The Northern Wolf King searched the area where Zhang Yang had disappeared for a long time.
Finding nothing, he had no choice but to return the way he came.
He immediately informed the Emperor that Zhang Yang had left Shennong Gorge alive.
...
At the same time.
Entering Fuxi Village, Zhang Yang arrived at the village chief's house.
As he entered the courtyard, Di Yi, who was drawing water, saw Zhang Yang and subconsciously nodded.
Zhang Yang also nodded in acknowledgment.
He couldn't see Di Yi's face, but the pupils exposed outside the mask filled Zhang Yang with a sense of surprise.
Di Yi seemed surprised by his return.
Had he really lost his memory?
That look in his eyes didn't seem like it at all!
Immediately.
Zhang Yang quickened his pace, wanting to talk to Di Yi.
However, Di Yi seemed to intentionally avoid Zhang Yang and turned to leave the courtyard directly.
"What's wrong?" The Fuxi village chief sensed Zhang Yang's strangeness and couldn't help but ask.
Zhang Yang shook his head, "Village Chief, has Di Yi been like this since you rescued him?"
"Heh, he's been like this for so many years. Why are you suddenly interested in Di Yi?" the Fuxi village chief asked.
"It's nothing, just a bit curious." Zhang Yang shook his head and didn't press further.
Then.
He followed the village chief into the house.
After chatting for a while, the Fuxi village chief proactively asked, "Zhang Yang, was there any danger in entering Shennong Gorge this time?"
"There was danger, but in the end, everything was resolved safely. My luck was quite good," Zhang Yang said with a smile.
This time, it was practically a near-death experience. If Shennong hadn't appeared, they would have all perished inside.
The Fuxi village chief nodded.
He stared at Zhang Yang thoughtfully, but in the end, he said nothing and turned to leave.
This made Zhang Yang quite puzzled.
The Fuxi village chief gave him a strange feeling.
Late at night.
Standing by the window, looking at the moon, Zhang Yang noticed Di Yi was still chopping wood. He couldn't help but go out and approach Di Yi.
"Thank you for the warning," Zhang Yang said.
He recalled the first time he saw the bluestone path. Without Di Yi's warning, he might have fallen into the trap along with the giant crocodile.
But Di Yi seemed to ignore him, continuing to chop wood without paying Zhang Yang any mind.
"You probably haven't lost your memory, have you? You must have secrets in your heart, right? Why don't you tell me? Maybe I can help you?" Zhang Yang tried to strike up a conversation.
But.
Di Yi remained silent, still focused on his task.
"You must be from outside too, why don't you go home?"
"Where do you live? I'm leaving the mountain tomorrow, why don't you come with me?"
"Is your real name really Di Yi?"
"..."
Unwilling to give up, Zhang Yang asked a string of questions.
But like a one-man show, Di Yi remained silent, concentrating on his own work.
Seeing this.
Zhang Yang sighed and no longer pressed the issue.
He always felt that Di Yi held a secret; he was definitely not a simple person.
"You should get some rest early."
After saying that.
Zhang Yang went back inside.
...
The next day.
Zhang Yang woke up early, preparing to descend the mountain.
When he got up to bid farewell to the village chief, he found no one in the house.
However, when Zhang Yang reached the village entrance, he found the Fuxi village chief and others waiting for him.
The entire Fuxi Village had come out. They were enthusiastically sending Zhang Yang off.
This made Zhang Yang quite surprised. "Village Chief, what's going on?"
"Heh, just consider it our village custom. You probably won't be back anytime soon after leaving. This is how we send guests off in our village. Thank you for your visit," the Fuxi village chief said with a smile.
The other villagers also showed simple smiles, looking at Zhang Yang with warmth.
Of course, Di Yi was an exception.
"Heh, thank you all for seeing me off. I'll be going now. I'll visit you again if I have the chance," Zhang Yang bid farewell.
"Alright, be careful on your way," the Fuxi village chief nodded and then said.
"Zhang Yang, I had a dream last night. When you leave this time, be careful of those around you, or you might find yourself in a life-or-death situation."
This!
Zhang Yang immediately stopped, looking back with a confused expression.
"The village chief had a dream last night? Was it about me?"
"Heh, it's just a dream, maybe dreams are the opposite. Just be careful about everything," the Fuxi village chief said with a smile.
"Alright, thank you for the reminder, Village Chief." Zhang Yang nodded silently, keeping the matter in mind.
After he left, the villagers dispersed one by one.
They had a reason to thank Zhang Yang.
It was because Zhang Yang had helped them greatly by entering Shennong Gorge.
Otherwise.
They would not have been able to continue enjoying their peaceful lives here.
Finally.
Only the Fuxi village chief and Di Yi remained.
They watched Zhang Yang's receding figure, and the Fuxi village chief said.
"Di Yi, this is a good opportunity. Aren't you planning to go down the mountain?"
Di Yi shook his head and said nothing.
"Alas, you... I really don't understand. The situation is already good, and you're still waiting?" The Fuxi village chief was a little annoyed.
However, Di Yi still shook his head, finally picked up his chopping knife, and left.
...
After resting for a night.
Zhang Yang, on his way down the mountain, disguised his appearance.
The reason he stayed overnight in Fuxi Village was because Zhang Yang considered that the Emperor would definitely send people to track him.
If he appeared openly, the trackers might even make a move against him.
Although Zhang Yang was not afraid.
It was easier to dodge an open spear than a hidden arrow.
Zhang Yang did not want to be passive in his subsequent actions.
Therefore, he chose to disguise himself.
After traversing the mountainside for a long time, Zhang Yang emerged from a mountain path.
Like a backpacker, he blended into the urban area.
Successfully boarding a train, he headed for the capital!
On the train.
Zhang Yang's phone finally had a signal.
Looking at the messages on his phone, he nodded to himself.
Huo Zhu and the others were proceeding with the plan to transfer as he had instructed when he went to Shennong Gorge.
This way, his trip to the Imperial City would be free of worries.
The Northern Territory was not far from the capital.
After about a day's journey, Zhang Yang arrived at the Kyoto station.
Looking at the towering and majestic buildings in the center of Kyoto, Zhang Yang's gaze turned cold.
The Imperial City!
I, Zhang Yang, am here again.
I hope that when I leave this time, you will still be so magnificent and majestic, rather than reduced to ruins!
Exiting the station, Zhang Yang walked towards the Imperial City.
Step by step, unhurriedly!
At the same time.
Within the Imperial City.
The Northern Wolf King, unable to find Zhang Yang in Shennong Gorge, rushed to the Imperial City overnight after reporting to the Emperor by phone.
At this moment.
The Emperor, the Northern Wolf King, the Eastern River Dragon King, and the six great maternal uncle families were all present.
These individuals represented the pinnacle of imperial power.
The Emperor himself was unfathomable!
The two War Kings were the Emperor's confidants, and their strength was not to be underestimated.
As for the six great maternal uncle families, they were the strongest forces below the Yuan Mansion realm!
The gathering of these individuals was no small matter.
"Everyone, Zhang Yang disappeared after leaving Shennong Gorge. What are your thoughts?" the Emperor asked.
"Wolf King, are you sure you searched thoroughly? Did Zhang Yang really disappear? Or is he hiding and you didn't find him?" the Eastern River Dragon King asked.
"I am sure he disappeared. I have that confidence," the Northern Wolf King replied.
"Strange, where could he have gone?" the Eastern River Dragon King asked with a look of suspicion.
At this moment.
The ancestors of the six maternal uncle families spoke one after another.
"Your Majesty, even if Zhang Yang has disappeared, he will definitely come to the Imperial City."
"We sent people to monitor Jiangnan City, and they haven't found any disturbances. Those people from the Five Dragons of China have been holed up in their base."
"As long as they are still there, Zhang Yang cannot be missing. He will definitely appear."
"..."
Listening to their statements, the Emperor nodded silently.
In the depths of his eyes, a different light flickered.
He was very surprised that Zhang Yang had managed to return alive after spending a week in Shennong Gorge.
He knew how terrifying Shennong Gorge was.
Even he himself did not have absolute confidence in emerging alive from that place.
Yet Zhang Yang had succeeded!
Could it be that he had discovered its secrets?
Instantly.
The Emperor's killing intent towards Zhang Yang intensified.
Zhang Yang was too dangerous; he had to be controlled.
Once Zhang Yang was controlled, the five ministers of the Five Dragons of China would appear.
If he secretly dealt with these individuals, then the entire empire would be his.
Then, with a little maneuvering.
This ancient country, which had existed for over five thousand years, would ultimately become their territory!
"Dispatch all personnel to investigate. Notify me immediately if there is any news of Zhang Yang!"
As the Emperor finished speaking.
A thunderous shout came from outside the Imperial City!
"I am the King of Jiangnan!"
"Zhang Yang is here to deliver medicine!"
"On the Emperor's orders, I, this King, ventured alone from the King of Jiangnan into the Northern Territory's Shennong Gorge, disregarding my own safety to find the Nine-Turn Soul Returning Grass that the Emperor requires."
"Please open the gates and welcome me, Your Majesty. I, Zhang Yang, have arrived!"
That's right.
Zhang Yang had arrived.
And he appeared very ostentatiously outside the Imperial City.
His voice echoed through the heavens and earth!
The entire Kyoto heard it!
Everyone gathered curiously towards the Imperial City.
They watched Zhang Yang standing outside the Imperial City. Three feet in front of him was a plant emitting a faint glow.
Nine leaves!
"These leaves are so beautiful! Why have we never seen them before?"
"Nonsense, didn't you hear the King of Jiangnan say it? This is the Nine-Turn Soul Returning Grass that the Emperor asked him to find. It must be rare in this era, so of course, you haven't seen it."
"It's just a bit strange. The King of Jiangnan is in the south, so why did he go to the north to find this medicine? Isn't the Wolf King in the north?"
"..."
The people, filled with curiosity, murmured to themselves as they looked at Zhang Yang.
Zhang Yang stood outside the Imperial City, not entering, just standing there!
At this moment.
In the Imperial Hall, the Emperor and the others were stunned by Zhang Yang's high-profile appearance.
They rushed out towards the Imperial City!
Soon.
The Emperor, accompanied by the two War Kings and the ancestors of the six great maternal uncle families, appeared.
"Zhang Yang, where have you been these past two days?"
Upon seeing Zhang Yang, the Northern Wolf King directly asked.
"The Nine-Turn Soul Returning Grass is a rare divine medicine. I was worried someone might covet it, so I naturally wouldn't let you find it," Zhang Yang said with a smile.
"You!" The Northern Wolf King understood Zhang Yang's implication, and his expression darkened.
Just as he was about to react, the Eastern River Dragon King pulled him back.
All of them gazed at the Nine-Turn Soul Returning Grass in front of Zhang Yang, utterly shocked.
Especially the Emperor.
He had no idea whether the Nine-Turn Soul Returning Grass truly existed.
The reason he asked Zhang Yang to find it was merely to find an excuse to lure Zhang Yang into Shennong Gorge and have him perish.
Who would have thought that Zhang Yang would actually find it?
Although the Emperor didn't know if it was real or fake, seeing Zhang Yang's confident demeanor.
And this plant with nine leaves, which they had never seen before.
It was likely genuine.
"Heh, King of Jiangnan, you have worked hard this time. Thank you for finding the Nine-Turn Soul Returning Grass for this Emperor." The Emperor said politely.
Zhang Yang sneered inwardly.
The Emperor probably wished he could kill him, yet he acted as if nothing had happened in front of everyone. He was quite formidable.
"Heh, Your Majesty, are you sure this is the Nine-Turn Soul Returning Grass?" Zhang Yang countered.
The Emperor was taken aback but quickly recovered, "Of course. I used a Nine-Turn Soul Returning Grass once when I saved your mother. This is it."
Hearing this, Zhang Yang smiled.
"Haha, if that's the case, then please accept it, Your Majesty."
With that.
Zhang Yang tossed the Nine-Turn Soul Returning Grass directly to the Emperor.
The Emperor caught it steadily and said.
"King of Jiangnan, you must be tired from your journey from Shennong Gorge to the Imperial City. Come into the Imperial City and rest for a while. This Emperor has some matters he wishes to discuss with you."
Oh?
Discuss with me?
I think you want to lure me into the Imperial City, don't you?
Zhang Yang immediately shook his head, "No need. Besides delivering the Nine-Turn Soul Returning Grass, I have another matter to discuss with Your Majesty."
"Oh, what matter do you have?" the Emperor asked curiously.
For some reason, he had a bad feeling.
"I, Zhang Yang, lack the ability and cannot fulfill the duties of the King of Jiangnan. I am here today to resign from my post, and I request Your Majesty's approval." Zhang Yang shouted loudly.
This shout was exceptionally loud.
Everyone outside the Imperial City heard it.
The Emperor and the others' expressions also changed. Zhang Yang was no longer the King of Jiangnan?
Then, wouldn't they have even less reason to restrict Zhang Yang in the future?
After a moment of thought.
The Emperor said, "Zhang Yang, why do you want to resign all of a sudden? Is there anything I've done that is not to your satisfaction? You can speak your mind directly. If there is, I will apologize to you."
There were people outside the Imperial City at this moment.
The Emperor naturally wanted to present himself as a wise ruler.
Zhang Yang sneered inwardly, but his face remained impassive, saying.
"Indeed, I feel that Your Majesty has not done enough, which is why I wish to resign!"
Upon these words.
The entire city was shocked!
"Did Your Majesty really do something that wronged the King of Jiangnan?"
"My heavens, how much anger must the King of Jiangnan hold to speak so directly."
"What exactly happened?"
...
The people outside the Imperial City erupted.
The Northern Wolf King and the Eastern River Dragon King immediately stepped forward and reprimanded him!
"Bold! Zhang Yang, how dare you speak to His Majesty like that! Do you wish to die?"
"Zhang Yang, you are rebellious! How can His Majesty's dignity be challenged by you? Apologize to His Majesty at once!"
Zhang Yang's expression turned cold as he looked at the two War Kings.
"What? Does His Majesty dare to do it but not let others speak of it?"
"You! You're courting death!"
The two War Kings, unable to resist Zhang Yang's provocation, were about to make a move.
Fortunately, the Emperor stopped them in time.
He finally understood why Zhang Yang had come to deliver the Nine-Turn Soul Returning Grass so ostentatiously.
It was likely because he wanted to resign from the position of King of Jiangnan and regain his freedom.
"Zhang Yang, I ask myself, I have not wronged you in any way. Why do you speak of me like this?" the Emperor asked.
"Heh, ask yourself? Hahaha, how ridiculous!" Zhang Yang burst into laughter.
Then, he shouted directly.
"Your Majesty, do you know that what I gave you is not the Nine-Turn Soul Returning Grass at all! This is just an ordinary weed from Shennong Gorge!"
"And you, you just held it in your hand and confidently claimed it was the Nine-Turn Soul Returning Grass! Don't you find it ridiculous?"
"Your Majesty, when you asked me to go to Shennong Gorge to retrieve the Nine-Turn Soul Returning Grass, it was merely to persecute me!"
"You even used my mother as an excuse, saying you used the Nine-Turn Soul Returning Grass when you saved her, but now you don't even recognize the Nine-Turn Soul Returning Grass?"
"Since you feel that I am a threat to you and want to assassinate me, I might as well voluntarily resign as the King of Jiangnan to avoid your constant scheming!"
This!
Upon these words.
The entire city was in an uproar.