Chapter Nine: The Tyrant Jiang Yuan!

Jiang Yuan stared in bewilderment at the bizarre youth before him. Was this truly the son of King Zhou and Queen Jiang? What was with the three heads, six arms, and three eyes? Glancing at Queen Jiang, whose loyalty and affection both measured a perfect hundred, Jiang Yuan fell into contemplation, calmly assuring himself that surely no one would dare betray King Zhou. Perhaps Yin Jiao was adopted. Looking at his unusual appearance, could he possibly be the child of Nezha and Yang Jian?

Queen Jiang clearly sensed Jiang Yuan’s odd reaction and admonished Yin Jiao, “Jiao’er, quickly put away your little divine tricks. Don’t flaunt them before your father king!”
“Yes, mother,” the young Yin Jiao said dejectedly, retracting his supernatural abilities. At last, he returned to the form of an ordinary person.
Jiang Yuan smiled and praised him, “It seems Jiao’er has learned much from Guang Chengzi. Now is the perfect time to put your skills to use.”
“Really, Father? May I go with you to fight in battle?” Yin Jiao asked, excitement flickering in his eyes.
Partly it was Jiang Yuan’s praise, and partly it was the prospect of finally having a fight.

Jiang Yuan glanced at Yin Jiao’s character panel:

Name: Yin Jiao
Title: Crown Prince of Shang, Disciple of Guang Chengzi of the Chan Sect
Realm: True Immortal
Possessions: Fantian Seal, Fallen Bell, Twin Swords
Cultivation Method: Ninefold Battle Body
Loyalty: 80
Affection: 100
Tyrant Points obtainable: 500

Goodness, this was the largest amount of Tyrant Points Jiang Yuan had ever seen—five hundred points! On second thought, it was reasonable: the Crown Prince of Shang, the future of the dynasty, and the son of King Zhou. If King Zhou himself were to kill him, it would certainly make him a fitting tyrant.
In history, Yin Jiao was indeed slain by his own father.
As for Yin Jiao’s terrifying strength, he was even more powerful than Huang Feihu, who had reached the peak of the Profound Immortal realm! True Immortal level! The Chan Sect’s ability to nurture disciples was truly remarkable; no wonder it produced figures like Daoist Burning Lamp and the South Pole Immortal, as well as the Twelve Golden Immortals and second-generation disciples like Jiang Ziya and Shen Gongbao.
Of course, Burning Lamp Daoist eventually left the Chan Sect for the Western Sect, becoming the Ancient Buddha of Burning Lamp, and Shen Gongbao also chose to stand in opposition, joining the Shang dynasty. The Chan Sect could teach well, but perhaps their judgment of disciples was not always reliable.

“Of course. What I say is decree, and I never speak falsely. One day, when you become the Human Emperor, remember: a gentleman’s word cannot be taken back, even by four horses.” Jiang Yuan encouraged Yin Jiao.
After all, he himself would not die, so Yin Jiao could forget about inheriting the throne. But it was no problem to promise him the world.
In Jiang Yuan’s heart, Yin Jiao was not his own son; Queen Jiang could be his wife, but Yin Jiao would never be his child—he was King Zhou’s son.
Naturally, Jiang Yuan had no intention of mistreating him either. Who would be foolish enough to force out and kill a son of True Immortal power?

“Your son understands,” Yin Jiao replied, secretly resolving that, when he inherited his father’s position, he would become a Human Emperor just like him.
Jiang Yuan did not show much joy, as he noticed Yin Jiao’s loyalty was only eighty. This was his own son! The future king of Shang!
It seemed the Chan Sect had begun to lay their plans, and Yin Jiao was likely a key piece, subtly instilling anti-Shang sentiment in him.

“Let’s depart.” Jiang Yuan said nothing more. It was enough for him to know; as long as he lived, chaos would not befall the Shang dynasty.
Jiang Yuan, holding Daji in his arms, sat atop the violet jade qilin. Yin Jiao followed respectfully behind them, and the trio arrived at the gates of Chaoge city.
Huang Feihu and his entourage were already waiting. Prime Minister Shang Rong appeared calm, but upon seeing Daji, Bigan’s face immediately darkened.

“Your Majesty, what is this?”
“Isn’t it obvious? I’m leading the campaign and bringing Daji with me,” Jiang Yuan replied casually.
Bigan erupted in fury, loudly rebuking, “Absurd! Your Majesty goes to quell rebellion, not to frolic or hunt. Bringing a demoness is utterly improper!”
It must be said, Bigan was truly stubborn—and fearless! To admonish Jiang Yuan in front of so many civil and military officials, leaving no room for courtesy.
Jiang Yuan now understood why King Zhou had once ripped out Bigan’s heart. After such a public scolding, he himself felt tempted to see how big Bigan’s heart truly was. Could he not show even a shred of respect?

Bigan seemed to realize his own outburst and softened, “Your Majesty, our Shang dynasty has never permitted women on the battlefield. Such actions will chill the hearts of our soldiers!”
“Just because it wasn’t done before, doesn’t mean it can’t be done now. I am the Human Emperor; this world is mine to command. My word is law, my decree is custom! Is that clear enough for you?” Jiang Yuan’s gaze was icy.
He was genuinely angry, but even more eager to see how many Tyrant Points he might gain.

“Is Your Majesty truly set on this course?” Shang Rong interjected.
“My mind is made up. Daji must accompany me. If all preparations are complete, let us depart!” Jiang Yuan said, expressionless.

“Ding! Congratulations to the host for breaking convention and bringing Daji to the battlefield. Tyrant behavior detected. Reward: 12 Tyrant Points. Current total: 20 Tyrant Points!”

How satisfying!

“Prime Minister, you and Uncle remain in Chaoge and guard the palace for me. Await my triumphant return.”
“March!”
Seated atop the violet jade qilin, Jiang Yuan waved his hand grandly. Three thousand palace guards responded in unison—this was the imperial majesty!

Huang Feihu said nothing throughout. As long as there was a battle to fight, he cared little for the king’s other actions; it was the duty of the civil ministers to advise.
He did, however, glance curiously at Crown Prince Yin Jiao, sensing an inexplicable aura of oppression from him!

As the king led the army away, Bigan grew anxious and turned to his friend Shang Rong.

“Prime Minister, do you think the king’s reckless actions are for good or ill?”
“You mean to say His Majesty now acts like a foolish ruler, disregarding his ministers?” Shang Rong replied directly.
Only Bigan would dare voice such thoughts; in another’s mouth, it would become ammunition for their enemies.

Bigan fell silent, clearly agreeing.
Shang Rong smiled, “You treat the king as a younger man, so your expectations are high. Thus, you fail to see things clearly.”
“Let me ask you: since the king ascended the throne three days ago, has he done anything to harm the foundation of Shang? Killing Fei Zhong and You Hun, those two treacherous ministers, is one thing. You’ve repeatedly rebuked him, yet has he ever punished you?”
Bigan thought carefully. It was true—the king had never accepted his advice, but many of his actions had strengthened the dynasty: executing traitors, leading the army personally. Despite his own blunt admonishments, he had suffered no penalties.

Could it be that his expectations for the king were simply too high?

“The king is the Human Emperor, not a sage. We can overlook many things. As long as beauty and wine do not cloud his ambition, we can tolerate them and need not remonstrate,” Shang Rong advised.
“You think His Majesty can still be a wise ruler?” Bigan asked worriedly.
“Why must he be a wise ruler? Can he not be a tyrant instead?” Shang Rong replied mysteriously.