King Zhou's wariness of Wen Zhong was more than half dispelled by Daji's sudden pounce. Holding the woman in his arms, he gave a bitter smile and sighed:
"My beloved consort does not know this. Wen Zhong is a veteran minister who has served three reigns, and he bears the King-Striking Whip bestowed by the late king. Above, he may remonstrate with the ruler; below, he may execute Sycophantic Officials.
"Every civil and military official in the court, every officer and soldier in the three armies, respects and fears him. Even though I am king, I have no choice but to yield to him somewhat."
Only after gently soothing Daji did King Zhou dismiss her. Now that Grand Preceptor Wen Zhong had returned to court, he no longer needed to play along with Daji and could finally calm himself and lay his plans in secret.
Once no one else remained in the bedchamber, King Zhou suddenly bowed toward the empty air. "I ask the Immortal to act and bring the Grand Preceptor here to see me."
Golden Phoenix had not spoken from beginning to end. The moment King Zhou finished speaking, her figure silently vanished.
After returning to the Grand Preceptor's Mansion, Wen Zhong still could not quell the fury in his heart.
He had only been away from Zhaoge for a dozen-odd years, yet Great Shang had decayed to such a state. How would he have the face to meet the late King Di Yi in the underworld someday?
Just then, a figure appeared within the residence without any warning.
Wen Zhong's entire body tensed as he instantly went on guard. Spiritual energy surged around him as he shouted sharply, "Who?!"
He spun around, yet he could not make out the visitor's face at all. He could only sense