. As for any punishment from the Grand Tutor, I will shield you."

With that, he ignored E Lai, summoned the Jade Qilin, and set off toward the other side of the Deep Abyss.

Zhang Kui followed closely behind. Nezha hesitated for a moment before stepping onto his Wind-Fire Wheels and joining them.

E Lai was left standing, frustrated.

He longed to follow at once, but with the Grand Tutor absent from camp, all matters fell to him. For the greater good, he could not leave.

Still, he was somewhat comforted by the presence of Zhang Kui and the child, both of whom seemed to possess considerable strength—especially Zhang Kui, whose power was utterly inscrutable. The only person whose strength he could not gauge was Grand Tutor Wen Zhong. With Zhang Kui present, the king’s safety should be assured.

Truthfully, Jiang Yuan’s strength was also a mystery to him, but he didn’t believe the king was particularly formidable. It was common knowledge that the Human Emperor could rarely cultivate to profound realms. He assumed the king’s power was veiled by imperial destiny, which was why he hadn’t tried harder to stop him.

With the aura of heaven and earth to protect him, the king shouldn’t be so easily destroyed.

"Why are you all standing around? Armor up! Form ranks! The king himself is heading to the battlefield—Tiger Might Army, show your courage! Prepare to cross the Abyss and support the king and Grand Tutor Wen!" E Lai roared.

"Yes!" the soldiers shouted in unison.

Immediately, they began to move. Wen Zhong truly commanded well—their efficiency was impressive.

Jiang Yuan glanced at Nezha, who was riding his Wind-Fire Wheels, and asked with a smile, "Why are you here? This really isn’t your concern. The one I’m rescuing, Grand Tutor Wen, belongs to the Sect of the Severed, which doesn’t get along with your own Sect of the Clarified."

"What does it matter to me? I’m not the leader of the Clarified Sect. Besides, if there’s a fight, why wouldn’t I come?" Nezha replied assertively.

"So you’re just here for the battle?" Jiang Yuan questioned, eyeing Nezha.

Nezha scratched his head, slightly embarrassed. "Not entirely. I’m also afraid that if you die, I’ll lose a friend. Old Jiang, you’ve probably noticed—I don’t have many friends."

"Not many? Or none at all?" Jiang Yuan retorted.

"Heh, I suppose none. They all say I’m too young and are jealous that I’m stronger than them, so no one wants to play with me. That’s why I go off to play in the East and South Seas by myself," Nezha laughed.

Jiang Yuan fell silent. Carefree as Nezha seemed, he hadn’t realized how lonely he truly was.

"In the future, you might meet a monkey. You two should get along well," Jiang Yuan said mysteriously.

"A monkey? What kind of monkey? Male or female?" Nezha’s curiosity was piqued.

Jiang Yuan shook his head, saying nothing more. He couldn’t mention that the monkey was still a stone in the Eastern Divine Continent. With his own arrival to disrupt fate, who knew if the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, as unruly as Nezha, would even be born?

"You’re really just worried that if I die, no one will give you the Lamborghini, right?" Jiang Yuan joked.

Nezha’s face changed dramatically. He asked uncertainly, "Did I... make it that obvious?"

"......" Jiang Yuan was speechless.

He’d only meant it as a joke, but Nezha really was thinking that way! So fragile, this ship of friendship!

"Not obvious. I guessed."

"That’s good. I was worried I’m bad at lying," Nezha sighed in relief.

"How about you give me the Lamborghini now? I promise, if you accidentally die later, I’ll see to your burial," Nezha declared solemnly.

Jiang Yuan gave Nezha a long look, then turned away, ignoring him. This brat... only speaks ill-fated words!

"Hey, don’t ignore me! I’m serious—I’m not just after the Lamborghini. Even if you don’t give it to me now, if you die later, I’ll still take care of things. Don’t be angry, don’t think of me that way," Nezha hastily tried to mend the situation.

Thank you so much for thinking so thoroughly for me—even down to my burial!

Jiang Yuan sped up, flying faster. Nezha chased after him on his Wind-Fire Wheels, determined to get the Lamborghini from Jiang Yuan as soon as possible!

Zhang Kui watched the scene unfold, a smile of satisfaction in his eyes. He’d never seen the king so helpless before another and unable to retaliate.

It seemed the king truly favored Nezha. With that in mind, Zhang Kui found himself not disliking Nezha at all.

He had no choice; after all, he was the king’s most loyal follower.