"I do know Lei Zhanqian,"

Hearing a familiar name, Jiang Wang smiled softly and simply asked, "Who is this Cui Zhu, a ’great deity’ from where?"

"A military man," Zhongxuan Sheng responded to the serious question without equivocation, "Not from a well-known family, just an ordinary background, but he has made a name for himself in the military. Now he is in the Prisoner Electric Army, highly regarded by General Xiu."

Jiang Wang did know of Xiu Yuan, who was in charge of the Prisoner Electric Army.

He too was someone who had climbed up from the lower ranks—an exceptional figure with the surname ’Xiu’ in the whole of Qi Country. It was only after him that the Xiu Family had come into being. As for heritage, of course, they couldn’t be compared with the likes of the Zhong Xuan Family or the Li Family.

The most basic condition for a top-ranked aristocratic family was to have a heritable title that could ensure the family’s influence would endure throughout the years.

Otherwise, even if someone was remarkable, they could only shine briefly. Should any mishap occur, their legacy would dissipate in an instant.

That Concubine Jing, it was said, was constantly whispering in pillow talk to obtain a title for the Gao Family, which was based on this very principle.

Of course, as long as Xiu Yuan was alive for a day, the Xiu Family would also be able to enter the upper echelons of Qi Country.

"How does this person compare with Wang Yiwu?" Jiang Wang inquired.

Zhongxuan Sheng laughed, "Wang Yiwu is the military’s number one, from Youmai, to Zhoutian, to Tongtian—defeating all the skilled fighters in the military. Always the first, always unbeatable. I guess it’s no different now."

Wang Yiwu was originally the best in all of Qi Country. However, with the appearance of Jiang Wang, he could now only claim this title within the military.

Jiang Wang did not smile: "So my only rival is your cousin."

This was not arrogance, but confidence. The other two contestants for a spot in the Inner Mansion were both beaten by him—one was an outright defeated opponent, the other was the defeated opponent of another defeated opponent. There was no reason for him to feel insecure.

Only Zhongxuan Zun, although the spot was already determined, it still hadn’t reached the final step. There was still the possibility of change, and this depended solely on the Son of Heaven’s whims.

Zhongxuan Sheng also restrained his smile, "If His Majesty truly calls him forth, then it’s likely to be so."

...

...

"I’m so pissed off!"

Xiang Ling’er clenched her teeth in anger upon her return to the Tower.

You didn’t lift a finger when I fell right in front of you.

And you come to Sanfen Xiangqi Tower after I go to the clinic?

Are you playing hide and seek with me?

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, and with a fierce swipe through the air, she created a loud pop.

By this point, it was already night, and the Sanfen Xiangqi Tower became even livelier.

Mei Yue, leaning against the windowsill, glanced her way. She was not astonished by the pop Xiang Ling’er caused in the air, but couldn’t help chuckling at the unsightly adhesive plaster on her arm—intending not to reveal any flaws, Xiang Ling’er had deliberately inflicted some bruises and contusions on herself, which after the enthusiastic treatment at the local clinic, had become what they were now...

A delicate beauty, awkwardly concealed under plasters, not a hint of her complexion visible. Pitiful yet endearingly cute.

"You’re laughing!" Xiang Ling’er glared at her.

But as she looked over, her anger dissipated for some reason.

At that moment, in her eyes,

The woman in the red attire was leaning on the windowsill, showing only her profile to her.

Her right leg was bent, her right hand resting on her knee, her fingers, like tender green onions, spreading casually like an upside-down Yulan magnolia.

Her left leg hung down naturally from the windowsill, and beneath the elaborate red skirt, the extraordinarily beautiful line was not entirely concealed—straight and symmetrical. Only the ankle was exposed, yet it revealed her ivory skin unchallenged by the bright red skirt.

Her skirt ruffled like red waves, as her feet stirred a jade tide.

Her left hand also dangled, imbued with a lazy weariness.

Only the pale blue crane-beak jade pot hooked by her little finger added a touch of nonchalance.

No need to describe her face anymore.

Of all the Tianxiang and Xinxiang, Xiang Ling’er liked this face the most, the one that seemed somewhat aloof at times but was always endlessly enchanting.

The window was open, and the cool night draped outside, broken by the moonlight and starlight, scattering together.

A breeze blew in, gently dispersing.

The noise and hubbub from below seemed to quiet down for a moment.

"I just lost my head in anger, only to notice," the beautiful view and the beautiful woman naturally made one gentle, and Xiang Ling’er’s tone softened without realizing it, "Why are you dressed so brightly today?"

Mei Yue slightly curled the corners of her mouth, smiling as she said, "To accompany the wine."

"You look so pretty when you smile, dear sister." Xiang Ling’er foolishly took a step forward, then immediately stopped herself, alert.

She shook her head, giggling, "Your charm catches me off guard every time."

Mei Yue remained silent.

Xiang Ling’er continued, "I heard that Jiang Yumu also refused to meet you?"

She laughed, "That makes big sister feel a lot better."

Mei Yue softly said, "Find someone else, don’t waste your time on him. His heart is set on the path, unwavering."

"This person couldn’t be more suitable—famous, with a future, yet lacking a foundation," Xiang Ling’er couldn’t help but smile again, "No matter how devoted he is to the path, once he sees you, his heart will belong to you."

But he wasn’t. Even when he was very weak, he was very firm.

Mei Yue sighed softly to herself.

But she smiled and said, "We need to find an influential figure in Qi Country as soon as possible to turn around our sect’s situation in the Eastern Region. It’s meaningless to quarrel here."

Sanfen Xiangqi Tower had already begun its grand plan to connect the branches around the world, and Mei Yue, precisely because of her outstanding performance in Irredeemable City and He Country, had rapidly risen to become a Tianxiang in an extremely short amount of time.

Naturally, Sanfen Xiangqi Tower couldn’t operate on a large scale in Qi Country, but in some smaller countries of the Eastern Region, it was possible to overstep the boundaries a bit. However, even while expanding in other smaller countries, it was necessary to have a connection in Qi Country.

The overlord of the Eastern Region wasn’t just a title; it represented an influence in all aspects.

No matter how well Sanfen Xiangqi Tower developed in various parts of the world, if it offended the upper echelons of Qi Country, it could be wiped out from the Eastern Region in an instant. On the other hand, to break free from the predicament of "wealth without power and size without stability," which made it difficult to deal with force, Sanfen Xiangqi Tower initiated this transformation.

Mei Yue’s timing to enter the game was absolutely exquisite.

"Oh, my head aches!" Xiang Ling’er pouted like a little girl, "I don’t want to look any further. I must have him!"

Mei Yue had deliberately asked someone to invite Jiang Wang to a meeting as a formality, to show that she had tried and failed. Of course, she wouldn’t mind a face-to-face chat, even after concealing her identity.

That Jiang Wang had refused to meet was unexpected for her. But upon further reflection, it seemed reasonable, like the boy who crossed his sword in front of his sister asking her to "take" Dark Candle.

"Suit yourself," she gently reminded, "Big sister does as she pleases, and I cannot control it. But remember, the chubby one by his side is very clever. Big sister should be more cautious in the future. It wouldn’t be good for me to return to the tower alone, unable to explain to the Sect Master."

She knew Xiang Ling’er. If she insisted on blocking her, it would only make Xiang Ling’er more suspicious. By stepping aside openly and only highlighting the dangers, Xiang Ling’er would be able to think clearly once she calmed down.

"Don’t worry," Xiang Ling’er giggled, "How could I bear to leave you behind?"

Mei Yue didn’t speak further, simply tilting the jade pot and taking a sip.

Her swan-like neck shimmered under the night sky.

The beauty drinking alone on the windowsill made for a picturesque scene, with the distant moon serving as the backdrop.

Unmindful, Xiang Ling’er found herself lost in the moment once again.

Thinking to herself...

No wonder she’s called Mei Yue.

In her presence... even the moon loses its splendor.