It wasn’t Jiang Chen’s first time at the godking mansion. This time, he was shown to a different location for a private interview.
An attendant took him to the heart of the mansion; he remained devoid of nervousness even in the face of the unknown summons. Inside, he reached a rear garden at the end of a small alley.
“Elder Zhen Junior, this is as far as I can go. My lord’s private courtyard is right in front of you, but without his express permission, not even we are allowed inside.”
Jiang Chen smiled gently. “Thank you for your troubles.”
He saluted his guide, pushed open an arched door and walked in.
Tall and sturdy, the godking stood in front of a lake, his hands clasped behind his back.
“Elder Zhen Junior,” Lord Crimsonswaters greeted in a clear voice, breaking out into a faint smile when he heard the young man’s footsteps.
“Greetings to my lord.” Jiang Chen cupped his fist in the beginning of a salute, as befitting someone of lower status.
“Heh, don’t stand on ceremony. Elder Zhen Junior, take a look at this lake. It’s as smooth as a mirror, but a simple stone thrown at random can destroy its serenity. Doesn’t that turn it into an eyesore then?”
With a soft smile, the godking kicked the ground and sent a pebble splashing into the water, violently drawing ripples on the surface.
Reading between the lines, Jiang Chen smiled as well. “The lake’s pretty deep. It was indeed a picture of tranquility, but who knows what lurks below the surface? When the undercurrents become too strong, won’t they cause an even more destructive maelstrom?”
He didn’t yet know what the godking was alluding at, so he answered in his own style.
Lord Crimsonwaters laughed out loud, his eyes flashing.
“Well said. Come on in, sit down. This king hasn’t forgotten your achievements during the competition. I’ve wanted to chat with you, but I’ve been too busy with mundane affairs. To think it’d take years to find an opportunity!”
Jiang Chen bowed. “I’m grateful for your consideration, my lord.”
Truth to tell, he’d rather not attract the attention of a notable figure like the godking.
Since he hadn’t been summoned for idle weather talk, he patiently waited for his host to start the conversation.
The older man toyed with his wine cup before suddenly mentioning, “It’s a little unfortunate for someone of your innate gifts to be stuck in Fiendstar. I’m always on the lookout for talent. How about you join my mansion and work for me? Have you ever thought about it?”
A blatant poaching attempt out of left field?
Surprised, Jiang Chen murmured, “I’m honored by your regard, my lord, but I’ve given my word to Sectmistress Han. I can’t leave Fiendstar within the next sixty years. Although willing, my hands are tied. I beg your forgiveness.”
“Hehe, Elder Zhen Junior, you don’t seem all that willing. Far from it, in fact. You look like you’d rather bolt the first chance you get.”
The older man did sound a little vexed, but remained genial nonetheless.
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Jiang Chen smiled wryly. “Surely you jest. On Crimsonwaters, what else could possibly be more appealing?”
“Is that so?” The godking looked at him with eyes full of wisdom, as if scanning his deepest thoughts.
Unruffled, the young lord nodded. “At least, that’s what I think.”
The godking sighed softly. “For many years, I’ve tried my best to rule over Crimsonwaters Minor. No matter the disturbances elsewhere, I’ve only wished for this world to remain undisturbed by external influences. But it was all just wishful thinking. How can a trivial lesser world not be rocked by the tumults of our time?”
Though meant for his visitor, Lord Crimsonwaters also seemed to be thinking out loud.
Where is he going with this? Jiang Chen didn’t get ahead of himself. He merely nodded and stayed put.
“Elder Zhen Junior, how long do you think these peaceful days will last?” asked the godking, as if putting the young lord to the test.
The latter thought for a moment. “My lord, is there anything that lasts forever? Let’s take Taiyuan Plane as an example. For the past several hundred thousand years, it’s been at the constant mercy of momentous changes. To maintain stability on Crimsonwaters is already a feat in itself. My lord, your devotion to your domain is well-known. Trouble might be lurking on the horizon, but it’s not your fault. A man can’t fight against providence.”
Lord Crimsonwaters sighed, his expression subtly somber. “So you don’t think the peace will last, I surmise.”
Jiang Chen pulled a face. “I haven’t been back for long, but from what I can tell, celestial emperors have been succeeding one another very frequently. Such volatility can’t help but breed changes sooner or later. My lord, far be it from me to be a fearmonger, but I’m not all that optimistic about Taiyuan.”
His words certainly didn’t represent his inner thoughts; they were simply meant to fish out the godking’s position.
Sure enough, the latter was visibly torn. He probably agreed with Jiang Chen’s statement, but given his status, he couldn’t admit it aloud.
“Is that your personal opinion? Or do you speak for your sect?” he suddenly riposited.
“The Fiendstar Sect?” Jiang Chen pursed his lips. “My lord, you’re certainly aware I haven’t joined long enough to form deep attachments. I naturally haven’t discussed such a sensitive topic with my sect members.”
A blatant lie, but he didn’t feel guilty in the least.
“What about Sectmistress Han?” the godking wondered.
“Not even her,” the young man responded resolutely.
The godking chuckled. Instead of continuing down that path, he brought up another subject. “I hear you have a rather elusive uncle. Why’s it so hard to see him?”
“He’s been a wanderer his entire life, so he comes and goes as he pleases. He’s out there playing somewhere, but for the life of me I couldn’t tell you where,” responded the young lord with a wry twist of the lips.
The godking sighed again. The atmosphere turned a little stifling, until another sigh finally broke the long silence.
“Elder Zhen Junior, you might not be aware I admire you very much. I bear you no animosity, I assure you. Some things you might find hard to believe. In fact, I called you here to evaluate you for a certain purpose.”
“What?” Jiang Chen blinked.