Mythical Three Kingdoms

Jian Yong had never imagined that this mission would be completed so easily. He had wasted effort racing on horseback with Wuu Anguo all the way to Jingzhou. After arriving, he went straight to the Mi Family to discuss matters, presented the proof issued by Mi Zhu, changed clothes, shouldered the bridal gifts, and hurriedly set out to get things done, only to find that it was surprisingly simple to accomplish.

Jian Yong was originally eager to relocate the entire Huang Family, but given their significant household and business, moving was not going to be a one- or two-day affair. However, during this time, Huang Chengyan had not been idle either, visiting friends on all sides and successfully deceiving Sima Hui into hitting the road together.

Afterwards, Huang Chengyan made his move decisively, without any hesitation, pulling away Jiangh Wan, the lead disciple of Lord Pang De. Compared to the fourteen or fifteen-year-old Zhuge Liang, Jiangh Wan was already twenty years old. However, Jiangh Wan was of the type that peaked later in life, and his brilliance was only beginning to show. Apart from the transmigrator Chen Xi, no more than five people in the entire world knew of his abilities.

”Chief Shang, where’s your second disciple? Hand him over to me too,” Huang Chengyan, having confirmed he couldn’t lure away Lord Pang De and the Lumen Academy, began to target the disciples under Lord Pang De’s wing. He first chose Pang Shiyuan, Lord Pang De’s nephew, but found he had already run away from home. Having already secured his second choice, Jiangh Wan, all that was left was Fei Yi, an eleven or twelve-year-old who had only been taken in by Lord Pang De a few months ago.

Huang Chengyan didn’t perceive any extraordinary talent in the taciturn child, Fei Yi, but he had immense faith in Lord Pang De’s judgment. After all, when everyone thought Pang Tong was a fool, Lord Pang De had seen his potential, and the outcome was clear—there weren’t many in the world who could surpass Pang Tong.

When Xu Shu first arrived, everyone thought he was a thug. Only Lord Pang De befriended Xu Shu, and within just a few short years, Huang Chengyan had to admit that Xu Shu had become like a star adorning the sky.

There was also Jiangh Wan. Now, Huang Chengyan had to acknowledge that Jiangh Wan truly was a late bloomer. From an initially mediocre and stubborn stone, the elegance within him was gradually beginning to show, very much like a piece of Beautiful Jade nearing its completion.

Thus, even though Huang Chengyan couldn’t see any special abilities in Fei Yi, he didn’t underestimate him. Instead, he planned to bring him over and educate him properly. Although his talent spotting abilities were lacking, his capability as an educator was undeniable.

”No, I cannot give you the second disciple. I have nothing to say if Gong Yan wishes to follow you voluntarily, and I think it’s time for him to gain some experience. But not this second disciple of mine—he is too young and could easily be ruined,” Lord Pang De refused Huang Chengyan’s proposition without hesitation.

”Let’s make a deal, why don’t you come to Mount Tai? Hasn’t your aspiration always been to open the minds of the people of the world? Mount Tai would be perfect for you!” Huang Chengyan argued, puzzled. Lord Pang De’s ideals and Liu Bei’s were incredibly similar, both aiming to enlighten the populace, but Huang Chengyan felt a firm resolve in Lord Pang De’s response.

”Mount Tai, huh? I’d love to go, but I cannot. On my behalf, Brother Chengyan, please explore Mount Tai thoroughly, observe Liu Xuande’s every word and deed, record the subtle changes of the People of Mount Tai. I won’t go,” Lord Pang De said with a bitter smile. He didn’t want to leave Jingzhou. He would stay in Lumen forever, until death arrived, and he didn’t want to explain his reasons.

Huang Chengyan tried hard to persuade Lord Pang De, but eventually had to give up, as Lord Pang De was unwilling to leave Lumen under any circumstances.

Meanwhile, Jian Yong had made contact with Xu Shu again, and upon seeing him this time, it was clear that he had become much more refined than before, with a glint of wisdom now present in his eyes.

”Yuanzhi, aren’t you going to Mount Tai?” Jian Yong asked, sitting across from Xu Shu, ”The position of one of the four Chief Historians under the General of the East is still open for you.”

”Just a little longer, I feel I can return soon, but not now,” Xu Shu sighed. He could already sense the presence of his Spiritual Talent, yet awakening it eluded him. Now, he was only a final, slight step away from the pinnacle that the very top few had reached.

”What are you waiting for?” Jian Yong asked, puzzled.

”I’m waiting for my Spiritual Talent to awaken. I can already feel my Spiritual Talent now, but I’m just a bit short of awakening it. I need to wait until it awakens; only then will I have the qualifications to fulfill the promise I made,” Xu Shu said with a light laugh.

”Hiss~” Jian Yong sucked in a breath of cold air. He had never thought Xu Shu could be so formidable. Liu Bei had told him about Xu Shu, who, just a few years ago, was nothing more than a rogue, yet now had reached such a level.

”However, I am still a bit short, and so are my Military Strategy, tactics, Military Formations, and troop Commanding,” Xu Shu said with a helpless expression. Time was always against him. If he had a few more years, he wouldn’t have to be so anxious.

”Then just wait a bit longer. Don’t forcibly awaken your Spiritual Talent. Kongming once forced his Spiritual Talent to awaken and ended up with severe side effects. You don’t need to rush. Even if the war in the north starts, it won’t be over quickly. You still have plenty of time,” Jian Yong advised soothingly, slightly worried that Xu Shu would act in haste and do something similar to what Zhuge Liang had done.

Speaking of which, Jian Yong didn’t for a moment doubt Xu Shu was joking. After all, he had occasionally sensed on Xu Shu the oppressive force that people like Jia Xu emitted after awakening their Spiritual Talent. It was a harbinger, a sign that one’s spirit and intellect were at the brink of ascent—to the verge of awakening the Spiritual Talent.

”That’s what I’m thinking too,” Xu Shu said calmly. He was in no hurry. The situation in both Mount Tai and Jizhou was clear to him. The battle between Yuan Shao and Liu Bei couldn’t possibly end within a year or two. With strong foundations on both sides, a defeat or two wouldn’t break them. He estimated that he had two more years before the war escalated, which he considered sufficient time for study.

”Then Yuanzhi, just continue staying in Jingzhou. Do you need me to send some soldiers to ensure your safety?” Jian Yong inquired.

”No need. Lumen Academy is very safe, especially now that the governor of Xiangyang has been replaced by Liaoo Gongyuan; it is exceedingly secure,” Xu Shu sighed. He saw the situation even more clearly than Jian Yong. Xiangyang already belonged to Sunce Ce, and Pang Tong, the nephew of Lord Pang De, was serving under Sunce Ce and held a high position.

Jian Yong didn’t linger at Xu Shu’s place, as he didn’t want to cause him any trouble. Xu Shu wasn’t well-known at Lumen Academy, and any attention drawn due to him could become a significant problem.

That’s why Jian Yong didn’t understand why Xu Shu wouldn’t go to Mount Tai to study. After all, compared to other places, the variety of books in Mount Tai was unmatched, and given Xu Shu’s status, the Book Pavilion of Mount Tai would be highly accessible to him, unlike in Jingzhou.

After Jian Yong returned to the residence prepared for him and Wuu Anguo by the Huang Family, he did not go out again. He made a cup of tea and took out the ”Strategies of the Warring States” from his pocket to read. Before he could finish even one section, he heard a soft knock at the door and was slightly startled.

”Who is it?” Jian Yong put down the book and got up to ask. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for it with recommendations and monthly tickets on Qidian ). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)