Chapter 60: Invitation

A Great Chu court appointee?

What level of power would make the imperial court so fearful that they dared not even mention recruitment, instead offering only an advisory position? Even the liaison was Eunuch Wan, the Emperor of Chu’s most trusted aide. Remembering The Immortal Palace’s recruitment offer from before, Zhi Hua felt the world’s cruel injustice.

“Since Mr. Zuo has no objections, we’ll leave this with you.”

When Zuo Meng didn’t refuse, the old eunuch produced a token from his robe. Examining the purple-gold Token with its exquisite patterns and faint totemic aura for authentication, Zuo Meng nodded.

“I’ll keep this.”

Having planted his clues, Zuo Meng prepared to enter the game. The imperial family would become his chessboard.

“There’s another matter concerning you,” the old eunuch added, relaxing slightly after the Token’s acceptance. He motioned to an attendant: “Bring the records.”

Thorough investigations indeed.

Zuo Meng flipped through the dossier detailing Xue Chuan’s ancestry. The court’s caution toward sudden emerging powers made sense – he’d have done the same. Though wiser than sending ordinary people to surveil strong individuals like himself.

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“Distant uncle?”

Zuo Meng discarded the papers like trash after one glance.

Alive or dead, what did it matter?

To the creator above worldly concerns, Xue Chuan’s identity meant nothing. Mortal relations differed little from roadside weeds, except perhaps for Zhi Hua who frequented his little shop. Emotional attachments made him an imperfect deity.

“Wang Yuanwai’s estate burned?”

Zuo Meng recalled Xue Chuan’s childhood cousin – seventh concubine to that wealthy man.

“Left an orphan? See to it.”

This cousin had once sent food via her maid. Repaying that minor debt fell within his means.

“It will be handled.”

The old eunuch issued swift orders. Zuo Meng tossed aside remaining documents unread.

“We’ll take our leave.”

Having witnessed Zuo Meng crush Ask Immortal Pavilion’s Deputy Master remotely during the capital clash, the old eunuch maintained profound respect.

By dusk:

Wang Yuanwai’s dead concubine was posthumously declared Princess Ning’an after “discovered” royal blood. Her son received hereditary nobility.

Shuttering his little shop, Zuo Meng packed for the capital.

“Mr. Xue… leaving?”

Yu Ruyi appeared in black silk at his residence. News from Zhi Hua had spread. The former Suzhou underworld leader recalled her past feelings during Zuo Meng’s “humble” days, when she’d been his sole customer besides Zhi Hua.

This lingering connection explained why Zuo Meng had saved her subordinate Luo San in Black Forest.

“It was Miss Yu.”

After bolting the door, Zuo Meng turned and stared at Yu Ruyi in surprise.

“Mr. Xue, I…”

Mid-sentence, Yu Ruyi’s face twisted in agony as black ink-like darkness crawled across her features. When the blackness receded from her sea of consciousness, her expression had turned serene and her voice shifted to a genderless tone.

“Benefactor Xue, we meet again.”

Awooo!!

The three dirt dogs at Zuo Meng’s feet tucked their tails and wailed miserably. Since gaining sentience, these mutts had postured as demon kings – even the old eunuch hadn’t frightened them earlier. Yet this bizarre version of Yu Ruyi terrified them into howling, revealing the newcomer’s dreadful nature.

“I always knew you weren’t ordinary people, Mr. Xue. But I never imagined you’d be this powerful. This time… I miscalculated.”

All traces of Yu Ruyi’s personality had vanished, her body now puppeted by another presence.

“Jie Ming?”

A glint flashed through Zuo Meng’s eyes as his gaze pierced through Yu Ruyi’s flesh, spotting the silhouette lurking within.

“Your insight pierces through illusions, seeing my true form instantly.”

Yu Ruyi’s features melted into those of a young monk – the same rebellious disciple who years ago had visited Zuo Meng’s shop with Jie Nian to obtain cultivation techniques. Now infamous as Demon Monk Jie Ming, his entire path traced back to that stone Zuo Meng had casually gifted. Those seven stones contained far more than basic techniques; they’d actually seeded the entire cultivation system of this era.

“When you gave me those techniques years ago, I sensed your extraordinariness. Yet somehow I kept forgetting your existence… until the two Lords perished. Only then did I suddenly recall you. Such methods surpass mortal understanding.” Jie Ming bowed respectfully.

“Here for revenge?”

“No. I come to invite you to lead Ask Immortal Pavilion.”

Ask Immortal Pavilion? Not Cold Mountain Temple?

“My other identity happens to be master of Ask Immortal Pavilion. Should you accept, the position is yours.”

Ask Immortal Pavilion. Cold Mountain Temple.

The two greatest powers beneath the imperial court – both created by this man!

“I’ve already joined Great Chu as their consultant.”

Zuo Meng’s eyes narrowed. He detected it now – the taint of Wild Power clinging to Jie Ming. This monk had touched the Wild! Those seven stones he’d scattered last epoch might be loosening their Seals beyond just the Wild. These upstarts wanted to harvest the world like that golden shadow? Unacceptable. How dare these self-aware weeds try stealing the gardener’s harvest?

“Great Chu? Too small to contain a dragon like you.” Unfazed, Jie Ming pressed on. “With your power, you could ascend as Ancient Deity in this turbulent era. I possess the method. Join me.”

Ancient Deity?

Zuo Meng almost laughed. This world was his creation! Ancient Deities? Just discarded pebbles from his hand.

“What a pity.” Jie Ming sighed, reading refusal in that smile. Men like Zuo Meng would never serve another – not even a living Buddha.

After chanting a Buddhist hymn, black water oozed from Yu Ruyi’s pores into the earth. The unconscious woman collapsed like a broken puppet.