Under one person: I, Zhang Zhiwei, the arrogant Zhang.

"Your idea..."

Zhang Zhiwei stroked his chin, carefully considering the "National Advisor" suggestion. Letting the inner demon play the role of himself and eliminate the version of himself playing Zhang Mazi sounded a bit convoluted, but it seemed quite interesting.

“That’s not impossible!”

"real or fake?!"

The "National Preceptor's" voice was filled with unbelievable surprise, and its dead fish eyes, which belonged to "Rootless Life," suddenly burst forth with a light comparable to a searchlight.

Tiny arcs of electricity appeared all over his body, and they were dancing merrily.

This surprised Zhang Zhiwei. Although the "National Preceptor" seemed very lively on the surface, he was actually a deep and scheming person. He often said one thing to your face and another behind your back. It was rare to see him lose his composure like this.

The "Imperial Advisor" was unaware of his lapse in composure; he had only mentioned it casually and had no expectation that the "Big-Faced Thief" would agree.

It has coexisted with Zhang Zhiwei for a long time. Even though it is a demon that always wants to take over the reins, after so many years of repeated setbacks, this desire has faded a lot.

Especially in recent years, it has been diligent and rarely caused any trouble, for fear that Zhang Zhiwei might completely wipe it out if he gets upset.

As Zhang Zhiwei's inner demon, the "National Advisor" naturally understood why Zhang Zhiwei did not choose to eliminate it back then.

Assisting cultivation is a secondary matter. The main reason is that Big Face Thief is considering that after eliminating this obvious inner demon, a new inner demon will be born after a while.

Therefore, rather than constantly suffering from the torment of inner demons, it is better to leave them in the open and expose the formed inner demons so that he can monitor them at any time.

That is its original value.

Later, under the violent oppression of the Big-Faced Thief, it began to do odd jobs, helping him to reflect on himself three times a day, check for loopholes in his life, and even assist in cultivation. Therefore, it had a lot of value in its existence.

At that time, its value reached its peak. Although it still dared not provoke the big-faced thief, it often worked without putting in any effort and was lazy.

Now that the five elements have been harmonized, its ability to assist in cultivation is very low.

Moreover, Big Face Thief has also gained the ability to completely eliminate inner demons. Once he eliminates them, he will never be troubled by any inner demons again.

In this situation, it can be said that its value is very low, and its only function is to help check for minor vulnerabilities in our daily life.

This effect is negligible, because the Big Face Thief's life is becoming increasingly secure and leak-proof. Often, even if it tries its best, it cannot find anything worth noting or paying attention to.

Therefore, it has not provoked Zhang Zhiwei for a long time. In fact, when doing certain things, it can be said to have done its best and dared not slack off at all, for fear of losing even the little value it had left.

With their very survival under serious threat, the idea of ​​turning against Zhang Zhiwei was naturally almost completely abandoned.

However, although it abandoned that idea, it was still very interested in "becoming" Zhang Zhiwei.

After all, this is an unattainable obsession for it. Although this is only a temporary role, it can still give it a taste of what it's like to be the real person.

Looking at the "National Advisor" who could be described as jubilant, Zhang Zhiwei said calmly:

"How could my words be false? When have I ever lied to anyone?"

"Haven't you lied enough? Aren't we still plotting to cheat those landlords and rich people?!" The Imperial Advisor muttered unconsciously.

"Huh?!" Zhang Zhiwei's eyes widened. "Do you still want to be a [official]?"

"Think about it! Of course I do!" The Grand Preceptor quickly put on a fawning face: "How could you possibly lie to people? This is called winning people over with virtue, it's called 'all's fair in war,' it's an act of upholding justice, your virtue is as noble as the bright moon in the sky, you are simply a role model for us all. In the entire martial arts world, who doesn't know that you, the Heavenly Tong Sect Leader, always keep your word and your promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold!"

Zhang Zhiwei watched as the "Imperial Advisor" used Wugensheng's face to make a fawning and shameless expression. He felt no sense of incongruity; on the contrary, he felt that the style was very similar to what shameless people would say.

"Alright, alright, these are the facts, but let's stop here. Just say a few words and that's enough. Saying more would make it seem fake."

Zhang Zhiwei commented for a moment, then began to arrange the details: "Tomorrow, I will lead this group of 'Zhang Mazi' to 'attack' Zhao Family Village. After the attack, I will return to my hideout. You will follow behind me disguised as me. Once we find the hideout, we will have a public 'battle,' and you will take care of 'Zhang Mazi' me. Then the matter will be settled."

"Understood! Acting is my forte!" The Imperial Advisor rubbed his hands together excitedly. "I guarantee it will be more real than the real thing!"

It can't wait to experience what it's like to be a "Little Celestial Master of Longhu Mountain".

"Then hurry up and change my face. It just feels weird to have this shameless face on me," the Imperial Advisor said.

Looking at the expression on the Imperial Advisor's face, Zhang Zhiwei said, "Actually, I think it suits you quite well!"

"How is that possible?" The Imperial Advisor noticed Zhang Zhiwei's gaze, his expression instantly turned serious, his eyes narrowed slightly, and he mimicked Zhang Zhiwei's current expression: "And now?"

Zhang Zhiwei scrutinized you carefully: "No matter what expression you make, if you do it with a shameless face, I can only give you zero points."

"Then quickly change my face back to look exactly like yours," the Imperial Advisor hurriedly said.

Seeing its eager, almost excited, expression, Zhang Zhiwei used his ability to read the Grand Preceptor's thoughts. After understanding its inner journey, its worries, and its cautiousness, Zhang Zhiwei remained silent for a moment before speaking:
"Since you're in such a hurry, I'll grant your wish. Besides, you don't have to wait until tomorrow; you can start getting used to this identity right now!"

Since he's so eager to be in office, why not let him be in office for one more day?

"Really?!" The Imperial Advisor was overjoyed once again; this was truly an unexpected delight!

"Did I ever lie to you?" Zhang Zhiwei retorted.

"No, no, you're absolutely a man of your word!" The Imperial Advisor shook his head vigorously, but inwardly he thought: How many times have you lied to me? But he dared not say these words out loud.

Then, Zhang Zhiwei walked up to the Imperial Preceptor and began to sculpt his face again. He was taller than Wugensheng, so it was as if he was elongating his figure and then sculpting his face…

Because he knew his own life inside and out, he was naturally adept at pinching faces. In just a few blinks, a person who looked almost exactly like Zhang Zhiwei was standing opposite him.

"If we disregard factors like Qi and other aspects, from an appearance standpoint alone, there's almost no difference." Zhang Zhiwei was quite satisfied with his masterpiece: "Give it a try!"

Upon hearing this, the Imperial Preceptor shook his Taoist robe, strode confidently around Zhang Zhiwei, and his mannerisms and expressions were almost identical. Only with careful observation could one detect a subtle restlessness and cunning. This was quite different from Zhang Zhiwei, whose aura was imperceptible, as if he were one with heaven and earth; to see him was to see heaven and earth itself.

Therefore, a discerning person can still detect it.

"How are you feeling?" Zhang Zhiwei asked.

The "Imperial Advisor" stretched its limbs. Although it had only inherited the appearance of the original body and not its power, it still nodded in satisfaction.
"Not bad, not bad. Although it's just an empty shell, it's enough. May I go back now? I still need to inform Liu Mang and those landlords about tomorrow's bandit suppression." The Grand Preceptor crossed his arms, mimicking Zhang Zhiwei's expression and demeanor, and said calmly.

"Okay, go ahead. I hope you can put your acting skills to good use and get this done!" Zhang Zhiwei said in a deep voice, "Don't let me down."

"necessary!"

The Imperial Advisor agreed readily and was about to leave when he suddenly remembered a question. He mimicked Zhang Zhiwei's habitual little gesture, tilting his head to look at him, and said:

“However, Big Face… uh… um… I have a question. Although Zhang Mazi is considered utterly wicked by the landlords, he is a great hero in the hearts of the people of Sichuan. Now you’ve used your identity as ‘Little Celestial Master’ to ‘eliminate’ him. Isn’t that ruining your own reputation? Aren’t you afraid of being gossiped about behind your back?”

His words were made with Zhang Zhiwei's best interests at heart. He felt that it was a real loss to ruin Zhang Zhiwei's hard-earned reputation as a "living deity" for a few million silver dollars. If it was just to appease those landlords, there was no need to go to such lengths; any other means could have easily dealt with them.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhiwei remained calm and his gaze was far-reaching: "Hero? When did Zhang Mazi become a hero? From beginning to end, he was nothing more than a tool for robbing landlords of their money. Perhaps he did a few minor good deeds along the way, but that doesn't change his true nature."

"It's okay to deceive others, but don't deceive yourself. I've never considered myself a hero, so I don't care about this false facade. Besides..."

He paused, his tone detached: "Zhang Mazi is nothing special. If you take one down, there are thousands upon thousands more. Anyone can be one."

"I want to shatter the illusions of the people of Sichuan!"

"After all... how can they see the real heroes who have been working silently all along if they don't eliminate this false, short-lived 'hero'?!"

The "Imperial Advisor" was completely stunned. It stared blankly at Zhang Zhiwei, never expecting that this seemingly simple-minded and violent big-faced thief would have such a high level of thought.

Compared to him, his petty calculations about "persona" and "reputation" are instantly inferior.

"Been taught a lesson……"

It murmured unconsciously, feeling for the first time a genuine respect for Zhang Zhiwei that did not stem from being overwhelmed by power.

"Stop flattering me, go do what you're supposed to do, and don't give yourself away," Zhang Zhiwei said, waving his hand.

"Don't worry, just watch!" The Grand Preceptor straightened his back, his figure flashed, and lightning crackled around him as he sped off towards the Tiantong Steel Plant.

……

Tiantong Steel Plant, office.

Wang Ai, Lü Ci, Liu Mang, and Fan Pengju were discussing tomorrow's plans.

"With so many bandit strongholds, can the Little Celestial Master handle it all in one day?" Liu Mang looked at the location list and said in shock, "So scattered? Let alone subduing these bandits, I think it would be difficult to even visit all the locations."

"Calm down, calm down!" Lu Ci said, "Senior Brother Zhang has his reasons for doing this."

Despite Lu Ci's calm demeanor, he was anything but calm inside. He wanted to participate in subduing the bandits, but with so many places to travel to, bringing another person would only be a burden, so Zhang Zhiwei decided to act alone.

As the group was talking, Zhang Zhiwei pushed open the door and entered with steady steps.

The group looked over together, but none of them noticed anything amiss. They quickly greeted each other warmly.

"Senior Brother Zhang!"

"Senior Brother Zhang!"

"Little Celestial Master, is everything arranged?" Liu Mang asked hurriedly. He felt uneasy because he had too many variables in this grand drama.

The "Imperial Advisor" waved his hand lazily: "A bunch of chickens and dogs. With me in charge, what can they do to cause trouble?"

His voice, tone, and even the subtle pauses were exactly the same as the real Zhang Zhiwei.

Not to mention Liu Mang, even Lü Ci and Wang Ai, who often followed Zhang Zhiwei, did not notice anything unusual.

Subsequently, "Zhang Zhiwei" began to arrange specific matters for Liu Mang regarding the opposing Zhang Mazi the next day, including gathering the landlords to attend the ceremony.

After listening to the explanation, Liu Mang looked at Fan Pengju beside him and said, "Fan Ha'er, did you understand? If you understood, hurry up and make the arrangements."

"Alright, alright, I'll go arrange it right away!" With that, Fan Pengju was about to leave.

Zhang Zhiwei called out to him, "Brother Ha'er, by the way, things haven't been peaceful around Chongqing lately. Could you ask your brothers to keep an eye on things?"

This matter was already arranged, so why did the young master bring it up again? Is there some special situation...? Although Fan Pengju was puzzled, he still nodded and said, "Don't worry, young master, the brothers of the Gelaohui are also keeping an eye on things. If there's any trouble, they'll definitely report it to you immediately!"

Zhang Zhiwei glanced at Fan Pengju and smiled, "I trust Brother Ha'er to handle things."

A simple word of affirmation made Fan Pengju feel flattered, and he straightened his back a bit.

His reaction pleased "Zhang Zhiwei" greatly, who exclaimed how satisfying it was. Is this what it's like to transform into the real person?

Afterwards, "Zhang Zhiwei" interacted with everyone in turn, such as telling them about the process of subduing the bandits, or asking about the quality of the newly arrived ore from Wang Aixin, and so on.

Everyone cooperated in turn, and because of Zhang Zhiwei's usual big mouth, they didn't feel at all that their senior brother Zhang was talking too much today.

The Imperial Advisor's performance during this exchange was nothing short of perfect. His tone of voice, expression, opinions on handling matters, and even subtle gestures, such as tapping his fingers lightly on the table, were all imitated flawlessly. (End of Chapter)