High Martial World: I Gain Passive Skills Daily-Chapter 72 -:

"..." Zhou Yanwei fell silent.

Lin Er You’s words were difficult for Zhou Yanwei to respond to.

First, he didn’t know the relationship between the brothers from Freedom Mountain yet, so making a rash judgment wouldn’t be wise.

Second, it was clear that Zhang Zhizhou was searching for a candidate on behalf of the master, and perhaps Lin Er You was testing his attitude and thoughts with these words.

If Zhang Zhizhou could find the unparalleled Monarch, it would suggest cowardice and retreat, as if afraid to compete.

But being certain he couldn’t find them was not Zhou Yanwei’s genuine belief.

In this vast world, with countless talented individuals, as the chaos approaches, surely there are several worthy of slaying the White Snake and lifting the Nine Tripods?

If it were a matter of speaking boldly, Zhou Yanwei naturally had aspirations aplenty to share.

But such matters couldn’t be spoken of lightly.

Lin Er You’s sudden appearance and revelation made Zhou Yanwei vigilant towards him, unable to trust him completely yet.

The two had known each other for just a month.

Expecting him to open his heart completely now was naturally impossible.

Lin Er You saw Zhou Yanwei’s hesitation and smiled, saying:

"What’s wrong? Where’s the straightforward speech we used to have, Yanwei? If we must become ruler and minister now, does that mean we can’t be friends anymore?"

He shook his fan, playfully exaggerating:

"They say the crafty rabbit is dead, and the hunting dog gets cooked; we haven’t even begun yet, and you’re talking of a fallout between ruler and minister... Is my recommendation so terribly unsuccessful?"

"Indeed, not very good."

Zhou Yanwei responded without reservation, murmuring: "You schemed to trap me before, almost costing me my life at the hands of Di Wu."

He couldn’t quite like Lin Er You’s playful and slick nature.

He smirked without warmth and said, "You couldn’t possibly think this is all water under the bridge, could you?"

"..."

Feeling embarrassed, Lin Er You scratched his head with his feather fan: "Alright, I admit that wasn’t quite fair."

He spread his hands: "But without tests like these, how can one prove the mettle?"

Before Zhou Yanwei could sarcastically remark further, Lin Er You hurriedly said, "I apologize. To show my sincerity, how about I help you take control of Jishao County... or even the entire Liang Kingdom?"

Zhou Yanwei’s expression shifted, fixing his gaze on Lin Er You: "How do you know?"

Lin Er You shrugged: "Just a guess."

"Great Zhou just seized Liang Kingdom; inevitably there will be a major campaign to implement culture. Your brother, the talented and virtuous King of Qi, manages all such tasks."

"Matters of culture depend on livelihoods; those who make frequent appearances will be recognized by Liang Kingdom’s people in the future. It’s clear as day."

"But this time, because of the sudden invasion by northern night raiders, he was sent to marshal troops."

"And you happen to be here; isn’t this a golden opportunity to implant your influence?"

"Imperial City is too chaotic, while Jishao County is just right."

Lin Er You smiled broadly and said, "No wonder I was waiting here in Jishao County a month ahead of time."

Only now did Zhou Yanwei admire this Freedom Mountain "Standing Bookshelf."

"Standing Bookshelf," denoting profound scholarship, masterful understanding, and quick wit, capable of writing spontaneously.

For the master to speak so highly, indeed, he was no ordinary person.

Zhou Yanwei’s purpose in coming to Jishao County was precisely to seize the opportunity to genuinely develop his own influence.

He pondered for a while and said, "How will you assist me?"

"It’s simple."

Lin Er You asked, "How many personnel does His Highness have available now?"

Zhou Yanwei contemplated: "Three hundred Enlightened Personal Guards, ten Hidden Guards, with six at the Innate Realm, four at the Tower Ascension Realm, all elite. Additionally, Old Ma’s injury will heal in half a fortnight."

Lin Er You shook his head: "Not quite enough."

Zhou Yanwei sighed: "I am merely a prince neglected by my father, with my mother of low status. Even my other two brothers are treated more favorably than I am."

Implying that his ability to accumulate such influence was already quite remarkable.

Lin Er You chuckled: "I don’t disdain the size, but His Highness can’t put everyone on display; there must be some subtlety."

This is no good, that is no good.

Zhou Yanwei grumbled:

"With so few, unable to conjure more out of thin air, what’s your solution?"

Lin Er You’s eyes gleamed:

"What does His Highness think of Chen Kuang and Chen Ruogu?"

Zhou Yanwei was surprised: "Him? He is mysterious, peculiar, and difficult to gauge in cultivation. However, he is far from ordinary, ranking high in public assessments, destined for a notable name."

In truth, Zhou Yanwei harbored curiosity about Chen Kuang.

Yet this fellow always escaped swiftly, as if delayed too long would incur debt.

"What are you suggesting?"

Lin Er You leisurely said: "This person is usable."

Zhou Yanwei hesitated: "But he is from Liang Kingdom, and likely already knows my identity."

"What’s the problem with that? Being from Liang Kingdom is precisely advantageous!"

Lin Er You smiled: "If you can control part of Liang Kingdom now, it’s entirely beneficial to them."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Liang Kingdom’s downfall is inevitable; relying solely on him and those two women to restore the nation swiftly is impossible."

Lin Er You analyzed: "But within Liang Kingdom, there must be hidden forces poised to support their recovery and resurgence."

"Otherwise, Huo Hengxuan wouldn’t have gone to such great lengths to send them out."

"And these forces can be utilized by His Highness!"

Lin Er You pointed the feather fan towards the distant Governor’s residence: "His Highness can easily assume control over Liang Kingdom, surpassing their capabilities. However, this is not an area of conflict, but a mutual support where they should fully back His Highness."

"His Highness’s true goal is Great Zhou! It is the entire world!"

His eyes sparkled with ambition: "At this moment, Liang Kingdom is merely a future county of Great Zhou. What harm is there in entrusting them with management?"

"This is the bargaining chip His Highness can exchange."

Zhou Yanwei took a deep breath, and after a long silence, said: "Can you find Chen Kuang?"

Lin Er You laughed heartily and replied:

"Some gifts aren’t given for free..."

...

[You have perfectly grilled four fish, acquiring the passive "Golden Cuisine": food crafted by your hands becomes delicacy.]

The next day, at dawn, while traveling, Chen Kuang eyed the new passive skill with mild bemusement.

Another odd passive added...

But this skill wasn’t entirely useless; it greatly enhanced the quality of life for now.

For efficiency in travel, Qingcuo carried Chu Wen Ruo, while Chen Kuang donned the Fog Flower Forging and held the comatose Little Princess.

Chen Kuang explained to Shen Meinan:

"Thirteen years ago, Jishao County suffered a severe drought, reducing Dongting Lake by nearly two-thirds. The Governor ordered fishermen banned from fishing, with violators immediately executed."

"That year, Jishao County experienced ten thousand deaths."

"My family was impoverished, unable to sustain, forced to sell me for food."

Shen Meinan curiously asked: "Were your family members all ordinary people? You’re wanted now, yet no one has found them?"

Chen Kuang shook his head and replied:

"Such a small figure as me rarely matters to anyone."

"Over these thirteen years, I’ve gathered some intel, sent rewards and items worth money back to them, but I’ve maintained no contact; almost no one knows this."

As an official Musician required familial purity, the records indicated he was rightly selected, not purchased.

Chen Kuang halted atop a tree, facing a courtyard with a plaque reading "Chen Mansion" at the entrance.

The guards stationed at the gate were Martial Artists from the Enlightenment Realm.

The scene contrasted starkly with his memories, save for the ancient tree at the door.

He momentarily felt adrift and murmured: "Perhaps not all ordinary people after all."