Chapter 1231 Checks and Balances
Chapter 1231 Checks and Balances
"I think Hattori Hanzo probably got the information from the two heads of the family."
Jiang Xiaochuan pondered, "After all, such a big commotion is bound to be noticed by those with ulterior motives."
The underground boxing ring fell silent the moment those words were spoken.
"Oh?"
Zhao Wuchen raised an eyebrow at the two men, his gaze scrutinizing them. "Second patriarch, is this true?"
The two opened their mouths, but couldn't utter a complete sentence for a long time.
Jiang Xiaochuan was telling the truth. They were indeed secretly searching for Tang Long and had indeed interrogated Jiang Xiaochuan. This cannot be denied.
If you try to defend yourself, you'll only appear more guilty.
Seeing this, Zhao Wuchen already knew the answer in his heart:
"So that's how it is. The reason why the Jiang family has been able to stand firm among the six great families and even produce top experts in every generation must be due to the magical things in this treasure land."
He stroked his beard and paced back and forth, saying slowly, "The Japan where Hattori Hanzo lived was just a small island with scarce resources. How could it have such an ancient treasure land?"
"They have always coveted China's rare treasures. If they knew of their existence, it would not be surprising if they took any great risks to seize this secret."
Chen Qishan nodded in deep agreement:
"That's true. The secrets of the Jiang family are enough to drive any martial artist crazy, let alone someone as ambitious as Hanzo.
"He wants to use this to break through his cultivation level and then stir up trouble within China. His wolfish ambitions are blatantly obvious!!"
Listening to their analysis, Jiang Xiaochuan was already prepared to be "interrogated" rigorously.
He knew that once such a significant secret was leaked, it would inevitably attract the covetousness of various forces, and Yan Lü would very likely interrogate him thoroughly.
Therefore, he even secretly prepared his words in his mind, intending to "confess" to a carefully fabricated fake location and let Yan Lv play around with it.
After all, he still needed to find a way to eliminate Huangfu Yi. If Yan Lü got involved, things would become extremely complicated and would be detrimental to the plan.
However, Zhao Wuchen's reaction was completely unexpected.
The white-browed elder stroked his long beard, pondered for a moment, and instead of asking for the specific location, he slowly nodded, a meaningful expression on his face.
"...The secret treasure exclusively possessed by the Jiang family is indeed an incredible opportunity."
"Whether it's a coincidence or fate that you received this news, it means you have a connection with this item."
"Now that this opportunity has fallen into your lap, you must seize it, keep your mouth shut, and make sure to keep this secret!"
"We must not let someone with such wolfish ambitions as Hattori Hanzo succeed, or the consequences will be dire."
Jiang Xiaochuan was stunned and didn't react for a moment.
Hold it? Shouldn't you make me hand it over, or at least find out its location?
Zhao Wuchen seemed oblivious to his astonishment and continued with the instructions:
"As for your safety, you can rest assured. In the coming period, we will increase manpower to conduct more stringent perimeter monitoring and protection for you, those around you, and the areas you frequently visit."
"On the one hand, it's for your safety; on the other hand, since Hattori Hanzo has his eye on you, he will never give up easily."
"As long as we set up surveillance properly, I believe it won't be long before we can follow the clues and find him!"
When the "Jiang Family Treasure" was mentioned, a hint of longing, common to all mortals, inevitably flashed in the depths of Zhao Wuchen's eyes.
But it was merely an exclamation about a legendary object, devoid of any greed or possessiveness; rather, it was a transcendent magnanimity.
These people from the Flame Journey... their conduct is just too upright!
Jiang Xiaochuan was deeply shocked, as he was used to the treacherous and exploitative practices among aristocratic families.
At this moment, faced with Zhao Wuchen's transcendent realm, they were somewhat unable to adapt.
"Many thanks to Yan Lv for being willing to protect and escort this junior. Senior, you are truly virtuous!"
Realizing what was happening, Jiang Xiaochuan immediately said that these words were both a sincere thank you and a way of expressing his gratitude.
He admired Yan Lü's vision and believed that maintaining a good relationship with Yan Lü would be entirely beneficial to him.
Meanwhile, Jiang Xiaochuan's mind was racing, and a new plan was quietly taking shape.
Zhao Wuchen's open-mindedness disrupted his original plan to "spread false information about the location through the Yan Brigade".
But the barely suppressed greed in Huangfu Jingzhai and Situ Zhen's eyes gave him a new opportunity.
He turned to look at the two of them, his gaze finally settling on Situ Zhen, whose face was full of anxiety, and said frankly, "Patriarch Situ, I do indeed know the secret of the Jiang family."
Situ Zhen was still secretly speculating about Jiang Xiaochuan's intentions when he suddenly heard such a straightforward admission, and his eyes lit up as if they were about to burn.
Seeing this, Jiang Xiaochuan continued calmly:
“At Dingyun Palace, although you interrogated me, you never really made things difficult for me. For that sake, I am willing to share this secret with you.”
"what?!"
Upon hearing this, not only did Huangfu Jingzhai's expression change drastically, but even Zhao Wuchen and Chen Qishan showed expressions of confusion.
Chen Qishan frowned slightly and couldn't help but ask, "Young friend Jiang, this is an incredible opportunity. Why do you want to share it with others so easily?"
In his view, Jiang Xiaochuan could take full control of this secret under the protection of Yan Lü, and even if he were to explore the treasure land in the future, he would still be in absolute control.
Zhao Wuchen nodded slightly, a hint of inquiry in his eyes.
The young man's actions were truly beyond his expectations.
Jiang Xiaochuan gave a bitter smile. “Senior, you may not know this, but while Yan Lü can protect me for a while, after Hattori Hanzo is killed, Yan Lü can’t always protect me closely.”
"When that time comes, how long can I hold out alone against the covetous eyes of these two powerful families?"
He turned to look at Huangfu Jingzhai, whose expression was ashen, his eyes filled with wariness:
"Instead of waiting until we are forced into a corner later, we might as well do a favor now and share the secret with the Situ family head."
"We also hope that the two elders can serve as witnesses, so that no one will cause trouble out of jealousy and break the rules in the future."
These words were ostensibly an explanation, but in reality, they were aimed at Huangfu Jingzhai, while using Yan Lü's intimidation to prevent him from turning against them on the spot.
Zhao Wuchen was incredibly perceptive; he instantly understood Jiang Xiaochuan's concerns and saw through his intention to use the mechanism to balance the two families.
He nodded slightly: "This matter is not difficult. Yan Lü can testify for you. As long as the Situ family head and you reach a consensus, no one else may interfere without cause."
Having received the promise, Jiang Xiaochuan felt reassured and looked at Situ Zhen again.
Situ Zhen was already overjoyed, having just been feeling disappointed when Zhao Wuchen stopped the soul-searching.
At this moment, things took an unexpected turn for the better, as if a pie had fallen from the sky and hit him!
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