The Third Prince looked completely baffled. He understood advancing by retreating, but what was sneaking across Chencang in the dark?
"I'm asking you: when you return to the imperial palace this time, what sort of scene will greet you?" Zhang Yang watched the Third Prince.
The Third Prince fell silent.
Zhang Yang answered for him. "You made the Cloud Mountain Empire lose tremendous face. A Nascent Soul Realm eunuch died, and redeeming the Flying Dragon Army cost the Cloud Mountain Empire a vast amount of resources. If the Emperor doesn't kill you, he'll already count as a kind and merciful father. In such circumstances, you still want to contend for the throne?"
The Third Prince's spirit immediately drained away, and he hung his head. He knew very well that such an outcome was unavoidable.
"In this situation, if your brothers kick you while you're down, aren't you as good as dead? Even if you make no mistakes, they'll make you commit them." Zhang Yang patiently guided him. "Since that's the case, why not simply make your position clear and stop fighting for it? And how can you make that position clear cleanly and decisively? Going into Immortal Cultivation is, of course, the most thorough way!
Tell your Imperial Father that you committed a grave mistake this time, that you are willing to withdraw from the struggle for the throne, lead the Flying Dragon Army, and atone for your crimes through meritorious service. The Flying Dragon Army is the Empire's greatest force. It is never reassuring to leave it in outsiders' hands; it would be best to place it in the hands of one of your own.
That way, wouldn't your Imperial Father give you a chance? Wouldn't your brothers stop treating you as an enemy?
Even if your Imperial Father does not give you the Flying Dragon Army, once you make it clear that you will not contend for the throne, can't you openly associate with the various ministers?
Things have already reached this point. Do I still need to teach you what comes next?"
The Third Prince's eyes could not help lighting up. He felt this was the best way to break the deadlock. At the very least, there should be no danger when he returned to the imperial palace this time.
Then he became conflicted again. "But if I take the throne after entering Immortal Cultivation, wouldn't I be doomed once I reach the Golden Core Realm?"
Zhang Yang smiled faintly. "Core Formation itself is incomparably difficult. With how slow-witted you are, even if you can form a core, it will probably take several decades. Besides, can't you suppress your realm and refrain from breaking through?
Even taking ten thousand steps back, after being Emperor for several decades, when you feel that you are about to break through to the Golden Core Realm, can't you simply abdicate?
By then, you'll have tasted the thrill of being Emperor and can also cultivate for longevity... Damn it, even I want to become Emperor after saying that. If I weren't already in the Golden Core Realm, I really could give it a try."
"I understand!" The Third Prince let out a long breath and looked gratefully at Zhang Yang. "Thank you for your guidance."
After a pause, he asked again, "But I still don't understand. Why are you helping me?"
Zhang Yang said blandly, "Although your Cloud Mountain Empire caused this disaster, our Azure Cloud Sect still took a huge bite out of you. If we do not ease things beforehand, the two sides will sooner or later fight another great battle.
That is not good for us or for you. The reason I am helping you is that I hope to suppress the emergence of such a situation. There is another reason as well: the Azure Cloud Sect has not developed for a long time. After you return this time, I hope you can promote trade with our Azure Cloud Sect.
Our Azure Cloud Sect has Talismans, Pills, and other fine goods. These things are far better than those of other sects.
Your Cloud Mountain Empire can cooperate with us, and we can get rich together."
The Third Prince shook his head. "The resources of our Cloud Mountain Empire are already controlled by the Heavenly Profound Sect. Someone from the Heavenly Profound Sect serves as Imperial Adviser, so he probably will not allow such a situation to arise."
Master, you said sects must not interfere in imperial affairs. Look at the Heavenly Profound Sect—they're probably rolling in money!
He said flatly, "I never said it had to happen now. You only need to promote this matter in secret. Later, we will negotiate with the Heavenly Profound Sect."
"Fine!" The Third Prince agreed readily. "Then whom should I take as my master?"
Joining the Azure Cloud Sect was definitely impossible. With the Emperor's current hatred for the Azure Cloud Sect, it would only backfire.
"You must find someone with status who isn't from the Heavenly Profound Sect! For example, Xu Bai should not be from the Heavenly Profound Sect, right? He would make the best master," Zhang Yang said casually.
The Third Prince asked in surprise, "How did you know Commander Xu isn't from the Heavenly Profound Sect?"
Zhang Yang replied irritably, "The Imperial Adviser is from the Heavenly Profound Sect, and the Heavenly Profound Sect is already immensely powerful. How brain-dead would your Emperor have to be to let the Heavenly Profound Sect command a force as powerful as the Flying Dragon Army? Isn't that obvious? Could the difference in our intelligence really be that great?"
The Third Prince was speechless.
"Alright, we're done talking. Take the Flying Dragon Army and dig the ground for me." Zhang Yang pointed into the Azure Cloud Sect. "Divide the three thousand men into thirty teams. One hundred men per team is just right. You must finish the project within a few days.
And you, personally lead a hundred men and carry out construction according to my instructions."
After that bout of conversational treatment, the Third Prince no longer felt quite so hateful. He was cheerful inside, but outwardly gave the Flying Dragon Army their orders with a pained expression.
Then he declared that everything had been caused by him, the Third Prince, and that he was willing to share hardship and sweetness with everyone.
The many soldiers of the Flying Dragon Army were moved.
Although they were cultivators, they were merely Foundation Establishment cultivators. More importantly, they were soldiers raised by the Empire, and they still held imperial authority in great respect.
Now that the Third Prince was willing to suffer alongside them, how could they not be grateful?
Soon afterward, the thirty "construction teams" went up the mountain.
"Can you build houses? Those who can, go build houses. Those who can't, hurry up and pave roads. All the roads must be paved with bluestone slabs, so people won't dirty their shoes when walking on rainy days."
"Also, make sure the drainage ditches on both sides are done properly, and compact the foundations for me." Zhang Yang transformed into the chief engineer of the construction crews, leading the three thousand workers in bustling activity throughout the Azure Cloud Sect.
After assigning everyone their tasks, he had the Third Prince lead a hundred men to Azure Cloud Peak.
"Level this place for me and compact the foundation. You are all cultivators, and some of you have even formed Dao Seeds. Can't you use spiritual power to work? This counts as cultivation for you too, understand?"
"Yes, yes, yes. After the first floor is finished, build the second floor. Weave the entire second floor out of Spirit Bamboo. Don't worry about whether the Spirit Bamboo is sturdy—I'll inscribe Talismans later. Also, dig a large pool in front of the house for me. It'll be for swimming or whatever during leisure time."
When Situ Mingyue saw Zhang Yang's little two-story villa, she instantly felt that the courtyard she had bought from him no longer seemed appealing at all.
But she had spent two hundred thousand spirit stones on it. It pained her to abandon it just like that!
Situ Mingyue glared angrily at Zhang Yang. "Eldest Senior Brother, I spent two hundred thousand spirit stones to buy a grass shack, while you live in such an imposing house. Don't you owe me an explanation?"
Zhang Yang chuckled. "You already call me Eldest Senior Brother. Do I still need to explain?"
"I don't care! I'm going to tell Master you cheated me!" Situ Mingyue turned and ran away.
Before you continue