Chapter 311: Xi Zhicai's True Ability!

In an instant, Xi Zhicai felt at ease, convinced that this trip to Taishan had been well worth it! He had already secured one talent, with two more on the verge of joining him, and one more still awaiting his capture.

After finishing his conversation with Zhuge Jin, Xi Zhicai realized that the more he spoke with him, the more he found Zhuge Jin to be an extraordinary individual. Zhuge Jin’s insights often resonated deeply with Xi Zhicai, sparking new thoughts and ideas.

"Ziyu, since we've agreed, I'll send someone to Xuzhou to fetch you when the time comes," Xi Zhicai said with satisfaction, clearly impressed with Zhuge Jin.

"That sounds good. Once I've taken care of family matters, I’ll head to Yanzhou. When that time comes, I’ll count on you, Brother Zhizai, to recommend me," Zhuge Jin replied earnestly. "I hope you won't mind my presence then."

"Hahaha, I'll be sure to roll out the red carpet for you!" Xi Zhicai laughed heartily.

After chatting a bit more with Zhuge Jin, Xi Zhicai decided it was time to seek out the last spiritual talent in the city for a late-night discussion.

As they left the inn, Xi Zhicai noticed that Dian Wei, who had been following him, was making grumbling noises, clearly expressing his dissatisfaction.

"Erlai, if something's bothering you, just say it. Do you really think I'd mistreat you?" Xi Zhicai teased, clearly in a good mood. "Or are you hungry again? I remember ordering you ten pounds of pork ribs and twenty large steamed buns. Didn't you just finish eating? Are you really looking for another snack?"

"It’s not that I’m hungry. I just don’t understand why you’re treating that scrawny young man so well," Dian Wei said, puzzled. "I don’t see what makes him special. He didn’t seem any different from the people I’ve heard talking in taverns."

"Hahaha, Erlai, you’re thinking about this? He’s no ordinary man. His talents are enough to govern a nation. Those students you heard in the taverns can’t compare to him," Xi Zhicai laughed. "This man’s wisdom is all within him. He may seem ordinary, but his strategies are invaluable. These two are true prodigies. Now, let’s go meet the last genius! I hope we can return fully loaded."

"Why didn’t you just tell him that you were staying in Taishan? Why say that?" Zhuge Jin asked his younger brother, curious after confirming that Xi Zhicai had left.

"It’s just caution," Zhuge Liang replied simply, not offering further explanation. Zhuge Jin didn’t press the issue, understanding that being cautious when away from home was prudent. While one should not harbor malicious intent, it was wise to remain vigilant.

"Cao Mengde, huh. It wouldn’t hurt to see for myself. Perhaps he truly is a worthy lord," Zhuge Jin mused, recalling what Xi Zhicai had said. He decided it would be worth visiting Chenliu in person—better to see with his own eyes than rely on assumptions. "In the meantime, let’s spend our remaining days in the library. But I do wonder why Brother Boda left so early."

"They're different from us," Zhuge Liang said succinctly.

"Sometimes, I wonder if it’s better to spread our family knowledge or keep it close, ensuring that even if the family falls, it can quickly rise again," Zhuge Jin sighed, reflecting on the role of noble families.

"I don't know, but I want to see what happens if we do share our knowledge," Zhuge Liang said, his excitement evident.

Meanwhile, Xi Zhicai and Dian Wei headed towards the location of the last solitary spiritual talent. As they approached, Xi Zhicai sensed a faint but unusual spiritual energy, reminding him of Xiahou Yuan’s awakening of his army formation talent. He couldn’t help but wonder if there were more rare types of talents.

Having encountered many awakened talents, Xi Zhicai had gathered some knowledge. He deduced that spiritual talents were only found in top-tier intellectuals who had fully formed and unwavering worldviews.

As for military talents, Xi Zhicai had less experience, but he suspected that only top-tier warriors—those who had achieved "inner qi release"—could awaken such talents. He wasn’t sure how the awakening process worked, though.

These unusual talents led Xi Zhicai to speculate that some people might possess multiple talents, perhaps in different forms. The idea made him shudder.

Now, sensing a new, faint spiritual talent, Xi Zhicai was intrigued. This could confirm his theory that some individuals could have multiple talents—a discovery worth pursuing.

Confident in his deduction, Xi Zhicai eagerly anticipated recruiting another top-tier strategist.

"Knock, knock, knock!" Without hesitation, Xi Zhicai knocked on the door. After a moment, a little girl with a three-ringed bun poked her head out and asked, "Who are you?"

"I am Xi Zhicai, strategist under the Governor of Yanzhou, Cao Mengde," Xi Zhicai replied with a smile, bowing to the young girl.

"Oh? Oh! I remember who Cao Mengde is. Come in." The little girl scratched her bun. "Yang Lian, entertain the strategist while I go find my sister." She then ran off toward the back yard.

Moments later, a graceful young woman appeared before Xi Zhicai, leaving him momentarily stunned by her elegance. Though he quickly composed himself, he couldn’t help but blush slightly.

However, as Xi Zhicai greeted her, he noticed that the faint spiritual talent he sensed earlier emanated from this young woman. Moreover, he heard her refer to Cao Mengde as "my senior brother."

"My lord has been well, but he misses you," Xi Zhicai said, spinning a tale. He had no idea who this woman was, but it didn’t matter—Cao Cao's intelligence network probably didn’t bother tracking a random woman. Knowing Liu Bei’s wife's gender was sufficient.

Seeing a blush spread across the woman’s face at his words, Xi Zhicai realized he had a chance. He continued spinning his story, implying that Cao Cao had been pining for her and that it would be best for her to return to Yanzhou, where Cao Cao could protect her.

As for the trouble it might cause Cao Cao if he succeeded in bringing her back, Xi Zhicai was confident that Cao Cao could handle it. After all, bringing back a woman with a spiritual talent would be worth any hardship!