The timing of the Yellow River Gathering was determined solely by the water levels—occurring every ten years at a minimum and fifteen at most; he simply wouldn’t have another chance.

Therefore, this could be his only opportunity in the coming years to get close to Emperor Qi, and the sole chance in his life to declare at such an important ceremonial sacrifice, "Cui Zhu attempted to assassinate Qi Jun."

Jiang Wang had to admit that Zhongxuan Sheng’s analysis made a lot of sense. It was hard to say that the inevitable "accomplices" of Cui Zhu wouldn’t harbor hostility toward him.

After all, without him, Cui Zhu would have had a fighting chance against Lei Zhanqian. Once Cui Zhu obtained the qualifications to attend the Yellow River Gathering and performed well, it almost announced his rapid rise in Qi Country. For their schemes, it would certainly be greatly beneficial.

Now, however, it was stalled before the name Jiang Wang, only able to sacrifice oneself for a stab, to voice an outcry.

"I’ll try not to leave Linzi during this period," Jiang Wang said.

With his relationship with Zhongxuan Sheng, there was no need to play the hero. Even if he wasn’t afraid, those troubles were best avoided whenever possible.

"Additionally," Zhongxuan Sheng said, "before you go to the Yellow River Gathering, find some time to visit The Imperial Ancestral Temple again to worship the accompanying meritorious generals. This is customary before embarking on a campaign."

Attending the Yellow River Gathering to compete with the prodigies of other nations, Qi Country would bestow upon him "the grand master’s rites"; naturally, it could be considered a highly formal campaign. As one of the representatives, Jiang Wang’s worshipping of Qi’s famous generals was also a fitting tribute. Of course, Jiang would not have known this custom if Zhongxuan Sheng had not mentioned it.

"Do I need to go together with those two?" Jiang Wang asked.

He was, of course, referring to Ji Zhaonan and Zhongxuan Zun.

Zhongxuan Sheng shook his head: "There is no need for that. Each will go separately."

Jiang Wang thought for a moment: "Then I will go tomorrow."

He said with a smile, "I’ll go on your behalf!"

As a top-ranking noble family of Qi Country, the progenitor of the Marquis of Bowang naturally had a place in the halls of The Imperial Ancestral Temple.

It was certain that Zhongxuan Zun would go to worship his ancestors.

The descendants of the original Marquis of Bowang could always visit the shrine to pay respects, but to worship in the name of heading for battle was an honor.

And by going on behalf of Zhongxuan Sheng, Jiang Wang was ensuring he did not miss out on that honor.

Zhongxuan Sheng also began to smile: "Worshipping more than once isn’t an issue. Remember to also pay homage to the first Marquis of Destroying Cities... your Sister Feng Yao will be very pleased!"

Jiang Wang: ...

Although he privately called her Li Fengyao in that manner, being reminded by Zhongxuan Pang this way made him feel somewhat embarrassed.

When an army embarked upon a campaign, it was a customary ritual for the lead general to go to The Imperial Ancestral Temple to offer sacrifices. As for which general or famous minister to worship, nobody would interfere.

But the incense offered for which famous general or minister was more abundant would naturally indicate the recognition of their abilities and merits by successive generations of generals.

So Zhongxuan Sheng suggesting he worship at several halls was also a small token of goodwill.

Zhongxuan Sheng came in a hurry and left in just as much of a rush.

Having just returned to exert pressure upon the people of Linzi, Zhongxuan Zun certainly wouldn’t accept a decline in his status within the clan. In contrast, Zhongxuan Sheng had far too many matters to deal with...

Visiting The Imperial Ancestral Temple for worship was a simple task. Sincerity and respect were all that was needed, nothing more to it.

What Jiang Wang was most concerned about, however, was still Cui Zhu.

It was hard to say how much of a stir Cui Zhu’s stab could cause.

But from Jiang Wang’s perspective, the current reign of Emperor Qi would not be shaken in the slightest by this assassination attempt.

Of course, the power behind Cui Zhu might have more unknown objectives.

What puzzled Jiang Wang, however, was Cui Zhu’s final words, "I have no regrets"...

Why tell him?

Simply because they were fighting at the time?

Aside from his daily cultivation routine, he buried himself in research on the "Fire Realm" for the entire day.

Again, there were the rituals of burning incense and bathing, followed by a whole night of cultivation.

By the time it brightened outside, he had finally roughly constructed the framework of the "Fire Realm"... though it was still far from being complete.

At this point, he could have thrown it into the Taixu Illusion Realm and used the Daoist Platform to deduce it, which, although it would certainly consume an immense amount of energy, was undoubtedly the simplest method.

But Jiang Wang didn’t plan to do it that way.

Slowly deducing this killing method himself would allow him to grasp it more profoundly. Just like his own creation Eight Tones Engulfs the Ocean, which enabled him to obtain control ahead of time, if he were to let the Daoist Platform deduce an ultimate Dao Technique, it might be more perfect, but he would have to learn and use it step by step.

At least he would wait until the framework was solidified before utilizing the Daoist Platform to add flesh to the bones—Jiang Wang wouldn’t admit that this choice was indeed slightly related to the "energy" deficiency.

Jiang Wang temporarily stopped his cultivation and stepped outside. He didn’t bring any attendants with him and headed straight to The Imperial Ancestral Temple.

To worship at The Imperial Ancestral Temple before a campaign was proper. Moreover, Jiang Wang had only recently been honored as a prodigy by his country in front of The Imperial Ancestral Temple, so he met with no obstruction.

Two guards stood in front of the main entrance to The Imperial Ancestral Temple, their gaze fixed forward. Jiang Wang approached without a word.

So he walked quietly into The Imperial Ancestral Temple.

This was probably the quietest cluster of buildings in Linzi, perhaps only comparable to the silence of the Blue Stone Palace.

All the guards inside, like those at the main entrance, stood motionless like statues. Even when someone approached them directly, they didn’t blink an eye. But from their aura, each one was a skilled hand.

Whether there were top-notch experts guarding the place, Jiang Wang didn’t know, but he wasn’t foolish enough to probe for an answer.

He walked further into the solemn atmosphere; of course, he couldn’t enter the main hall.