Dimensional Codex System: I'm really not a cultist!

Although Xiang Shaolong thought this way, when it came to truly acknowledging a mentor... to be honest, he couldn’t quite put on a face for Fang Zheng.

After all, Fang Zheng looked even younger than him, and it seemed that Fang Zheng wasn’t particularly mindful of him. This left Xiang Shaolong speechless, though he tried to showcase himself on the journey afterwards, it seemed to be of no use. Even though Xiang Shaolong demonstrated several military skills along the way, Fang Zheng merely watched him with a grin, without any intention of engaging.

Xiang Shaolong originally hoped the other party would find him intriguing and would take the initiative to start a conversation. Unexpectedly... the other party didn’t take notice of him at all.

As a result, Xiang Shaolong found the situation somewhat torturous, but ultimately, he made a decision. Under the cover of night when everyone was asleep, Xiang Shaolong left the tent and found Fang Zheng outside the campsite leaning against the White Deer and meditating, then straightforwardly stated his intentions.

”... seeking a mentor?”

Fang Zheng was somewhat surprised to hear Xiang Shaolong’s request, but upon second thought, he realized the problem. Originally, according to the original plot, after being attacked by bandits, Xiang Shaolong would flee and then meet the Great Master of Mohist School to inherit the Mohist swordsmanship. However, since he entered the scene prematurely, the merchant convoy wasn’t scattered, so Xiang Shaolong didn’t have to flee for his life, thus he couldn’t obtain the Mohist swordsmanship...

Hmm, so is it my fault?

But who knew this was the world of Record of Seeking Qin.

However... Fang Zheng wasn’t about to accept an opportunistic apprentice just like that.

”Why do you want to become my apprentice?”

”Uh...”

Faced with Fang Zheng’s inquiry, Xiang Shaolong was momentarily at a loss for words. In truth, his desire to apprentice was a spur-of-the-moment decision because encountering such a mysterious expert, it’s natural such a thought would arise. However, when asked why, Xiang Shaolong didn’t have a very good reason.

”What do you think of the state of the world?”

Seeing Xiang Shaolong at a loss for words, Fang Zheng switched topics and asked him another question. Yet, Xiang Shaolong still couldn’t respond.

”It seems you have no answer, so come find me when you do.”

Watching Xiang Shaolong before him, Fang Zheng didn’t say much more. In fact, Xiang Shaolong wasn’t initially inclined to help Ying Zheng, it was only after a series of experiences in this world that his mindset shifted. As of now, Xiang Shaolong is but a solitary wanderer, just having some relations with Lady Silkworm from when he first arrived, their separation wasn’t a tragic parting.

And later, Xiang Shaolong would face a series of setbacks, such as his beloved Miss Tingfang being sold and Shu’er being killed, which gradually formed his desire to gain power and strength in this world. Presently, he’s not much different from a farmer who just walked out of a rural village, even with millennia worth of knowledge, to Xiang Shaolong, the allure of bustling city life is what appeals to him, oblivious to its dangers.

Under such circumstances, Fang Zheng wasn’t going to casually teach him anything.

In contrast, he wanted to see whether Xiang Shaolong, without acquiring the Mohist swordsmanship, could overcome these obstacles on his own. After all, as the leading protagonist of time-travel stories, there shouldn’t be any issues.

Fang Zheng’s straightforward refusal left Xiang Shaolong feeling a bit embarrassed, he muttered a couple of sentences before leaving. After that, Xiang Shaolong never sought Fang Zheng again. And Fang Zheng was content in watching Xiang Shaolong engage with his women within the convoy.

The group proceeded smoothly, and without much time passed, they arrived at Handan. Tao Fang invited Fang Zheng to visit the Wu Family but Fang Zheng politely declined, stating he was there to spectate the commotion, not steal the spotlight. Fang Zheng was certain that if he went to the Wu Family, all of Xiang Shaolong’s troubles would befall him, and such nuisances should be left to the protagonist. He wasn’t very interested in the beauties of this world...

He’d rather go pet cats.

Tao Fang was evidently disappointed by Fang Zheng’s refusal, but he nonetheless provided Fang Zheng with a large sum of money; besides defeating the bandits’ reward, there were also the horses – all of Graybeard’s war horses were brought over by Fang Zheng, naturally sold at market price to the Wu Family, earning a significant amount without much effort, bringing him joy.

Indeed, a horse without feed at night doesn’t get fat, and a person without a windfall doesn’t get wealthy. Robbery is indeed the fastest way to make money in this world... provided you choose your target wisely.

So why don’t heroes in the Jianghu lack money?

Because the bandits in mountain hideouts are their banks.

In this light, even bandits seem rather pitiful.

After bidding farewell to Tao Fang and his entourage, Fang Zheng found an inn to settle in, yet had little time to spare. The great White Deer had already become Fang Zheng’s signature symbol, and along with bringing back the news of Graybeard’s 800 bandits being wiped out, it naturally spread. Shortly thereafter, some prestigious families in Handan sent invitations, inviting Fang Zheng to attend gatherings, even King Zhao sent an emissary to invite him, however...

”Not going.”

Fang Zheng didn’t even glance at the invitation, simply tossed it aside.

”Tell your king, I’m only interested in the delicacies of Handan, and once I’ve tasted them, I’ll leave, so he’d best not disturb my enjoyment.”

Exactly, Fang Zheng was indulging in the cuisine tour of China, with his current goal being to travel the states and taste the special cuisines of each. That’s why Fang Zheng rode the White Deer to wander places, after all, without goals, how is one different from a salted fish?

Tasting the cuisines of the Six Kingdoms, then writing a culinary record, isn’t that far better than some military tactics?

”Yes, yes, this humble servant will inform at once...”

The envoy sent by King Zhao, after hearing Fang Zheng’s response, did not dare to breathe a single breath hastily, hurriedly turned to leave. For ordinary people, they might have shouted by now, but just a glance from Fang Zheng, accompanied by the Dragon Might in his eyes, was enough to shatter the spirits of a normal person.

Thus the envoy hurriedly took back the invitation and scurried out of the room, while Fang Zheng turned around, signaling to the waiter.

”Alright, next dish.”

”Ah, of course...”

The waiter nodded promptly, swiftly bringing a dish to place in front of Fang Zheng, then lowering his voice.

”But, young master, isn’t it a bit improper to outright refuse when the king himself sent an invitation, what if he gets angry...”

”No worries, I have my measures.”

Fang Zheng waved his hand, not taking the warning of the shop assistant to heart at all.

In fact, this is one of the reasons why he travels around the Six Kingdoms.

Why?

Because in these countries, once Fang Zheng has a conflict with the upper echelons, he can kill whoever he wants!

After all, these people are bound to die at the hands of the Qin State sooner or later, whether sooner or later.

But in the Qin State? What if Fang Zheng accidentally makes a mistake and kills the wrong person?

For example, unintentionally kills Bai Qi, or Li Si...

Even though Mew Poison doesn’t matter.

Well, these are all troubles.

However, what Fang Zheng finds interesting is that although his tough approach does anger some noblemen of various countries, Fang Zheng has indeed been attacked by these people when he was outside, but after sweeping them off their feet, these people immediately behaved obediently and no longer came to cause trouble.

It seems that feudal superstition also has its benefits, at least even if they are unwilling, they have to consider the consequences of fighting against an ”immortal.”

Moreover, the rumors say he was born as a celestial being, and that is also true.

He’s indeed an immortal.

While savoring the delicious dishes, Fang Zheng also records notes in his notebook by hand. Unlike in modern times, many seasonings did not exist, and some common modern vegetables were missing, so the dish made tastes different, and even the ingredients are quite peculiar, making Fang Zheng eat with great delight.

But it’s a pity that things never go as planned. Just as Fang Zheng finishes the dish, a commotion suddenly sounds outside, followed by a burly figure striding in, while the shop assistant quickly runs over from behind.

”I apologize, Young Master Fang, this gentleman he...”

”I saw it, pour him a glass of wine, and you can leave.”

Looking at Xiang Shaolong in front of him, Fang Zheng chuckles, then reaches out his hand.

”Have a seat, looking for me for something?”

”Yes, Young Master Fang.”

Xiang Shaolong sits opposite Fang Zheng, his eagle-like eyes staring at him, nodding vigorously.

”I want to apprentice under you.”

”A reason?”

”I have a significant enemy to face, but I am not his match now...”

As he says this, Fang Zheng sees Xiang Shaolong clenching his fists tightly, his veins bulging.

”Is that so? Well, then do tell.”

Fang Zheng reclines in his chair, pours himself a cup of tea, and gazes at Xiang Shaolong. Under Fang Zheng’s gaze, Xiang Shaolong candidly confesses his situation.

Similar to the original story, after cleverly dealing with bandits and entering the Wu Family, Xiang Shaolong was immediately favored by the Head of Wu Family, who made great efforts to win him over, even gifting him a noble lady from the Yan Kingdom named Shu’er. However, Wu Family’s family general Lianjin did not regard him highly and openly provoked him. Xiang Shaolong initially did not care about Lianjin, but then encountered a major trouble.

To celebrate him becoming a Wu Family general, Xiang Shaolong and his two friends went for flower wine drinking, and finally had a pleasant conversation with a girl named Pure Woman, but she was taken away by a person named Mr. Shogen. The infuriated Xiang Shaolong returned home only to find Lianjin and a stranger bringing people to toy with Shu’er and Miss Tingfang.

Xiang Shaolong tried to stop it, but alas, two fists are no match for four hands. Not only was he defeated, but he was also forced to witness a live version of ”adultery in front of husband,” these angered Xiang Shaolong almost to madness. In rage, he agreed to Lianjin’s duel request, yet Lianjin is Zhao Kingdom’s top swordsman, with Xiang Shaolong’s mediocre skills, going up basically equates to a suicide mission.

Thus Xiang Shaolong, after the painful realization, decided to find Fang Zheng again, requesting him to teach martial arts skills.

Wow... This truly is miserable.

After hearing Xiang Shaolong’s experiences, Fang Zheng secretly clicked his tongue. He initially thought that after changing his fate several months ago, Xiang Shaolong’s days should be better, but it turns out to be even worse than the original. After all, in the original, Miss Tingfang was continually protected by Tao Fang, and Shu’er was merely a case of attempted molestation.

Now it directly became adultery in front of husband?

Tsk tsk, Old Master Huang, you’re lucky this isn’t a web novel, otherwise, the readers would surely throw razor blades at you...

But... the banquet in a month’s time...

Fang Zheng looks at Xiang Shaolong, speechless.

What martial skill could allow someone to progress rapidly in a month and sweep through the world?

To master this skill, one must first castrate oneself?

Seems like that’s the only one, huh.