April 22, 2018

The Celestial Divine Sword’s operational efficiency is extremely high. Upon receiving confirmation of Zhao Chenlu’s information, they immediately prepared to set off for the rescue.

But they were stopped just as they took the first step.

"Ah Jiu, wait, you can’t be reckless about this," Shen Qingming advised. "If you go to rescue her now, you’d be up against the entire Golden Jade City. Although we all know your power is astounding, the rebuilding progress of Sword World is limited... Even someone like her, who has been revived for over thirty years, is being suppressed by the Seventeen Linked Rings in her own courtyard. What if you get trapped too? Who would go in and save you then?"

Zhao Chenlu laughed and said, "Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of him inside, and we’ll have a nice time together."

"You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you!"

Ignoring Shen Qingming’s fiery anger, Zhao Chenlu said to Wang Jiu, "Darling, there’s no rush to rescue me. I’m right here waiting for you, won’t go anywhere, at least until the public trial conference. I am safe for now. If you just leave me here, wouldn’t those idiots’ framing and incrimination be confirmed? I’ve been in control of Golden Jade City for so long and have never fallen victim to such petty schemes. This time will be no exception. I hope you can cooperate with me in this play, let them taste defeat at the moment they think victory is theirs and experience hopelessness from heaven to earth."

Shen Qingming was utterly shocked. "How can a prisoner have so many demands!?"

Zhao Chenlu sneered, "How can someone like you with mild intellectual disability have so many questions?"

"How do you know... You’re the one who is intellectually deficient!"

Zhao Chenlu said, "My intelligence test result is 8. What about yours?"

"I can be 8 too! I’m only 15, I have a lot of room to grow in the future!"

Zhao Chenlu laughed, "Your ancestor Shen Kaishan had an intelligence index of 3.5 at the age of 15."

"..." Shen Qingming felt a chill down his spine at that moment.

Though usually critical of Shen Qingming, even Li Chaolu couldn’t bear to see her family being bullied repeatedly like this. Stepping forward, she said, "You were careless and got betrayed by your trusted subordinates which is why you’re in this predicament. How dare you ridicule those of us trying to save you!?"

Zhao Chenlu replied, "My confidence comes from myself, not my temporary situation or social status. Does your Li Family teach you to judge people based on their circumstances and kick someone when they’re down?"

Li Chaolu was rendered speechless, regretting why she ever chose to defend Shen Qingming, leading to such a predicament. If she had just remained quiet and acted like a pretty girl, she could have just watched Shen Qingming’s drama without being embarrassed like this!

Li Wanqing shook her head, "With a temperament like yours, it’s no wonder you were abandoned by those around you."

Zhao Chenlu said, "Why should I care about the opinions of those around me? Even when trying to plot against me, they have to use the array I personally set up. These idiots are just a burden. Besides, given your reputation, you should have no right to criticize my personality, Little Li Wanqing despised by half of Cyan Cloud City’s men."

Li Wanqing said, "I’m not going to argue with you, after all, I’m not the one locked up in prison waiting for rescue right now."

Zhao Chenlu laughed, "Even though I’m imprisoned, I have a hero who will come to rescue me. I wonder if you have such a hero?"

For a moment, the former Jiu Immortal Venerables faced three opponents, demonstrating an overwhelming stance. If it weren’t for the fact that her presence here was merely a semi-transparent projection, it would have been a majestic scene of a 17-year-old Immortal Cultivation senior bullying three junior female disciples.

However, Wang Jiu noticed that Zhao Chenlu was indeed at the end of her tether. The taste of being suppressed by the Seventeen Linked Rings, which she herself designed and created, was evident from the slight beads of sweat forming on her forehead. Her ability to maintain communication would last only three to five minutes; any more would be a waste.

"Stop wasting time. Tell me directly what you need me to do." 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

"It’s simple, contact my supporters," Zhao Chenlu said. "Tell them I’m looking forward to the performances of faithful servants."

Wang Jiu asked, "That’s all?"

"Yes, that’s all there is," Zhao Chenlu explained. "Even factoring in a few unexpected names, the ones Zhao Hongwu managed to win over are still in the minority. This Golden Jade City is a city I built myself, how could I lose my home court advantage?"

Shen Qingming interrupted, "But according to public opinion polls...’

"Most people only fear me, not love me. The majority don’t support me as City Lord, and the higher their status and the more they have Immortal Cultivation, the more they resent my dictatorship, isn’t that right?" Zhao Chenlu sneered. "Do you think you’re the only one who knows how to conduct such surveys? Although I disdain understanding the thoughts of the lower class, there will always be a few fools who want to flatter me by handing over their carefully conducted survey results, suggesting I initiate a political movement to purge harmful thoughts circulating in Golden Jade City. This rhetoric, I’ve long been tired of hearing. Little one, consider this a lesson from me on your ancestor’s behalf: Political leaders rule not by public opinion support. Your surveys can never truly grasp human nature. Humans are creatures who love to say one thing but mean another. Their mouths may say they dislike me, but if someone really jumps out to break the established order, most people will jump out to act as obstacles. Golden Jade City is no different. Ignore those who claim they dislike me, without my endless stream of ideas and contributions, how would they lead such prosperous and abundant lives? Based on what could Zhao Hongwu and his incompetents take over what I’ve left behind?"

Shen Qingming asked, "With such confidence, why is it that only us outsiders are trying to rescue you while those supporters of yours are nowhere to be found?"

Zhao Chenlu was silent for a moment, then said, "They’re afraid that acting rashly will disrupt my plans and incur my wrath."

"So they’re still convinced you can turn the tide by your own means? Even now when the situation is overwhelmingly unfavorable to you?"

Zhao Chenlu said, "If you were in their position would you believe the City Lord, would be trapped by the schemes of a few incompetents? The only unexpected element here is Zhao Lingbo, my carefully trained confidant, her involvement only makes others believe this whole thing is a play directed by me."

"You’re pretending this is a play!?"

"I’ve orchestrated several such plays before. The most realistic one involved even preparing a corpse."

"Are you sick!?"

Zhao Chenlu replied, "If you spent decades searching for someone and still failed to find even a single clue, you’d do some strange things to dispel your loneliness too."

After saying this, Zhao Chenlu shrugged, and her projection began to thin out even more.

"Anyway, this time seems to have played out terribly, so I’m asking you for a favor. Notify those dogs who pride themselves on loyalty that it’s time for action. If they want to continue living a life where they don’t have to work hard and can still enjoy prosperity simply by waiting for Lord City Lord’s golden ideas to fall from the sky, then they ought to make a move."

Wang Jiu nodded, "Alright, what’s the specific list?"

"No list needed, just find one person, Zhao Jincheng," Zhao Chenlu said. "He’s a toy I’ve raised for many years. Though he’s a bit stupid and ugly, he can still be useful when needed. As long as he steps forward, those who are observing will naturally follow suit. Once the first batch starts moving, the second and third batches will soon join in. Nobody wants to be left behind in the rewards for saving the city. So, find Zhao Jincheng, and you don’t have to worry about the rest."

Wang Jiu said, "Zhao Jincheng, what about the alternatives?"

For those who have experienced the Immortal Demon war, never rely on a single tactic; having backup plans is necessary.

"The alternative is Zhao Hongxue," Zhao Chenlu said. "Third choice would be Zhao Hongwen, yes, the leader of one of the rebels. He’s a typical fence-sitter; bring my intention to him, and he’ll know how to choose."

After mentioning these three names, Zhao Chenlu’s projection technique finally reached its limit.

In the end, her image was as faint as mist. The woman looked at Wang Jiu with a hint of regret and waved her hand, "Darling, I’m sorry you have to see me like this, but I promise that the next time we meet, I’ll be more beautiful than anyone else."

——

After receiving Zhao Chenlu’s parting words, Wang Jiu quickly began to take action.

According to the strategy she provided, the first step was to find Zhao Jincheng—the square-faced man she kept as a pet. As the eldest son of Golden Jade City, he’s like a flag; if he stands up, Zhao Chenlu’s supporters would naturally rally.

Finding Zhao Jincheng is not difficult. As a pet personally trained by Zhao Chenlu, he is completely different from those who depend on family resources and laze around doing nothing. He has always held a position in Golden Jade City, so to find him, just visit his workplace during weekdays.

Even though Golden Jade City has suffered a coup led by Zhao Hongwu and others, most government institutions remain in operation for city continuity, and Zhao Jincheng, despite the grief of losing a sister, continues the 9-to-5 grind and frequent overtime as a corporate slave.

But when Wang Jiu and company arrived at Zhao Jincheng’s office building and requested a meeting with him through the concierge, they unsurprisingly received this answer.

"Zhao Jincheng? He was taken away three days ago and locked up. If you want to see him, it’d be best to wait until after the public trial conference. Although by then he’ll probably be sentenced and locked up already."

Shen Qingming lamented, "I knew I couldn’t rely on that brick-face after all!"