Time Travel: The Survival of Li Zhi

Chapter 310 The Emperor’s Joke

"Hmph! Arrogant!" Master Bao said with a gloomy face and a cold snort.

His eyes were fixed on Duan Heng on the ring, who was making a beheading gesture towards Li Zhi. His eyes were full of dissatisfaction and contempt for Duan Heng's arrogant attitude.

In the eyes of Master Bao, Li Zhi was his man, and Duan Heng was King Zhou's man. Duan Heng was so arrogant that Li Zhi made such an extremely arrogant move, which was a slap in the face of Master Bao.

How could the proud and arrogant Master Bao tolerate this?

The emperor beside Master Bao just smiled when he heard his words, and said slowly: "If you have the ability, it's okay to be a little crazy."

Hearing the emperor say this, Master Bao's eyes flickered slightly. He knew that the emperor was always thoughtful, and every word and action of his had a deep meaning, and it was definitely not as simple as it seemed on the surface.

The emperor's statement at this moment made him unsure of the emperor's true intention, so he did not dare to say any more bad things about Duan Heng for a while, for fear that he would say something wrong and anger the emperor, which would be a loss.

Although Mr. Bao behaved in an absurd way, he was not stupid, on the contrary, he was an extremely smart person. He knew what he could say and do, and what he could not say and do.

It is also because of this that he can still maintain the emperor's favor even after causing so many troubles.

At this moment, Zhao Wuji, who had been standing aside, interrupted at the right time and said, "Duan Heng is indeed a good player in the reserve, and he is quite outstanding among the young generation. But he is very ambitious and has always been eyeing the position of protector..."

The emperor frowned slightly, as if he was thinking about something. After a moment, he asked, "What is the relationship between Duan Heng and Duan Gang?"

Zhao Wuji hurriedly replied respectfully: "Your Majesty, Duan Heng is Duan Gang's nephew."

After hearing this, the emperor nodded as if he had suddenly realized something, and then said, "Does Duan Heng want to inherit his uncle's position as the guardian?"

Although the emperor's words were calm, Zhao Wuji's heart tightened. He quickly replied, "Duan Gang has not recovered since his last injury, but his position as the guardian is still in place for the time being. I think he wants to keep it for his nephew."

Duan Gang was one of the ten Dharma protectors. He was injured but still occupied the position of Dharma protector. It was obviously for his nephew. Everyone in the department knew his little thoughts, and Zhao Wuji naturally knew it too.

However, Zhao Wuji turned a blind eye to Duan Gang's little thoughts, considering his hard work and great contributions.

But now that the emperor had asked, Zhao Wuji could only tell the truth and did not dare to hide anything.

The emperor showed a meaningful smile on his face, which made it impossible to see his true thoughts at the moment. He chuckled and said, "Are you going to make the position of the guardian of the Night Tour Department a family inheritance system?"

There was a hint of sarcasm in the emperor's tone, but there was unquestionable majesty in the sarcasm, which made Zhao Wuji feel a chill in his heart.

Zhao Wuji's face changed instantly, and he knelt on the ground with a plop. He lowered his head and said in fear and trepidation, "Duan Gang has been working in the Night Patrol Department for decades, and has been a guardian for more than ten years. During his tenure, he has always been conscientious and loyal. I would never dare to have such thoughts. I hope the emperor will understand."

Seeing this, the emperor smiled and reached out to help Zhao Wuji up, saying in a gentle tone: "Uncle, there is no need to do this. I don't trust others, so how can I not trust you? Get up quickly."

Zhao Wuji stood up, bowed slightly, and whispered: "Although Duan Gang may have some selfish motives, his nephew is indeed capable and has a good reputation among the reserve forces. Therefore, I want to give him a chance..."

After hearing this, the emperor nodded slightly, his expression became a little more serious, and said: "I remember that Duan Gang was injured in the incident at the imperial mausoleum, right?"

"Yes, Duan Gang stayed behind to cover the retreat. He alone fended off the siege of several people. In the end, he was exhausted and injured, and fell ill. He has not recovered to this day." Zhao Wuji replied with his head down.

"He is indeed diligent and loyal, but his injuries have not yet healed, so he should focus on his health. Let him step down from his position as a guardian and rest well."

The emperor sighed slightly, and then his calm voice sounded again: "As for the position of guardian, if Duan Heng can win the championship this time, then give it to him."

Although the emperor's words were still calm, Zhao Wuji couldn't help but be startled.

He knew in his heart that the emperor was still dissatisfied with Duan Gang's behavior. This seemingly light remark actually stripped Duan Gang of his position as the protector that he had been guarding so tightly.

Although there is mention of letting Duan Heng serve as the protector, the prerequisite is that Duan Heng needs to successfully win the championship and use real strength to prove that he deserves this position.

If Duan Heng was defeated, Duan Gang's position as the protector would have to be handed over to someone else.

Duan Heng is even more miserable. If he fails to win the championship this time, he will hardly have a chance to stand out in the Night Patrol Division in the future. After all, this is a rule set by the emperor himself. With the emperor watching over him, it will be extremely difficult for Duan Heng to turn things around.

Master Bao listened to the conversation between the emperor and Zhao Wuji and pondered for a long time. At this moment, he could no longer hold back and said, "Your Majesty is wise. But Duan Heng doesn't look like someone who can win the competition this time."

When the emperor heard this, his smile became even wider, and he asked with interest, "Oh? Duan Heng doesn't look like the winner, then who do you think will win?"

When Master Bao heard this, he immediately perked up, raised his head, and said with confidence, "Of course it's Li Zhi! I've heard of Li Zhi's reputation a long time ago. He looks like a man of great ability, and he has a great chance of winning."

Master Bao was very excited when he spoke and he was full of praise for Li Zhi.

The emperor followed Master Bao's words and slowly looked in the direction of Li Zhi.

Li Zhi looked calm and composed when facing Duan Heng who openly provoked him. There was no trace of anger, disdain or other negative emotions on his face. He showed a calm and dignified demeanor, and was not surprised by fame or disgrace.

Seeing this, the emperor could not help but nod his head in approval and praised sincerely: "Not arrogant or impatient, such a character is indeed a good talent."

There was a hint of appreciation in the emperor's eyes, and he was obviously quite satisfied with Li Zhi's performance.

When Master Bao heard the emperor praising Li Zhi, his face instantly smiled like a blooming flower, his brows and eyes relaxed, and he looked so proud that if you didn't know him, you would think that the emperor was praising him.

But the emperor's next words stunned Master Bao and even Zhao Wuji, who had been standing silently on the side.

The emperor said slowly, "If Li Zhi can win the championship, the position of guardian would be a good choice for him..."

The emperor's voice was not loud, but it was like a thunderclap out of nowhere, exploding in the ears of the two men, making their brains a little confused for a moment.

Zhao Wuji and Master Bao looked at each other subconsciously, and both saw deep confusion and shock in each other's eyes.

Zhao Wuji frowned slightly, thought for a while, and said to the emperor: "Your Majesty, this person has been working in the Night Patrol Department for a short time. In terms of qualifications, I am afraid that he is not qualified to serve as a law protector. I hope Your Majesty will consider it again."

Even Master Bao hurriedly echoed, "Yes, Your Majesty, please think twice. Although Li Zhi does have some ability, the position of Dharma Protector is of great importance and should not be taken lightly."

Even though Master Bao regarded Li Zhi as his own man from the bottom of his heart, he did not dare to rashly let the emperor appoint Li Zhi as the protector on such a major matter involving the appointment of an important position. After all, this was not a trivial matter. If there was any mistake, the consequences would be disastrous.

The emperor looked at both of them deeply, with an elusive look in his eyes.

Then, the emperor suddenly burst into laughter, laughing so hard that he fell backwards, as if he had heard the funniest joke in the world.

After laughing for a long time, the emperor shook his head and said, "I was just joking, why do you take it so seriously? I've already said that today, don't treat me as the emperor. Just treat me as an ordinary citizen who comes to watch this fight for fun."

When Zhao Wuji and Master Bao heard the emperor's words, they secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and their hearts finally settled down.

Afterwards, they hurriedly responded to the emperor with a smile on their faces, saying some joking words in an attempt to ease the slightly awkward and tense atmosphere, but the smiles still seemed a little forced.

Obviously, they were still frightened by the shock they had just received.