Chapter 142
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Chapter 142: I Am a "Simple" Person
In the time that followed, Zhang Yang’s thoughts remained simple.
It was this simplicity that made him appear unconcerned, relaxed, and entirely unafraid.
Fearlessness and unwavering determination were the first inner qualities he had discovered upon stepping onto the immortal path.
He sought to break through the Eternal Night—what could possibly make him hesitate?
However, to everyone else, his mindset seemed overly simplistic and somewhat unreliable.
Yet, upon reflection, perhaps this was exactly how things should be.
The uniqueness of the Vast Forest, coupled with the presence of Chi Zhenyi, changed everything.
If Chi Zhenyi emerged, the situation would shift drastically. He was one of only two recognized saints in the Southern Region, and the fate of the other remained uncertain.
If another potential saint like Liao Qingshan rose, alongside the Small Tree King—who, despite not being a saint, surpassed one—along with Bing Yuyan at the Great Boundless Perfect Stage, Shang Zhu and Li Kunhai at the seventh and eighth life levels within the Great Boundless, as well as Lang Yaozu and Tang Zhuo, who were just stepping into the Great Boundless, and an uncountable number of Small Boundless warriors…
Then, in truth, the Vast Forest was far stronger than it appeared.
"Our strength is considerable, but there is always a limit," Liao Qingshan said. "Those entities that have existed for tens of thousands—perhaps even sixty thousand years or more—the sacred lands, forbidden grounds, and ancient families, have foundations beyond our imagination."
"I have witnessed some of the Ziyang Sacred Land’s hidden reserves. Once unleashed, they could bring about the end of the world. We must not be careless. You need to start considering things more comprehensively."
Zhang Yang frowned in confusion. “Isn’t the goal to simplify complex matters?”
Xue Feishuang had once told him this.
And he had always followed that principle.
Liao Qingshan pondered for a moment before nodding. "Yes, but not everything is that simple."
"Then how do you simplify things?" Zhang Yang asked humbly.
"Overestimate your opponent," Liao Qingshan replied. "The stronger you assume your enemy to be, the more thoroughly you will plan. Even if your estimation turns out to be wrong, it’s like a lion using all its strength to catch a rabbit—no harm will come to it. Tell me, what is the finest strategy in combat?"
Zhang Yang thought for a moment before answering, “To use numbers to overwhelm, to use strength to overpower—that’s the most enjoyable way.”
Liao Qingshan smiled. "You can indeed be taught."
Zhang Yang began to understand.
Personal martial arts and warfare were two entirely different matters.
For an individual, fearlessness and risking one’s life were necessary to break past personal limits.
Warfare, however, was about victory and survival.
He needed to make a clear distinction between the two.
Because, whether he admitted it or not, the Vast Forest was increasingly centering itself around him.
Saint Chi Zhenyi, Saint Liao Qingshan, Lou Pingfan, the Giant Guard from the Golden Armored Giant Clan, and the assassins from Blood Asura had all joined because of him.
Looking ahead, the Divine Forbidden Gate, the golden ape, the Ironback Blue Bull army, and the Ice and Snow Divine Palace all had either a direct or indirect connection to him.
So, he had to differentiate between his individual pursuits and the needs of the collective.
A newfound clarity surged within him.
From this moment on, his actions would become more deliberate and precise.
Walking alongside saints truly brought great rewards.
As for slaying a saint, Liao Qingshan agreed.
He had been stifled for far too many years—he, too, wanted to stir up some chaos.
However, when he looked at Zhang Yang’s proposed plan, he could only feel one thing.
It was simple.
So simple that it made one scratch their head in disbelief.
Yet, the more he thought about it, the more he realized—perhaps simplicity was the key.
The plan seemed riddled with potential problems, yet, in execution, it was entirely feasible.
After a long period of contemplation, considering various factors, Liao Qingshan ultimately accepted Zhang Yang’s approach.
Zhang Yang smiled and said, “I am a ‘simple’ person, with ‘pure’ thoughts and a ‘sincere’ nature. Please take care of me in the future.”
Liao Qingshan, Lou Pingfan, and Jia Tianhao exchanged glances.
As for the matter of the Trapped Dragon Pavilion, it had been simple—remarkably simple! So simple that twenty Great Boundless individuals had fallen for it.
This fellow had relied on that very simplicity to ensnare others, and each time, he had been spot on.
Who would have thought he would actually go alone to the Trapped Dragon Pavilion?
Who would have thought he would dare to eliminate everyone in one decisive move?
Most people meticulously planned every step, ensuring absolute certainty before taking action. But Zhang Yang? He was so fearless, so undaunted, that taking risks had nearly become second nature to him.
And that was a dangerous habit.
Thus, the three men teamed up to teach him a lesson.
Liao Qingshan and Lou Pingfan were relatively reserved, but Jia Tianhao seized the opportunity to speak at length, his passionate words accompanied by flying spittle.
However, in the end, Zhang Yang uttered just one sentence, and they all fell silent.
“I succeeded.”
Four simple words—that was the result.
Eventually, he left, humming his self-composed tune, I Am Simple.
Before departing, Lou Pingfan suggested to Jia Tianhao that the Gathering Talents Pavilion should extend its influence toward the Liu family’s outsiders.
The oldest family in the Southern Region had existed for too long. Its outcasts had long endured humiliation and injustice. Moreover, the Liu family regarded its bloodline as noble, treating those without pure lineage as lesser beings. This made them the perfect target.
Jia Tianhao immediately pounded his chest and declared, “In ten years, I will completely topple the Liu family!”
Zhang Yang approved of his boldness. He didn’t actually believe they could overthrow the Liu family entirely, but dealing them a significant blow was certainly possible.
Leaving Liao Qingshan’s small courtyard, Zhang Yang walked alongside Lou Pingfan.
On the way, Lou Pingfan shared his thoughts and insights, cautioning Zhang Yang that the Liu family’s strength far exceeded anyone’s imagination. There were many things others wouldn’t even dare to dream of, yet the Liu family had already accomplished them. Losing a few Great Boundless cultivators meant nothing to them. What truly angered them was the provocation—the damage to their reputation.
This conversation helped Zhang Yang grasp the terrifying nature of saint-level forces that had existed since before Eternal Night.
Of course, Lou Pingfan also revealed that he was secretly assembling a thousand-man force called the Slay God Guard. His original intent had been simple: revenge. He had been waiting for the right opportunity to hunt down Liu Feikong the moment he emerged.
This Slay God Guard was his greatest undertaking, led by his adopted son, Lou Xunchang.
Lou Xunchang had been raised by him since childhood, treated as his own flesh and blood. From an early age, his talents and roots had been nurtured at all costs, making him anything but ordinary.
As they passed by Moonview Tower, Zhang Yang told Lou Pingfan to go on ahead while he ascended to the ninth floor.
A potted orchid sat at the window of a private room—a signal. It was his prearranged meeting spot with Yi Ren Zui.
She wanted to see him.
Zhang Yang entered the room.
Yi Ren Zui was already there, waiting. She smiled softly and said, “I knew you’d be wandering around. There was no need to search for you—you would come.”
“I haven’t had much to do lately, just relaxing and exploring. I’ve been in Mo City for over a month and didn’t realize there were so many beautiful sights here,” Zhang Yang replied.
Yi Ren Zui raised an eyebrow. “I never realized you had such a talent for talking nonsense.”
Zhang Yang fell silent, lowering his head to eat and drink, muttering, “Free food and wine—how delightful.”
“With your appetite, even the Moonview Tower might not be able to handle you. I’m just afraid you won’t have many more chances to eat here,” Yi Ren Zui said. “Saint Liu Yinhua of the Liu family is on his way.”
She was particularly concerned about this and even felt a trace of fear.
She had encountered saints before. She had seen their overwhelming power firsthand.
Zhang Yang, however, remained indifferent. “I’ve been watching the stars at night. There’s a major event unfolding—I wonder if it’s related to this saint.”
Seeing how unconcerned he was, Yi Ren Zui felt a bit discouraged. After thinking about his past experiences, she decided not to dwell on it further.
If he wasn’t worried, why should she be?
She sighed and said, “Let’s get to the main point. My father wants to trade the Golden Dragon Shield with you.”