"Good!"
"It truly is an excellent state name!"
The senior brothers and sisters all agreed in unison.
Thus, the name of the new dynasty was established.
"Your Majesty,"
Xu Wencai said again, "there is one more matter. I am not sure whether I should speak of it."
"Speak freely."
Chen Sanshi walked to the main seat and sat down, pouring himself a cup of tea.
"The state name Great Han is vast and majestic, but—"
Xu Wencai hesitated awkwardly.
Chen Sanshi teased, "Say what you have to say. I'm not going to cut off your head."
"Ah!"
Only then did Xu Wencai continue, "Does Your Majesty not feel that your name is somewhat…"
"Unfit for the grand stage!"
Wang Zhi said bluntly, "Junior Brother, where have you ever seen an emperor named something like Erniu or Sanzhu? This 'Sanshi' of yours truly does not sound dignified enough for the imperial court!"
The name Sanshi had originally been a rustic village name from Swallow-Edge Village. There was indeed nothing refined about it.
"So according to you,"
Chen Sanshi paused, "I need to change my name as well?"
"At the very least, when the enthronement edict is written, it cannot bear the name 'Sanshi,'" Xu Wencai suggested. "But there is no need for drastic change. I have an idea. 'Three stones' form the character 'Lei'—solid and indestructible, and it also carries the meaning of uprightness and grandeur. It subtly aligns with the image of Han. What does Your Majesty think?"
"Lei?"
Chen Sanshi considered for a moment. "Very well. It is decided."
"Excellent!"
Xu Wencai continued, "Your Majesty, preparations for the Fengshan and enthronement ceremony are basically complete. Only the enthronement edict remains unfinished. I am still selecting a candidate."
Traditionally, the enthronement edict had to be composed by a renowned Confucian scholar, to pacify the scholars of the realm and reassure the common people.
The realm had only just been unified; the people's livelihood was not yet stable.
Originally, Chen Sanshi had intended to forgo the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Ziwei out of frugality. But since it concerned whether the mysterious qi could smoothly transform into national destiny, he dared not be careless.
As for Mount Ziwei and other territories that had once been lost across various prefectures—after the Battle of Fei River ended and the cultivators withdrew, which nation would dare hold them? They had long since obediently returned them.
Therefore, neither the enthronement edict nor the Fengshan ceremony could afford the slightest mistake. The only principle was to keep everything simple and avoid extravagance.
The edict had been under preparation for nearly half a month, yet no candidate had been finalized. There was likely some complication.
"Summon them all."
Chen Sanshi said, "I will choose personally."
"This subject obeys."
Xu Wencai seemed somewhat worried, but complied nonetheless.
Within less than half an hour, the six great Confucian scholars of the capital were brought to the Champion Marquis Manor.
Unexpectedly, as soon as the leader entered the hall, he began cursing:
"Chen the hunter, bandit Chen! The court treated you with utmost grace—why commit treason and rebellion?!"
"Impudent!"
Feng Yong barked sharply. "Zhongli Zhi, do not think that a bit of fame allows you to speak recklessly. If you dare show disrespect to His Majesty again, beware the extermination of your nine clans!"
"Exterminate nine clans?!"
Zhongli Zhi sneered. "Bandit Chen, even if you exterminate ten of my clans, I, Zhongli, will never write your enthronement edict. You will forever remain a rebel!"
The reason the edict had been delayed until now was precisely because these men refused to cooperate.
"Seeking death!"
Feng Yong roared, about to draw his blade.
Chen Sanshi raised a hand to signal him to step back, then looked calmly at the great scholar kneeling on the ground.
"Lord Zhongli, for what purpose do you study?"
Zhongli Zhi froze for a moment, then answered righteously, "Naturally for the state and the people!"
Chen Sanshi asked again, "Then between the imperial court and the common people, which is more important to a scholar such as yourself?"
"This… this…"
Zhongli Zhi stammered, "The Sage said, 'The people are most precious, the state comes next, the ruler is the least.' Naturally, the people are most important."
"So you understand."
Chen Sanshi narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone growing heavier with each word. "Then may I ask, in the past nearly 100 years, what has the Cao family's realm done for the people? Was it the scourge of spiritual grain or endless years of war? You, Zhongli Zhi, held high office and resided in the capital. Aside from drafting articles to help the Cao family deceive the masses, what have you done for the people?
"My brothers and I piled up corpses like mountains, paid with tens of thousands of lives, endured countless hardships to finally eradicate the spiritual grain and pacify the realm!
"This realm—am I unfit to sit upon it?!"
The final sentence struck like divine punishment from Heaven, deafening and soul-shaking.
Zhongli Zhi could no longer find a rebuttal. He could only tremble and say, "Bandit Chen! No matter how you twist your words, we will never write the edict for you!"
"I never intended to beg you!"
Chen Sanshi rose abruptly, dragon-like eyes piercing through hearts. "You people are nothing more than lapdogs of the former dynasty, house slaves of the Cao family. What kind of scholars are you? What kind of great Confucians?!
"If this enthronement edict were written by your hands, I would say it is precisely illegitimate!"
Summoning his courage, Zhongli Zhi gritted his teeth. "Since you will not use us, then kill us!"
"Kill?"
Chen Sanshi sneered. "No. I will neither use you, nor kill you."
The expressions of the several great scholars stiffened. They glanced at one another, uncertain of his intent, unease rising inexplicably in their hearts.
The white-robed figure's gaze swept across them one by one.
"I have read your dossiers. If I recall correctly, you are all from families that have studied for generations and held office in the capital for generations.
"If that is so, aside from reading about the people in books, you have never truly seen what the common people look like.
"Feng Yong.
"Strip them of their official ranks. From this day forth, their descendants for generations shall not participate in the imperial examinations nor enter official service. Send them to Poyang County in Yunzhou of Northern Liang. Find them several plots of land—not fertile fields, nor barren ones. Provide them each with a set of farming tools. Let these lords properly see for themselves
"What the people are, and what the realm truly means!"
To become farmers, and for their descendants to be forever barred from officialdom?!
Upon hearing this, the several great Confucians—who had not feared death—instantly turned ashen. They lunged forward like madmen.
"Bandit Chen!"
"We'll fight you to the death!"
Before they could approach, the guards in the hall restrained them all and dragged them away.
"Your Majesty,"
Xu Wencai said worriedly, "will this affect the edict?"
"If people like these could influence the birth of national destiny, would that not be the greatest joke under Heaven?!"
A clear voice rang out. A young man in a long robe with a jade pendant at his waist stepped into the hall, clasped his hands, and bowed.
"This subject, Tang Yingke, greets Your Majesty! I boldly recommend myself. May I be entrusted with drafting Your Majesty's enthronement edict?"
"What objection could there be?"
Chen Sanshi said without hesitation, "You shall write it. I would like to see whether those Cao family lackeys can truly influence national destiny!"
This man was someone he had met during the blade selection in Liangzhou. Later, Tang Yingke had returned to the capital and achieved first place in the imperial examination. Though young, he was already regarded as a literary talent of his generation.
After Northern Liang had risen in arms, they had maintained private correspondence.
With the drafter of the edict decided and all matters prepared, the time arrived.
In early September,
Chen Sanshi formally received the abdication of Prince Cao Huan, the Zhengtong Emperor, in the Taiji Hall of the Daming Palace. Wearing the dragon robe and dragon crown, he sat upon the dragon throne and received the homage of civil and military officials.
In mid-September,
he led the assembled officials to Mount Ziwei. Personally overseeing the rebuilding of the ancestral temple, he established an altar at the summit to sacrifice to Heaven, perform the Fengshan rites, and proclaim the mandate to the realm.
The enthronement edict declared:
"I, the Emperor, subject Lei, dare to use the black sacrificial ox to solemnly announce to the august Heaven and Sovereign on High: The Sheng dynasty lasted for 21 generations, ruling for 356 years. The four seas were plunged into hardship; the royal order no longer stood firm. The five planetary signs went astray; ominous and auspicious portents appeared together. Those versed in celestial calculations, pondering the ancient way, all declared that Heaven's ordained cycle had reached its end in this age. The various auspicious signs and the will of the people and spirits alike revealed that the destiny of Sheng had reached its utmost limit, and that the Han house bore the mandate.
"Though I, Lei, was born in the mountains and fields, without even a single brigade, I looked upward in anger at the times of calamity and downward in sorrow at the torrents of chaos. Casting aside hesitation to confront the demon, I restored the imperial lineage. In danger I held firm; in collapse I upheld. Traitors were utterly exterminated; falsehood was destroyed. In truth, decline must end in prosperity; rise and fall follow their appointed time. In rectifying disorder and aiding the people, in renewing the great house of Sheng, I relied upon the fortune of the times to bear this labor. Moreover, distant peoples admired righteousness and came with tribute through translated tongues. Wherever the calendar and reign titles reached, all submitted to civilizing instruction. The Three Luminaries displayed their signs; mountains and rivers proclaimed auspicious omens; humans and spirits were in harmony, and the seasons were manifest.
"Therefore, the assembled ministers and officials, and the countless multitudes, said: The august spirits observe from above; the former Sheng court has sincerely submitted below. Heaven's mandate cannot long be delayed; the imperial pole cannot for a moment stand vacant. Thus, pressed by the collective will, we respectfully carry out this great rite. Though of meager virtue, I am entrusted above the myriad people. Though I revere Heaven's might and regard this as but a minor matter, I remain deeply and eternally mindful, trembling in reverent fear. On an auspicious day, I ascend the altar to receive the abdication, announcing to the Supreme Deity, to fulfill the good hopes of the myriad states. May Heaven's protection be exalted; may the fortune of Han endure forever. May the enlightened spirits partake."
From this point onward,
Chen Sanshi ascended to the supreme position of the Nine-Five, becoming the orthodox emperor of the Central Plains of the Eastern Divine Continent.
Later histories recorded:
"In September of the first year of Zhengtong, Taizu Chen Lei performed the Fengshan rites at Mount Ziwei, received the Great Mandate, accepted Heaven's charge as Son of Heaven, founded the state of Great Han, and inaugurated the Tianwu era."
First year of Tianwu.
October.
Chen Sanshi returned to the capital, Chang'an, and took residence in the Daming Palace. He handled subsequent affairs and bestowed rewards upon the meritorious founders of the dynasty.
He personally felled timber, refusing to conscript laborers, and together with his generals built a 28-story tower that pierced the clouds, naming it the Yuntai Pavilion.
Thereafter, portraits of Great Han's meritorious heroes were placed within the Yuntai Tower—28 levels, 28 positions, corresponding to the 28 lunar mansions.
Whether a general could enter was determined by merit and realm.
Eastern Azure Dragon Seven Mansions:
Lü Ji, Marquis of Weiwu, appointed Grand Tutor, corresponding to Horn Wood Dragon.
Nie Yuan, Marquis of Guangping, appointed Specially Advanced Glorious Emolument Grand Master, corresponding to Neck Metal Dragon.
Cheng Wei, Marquis of Jiaodong, appointed Specially Advanced Glorious Emolument Grand Master, corresponding to Root Earth Badger.
Ye Fengxiu, Marquis of Haochou, appointed Specially Advanced Glorious Emolument Grand Master, corresponding to Room Sun Rabbit.
Song Guizhi, Marquis of Dongguang, appointed Specially Advanced Glorious Emolument Grand Master, corresponding to Heart Moon Fox.
Wei Xuan, Marquis of Langling, appointed Specially Advanced Glorious Emolument Grand Master, corresponding to Basket Water Leopard.
Northern Black Tortoise Seven Mansions:
Wang Zhi, Marquis of Liangzhou, appointed Specially Advanced Glorious Emolument Grand Master, corresponding to Dipper Wood.
Deng Feng, Marquis of Yongnu, appointed General of Dragon and Tiger, corresponding to Ox Metal Ox.
Meng Quji, Marquis of Wuyang, appointed General of the Imperial Guards, corresponding to Woman Earth Bat.
Western White Tiger Seven Mansions:
Zhao Kang, Marquis of Yangxia, appointed General of Dragon and Tiger, corresponding to Bond Metal Dog.
Southern Vermilion Bird Seven Mansions:
Shan Qunyu, Marquis of Anping, appointed General of Agile Cavalry, corresponding to Well Wood.
Rong Yanqiu, appointed Specially Advanced Glorious Emolument Grand Master, corresponding to Wing Fire Serpent.
Zhang Shun, Marquis of Ancheng, appointed General of Dragon and Tiger, corresponding to Chariot Water Worm.
Chen Sanshi's fellow disciples had fought desperately from the very beginning in Northern Liang and thus received the highest honors.
Those from Liangshan had rendered great service at Red Cliffs and were richly rewarded as well.
As for those he had brought out from Poyang, due to insufficient realm and mostly toilsome rather than distinguished merit, only Zhao Kang was granted a marquisate. The rest were at most made earls, and most received military merit titles, which need not be listed in detail.
The 28 lunar mansions had been proposed by Xu Wencai. The vacant positions served as encouragement—future merit could earn entry.
Outside the Yuntai's 28 levels, at the center of the white jade plaza, Chen Sanshi erected a new monument and named it the Heroic Soul Monument.
The monument rose over 100 zhang high.
It was a colossal stone he had extracted from within a mountain after traversing rivers and peaks. It stood behind the Daming Palace like a heavenly pillar—one that upheld the court of Great Han.
Upon the Heroic Soul Monument were densely engraved names—every comrade who had died in battle at his side since he first enlisted in Poyang. Not a single one was omitted.
From Xia Dazhi and Li Erniu outside the Poyang Great Wall, to Fang Buping who perished in the chaotic river battle—
Regardless of rank or realm, all were recorded here.
So long as Great Han endured for even a single day, the world would remember their names.
The soldiers of Great Han would never again fear becoming wandering ghosts after dying on the battlefield. They would forever have a place of rest, forever be remembered and honored.
Chen Sanshi rebuilt the Temple of Culture, included Fourth Senior Brother Fang Qingyun among the Ten Philosophers of the temple, posthumously granted him the title Marquis Within the Pass with the posthumous name Jing, and buried him with the rites of a king at Falling Phoenix Slope.
Next came the most important matter: administrative institutions.
An emperor alone could not govern a nation.
Chen Sanshi retained most of the former dynasty's institutions.
He appointed Zhao Kang as Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, selecting elite survivors from Poyang to join it, and ordered a thorough review of all officials left over from the former dynasty.
The former Grand Secretary Yan Liang's entire Yan family was executed.
The rest of the corrupt officials met the same fate.
Honest officials below the third rank were temporarily retained.
Officials above the third rank were all replaced with newly selected personnel.
The Grand Secretariat system was preserved.
Xu Wencai was appointed Grand Preceptor, foremost among the Three Excellencies, concurrently Grand Preceptor to the Crown Prince, holding the rank of Specially Advanced Glorious Emolument Grand Master. He was appointed Grand Scholar of the Zhongji Hall and chief assistant of the Grand Secretariat, titled Chancellor.
As for the harem,
Chen Sanshi had only two consorts.
Gu Xinlan was invested as Empress, and Sun Li as Imperial Noble Consort.
As for offspring,
Chen Duhe was enfeoffed as Prince Yu, and Chen Yunxi as Princess Taiping.
As for the realm,
Chen Sanshi conducted a new survey of all land registers throughout the country. All lands seized by sects and aristocratic families—including those occupied by Shangguan Haichang—were completely redistributed to the local farmers.
During the process, there was considerable resistance. With a single decisive command, he sent cavalry sweeping across the martial world, killing until heads rolled and blood flowed like rivers.
Next, he exempted more than 10 prefectures—long ravaged by war—from taxation for 3 years. The remaining prefectures also received substantial reductions. The tax rate was fixed at one part in 20 per mu of land, allowing the realm to recuperate and restore vitality.
By the time all these matters were settled, 2 years had passed. The central lands of Great Han had largely stabilized and gradually entered the flourishing Tianwu era.
Ninth day of the tenth month, third year of Tianwu.
Within Taiji Hall,
Chen Sanshi conferred with his ministers, handled the final batch of sect and aristocratic matters, and declared the court dismissed.
It was at that very moment that the mysterious qi within the Mystic Pearl on his body underwent a qualitative transformation.
The people's mysterious qi was converted into the national destiny of Great Han.
This step alone had taken him a full 2 years!
Returning to his sleeping quarters, Chen Sanshi took out the Heavenly Book he had retrieved from Cao Kai's storage bag and carefully reread the formations within.
If national destiny were used to replace the original mysterious qi, the formations could certainly unleash far greater power. If the national destiny were elevated another level, it would even be possible to use mortal armies to form battle arrays and forcibly besiege Qi Refining cultivators.
The higher the national destiny, the stronger the formation's power.
Of course, this was a long process.
Over the past 2 years, Chen Sanshi had not been in a hurry to attack the other two kingdoms. After years of continuous warfare, the court simply could not bear further consumption.
Moreover, with him personally presiding, no one dared to invade. There was no need for haste.
Among the legacy left behind by Emperor Longqing of the previous dynasty—aside from the Dragon Abyss Sword and the Nation-Stabilizing Imperial Seal—there was also a withered tree.
According to Wei Xuan and the others, it was an exceedingly rare spiritual plant even in the cultivation world, known as the Fortune Spirit Supreme Clarity Heavenly Treasure Tree. If successfully cultivated, it could replace a spiritual vein to support cultivation.
However, the original tree had already withered, leaving only a few seeds.
Chen Sanshi tried planting them and nourished them with spirit stones, intending to see whether they could grow. Afterward, he went to cultivate within Wanshou Palace, whose plaque had been removed.
Over the past 2 years, the newly established dynasty had required too much attention. He could devote only one-third of each day to cultivation.
Fortunately, as the realm stabilized, the time he could spend cultivating would gradually increase.
He came to the rear courtyard, summoned the Dragon Gall Silver Spear, and began cultivating the Dragon Scripture.
The Early, Middle, and Late stages of the True Force Realm corresponded to the upper, middle, and lower sections of the 24 Mirror Gods. At present, he still needed to open the lower section's 8 Mirror Gods to enter the Late Stage of the True Force Realm.
As the silver dragon danced, a yellow-robed mysterious light gradually lit up in the upper-left of his abdomen. It merged with the bright yellow dragon robe he wore, blending into his body as a brand-new Mirror God was opened.
The Stomach God, named Tong Laiyu, styled Daozhan, 7 cun tall, clad in yellow robes!
Technique: Dragon Scripture (True Force Middle Stage)
Progress: 63/500
To break through to the Late Stage of the True Force Realm, a second-rank spiritual vein was ideally required.
Chen Sanshi possessed only a first-rank spirit pearl. Coupled with his daily affairs, it had taken a full 2 years to make this progress.
In truth, this was normal speed.
Whether martial cultivation or the Immortal Path, both were long roads requiring years upon years of persistent effort.
Ordinarily, for someone of average aptitude, advancing from the Middle Stage to the Late Stage of the True Force Realm required 20 to 30 years. With pills, the time could be shortened somewhat.
At Chen Sanshi's current speed, it would take at least 7 to 8 years—far too slow. He would need to replan.
Without resting, he put away the silver spear and sat cross-legged once more, cultivating the Swallowing Fire Art.
For now, the spirit pearl was entirely sufficient for the Immortal Path.
Chen Sanshi sat cross-legged until the mana within his dantian once again broke through a bottleneck.
Technique: Swallowing Fire Art · Qi Refining Seventh Layer
Progress: 0/1200
Effect: Upper-Grade Spiritual Root
Upper-Grade Spiritual Root!
At last, he had broken into the Late Stage of Qi Refining!
Chen Sanshi's spiritual root aptitude had improved yet again.
An Upper-Grade Spiritual Root was enough to enter any sect as a true disciple. His future cultivation speed would only grow faster and faster.
After that would come Foundation Establishment and extended lifespan.
But as for the Foundation Establishment Pill—
it did not seem so easy to obtain.
"Your Majesty,"
a palace maid reported, "many Immortal cultivators from various sects have arrived outside the palace. They are waiting and wish to have an audience with Your Majesty, saying they have important matters to discuss."
"Immortal cultivators?"
After careful inquiry, Chen Sanshi learned they were representatives from Lingji Cavern, Yunding Palace, Fallen Leaf Valley, and Shengyun Sect.
There was no need to guess—they had come about the ancestral vein.
"Have them wait in Zhongjue Hall."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Within Zhongjue Hall, cultivators from the four sects stood inside, exchanging glances as they waited quietly.
In just 2 years, the Divine Continent had undergone drastic change.
Since Chen Sanshi had ascended the throne and founded the new dynasty, he had stationed heavy troops at the Bu Mountain ancestral vein, including True Force martial artists. With seals suppressing it, and his realm standing unrivaled across the continent, no sect dared send people near it lightly.
Thus, they had sent representatives to negotiate.
"Heh."
Several cultivators spoke with faint disdain.
"What 'Great Han.'"
"This Chen Sanshi is, at the end of the day, merely at the Early Stage of Foundation Establishment. Relying on the Heaven-and-Earth seal to act so arrogantly—nothing more than borrowing a tiger's might."
"Indeed. Our sects sacrificed so much, only for this man to reap the benefit."
"Careful—he's coming!"
Footsteps echoed.
The orthodox human emperor of the Eastern Divine Continent, the sole sovereign of the Nine-Five, appeared. For no discernible reason, the cultivators felt the air grow heavy.
Chen Sanshi had changed into a white robe. Upon its surface were golden dragon patterns embroidered personally by the Empress. It exuded solemn imperial majesty, yet also carried an ineffable immortal aura—so much so that one could scarcely dare meet his gaze.
Inside Zhongjue Hall, the hearts of the cultivators from the four sects instantly leapt to their throats. They were already prepared to sacrifice their natal magic treasures at any moment to protect themselves.
"When two armies clash, envoys are not slain. You need not be nervous."
Chen Sanshi slowly sat down upon the dragon throne, gazing down at the cultivators as calm as still water. Though he knew the answer, he asked deliberately, "I have no intention of killing you. Speak—what do you want?"
"Heh…"
A cultivator from Shengyun Sect opened his mouth to speak. After hesitating several times, he still chose to use a respectful form of address.
"Your Majesty, Emperor of Great Han, we can be considered old acquaintances. Let us speak frankly.
"We have come this time to discuss cooperation!
"Your Majesty not only cultivates the martial path but also walks the Immortal Path. I presume Foundation Establishment is not far off. Foundation Establishment requires a Foundation Establishment Pill.
"Even in Heavenly Water Isle, the materials required for a Foundation Establishment Pill are exceedingly rare—on average, only 1 out of 10,000 people can obtain one.
"If Your Majesty relies solely on yourself, even if you secretly travel to Heavenly Water Isle, obtaining a Foundation Establishment Pill will surely be fraught with extreme difficulty.
"How about this.
"Your Majesty shares the ancestral vein of Hanshan with us. Let bygones be bygones. Our four sects will provide Your Majesty with cultivation resources starting from Foundation Establishment all the way to the Golden Core realm!
"When the ancestral vein revives, the Chen family will still be the sole imperial house of the Eastern Divine Continent, and at the very least, will receive one third-rank spiritual vein—enough to last for countless generations.
"All of the above conditions can be sworn to by the elders of our sects through Heavenly Dao oaths, or formal contracts may be signed with Your Majesty."
Previously, the four sects had been competitors for the ancestral vein. But now they had no choice but to cooperate and resolve the matter of Chen Sanshi first.
The conditions they offered were extremely generous—essentially equivalent to helping him found his own sect.
"Let us not discuss that just yet."
Seated upon the dragon throne, the Son of Heaven of Great Han showed not the slightest reaction to conditions that would drive anyone mad. It was as if he had not heard them at all. He merely said lightly,
"I intend to issue a warrant in Heavenly Water Isle to exterminate the Guiyuan Demon Sect. If your honored sects are willing to act, I will regard you as allied neighboring states and guarantee eternal non-aggression. What say you?"
"The Guiyuan Sect?"
The cultivators exchanged glances.
They knew the Guiyuan Sect had killed the White-Robed Senior Brother. But what was being said now was simply too ridiculous.
The so-called Great Han was merely a mortal dynasty. The one surnamed Chen was only at the Early Stage of Foundation Establishment. What qualification did he have to issue a warrant against a Golden Core sect in Heavenly Water Isle?
True Person Fengqi was at the Late Stage of Golden Core. The Guiyuan Sect possessed considerable strength. Who would be foolish enough to risk severe damage to their own sect to fight them?
Most laughable of all—
Chen Sanshi offered no benefits whatsoever. He did not even mention the ancestral vein. He merely spoke of "regarding them as allied neighboring states and guaranteeing eternal non-aggression."
It was the joke of the century.
They were dignified upper Golden Core sects—did they need to fear a mortal dynasty?
Seeing that no one spoke, Chen Sanshi let out a faint sigh of regret.
"Very well. Since you neighboring states are unwilling to be friends, then we can only be enemies."
The conditions proposed by the four sects seemed generous, but in truth, they were meaningless.
Once the ancestral vein revived and the seal was broken,
Heavenly Water Isle did not consist solely of Golden Core sects. Deeper within, there must be true great powers and sects that possessed such figures.
If the benefits of the ancestral vein were truly sufficient, drawing such people here would be inevitable.
At that time, all promises would be nothing but empty words.
As for deceiving them for resources—
these sects were not fools. They would never give without seeing results first.
There had never truly been anything to negotiate between them.
"See them out."
Chen Sanshi issued the order of expulsion.
Several members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard immediately stepped forward to drive them out. They showed not the slightest courtesy for these so-called Immortal cultivators. When the cultivators hesitated to leave, blades were even drawn and pressed against their necks.
These people were nothing more than ordinary mortals!
The cultivators felt extreme humiliation. Yet when they glanced at the Emperor of Great Han seated upon the dragon throne, none dared to make a move. They could only grit their teeth and threaten:
"Emperor!"
"Are the conditions we offered not generous enough?!"
"This is your only chance to reconcile with the cultivation world of Heavenly Water Isle. Must you refuse until you see the coffin and shed tears?!"
"That's right. Let me tell you plainly—whether you agree or not makes no difference!"
"The ancestral vein will revive sooner or later. We would like to see how long that turtle-shell-like seal can protect you!"
"When that day comes, your physical body will turn to ashes, and your seven souls and six spirits will disperse like smoke—never to be reborn for eternity!"
"Sima Yao."
Chen Sanshi looked toward the silent figure standing in attendance at the corner of the hall and said softly, "Read it to them."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Under the confused gazes of the cultivators, Sima Yao stepped forward, unfurled a bright yellow scroll, and began to read aloud:
"Shengyun Sect: 18,000 cultivators, 150 at Foundation Establishment, 5 at Golden Core.
"Lingji Cavern: 22,000 cultivators, 180 at Foundation Establishment, 4 at Golden Core.
"Fallen Leaf Valley: 17,000 cultivators, Foundation Establishment—"
He recited the numbers of cultivators from all four major sects one by one.
These figures were publicly known. Sima Yao was originally from Heavenly Water Isle, so he was thoroughly familiar with them.
But the cultivators present could not understand what significance there was in reading out their sects' numbers and strengths.
Then Sima Yao continued in a loud, resonant voice:
"The above sects of Heavenly Water Isle have stood for a thousand years and command numerous cultivators. Yet they style themselves Immortals while in truth acting as bandits—lawless and disorderly. Day after day they fight and seize from one another, burn and plunder, poisoning tens of millions of common people and bringing chaos to the lands. They are no different from lawless gangs of the martial world or mountain brigands. They are intolerable under the Heavenly Dao.
"The Celestial Court of Great Han inherits the mandate of the Heavenly Dao. It is only right to rectify chaos and act on Heaven's behalf. An expedition shall be launched to suppress the bandit sects of Heavenly Water Isle, to rescue the people from fire and water, to save the common folk from turmoil, to restore the order of the Heavenly Dao, and to return clarity to the world!
"Therefore, let this proclamation be spread throughout both mortal and Immortal realms, across the four seas. All sects who hear it must surrender upon sight and submit to Great Han. Those who refuse shall face annihilation without delay. Let this be clearly announced, in accordance with My will."
A campaign against the Immortal sects—proclaimed to the world!