Martial World Resentment!. . . .
Regardless of past disputes and schemes, Zuo Wuji and Cha Eun Xiao were now steadfast friends, and their shared history no longer held any sway over their bond.
Their past deceptions, with one setting up the other at various times, were inconsequential now. It didn't matter how things had transpired before, for their current status was that of close friends, even akin to brothers.
"You haven't come here just to hang out with me, have you?" Zuo Wuji inquired, getting straight to the point. "What's the matter? Let's skip the pleasantries."
Cha Eun Xiao snorted and replied, "You sly, crafty rascal. Why would I be here if it weren't for something serious? Today, I've come to discuss the chaotic situation in the capital. I require a wise strategist to help me make sense of it all. Among everyone I know, you're surprisingly the wisest. I suppose I had no choice but to seek your counsel."
Cha Eun Xiao's judgment was sound. In the entire Chen-Xing City, only two individuals had the intellect and insight he needed: Wenren Chuchu and Zuo Wuji.
However, even if Wenren Chuchu were willing to assist, Cha Eun Xiao would neither dare to accept her help nor wish for it. The prospect was too complicated since they were on opposing sides, and his pride wouldn't permit him to extend or accept favors.
Zuo Wuji was his sole option, and Cha Eun Xiao was convinced he had made the correct choice. Based on what he had just learned about Zuo Wuji, Lord Zuo possessed the strategic acumen and cunning to rival even Wenren Chuchu. There was a good reason he was ranked above Cha Eun Xiao as one of the "three lords in town."
As they discussed the capital's situation, Zuo Wuji's demeanor shifted from casual to serious. "Even if I were to devise a comprehensive plan, what could we do to address the problem? Our resources are limited. It's a formidable challenge. Perhaps a small force can lift a heavy load, but we don't even have that modest strength. The task at hand is much more complex than moving heavy objects, and we are bereft of even the smallest resources. What can we possibly accomplish?"
Cha Eun Xiao responded, "That's not your concern. Your role is to thoroughly analyze the situation and provide me with a practical strategy. I will handle the rest. You needn't worry about it."
With unwavering confidence and authority, Cha Eun Xiao spoke, and Zuo Wuji listened. He regarded Cha Eun Xiao for a moment, then let out a deep sigh. "Very well."
Cha Eun Xiao smiled with satisfaction.
Zuo Wuji playfully remarked, "I might just concoct a whimsical theory. It could be likened to whistling a tune to a milestone. Nevertheless, I'm about to earnestly engage my intellect."
Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but feel irritated and somewhat dumbfounded by Zuo Wuji's response.
[Why can't he say something straightforward and reassuring? A whimsical theory? Whistling a tune to a milestone? Is he implying that I lack intelligence?]
Yet, Zuo Wuji's playful teasing didn't end with Cha Eun Xiao. He went on, addressing the third member of the "three lords in town," Lan Langlang. "Lan Langlang, that rascal, executed quite the covert operation. A well-devised plan... Curse it! He managed to escape the capital and elude the crisis. Now the entire world is scrutinizing Chen-Xing City. All those martial world experts... I'm certain he's having a safe and joyful journey to the battlefield."
He sighed and continued, "Although, what he's doing should be fraught with danger, risking his life. The future remains unpredictable. That foolish guy somehow orchestrated everything. Sometimes, even fools have good fortune."
"Whether he's a fool or not, he did execute a cunning scheme this time," Cha Eun Xiao concurred.
Zuo Wuji gave a nonchalant "hmm" and proceeded to the largest table among the five arranged in the room's center. He pulled a hanging scroll, unrolling a freshly prepared map of Chen-Xing City.
"This is the map of Chen-Xing City," he announced, "I had it completed just last night. Little did I know it would be needed so soon. Lucky coincidence. I can't say how useful it will be, though."
Upon closer inspection, Cha Eun Xiao noticed the lingering scent of ink on the map. The details included cardinal directions, notable landmarks, the names of various residences, and the positions of the martial factions within the city.
Zuo Wuji gestured to the map's center. "I assume you are already well aware of the current situation in the city. It is serious and truly dire," he remarked. "Beneath the veneer of tranquility, there are hidden volcanoes ready to erupt at any moment."
"Here, at the heart of the city, is the royal palace," Zuo Wuji said, using a slender white stick to point at the map's center. "Surrounding the palace are the residences of government officials. My home is here, and yours is there..."
He continued, "I can't say for certain if there are strangers within your residence, but I can tell you that many martial world figures are currently occupying the homes of government officials. Even my own residence houses a group of people..."
Zuo Wuji revealed, "In my residence, seven individuals cloaked in black garments reside. They act with utmost secrecy, moving about inconspicuously. Their strength is unknown to me, as my capabilities aren't sufficient to ascertain it. However, I can make an educated guess that they are all Sky Origin Stage cultivators."
Cha Eun Xiao took a deep breath and chose to remain silent.
"These individuals exude a heavy air of melancholy. I have strong reservations about their intentions. I attempted to investigate their backgrounds, but my skills in this area are lacking. The only valuable tidbit is that they weren't among the attendees of the auction. Additionally, there have been rumors that the Boundless Saint has arrived in Chen-Xing City; however, he hasn't made an appearance as of yet..."
Zuo Wuji's voice grew more solemn as he continued, "Regarding the Boundless Saint, what I've gathered indicates that he shares a certain similarity with these seven men... I would venture to say that it's highly probable they are affiliated with the Boundless Lake."
This revelation left Cha Eun Xiao in shock.
It wasn't the fact that Zuo Wuji was aware of the martial world figures concealed within his home that surprised him. What truly astonished him was Zuo Wuji's ability to identify and categorize the various factions and reach the conclusion that the seven men likely belonged to the Boundless Lake.
It was a remarkable feat for someone who had no involvement in the martial world and lacked the knowledge of cultivation. Zuo Wuji's profound insights into the martial world demonstrated the extent of his exceptional intelligence.
However, there was something else that had Cha Eun Xiao even more astonished.