Zhang San, please behave yourself!-Chapter 830 - 766: Are You Interested in Being One of the Twelve Zodiacs?

After bidding farewell to the Deer God, Zhang San and the others descended the mountain and then discovered something very important.

And that was...

Li Jing was missing.

Previously, after everyone escaped from the North Wind Wolf King’s territory, Zhang San led them on the way.

Originally, Zhang San thought everyone was following behind, so he didn’t look carefully.

But when they came down from Deer God Mountain, Zhang San realized that when Li Jing was running with everyone, he got lost.

"Should we split up to look for him?"

The Immortal Monarch Who Treads Snow in Search of Plums asked somewhat worriedly.

Zhang San waved his hand and said, "It’s fine, I’ve been with Li Jing for a long time, I can sense his aura, and he is probably to the north, getting further away. He likely took the wrong path. Plus, he knows the way back, so let’s go find the Thousand-Eyed Rat King first. The next step is to rally all forces that can ally with us."

...

In the underground palace, a few rat demons had just seen Qian Shanxiu and the North Wind Wolf King off.

A rat demon with mind-reading abilities immediately approached.

"Rat King, Qian Shanxiu is of the Purple Mansion Realm, so I couldn’t completely read his mind, but whether speaking or silent, his internal emotional fluctuations are intense, and what he says may not be entirely true."

The Thousand-Eyed Rat King nodded slightly and said coldly, "Even if you didn’t read his mind, I can tell. That old guy speaks half-truths. Speaking of which, Zhang San is admirable! Among so many of the human race, I haven’t seen anyone as genuine as him."

Just then, a rat demon ran in to report to the Thousand-Eyed Rat King: "Rat King, Zhang San has arrived."

Hearing that Zhang San had arrived, the Thousand-Eyed Rat King couldn’t help but smile.

"I had a feeling this kid would come to find me soon. Let him in."

The rat demon beside him cast an awkward glance at the table in the palace and the food and drink on it, and said, "But these were just used to entertain the North Wind Wolf King and Qian Shanxiu, and they haven’t been cleared away yet."

"It doesn’t matter. It’s better for Zhang San to see."

Soon, Zhang San and the others were brought in.

The first time they came, they took the passage through the tree hole.

But this time, a rat demon led Zhang San and his companions through a secret passage into the palace, sparing them the feeling of being engulfed by mice.

As soon as Zhang San entered, he saw the table being cleared off, and a new one being set up.

"Can the North Wind Wolf King and Qian Shanxiu eat this much? So many plates and cups were used?"

Hearing Zhang San’s words, the Rat King couldn’t help but laugh heartily.

"I knew it, Zhang San, even if you saw this, you wouldn’t be angry."

Zhang San smiled indifferently, clasped his fists towards the Rat King, and said, "Why be angry about this? Rat King, once you know them better, you will be more steadfast in choosing to cooperate with me."

Saying this, Zhang San sat down behind a brand new table, and a rat demon immediately came over to pour him a glass of wine.

Hu Xingxiang also came over and asked the rat demon to pour her a glass too.

The Thousand-Eyed Rat King glanced at Hu Xingxiang and immediately knew who she was.

"I wonder how Brother Zhang San plans to cooperate?"

Zhang San smiled and said, "No hurry, no hurry, we’re a bit hungry after the long journey. Rat King, allow me to eat something first."

If Zhang San had said it immediately, the Rat King would have felt better.

But Zhang San’s attitude of having already settled the Rat King made the Thousand-Eyed Rat King a bit annoyed, yet his heart felt itchy, like countless little mice were scratching.

The Rat King gave a look to the rat demon next to him, who understood immediately and went out.

Soon, many delicious dishes were served up.

Zhang San seized the opportunity to have a hearty meal.

Having spent half a month in the Secret Realm without food,

upon coming out, he rushed directly to the Northern Wolf King’s territory to rescue Hu Xingxiang.

Then they ran all the way to Deer God Mountain.

Zhang San really hadn’t eaten properly for a long time.

It was just the right opportunity to feast.

At the same time, Zhang San was deliberately testing the Rat King’s patience.

Zhang San could tell that the Rat King had intentionally not cleared away the table used by Qian Shanxiu and the North Wind Wolf King, allowing him to see it, just to raise his own status as the Rat King.

So naturally, he had to stall a bit, making the Rat King realize that he too was not desperate to seek his help.

Once Zhang San was almost done eating, having let out a very satisfied belch, he gave the Rat King a slight smile.

"Thank you, Rat King, for your hospitality. Shall we now discuss cooperation?"

"Sure! I’m very curious, Zhang San, why do you think I would definitely cooperate with you, and not with the North Wind Wolf King and Qian Shanxiu? After all, the reason they just left was because I thought their offer was very generous, and I had already agreed!"

Zhang San knew that the Deer God agreeing to the North Wind Wolf King was genuine.

But now that the Rat King said this, it might not be true.

The Rat King was probably hiking up the price, deliberately saying this to make him offer more sincerity and a higher bid.

"We just came from Deer God Mountain and have already negotiated with the Deer God. The Deer God agreed not to cooperate with the North Wind Wolf King and will head to Julong Pass on the third of April."

There’s no need to say more at this point.

Zhang San didn’t say that the Deer God was just there to spectate.

Anyway, since the Deer God is no longer working with the North Wind Wolf King and will be heading to Julong Pass, you’ll have to figure things out yourself.

At this moment, the Thousand-Eyed Rat King felt a bit nervous upon hearing this.

He understood the Deer God.

As a veteran supreme demon, the Deer God possessed not only powerful combat abilities but also vast divine skills.

He not only practiced dual paths but was also mature and prudent in his actions.

The Deer God chose to collaborate with Zhang San, clearly preferring this side over following that big fool, the North Wind Wolf King.

Even though the North Wind Wolf King has Qian Shanxiu by his side, Qian Shanxiu is treacherous, far less reliable than Zhang San.

Moreover, Zhang San has already rescued Hu Xingxiang, so the trump card of the Northeast Five Immortal Clans has completely slipped from the North Wind Wolf King’s grasp.

"What kind of collaboration are you talking about, Zhang San?"

The Thousand-Eyed Rat King cut straight to the point.

Zhang San replied, "Our Great Sui plans to build a framework called Dominion over the Six Paths. I’ve already discussed this with you, Rat King. But this time, I’m here to tell you that we plan to introduce a very special concept—Twelve Zodiacs."

"Twelve Zodiacs!? What is this?"

"Twelve Zodiacs are twelve symbolic representations based on the Twelve Earthly Branches. The zodiac represents an affiliate divine aspect."

Though the Rat King couldn’t fully grasp it, he continued listening patiently to Zhang San’s explanation.

"Affiliate divine aspect refers to the identity and affiliate label one receives at birth, also representing a part of one’s divinity."

"Our Great Sui plans to establish the Twelve Zodiacs, selecting a creature each year to embody that zodiac. Those born in that year will have that zodiac affiliation, which becomes their symbol."

"For instance, among the Twelve Zodiacs, one will be the Rat, making it the Year of the Rat, where those born are naturally affiliated with the Rat."

"People may associate rats with stealing grain, but those affiliated with rats may symbolize abundance and prosperity, free from worry about material needs."

"The strong reproductive capability of rats also symbolizes thriving populations."

"Even mythical creatures like the Treasure Spitting Mouse might become a favored symbol of wealth among people."

"Imagine, if one-twelfth of the human race identifies as rats, wouldn’t their attitude towards the Rat race change? It might even provide a certain degree of Power of Incense Flame to the Demon Clan representing the Twelve Zodiacs."

The Rat King never sought great power; after all, he thrived across Longyou Road for years, relying not on strength but on his numerous descendants and extensive intelligence network.

However, the Thousand-Eyed Rat King felt slightly disdained by some supreme demons due to his lack of strength.

Thus, what mattered most to him was honor, and what he desired was prestige.

If rats could indeed become one of the Twelve Zodiacs, it sounded quite appealing.

From one perspective, it meant he gained many human descendants, and these descendants would continue indefinitely.

And imagining that one-twelfth of the world views rats as symbolizing good fortune—all because of him—the Thousand-Eyed Rat King’s eyes squinted with joy. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Although his eyes were already narrowed slits.

Yet seeing Zhang San still present, the Rat King quickly restrained his smile, adopting a serious demeanor.

"But come to think of it, how does this differ from the Mountain God? Isn’t it still a matter of investing something to obtain Power of Incense Flame?"

Zhang San laughed: "Of course there’s a difference. A Mountain God can only protect a specific region, ultimately serving as a minor Earth God. But Twelve Zodiacs are distinct. The zodiac rotates every twelve years, meaning one-twelfth of the human race worships you, even believing they represent you! Ask yourself, what Mountain God can receive such an honor?"

Upon hearing this, the Rat King grew even more excited.

"So... if I agree to collaborate with you, Zhang San, what position can I, the Thousand-Eyed Rat King, hold among the Twelve Zodiacs? Even if all zodiacs are equal, there must be an order during the twelve-year cycle, right?"

Zhang San grinned at the Rat King, his smile making the Thousand-Eyed Rat King feel slightly uneasy.

"If the Thousand-Eyed Rat King is willing, then the Rat will be the first among the Twelve Zodiacs!"

Hearing this, the Thousand-Eyed Rat King nearly fell from his throne.

The first of the Twelve Zodiacs!

Even if others like the Dragon, Tiger, or Sheep follow, they must line up behind him?

That’s such a show of prestige!

In that instant, the vanity within the Thousand-Eyed Rat King was utterly satisfied.

Though not realized yet, just the thought thrilled him more than when he became one of the Twelve Superior Demons!

"However... though I, Zhang San, consider you a friend and arranged for you to be first, publicly, I must announce a competition for all. Though you’ll be my ultimate choice, you mustn’t disclose this beforehand, as it’s important to give hope to other demon clans. This way, after selecting the first, I’ll have grounds to elect the second and third zodiacs..."

At this moment, the Thousand-Eyed Rat King suddenly understood.

Initially, the human race wished to reconcile with the All Things Path, but after years of war, how could they swiftly embrace each other and integrate?

But with the Twelve Zodiacs, things change!

At least for these eleven to twelve years, many demon clans will believe that if their entire race becomes a zodiac, immense benefits will follow.

The races forming the Twelve Zodiacs would firmly stand by the human race.

During these eleven to twelve years, the human race would seize the chance to grow stronger and consolidate the Dominion over the Six Paths framework, until reaching a point where the whole world, although belonging to all living beings of heaven and earth, could be said to belong primarily to the human race!

Thinking this, the Thousand-Eyed Rat King figured everything out.

"Zhang San, what’s the cost?"

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