Chapter 1073: Chapter 306: Draping the Statue (Extra for Alliance Hierarch 枳酒o!)

"Vitality" is a term that sounds familiar at first, but it’s elusive and somewhat abstract,

yet it indisputably exists.

When Emperor Qi consulted the people, Jiang Wuji said, "If vitality is weak, so is our national vital energy. With the nation’s structure, the vitality of the people is even the source of official energy. This underpins the fundamental reason for warring states to plunder populations."

The former statement addressed the influence of human vitality on the cosmic vitality, while the latter pointed out the connection between human vitality and the nation’s system. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

The shrine of the Nine Returns Marquis was a place devoid of human vitality.

Although it was enshrined within the Guarding the Nation Hall and frequently cleaned by visitors, it still appeared very desolate.

Jiang Wang entered the shrine.

It was still morning.

Most places in Linyi City were already bustling.

Only here it was solemn and peaceful.

The cool morning light fell from somewhere unknown.

There was a figure, back toward Jiang Wang, basking in the morning light.

This was someone familiar.

Perhaps hearing footsteps, he slowly turned around to look at Jiang Wang.

Seeing Jiang Wang, he didn’t seem surprised but only turned back to insert the "Heavenly Will" incense he was holding into the incense burner, then turned fully to face Jiang Wang.

"It’s been a long time, Jiang Qingyang," he said.

The Heavenly Will incense was teal, like the drapes of the celestial sky.

The smoke, pale and almost invisible, yet unquestionably real, rose indistinctly behind him,

swirling around the tall statue of the first Nine Returns Marquis —

It was a life-sized statue, about eight feet tall, not particularly robust. The statue had its upper body half exposed, with numerous scars. It was half-naked because it was draped with a half-length purple robe.

The Martial Emperor had once stripped off his robe and placed it over the corpse after the Nine Returns Marquis battled to his death in nine combats.

The statue was enshrined in such a manner, likely as a remembrance of this event.

Only Phoenix Immortal of Clan Zhang’s sole bloodline, Zhang Song, could move unhindered to the Guarding the Nation Hall in the Imperial Ancestral Temple and perform rites for the Nine Returns Marquis,

or perhaps, someone who might not actually be Zhang Song.

Jiang Wang immediately remembered Zhongxuan Sheng’s warning from yesterday — "You might run into trouble."

On guard inside, he remained composed outwardly, "It has indeed been a while."

Since the battle at the Yunwu Mountain, they hadn’t made contact. Even if they saw each other by chance, it was merely a fleeting glance.

Of those who had left the Heavenly Abode Secret Land together, his friendships with Xu Xiangqian and Li Longchuan had deepened, whereas contact with Zhang Song, after a few initial encounters, had become entirely estranged.

"Did you come to pay respects to my Zhang ancestors?" Zhang Song softly said. "That’s very thoughtful of you."

Saying so, he stepped aside to let Jiang Wang perform the rites.

The Nine Returns Marquis was certainly a hero, and Jiang Wang had intended to pay respects as well.

Without saying much, he went to the altar, took three sticks of Heavenly Will incense, lit them together, respectfully performed the rituals, and then inserted the incense into the censer.

He bowed again.

Zhang Song stood by the whole time, waiting until Jiang Wang had finished, then asked, "Why can you show such genuine respect? You didn’t know him, you’re not a native of Qi, and the current Phoenix Immortal of Clan Zhang couldn’t possibly bring you any benefits... How can you be so earnest?"

At this moment, Zhang Song was different from any other time Jiang Wang had seen him.

Before entering the Heavenly Abode Secret Land, Zhang Song was brave, yet somewhat childish and timid.

After exiting the Heavenly Abode Secret Land, Zhang Song was reserved and noticeably more confident.

Back then, following the Eleventh Prince, Jiang Wuqi, on Yunwu Mountain, Zhang Song was eager to stand out and achieve accomplishments, his eyes full of ambition.

It was a complete portrait of a character’s growth.

And the Zhang Song, standing amidst the overlapping layers of Dao Technique’s Forest of Singulars and Sea of Flowers Dao Technique, with a pleading look in his eyes, was complex and mysterious.

But no matter which Zhang Song, he had never been like today, so talkative, so proactive in speaking.

"Why aren’t you speaking?" he asked again.

"I don’t think your question is a question. Must we always ’force the why’ in matters of the world?" Jiang Wang said, "The Imperial Ancestral Hall is a respected place, and thus I respect it. It’s that simple."

"You are very sincere, truly, you are very sincere," Zhang Song looked at Jiang Wang, then turned to look at the statue of the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

He sighed, "Unfortunately, I cannot do the same."

In a strange, dream-like tone, he said, "No matter how I convince myself, no matter how I deceive myself, I can’t bring myself to truly respect... anyone from this country."

Jiang Wang quietly stepped back, "So?"

Zhang Song suddenly seemed to snap back to reality, consoling, "You don’t have to be nervous, we are not enemies. I personally have no hatred towards you. And..."

He laughed, "I’m not your opponent, am I?"

Jiang Wang, of course, would not let down his guard because of his words, his hand resting on the sword hilt, "Who are you really?"

"You can ask me a thousand times, ten thousand times, and I will have only one answer." He slightly lowered his gaze, saying, "I am the descendant of the Ninth Return Lord, the sole surviving bloodline of the Phoenix Immortal of Clan Zhang, Zhang Song."

"It’s strange," Jiang Wang stared at him, "I find it strange now. Back on Yunwu Mountain, I chose silence instead of questioning your doubts. And for so long after, I never thought of it again."

Zhang Song laughed, "There’s nothing strange about it. You are inherently kind, understanding empathy and compassion. The you on Yunwu Mountain simply succumbed to your nature."

"Was I influenced by your Pupil Skill then?" Jiang Wang asked.

"Jiang Qingyang, that’s not important," Zhang Song said, "What’s important is that you are kind."

Jiang Wang thought for a moment, then slowly drew Longing. Its beautiful blade, in the morning light, was clearer than the morning light itself.

"I think it’s just because..." he said, "back then I had no intention of settling in Qi Country, nor was I a Qing brand catcher yet."

Zhang Song was still smiling, and he asked Jiang Wang, "Is it a matter of duty?"

"What about the heart of compassion?" he pressed, "Your kindness, your compassion, your mercy?"

Jiang Wang looked at him calmly, "My heart of compassion will not be given to assassins or those who indulge in schemes."

Since Yunwu Mountain, Zhang Song had always walked around Jiang Wang, avoiding face-to-face encounters if possible.

A person like him, exposing himself today, speaking without any disguise, Jiang Wang could only think of one reason, that he could no longer hide.

Why could he suddenly not hide anymore?

The only connection Jiang Wang could think of was the Cui Zhu assassination case.

There must be some relationship between this Zhang Song and Cui Zhu!

"Eh," Zhang Song sighed with a smile, "There are too many clever people in this world. You reveal a single hair, and they can dig up your ancestors eighteen generations..."

He suddenly raised his head and stepped forward, "Come, arrest me!"