Chapter 21: The Web of Ambitions

Zhao Zhiming leaned forward, his eyes filled with curiosity as Tang Jian began to speak. Tang Jian put away his plate, and with a serious expression, he said, "Have you heard about the corruption and political battles that are raging between the Seven Great Sects and the Empires? The Seven Great Sects seek to expand their influence in the mortal world, while the Empires are determined to prevent them from seizing control. The commoners suffer the most due to the conflicting agendas of these two factions. No matter which side they choose, life becomes even more challenging for them."

As Tang Jian's words sank in, Zhao Zhiming's eyes widened, and he found himself captivated by the speech. Tang Jian lowered his head, wearing a sorrowful expression, and continued, "Zhao Zhiming, these cultivators don't care about the mortals of this world. You must have heard how even the three saints abandoned countless innocent lives during the calamity. It is the commoners and mortals like us who bear the brunt of their political games. That's why I dream of establishing an organization in the future, one that will ultimately end the suffering of the mortal world."

Unable to contain his excitement, Zhao Zhiming praised Tang Jian, his voice trembling, "Amazing! Saviour Tang, I always knew you were a righteous person, but I had no idea you were so kind and passionate. It brings tears to my eyes." Zhao Zhiming was on the verge of bursting into tears.

Tang Jian, upon seeing Zhao Zhiming's teary-eyed state, made a slightly disgusted face and gently held his hand. "Ahem! Please control your emotions for now, Zhao Zhiming. We have yet to embark on the journey to bring glory to the mortals. There will come a day when these people will walk the streets with their heads held high."

Zhao Zhiming wiped his nose with a white cloth and sulked, "Saviour Tang, I am willing to do anything to make your dream come true. Just give me an order, and I will complete it with all my might. You are my saviour, and I hope one day you will become the saviour of this realm, rid of the parasite called 'cultivator supremacy.'"

'Cultivator Supremacy'—those words described the place of mortals and cultivators in the Thousand Dao Realm. While cultivators reveled in power and glory, mortals endured lives filled with pain, hardship, and misery. In these challenging times, mortals yearned for a hero, a savior, or even a god who could liberate them from the clutches of these oppressive cultivators. Tang Jian keenly sensed the despair of these mortals and resolved to make good use of their desires.

Tang Jian leaned forward, freeing his hand from Zhao Zhiming's tight grip and placing it firmly on the table. "Student Zhao, I sense your righteous fury for the suffering mortals, and I understand your desire to drive out these cultivators from the Thousand Dao Realm. However, we are currently too weak, and we need to build support and alliances first. That's why I have devised a plan that can temporarily provide us with the backing we need," Tang Jian said, his expression growing stern.

Calming down upon hearing Tang Jian's words, Zhao Zhiming said, filled with guilt and anticipation, "Forgive me for my impudence, Saviour Tang. I must have gotten too carried away. Please enlighten me about your grand plan."

Tang Jian sat back properly, quenching his thirst with a drink of water. "Do you know about the upcoming duel scheduled to take place in the practice hall next week?" Tang Jian asked, his face serious.

Zhao Zhiming wore a stiff expression as he replied, "Yes, I'm aware of it, saviour. These nobles are always causing trouble for themselves and those around them. But why are you asking me about this insignificant event?"

Tang Jian smirked and replied, "Zhao Zhiming, you know nothing. We can turn this situation to our advantage and profit from these nobles' follies."

Utter silence filled the air as Zhao Zhiming's face fell, unable to comprehend Tang Jian's words. Tang Jian took a loud sip of water, his eyes fixed on Zhao Zhiming, waiting for his response.

"What are you talking about, Saviour Tang? You want to profit from those corrupt nobles? Aren't you ashamed to suggest such a thing?" Zhao Zhiming replied, his face contorted in disgust.

Hearing Zhao Zhiming's words, Tang Jian placed his glass of water down and leaned forward once again. "Do you know, student Zhao Zhiming, that those who lack power and wealth can never save the people they wish to protect? If people like us were to be picky about such matters right now, how could we ever hope to reach the level where we can challenge those cultivators?" Tang Jian's voice softened as he spoke.

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With that question, Tang Jian plunged Zhao Zhiming into deep thought. He now had two choices before him: either follow Tang Jian's plan, temporarily setting aside his morals to save the suffering people of this world, or reject Tang Jian's offer, clinging to his principles and ignoring the plight of the common people.

Choosing the path any righteous bookworm would prefer, Zhao Zhiming made his decision. "You are right, Saviour Tang Jian. Please forgive my ignorance. I will follow your lead. Please tell me about your plan," Zhao Zhiming said, guilt mingling with his words.

A twisted and sinister smile crept across Tang Jian's face. "That's the spirit, student Zhao Zhiming. I admire people like you—decisive and honest. So, here's the plan," Tang Jian said, leaning closer to whisper the details into Zhao Zhiming's ears.

Zhao Zhiming's face brightened as he heard Tang Jian's words. "Amazing, Saviour Tang! Your wisdom and righteousness know no bounds. I will leave immediately to gather the things you ordered me to. You can count on me," Zhao Zhiming said enthusiastically before leaving the canteen to fulfill his new mission.

Tang Jian watched Zhao Zhiming's departing figure, a wicked expression replacing his usual earnestness. This was the first time he had manipulated someone since reincarnating in this world. Zhao Zhiming had become a useful tool in his quest, and from now on, he could aptly be called "Browser."

After Zhao Zhiming left, Tang Jian noticed the plate he had abandoned without taking a bite. With a heavy sigh, Tang Jian stared at the untouched food and muttered, "Now, who will finish this plate? That brat left behind the food without even touching it. Well, he did pay for it, so I suppose it's fine."

While Tang Jian contemplated what to do with the leftover food, a chubby and imposing senior brother approached him, his steps heavy. Tang Jian recognized him and waved his hand, calling out, "Senior Brother Li Sheng, it's me, Tang Jian."

As Li Sheng approached Tang Jian, he sat down heavily on the seat in front of him. "It's a good thing you were here, Junior Brother Tang. I couldn't have found a quiet seat otherwise. I would've had to force other students to give up their seats for me," Li Sheng said, wiping his sweat with the same cloth Zhao Zhiming had used to wipe his tears and nose.

Tang Jian maintained a stiff expression but chose not to comment on the white cloth Li Sheng was using. He ignored Li Sheng's bragging and said, "You can finish this plate if you'd like, Senior Brother. My friend ordered it but had to leave due to an urgent matter."

Li Sheng paused, wiping his sweat, and replied sternly, "Are you sure about this, Junior Tang? You won't regret it?"

Tang Jian nodded with a gentle smile on his face, affirming his decision.

With Tang Jian's approval, Li Sheng began eating the food from the plate greedily, resembling a pig. Tang Jian felt uneasy watching him, so he quickly finished his soup, stood up, and said, "See you later, Senior Brother. I hope you enjoy your meal." Tang Jian wore a forced smile as he left the canteen.

Li Sheng continued to eat, gesturing with his hand for Tang Jian to bid him farewell. Tang Jian left, forgetting about one important detail—Zhao Zhiming had forgotten to pay for the meals.

[Status]

Cultivation - No cultivation

Name - Tang Jian

Title - Cunning Politician[F]

[Stats]

Physique - E rank

Power - F rank

Speed - F rank

Wisdom - D rank

Soul - C rank

[Shop] [Technique] [Mission]

Returning to the dorm room, Tang Jian found it empty and lay on the bed, feeling exhausted. He opened his status window once again, curious about the faith points he had received.

Disappointed to see that nothing had changed in his status, Tang Jian clicked on the shop section.

[Shop] Faith Value - 16

Basic Fist Technique - 10 Faith Value

Eagle Eye Technique - 15 Faith Value

Dark Shadow Technique - 20 Faith Value

Recovery Elixir - 15 Faith Value

Rubbing his chin in contemplation, Tang Jian muttered to himself, "It did increase since last time. So, what exactly is the requirement to earn these points? Do I simply have to act righteous, as I did today in the library?"

Lost in his thoughts, Tang Jian pondered the nature of the faith points he had acquired. He wondered if there were specific actions or behaviors that triggered the accumulation of these points. Was it solely based on acting righteous and helping others, or did it involve a more complex set of criteria?

Tang Jian realized that he needed to gather more information and experiment with different approaches to uncover the secrets behind the faith points system. Perhaps there were hidden tasks or missions that would yield higher rewards. He resolved to delve deeper into this mystery, determined to exploit it to his advantage.

While contemplating his next steps, Tang Jian's mind drifted back to his encounter with Zhao Zhiming and the plan they had hatched. He couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for what lay ahead. Manipulating situations and people to further his goals had become second nature to him, and he relished the challenge it presented.