After examining the Heaven-Changing Eight Trigrams Canon, how could Jian Shang fail to understand that treasures had spirits of their own?
Jian Shang was clearly not a man suited to civil governance and politics. He leaned toward the Martial King rather than King Wen, so, through some unseen providence, King Wen had chosen the "civil minister" Xiao He instead of Jian Shang.
Still, the Heaven-Changing Eight Trigrams Canon was King Wen of Zhou's supreme treasure, and its practitioner could likewise walk the Imperial Path, though its effects might fall slightly short of the previous three supreme treasures. Without sufficient reason, Jian Shang certainly would not impulsively bestow it on Xiao He, whose allegiance remained uncertain. He simply asked outright!
"There is no need for such courtesy, Huan King! I am an outsider, after all. Your actions are perfectly understandable, and I take no offense!"
Hearing the Huan King's question, Xiao He pondered for a moment before choosing his words. After a pause, he smiled candidly and continued:
"To be frank, I have long known that Yu Niang was a pawn in your plans for Sishui Royal City, and even for myself, Li Yuan, Li Yanyan, and the others. But fate decrees our bonds, and I fell for Yu Niang."
At this point, Xiao He paused, showing a rare trace of embarrassment, then continued hesitantly, "Yu Niang would never betray you, Huan King. You may rest assured of that! Since I have accepted Yu Niang, naturally, I have also accepted her mission and duties!"
"Understood!"
Jian Shang's eyes widened, wild joy surging through his heart. Feigning composure, he answered, then tossed the silk cloth in his hand straight to Xiao He and said:
"I wanted to make a show of generosity and say that treasures have spirits, so, since it chose