Chapter 2566: Nostalgia

The posture of death is not new. Zhao Zi, naturally, is accustomed to seeing corpses. No matter how glorious and arrogant they were in life, how dignified their demeanor, after death, all are rotten flesh and decayed bones.

She has no attachment to this world; she can embrace death at any time.

It's not that she fears death, but why fear it with death itself?

Bang bang bang, bang bang bang!

Her heartbeat suddenly pounded and suddenly quieted.

In the silence about to be buried by dying will, Zhao Zi saw her past life pass by like viewing flowers while riding a horse, then dissipate like clouds and smoke. Thus, she saw Jiang Wang again.

She saw that pair of eyes, as quiet as the deep sea.

There were no surging waves, but you knew that when they did surge, they could destroy heaven and earth.

Unexpectedly... not dead?

Zhao Zi, stripped of her five senses, couldn't distinguish between life and death, waking and dreaming for a moment. Only endless wails, gradually scattering, gradually drifting away.

"I captured you here; the divine hero should already know. But he hasn't come to save you yet—" Jiang Wang looked at her. "Is he betting I won't kill you, or has he simply abandoned you?"

"No difference." Zhao Zi said calmly. "It's right that he abandoned me, and it's right that you kill me."

Jiang Wang said, "You joined Equality Country; you should also have your own ideals, also bear the lives of some people? Just die here like this, being responsible for the divine hero's temporary sentiment, and he still abandoned you— are you willing?"

Zhao Zi lifted her beautiful eyes, looking at him calmly. "Ideals, this kind of thing, I actually don't have."

"Ha." She inexplicably laughed. "There's nothing to be willing or not willing about. That heart you are testing is already dead; it doesn't know sweet or bitter."

Jiang Wang gazed at her, sitting there quietly. "Since your heart is already dead, why still do so many things?"

"Yes ah... why?" Zhao Zi quieted for a moment, then said indifferently, "You know? After people die, their bodies will still move; that's the shell's instinct."

Jiang Wang thus knew that he couldn't get any information from this woman's mouth.

Even though he had spread the feeling of death throughout this woman's five senses, yet saw no ripple of pre-death emotion, he already knew this outcome.

No matter how loose Equality Country's structure is, with each person for themselves, it is indeed a group of people with 'obsessions' united together. To accomplish things, they spare no sacrifice. Whether it's sacrificing others or sacrificing themselves.

This 'obsession', Jiang Wang had already seen it earliest in the body of that fake Zhang Yong.

He hadn't originally planned to be able to interrogate results. Even if he brought in people like Sang Xian Shou and Gu Chi, he didn't see how they could get any information from Zhao Zi. His earliest hope was to force the divine hero, as the leader of Equality Country, to act through a definite killing posture towards Zhao Zi— as long as the divine hero showed his head, the world would naturally execute him together.

But the divine hero gave no response from beginning to end, sitting by and watching everything happen.

The struggle between people is sometimes just a comparison of who is more ruthless.

Jiang Wang closed his five fingers, then opened them again. "Hope you don't let me find you a second time."

This hand, which alone commanded the entire city and controlled all fates, seized all sounds and sights when it closed and released the five senses when it opened.

Zhao Zi thus regained awareness.

Only at this moment did she discover that she wasn't on the verge of death, she hadn't even coughed up blood. From beginning to end, she had just been pressed down onto the chair, and the jade pipe between her fingers was already extinguished.

She had a world-piercing truth, yet couldn't pierce the confusion woven by Jiang Wang's strong seizure of sights and sounds.

This person... exactly how far has he walked again on the absolute peak?

"You don't plan to kill me today?" Zhao Zi asked.

Jiang Wang said indifferently, "What reason do you think I should use to kill you? Sending wine is not a good reason."

"Killing people doesn't need reasons." Zhao Zi said.

"I need them." Jiang Wang said.

Zhao Zi thought for a while, finally saying, "In the past, I bullied the weak with strength and shaved your hair. Today you shaved my hair, so it can be considered even."

"I'm not angry about that matter. You were the one who lost face at that time." Jiang Wang glanced at her lightly, turned, and left.

Zhao Zi was silent for a moment. On that night by the campfire outside Xing Yue Ping, she had shaved his hair with a single finger, but Jiang Wang remained unmoved.

At that time, she just felt that in the eyes he looked over with, she herself was the weak one.

Now... she indeed was.

Today's dialogue was completely different from that night, but how similar.

Zhao Zi inexplicably raised her head again. "There must always be a reason! Killing needs one, and not killing also needs one."

Her voice pursued, "You just let me go like this, completely disregarding old grudges?"

Jiang Wang's figure was already gone, only a lingering echo remained: "If there must be a reason— you can thank Qian Chou. In the last journey of his life, you were with him."

Four words were left, scattering like falling stars: "And Sun Yin."

"We all miss him very much"— this sentence was only in Jiang Wang's heart.

That star river that had traversed the sky was already gone. The night colors were just leaving bit by bit, and daylight reappeared.

And Zhao Zi sat there, gazing out the window, just seeing a man wearing a tiger head mask walk into the bright, sunlit room.

No matter if the divine hero cared about her life or death, a person like Sun Yin would never abandon his companions.

"Is this to welcome me?" Sun Yin's eyes were inexplicable.

He had precisely encountered the residual echo.

As a leader of the inner office field at the Huang He Hui, towards Jiang Wang, who was a later one, he inevitably had some different feelings.

The same young fame, the same world's attention, the same ascension to heaven to receive the human path light. After walking down that glorious staircase, two completely different lives were paved.

"You're late." Zhao Zi said.

Sun Yin said, "I rushed here as soon as I got the message; I was as fast as possible."

"This place is not suitable to stay long." Zhao Zi was just about to stand up but sat firmly back down. On her forehead, a wisp of broken hair slowly floated down, dividing her listless and indifferent beautiful eyes.

Just a wisp of broken hair.

The world-shaking edge was not shown in this mark, and no trace of killing intent remained. But until she stood up a moment ago, Zhao Zi hadn't known that a wisp of her hair had been cut!

If this sword cut had been her neck, she might also not have known.

"Indeed, it's late!" Sun Yin said.

Zhao Zi reached out her hand and caught this wisp of broken hair, only saying, "This time, it's truly even."

In the past, she shaved hair; today, she paid it back.

Jiang Zhen Jun is indeed a person who distinguishes grudges clearly.

Though he didn't shave her bald, he saved her face. But if she does something again next time and lets the other party find her door, her fate in this life will certainly be gone.

Gu Shi Yi died in the East Sea. The King of Zheng cried his heart out, weeping until he fainted several times.

In the hall, wails were high and loud, echoing through the three palaces: "Why does my wise kinsman abandon me!"

But after Gu Shi Yi's death settled, Jing Country did not come to demand accountability, and Gu Shi Yi's reputation gradually became clear... regarding Gu Shi Yi's funeral, it then began in Zheng Country.

The Lord of Zheng Country, with blood-dipped hands on the funeral, wrote and prayed, saying: "Imperial Uncle formerly entrusted the world to me. I am of thin virtue and weak talent, unable to prosper the country and live up to the heavy trust. Now, although Imperial Uncle is dead, his legacy is still there. I should strive for state affairs, and work hard and bitterly for another hundred years, to comfort the spirit in heaven..."

Amidst the sad and sorrowful rituals, the crying or sorrowful ministers suddenly fell silent.

The Crown Prince of Zheng Country's face became even more difficult; he forcibly lowered his head to suppress his emotions.

Anyone with a clear eye could see that the Lord of Zheng Country was extending his political lifespan, sucking the country's blood to preserve his own life.

At Gu Shi Yi's funeral, he raised Gu Shi Yi's banner to extend his political lifespan by a hundred years, exhausting another generation of mortal life! He truly didn't care about face at all.

A divine arrival's lifespan limit is five hundred and eighteen. As long as he relies on this position and maintains his divine arrival cultivation, he still has several hundred good years to live. And if he abdicates one day... his lifespan limit will be reached!

The Lord of Zheng Country wiped a tear, his red eyes continuing to open his mouth: "I—"

Suddenly, a dragon's roar sounded in the sky, followed by a tiger's howl.

The monarch and ministers of Zheng Country looked up, only to see the traces of a dragon and a tiger manifesting, magnificent and dazzling. There was a woman, arriving on sword light!

The sad Lord of Zheng Country hadn't even had time to call out when he heard the alarmed voices of the ministers around him—

"Xiang Country... Lian Yu Chan!"

Xiang Country? Lian Yu Chan?

In the era when Gu Shi Yi was still alive, Xiang Country was not worth mentioning, completely just a small pawn of Jing Country, with no independent authority. But no matter when, Lian Yu Chan had to be treated carefully. Because she was in Bai Yu Jing! She could be considered half a disciple of Zhen Jiang Zhen Jun.

The Lord of Zheng Country's face changed without panic; he still maintained the demeanor and etiquette of a country's lord, stepping forward and cupping his hands: "Lian girl—"

"There is a sealed letter in the east house." Lian Yu Chan said faintly.

The greatest demeanor of a country's lord is to guard the state, prosper the country, and soothe the people!

Not welcoming or sending off, speaking and laughing composedly, pretending postures!

"Zhen Jiang Zhen Jun's letter! That elder actually has thoughts towards Zheng!" The Lord of Zheng Country felt uneasy in his heart, but his face was joyful and loud; he stepped forward respectfully, about to receive it.

"Give it to the Crown Prince!" Lian Yu Chan, as the daughter of Xiang Country's great pillar country, had seen everything and knew exactly how this funeral was perceived differently in each heart. Too lazy to waste words here, she just raised her hand and shook it, sending a thin piece of paper flying into the hand of the Crown Prince of Zheng Country, then turned and leaped, disappearing into the cloudy sky.

"My son..." The Lord of Zheng Country looked over sinisterly.

At this time, the Crown Prince of Zheng Country's face was radiant with light, suddenly beaming with a brilliant smile: "Father Lord! Zhen Jiang Zhen Jun cares about our Zheng Country's state!"

He unfolded this letter and read it directly: "The world's families and countries have their own rise and fall of the wise and foolish; this is also a flood of the human path. If one is not personally in it, one should not swim turbulently. However, Zheng is a country that upholds justice heroically. I bear the righteousness of Brother Gu's aid, and it is difficult to view it as grass and wood. I hate to see the traces of righteousness wither— since ancient times, lifespan has a limit, and political lifespan is limited. The principle of heaven is natural and cannot be resisted. The owner of Bai Yu Jing respectfully advises, the lord should also measure himself."

He finished reading the letter in one breath, his joy overwhelming. "Father Lord! Fortunately, with Uncle Ancestor's shade, we received Zhen Jiang Zhen Jun's care. This is Zheng Country's fortune!"

The Lord of Zheng Country's face was gloomy. However, seeing that all the ministers had expressions of joy, he knew that the matter could not be reversed.

Even if he could suppress the ministers and kill his son to keep power, what then?

Zhen Jiang Zhen Jun now came with just a letter. When his sword comes, whatever it is, it will be crushed like dry weeds and smashed like rotten wood.

Now, there is already a difference like heaven and earth.

This gap, already cannot be filled by strategy, cannot be resisted by human will.

Though only a thin sheet of paper, the words it carried far exceeded the weight of Zheng Country's state.

The matter is lost!

He thought of collapse in his heart, instantly drooping old and decayed, unable to stand steady, he stumbled.

"Yes ah." He smiled miserably: "This is Zheng Country's fortune!"

Tai Xu Shan Sect, Dao Bi Ge.

Zhong Xuan smiled lightly, his long beard trembling slightly with it: "Besides that earliest visit, Cabinet Member Jiang seems to be coming to my Dao Bi Ge for the first time!"

His eyes, amidst the welcome, held some expectation: "I wonder what matter it is?"

Jiang Wang felt quite puzzled!

What is Mister Zhong expecting?

"That's a way to put it!" Jiang Wang looked left and right. "If there's nothing wrong, I can't come to see Mister Zhong? We are, after all, close associates, discussing ancient and modern..."

He paused and said, "Colleagues in the same field, and will be colleagues for many years to come."

"Just seeing the old man doesn't require coming to Dao Bi Ge. Moreover, Cabinet Member Jiang is so busy, how could he come personally?" Zhong Xuan said happily, "You can call anytime, and the old man will arrive anytime."

When they first met, how could he have imagined that the profound and erudite Mister Zhong would one day be so diligent?

Jiang Wang was confused.

Zhong Xuan added, "Any netherworld, heavenly sea, all are possible."

Jiang Wang finally understood and waved his hand, "Some places are too dangerous, Jiang can't even protect himself."

Zhong Xuan pushed the desk aside and stood tall: "We record history seeking truth, for the matters of the world, to let ancient and modern know. How can we fear danger?!"

Seeing him like this, Jiang Wang then said, "To know the key to history, the truth of the battlefield, all of which I have personally experienced, I am willing to tell to mister."

Zhong Xuan laughed heartily, "Human common emotion inevitably beautifies words for oneself and belittles the enemy. It's not that I don't trust Cabinet Member Jiang. It's just that recording history is not reliable history; single evidence has no constant theory. Zhong still prefers to hold the pen and write himself. Cabinet Member Jiang can be a side witness for the history pen."

Jiang Wang was speechless for a moment.

Zhong Xuan looked at him, "Tell me, what matter brings you to my door today?"

"Discussing history in the world, diligent academy is the first." Jiang Wang also said directly, "Gu Shi Yi had a deep friendship with me. I want to understand Gu Shi Yi's life story, I want to know... what friends he had. What stories those friends had."

"Friends?"

"Friends! Close friends."

Zhong Xuan had an expression of 'as expected so', "Cabinet Member Jiang's visit this time is originally for Yi Shen's matters!"

Jiang Wang shook his head, "Only for Gu Shi Yi."

Zhong Xuan's facial expression was saying 'you just don't hide from me', but his mouth only said, "Gu Shi Yi was a world hero, opening the path of Yi Shen, leading the chivalrous wind in the world, and should be recorded in history books. Diligent academy just has a great scholar writing a history for him, searching for evidence of his life. Shall I introduce you?"

Jiang Wang said as if thoughtful, "Does the noble academy write history for everyone separately?"

Zhong Xuan smiled, "People worth remembering by history will be remembered by history."

"What then counts as a person worth remembering by history?"

"For example, Cabinet Member Jiang."

Jiang Wang said casually, "Then, may someone record history for me?"

"Of course there is!"

"Who ah?"

Zhong Xuan looked at him, smiling without speaking.

Jiang Wang blinked, straightened up three points again, and a warm smile also hung on his face. He looked around, tidying his appearance without a trace.

"The one writing history for Gu Shi Yi, shall I introduce you?" Zhong Xuan said, "I think he also has some things to ask you."

Jiang Wang shook his head, "Not introducing for now. Some matters are not secret then succeed. I don't want people to know I am investigating this matter, so I came to seek Mister Zhong, please investigate on my behalf. Just don't mention my name, and give me a detailed material, that's fine."

Zhong Xuan looked at him deeply, "Since this matter is so important, I won't ask what it is specifically. Wait for me here for one day, and I will move all of Gu Shi Yi's already verified life to you."

Jiang Wang bowed respectfully, "I trouble Mister Zhong."

Gu Shi Yi, as a world hero, heroes often also have good alcohol tolerance.

There were definitely many people who drank with him, perhaps not few who could drink to their hearts' content with him. But those who could let Gu Shi Yi drink together with the 'human positive path' and have that kind of sentiment after the wine, certainly not many!

Dragons do not dwell with snakes. Heroes, no matter how down-to-earth, do not casually form close relationships with people.

Gu Shi Yi's style was contrary to that of Equality Country. Gu Shi Yi did not trust anyone inside Equality Country. Therefore, his friendship with the divine hero must have been before the divine hero became the divine hero.

In other words, in Gu Shi Yi's past experiences, among Gu Shi Yi's former friends... perhaps the divine hero's true identity can be found!

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