In the beginning, he was ranked alongside An Shigeng as a spoiled brat.

The four major tomb raiding factions gathered their elites, all for the treasures hidden within the dragon vein of the Jin Dynasty.

Chapter Sixty-Eight: The King Killer? The Assassin?

The ocean is boundless and its waves are magnificent!

Even though it wasn't his first time at sea, seeing the ocean's surging waves, which could capsize the boat at any moment, Zhang Xiaoshan was still awestruck by the power of the sea.

No matter how strong he was, he believed he could take the head of a general from among a million soldiers.

But faced with the power of the ocean, it is still like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, or as insignificant as a mayfly, oblivious to the passing of time.

On the deck, Zhang Xiaoshan had already cast his bait and was continuously letting out lines.

Zhang Xiaoshan estimated that he would stop letting out the line at around fifty zhang (approximately 33 meters). He was aiming to fish for deep-sea fish, so the fishing line was only just beginning to be released.

"Young Master Zhang is truly generous. This is the first time I've ever seen someone use such a large bait and such a long line when fishing."

An Shigeng watched as Zhang Xiaoshan lowered the depth, especially using a large fish weighing about four or five pounds as bait.

Perhaps they caught a shark instead of an ordinary sea fish?

"If you want to catch a big fish, you naturally need to use big bait."

Moreover, only with long fishing lines can you catch big fish hiding in the deep sea; otherwise, what's the point of catching just a few small fish and shrimp?

The two exchanged words, each waiting for the big fish to take the bait.

The sea area chosen by Zhang Xiaoshan was where ocean currents converged, and the resources there were quite good. In just a short while, An Shigeng caught a top-quality seafood on his fishing hook, and immediately beamed with joy.

The tea ceremony, with its willow catkins drifting in the breeze, is also a feast for the eyes.

Huang Rong enjoys cooking, while Liu Sheng Piaoxu is an expert in tea ceremony, no less skilled than the famous tea masters of Lin'an Prefecture.

Even though Zhang Xiaoshan didn't think he could make any real difference from the tea, watching the beautiful woman brew tea, and smelling the fragrant aroma of the tea, was still a pleasure.

With the meticulous care of Hongshao and Jiangxue, this kind of life was also the reason why Zhang Xiaoshan had always been unwilling to engage in the underworld.

What's so good about being a江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the world of martial arts and outlaws) person?

Braving wind and rain, they lived in constant fear of being schemed against.

This extravagant lifestyle is worlds apart from the wandering life in the martial arts world.

Many martial arts masters have struggled their entire lives, only to find that what they ultimately seek is the life he has now.

"Uncle An, please!"

The tea was top-quality pre-rain Longjing, but it didn't gain the fame it has since; at best, it was just a good tea.

A cup of tea, and much of the sea breeze's flavor has faded away.

"In business, the An family is no less successful than the Zhang family."

Although Master An is a playboy, he's not stupid. Why seek such unrealistic things?

Zhang Xiaoshan's unintentional bluntness made An Shigeng tighten his grip on the fishing rod.

really!

The Zhang family still managed to find out about all of this.

The Zhang family's development in the past two years has been rapid and remarkable, even more domineering than in previous years, representing an explosive expansion.

The Zhang family, which seems to have built castles in the air, is not as powerful as outsiders perceive it to be, lacking in foundation despite its rapid development.

Even compared to the expansion of their businesses, the Zhang family's power was proportional.

"I don't understand what Young Master Zhang is talking about?"

"Even if the current emperor abdicates, the throne will never fall to the An family."

The martial world is ultimately the martial world. Even though Emperor Taizu was a peerless martial artist, he eventually had to govern the country together with the scholar-officials.

The martial world belongs to warriors, but the world ultimately belongs to scholars.

Zhang Xiaoshan suddenly felt the fishing rod tighten, and immediately realized that a big fish had taken the bait.

With a gesture, he made the deaf-mute sailor several feet away turn around.

"Hopefully it's not a shark!"

Shark meat doesn't taste good, and even shark fin isn't Zhang Xiaoshan's favorite food.

An Shigeng, however, felt resentful. Zhang Xiaoshan's words did not favor the An family, believing that it was impossible for a martial arts figure to seize the throne.

"Young Master Zhang is trying to harm my An family by falsely accusing us of rebellion."

"I just don't want Master An to go astray."

I really can't agree with your ambition. Times create heroes, but looking back over five thousand years, which emperor ascended to the throne by assassinating the previous emperor?

A kingslayer and an assassin are not the same thing!

An Jia was at most an assassin. Killing the emperor would make him a target for all the feudal lords. He really couldn't understand why An Yunshan would have the idea of ​​killing the emperor and ascending to the throne.

Even supporting a puppet to the throne is better than them settling down and standing openly.

Could it be that the title of "great philanthropist" could actually lead to the emperor's abdication and a return to an era of universal harmony?

This is undoubtedly an extremely naive idea.

Even now, given Zhang Xiaoshan's reputation, he spends over 100,000 gold coins annually on bribing officials.

Red Mansion membership card? Soap? Glass...

"Out!"

Suddenly, Zhang Xiaoshan looked at the water, his eyes flashing with divine light.

The enormous fish shadow struggling to break free on the sea surface was over ten feet long and probably weighed at least a thousand pounds.

"Luckily, it's not a shark, it's a tuna!"

Zhang Xiaoshan was extremely pleased with his good luck at the start of the year.

Even if he chooses the right sea area, whether he can catch a big fish is still an unknown.

Watching the struggling tuna, Zhang Xiaoshan slowly tightened the fishing line, then suddenly jerked it upwards, pulling a huge tuna directly out of the water.

"Floating catkins!"

The blade flashed without a trace, its chilling aura biting.

In a flash, the blade ripped open the fish's belly, and at the same time, ten layers of profound ice energy struck the giant fish directly.

The movement was swift and seamless; even An Shigeng's pupils constricted as he looked warily at the graceful figure slowly landing on the deck.

This slash not only removed the fish's internal organs at incredible speed before it died, but also forced out its blood with a single blow, instantly freezing the fish, which weighed several thousand kilograms, leaving onlookers horrified.

Such strength is at least that of a Grandmaster at the Innate Realm.

Moreover, it is even more fierce and domineering than his Western Region magic.

"Drag it into the refrigerator!"

To store cargo and freeze seafood, Zhang Xiaoshan built a large icehouse under the ship's hold.

In addition, there are dedicated nursing staff who go to the ice room every hour to cool it down with saltpeter to maintain the sub-zero temperature of the ice room.

It's a continuous process, and we can't afford to be careless.

"What do you think, Master An? You have to cast a long line to catch a big fish."

"Young Master Zhang used silkworm silk to catch such a big fish? Clear objective, impressive!"

An Shigeng watched Zhang Xiaoshan continue to lay out bait, and his heart grew heavy.

If a mere Bushido master possesses such formidable strength, one can only imagine how powerful the Zhang family must be.

At least their biggest enemy in Lin'an Prefecture wasn't the royal family, but the Zhang family.

They had all underestimated the Zhang family before.

Chapter Sixty-Nine: Encounter with the Persian Zoroastrians

Chirp! Chirp...

Suddenly, a sharp cry came from the sky, and Zhang Xiaoshan raised his hand and a snow-white, magnificent eagle landed on his arm.

The snowbird brought from the Jin Kingdom is currently interacting with Zhang Xiaoshan.

A moment later, Xue Dongqing took off again with a grilled fish in its mouth, making An Shigeng extremely envious.

It's not that he doesn't want his own falcon, but these creatures must be raised from a young age, and the higher the rank of the falcon, the more arrogant it is.

The divine bird, Snow Holly, was drawn to Zhang Xiaoshan by an aura emanating from him.

If it were anyone else, they wouldn't get its approval at all.

Just like the snow fox in Huang Rong's arms, it basically became the pet of all the women, except for Zhang Xiaoshan.

Only Xue Dongqing would not come down unless Zhang Xiaoshan summoned her.

“There are three ships approaching from about a hundred miles northwest of us; they should be the large Fujian ships!”

An Shigeng had been observing Zhang Xiaoshan's interactions.

Unexpectedly, the Snowfield Divine Eagle could actually bring Zhang Xiaoshan intelligence, accurate to specific numbers, and even determine what the target was based on its size.

"Come closer!"

Upon hearing Zhang Xiaoshan's decision, An Shigen did not refuse, for they were all experts.

Even the weakest maidservant by his side is a second-rate expert and a well-known figure in the martial arts world. Moreover, there are at least three grandmasters here, so there is no need to worry at all.

Drifting on the sea, the ship slowly drew near.

Not only did Zhang Xiaoshan discover them, but the other side also discovered Zhang Xiaoshan's ship.

"Is this... the symbol of Zoroastrianism?"

Zhang Xiaoshan clearly saw the markings on the other ship; they were the flag of the Zoroastrian religion of the Western Regions.

"It should be called the Persian Grand Religion!"

An Shigeng was also very knowledgeable and recognized the flag at first glance, thus knowing the origin of the other party.

"Interesting? The Zoroastrian Church has long stayed in the Western Regions and never ventured out. This time, the Zoroastrian headquarters suddenly arrived and took a roundabout route by water. I'm afraid their purpose is not simple."

"···"

As the ship drew closer, the Zoroastrians realized that the people on board were no ordinary individuals.

After all, who would go sea fishing for no reason, especially one who seems to be thoroughly enjoying himself with beautiful women by his side?

The attire of the two young men in the middle suggests that they are not ordinary people in the Central Plains.

"May I ask if you are the King of the Twelve Treasure Trees?"

Upon hearing Zhang Xiaoshan's question, everyone present was taken aback.

Two elderly men dressed in finery slowly stepped forward, their gazes toward Zhang Xiaoshan filled with surprise.

If it weren't for the high-ranking members of the Zoroastrian Church, how many people in the Central Plains would know the meaning of the 'Twelve Treasure Tree Kings'?

"What is your relationship with the Zoroastrianism of the Central Plains?"

“We have no connection with Zoroastrianism. My family’s business extends to the Western Regions and the Mediterranean, and we know some things about Zoroastrianism in Persia.”

This is Master An of the An family. His family's business also involves trading with the Western Regions and even reaching Persia.

Therefore, while Persian Zoroastrianism was incredibly mysterious to others, who had never even heard of it, it was no secret to our two families.

Upon hearing this, the Twelve Treasure Tree King looked somewhat incredulous; this was too much of a coincidence.

It was as if the other party was deliberately waiting for them!

However, seeing the two men's nonchalant attitude, and their complete lack of concern that they might kill and rob, immediately put the two men on high alert again.

"Gentlemen, all who come are guests."

I know your purpose. As long as you don't act rashly in the Central Plains, you are guests.

Zhang Xiaoshan's opening remarks were like a bombshell, leaving even An Shigeng clueless about what he was talking about.