Chapter 1425: I Survey the Heroes of the World

"Just analyzing a possibility. Among the competitors you've mentioned, there's no one I particularly wish to kill," Jiang Wang chuckled, "Do I appear to be that fond of killing?"

You look rather fair and gentle... yet you also claimed you didn't like stirring up trouble! So thought Zuo Guangshu inwardly.

He gazed at Brother Jiang expectantly, earnestly persuading him, "These individuals all have extraordinary backgrounds. Even Chu Yuzhi relies on the military. No matter who we kill, it will be difficult to resolve matters amicably."

"Cannot the Marquis of Huai's Estate settle it?" Jiang Wang inquired.

"..." Brother Jiang grew increasingly serious, and Zuo Guangshu felt a touch of panic, his usually suppressed youthful voice surfacing, "Their backgrounds are no less formidable..."

"What if they are not discovered? What if no one knows we did it? The Mountain and Sea Realm will be over by then; they cannot pursue us inside, can they?" Jiang Wang pressed on with his questions.

It was still spring, yet for some reason, it was already so hot. Perhaps the carriage was too stuffy.

Wiping his sweat, Zuo Guangshu said, "Brother Wang, everyone entering the Mountain and Sea Realm is for the secrets left by Lord Huang Weizhen. Must you kill someone for excitement?"

Jiang Wang glanced sideways at him, "This is called exploring the rules. I need to know the extent of what we can achieve, so that when we face real choices, we won't waste time. At such moments, it's perhaps not just time that will be wasted... Do you understand?"

Zuo Guangshu nodded, half-understanding.

Although he had always been diligent, and had endured much hardship in places like the Mountain and Sea Purgatory, gnashing his teeth all the while, he had never truly faced a life-and-death struggle. Because he was the sole remaining descendant of the direct line of the Zuo clan. Neither his grandfather, the Marquis of Huai, nor his mother, Princess Yumeng, would allow him to risk his life. Something like Zuo Guanglie's solo trial in the border wilderness would not happen to Zuo Guangshu.

He didn't really need to compete for resources, so he didn't know what could happen between people for cultivation resources...

But Jiang Wang knew profoundly.

Though it seemed everyone participating in the Mountain and Sea Realm this time lacked nothing, who could truthfully say they lacked nothing from what Huang Weizhen left behind? Who could guarantee there wouldn't be a fight to the death?

Let alone the possibility of being truly killed in battle, Jiang Wang would extinguish even the possibility of having three-tenths of one's soul source削减. Upon entering the Mountain and Sea Realm, he would truly regard everyone except Zuo Guangshu as an opponent.

Qu Shunhua might also be an exception. The people Qu Shunhua invited to assist would not be.

With the conversation reaching this point, the carriage had already returned to the Marquis of Huai's Estate. Jiang Wang handed the Nine Chapters Jade Disk in his hand back to Zuo Guangshu, "Keep it for now."

The two dismounted the carriage and walked side by side.

"Don't feel too much pressure." Walking within the Marquis's estate, Jiang Wang patted Zuo Guangshu's shoulder, "I came to help you win what you desire, and for that, we must clear all obstacles. Killing is sometimes a necessary means, but my purpose is not killing. In principle, unless someone seeks to kill you or me, I will not proactively take lives. You can rest assured on this point."

Zuo Guangshu nodded obediently, "Mhm!"

"Let's continue talking about the opponents," Jiang Wang said as they walked, "Who did they invite to assist? It can't be that everyone knows me, but I'm completely in the dark, can it?"

Having received Jiang Wang's assurance, Zuo Guangshu relaxed considerably, letting out a small chuckle, "Let me tell you about someone you'll find most interesting first."

"Oh?"

"Xiang Bei's invited helper is Tai Yin from the Tai family of the Xia State."

"The one whose head was smashed by Chong Xuanzun at the River-Watching Platform?"

Zuo Guangshu nodded vigorously.

Jiang Wang raised an eyebrow. Alright, Zuo Guangshu was right, this was indeed a person he would be interested in.

But also... it seemed the possibility of killing someone had emerged.

Would a Heaven's Chosen from the Qi State spare a Heaven's Chosen from the Xia State? Or rather, would a Heaven's Chosen from the Xia State believe that a Heaven's Chosen from the Qi State would spare a Heaven's Chosen from the Xia State?

Two Heaven's Chosen from opposing nations, outside their respective territories, in a place like the Mountain and Sea Realm where current laws do not apply and where traces can be easily erased... This was almost an unsolvable problem.

Of course, "hardly" anyone dies in the Mountain and Sea Realm, which was probably good news for Tai Yin. The not-so-good news was — perhaps Tai Yin thought so too. After all, although Jiang Wang was famous, he had only recently entered the Outer Building realm. Tai Yin came from a renowned family, was himself a Heaven's Chosen, and had honed his skills in the Outer Building realm for a longer time. Before a real confrontation, how could he feel inferior?

Seeing Brother Jiang's somewhat peculiar expression, Zuo Guangshu instantly realized the problem — because of the conflict between the Qi and Xia states, what Jiang Wang had just told him about "the purpose is not killing" was no longer reliable!

"If you absolutely must kill that Tai Yin, it would be best if you could spare Xiang Bei..." It took him a long while to finally utter these words hesitantly.

Others might think that a confrontation between Jiang Wang and Tai Yin now would be of uncertain outcome. But in Zuo Guangshu's heart, with Brother Jiang's current strength, that Tai Yin would have no chance. The only potential issue was whether the rules of the Mountain and Sea Realm could preserve Tai Yin's life once a conflict occurred. As for Xiang Bei, the gap between him and Jiang Wang was already evident before the Yellow粱 Platform.

"Oh?" Jiang Wang knew that his image as a combative person in this junior's heart was probably difficult to change, so he simply gave up and asked, "If all traces could be completely destroyed, would you not want to kill that Xiang Bei?"

"His life or death is none of my concern." Zuo Guangshu shook his head, speaking with considerable seriousness, "I just don't want you to take risks. Killing Tai Yin is fine, but if you kill Xiang Bei and it's discovered, even my grandfather would have a hard time protecting you."

"Speaking of which, is this Xiang Bei intentionally targeting you?" Jiang Wang naturally felt Zuo Guangshu's concern, but frowned and said, "I remember you told me before that during the qualifiers for the Yellow River Meet, his attitude towards you seemed very poor."

"He is indeed intentionally targeting me."

"Because of what?" Jiang Wang truly didn't quite understand. Based on Xiang Bei's various behaviors, though somewhat arrogant, he didn't seem like the type to pursue relentlessly or take advantage of others, nor was he completely brainless. Having already defeated Zuo Guangshu once during the Yellow River Meet qualifiers, was it necessary to step on him again when passing by? How could offending the Marquis of Huai's Estate in such a manner bring any benefit?

By now, the two had walked side by side into Zuo Guangshu's courtyard and sat down in the pavilion. Zuo Guangshu was silent for a moment, then finally spoke, "Because of the Battle of the River Valley."

"In that battle, the commander of the Chu army was True Monarch Xiang Longxiang. And my brother, Zuo Guanglie, commanded the Scarlet Ying, serving under Xiang Longxiang."

"My father had already died in the Qin-Chu War. My brother was a world-renowned Heaven's Chosen and the hope for restoring the Zuo clan's prestige. Regardless of who was the commander, by logic and by sentiment, my brother should not have been placed in danger. Not to mention that the Xiang clan and my Zuo clan had been friends for many years. But Xiang Longxiang precisely sent my brother to the most dangerous place..."

Zuo Guangshu lowered his gaze slightly, "In the tragic defeat at the River Valley, Xiang Longxiang bears undeniable responsibility. It was because he died on the battlefield that the Emperor did not pursue the matter with the Xiang family. But some things, just because the Emperor doesn't pursue them, don't cease to exist... What the death of a True Monarch means to the Xiang family, I needn't say, you understand."

"The positions the Xiang family held before, they cannot hold now. The things they took before, they cannot take now. The benefits they enjoyed before, they cannot enjoy now. Too many forces will pull at them..."

"Many people in the Xiang family feel that my grandfather is suppressing their Xiang family, thus holding a grudge against my Zuo clan."

"Did the Marquis of Huai do such a thing?" Jiang Wang asked.

"Of course not! Our Zuo clan's sons going to the battlefield had already come to terms with life and death. Xiang Longxiang used his soldiers, appointed his generals. Whoever died, no one needed to be responsible to anyone. What the Xiang family bears now is merely the responsibility for Xiang Longxiang's defeat. My grandfather long ago stated that my brother's death in battle was not due to anyone's fault. The battlefield is like that, every soldier has parents and family, no one should die, and no one should not die."

Zuo Guangshu paused here, "Grandfather did not suppress the Xiang family, but he also did not speak up for them."

No matter how much the Marquis of Huai understood the cruelty of war, it was impossible for him to be completely without resentment over the death of his eldest grandson. Especially with the elite nature of the Scarlet Ying, and Zuo Guanglie's exceptional talent, even in the situation of the tragic defeat at the River Valley, he should have been able to preserve his life... Yet Xiang Longxiang placed him in a death trap. For the Zuo family to still assist the Xiang family under such circumstances would indeed be difficult. Not suppressing the Xiang family was the magnanimity of the Marquis of Huai of Great Chu. Not assisting the Xiang family, however, was the grief of a grandfather.

"But some things, whether you did them or not, only you know," Jiang Wang said with deep feeling, "If others believe you did, no matter how you explain, it's useless. Once a person has formed a fixed opinion, no one can convince them." Anyone who has been wronged should know that feeling of being unable to express their suffering. Clearly, you did nothing, but others speak with certainty. Repeating lies a few times, passersby hear it here and there, and then treat it as truth. This is the so-called accumulating slander to destroy bones, and shared words to melt metal. If not for Jiang Wang's trust in Zuo Guangshu and his own contact with the Marquis of Huai, he would likely also believe that the Zuo clan was indeed suppressing the Xiang family due to Zuo Guanglie's death. Because it was too "reasonable."

Using troops dangerously, causing the death of an unparalleled Heaven's Chosen like Zuo Guanglie, how could the Zuo clan not hate the Xiang family to the bone? The Marquis of Huai holds immense power, and since he has the strength to "avenge," how could he not take the opportunity to make some moves? People can analyze everything based on assumptions and arrive at so-called "reasonable" conclusions, but they will not consider the magnanimity of the Marquis of Huai himself. Because the vast majority of people do not possess such magnanimity. People will not believe in things they cannot do, nor in things they do not possess.

Over time, even the Xiang family members themselves believed it. Otherwise, their True Monarch died on the battlefield, fulfilling his duty to the country. Even if there was guilt, it was fully redeemed. Why were there so many hands, both within the court and in the wilderness, trying to drag them into the mire? Wasn't someone manipulating things behind the scenes? Of course, for these voices, perhaps the Marquis of Huai himself didn't care. But the Xiang family members couldn't not care, and Xiang Bei couldn't not care. This was the core of the conflict between him and Zuo Guangshu.

Zuo Guangshu said, "Actually, although Xiang Bei is arrogant, he wasn't so overbearing before. It's just that now he's maintaining the illusion of the Xiang family's strength in this manner. After all, when Xiang Longxiang died in battle, he specifically left that world-shattering halberd to him, making him the successor of the Xiang family. If he cannot display a posture of overpowering his peers, it's not enough to make people wary of the Xiang family's future during a family True Monarch's demise. I think he may not truly believe that my grandfather suppressed their Xiang family; it's just that he isn't from the direct lineage, and it is only through Xiang Longxiang's lingering influence that he became the family successor. He must consider the will of the Xiang clan members."

Jiang Wang's eyes showed surprise. Zuo Guangshu's shyness, diffidence, and childishness often made him unconsciously treat Zuo Guangshu as a child. But in reality, this youth was already sixteen years old. He was a youth who grew up in the most elite noble families of Chu, having received the highest level of education since childhood. After Zuo Guanglie's death, he was trained as the family successor. He could actually see problems very clearly. Jiang Wang looked at him, anticipating what else this junior could say.

Zuo Guangshu said in a calm tone, "I don't hate him, but I won't be lenient with him either. Right now, my skills are inferior to his, so I deserve to be humiliated. When I surpass him, I will also step on him when I pass by him, using my own strength. However, I truly have no intention of killing him. His life or death is none of my concern; his future depends on his own fortune. The relationship between the Zuo family and the Xiang family was severed at the River Valley. As for him, Xiang Bei, there is even less sentiment to speak of between us."

"That's how it should be!" Jiang Wang nodded in satisfaction, and added, "Let's talk about the others. On this trip to the Mountain and Sea Realm, there's nothing to worry about with Tai Yin or Xiang Bei."

Zuo Guangshu then continued, "The Heaven's Chosen invited by Chu Yuzhi to assist is Xiao Shu from the Dan State." Jiang Wang had an impression of Xiao Shu; his performance was quite noteworthy, having defeated Chu Min after all. However, that battle was a strategic retreat by Chu Min, so not much could be seen. Later, in the Inner Mansion sixteen-to-eight match, he was severely defeated by Qin Zhizhen. Such an assistant couldn't be considered weak. After all, a Heaven's Chosen capable of participating in the Yellow River Meet is already a top Heaven's Chosen from each country. But in front of Jiang Wang, the champion of the Yellow River, Xiao Shu, who couldn't even make it into the top eight, indeed posed no threat.

Jiang Wang did not speak, only indicating with his eyes — Next.

"The expert invited by Wu Ling to assist is the Outer Building realm Heaven's Chosen Ge Fei from the Yue State," Zuo Guangshu introduced.

Ge Fei, the top Outer Building realm Heaven's Chosen from the Yue State, was also a participant in the top eight of the Outer Building matches at the Yellow River Meet, where he was defeated by Yan Shaofei from the Wei State. Jiang Wang only vaguely remembered the name, and his impression of this person was not as deep as that of Bai Yuxia from the Yue State's Inner Mansion realm. This was because the other Outer Building matches were too exciting; the match where Ge Fei lost to Yan Shaofei of the Wei State received very little attention.

Someone who could reach the top eight of the Yellow River Meet was already worth taking seriously, let alone the top eight of the Outer Building matches. But Jiang Wang only asked, "Anything else?"

Zuo Guangshu then continued, "The person Zhong Liyan invited to assist is Fan Wushu from the Li State." This was a very story-filled character, fifteen years of decline, ten years of cultivation, and soaring to the sky. At the Yellow River Meet, he also entered the top eight of the Outer Building matches, and was finally defeated by Zhongshan Wei Sun. Although Jiang Wang had not paid attention to that battle either, he did have some hearsay impressions of this Fan Wushu. Speaking of which, his experience and that of Zhong Liyan were quite similar, no wonder they could share interests and associate with each other.

However, for Jiang Wang, if he were to examine last year's Yellow River Meet Outer Building matches with his current strength, aside from the Heaven's Chosen from the six major hegemon countries, only Yan Shaofei, who controlled "Must Enjoy Pleasure," needed to be taken seriously.

Speaking of which, they were all Heaven's Chosen from various states, the most prominent young talents in the world. But by now, having come this far step by step, Sir Jiang indeed possessed the qualifications to look down upon his peers. Because he was the first. He was the most brilliant star when the Yellow River Meet was resplendent with stars.

After hearing Zuo Guangshu's introductions of these individuals, Sir Jiang laughed heartily, full of confidence and ambition, "I see the heroes of the world as nothing more than this! Guangshu, I have said it before in my letter, and now I say it again to your face - this time in the Mountain and Sea Realm, I will surely ensure you achieve the champion's name!"

Zuo Guangshu said, "There's also Dou Zhao I haven't mentioned yet!"

"Who did Dou Zhao invite?" Jiang Wang stopped his laughter and asked.

"He didn't invite anyone," Zuo Guangshu looked at his expression and said, "He even said something like they are all mere chickens and dogs, that he wished he could fight with one hand tied, so why would he need to invite helpers!"

"Guangshu, when the time comes, let's go together!" Sir Jiang declared aggressively.