Chapter 1489: Can't Be Without

The Mountain Sea Realm truly is a wondrous place.Unexpected yet deeply meaningful reunions are not merely a singular occurrence.For Jiang Wang, when the State of Zhuang, with Lin Zhengren as the Chief Disciple of the State Academy, participated in the Battle of the Proud Children of the Nations, he naturally paid heed. His concern was not solely for Lin Zhengren's information, but even more so for the whereabouts of Zhu Weiyang!Since the State of Zhuang possessed Zhu Weiyang, who else could represent the state's pride and genius?When would Lin Zhengren ever have his day?The news propagated from the State of Zhuang was that Zhu Weiyang had colluded with the enemy and betrayed the state, having fled thousands of miles, his whereabouts unknown.But the enemy with whom he colluded remained vague.What acts of treason had he committed? No tangible proof existed.Even the last deed Zhu Weiyang performed in the State of Zhuang was to seize ten enemy cities for the state, nearly expending his life's energy.Further back, Zhu Weiyang had overwhelmingly suppressed the proud children of the States of Yong and Luo in the Four Directions Conference.Further back still...All along, Zhu Weiyang had been the undisputed foremost pride and genius among the young generation in the State of Zhuang.From the City Academy to the State Academy, he was always the first.Peerless within the nation, and a source of glory for the state abroad.Cherished by the monarch, esteemed by the prime minister, admired by his fellow disciples, and revered by those who came after!He fought valiantly for the state during its decline, yet during the war between Zhuang and Yong, when the State of Zhuang rose powerfully and reached its zenith, he chose to betray the state.This matter was everywhere steeped in strangeness.Jiang Wang naturally could guess the reason.For a figure as proud as Zhu Weiyang, what other cause could there be besides learning the truth of Maple City?He worried for Senior Brother Zhu's safety, yet he also rejoiced that Senior Brother Zhu had resided in Xin'an for a long time, unchanged by Xin'an City. Just like the Hearth's End Spear, whose flames burned for thirty years without extinguishing the fuel.However, Zhu Weiyang had vanished without a trace since then, never again displaying his name before others.He had once believed... that he had already passed away.No one had a deeper understanding of the methods of Zhuang Gaoxian and Du Ruhui than he. That pair of monarch and minister would not show the slightest leniency towards those who might threaten the future of the State of Zhuang, and they were entirely capable of setting aside their status.Unlike other prominent figures, who, upon encountering threatening younger generations, often dispatched subordinates of sufficient strength to handle the matter, absolutely unwilling to tarnish their own reputation.That Zhuang Gaoxian, as the monarch of a state and a True Person of the current age, had personally pursued him to the edge of the Long River!After the Yellow River Conference.This pair of monarch and minister had even invested heavily, fabricating accusations of collusion with demons, and instigating action from Mount Yujing.With the State of Qi behind him, and Old Monk Kuzhi risking his life to rescue him, Jiang Wang had still barely survived. He could not imagine how Senior Brother Zhu had fared.And to behold him today in the Mountain Sea Realm, his demeanor undiminished from the past, was naturally a joyful surprise!What Bi Fang Seals, Huo Dou Seals, Kui Ox Hides, all paled in comparison to this gain.For Zhu Weiyang, his attack on the city and betrayal of the state stemmed from his knowledge that Jiang Wang had slain Dong A, thus revealing the truth of the destruction of Maple City.The State of Zhuang had cultivated him with the nation's best resources, so he had fought with his very life, battling on the battlefield until his strength was exhausted, seizing ten enemy cities before returning.The favor had been repaid; henceforth, only enmity remained.On this path destined to be arduous, Jiang Wang had done more and strived earlier. And he merely wished to say... the people of Maple City are not yet entirely extinct; there is still a Zhu Weiyang in this world!He had known before coming to the Mountain Sea Realm that he would encounter Jiang Wang, and he had come gladly.Their interactions were not extensive, merely borrowing a spear once, drinking wine once, and slaying a single person together.But this was enough.Some people remain strangers after years of acquaintance, while others, after a brief encounter, are already kindred spirits.Jiang Wang knew Zhu Weiyang's inherently proud heart; Zhu Weiyang knew Jiang Wang's unparalleled integrity.They trusted each other.That was all.The two looked at each other and smiled, without extensive dialogue — for what need was there for words?In this scene, though Moon Tiannu was unaware of their bond, he could also perceive that joy of encountering a fellow countryman in a foreign land.And watching Jiang Wang and Zhu Weiyang conversing, Fang Heling's eyes held a momentary surprise, but it quickly faded.The foremost person of the City Academy in those days would naturally not recognize the Wang clan's young master who could not cultivate, nor would he recognize that good-for-nothing from the Fang family who depended on his father for everything.In the eyes of a genius, there is only a genius. He understood this.Although he too was an old acquaintance from Maple City, and he too was a disciple of the City Academy. He should also call out "Senior Brother"...But who remembered Fang Heling?He had long accepted this reality, and thus he remained silent.But when Zhu Weiyang's proud gaze swept lightly over him. He actually nodded gently, as a gesture of acknowledgement.Only then did Fang Heling vaguely recall that he was already a participant in the Mountain Sea Realm trial, and had successfully reached the Central Mountain. He was currently traveling alongside peerless geniuses like Wang Changji and Jiang Wang.Even if Zhu Weiyang did not recognize him, he would not completely ignore him.He too nodded heavily.Indicating, I see you too, and I respect you too.Fang Heling, Zuo Guangshu, Moon Tiannu, Wang Changji, Dou Zhao.Zhu Weiyang's gaze swept around the group, then returned to Jiang Wang, transmitting his voice: "This is not a place to speak. After we exit, you can go to the City That Redeems Not and find a person named Lian Heng. He has a way to contact me."Jiang Wang likewise transmitted his reply: "Good."The two nodded to each other, then averted their gazes.Zhu Weiyang anticipated Jiang Wang repaying him with a cup of wine.In Maple City, he had anticipated Jiang Wang distinguishing himself and showing his brilliance within the Dao Academy system in the future.At this present moment, this anticipation naturally differed.And it was unspoken.They remained silent, but Dou Zhao could not help himself.Mr. Dou was currently extremely irritated.Had I known you wanted a private party, would I, a direct descendant of the Dou clan, still have worried about not finding people?Could I still have been outnumbered and bullied by outsiders in a Chu Kingdom secret realm?Dealing with the combined might of Jiang Wang, Moon Tiannu, and Zuo Guangshu was already a challenge to himself.Adding that Wang Nianxiang, he felt it was entirely a tempering between life and death.Now, the two newcomers also called Jiang Wang "brother".What was the point of fighting anymore?When Dou Zhao was arrogant, he was more arrogant than anyone, even if it meant an egg hitting a stone, he would grit his teeth and barely manage to collide.But using an egg to hit a sledgehammer, was there any need to even attempt it?He enjoyed challenges, not suicide.His blade-like gaze swept around the group; their expressions varied, but their body language was evident. Dou Zhao felt a sense of the absurd, as if the entire world were against him.The foremost genius of Great Chu being surrounded and beaten in the territory of the Chu people was truly somewhat ironic.He fixed his gaze on Zuo Guangshu and said angrily, "This was supposed to be a trial ground for Chu people, but in the end, it's all outsiders. Zuo Guangshu, you cannot shirk your responsibility!"Zuo Guangshu looked at him speechlessly: "Count how many jade tablets you have on you? Why are there no Chu people, don't you know in your heart? Haven't the Chu people all been eliminated by you?"Dou Zhao was speechless for a moment.Jiang Wang once again raised his hand and said sincerely, "Brother Dou, I deeply admire your strength, and I truly do not wish to be your enemy. I understand that I can only make terms with you by relying on superior numbers. How about this, you keep your own jade tablet, and hand over the excess ones. Is that agreeable?"Similarly a negotiation, Jiang Wang clearly did not understand human psychology as well as Xiao Shu.But the difference lay in the fact that his sword was far sharper than Xiao Shu's.So sharp that Dou Zhao genuinely felt he had received due respect.To surround one with seven, and still permit him to keep one jade tablet, wasn't this an acknowledgement of the foremost Outer Tower in the world?This Jiang Wang kept saying he didn't want to be an enemy, as if he feared Dou Zhao, but when he had drawn his sword to save Zuo Guangshu and the others earlier, when he had collided head-on and exchanged blows with the Dou Zhan Seven Styles, had there been the slightest hint of weakness? Now that he held the absolute advantage, he was instead speaking softly, wasn't this a form of respect?"Winning is winning, losing is losing. That I cannot defeat seven alone means I am not strong enough. Insisting on waiting for people on the mountain path was my excessive arrogance."As Dou Zhao spoke, he sheathed his blade and placed it behind his back, directly taking out all four jade tablets and piling them on the stone stele beside him: "Since this is the final outcome, I will not keep even one."The four jade tablets were piled together, illuminating each other.Dou Zhao also raised his hand and made a gesture of invitation to Jiang Wang: "Take them."Then he stepped back, preparing to exit the Mountain Sea Realm.Exiting the Mountain Sea Realm in this manner meant that all gains made here could not be taken away.But that was not important.The experiences of battle, the insights gained from combat, no one could strip away.This was enough.This was the most important thing.He stepped back heavily.But this step...Failed to retreat.His heel landed, without any change; he merely stepped onto the mountain path behind him.Dou Zhao's face changed, and he couldn't help but look up at the black tide outside the Central Mountain — the divine light barrier enveloping the Central Mountain was already precarious.Everyone present was also startled.Having reached the Central Mountain, and in a state of freedom and safety, Dou Zhao was actually unable to exit the Mountain Sea Realm!This was undoubtedly a manifestation of the sudden shift in rules. Moreover, it was a change in rules that directly affected everyone's personal safety. It meant... the Mountain Sea Realm was no longer safe!This was certainly not something to be taken lightly.What in the world had happened? Had the battle between Chaos and Candle Dragon evolved to the point of truly affecting the trial participants?Jiang Wang immediately looked at Wang Changji. Among the people present, perhaps only he had a clearer insight into the Mountain Sea Realm.But at this moment, Zhu Weiyang's voice sounded first: "Once the Central Mountain is destroyed, the passage for leaving the Mountain Sea Realm will be severed. So now we only have two choices: one is to find a way to stop the things outside, and the other is to quickly enter the mountain and obtain our gains before these things break through the Central Mountain and leave."Wang Changji also nodded: "It appears now... the Central Mountain is indeed the manifestation of the rules of departure."Jiang Wang was utterly astonished.He had a deep understanding of Wang Changji's abilities and knew that Wang Changji's understanding of the Mountain Sea Realm was an insight at the rule level. In his limited experience, he could not imagine anyone at the Outer Tower level being able to compare in understanding with Wang Changji.Perhaps Tian Anping could, but Tian Anping had been forcibly knocked down from the Divine Arrival realm and could not be viewed with ordinary reason.And Zhu Weiyang was even clearer, more specific, and more certain about the Mountain Sea Realm than Wang Changji.The only explanation he could think of was that Zhu Weiyang had a greater, closer connection to the Mountain Sea Realm. Perhaps even far exceeding that of Chu noble families like Zuo Guangshu and Dou Zhao.Zhu Weiyang, originating from the State of Zhuang, should have had no connection to the Mountain Sea Realm whatsoever. Then... the City That Redeems Not?Thinking these questions in his mind, Jiang Wang directly asked: "In Senior Brother Zhu's opinion, what choice should we make?""Actually, there is another option, which is to help break the divine light barrier of this Central Mountain and see what happens in the end." Zhu Weiyang smiled: "All three options are quite interesting. How you choose is your freedom."Jiang Wang understood very well that this was essentially making a choice between Chaos and Candle Dragon. Breaking the divine light barrier of the Central Mountain was helping Chaos. Resisting the black tide was helping Candle Dragon. Quickly rushing into the mountain to obtain gains was helping neither."What do you think, Brother Wang?" Jiang Wang asked Wang Changji again.Wang Changji only said: "Even if the worst outcome occurs, I can still lead you to safety and leave. So you truly have the freedom to choose."The worst outcome was nothing more than the rules of departure being completely shattered after Chaos breaks through the world's barriers. And they would have to remain in the Mountain Sea Realm indefinitely, waiting for the Mountain Sea Realm's long restoration... or perhaps there wouldn't even be a chance to wait, and they would simply vanish in that destruction.Zhu Weiyang glanced at Wang Changji with some surprise and said to Jiang Wang, "I can also take you."Jiang Wang gave a wry smile.Both Wang Changji and Zhu Weiyang could only guarantee taking him alone, so this was no choice at all.Among the remaining two options.Quickly taking the gains and leaving was better; as long as Zuo Guangshu obtained the Nine Phoenix Chapter, the purpose of this trip would be achieved.But the problem now was that the divine light barrier was already crumbling, and no one knew what would happen after ascending the Central Mountain. Therefore, no one knew if there would be enough time.So for Jiang Wang, there was essentially no choice.It was just...If they wanted to resist the black tide, could these few people accomplish it?Carving a path through the black tide and resisting the invasion of the black tide were completely different matters. The difficulty was worlds apart!Chaos might not have much interest in leaving the trial participants, but destroying the Central Mountain and breaking the constraints of this world was something it would certainly strive to do with all its might."I have decided to resist the black tide and await Candle Dragon's reaction. This allows for more buffer, and we can see how to choose the next step." Jiang Wang said after thinking: "What advice do you all have for me?"At this moment, Dou Zhao said: "Embedding the Nine Chapters Jade Tablets into the grooves behind this stone stele can increase the strength of the divine light barrier, buying the Central Mountain a little more time."He was very puzzled as to where this newcomer "Senior Brother" and the aloof Wang Nianxiang got the confidence to protect people in the worst-case scenario.He, Dou Zhao, couldn't even do that!However, he had nothing to be afraid of.Even if this world were completely destroyed, he would have no major problem surviving for a period of time.If the disappearance lasted long enough, the Dou clan would naturally know that something had gone wrong with this world.If the world rules of the Mountain Sea Realm were already shattered, Great-grandmother would surely be able to find him — of course, for him, having to wait for family elders to rescue him would indeed be quite a loss of face.Therefore, Jiang Wang's choice just happened to hit him where it mattered. He no longer cared about his arrogance and quickly offered suggestions."Then embed them!" Jiang Wang immediately said.Dou Zhao paused, then said: "These are already your jade tablets."Jiang Wang: ...Was he that principled?Glancing at Dou Zhao, Jiang Wang's expression was calm, and he strode directly forward.But just as he had taken two steps, a sudden explosive sound came from behind him, and he turned back to look —He saw a large swarm of dense beetles wrapped together within the endless black tide surrounding the Central Mountain, bursting out. As they were about to escape the black tide, they suddenly exploded!Innumerable beetles fell into the black tide, while a figure thus passed through the divine light barrier and landed before the mountain path.This person wore a Jin Xian Guan, a Confucian robe, his face frozen stiff, pale and bruised, his aura extremely weak, his entire being looked as if he would collapse at any moment...It was actually Ge Fei?!