Just after the wooden tendrils struck their target,
In Huang Laojiu's eyes, the white-robed figure had at some unknown moment turned into a scholar in azure robes. Even his appearance had changed drastically—he was not the person Huang Laojiu intended to kill at all.
Amid the howling wind, the azure-robed scholar fell straight down, plunging into the depths of Falling Phoenix Slope, like one returning to an abyss, never to rise again.
"Heh heh, it seems this old man hasn't walked the world for too many years. To stumble over a cripple like this—truly useless of me."
Huang Laojiu already understood the whole sequence of events.
Only after he stopped concealing his cultivation could he see that the opponent had used a second-tier talisman activated with essence blood and lifespan. Unfortunately, it was already too late.
Crack—
The moment True Person Fengqi made his move, the Wind Queen's Qimen Compass above his head shattered into pieces. Then, like a curtain falling, it unfolded into a gray barrier that enveloped him within.
He had only one chance to act.
Or rather, the instant he revealed any mana, spells, or even magical artifacts belonging to the late Golden Core stage—even for a single breath—he would be exposed. From that point on, he could only remain hidden within the concealment barrier of the Wind Queen's Qimen Compass.
The concealment barrier was like a solid wall, trapping Huang Laojiu inside. He could only flee while carrying this cage with him. If he struck again, he would personally shatter the cage protecting him.
Because of this, it was impossible for him to reveal Golden Core-level spells in advance to probe his surroundings; doing so would waste his only chance to attack.
Crack—
While he was distracted, fissures appeared across the concealment barrier.
At the same time, a pillar of fire shot into the sky, racing from afar toward Falling Phoenix Slope.
"Old thief, return my senior brother's life!!!"
The true white-robed figure manifested amidst towering fury. Flames burst from his pupils, his face twisted in savage ferocity, like a Fire God descending from the heavens.
"Heh heh."
Huang Laojiu smiled indifferently, still showing his blackened, missing tooth, his face full of rustic simplicity. "Little Friend Chen, I saw that your senior brother's meridians were withered and his old injuries incurable. He had only a few days left to live anyway. Ending his life early spared him from suffering. Shouldn't you be glad? Why such rage?"
"What did you say?!"
Boom—
Heaven-burning flames consumed the sky.
The setting sun over Falling Phoenix Slope met a sea of blazing fire-clouds.
"Such commotion, yet little skill."
Huang Laojiu, hidden within the heaven-concealing barrier, watched the crimson sunset and took a swig of bitter yellow wine. "Little Friend Chen, you win this round. This old man will take his leave. I advise you not to waste your effort chasing me. If a mere True Force martial cultivator could kill a Golden Core cultivator, then our centuries of cultivation would have been lived in vain. Farewell, farewell!"
As his words fell,
He carried the cage formed by the heavenly secret barrier and transformed into a streak of light. In the blink of an eye, he was already at the horizon.
No matter how Chen Sanshi pursued, his immortal cultivation was only at the mid-stage of Qi Refinement. How could he possibly compare to a late Golden Core cultivator?
Even if he burned his mana and empowered talismans, he could only watch as the old cultivator with the missing tooth grew farther and farther away.
"Old thief!!!"
The white-robed figure's hoarse roar shook heaven and earth. "If you surrender today, I will kill only you! If you flee this continent today, in the future I will exterminate your entire Guiyuan Sect!!!"
"Heh heh."
Huang Laojiu chuckled. "Young in years, bold in words. You've offended sects across the land. Perhaps you should first consider where your cultivation resources will come from in the future."
The golden light accelerated once more.
His figure vanished completely.
Chen Sanshi pursued until his mana was exhausted, until not a single strand remained to sustain flight. Like an eagle with broken wings, he slanted down from ten thousand zhang in the sky, crashing with thunderous force and smashing the peak of a mountain into ruin, sending dust billowing into the heavens.
Rumble—
Amid earth-shaking thunder, he leapt from the cratered ground, smashing through countless towering ancient trees, sprinting into the depths of Falling Phoenix Slope to find the corpse clad in azure robes.
Silence.
Chen Sanshi collapsed to his knees in the dirt, saying nothing for a long time. He simply gazed at the body, his face like the abyss of a frozen lake—no one could discern his thoughts.
Only when night fell did the sounds of hooves and armor echo one after another.
Xu Wencai and the generals of Northern Liang arrived in succession.
"Fourth Brother!"
"Fourth Brother!"
Wang Zhi and the others stood stunned, and the forest sank once more into dead silence.
Xu Wencai closed his eyes, calmed his breath, and walked alone to the highest point of Falling Phoenix Slope. When he observed the stars again, he saw—
After the fall of the Phoenix Guardian star, a new star of Northern Liang rose. The Purple Star shone brightly, entering the seat of the Five Emperors.
"Transmit the order."
Under the flickering torchlight, Chen Sanshi slowly rose, facing the direction of the capital, and issued a grave command: "Northern Liang fought to the death to protect the realm, yet the court repaid us with suspicion, colluding with the Guiyuan Sect to murder our strategist, seeking to annihilate Northern Liang. There is no retreat left, and none is needed. Break camp immediately and march on the capital. Punish the tyrant without virtue!"
"Your subordinate—"
"Obeys the command!!!"
Thousands upon thousands answered in unison, their voices shaking the heavens and the earth.
The capital.
The imperial bedchamber.
It was the hour of dawn, the sky just beginning to brighten.
The Zhengtong Emperor, Cao Huan, rose early to wash and dress, preparing to attend court and hear affairs of state. The Great Sheng realm had long since rotted from within; he was determined to devote the remainder of his life to diligent governance and restore order to the world, that there might yet be hope of saving the dynasty.
He kept away from women and shunned indulgence. For the past 2 years, he had risen at the crow of the rooster and practiced governance with tireless resolve.
Creak—
Two palace maids pushed open the hall doors. Just as Cao Huan stepped over the threshold, he saw several officials burst into the sleeping quarters, stumbling forward despite attempts to stop them.
"Hiss—"
He frowned. "I am about to attend court. Why are my ministers in such haste? Could you not wait a moment longer?"
"A calamity has occurred, a calamity!"
Overwhelmed with panic, Shangguan Haichang tripped and fell to the ground. "Guiyuan Sect—Huang Laojiu of the Guiyuan Sect has killed Fang Qingyun!"
"What did you say?!"
Zhengtong Emperor Cao Huan's pupils trembled violently. Lifting his robe, he strode forward. "Have the Guiyuan Sect lost their minds? Why would they kill Fang Qingyun without cause? Do they not know Fang is Chen Sanshi's senior brother?!"
"We do not know, Your Majesty!"
Minister of War Ming Qingfeng said in a trembling voice, "Outside, rumors are spreading that the court fears Northern Liang's control of its troops and intends to discard the hound once the hunt is over!
"After Fang Qingyun's death, Chen Sanshi immediately led his troops south from Ba County and is marching straight toward the capital, Chang'an!"
"Th-this has nothing to do with me!"
Cao Huan said in a fluster, "Have you explained? This was entirely the work of the Guiyuan Sect—it has absolutely nothing to do with me!"
"Your Majesty, you are mistaken!"
Shangguan Haichang said, "Does Chen not understand that? He is seizing upon this pretext deliberately, using his senior brother's life to justify raising troops. What a vicious heart he has!"
"Why, why?! Have I not given him enough? I even placed the Imperial Jade Seal in his custody! Why must it come to this, why?!"
Zhengtong Emperor Cao Huan spoke incoherently. "Where have they reached?!"
Ming Qingfeng replied, "At most half a month before they reach Chang'an. The terrain along the way is mostly plains, with no major cities capable of blocking them."
In truth,
They all understood.
Who could possibly stop the white-robed man?
"Quick!"
Cao Huan's hands trembled. "Invite the immortals of the Guiyuan Sect to deliberate. Set up formations—yes, have Immortal Master Huang establish a second-tier formation in the capital, and then send for reinforcements from Tianshui Continent!"
Shangguan Haichang interrupted, "The immortals of the Guiyuan Sect fled overnight yesterday!"
"All of them?!"
Cao Huan seized his arm tightly. "Where is my twelfth brother?!"
"Prince Yan—he is also… nowhere to be found!"
"Alas! Woe is me!!!"
Upon hearing this, Zhengtong Emperor Cao Huan cried out toward the heavens and fell backward in a dead faint.
The assembled ministers hurried forward to support him.
That very afternoon,
Within the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Zhengtong Emperor Cao Huan and the civil and military officials gathered, making their final resistance.
"The Chen bandit advances south with unstoppable momentum. Every city along the way opens its gates and surrenders. Even where there is resistance, it cannot last half a day!"
"Chen the Hunter is 10 days' march from Chang'an!"
"Your Majesty, Chen Sanshi will arrive at the capital in 3 days!"
"The King of Northern Liang is 50 li outside the city gates!"
"Your Majesty, open the gates and surrender! If we stubbornly resist and enrage the King of Northern Liang, it will bode ill for us all!"
Upon the dragon throne,
Zhengtong Emperor Cao Huan's heart was ash.
Outside the gates of Chang'an,
A white-robed figure sat upon a white horse, standing before the city gates beneath the setting sun.
Behind him surged the iron cavalry of Northern Liang like a black tide, and a crimson banner bearing the character "Chen" danced in the wind.
Atop the city walls, not a single defending soldier dared loose an arrow.
Boom—
The city gates swung open.
Wearing a bright yellow dragon robe, Zhengtong Emperor Cao Huan, supported by two eunuchs, walked forward with faltering steps. Behind him followed the grand ministers and the civil and military officials in full regalia.
Aside from the emperor, all the officials knelt in unison.
"Your subjects pay respects to the King of Northern Liang!"
"We welcome the King of Northern Liang into the capital!"
Chen Sanshi neither spoke nor moved. He simply remained seated upon his horse, silently gazing down at Cao Family's Sixth Son—the final emperor of Great Sheng.
Cao Family's Sixth Son wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes. After fierce struggle within his heart, his lips trembling, he spoke:
"I am frail and aged, mediocre and talentless. I have brought no grace to the realm, no virtue to the people. My virtue is scant, my benevolence thin. I am truly unworthy to bear the title 'Son of Heaven.'
"In contrast, worthy brother, you possess both virtue and talent. For years you have campaigned north and south, victorious in every battle, supporting the collapsing edifice and turning back the raging tide, restoring order to the realm and saving the people. The hearts of all under Heaven have turned toward you.
"Now that the cosmos has only just been stabilized and the realm remains unsettled, it is precisely you, worthy brother, who must shoulder the great responsibility of the myriad people and protect our Eastern Victory Continent."
"Therefore, I am prepared to step down from the throne and abdicate in favor of worthy brother!"
As he spoke, the eunuchs at his side presented the dragon crown, the military tallies, and other regalia one by one.
"Your Majesty, why speak thus?"
Chen Sanshi finally opened his mouth. "Today, my entry into Chang'an is merely to seek justice for Northern Liang. I have no intention of rebellion."
Cao Huan said, "The fate of Great Sheng has run its course. The throne belongs to none but worthy brother—"
"Let us enter the city first."
Chen Sanshi said faintly, "There is no need to rush this discussion."
If Xu Wencai and the others' conjecture was correct, and the fastest and most effective way to transform the mysterious qi of popular will into national destiny required a formal abdication ceremony proclaimed to all under Heaven,
Then combined with ascending the throne and the enthronement ceremony and other rites, all of it would require long preparation. None of it could be accomplished overnight.
Now that the Guiyuan Sect had fled, there was no longer any threat within Eastern Victory Continent. There was no need to hurry.
"Enter the city!"
The herald officer shouted loudly.
80,000 Northern Liang troops entered and garrisoned the capital.
Chen Sanshi, bringing his family with him, temporarily took residence in the Champion Marquis Manor that had once been specially prepared for him.
Beginning in July,
Each time he attended court, the Zhengtong Emperor raised the matter of abdication, and with each occasion the calls grew louder. By the end of August, after three refusals and three requests, the abdication was finally formally decided.
In early September, Cao Huan officially left the imperial palace and, together with his family, moved into a ducal residence within the capital.
From this point on,
The people of Northern Liang began preparing for the enthronement ceremony.
Everything was on the verge of completion.
The residual Dragon Abyss sword qi within Chen Sanshi's body had been completely expelled. He could now properly take stock of the many gains and cultivation results of the past 2 years.
Cultivation Method: Dragon Scripture (mid-stage True Force)
Progress: 0 / 500
Cultivation Method: Swallowing Fire Art (Qi Refinement Layer 6)
Progress: 2651 / 2000
There had been no advancement in his martial realm for the time being, but the Swallowing Fire Art was steadily improving. It was estimated that it would not take long to enter the later stage, after which he could begin preparing for Foundation Establishment.
After Foundation Establishment, lifespan would extend to 200 years, which would be of immense benefit both for the time required for further martial cultivation and for strengthening his power.
After all, realms above True Force were still unknown for now, and the True Force realm did not increase lifespan.
During this period, Chen Sanshi could not possibly allow his strength to stagnate.
But another issue stood before him.
Spiritual qi!
The spiritual pearl left behind by his master was equivalent to a first-tier high-grade spirit vein, sufficient to meet the spiritual qi requirements of the Qi Refinement realm.
It was enough for cultivating the Swallowing Fire Art up until Foundation Establishment, but for the Dragon Scripture it was somewhat lacking.
The higher the realm, the slower cultivation naturally became. A first-tier spirit vein was insufficient to support the needs of progressing from mid-stage True Force to the late stage.
In addition, he lacked medicinal pills and still had many matters to deal with.
Spell: Thick Earth Art (minor accomplishment)
Progress: 852 / 2000
Spell Technique: Ten Thousand Swords Descend from Heaven (second-tier limit break)
Progress: 1288 / 2000
Divine Ability: Archery Dao (first tier)
Progress: 1552 / 2000
Skill: Talisman Drawing (first tier)
Progress: 314 / 500
Skill: Formations (first tier)
Progress: 231 / 500
Skill: Alchemy (first tier)
Progress: 398 / 500
All skills had improved, among them alchemy was nearing the second tier.
Speaking of which, Chen Sanshi still owed the Bai family many pills and a favor.
If not for the pills gifted by Bai Linxun of the Bai family, his breakthroughs into the early and mid stages of True Force would likely have been delayed by a long time.
Once matters in this continent were settled, he truly needed to make a trip to Tianshui Continent.
Beyond that, Chen Sanshi took out many storage pouches filled with various spoils of war, including but not limited to magical artifacts and pills.
Altogether, they could be exchanged for a considerable amount of spirit stones. Yet in truth, the most valuable items numbered only two.
For example, the Ling family's Heavenly River Sword Art and Nether River Breathing Method, and also the second-tier formation inheritance left behind by Shan Liangcheng.
Chen Sanshi was also considering whether he should simultaneously cultivate a water-element breathing method.
Within the Dragon Scripture's five-element breathing methods, once one was chosen it had to be followed exclusively—but it did not forbid cultivating other breathing methods from different techniques.
According to records, the shrines within the bodies of most martial artists could not simultaneously accommodate two attributes. That did not mean he himself could not, only that he had never had the time to try, having constantly raced against time to raise his realm.
In addition,
Holding the spiritual pearl, equivalent to spirit vein resources, he naturally could not let it go to waste.
In the future, whether descendants, disciples, senior and junior brothers, or subordinates, all could make use of the spirit vein. Both martial and immortal cultivation methods could be offered as different paths.
Only—
If he wished to cultivate large numbers of practitioners, whether in the martial path or the immortal path, it would require not only a spirit vein but also vast amounts of other resources.
That could only be addressed gradually in the future.
After organizing all this, Chen Sanshi's expression gradually turned solemn. He picked up a letter from the side of the desk.
It had been left behind by Fourth Senior Brother.
"Junior Brother Sanshi, the matter of driving away the yellow sparrow was my idea. Do not blame others, nor need you grieve for me.
"I was already a dying candle in the wind. Before departing, to be able to do something for this continent was to fulfill a long-held wish. Thinking back to the banks of the Hongze River, Master and I had already resigned ourselves to compromise. It was your appearance that gave that dead game a thread of life. Now, we have won. I only hope you will not resent me for pushing you onto the throne, forcing you to shoulder a burden of ten thousand jin.
"Enclosed is another letter, containing some records concerning the Guardian Envoy and the Spirit-Sealing Grand Formation. If necessary, you may attempt them.
"In addition, I have one request. If there is ever an opportunity, I hope you will trouble yourself to make a trip to the Qingxu Sect of Tianshui Continent, deliver the jade flute to Fairy Jiang, and tell her that Qingyun has wronged her in this life and will repay it in the next.
"Junior Brother, this is farewell."
After reading it, Chen Sanshi carefully preserved the letter.
He who does not avenge such hatred is no true man.
Whether in 3 years, 10 years, or 30 years—
The Guiyuan Sect, he would surely annihilate!
After slightly calming his mind, Chen Sanshi began to recall the contents in his heart.
There were indeed clues regarding the Spirit-Sealing Grand Formation. And if there were clues, that meant there was hope.
There was also the "Qingxu Sect." Master had mentioned this sect in his final words as well. At the time, he had said that if, after cultivating to the late stage of True Force, Chen Sanshi could not find a subsequent martial inheritance, he could take a token and seek this sect.
It seemed that both Master and Senior Brother had once stayed in Tianshui Continent.
But those were matters for later.
Chen Sanshi took out the second letter.
This one had been left by Third Senior Brother, Nie Yuan.
Ever since the day the yellow robe had been placed upon him, Eldest Senior Brother Lü Ji, Third Senior Brother Nie Yuan, along with Fifth Senior Brother Meng Guangxin, had all disappeared together, leaving only the three battalions of troops behind, without a single word of farewell.
"Little Junior Brother, this is your Third Senior Brother. I leave this letter today because there are some things about Eldest Brother I wish to tell you, and also to try to clear up certain misunderstandings.
"First, from beginning to end, Eldest Senior Brother has regarded his fellow disciples as his closest kin. He has never harbored any intention of harming anyone. Of this there is no doubt.
"Before you came, we all knew that Master's lifespan was nearing its end. If we had not made certain compromises with the imperial court, once Master passed away, the fate of the Commander's Office would likely have been bleak.
"Therefore, whether cooperating with the former Crown Prince or later with Cao Kai, both were measures of necessity. As for Eldest Brother once proposing to marry Junior Sister Sun Li, that too was false—first, to win the Emperor's trust; second, to prevent Sun Li and Sun Buqi from entering the capital. The intention was to keep them in Liangzhou and then use the cicada-sloughing stratagem to send them away.
"Second, Eldest Brother indeed has ambition. He refuses to submit to you and to this day remains unwilling to accept it.
"And when you first arrived in Liangzhou, you were merely at the viscera-tempering or perhaps the transformation force stage—we could not even remember which. None of us believed you could reach where you are now.
"To speak honestly, even now I scarcely believe it. It is too exaggerated—only a few years, and already mid-stage True Force?
"In the past, there were many offenses. I feel deep remorse. I do not dare hope for Junior Brother's forgiveness; I only lay out the truth.
"Finally, we have left. We have taken Old Fifth with us as well.
"Xu Wencai said that if we remained, we would all become regional lords. I was willing. But Eldest Brother could not accept that he had not received the true inheritance, and that in martial arts he had been surpassed by you. He has his pride.
"So he intends to carve out a path to the heavens on his own.
"I must watch over him. If one day he succumbs to deviation and madness, I will join Old Fifth in cleansing the sect, and then go to Master's grave to confess our guilt.
"With this parting, who knows in what year we shall meet again. I wish Junior Brother well."
With that farewell letter, three people were gone.
At Red Cliff and at Fei River, Eldest Senior Brother and Third Senior Brother had both played crucial roles. Without them, many matters would not have been resolved so easily.
That said, why had they taken Fifth Senior Brother with them?
No matter. So long as they were safe and sound.
After putting away the envelope, Chen Sanshi organized his thoughts and headed toward the main hall of the Champion Marquis Manor. Before he even arrived, he heard Xu Wencai and a group of others inside discussing the matter of the new state's name.
"I have an idea,"
Cheng Wei muttered, "What about naming the new dynasty 'Tang'? What do you think?"
With Fourth Brother gone, amid their grief they all wished to manage the new dynasty well, so as not to betray his sacrifice.
"Hm, interesting."
Ye Fengxiu nodded. "In ancient times there was Tao Tang, ruled by Yao, an enlightened sovereign of Eastern Victory Continent. To take that as the state name would display grandeur and magnificence."
"I think,"
Wang Zhi said, a stack of books beside him, "why not this—how about 'Ming'? Great Ming! It sounds excellent, doesn't it?
"Look here, it says: 'Great indeed is Qianyuan, the beginning of all things, governing Heaven. Clouds move and rain falls, all things take form. Great brightness from beginning to end, the six positions complete in time, riding the six dragons to govern Heaven!'
"This is called receiving the Mandate of Heaven!"
Xu Wencai considered it seriously. "Tang and Ming are both good. I discussed these two names with Mr. Fang before. There was also 'Qian.' But we can think further—perhaps there is something even better."
"What about Great Liang?"
Rong Yanqiu suggested. "Throughout history, many dynasties have taken their fiefdom as the state name. Since we hail from Northern Liang, why not call it Great Liang?"
"Doesn't sound good!"
"I still think Tang would be best—illustrious Great Tang."
"Great Ming sounds better."
The debate went on endlessly.
Chen Sanshi stood outside, committing their suggestions to memory. The matter was of great importance; he had intended to deliberate at length.
Until, from the neighboring courtyard, came Chen Yunxi's soft, childish voice reciting her lesson.
"In Heaven there is the Han; its light shines down in observation."
Chen Sanshi's expression shifted slightly. In that instant, he made up his mind. He strode into the hall and said, "Let it be Han."
Everyone was stunned.
Xu Wencai stroked his chin, pondered carefully, and immediately rose in approval. "Brilliant! My lord's proposal is truly brilliant!
"The Lesser Odes of the Book of Songs says: 'In Heaven there is the Han; its light shines down in observation.'
"The Greater Odes, in 'Cloud Han,' says: 'Resplendent is the Milky Way, circling bright across the heavens!'
"Han—the River of Stars!
"And furthermore!
"Do you all know that more than 1,000 years ago, the ancient name of the Hongze River was Han River? His Majesty once led the multitudes from Poyang, crossing the Han River as a hidden dragon emerging from the abyss.
"Moreover, the main course of the Han River follows the same direction as the Milky Way above the Nine Heavens!
"And at the Battle of Fei River that established the realm, falling stars descended from the heavens in a single stroke to settle the universe and fix the realm!
"There is no state name more magnificent than Han!
"It is destiny ordained, destiny ordained!
"What a Han—what a Great Han!"