The Divine King's Manor — Jiang Chen had been there once before. But this time, the Divine King himself had summoned him alone, so the meeting location was naturally different.
Jiang Chen was calm as he followed the Divine King's attendants toward the heart of the manor. Regardless of the Divine King's reasons for summoning him, Jiang Chen remained composed.
Inside the Divine King's Manor, a narrow path led toward the rear gardens at its end.
"Young Elder Zhen, you'll have to go on from here. Beyond this point is the Divine King's private garden. Without his express permission, we're not allowed to approach."
Jiang Chen smiled slightly. "Thank you for your trouble."
He nodded to the attendant, stepped onto the path, and walked to its end. There he found an arched gateway and passed through it.
The tall, imposing figure of the Chishui Divine King stood before a lake, hands clasped behind his back.
"Young Elder Zhen." Hearing Jiang Chen's footsteps, the Chishui Divine King broke into a slight smile, his resonant voice ringing out.
"Greetings, Divine King." Jiang Chen stepped forward and offered a half-bow, cupping his fists. Protocol demanded it — the other party was still the Divine King, and his own status was inferior, so he ought to observe proper etiquette.
"No need for formalities. Young Elder Zhen, look at this lake — the surface is smooth as a mirror, perfectly tranquil. If one were to casually toss in a stone, this serenity would be shattered. Wouldn't that rather spoil the view?" The Chishui Divine King smiled faintly, rose slightly on his toes, and dropped a pebble into the lake. Water splashed, and ripples spread outward in layer upon layer.
Jiang Chen sensed there was more to these words than met the eye and replied with a gentle smile: "The lake's surface is indeed smooth as a mirror, calm and serene. But the water here is so deep — who knows whether undercurrents churn beneath the surface? When those undercurrents build to a certain point, they'll form whirlpools and waves, and the destructive force will be all the greater."
Though he didn't know exactly what the Divine King was trying to convey, Jiang Chen answered according to his own understanding.
The Chishui Divine King's eyes flickered, and he burst into hearty laughter.
"Well said, Young Elder Zhen. Come, sit down and talk. During the tournament for the Chishui Heavenly Pool, your performance left a deep impression on this king. But I've been burdened with worldly affairs and never found the opportunity to speak with you. I didn't think it would take so many years before this chance arose."
Jiang Chen bowed. "I'm grateful that the Divine King has remembered me."
In truth, Jiang Chen had no desire to be remembered by the Divine King. Being in the thoughts of such a powerful figure was never a good thing.
A private summons like this was never just for idle conversation.
Jiang Chen waited — waited for the Divine King to speak.
The Chishui Divine King toyed with the wine jug in his hand, then suddenly said: "With abilities like yours, Young Elder Zhen, joining the Shaxing Sect is truly a waste. This king has always been eager to recruit talent. Have you ever considered joining the Divine King's Manor? Serving under me?"
Jiang Chen hadn't expected the Divine King to be poaching — and so directly at that.
He pondered for a moment. "The Divine King's appreciation is humbling, and by all rights I should accept with great enthusiasm. However, I have a gentleman's agreement with Sect Master Han. Even if I were to leave the Shaxing Sect, I couldn't do so for another sixty years. So even though my heart may wish for nothing more, my hands are tied. I simply cannot leave just yet. I hope the Divine King will understand."
"Heh heh, Young Elder Zhen — this king can't say I see your heart yearning so passionately. If anything, I'd wager you're itching to walk out of the Divine King's Manor this very moment."
The Chishui Divine King's tone carried a hint of reproach, though it was laced with humor.