Undying Life

Chapter 214: Observing the World from a Pond

The next day, at the Grand Marshal's residence, on a floating island.

A pavilion stood at the center of a tranquil pond, with two tables set for a meal, laden with fine wine and gourmet dishes. Grand Marshal Yi Yan was at the edge of the pavilion, scattering fish food into the water, which attracted a swarm of ornamental fish eagerly competing for the morsels.

Yi Yan watched the pond intently, fully absorbed in the activity of the fish.

At that moment, Zhong Shan arrived at the edge of the pond, led by General Iron Blood. Pointing to the boardwalk that led to the pavilion, Iron Blood said, "Mr. Zhong Shan, the Grand Marshal has instructed that you may proceed directly to the pavilion. I will wait here for you."

Zhong Shan nodded and slowly walked along the boardwalk toward the pavilion, while Iron Blood stayed behind to wait.

As Zhong Shan approached the pavilion, Yi Yan remained focused on the fish, continuing to throw fish food into the pond. The fish scrambled to grab each piece of food he tossed in.

Upon reaching the pavilion, Zhong Shan looked out at the pond. Each time Yi Yan threw in a piece of fish food, the fish swarmed to consume it.

"Mr. Zhong Shan, have you discerned anything?" Yi Yan asked, still feeding the fish and speaking without turning around.

Glancing at Yi Yan, Zhong Shan smiled slightly and replied, "Mr. Yi Yan is a man of great talent. How could a mere Zhong Shan see through his thoughts?"

"This pond represents the entire world. The fish are like the world's power players—empires, dynasties, sects. When the water is calm, the fish remain undisturbed. But the moment food is introduced, they compete fiercely for it," Yi Yan said calmly.

"Observing the world through a pond—your insights are truly admirable, Mr. Yi Yan," Zhong Shan said with a frown as he looked at Yi Yan.

Yi Yan, having thrown the last of the fish food into the pond, turned to face Zhong Shan and asked, "Mr. Zhong Shan, do you think my analogy holds true?"

"All the hustle and bustle in the world is driven by profit; the competition and strife are all for the sake of gain. What you have said is indeed very accurate, Mr. Yi Yan. What's even more commendable is your role as the one casting the bait," Zhong Shan responded with a nod and a smile.

By this point, Zhong Shan had deduced the origin of the two invitations and naturally thought of Yi Yan as the one who had cast the bait. The two invitations were like fish food, luring Princess Qianyou and Crown Prince Han Jue, two big fish, into a deadly trap. Yi Yan's strategy was truly formidable.

"Mr. Zhong Shan, you are indeed extraordinary. Please, take a seat," Yi Yan said, looking at Zhong Shan with a smile.

"After you, Mr. Yi Yan," Zhong Shan replied.

The two men each chose a table and sat facing each other.

"To meet a great talent like you, Mr. Zhong Shan, even in the face of death is a great consolation for me. I raise my cup to you," Yi Yan said, lifting a glass of wine and drinking it down in one go.

Seeing this, Zhong Shan quickly responded, "Mr. Yi Yan, you overpraise me. I am but a nameless figure, unworthy of such compliments. I have long admired you, and I toast to you."

"Mr. Zhong Shan, you are too modest. You have surely figured out who orchestrated the deadly schemes at Foggy Lake and Ten-Thousand Peach Forest, haven't you?" Yi Yan asked with a smile, looking at Zhong Shan.

At Yi Yan's words, Zhong Shan frowned slightly. Who? Wasn't it you, Yi Yan? However, even though both men were well aware of the truth, Zhong Shan would never speak it aloud.

"Well, I am but a fool, unable to discern such things. Perhaps it was one of the other three great empires that are besieging the Daluo Heavenly Dynasty," Zhong Shan said with a light laugh.

"Regardless of your thoughts, your ability to resolve such a deadly situation is truly impressive. Even I might not have been able to untangle such a web. I have only ever admired two people in my life: the late Emperor Nalanda Zhengde of Dayu, and you, Mr. Zhong Shan," Yi Yan said, smiling at Zhong Shan.

Upon hearing Yi Yan's words, Zhong Shan's eyes widened in surprise. He quickly replied, "I dare not accept such high praise. It was entirely Princess Qianyou's decision not to go to Foggy Lake. You give me too much credit, Mr. Yi Yan."

"Is that so? What about the Wushuang City Lord election?" Yi Yan asked with a smile. "It was Shui Tianya's election. Why do you ask, sir?" Zhong Shan replied, pretending to be confused.

"You don't need to be modest anymore, Mr. Zhong Shan. Even though I am nearing the end of my life, my eyes are still sharp. The Wushuang City Lord election, sand particle calculation, turning water into fire, resolving the Mist Lake's deadly trap, and replacing peach with plum for King Julu's subordinates, these all prove your talent. I am not as capable as you," Yi Yan said earnestly.

Seeing Yi Yan's sincerity, Zhong Shan frowned. What exactly does Yi Yan want?

"Mr. Yi Yan, except for the sand particle calculation and turning water into fire, which I learned from ancient books, I cannot claim credit for the others," Zhong Shan replied, frowning slightly.

"Haha, there's no need for modesty. I have never misjudged anyone. You entered the Great Luo Heavenly Empire just over two years ago, didn't you?" Yi Yan said with confidence.

"That's right. I was recommended by an elder from the Kaiyang Sect just over two years ago. This is no secret," Zhong Shan nodded.

"Since you are a fifth-rank official of the Great Luo Heavenly Empire, I am here to invite you to join the Great Yu Empire," Yi Yan said seriously.

"Uh? Mr. Yi Yan, you must be joking," Zhong Shan said, shaking his head with a strange look in his eyes.

"No, I am not deceiving you. If you are willing to join the Great Yu Empire, I am willing to give up my position as Grand Commander and let you take over as the Grand Commander of the Great Yu Empire's army," Yi Yan said seriously.

"Huh!" Zhong Shan quickly stood up, looking at Yi Yan with a face full of surprise.

"Mr. Yi Yan, please don't mention this again. I am an official of the Great Luo Heavenly Empire. How can I join the Great Yu? Besides, I am a nobody. There are many people far more capable than I am. Not to mention others, even Princess Qian You and Mr. Shui Jing are a hundred or a thousand times better than me," Zhong Shan said immediately.

"Please sit down, Mr. Zhong Shan," Yi Yan said with a bitter smile.

Zhong Shan sat down slowly, looking at Yi Yan with suspicion.

"A nobody? Haha, although I have only known you for a short time, I believe my judgment is still good. Your talent is no less than mine or Mr. Shui Jing's. Mr. Shui Jing has been with the Great Luo for many years, and although he is not highly regarded under King Da Xuan, he remains loyal, indicating that he has attachments in the Great Luo. I have nothing to offer him that would attract him. But you are different. You have only been in the Great Luo for two years and are still a fifth-rank official, not even with a decent position. But the position of Grand Commander of the Great Yu Empire's army, though not a middle-rank position, is far above a mere fifth-rank official. You would have vast resources for cultivation and a position of power second only to the emperor," Yi Yan said again.

After speaking, Yi Yan stared at Zhong Shan, seemingly waiting for his answer.

Looking at Yi Yan, Zhong Shan took a deep breath. If it were anyone else, they would certainly accept such an offer. The position of Grand Commander of the Great Yu Empire's army was highly coveted. Even if the Great Yu Empire were to fall in the future, with this position, one could easily gain a similar position in another empire. But Zhong Shan was different. He had grander ambitions and goals that were unknown to others.

"Mr. Yi Yan, if the Great Luo Heavenly Empire were to offer you a high position, would you be willing to abandon the Great Yu and join the Great Luo?" Zhong Shan asked with a smile.

"I am different from you. I have been with the Great Yu for hundreds of years and have received great kindness from the late emperor. The current emperor has entrusted the entire army of the Great Yu to me. As the saying goes, a soldier dies for his confidant. With little time left for me, I will not leave the Great Yu," Yi Yan replied.

"As you said, Mr. Yi Yan, I have also received great kindness from Princess Qian You and will not abandon my duty for small gains," Zhong Shan said with a smile.

Hearing this, Yi Yan's pupils contracted. Small gains? The position of Grand Commander of the Great Yu Empire's army was considered small gains?

"How about we stop talking about matters of the two empires today?" Zhong Shan raised his cup and said to Yi Yan.

"Alright, no more talk of empires," Yi Yan said with a smile, raising his cup.

The two drank together, each with their own agenda. Yi Yan wanted to bring Zhong Shan into the Great Yu Empire, while Zhong Shan, in turn, wished to draw Yi Yan over to the Great Luo Dynasty. If the Great Luo Dynasty could secure someone like Yi Yan, it would be more valuable than an army of a million soldiers.

However, based on Yi Yan's previous statements, it was evident that he valued loyalty and obligations greatly. Even pulling him into the Great Luo Heavenly Empire would be extremely difficult, let alone bringing him into the Great Luo Dynasty, which was practically a pipe dream at the moment. But Zhong Shan wasn't in a hurry. Failing to win him over now didn't mean it was impossible; it simply meant the stakes weren't high enough. Only by raising the stakes and diminishing Yi Yan's current benefits could they eventually win him over. However, for Yi Yan, ordinary incentives wouldn't work; it had to be something he valued more, like loyalty and obligation.

Similarly, it was expected that Yi Yan wouldn't succeed in persuading Zhong Shan this time. It would take time; there's always a way to resolve any situation.

"Mr. Yi Yan mentioned he didn't have much time left. May I ask why?" Zhong Shan inquired.

"I'm at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage, but when I tried to break through, someone sabotaged me, and I was poisoned with 'Soul-Dispersing Powder.' It's not much of a secret," Yi Yan sighed, shaking his head.

"Soul-Dispersing Powder?" Zhong Shan asked, puzzled.

"Haha, there are things even you don't know? Soul-Dispersing Powder is imprinted on the soul and can't be removed unless one reaches the Integration stage and disperses it with their primordial spirit. But once it's imprinted on the soul, one can never break through again and is destined to suffer, enduring a life of hardship," Yi Yan said with a bitter smile.

Hearing Yi Yan's explanation, Zhong Shan frowned slightly. The Integration stage? He still had a Heavenly Yuan Elixir. But of course, Zhong Shan wasn't foolish enough to bring it up now.

"Do you know who harmed you when you were trying to break through?" Zhong Shan asked.

Yi Yan's pupils contracted upon hearing this. He then took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and gently shook his head.

Seeing Yi Yan's reaction, Zhong Shan had a rough guess. It was evident that Yi Yan probably knew who had harmed him but was unwilling to mention it.

Naturally, Zhong Shan didn't press the matter and instead switched to a different topic, and the two continued their conversation—

In the evening, on the square outside the Western Palace, Princess Qian You watched the setting sun, with Zhong Shan standing behind her.

Zhong Shan was reporting to Princess Qian You.

"Mr. Zhong Shan, did Yi Yan invite you to become the Grand Commander of the Great Yu Empire?" Princess Qian You suddenly turned to Zhong Shan, surprised.

"Yes, he did, but I didn't accept," Zhong Shan replied truthfully.

Since realizing how formidable Yi Yan was, Zhong Shan hadn't hidden anything from Princess Qian You. If he didn't mention it now and Yi Yan brought it up later, it would be troublesome.

"Thank you, sir," Princess Qian You said solemnly.

"No need to worry, Princess. Since I have promised to help you, I will naturally fulfill my duty," Zhong Shan said earnestly.