Beyond the Timescape

“That’s not good enough,” Xu Qing said as he hovered in midair, looking down at Zhou Zhengli, who was still maintaining a humble bow.

Zhou Zhengli seemed harmless. But the reality was that harmlessness was a mere veneer. On the inside he was like a deadly viper. He had manipulated Sir Star Ring, and had certainly played a role in his ultimate downfall.[1]

Xu Qing didn’t want to fall into the same trap. Of course, his cautious nature would dictate his choices. Therefore, it didn’t matter that Zhou Zhengli claimed he wanted to be friends. Unless he provided an excellent reason, Xu Qing was not inclined to keep him around. And given how powerful Xu Qing was right now, if he didn’t want to keep him around, Zhou Zhengli would not stick around.

The wind was cold, so cold that not even the sunlight provided any warmth. As it blew, Zhou Zhengli looked up at Xu Qing.

“Exalted one, there are only four days left until the wedding. Someone needs to keep an eye on Zhong Chi’s poison, otherwise it could cause trouble in the four remaining days. Someone should also keep tabs on Li the Chosen to ensure he doesn’t get any ideas. Sir, you have a lot to keep track of. Well, I’m very familiar with Jiang Fan, so I can handle that.[2]

“Someone should also take time to record the details of the fox maiden identity to pass on to later generations. And, of course, the same goes for my identity. I’m the palace’s official historian. What’s more, sir, as the young lord, you need another study partner.

“All of those things can cause waves. There are many things I could help you with over the next four days, Young Lord. I can help you, not just to keep things going as they are, but to make even more waves. In addition, there are three people still in hiding. I’ve been keeping a close eye on everything, and I already uncovered their identities. You don’t need to waste your time on them, Young Lord. I can take care of one per day for you.

“That way, by the time we get to the wedding day, there won’t be any unknown factors to deal with. In the end, Young Lord, if you think the space-time waves aren’t sufficient, then just give the order, and I’ll die publicly to change history. Of course, every additional day that I live will benefit me.

“Sir, those are the reasons you should let me stay.” Zhou Zhengli once again bowed and waited for Xu Qing to make a decision.

Xu Qing looked coldly at Zhou Zhengli for a long moment. Then he waved his hand, and the shining marriage contract flew back into the fold of his robe. Then, another wave of his hand caused the immortal swords with Hordeslayer and Rampart in them to leap over to him and hover on either side, shining with immortal light and emitting immortal fluctuations.

Then Xu Qing ignored Zhou Zhengli as he walked over to the door leading away from the sword furnace. Just before leaving, he spoke over his shoulder to Zhou Zhengli.