The Big Fish Took the Bait

"But that damned, incompetent ruler actually used some means to influence the fate of heaven and earth."

"This has led to a rather strange shift in the current situation."

"Originally, Xiqi was meant to succeed Yin Shang in accordance with the Heavenly Dao, but now it has turned into a battle between two powerful forces."

"I'm afraid the road ahead for Xiqi won't be easy, and Your Excellency also has a long road ahead of you."

Jiang Ziya's words were crystal clear and unambiguous.

The current situation has been analyzed thoroughly.

Upon hearing this, Marquis Ji Chang of the West, immediately showed a solemn expression.

What this great being said is absolutely true.

Because he was extremely skilled in divination.

The contrast in fortunes between Xiqi and the Yin Shang is also clear.

Originally, the fortunes of the Yin Shang should have been exhausted, with no way out.

Unfortunately, due to the change of that tyrannical ruler, the dynasty's fortunes have once again become strong, even showing signs of surpassing Xiqi, which is truly disheartening.

Although Xiqi is blessed with great fortune and the will of Heaven is on its side, the key problem is that it is currently not legitimate and its reputation is not sound, making its fortune seem somewhat petty.

This also makes the original justification for the Campaign Against Shang the Shang dynasty somewhat unreasonable.

This was exactly the same result he usually got from divination.

Thinking of this, his gaze towards Jiang Ziya changed. This Jiang Ziya was indeed a being with some supernatural abilities, having analyzed the current affairs thoroughly in just a few words.

Next, Ji Chang asked about some other things.

However, Jiang Ziya was a learned man and a Daoist practitioner, so his perspective on problems was extremely accurate.

No matter how tricky the topic, Jiang Ziya could always respond to it.

The two engaged in a lively and pleasant conversation, as if they were old friends who had known each other for a long time.

Several hours had passed without them realizing it, and the sky was beginning to darken. Jiang Ziya then invited Marquis Ji Chang of the West, to sit in the thatched hut.

Marquis Ji Chang of the West, naturally agreed with pleasure.

The group soon arrived at the thatched hut, a very simple place.

There was only a simple bed and a simple table and chairs; nothing else.

The other ministers, of course, served him with utmost care.

After the two exchanged a few more words, Marquis Ji Chang of the West, finally could not hold back any longer.

Let them take the bait if they want to; as long as it helps him conquer the world, what harm is there in letting them take the bait?

"Mr. Jiang is indeed a man of extraordinary talent, and Ji Chang is filled with admiration for him. I just wonder if you would be willing to come out of seclusion and lend a helping hand to my Xiqi?"

"The world is in turmoil these days, and all living beings are driven by self-interest. The current ruler is utterly incompetent. Although he may occasionally demonstrate some wisdom, overall he is an extremely licentious and cruel tyrant."

"Even Nuwa was seduced by that tyrant, which is enough to show just how debauched he was."

How can such a tyrannical ruler lead the people of the world to a happy life?

"I, Ji Chang, am truly sleepless at night. With such great talent, why don't you come out of seclusion to assist my Xiqi?"

"If you, sir, could come out of seclusion, it would truly be a blessing for Xiqi and for all the people of the world!"

Ji Chang spoke with absolute certainty, elevating Jiang Ziya to a new level.

Jiang Ziya, on the other side, was also somewhat dumbfounded upon hearing this.

I never expected that Marquis Ji Chang of the West, would be so shameless. He just went against his conscience and called the Human Emperor a tyrant.

However, to everyone's surprise, Marquis Ji Chang of the West, was even more ruthless, directly labeling the man as a cruel and tyrannical person, which was simply blatant lying.

If you want to rebel, just say so openly; if you want to dominate the world, just say so directly.

Yet they deliberately misrepresented the facts, portraying the other party in such a deplorable way, which is truly both laughable and pathetic.

Seeing Ji Chang's slightly agitated expression, Jiang Ziya couldn't help but smile faintly.

"Your Excellency is too kind. I, Jiang Ziya, am merely an ordinary old fisherman. How could I possibly be considered a genius?"

"I am truly unworthy of such great talent; I am neither capable of governing the country with my literary skills nor of securing peace with my military prowess. Even if I were to come out of seclusion to assist you, I would not be of much help to Your Excellency."

He then turned his head away, no longer looking at Ji Chang.

He took out a large bowl, grabbed a handful of his homemade tea leaves, and then poured in boiling water.

A bowl of strong tea has been brewed.

Jiang Ziya sat there quietly, carefully drinking the tea, paying no attention to Ji Chang.

The other ministers, seeing this, were immediately enraged.

That damned fellow! The Marquis himself came to invite him, and he actually refused?

Not only did he refuse, but he also only cared about drinking his tea, leaving the Marquis standing there unattended?

They deserve to die a thousand deaths.

When has their lord ever been treated with such indifference?

The crowd was about to shout and rebuke.

However, Ji Chang sensed it beforehand and stopped him with a look.

Finding a master to help you is bound to be troublesome, and he naturally understood that.

So he took a deep breath and calmed his complicated feelings.

"Sir, you are too modest. The people of the world are living in misery and suffering. With your great talents, why don't you step down and help them?"

"To possess great talent yet refuse to step forward and offer assistance is a sin indeed. I earnestly hope that you will reconsider, sir."

These words were spoken with deep affection.

For Marquis Ji Chang of the West, obtaining Jiang Ziya's help was absolutely essential.

After all, the Antarctic Immortal once made it very clear.

Obtaining Jiang Ziya alone is equivalent to obtaining all the gods and Buddhas in the heavens.

This is something Xiqi absolutely cannot miss.

After saying this, he clapped his hands again.

Those waiting behind quickly brought over a dozen boxes of betrothal gifts.

This was the betrothal gift from Xiqi to Jiang Ziya when he applied for a job.

With these boxes brought in, the already small thatched hut suddenly felt cramped.

"Sir, these betrothal gifts are just a small token from Xiqi; we hope you will accept them."

"Xiqi cannot do without you, and neither can all living beings in the world."

"We hope that the old gentleman will have compassion for all living beings and will come out of seclusion to help."

"At that time, our Xiqi will surely obey your every word, and everything you say will be done!"

The words spoken by Marquis Ji Chang of the West, were spoken with absolute certainty.

He was determined to get Jiang Ziya no matter what.

Even if it means tying him up, we'll tie him up and take him back.

Seeing the man's sincerity, Jiang Ziya couldn't help but nod in approval.

It seems the big fish has finally taken the bait.

There's no way to escape now.

He immediately spoke up.

"My lord, you should return. After all, there are many affairs to attend to in Xiqi, and the situation is extremely difficult without you."

"I am now very old and frail, and even if I wanted to descend the mountain, I no longer have the strength."

"Let this old man live out his days in solitude in these mountains."

Upon hearing these words, Ji Chang was instantly enraged; this fellow was somewhat ungrateful.

Or you could say this guy is clearly manipulating me.

Although he was burning with anger, he could only suppress it.

This guy keeps saying that those who are willing will take the bait.

But this big fish has already taken the bait, or rather, has come to invite me personally.

But this damn guy actually started putting on airs, which is really infuriating.

This pretentious and hypocritical behavior is truly disgusting.

Just think of that incompetent emperor who sat on his throne in Chaoge.

Thinking about his current humble and subservient state, he couldn't help but feel increasingly resentful.

The anger in my heart began to boil, and I almost couldn't suppress it.

But he took three deep breaths and finally managed to hold back.

As the saying goes, "A small act of impatience can ruin a great plan."

You must endure it no matter what.

"What are you saying, sir? You're being far too modest!"