"Have you heard of the saying, 'Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime'?" Chi Guyan replied with a question of her own.
"Of course I've heard of it. Fish is the goal, but fishing is the means. A fish can satisfy a temporary hunger, but it can't satisfy a long-term hunger. If you want to have fish to eat forever, you have to learn how to fish. Sister Yan, am I right?" Ping Yang straightened her back and said.
"Yes." Chi Guyan nodded.
"But... I still don't get it. What does this have to do with Canyang not killing Fang Zhengzhi?" Ping Yang blinked in confusion when she saw Chi Guyan nod.
"There is another meaning to this story. It is about the master paving a path for his disciple."
"A path?"
"Canyang is a very good master. He is willing to give up his chance to take revenge for Yun Qingwu." Chi Guyan explained.
"He gave up his chance to take revenge for Yun Qingwu? Sister Yan, you mean... "
"Yes, Canyang is paving a path for Yun Qingwu."
"Paving a path?" Ping Yang was confused.
"If I'm not wrong, Canyang doesn't have much time left." Chi Guyan looked at the two figures in the distance.
One was blue and the other was white.
There were two figures standing quietly in the same place. One looked extremely calm, while the other was filled with concern and reluctance.
"Sister Yan, are you saying that the blind man is about to die? That's impossible! He is a sage! Once he becomes a sage, wouldn't his lifespan increase tremendously? "Ping Yang was confused.
"Normally, yes." Chi Guyan nodded.
"Normally? Sister Yan, are you saying that the blind man did not become a sage, but rather forcefully broke through the cycle of rebirth? "Ping Yang was shocked.
"The six rebirth daos. Once one enters the Heavenly Dao, one is only one wheel away from becoming a sage. Canyang entered the Heavenly Dao more than a decade ago, but he has yet to become a sage. There is only one possibility."
"What is it?"
"He only cultivates one Dao in his life!"
"Only one Dao? This... are you saying that Canyang entered the Heavenly Rebirth Dao directly without going through the Star Conglomerate, Heavenly Reflection, or Supernatural State? How is this possible? " Ping Yang did not want to believe such a thing. However, she had to believe it when it came from Chi Guyan.
"It's very difficult for humans, but it's not impossible for demons. That's because demons are born with Dao and can understand everything." Chi Guyan explained patiently.
"This … isn't this too unbelievable?"
"Canyang spent the first half of his life in obscurity. It was only a decade ago that he revealed his true abilities. Perhaps only Canyang could have done this. Of course, this is all just my conjecture." Chi Guyan replied calmly.
"Even Father has never doubted Sister Yan's guesses. However, I still don't quite understand. Since that blind man knew that he couldn't become a Saint, why did he forcefully break through the cycle of reincarnation and consume his life?" Ping Yang was still puzzled.
"Maybe he doesn't have much time left."
"This..." Ping Yang fell silent. According to Chi Guyan, Canyang might have been the reason why the Demons chose to attack the Southern Region at this time.
Canyang was running out of time...
Was that why the demons decided to attack the Southern Region?
If that was the case, was Canyang becoming a Sage part of their plan? When Ping Yang thought of this, her fair face was filled with shock.
No wonder...
Yun Qingwu could become the Young Master of the demons.
This calculation could really be said to have calculated all the mysteries of heaven that could be calculated.
However...
She hadn't calculated for Fang Zhengzhi. Even if she had, she wouldn't have predicted that he would have The Vast World. She wouldn't have predicted that he would be able to hold Canyang back.
This was Heaven's will.
It had nothing to do with Yun Qingwu's plan.
"I understand now. Canyang was worried that Yun Qingwu's position in the demons would be affected, and he wouldn't be able to stay by Yun Qingwu's side. That's why he did this, right?" Ping Yang finally understood.
"Mm." Chi Guyan nodded.
Leaving behind a "threat" that only Yun Qingwu was familiar with was the best solution. That way, Yun Qingwu would have time to rebuild her reputation.
However...
There was one condition that made Canyang decide to keep Fang Zhengzhi alive.
Canyang was certain that Fang Zhengzhi was no longer a threat to the demons.
In other words, Fang Zhengzhi was already...
Chi Guyan looked at Fang Zhengzhi, her eyes glimmering. Her lips quivered as if she wanted to ask something, but she didn't.
Fang Zhengzhi could guess what Chi Guyan was thinking.
However, this question...
Even he didn't know how to answer.
What would happen if he ate the Fruit of Dao?
Who knew...
Fang Zhengzhi didn't think too much about it. After all, there was no point in thinking too much about it. All he knew was that when Canyang placed his palm on his chest, he had already stepped into the gates of hell.
But...
Canyang didn't kill him.
Fang Zhengzhi didn't know if it was because of Yun Qingwu. He didn't want to know either. All he knew was that Canyang didn't kill him...
He couldn't kill him.
That was enough. All that was left was to see how long he could live.
"Why don't we talk about the hereditary title? After being conferred the title of nobility, would there be any land or something like that? Also, are there any guards that belong to me? " Fang Zhengzhi walked towards the door as he thought about how he was going to live his life.
Marry a wife?
Mm, that was a must.
Otherwise, who would this hereditary title of nobility be passed down to? Who would he marry? Chi Guyan was out of the question. Yun Qingwu? Pfft, it was out of the question...
Alright, it looked like he had to go on a blind date.
With his wealth, he should be able to get himself a rich missy.
Hang on, rich missies don't know how to do household chores. He had to find a hardworking and capable wife.
Right!
Hardworking was the key!
Just as Fang Zhengzhi was planning his future...
Ping Yang looked at Fang Zhengzhi with disdain. She was worried about Fang Zhengzhi's safety, but all he cared about was his land and guards.
"Can't you be more ambitious? Do you only think about fiefs and bodyguards? " Ping Yang pouted and turned to look at Yun Qingwu and Canyang, who were still standing in the distance.
Behind Yun Qingwu and Canyang...
There were also hundreds of thousands of demon soldiers. Their bright armor shone with a cold light, solemn and murderous. It had to be said that this was a true iron army.
"Hahaha, what do you know? One who survives a disaster is bound to be blessed." Fang Zhengzhi couldn't be bothered to argue with Ping Yang. Now that the battle was over and he had done so much...
It was time for him to enjoy his life.
As for other matters...
He had to put them aside.
Of course, there was one thing he couldn't forget. That was Yan Xiu.
Fang Zhengzhi looked at Chi Guyan and Ping Yang. "Do you know how Yan Xiu is?"
"Yan Xiu? He's back in Western Liang. "Ping Yang replied without hesitation.
"Back in Western Liang? Alright... "Fang Zhengzhi nodded. He had heard about the battle at the Icy Monkey Settlement from Teng Shisheng. He knew that Yan Xiu was severely injured.
As such, it was normal for him to return to Western Liang.
However, he had to take some time to visit Yan Xiu. He didn't know if he could make it to Western Liang in his current state.
Fang Zhengzhi shook his head and strode into the Iron Hill Settlement without thinking too much.
The Southern Region soldiers guarding the entrance of the Iron Hill Settlement, as well as Chi Guyan and Ping Yang, instinctively retreated to the side.
The three figures disappeared through the gate.
On the battlefield, Nangong Hao stood up and looked at the pink figure disappearing through the gate. He clenched his fists.
However, he loosened his fists quickly.
"My Lord, I need to go back."
"Go back?" Xing Yuanguo guessed that Nangong Hao wasn't referring to the Flame Capital City. He was referring to the Nangong Family.
"Yes, Brother Mu is still waiting for me at the entrance. This is the contract between the Southern Region and the Great Xia. Please help me inform the Emperor that I will go to the Flame Capital City with Brother Mu in a month's time." Nangong Hao handed the contract to Xing Yuanguo.
"I understand." Xing Yuanguo took it and nodded silently.
...
Time flew by as the two armies entered a stalemate.
Before long, the vanguard of reinforcements arrived. It was the Great Xia army that was stationed at the Icy Monkey Settlement. Shan Ling's expression did not look too good.
Another four hours passed.
The Great Xia and Southern Region armies had finally arrived.
Hundreds of thousands of soldiers marched into the Iron Hill Settlement. Seeing the desolate scene before them, their faces were filled with righteous indignation.
However...
When they saw the hundreds of thousands of demons outside the Iron Hill Settlement, all of their expressions changed. They couldn't imagine what had happened.
What had happened to the Iron Hill Settlement?
How could they hold out against such an army until reinforcements arrived?
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince of the Great Xia is here!" A settlement chief whispered to Shan Ling when he saw a figure climbing up the city walls.
"Mm." Shan Ling nodded.
At that moment, the silver robed Crown Prince Lin Tianrong and Xing Yuanguo arrived beside Shan Ling.
"Shan Ling pays his respects to the Crown Prince!" Shan Ling didn't look too happy, but he still greeted the Crown Prince with the Great Xia's greetings.
"Crown Prince, you don't have to be so polite. The demons are despicable. How dare they bully the Great Xia? You have worked hard. When I return, I will ask the Emperor to send an army to the Southern Region to fight against the demons!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong looked at the bloodstains on Shan Ling's robes, his eyes filled with concern.
Shan Ling narrowed his eyes.
The Great Xia?
Send an army to the Southern Region!
He understood what the Crown Prince was trying to say. He also knew what the Crown Prince had been doing ever since he arrived in the Southern Region.
However...
He had no intention of shedding all pretense of cordiality with the Crown Prince.
Shan Ling's chest heaved up and down as he smiled. However, his gaze had already shifted from the Crown Prince to the tens of thousands of Demon soldiers who were still standing in the distance.
"Even though the Demon soldiers did not manage to take down the Iron Hill Settlement, they are not retreating. I wonder what their motive is. Does the Crown Prince have a plan?" Shan Ling raised his head, not looking at the Crown Prince.
"Haha …" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong chuckled. He didn't show any displeasure as he looked into the distance.
"There are only two reasons why the Demon soldiers are not retreating. First, they are intimidated! Even though the Demon Race lost the battle, they did not lose their morale. If they retreated immediately, they would lose their morale. Furthermore, it would take time for the entire army to retreat. Yun Qingwu is wise not to give the order to retreat. She is killing two birds with one stone! "Xing Yuanguo's voice rang out.
"My Lord is right. Since Yun Qingwu is doing this to intimidate them, the Crown Prince need not worry. We just need to tighten our defenses and we will be able to survive this." Crown Prince Lin Tianrong nodded when he heard Xing Yuanguo's words.
When Shan Ling heard this, his eyes flickered slightly, but he maintained a smile on his face.
"Since Xing Yuanguo mentioned two reasons, what about the second one?" Shan Ling was still wary of Xing Yuanguo. As such, his tone was filled with sincerity.
"Plunder! The Demon Race's invasion has cost them a lot of their troops. They were originally going to attack the Sagely Mountain City, but now that they are retreating, they will be compensated. "Xing Yuanguo replied.
"Plunder?! Are the Demon Race going to rob the Nan Ling Settlement? "Shan Ling's expression darkened.
However, he did not ask for help.
He knew very well that Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was waiting for him to speak.
But if he really opened his mouth …
The price he would have to pay would be even greater than the Nan Ling Settlement. More importantly, the Demon Race was not an easy foe to deal with.
Even if the Great Xia Dynasty was willing to help, they would not risk their lives for a bit of money.
If that was the case...
He begged the Crown Prince for help, but the outcome would be the same.
Shan Ling did not speak.
Crown Prince Lin Tianrong waited for a while before he smiled again. However, his long and narrow eyes shone with a cold light.
"Since My Lord has made it so clear, shall we guard the Iron Hill Settlement for three days?"
"Alright, thank you for your help!"
Shan Ling nodded and walked down the tower as well.
"Your Highness, we will take our leave as well!" The settlement chiefs bowed to the Crown Prince as they watched Shan Ling leave.
"Alright, thank you for your hard work, Crown Prince. Leave the guards here to me." Crown Prince Lin Tianrong smiled and bowed to the few chiefs.
Very quickly, Shan Ling and the settlement chiefs arrived at the city gates.
Crown Prince Lin Tianrong turned around slowly and looked at the black mass of Demon soldiers in front of him. His expression turned even colder.
...
The stars shone brightly in the night sky.
Within the Iron Hill Settlement, there was a huge room made out of huge stones. The room was lavishly decorated, with beast skeletons and heads hanging on the walls. The floor was covered with beast hides.
Gemstones hung in the room, illuminating the entire room as if it was daytime.
Crown Prince Lin Tianrong, who was dressed in a silver-white brocade robe, leaned against a soft chair that was covered with luxurious animal skin. His eyes were slightly narrowed, and there was a hint of coldness in his expression.
They had arrived at the Iron Hill Settlement.
He naturally knew about the battle at the Iron Hill Settlement and The Vast World.
"Fang Zhengzhi! I never thought that... the battle at the Southern Region would allow you to rise so quickly! "The Crown Prince's chest heaved, but he calmed down quickly.
"Your Highness, Official Su is here!"
Just at that moment, the guard's voice rang out.
Su Qing, dressed in a black official's robe, walked in and stopped two meters away from Lin Tianrong.
"Official Su always comes at the right time!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong glanced at Su Qing, but he had no intention of asking him to sit down. Instead, he spoke casually.
Su Qing looked at Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's expression. He wasn't too surprised. He knew how Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was feeling.
In fact, it was not just the Crown Prince.
When he heard about the battle at the Iron Hill Settlement, he was stunned as well.
"Your Highness, are you worried about Fang Zhengzhi?" Su Qing bowed to the Crown Prince and asked softly.
"Fang Zhengzhi? Haha... Official Su has always been able to predict the future. However, I have to disappoint Official Su this time. It's just Fang Zhengzhi. No matter how much he contributed, what threat can he pose to the Crown Prince? Furthermore, Fang Zhengzhi is now a cripple. "The Crown Prince's eyes glinted icily, but his tone was disdainful.
"Your Highness, you are right. Fang Zhengzhi cannot threaten you, but..." Su Qing trailed off.
"But what? Spit it out! "
"Your Highness, have you forgotten about the messenger at the entrance of the Icy Monkey Settlement?"
"I have already made arrangements for this. Even if Fang Zhengzhi goes back to the capital and accuses me, he will not be able to find any evidence."
"That is true. However, it is hard to say that Fang Zhengzhi will not hate you." Su Qing nodded.
"So what?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong glanced at Su Qing nonchalantly.
"This time, Fang Zhengzhi has done so much. When he returns to the capital, he will definitely be promoted. Your Highness, do you know that the Minister of Rites is dead? If my guess is correct, the Emperor had the intention to help Fang Zhengzhi enter the Ministry of Rites when he was in the Yan Capital. Now, with such a great contribution, Fang Zhengzhi will definitely become the Minister of Rites within half a year. "Su Qing said confidently.
"Continue." Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's expression finally changed when he heard this.
The Ministry of Rites!
One of the six ministries. It was in charge of ceremonies and diplomacy. It was one of the most important ministries in the country. The Ministry of Rites had always been under his control.
Of course...
That was not the most important thing.
Most importantly, Crown Prince Lin Tianrong knew that his father had always wanted to merge the Imperial Academy and the Ministry of Rites into one. When the time came,
The importance of the Ministry of Rites was obvious.
"Your Highness, you must not have forgotten that Fang Zhengzhi and Chi Guyan have an unwritten engagement. If this was in the past, this engagement would not be valid. However, what if Fang Zhengzhi becomes the Minister of Rites? "Su Qing's smile deepened when he saw the Crown Prince's expression.
"You are talking about Chi Hou of the Divine Constabulary?" The Crown Prince's expression was icy.
"That's right, Chi Hou has always been working for King Duan. Even though Fang Zhengzhi and King Duan have some conflicts, but, once Chi Hou silently agrees to this marriage, what do you think King Duan's attitude towards Fang Zhengzhi will be?"
"Continue."
"If Fang Zhengzhi becomes the Minister of Rites, coupled with his status as the son-in-law of the Divine Constabulary, and Xing Yuanguo's attitude towards Fang Zhengzhi, do you still think that the 13 Constabularies... will not make a stand?"
"Impossible, the Stabilisation Constabulary has never participated in the fight for the throne. It is impossible now, and it will never happen in the future!" The Crown Prince replied confidently.
"It is impossible, but what if it happens? If the 13 Constabularies really form an alliance with King Duan, coupled with the Yan Family of Western Liang, even if you become the Crown Prince, you will not be able to maintain your position! "
"Smack!"
With a crisp sound, a crack appeared on the mattress.
At the same time, the Crown Prince, Lin Tianrong, who had been lying on the couch, sat up. His long and narrow eyes shone with a cold light.
"What plan do you have?"
"I have a plan that can help Your Highness, the Crown Prince, get rid of any future troubles. Furthermore, all the credit for the battle of the Southern Region will go to Your Highness, the Crown Prince. As long as this plan succeeds, Your Highness, the Crown Prince's position in the Imperial Court will be irreplaceable!" As Su Qing spoke, his eyes shone with a cold light.
"Give all the credit for the Southern Region battle to me? Haha … Official Su, you must be joking. Tens of thousands of people witnessed Fang Zhengzhi's performance in the Southern Region. How can you snatch it away? "Crown Prince Lin Tianrong looked at Su Qing doubtfully.
"Steal it? That is the lowest form of action. My plan will not steal it. However, it will change your fate and give you all the credit for the Southern Region battle!" Su Qing shook his head.
"Haha... not steal it? Give me all the credit for the Southern Region battle? Official Su, you are getting more and more ridiculous. Why don't you tell me how confident you are with this plan? "The Crown Prince chuckled.
"100%!" Su Qing didn't even hesitate and said directly.
"100%? Official Su, aren't you joking a little too much? "The Crown Prince was stunned as he looked at Su Qing.
"If this plan fails, I am willing to pay with my life!" Su Qing fell to his knees.
"Alright, Official Su, please elaborate!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong looked at Su Qing, who was kneeling on the ground, and finally stood up. He walked over to Su Qing and helped him up.
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