Three years, Wen Zhong's admiration

Time flies like an arrow.

The hustle and bustle of Chaoge City continued day after day, year after year.

For ordinary people, three years may be a long time, enough for an infant to learn to run and a teenager to grow into a strong adult.

But for practitioners, it's just a meditation session, a period of seclusion.

Inside the study of the Grand Tutor's Mansion.

The table was piled high with bamboo slips.

Jiang Ziya sat at his desk, his vermilion brush never stopping, rapidly annotating a military report from the Northern Border.

Wen Zhong stood to the side, not sitting down, but quietly watching his Martial Uncle handle government affairs.

The initial disdain and worry I felt upon first meeting were long gone, replaced by deep respect, and even... horror.

Three years.

Just three years.

This mortal Martial Uncle had a clear understanding of the intricate political situation of the Great Shang Dynasty.

Initially, Wen Zhong was needed to provide guidance and explain the balance of power among the various factions.

In less than six months, Jiang Ziya was able to independently handle reports submitted from various regions.

Later, even Wen Zhong, the Grand Tutor who had spent decades navigating the treacherous waters of the imperial court, was implicated.

Whenever they encountered a difficult situation, they would first consult this Martial Uncle for advice.

Smack

Jiang Ziya closed the last bamboo slip, let out a long sigh, and put the vermilion brush aside.

He rubbed his sore wrists and looked up at Wen Zhong.

"Grand Tutor, although Yuan Futong of the North Sea has made some unusual moves, it is not advisable to launch a major attack at this time."

Jiang Ziya pointed to the military report, his voice steady and powerful.

"I have already approved the Marquis of the North to build fortifications, implement a scorched-earth policy, and cut off his supply lines."

"Within three months, Yuan Futong will surely retreat due to insufficient supplies. At that time, we can then harass him with light cavalry to ensure the safety of the Northern Border."

Wen Zhong picked up the bamboo slip and carefully scanned the annotations on it. Every word was precious and to the point.

Such a shrewd tactic of using defense as offense and striking after the opponent has been dealt with; even if he were to handle the situation personally, he wouldn't be able to do much better.

Wen Zhong put down the bamboo slips, his heart filled with emotion.

My Grandmaster's eye for people was truly sharp.

This Martial Uncle may be a piece of rotten wood in cultivation, but he is an unparalleled sharp sword in governing the country and fighting wars.

"My Martial Uncle's strategy is a mature and insightful approach to governing the country."

"If this plan succeeds, the Northern Sea can be pacified."

Jiang Ziya quickly stepped aside and waved his hand.

"It's nothing but mundane cleverness."

"Compared to true immortal techniques, it's nothing."

"If this is a minor path, then what is the Great Dao?"

Wen Zhong looked at Jiang Ziya and couldn't help but smile bitterly.

In this world, perhaps only this Martial Uncle would regard such extraordinary talent for governing the world as "petty cleverness."

Jiang Ziya turned around, looked at Wen Zhong, and his tone carried an undisguised longing.

"To achieve longevity and transcend the Wuxing, to roam freely between Heaven and Earth—this is the Great Dao."

"For the past three years, though I have been in Chaoge, my heart has never ceased to yearn for Golden Ao Island."

"Every time the night is quiet, I wish I could sprout wings and fly back to hear my Master's teachings."

Even sweeping the floor outside the Jade Palace is a thousand times, ten thousand times better than any worldly riches.

He meant it sincerely.

For ordinary people, wielding absolute power in the court may be the ultimate goal in life.

But for Jiang Ziya, who had witnessed the power of Saint and the aura of immortals, worldly power was nothing but fleeting smoke.

Unless one becomes an immortal, one will eventually turn into a handful of dust.

Even if he could command thousands of troops, even if he could stabilize the country and bring peace, a hundred years later, he would be nothing more than a few cold lines of text in the history books.

He didn't want to die.

He sought the Way.

Wen Zhong into Jiang Ziya's burning gaze, Wen Zhong was deeply moved.

This Martial Uncle's resolve in the Dao is truly rare.

My Martial Uncle is a prodigy in the mortal realm, but in the path of cultivation, he is a stubborn rock.

How unjust is the Heavenly Dao!

However, there is some good news today.

Wen Zhong turned around, looked at the vast night outside the window, and his tone became more desolate.

"My Martial Uncle has already read through all the files in the Grand Tutor's Mansion."

"My Martial Uncle has mastered the art of checks and balances within the court and the tactical maneuvering of troops."

Wen Zhong turned around and bowed to Jiang Ziya.

"This disciple is ashamed; I have nothing left to Martial Uncle."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ziya quickly rose to avoid the bow, his expression one of fear and trepidation.

"Grand Tutor, you've flattered Jiang Shang!"

"Without the Grand Tutor's meticulous guidance over the past three years, Jiang Shang would be nothing more than a fool on Golden Ao Island. How could he have gained the insight he has today?"

Although he made rapid progress in the mortal path, he still held deep reverence for cultivators, especially since the person before him was Third Generation Prodigy of the Interception Sect.

Wen Zhong straightened up, looked at Jiang Ziya, and shook his head.

"Those who are accomplished are teachers; there's no need for your humility, Martial Uncle."

"Some time ago, I informed my master through a secret method that my Martial Uncle's training in Chaoge has been completed."

Upon hearing the words "Master," Jiang Ziya's body trembled violently, and he immediately stood up, his expression restrained.

"Senior Sister Jin Ling... what did you say?"

Jiang Ziya's voice trembled slightly.

He was afraid.

I'm terrified of hearing the words, "You're dull-witted, there's no need for you to come back."

Or perhaps it's a case of "Since you have the talent to govern a country, stay in the Great Shang Dynasty and enjoy worldly riches."

That was worse for him than being killed.

Seeing Jiang Ziya's anxious and uncertain expression, Wen Zhong stopped keeping him in suspense and a smile appeared on his face.

"Master has replied."

"Our Grandmaster has issued Imperial Edict summoning our Martial Uncle back to Golden Ao Island."

"Today is the day that Master will personally descend the mountain to escort Martial Uncle back to Golden Ao Island."

These words struck Jiang Ziya like a thunderclap.

Back to the mountain?

Back to Golden Ao Island?

That was the sacred land of immortals that he longed for!

For the past three years, he has constantly missed his time on the island.

Even sweeping the floor outside the Jade Palace, or listening to senior brothers and sisters discuss the Dao, is ten thousand times better than this mortal world.

Now that his training is over, he can finally go home!

"Well!"

"Thank you, Master! Thank you, Master!"

He was speaking incoherently, and repeatedly bowed to the void.

"I need to get ready..."

"No, I don't have much to pack. What's the point of bringing mundane things back to the immortal island?"

"Those volumes of military treatises? No, no, no, those are for mortals. Bringing them back would only defile the Pure Land of immortals."

He spoke incoherently, like a wanderer who had been away from home for many years and was finally returning.

Just as Jiang Ziya was still muttering to himself, the sky above the Grand Tutor's Mansion suddenly changed dramatically.

A vast and pure aura descended without warning.

The two people in the study simultaneously sensed this fluctuation.

Wen Zhong's expression turned solemn. He immediately straightened his robes, strode out of the study, and went into the courtyard.

Jiang Ziya followed closely behind.

Above, the clouds parted, revealing a golden avenue stretching down.

The Surrounding Body Saint Mother Jinling, surrounded by ethereal charm, slowly descended into the courtyard.

She was still dressed in a magnificent palace gown, her expression aloof and noble, yet dignified.

"Disciple Wen Zhong respectfully welcomes the Venerable Master's arrival!"

Jiang Ziya also quickly stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"Jiang Shang greets Senior Sister Jin Ling."