I let the genie out of the bottle

Chapter Sixty-Five: Lord Ye's Love of Dragons

"Have you ever seen that beautiful dragon with its wet, dark feathers?"

As is customary, Lu Ye, having sheathed his sword, slowly turned around to face the trembling caravan he had saved and asked them a question.

Over the centuries, this phrase has almost become a habit, leaving its mark on every place Lu Ye has ever been.

Throughout history, those who seek the dragon have been a constant presence.

"Do you want to find out where the dragon is...?"

Upon hearing this question, the caravan leader was slightly taken aback.

On this land, the dragon is also a legend.

However, compared to the West, it holds a more revered position.

"It is said that a dragon once appeared in the Qin region in the west, but we do not know if it is the dragon that you are looking for."

As the captain of the caravan, he had traveled extensively and had naturally heard many rumors. Now that the gentleman who had saved their caravan was asking him questions, he readily shared everything.

"Moreover, this is just a rumor that people are passing around, so it may not be true. Besides, even if a dragon really did appear there, it may have already left."

"I understand." Lu Ye nodded slightly, glanced westward, and then randomly chose a direction to continue his journey.

Although the Spring and Autumn Period was not the chaotic Warring States Period, the struggle for supremacy among the various states made this era just as exciting as later periods.

Furthermore, in the Qin region to the west during this era, the accumulation of "the legacy of six generations" had already begun. Therefore, it is truly difficult to determine whether this rumor is true or false.

In a sense, this can be used as a form of publicity stunt. After all, the appearance of a dragon west of Hangu Pass could legitimize Qin's ambitions for hegemony. Although its effect may be minimal, it would still have some impact under the weight of public opinion.

However, these things didn't matter to Lu Ye. He was simply enjoying his journey. The rest was irrelevant to him.

Even if he knew the whereabouts of the "dragon," he wouldn't deliberately pursue it.

In this world, from the arrival of the gods to the early stages of mythology, and then to the so-called beginning of the story, there is a span of thousands of years. In this extremely long period of time, almost comparable to that of many ancient civilizations, he believed that his will could be honed and refined step by step, gradually approaching the so-called perfection.

As for constantly talking about "dragon hunting," that can be considered a trivial pleasure.

Of course, he was also genuinely hoping that he could actually encounter that cute dragon by sheer luck.

Lu Ye's journey continues.

"Qiang!"

A crisp sound of metal clashing rang out, and the next moment, a jet-black dagger was flicked away.

A beggar, his face disfigured and looking wretched, stared blankly at the dagger that had been flung from his body, before collapsing to his knees with a thud.

To avenge his lord, he went so far as to paint his body with lacquer and swallow coal to disfigure himself. He then disguised himself as a beggar and waited there for several days, finally finding his opportunity.

However, these methods were simply no match for Lu Ye.

The beggar's mind was still replaying the seemingly unskilled sword strike that had precisely deflected his weapon, leaving him feeling utterly dejected.

“How could someone be so persistent in taking your life?”

Lu Ye slowly sheathed his sword, then turned to look at the richly dressed middle-aged man behind him.

Several guards immediately surrounded the area and arrested the assassin who was attempting to commit the crime.

"Thank you for saving me again, sir."

Despite having just survived an assassination attempt, the middle-aged man in fine clothes remained calm, showing no sign of panic.

Even so, he still adopted a respectful attitude and expressed his gratitude to Lu Ye.

This respectful demeanor was enough to surprise anyone who knew the middle-aged man's identity.

His surname was Ying, his clan name was Zhao, and his given name was Wuxu. In later historical records, he was known as Zhao Ji.

Or rather, Zhao Xiangzi, the most important figure in the division of Jin into three states, was almost the one who brought about the situation of the seven states vying for hegemony during the Warring States period.

"Wuxu, how many times has this happened? Are you going to let him go again?" Lu Ye revealed a half-smile as he sized up the assassin who looked like a beggar, his words carrying a mocking tone.

Zhao Xiangzi not only did not kill the man who had repeatedly tried to assassinate him, but also let him go on his previous attempts.

However, the assassin did not seem to repent.

Zhao Xiangzi seemed oblivious to the sarcasm in Lu Ye's tone. He stepped forward, looking at the assassin who was being held firmly by the guards, as if trying to persuade him to surrender.

“Zhi Bo destroyed your first lord, and instead of avenging them, you sided with him; I destroyed Zhi Bo, so why won’t you come to me because you want to avenge him?”

Because he wanted to recruit the other party, he chose to forgive them despite their repeated attempts to assassinate him.

It appears that Zhao Xiangzi, the founder of the Zhao state, was a kind and benevolent ruler. However, Lu Ye knew that this was merely an appearance.

Using his brother-in-law's position as the ruler of the Dai state to deceive and murder him, and then seize the country, this was the very thing this "generous" ruler did.

The magnanimity shown at this moment, the gesture of letting go even when someone tries to assassinate you in order to show respect to the virtuous and talented, is nothing more than a tactic to win people's hearts.

His reason for acting this way was simply because he had a swordsman by his side who was capable of handling any assassination attempt.

A short while later, Zhao Xiangzi, having finished dealing with the assassin, thanked Lu Ye once again.

"Thank you for saving me, sir."

This time, Zhao Xiangzi, who was kind-faced but ruthless, did not let the assassin go again, but instead executed him.

After all, while he wanted to project an image of magnanimity, he couldn't let people think he was weak and easily bullied.

"As I said before, it's time for me to leave."

With one hand gently stroking the sword at his waist, Lu Ye waved goodbye to the first ruler of the Zhao Kingdom.

Lu Ye continued on his journey, but occasionally he would stop to rest.

This time, after spending several years in what was once the territory of Jin and now the state of Zhao, it was time for him to continue his journey.

"Why don't you stay and help me, sir?"

Although he had anticipated this, Zhao Xiangzi still showed a reluctant expression.

During the years Lu Ye spent in Zhao, although he acted only as he pleased, he still provided a lot of help to Zhao Xiangzi.

"Now that the states of Zhao, Han, and Wei have divided Jin, where do you hope to lead the state of Zhao next?" Lu Ye asked.

"All under heaven belongs to the king; all within the four seas are his subjects."

Zhao Xiangzi straightened his face and spoke without hesitation the common wish of the feudal lords of this era.

Chapter Sixty-Six: The Mandate of Heaven in One's Mouth

Compared to many other rulers of this era, Zhao Xiangzi could be considered a wise and virtuous monarch. It was precisely for this reason that Lu Ye temporarily stayed in the Zhao region of this era and did not mind offering him some assistance.

Of course, what Lu Ye considered a small amount of assistance was an unimaginable act of kindness to ordinary people.

"Since Wuxu has such a grand ambition, then he only needs to continue advancing on the path of benevolent rule. Ye is just an ordinary person and is insignificant."

Lu Ye glanced at the wise ruler whose eyes were full of hope and expectation, and said casually.

Well, for now, although he's been wandering through history, Lu Ye has no interest in leading it in a strange or inexplicable direction. Therefore, he naturally has no desire to stay here any longer.

Moreover, he had been staying here for quite some time, and he was already tired of the scenery.

"Sir, is it because the Mandate of Heaven does not favor Zhao?" Zhao Xiangzi bowed and asked sincerely.

Lu Ye immediately chuckled.

"Since you already know, why ask me?"

After saying this, half-truthfully and half-jokingly, he walked away with unhurried steps.

"Wow, this guy." A mocking voice echoed in Lu Ye's mind as he fiddled with the bottle. "His killing intent is almost impossible to conceal. When the birds are all gone, the good bow is put away; when the cunning rabbit is dead, the hunting dog is cooked. I never thought you'd have this day."

“Normal.” Lu Ye continued walking forward at a leisurely pace. “This guy appears kind and benevolent to everyone, but he’s actually quite ruthless. Destroying what he can’t have is probably standard practice for him.”

During his extended stay in Zhao, Lu Ye provided considerable assistance to the Zhao clan of Jin, and now the royal family of Zhao. At least in this timeline, almost half the credit for the Zhao clan becoming the biggest beneficiary of the division of Jin into three states should go to Lu Ye.

From this perspective, the first King of Zhao was truly a ruthless man.

"However, even so, he won't make a move. After all, he has witnessed some of my strength and knows he can't stop me."

Compared to the famous King Goujian of Yue, who endured hardship and humiliation, Zhao Xiangzi is far less well-known.

However, in terms of endurance, the two are probably about the same.

When others point fingers at him and accuse him of cowardice, he is not ashamed but rather proud, saying it shows he can endure humiliation. After defeating someone, he can use their skull as a drinking cup. A gentleman's revenge is never too late; this guy is a prime example.

However, all of this is no longer relevant to Lu Ye. Although he joined the historical process on a whim, it doesn't mean he's prepared to stay in history and be constrained by so-called "official history."

Moreover, Lu Ye wouldn't care whether others harbored hostility towards him. At least, he wouldn't care about the malice that "mortals" might feel.

The swordsman and strategist assisting the king—this was merely a role Lu Ye played on a whim. Having shed this role, he continued on his journey, a wanderer in this era of constant warfare, observing with detached indifference.

On a whim, he might join in.

For example, when Shang Yang was torn apart by chariots, a rope was put around his neck.

For example, when Su Qin returned from his first failed mission to the six states, the first people to loudly ridicule him were those who did so.

During the Battle of Changping, Bai Qi massacred hundreds of thousands of Zhao soldiers, and he used a shovel to fill the pit with soil.

During the siege of Handan, Lu Yehua, disguised as an ordinary soldier, was the first to abandon his armor and flee.

In short, he had done almost everything he had ever thought about if he could travel back to the Warring States period.

Finally, because he claimed to want to suggest that the First Emperor tile the Great Wall, he was beaten by a mob of laborers who were enraged by the crowd.

Taking advantage of this opportunity to escape, he ended his journey, caught a glimpse of the last glory of the Qin Empire, and then set off westward.

He spent the entire Warring States period in the East, experiencing varying degrees of social status. Regardless, he inevitably exerted an influence. The so-called butterfly effect is ultimately undeniable.

Therefore, after thinking about it for a moment, he rejected the idea that would have a significant impact on later history.

Possessing a worldview allows one to directly influence the real world, making it unfold according to their desired trajectory. This is nothing more than having the final say.

As long as he is unwilling, the course of history will never deviate unless someone of equal ability interferes.

In a sense, the saying "the way of Heaven cannot be changed" is somewhat similar to his current state. The trajectory of the world he hopes for is the way of Heaven.

"It always feels a bit lacking in challenge."

Lu Ye, heading west, passed through a dense primeval forest rarely visited by humans, startling a flock of birds.

While casually complaining, he raised his palm, made a knife shape with his fingers, and slashed casually to the side.

Next, a python, six or seven meters long with brightly colored markings, slid down from the tree and landed at Lu Ye's feet.

In the forest, this python is undoubtedly a jungle killer. But for Lu Ye at this moment, it seems that there is nothing on Earth that can threaten him.

Whether it's a bird of prey, a magical beast, or even a fearsome dragon, to him it's no different from a little chick.

Even if the planet were to explode in an instant, it would not cause him the slightest harm.

"Then, how about the next world, a place with a high enough level of power? Enemies with enough strength, trials of blood and fire, dancing on the edge of a knife, fighting desperately for a chance of survival, this should allow you to grow greatly in a short time."

Mozlis's dark golden vertical pupils flickered slightly as she made a suggestion with a hint of a smile.

"Being greedy for quick success and rashly advancing is not a good thing. You must know that haste makes waste." Lu Ye kicked the python lying at his feet and answered without hesitation.

"..." Although she already knew Lu Ye's answer, Mozlis was still speechless for a moment. She raised her delicate hand and gently touched her forehead. Her soft skin reminded people of the white glaze on the surface of porcelain. She parted her cherry lips slightly and said, "Coward."

By influencing one's worldview, one can shape the world around them and guide its progress along the path they desire.

Although she was aware of this power, this was the first time she had truly experienced it with her heart.

If Lu Ye is currently influencing the future through his worldview, then when he is able to transcend the timeline, will he be able to reverse the influence of his worldview and have a reciprocal effect on the past?

P.S.: I narrowed my own path... I feel like there's not much to write about. There's actually a lot to write about invincible protagonists. However, my protagonist's personality isn't suitable, neither for female character acquisition nor romantic storylines. Hesitation only leads to more trouble, so I won't drag this out any longer. I'll prepare the ending; I can't just abruptly end it. Then I'll prepare for my new book...

Chapter 67 The Saintly Woman Who Received Divine Revelation in the Year 1 AD

“It’s time,” Lu Ye said suddenly, holding a rusty woodcutter’s knife in his hand.

As he spoke, he raised the machete in his hand and cut off the tree branch blocking his way.

He was currently traversing a dense jungle, dressed in tattered clothes. The branches among the trees bore numerous marks of wear and tear on his garments. The vines winding along the branches caused him even more trouble.

After all, he hadn't used much superhuman power at this point.

This was the so-called first year of the Gregorian calendar, which should be considered an important time point for many worlds.