Chapter 81

"Are you giving me such a valuable gift just because of my one word?" Li Wenjun asked, somewhat surprised.

Zhang Jianjie was very straightforward. He knew that with someone like Li Wenjun, who wielded absolute power, any schemes would be useless. Once exposed, it would mean certain doom for him. The best approach was to be clear from the start. This way, he could gain Li Wenjun's trust and avoid angering this ruthless man.

Zhang Jianjie said, "Master, in the political arena, having a powerful backer is crucial. Qin Yue was born into poverty and has no such support. As for me, although I have some money, I don't know any high-ranking officials. Even though Sanxian County is just a small county and the county magistrate is only a seventh-rank official, it is still a position of significant influence, and many people are vying for it. For Qin Yue to secure this position, it is not easy. If Master is willing to stand up and publicly support Qin Yue, I can say without exaggeration that it would be more effective than the words of the Emperor himself. Our father-in-law and son-in-law only ask for one thing: we hope that Qin Yue can remain the magistrate of Sanxian County until he retires."

Li Wenjun was somewhat enlightened. No wonder Qin Yue had come over, kneeling and bowing, and Zhang Jianjie had given such a valuable gift. They wanted to secure the position of the magistrate of Sanxian County for the long term.

As for who would be the magistrate of Sanxian County, Li Wenjun had no particular preference. As long as it didn't interfere with his affairs, he didn't care who it was. Since Qin Yue wanted the position and Zhang Jianjie had given so many gifts, supporting Qin Yue would not be a big deal for him. Most importantly, with these medicinal herbs, he could continue to cultivate at a faster pace.

Cultivation, improving his realm and overall strength, was the most fundamental and urgent matter.

"Alright, I can agree to it," Li Wenjun nodded.

Zhang Jianjie was overjoyed. He bowed deeply to Li Wenjun and said, "Master, on behalf of Qin Yue and my entire family, I thank you."

Li Wenjun waved his hand and said, "I am not favoring Qin Yue. This is just a transaction. You give me valuable gifts, and I support Qin Yue. It's a fair deal, and after this, neither of us owes the other anything."

Zhang Jianjie hurriedly replied, "Yes, I understand."

"Let's go to the county office," Li Wenjun said.

Li Wenjun led Zhang Jianjie and others to the county office. Sun Baicao and Sun Jianing, on behalf of Li Wenjun, praised the streets. The acting magistrate Qin Yue sent several constables to accompany them, and all the other officials were present, including the chief clerk and the clerks of the six departments.

Upon learning that Li Wenjun had arrived, Qin Yue, Jiang Yefan, and others did not dare to be negligent and hurried out to meet him.

Li Wenjun fulfilled his promise, praising Qin Yue in front of everyone, expressing his appreciation, and hoping that Sanxian County would flourish under his governance.

Jiang Yefan and others, seasoned officials, knew that Li Wenjun was specifically supporting Qin Yue. They quickly expressed their loyalty to Qin Yue in front of Li Wenjun.

Li Wenjun did not say anything more or do anything else. He knew that after he left, Zhang Jianjie and Qin Yue would find ways to spread the news. How they did it and to what extent was none of his concern.

Li Wenjun did not stay long at the county office. After praising Qin Yue, he left.

Zhang Jianjie hurriedly followed, walking closely behind Li Wenjun.

Li Wenjun turned and looked at Zhang Jianjie, asking, "Mr. Zhang, we are even. Why are you still following me?"

Zhang Jianjie hurriedly replied, "Master, please don't misunderstand. I have something important to report."

Li Wenjun nodded and said, "Alright, let's talk at my house."

Zhang Jianjie followed Li Wenjun back to his house. Zhang Jianjie waved his hand, instructing two servants to guard the gate, and then followed Li Wenjun into the courtyard.

"Master, please forgive my boldness, but let me guess your current situation," Zhang Jianjie said.

"What situation could I possibly be in?" Li Wenjun said coolly.

"Master, you killed the grandson and guards of the Pohou. The Pohou will not let this go. Sending people to hunt you down is almost certain. I once heard that the Pohou has connections with a powerful force in the cultivation world. Ordinary people cannot harm you, but if the Pohou brings in other cultivators, you might not be able to handle them," Zhang Jianjie said confidently.

Li Wenjun frowned, staring at Zhang Jianjie with a look of disapproval. "How do you know so much about the cultivation world?"

Zhang Jianjie, seeing that Li Wenjun was about to get angry, hurriedly said, "Master, our family has always been a secular one, with no ties to cultivators. We just have a long history and know some secrets that others do not."

"Is that so?" Li Wenjun's tone was skeptical. As a noble, the Pohou's family secrets would not be something a local strongman could easily know.

Zhang Jianjie raised his hand and said earnestly, "If Master does not believe me, I am willing to swear on my family's name. If I am lying, may my family suffer a terrible fate and not die a good death."

Li Wenjun waved his hand and said, "We only had a transaction, and as long as the content of the transaction is true, that's enough. I don't care about the rest. Mr. Zhang, if you have nothing else, please leave. I have things to do and no time to accompany you."

Zhang Jianjie hurriedly said, "Master, please give me a little more time. I have some heartfelt words to share with you."

"Go ahead," Li Wenjun decided to give Zhang Jianjee a bit more face, considering the valuable gifts.

Zhang Jianjie said, "Master, by offending the Pohou, you have invited trouble. As the saying goes, 'One hero needs three helpers, and a fence needs three stakes.' Master, you are alone, and your future is uncertain. The only way forward is to unite with those who can help you."

"Friends? What kind of friends can resist the power of cultivators?" Li Wenjun countered.

"Soldier against soldier, general against general. To deal with cultivators, you need cultivators. I know another cultivator. If Master trusts me, I am willing to introduce you to him," Zhang Jianjie said.

Li Wenjun was taken aback. "You know another cultivator? What is his name, and where does he live?"

Zhang Jianjie said, "Master, have you heard of Tianhua Mountain? On Tianhua Mountain, there are many temples and shrines, including the Qingfeng Temple. The abbot, Daoist Yueci, is a seasoned cultivator with great skills. Once, when I went up the mountain to offer incense, I had the good fortune to meet Daoist Yueci, who favored me and gave me a token of trust.

With this token, I can go up the mountain to meet him again. If Master is willing, I am willing to introduce you and take you up the mountain to meet Daoist Yueci. As fellow cultivators, you might have something in common. If Master can become friends with Daoist Yueci, you will have an ally when the Pohou sends people after you."