Chapter 1278: Loss of Composure
Upon hearing this, Zhang Jucheng’s doubts multiplied further.
It was not unusual for Qi Xuansu to have dealings with the Heavenly Preceptor. But that usually came through Zhang Yuelu’s connections. So why had Qi Xuansu come to him this time and not Zhang Yuelu? Moreover, there was no prior notice, and Qi Xuansu was clearly traveling discreetly, concealing his movements from Poluo to Jinling. Geographically, Lingnan Prefecture would have been closer to Poluo.
Though Zhang Jucheng’s relationship with Qi Xuansu was not hostile, they merely maintained polite surface relations and were far from being steadfast allies.
Though these thoughts ran through his mind, Zhang Jucheng said, “This is such a small matter. You could’ve just informed Old Tang. There’s no need for you to make the trip personally.”
In truth, Qi Xuansu had not thought that far ahead. At first, he had not intended to see the Heavenly Preceptor immediately and was hoping to find answers through Madam Qi instead. But when that yielded no breakthrough, he had no choice but to turn his hopes toward the Heavenly Preceptor.
Though Qi Xuansu appeared calm and unconcerned on the surface, inwardly, he was not so composed. At the Gratitude Temple earlier, he had already shown signs of losing control, quarreling pointlessly with two unrelated strangers. That alone spoke volumes.
Qi Xuansu had not carefully thought things through. Instead, he came straight to Zhang Jucheng due to proximity.
Of course, he could not say this aloud, so he simply replied, “I don’t have that much influence, so I have no choice but to seek your help, Uncle.”
This statement flattered Zhang Jucheng, implying that only the future head of the Zhang family possessed such influence. This made it difficult for him to refuse.
Zhang Jucheng found this quite pleasing. With his position, many wanted to flatter him, but not many could compare to Qi Xuansu. While Qi Xuansu might not yet stand fully as his equal, this young man was the youngest Sage of the Daoist Order with boundless potential.
If one day Qi Xuansu became Grand Master, these words would carry even greater weight, something worth boasting about. Even Omniscient Sages had a sense of pride.
Zhang Jucheng was already inclined to help, though he did not lose his composure. He asked further, “Even if you didn’t want to trouble Old Tang, and Qing Xiao is in Jade Capital attending a council meeting, you still didn’t need to come to Jinling in person. With communication methods so advanced nowadays, you could’ve just sent me a message. Did you think I’d deliberately make things difficult for you?”