Aren’t there plenty of beauties in the world of Investiture of the Gods? All those fairy maidens, immortals, princesses... It’s a pity the original work barely describes them, so we can’t catch a glimpse of their looks. Otherwise, why not just gather them all into the harem? After all, it’s not easy to come here—this is what they call “to die amidst a hundred flowers, even in the world of gods, one can be romantic…”

Having made up his mind, Jessica Bolton suddenly felt his heart clear and open, the mental burden that had weighed on him for so long vanished without a trace, and he burst out laughing.

In fact, some truths are not that complicated, but people often get confused when they’re in the thick of things, even running into dead ends. Truly clever people often only need the right opportunity to suddenly see the cause and effect and break free from the situation. Today, Jessica Bolton encountered just such an opportunity. On the surface, he hadn’t changed, but his spirit had undergone a qualitative leap.

The slave man knew nothing of this. Seeing his benefactor suddenly laugh foolishly for no reason, he dared not ask more.

At this moment, a commotion came from the street corner, waking someone from his endless daydreams. Looking into the distance, a group of people was hurrying this way. Jessica Bolton, sharp-eyed, saw that it was a military officer on horseback leading a squad of soldiers in leather armor, and among them was Brian Brooks, the one he had driven away earlier. But with his status, why would he fear these people?

The naked man also sensed that pursuers had arrived and quickly said, “If my benefactor is willing to show mercy, please take my young sister and leave at once. I will stay behind to draw away the pursuers, and will risk my life to cover your escape. For your great kindness, I can only repay you in my next life.”

Though this man was a slave, he was loyal and righteous, unafraid of death—truly rare. Before Jessica Bolton could speak, someone nearby said, “No need for that. You can leave without worry. I, a humble Daoist, will use a small trick to ensure your safety.”

Chapter Four: Yun Zhongzi

Jessica Bolton turned to look and saw a middle-aged Daoist. The Daoist had a dignified appearance, wore a blue robe embroidered with a bagua diagram, held a delicate flower basket in his left hand, and a silver-threaded horsetail whisk in his right.

Jessica Bolton had no intention of fleeing, and seeing the Daoist’s extraordinary bearing, he knew that this world was full of talented and unusual people. He quickly saluted and deliberately said, “Thank you for your kindness, Daoist, but there are many coming. I fear your two fists cannot fight so many. You’d better leave quickly!”

The Daoist smiled slightly and returned the salute: “I am a qi cultivator from Zhongnan Mountain, Samuel White. Just now I saw you act with righteousness and courage, and I admire you. I am willing to use a small technique to help you escape.”

Hearing the Daoist’s name, Jessica Bolton was greatly shocked. Samuel White, a famous immortal of the Chan Sect, highly skilled in Daoist arts, master of Lei Zhenzi, and his wooden sword “Jue Que” nearly destroyed the fox demon Daji. The pillar of the Shang Dynasty, Grand Preceptor Wen, also perished under his Tongtian Divine Fire Pillar. He even escaped the calamity of the Yellow River Formation and the Mysterious Golden Cauldron that cut off the Three Flowers, truly the most fortunate immortal of the Chan Sect.

After the Nuwa Temple incident, the first immortal to help King Zhou of Shang was actually Samuel White of the Chan Sect! If King Zhou hadn’t been bewitched by Daji and burned the wooden sword offered by Samuel White, Daji might have already died under “Jue Que,” and the six-hundred-year foundation of the Shang Dynasty might not have ended. This made Jessica Bolton feel very puzzled—why did Samuel White offer the sword to slay the fox demon? Was he really willing to offend Nuwa just to “slightly prolong the lineage of Cheng Tang”? Was there some hidden reason, or was it a bug in the novel?

Seeing Jessica Bolton in a daze, Samuel White asked, “Sir, do you not believe my words?”

“Daoist, your bearing is extraordinary. At a glance, you are a man of both virtue and skill. How could you joke at such a moment? I have my own way to escape and dare not trouble you.” Jessica Bolton collected his thoughts, deciding to first try to win over Samuel White, and respectfully said, “I have always respected men of virtue. Once this matter is settled, I hope you will not disdain to visit my humble abode, so I may listen to your teachings.”

Seeing Jessica Bolton so confident and yet so humble and courteous, Samuel White did not insist and nodded slightly.

In the time it took for these few words, the squad of soldiers had already arrived. Brian Brooks pointed at Jessica Bolton and said to the leading officer on horseback, “Sir, it’s him!”

The officer sized up Jessica Bolton for a moment and shouted, “Who are you? How dare you harbor a fugitive slave from the house of Lord Feilian and even injure his retainers? If you do not surrender at once, you will be beheaded without mercy!”

Jessica Bolton didn’t even glance at the officer and signaled to an attendant. The attendant immediately stepped forward and shouted, “Mind your manners! His Highness Prince Shou is here—why aren’t you dismounting and begging forgiveness?”

The officer shuddered at the words “His Highness Prince Shou.” Looking at Jessica Bolton’s attire, he was suspicious, but the other’s fearless demeanor made his heart tremble—in the city of Moyicheng, what commoner would dare impersonate the current emperor’s third son?

The naked man hadn’t expected his benefactor to be His Highness Prince Shou and was stunned, unable to speak. Samuel White raised his eyebrows slightly and gave Jessica Bolton a deep look, saying nothing.

Seeing the officer hesitate, the attendant barked an order, then took out a gold token and flashed it before the officer’s eyes. The officer saw clearly that it bore the words “Prince Shou’s Residence.” He dared not delay, hurriedly dismounted, and knelt on the ground: “This humble officer, James Thompson, newly transferred from Tongguan as deputy patrol commander of Moyicheng, did not recognize Your Highness. Please forgive me!”

Brian Brooks, who had been feeling smug, heard that his opponent was actually Prince Shou. Realizing he had almost tried to kill His Highness, his legs gave out and he involuntarily knelt, his body trembling uncontrollably.