I am the villain in the book

In Shen Ran's astonished gaze, Xu Sui Sui was already preparing to show off ostentatiously.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Wei Changtian had also sat down with Gui Peian in another quiet room.

Compared to the slightly strange atmosphere between Shen Ran and Xu Sui Sui, the atmosphere between the two of them was much more silent.

Well, or rather, a bit too silent.

As for the reason for the silence, it was actually very simple.

Because Wei Changtian had come to find Shen Ran today, and he originally had nothing to say to Gui Peian.

"That... Chief Gui, have some tea."

Somewhat awkwardly pouring a cup of tea for Gui Peian, Wei Changtian kept wondering what topic to bring up.

Academic issues were definitely out of the question, so how about discussing the "international situation"?

After all, various aspects were being fought over so intensely, wasn't Great Li preparing to get involved?

It would be good to create some trouble for Ning Yongnian...

"Young Master Wei."

Wei Changtian had made up his mind and was just about to speak, but unexpectedly, Gui Peian opened his mouth first.

"I heard that Ning Yongnian has already sent troops to Shu Province?"

Huh?

Hearing that Gui Peian had actually taken the initiative to bring up this topic, Wei Changtian was slightly stunned, and then followed up on the conversation.

"Yes, it is estimated that they will arrive in a few days."

"Then does the young master have the confidence to win this battle?"

Gui Peian asked with a smile, "Three hundred thousand troops, I'm afraid they won't be easy to deal with, right?"

"It is indeed a bit tricky."

Nodding, Wei Changtian certainly wouldn't reveal his trump cards in front of Gui Peian.

"The number of Shu troops is already much weaker than the enemy, and Shu land has no natural defenses to rely on, so it is indeed very difficult to win."

"I can only say, do my best and leave the rest to fate."

"."

Wei Changtian originally wanted to show a "helpless" pessimistic attitude, attempting to trick Great Li into helping out.

But he didn't expect that the last sentence would make Gui Peian stunned again.

"Do your best, leave the rest to fate."

"Cough, Chief Gui, you are joking."

Clearing his throat, Wei Changtian smiled embarrassedly and said politely, "This little one is just talking nonsense, my belly is actually empty."

"Empty..."

Looking at Wei Changtian's "humble" face, Gui Peian sighed deeply with great regret.

"Alas, if the disciples of my Kui Xing Academy could have half of Young Master Wei's talent and humility, that would be great."

"."

Talent, humility.

These two words don't seem to have anything to do with me at all!

Wei Changtian was speechless for a moment, wanting to quickly end this topic.

However, Gui Peian's next sentence was even more unexpected.

"Young Master Wei, I wonder if you are interested in joining the Kui Xing Academy?"

Huh?

Join the Kui Xing Academy?

"Uh, Chief Gui, I am walking the path of Taoism."

After a pause, Wei Changtian said in surprise, "As far as I know, don't the disciples of your academy all walk the path of literature?"

"There are three thousand great paths, all leading to the same destination, nothing is impossible."

Gui Peian explained with a smile, "Cultivation methods are just external. If the young master is willing to join my academy, he will surely benefit a lot from it."

"."

Tapping his fingers on the table, Wei Changtian did not answer immediately.

He didn't expect that Gui Peian would actually "have ideas" about him.

But thinking about it carefully, it's normal. After all, the "knowledge" he has shown so far is indeed a bit too awesome.

When encountering a "prodigy", trying to win them over is the normal operation of a major force.

Thinking about it this way, those villains in web novels who want to "strangle prodigies" at every turn are indeed a bit stupid.

However...

"Chief Gui, I don't know if joining the academy will benefit me."

Raising his eyes to look at Gui Peian, Wei Changtian suddenly revealed a sneer on his face: "But I think it must be of great benefit to the Kui Xing Academy and Great Li."

"Haha, Young Master is indeed a straightforward person."

Gui Peian took a sip of tea: "Since that's the case, then this old man will also speak frankly."

"Young Master Wei, if you are willing to join the Kui Xing Academy, the academy can indeed benefit from you."

"Therefore, this old man will definitely reciprocate."

"How about this? If you are willing to join the academy and take the position of Elder, Great Li can help you defeat Ning Yongnian."

"What do you think?"

"."

Join the Kui Xing Academy, and Great Li will help.

This deal sounds like a good deal, but Wei Changtian did not easily believe Gui Peian.

"Chief Gui, is Great Li really willing to help me? Can you make the decision on this matter?"

"Haha, Young Master Wei."

Gui Peian smiled and stroked his long beard, his tone calm: "If this old man says he can help, then he can definitely help."

"Is that so?"

Seeing Gui Peian's expression, Wei Changtian immediately believed him a little.

It seems that this old man's right to speak in Great Li should not be less than the Emperor of Great Li, or even more weighty.

"Chief Gui, there are many ways to help."

Narrowing his eyes, Wei Changtian continued to ask: "But I don't know which one you are talking about? Could it be that Great Li will send troops?"

"No."

Gui Peian did not hide his thoughts: "Once troops are sent, it will be a war with Great Ning. Great Li's national strength is weak and can no longer withstand failure."

"So unless Young Master Wei is already sure of winning, Great Li will not send troops."

Not send troops?

Then what are you talking about here?

Wei Changtian immediately lost interest.

"Chief Gui, don't blame this little one for speaking harshly."

"It is said that it is rare to offer charcoal in the snow, and more to add flowers to the brocade. If I already have the certainty of winning, then why would I need Great Li to send troops?"

"If what the Chief is talking about 'helping' is just writing a few poems and articles to cheer up the soldiers of my Shu Province... then let's forget about it."

The more Wei Changtian spoke, the more impolite his tone became, but Gui Peian did not show any displeasure. After listening, he even laughed twice.

"Hahaha, Young Master, don't be anxious."

"Although the Great Li court cannot send troops, perhaps there will be many green forest heroes willing to come to Shu Province to help Young Master?"

Green forest heroes?

This is a real war, please save it.

Wei Changtian sneered in his heart, but suddenly realized something.

Perhaps the "green forest heroes" that Gui Peian was talking about were not really from the "green forest"?

"Chief Gui, do you think that in Great Li..."

Wei Changtian's face slowly became serious: "How many such heroes are there?"

"This old man can't say for sure."

Gui Peian smiled: "But I think there are always 100,000 of them."

One hundred thousand...

Wei Changtian's eyes changed, nodded, and stopped talking.

The current situation is already very obvious.

Great Li is unwilling to openly go to war with Great Ning, but for various reasons, it is willing to help him fight against Ning Yongnian through relatively covert means.

This kind of operation is actually quite similar to the role played by some countries in wars in the previous life.

It can not only avoid certain risks, but also directly intervene in the war, so as to make the situation develop in the direction they hope.

Although this move sounds very "insidious", at least for Wei Changtian, he absolutely welcomes Great Li's "entry".

Of course, Ning Yongnian is not stupid, and a casual investigation will reveal where these 100,000 "heroes" suddenly came from.

But the Great Li court will definitely not admit it.

Besides, even if Ning Yongnian knows... what can he do?