Dimensional Codex System: I'm really not a cultist!

The two had been waiting by the roadside for a while when they saw a large group of people and horses coming along the main road. Upon seeing the two on the side, the scout at the front stopped immediately, scrutinized them, then quickly turned and left. Moments later, the scout appeared again, galloping and wielding his whip in front of the two.

"May I ask if you are Fang Zheng, Young Master Fang?"

The scout first glanced at Ji Yanran, then clasped his fists and addressed Fang Zheng. This was normal, although Ji Yanran was famous throughout the world—her fame being at least ten times greater than Fang Zheng’s. Unfortunately, in this world, information exchange was not smooth; there was no television, movies, newspapers, or magazines, so ordinary people couldn’t recognize Ji Yanran.

As for Fang Zheng, although his fame was not much greater than Ji Yanran’s, Fang Zheng’s characteristics were too distinctive and hard for others to imitate. After all, finding a deer this large, that’s also white, and obediently allows itself to be ridden—it’s really not something just anyone can achieve.

So as long as they see someone riding a White Deer, the first impression can almost confirm the person’s identity.

"I am indeed Fang Zheng, any guidance?"

Fang Zheng chuckled, and the scout quickly lowered his head.

"Officer Xiang, Xiang Shaolong invites the both of you, please follow me."

"Alright."

Fang Zheng nodded, then rode his White Deer, joining Ji Yanran into the convoy. At this moment, Ji Yanran curiously rode over beside Fang Zheng.

"Young Master Fang, do you have old acquaintances in Zhao People?"

"I know someone, relations are quite good. It seems he’s quite diligent."

Fang Zheng replied with a playful smile, also curious about why Xiang Shaolong was looking for him. Judging by this scene, he probably wasn’t inviting him for drinks and meat.

Soon, the two met Xiang Shaolong within the convoy; upon seeing Fang Zheng appear, Xiang Shaolong’s eyes brightened, and he hurriedly stepped forward to greet.

"Xiang greets Young Master Fang."

"It’s been a while, seems you’re progressing pretty well."

With a playful smile, Fang Zheng looked at Xiang Shaolong, adorned in armor and riding a tall horse, while Xiang Shaolong appeared slightly embarrassed. He hadn’t intended to show off before Fang Zheng, as this young man’s impression seemed unfathomable. Especially the martial arts and inner strength methods that had appeared out of nowhere in Xiang Shaolong’s mind—at the time he wasn’t particularly concerned, having read martial hero novels.

It was only later, when practicing swordsmanship, that Xiang Shaolong learned the current level of martial arts in this world from others, thereby increasingly valuing what he received, and his perception of Fang Zheng was continually elevated. Initially, Xiang Shaolong thought Fang Zheng might be one of those legendary Immortals, and feared it would be a hundred years before they met again.

Unexpectedly, he encountered him on the way to Daliang.

This Immortal seems quite leisurely, huh......

"Who may this be......"

The appearance of Ji Yanran was unrivaled in the world; since joining the convoy, she had been constantly watched. She herself was accustomed to it. But at this point, Xiang Shaolong couldn’t help but ask while Ji Yanran smiled slightly, and Fang Zheng turned to introduce her.

"This is Ji Yanran, Master Ji. Ji and I were previously sightseeing, now we are planning to return to Daliang."

"Ah, it’s the renowned Talented Lady Ji!"

Previously, no one knew Ji Yanran’s name, but once they heard it, a commotion arose, eyes sparkled like modern-day fans seeing celebrities in person, and they excitedly gathered around. Only Xiang Shaolong remained clueless; he hadn’t stayed long in Zhao Kingdom and was always burdened with life-and-death matters, having no time for legends about the world’s greatest beauty.

Yet, Xiang Shaolong wasn’t a fool; seeing the reaction of those around him, he knew that this beauty’s identity must be extraordinary, so he quickly stepped forward to stop their reckless behavior, reporting the matter immediately.

There was no denying that Talented Lady Ji was indeed world-famous. After learning Ji Yanran was present, the core figure of the convoy—the Princess Zhao Qian of Zhao Kingdom—soon invited Ji Yanran into a carriage for a chat. To this, Ji Yanran happily agreed, she mingled well with various national dignitaries, and given her identity, most of her friends were women. Since the convoy’s destination was Daliang, she might as well converse with the Princess of Zhao Kingdom casually.

While Ji Yanran boarded the carriage, Xiang Shaolong pulled Fang Zheng over, evidently having learned Ji Yanran’s true identity from his housekeeper, and couldn’t help but enviously said.

"Young Master Fang is truly carefree, I didn’t expect even the world’s greatest beauty to be won over by you. Watching you two sightseeing, one can see you’re truly carefree."

"Brother Xiang isn’t doing too bad either."

Fang Zheng didn’t follow up on this topic, but playfully looked at Xiang Shaolong instead, assessing his armor.

"Heard you’re an officer now? And this time you’re responsible for commanding the mission to Wei Kingdom, you must already be quite notable in Zhao Kingdom."

"What notable figure...."

Although Fang Zheng remained silent, as soon as he spoke, Xiang Shaolong appeared bitter. He couldn’t confide in others, but before this seemingly divine figure, he had no reservations.

"To be honest, it’s quite challenging for me in Zhao Kingdom, taking one wrong step could spell disaster, not only for me but potentially affecting others too......ah......"

At this point, Xiang Shaolong sighed tiredly, while Fang Zheng silently glanced at him.

"The hardest thing to resist is a beauty’s charm; if Brother Xiang stayed away from femmes fatales, there wouldn’t be so much trouble."

Jokingly, wasn’t Xiang Shaolong looking for trouble by lamenting before me? You might fool others, but Fang Zheng has read Record of Seeking Qin, knowing Xiang Shaolong had countless romantic escapades in Zhao Kingdom, even acquiring the precious pearl of the Wu Clan. You’re taking advantage yet playing innocent, aren’t you afraid I might hit you?

If it weren’t for those beauties, you’d have left long ago, no need to stay here.

"Uh......"

Hearing Fang Zheng’s sarcastic undertones, Xiang Shaolong’s face blushed, obviously aware that the former knew about his dirty deeds. Although Xiang Shaolong didn’t know how Fang Zheng found out, the latter was an Immortal after all... having the ability to calculate isn’t surprising.

"But there is one thing I don’t understand, I wish to ask Brother Xiang."

"Young Master Fang, please go ahead."

Looking at Xiang Shaolong in front of him, Fang Zheng hesitated for a moment, then furrowed his brow and asked.

"What on earth makes Zhao Ya captivating enough to keep you so enthralled?"

This question had puzzled Fang Zheng while reading the Record of Seeking Qin. Zhao Ya was the sister of King Zhao and the wife of that paper tiger Zhao Kuo. In the Record of Seeking Qin, this woman was promiscuous and fickle, known for her charming beauty. Xiang Shaolong had a brief encounter with her, transforming from initially exploiting her to eventually trusting her. Unfortunately, Zhao Ya ultimately proved untrustworthy, betraying Xiang Shaolong multiple times while Xiang somehow tolerated it... this left Fang Zheng utterly perplexed.

Ordinarily, if it were the men of this world, given the prevalent climate, one might understand. But Xiang Shaolong was a modern man who traveled through time–engaging superficially with a public flirt is one thing, but investing genuine emotion is baffling!

Upon hearing Fang Zheng’s inquiry, Xiang Shaolong suddenly looked embarrassed, as if Old Wang had been caught by the neighbor’s husband.

"I really didn’t expect that this gossip would reach Young Master Fang’s ears."

"Zhao Ya herself is inherently wayward and weak-willed. If you intend to achieve something, it’s best to keep your distance."

Seeing Xiang Shaolong’s awkward expression, Fang Zheng chose not to say anything more, only giving a few remarks, regardless of whether Xiang Shaolong would heed them.

"What Young Master Fang says, I will certainly keep in mind."

No matter if Xiang Shaolong truly took Fang Zheng’s words seriously, his outward attitude was still polite, nodding obediently before approaching Fang Zheng again.

"Young Master Fang, truth be told, I invited you here today to inform you of something."

"Oh? What might that be?"

"Young Master Fang, do you remember Graybeard and his group of bandits?"

"I remember, their warhorses sold for quite a sum."

Fang Zheng mentioned how profitable that deal was for him, and hearing this, Xiang Shaolong smiled wryly before turning serious.

"Actually, I only found out a couple of days ago that Graybeard seems to be one of King Wei’s men; they’re actually troops from the Wei Kingdom disguising as bandits to create chaos across countries..."

"Oh."

Faced with the bombshell dropped by Xiang Shaolong, Fang Zheng appeared rather unfazed, which surprised Xiang Shaolong quite a bit.

"Young Master Fang, aren’t you surprised?"

"Of course not, I noticed it that day."

Fang Zheng looked at Xiang Shaolong as if he were an idiot.

"Eight hundred bandits, each with a warhorse, executing moves fluently — claiming they’re common bandits, someone would have to believe it, right?"

Furthermore, similar matters have always existed in history, things like privateers. The British Empire knew how to play the game very well.

Though it started in China pretty early.

"Young Master Fang is indeed a remarkable person..."

Xiang Shaolong was left speechless, feeling as if the other was belittling his intelligence... well, he certainly had no words to offer.

"However, the issue isn’t just about that; more importantly, the bandits within Wei Kingdom’s borders seem to be gathering recently, aiming to act against our envoy corps. Moreover, I heard they’re plotting with King Wei against you, Young Master Fang..."

"So you’ve come to seek some assistance?"

Fang Zheng chuckled, looking again at Xiang Shaolong, while Xiang Shaolong laughed heartily.

"Young Master Fang’s intelligence, there’s no need for me to elaborate; I once promised Princess Zhao Qian that I’d escort her safely to Daliang. If I could have Young Master Fang’s assistance, it would be like having the strength of a thousand men."

You want my help to resolve troubles while you court the girl, that’s acceptable — no doubt the first patriarch of harem novels.

Fang Zheng silently gave him a finger in his heart.

"Alright, although Fang isn’t interested in inter-country conflicts, since it’s bandits plaguing the land..."

Saying this, Fang Zheng rubbed his chin, revealing an enigmatic smile.

"Fang’s duty cannot be shirked."

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