"Of course."
"Who in the world hasn't heard of the great name of Ghost Valley Master?" Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
According to historical records, each generation of Ghost Valley Master takes on two disciples, and after they compete against each other in the various states, the victor inherits the title. There is always only one Ghost Valley Master in each generation.
"However," Zhao Feng continued, "why does Lord Wei suddenly bring this up?"
"My master wishes to see you," Wei Liao said bluntly.
"See me?"
Zhao Feng's face showed a hint of surprise and confusion.
"The Ghost Valley Master wants to meet me?"
"Why?" Zhao Feng asked, astonished.
Hearing this question, Wei Liao himself appeared puzzled.
Over two months ago, his reclusive master, who had not stepped into the outside world for years, suddenly sent him a message asking him to investigate who was currently the most prominent figure in the world.
The most prominent figure?
That hardly required any investigation.
Looking across the entire realm, there was no doubt that Zhao Feng held that title.
Who else in recent years has overshadowed Zhao Feng's achievements?
Rising from a mere logistics officer, he had, before the age of thirty, ascended to the rank of Supreme General and been granted the title of Lord Wu'an.
Who could match such military achievements?
So, without any hesitation, Wei Liao wrote back to his master, informing him of Zhao Feng's existence.
Upon receiving the news, his master did not ask any further questions and simply instructed Wei Liao to invite Zhao Feng to Ghost Valley.
"To be honest," Wei Liao said, shaking his head, "my master has always been a mysterious figure, spending most of his time in seclusion within Ghost Valley. This sudden request to meet you I have no idea why."
"If the great Ghost Valley Master extends an invitation, how could I refuse?"
"I will be returning home soon. I will find a suitable time to visit Ghost Valley. However, I do not yet know its exact location," Zhao Feng said.
Regarding Ghost Valley
It had existed since the era of warring states and had been passed down through generations. Although there was always only one Ghost Valley Master per generation, the valley itself had a long-standing legacy.
Perhaps the records within Ghost Valley were even more detailed than those found in the royal archives of the various states.
Zhao Feng had conquered many states, entered their treasuries, and examined their records. Yet, there was barely any mention of immortals or cultivators, as if all such knowledge had been deliberately erased.
Ghost Valley, on the other hand, had persisted for centuries. It might hold the secrets of this world.
Thus, Zhao Feng was determined to visit Ghost Valley.
Even if Wei Liao hadn't invited him, he would have found a way to go there on his own.
Now that he had an official invitation, it was all the more convenient.
"It is an honor for Ghost Valley that you are willing to visit, General."
"This is the location of Ghost Valley. When the time comes, you may follow this address to find it," Wei Liao said as he handed Zhao Feng a small piece of cloth with the details written on it.
Ghost Valley had a general location known to the world.
However, for its disciples, once they left the valley, if they had not fulfilled their purpose, they would not be able to find their way back. The valley's location was fixed, but its entrance remained hidden.
Since Zhao Feng had been personally invited by the Ghost Valley Master, he would be able to enter without getting lost in the surrounding mist.
"I understand," Zhao Feng said, taking the cloth with a smile.
After a brief pause, he asked, "Lord Wei, do you not plan to take this opportunity to return as well?"
"When the time comes, I can notify you before I set off."
Wei Liao shook his head, his face carrying a hint of helplessness.
"When I first left the valley, my master told me that unless the world was unified, I could not return."
"I see," Zhao Feng smiled knowingly.
However, he still had a lingering doubt.
"According to legend, each generation of Ghost Valley Masters takes on two disciples. Why is it that you are the only one in this generation, Lord Wei?"
"My master chooses disciples as he pleases. There is no fixed rule that he must take two," Wei Liao replied with a shake of his head.
"That doesn't seem right," Zhao Feng countered.
"Historical records mention that Sun Wu and Pang Juan fought to the death, each vying for the title of Ghost Valley Master."
"And not just them there were many others as well."
"Wasn't it always said that the victor would inherit the position?" Zhao Feng asked in confusion.
"That's just a rumor," Wei Liao said with a smile.
"In reality, Ghost Valley has never required its disciples to fight for the position, nor is there a rule stating that the winner automatically becomes the next Ghost Valley Master."
"There's no such rule? Then how is the next Ghost Valley Master chosen?" Zhao Feng asked, intrigued.
"That, I do not know," Wei Liao admitted with a shake of his head.
Zhao Feng raised his head and scrutinized Wei Liao with a curious gaze.
"Why are you looking at me like that, General?" Wei Liao asked, puzzled.
"If I may ask, how old are you now, Lord Wei?" Zhao Feng inquired.
"I am forty-five," Wei Liao answered with a slight smile. "Why do you ask, General?"
"Then, how old is your master?"
"And how old was he when he taught you?" Zhao Feng immediately followed up.
This might just be the key point.
At that moment, Zhao Feng suddenly developed a suspicion.
From what Wei Liao had said, there was no such tradition of disciples competing for the title of Ghost Valley Master. Could it be that the Ghost Valley Master had always been the same person from the very beginning?
Hearing Zhao Feng's question, Wei Liao seriously pondered for a moment.
After thinking it over, his expression became somewhat strange.
"Well... I don't know my master's exact age."
"But when he taught me back then, he already looked like an old man. So many years have passed, and I believe he still looks the same."
"It seems like he hasn't changed." Wei Liao said.
"At what age did Lord Wei become the student of the Ghost Valley Master?" Zhao Feng immediately asked, sensing that he had found a crucial point.
"I was taken to Ghost Valley by my master when I was ten." Wei Liao replied.
"I see." Zhao Feng nodded, his expression calm, but inwardly, he was deeply shocked.
"Has Lord Wei realized something?"
Noticing Zhao Feng's contemplative expression, Wei Liao asked curiously.
"Haha."
"I'm just impressed by how well your master maintains his health." Zhao Feng chuckled.
Wei Liao's expression grew even more peculiar, but he didn't say anything. However, he, too, seemed to have thought of something, yet chose not to voice it aloud.
They were both intelligent men some things didn't need to be spelled out.
At that moment
"Wu'an Jun!"
"His Majesty has summoned you."
Zhao Gao approached with small, deliberate steps, bowing as he spoke.
"Understood." Zhao Feng nodded and turned to Wei Liao, cupping his hands. "Lord Wei, we shall meet again another day."
"The King's summons cannot be delayed. Please go ahead, Lord Zhao." Wei Liao smiled and returned the salute.
Zhao Feng then followed Zhao Gao toward the Zhangtai Palace.
After Zhao Feng left, a contemplative look appeared on Wei Liao's face.
"Over thirty years ago, my master was probably already at least eighty years old, yet after all these years, he remains just as vigorous."
"What exactly did Zhao Feng figure out?"
"Could it be that he suspects my master is immortal?"
Wei Liao mused inwardly.
As a highly intelligent man, he quickly deduced what Zhao Feng had likely realized.
On the way to Zhangtai Palace, Zhao Feng's thoughts were racing.
"Ghost Valley Master…"
"Interesting."
"If there was never any disciple rivalry for the position of Ghost Valley Master, then perhaps the Ghost Valley Master has always been the same person."
"Centuries have passed."
"Generations of mortals have come and gone, yet he still lives."
"Could it be that this Ghost Valley Master is a cultivator?"
"Or perhaps… he is one of the legendary immortals?"
At this moment, Zhao Feng's curiosity about the Ghost Valley Master had reached its peak.
A man who might have lived for hundreds of years he could be the key to unlocking the secrets of this world.
Perhaps cultivators truly existed in this world.
They simply did not reside in the land of Shenzhou.
But the Ghost Valley Master might be one of them.
Throughout the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, there had always been tales of the Ghost Valley Master. If that were true, then his lifespan was indeed extraordinarily long.
After searching for so long, Zhao Feng might have finally found a real immortal.
Upon entering Zhangtai Palace
"Your Majesty."
"Wu'an Jun has arrived."
Zhao Gao respectfully announced.
Ying Zheng looked up and waved a hand.
"You are dismissed."
Zhao Gao bowed and quietly withdrew from the palace hall.
"Your servant pays respects to the King."
Zhao Feng immediately bowed.
Ying Zheng looked at him with a hint of curiosity. "Why did you not request to lead this campaign?"
"The Great Qin has conquered four states, and I have taken part in all of those battles, earning significant merits in each."
"If I continue to seek military exploits, I will only invite resentment." Zhao Feng smiled and took a seat beside Ying Zheng.
"With me backing you, what do you have to fear?" Ying Zheng snorted.
"Your Majesty,"
"It is necessary to give other generals opportunities as well."
"If I monopolize all the military achievements, the other generals in the army will resent me."
"Since Huan Yi has volunteered to lead his troops against Chu, let him go."
"If he succeeds, it will only be beneficial for Qin." Zhao Feng said with a relaxed smile.
"Do you think Huan Yi will succeed?" Ying Zheng asked, staring intently at Zhao Feng.
"Nothing is certain on the battlefield."
"I cannot predict the outcome." Zhao Feng shook his head.
After all, as he had previously speculated, once Qin launched an attack, Chu would momentarily unite. Huan Yi would be facing a state whose strength was not inferior to Zhao's.
Seeing that Zhao Feng did not wish to discuss Huan Yi's campaign against Chu, Ying Zheng did not press the matter. Instead, he changed the topic with a smile.
"What did Wei Liao want from you?"
"He has always avoided any involvement with court officials."
This was not a secret, so Zhao Feng answered directly. "Lord Wei's master has invited me to visit Ghost Valley."
"The Ghost Valley Master invited you?" Ying Zheng's eyes gleamed with interest.
"Indeed." Zhao Feng nodded.
Upon receiving confirmation, Ying Zheng's expression became quite peculiar.
"It seems you are truly remarkable so much so that even the Ghost Valley Master wishes to meet you."
"In the past, I was quite curious about the Ghost Valley Master and sought to meet him, but he directly refused me."
"And now, he invites you."
"And even had Wei Liao extend the invitation himself."
At this, Ying Zheng's face showed not just surprise, but also a hint of pride.
If Wang Jian were here, Ying Zheng might even boast
Back then, even when I, the King of Qin, requested an audience with the Ghost Valley Master, he refused.
Yet now, he is personally inviting my son to visit Ghost Valley.
How could this not be a moment of triumph?
"In that case, I must have had some good luck." Zhao Feng laughed.
"The Ghost Valley Master possesses vast knowledge. If you can gain his guidance, it will surely benefit you greatly."
"Moreover, I doubt his invitation is purely casual."
"If there is one person in this world who remains the most mysterious, it is undoubtedly the Ghost Valley Master."
"No matter how powerful kings have become, the Ghost Valley Master has always remained untouched."
"Each disciple he trains is capable of stirring up storms across the land."
"Therefore, you must cherish this opportunity." Ying Zheng spoke earnestly.
With Wei Liao having served the Qin state for many years, Ying Zheng naturally understood the power and influence of Gui Guzi.
For Zhao Feng to be invited to Gui Gu Valley was undoubtedly an extraordinary opportunity.
"Your Majesty," Zhao Feng suddenly asked out of curiosity, "do you believe that immortals exist in this world?"
Ying Zheng looked at him with a slightly puzzled expression. "Why do you ask this all of a sudden?"
"It's just something that has been on my mind," Zhao Feng said thoughtfully. "This world is vast and boundless. Could it be possible that immortals truly exist?" His face showed a hint of longing.
This question was genuinely from his heart.
Having lived two lifetimes, Zhao Feng had always been intrigued by the existence of immortals.
Although he had now embarked on the path of martial cultivation and even reached the level of Divine Power, he was still far from achieving true immortality. Moreover, his current cultivation method could only lead him to the realm of the Land Immortal.
What lay beyond that? He had no idea.
"Once the world is unified," Ying Zheng said with a faint smile, "I will show you something. After you see it, you may have an answer to your question about immortals."
Hearing this, Zhao Feng's curiosity was immediately piqued.
"Your Majesty, could it be true?" he asked excitedly. "Can I see it now instead of waiting for the world to be unified?"
"Trying to negotiate with me now?" Ying Zheng chuckled. "Think of it as a surprise waiting for you once the world is under my rule."
From his expression, Zhao Feng could tell that Ying Zheng was indeed hiding a significant secret.
This only fueled Zhao Feng's curiosity even more.
"Have Wang Wan's sons been dealt with?" Ying Zheng changed the subject, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.
"They have been taken care of," Zhao Feng replied without hesitation.
After Ying Bu captured Wang Wan's sons, he informed Zhao Feng of the entire situation, including the confrontation with the Black Ice Platform.
Since they had clashed with the Black Ice Platform, Qin's ruler was bound to hear about it.
"I approve of your methods," Ying Zheng said with a nod of satisfaction. "One must not show unnecessary mercy to enemies."
"Eliminating threats at the root is the best strategy."
"Your Majesty is not displeased with my actions?" Zhao Feng asked, somewhat surprised.
"Why would I be?" Ying Zheng chuckled.
"After all, my men seized them directly from the Black Ice Platform's hands, and I didn't report to Your Majesty beforehand," Zhao Feng explained. "If word of this reaches the court, the censors will certainly accuse me of overstepping my authority."
"Just don't do it again." Ying Zheng waved his hand dismissively.
"Your Majesty may rest assured," Zhao Feng immediately assured him. "It will not happen again."
Now that Wang Wan's entire family had been dealt with, Zhao Feng had no reason to take further action.
As for others who dared to target him, Zhao Feng would show no mercy.
Having risen through mountains of corpses and seas of blood, he had no room for foolish compassion.
"When do you plan to return to Shacheng?" Ying Zheng asked in a gentle tone.
"Barring any unforeseen circumstances, either tomorrow or the day after," Zhao Feng replied.
"I have prepared some gifts," Ying Zheng said with a smile. "Take them back to your mother."
"They should be waiting outside the hall already."
"I thank Your Majesty on my mother's behalf," Zhao Feng immediately bowed in gratitude.
"Alright."
"I won't keep you any longer. Spend some time with your mother." Ying Zheng waved his hand, signaling the conversation was over.
"This minister takes his leave," Zhao Feng said, cupping his fists in salute before slowly exiting the palace hall.
Watching Zhao Feng's departing figure, Ying Zheng's eyes revealed a hint of reluctance, along with other unspoken emotions.
"The world must be unified as soon as possible."
"Once Chu is conquered, only Qi will remain, and it will be much easier to deal with."
"When that time comes, I can finally bring A'Fang to Xianyang, and our family can be together again."
"Then Feng'er won't have to travel back and forth so much."
Ying Zheng thought to himself.
The feeling of being separated by distance was truly unbearable.
If not for his promise to the one he loved, Ying Zheng would have traveled between the two places himself.
In the end, he had to prioritize the grand vision.
Outside the palace.
As soon as Zhao Feng stepped out, he saw that several carts filled with gifts had already been prepared.
"My lord," Zhao Gao said, bowing slightly. "These are the rewards His Majesty has bestowed upon you. They are to be presented to your mother upon your return."
"Understood," Zhao Feng nodded.
Zhao Gao turned and ordered the palace servants near the carriages, "Deliver these gifts to the Zhao residence."
"Understood," the servants responded in unison.
"Much appreciated," Zhao Feng said with a nod of gratitude before turning to leave the palace.
With his business at the royal court concluded, it was time to prepare for his return journey.
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