Chapter 84: Winning Over Yang Jian

Now that the world has fallen into such a state, the blame indeed lies with the former King Zhou. But what has that to do with Jiang Yuan now? He is merely enjoying Daji’s company. As for neglecting state affairs, it is not for lack of caring, but rather because he has no means to reverse the tide of fate. With that wretched system refusing to appear, perhaps he is doomed to live a life of idle indulgence. Who knows, before the armies of Xiqi come knocking at his gates, he may already have been exhausted by Daji.

“What did Nezha do to provoke you? Since I have resolved to protect him, I will not let you suffer for it,” Jiang Yuan said calmly.

Yang Jian sneered, “You think you can make it up to me? If not for that brat, I might already have broken through to become a Celestial Immortal!”

Jiang Yuan was taken aback. He turned to Nezha, perplexed. “What did you do to him?”

Nezha scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed. “How was I to know he was cultivating in that mountain cave?”

“Who else but you would be bored enough to smash mountains with magic treasures for fun?!” Yang Jian roared, breaking free from Zhang Kui’s restraint.

“I was just bored. Who said I couldn’t crash into a mountain?” Nezha muttered defensively.

Jiang Yuan found the situation increasingly absurd. So Nezha, driving his Lamborghini, was out there wrecking his great Shang’s mountains? And now he had caused trouble, and Jiang Yuan was expected to clean up the mess?

Isn’t this sheer madness?

Suppressing his irritation, Jiang Yuan gritted his teeth and asked Nezha, “How many mountains did you destroy?”

Nezha raised a hand and held up three fingers. “Just three. The third happened to be where he was in seclusion.”

Jiang Yuan was at a loss for words. This brat… No wonder Yang Jian bore such a grudge. To be disturbed at such a critical moment of cultivation, he might well have murderous thoughts. Fortunately, Nezha ran fast; otherwise, had Yang Jian killed him, no one could have found fault.

He deserved that beating…

Steadying his mood, Jiang Yuan turned back to Yang Jian. If the loss were anything else, he might have little means to help. But if it was about cultivation, that could be resolved.

“Tell me honestly,” Jiang Yuan asked patiently, “had Nezha not disturbed you, what were your chances of breaking through to Golden Immortal?”

“Thirty percent,” Yang Jian replied coldly.

Even a thirty percent chance was a rare opportunity. Who knew how many years, decades, or centuries it would take for such a chance to come again? In the path of cultivation, talent and opportunity were equally crucial.

Jiang Yuan smiled calmly. “Suppose I could restore your thirty percent chance, or even guarantee your promotion to Golden Immortal. Could we consider this matter settled?”

“Besides, you’ve already struck Nezha. That should make you even, no?”

“You can guarantee it? With what?” Yang Jian sneered. Did Jiang Yuan think himself a sage?

“As the Human Sovereign, my word is my bond. Why would I deceive you?” Jiang Yuan replied, unperturbed by Yang Jian’s mockery.

“Very well. If you truly enable my advancement to Golden Immortal, I will hold you blameless for this affair,” Yang Jian agreed icily.

Relieved to see Yang Jian relent, Jiang Yuan continued, “Surely you know, such a benefit cannot come without a price. Is it unreasonable for me to ask one thing of you before assisting your breakthrough?”

Yang Jian’s brow furrowed; he had known it would not be so simple. “Speak.”

Tempted by the prospect of advancement, Yang Jian decided to hear Jiang Yuan out.

“I want you to serve the Shang Dynasty,” Jiang Yuan said slowly.

“You want me to serve a tyrant? Dream on!” Yang Jian replied with scorn.

Jiang Yuan’s expression darkened. “You call me a tyrant, but do you truly know the facts? If I were as cruel as rumor claims, why did I not have you executed outright after Zhang Kui captured you? If I were truly a tyrant, would you be alive and bargaining with me now?”

“As Human Sovereign, those who threaten me perish!”

“Perhaps Nezha told you about my master? Is that why you’re so cautious?” Yang Jian’s tone implied he had seen through Jiang Yuan.

“A mere Guang Chengzi? Do you think I, who have offended even sages, would fear him?” Jiang Yuan retorted with a cold laugh.

Yang Jian hesitated. Jiang Yuan spoke the truth; he had indeed crossed the sages themselves. Otherwise, Chan Sect would not be so set against Shang, and Nuwa would not have prophesied its doom. In that light, his own master was hardly a threat to Jiang Yuan.

Catching the flicker of doubt in Yang Jian’s eyes, Jiang Yuan was pleased. He sensed his plan might succeed.

“I will first help you attain the Golden Immortal realm. But you must remain by my side. If you find me as cruel and depraved as you imagine, you may leave at any time. But if I am not the tyrant you believe me to be, will you not serve Shang? After all, you are a son of Shang,” Jiang Yuan reasoned.

“And if, after my advancement, I choose to leave? You trust me that much?” Yang Jian asked in surprise.

They were strangers—why would Jiang Yuan grant him such a boon without assurance? After all, Zhang Kui was only at the Golden Immortal level. If Yang Jian advanced, even if he could not win, he could certainly escape unscathed.

Jiang Yuan simply nodded with confidence. “Indeed. I trust you will not act so ignobly. Is that reason enough?”

Seeing the king place such faith in him, Yang Jian felt a subtle pride. To think his upright character could be revealed so thoroughly by mere appearance…

“Very well! I accept your terms. If you are not as the rumors claim, I will gladly serve Shang. A true man should indeed seek merit and fame!” Yang Jian agreed forthrightly.

At least for now, this king seemed worthy of loyalty. He had not forced Yang Jian’s hand and did not appear to be an ignorant tyrant.

Perfect.

Jiang Yuan was thoroughly satisfied. He had not expected such an unexpected gain on this journey to Xiqi.

“Old Jiang, you really plan to help him advance to Golden Immortal?” Nezha asked, a little unwilling.

Wouldn’t that make him even less of a match for Yang Jian?

“Unless you want to suffer his revenge? If I break my word now, there will be no room for reconciliation between you two. Are you sure you want that?” Jiang Yuan raised an eyebrow.

“Then why not help me become a Golden Immortal, so I can turn around and give him a beating?” Nezha asked hopefully.

“In your dreams,” Jiang Yuan replied coolly.

What a cunning plan—if Nezha became a Golden Immortal so quickly, who knew what chaos he would cause? That would not only estrange Yang Jian, but Zhang Kui would also be unable to keep Nezha in check.

Why would Jiang Yuan set a trap for himself?

Seeing there was no hope, Nezha quickly shifted his stance. “Then help him advance. I’ll just keep my distance from now on.”