Chapter 56: Welcoming Guests

Chapter 56: Chapter 56: Welcoming Guests

"Yes, Master, it's exactly as you said. There's no one in this world that you can't see through," Ying Lan exclaimed excitedly.

Glancing at Ying Lan, Zhong Shan suddenly thought of a few of his adopted sons who had betrayed him. Shaking his head, a hint of sigh passed through his eyes. "It's because the Chat Kingdom's royal family isn't complicated enough, and they're all mediocre talents. That's why they're easy to see through. And also, as they say, 'the one in the midst of it is confused.'"

Being confused by being in the midst of it also meant that Zhong Shan hadn't seen through the hearts of a few adopted sons. This made Zhong Shan constantly reflect and ponder on how the remaining adopted sons would fare.

However, Ying Lan didn't notice Zhong Shan's change in expression. She continued, "The new emperor, under that advisor's, no, now he's a high-ranking official's, urging, wanted to marry me as his empress. But in the end, he threatened me by forcing me to surrender my military power. I was furious and refused. So, I came back. Let him regret it. Except for me, the Chat Kingdom's commander-in-chief, everyone else is just puppets, destined to be defeated by the other four nations sooner or later."

Watching Ying Lan huffing angrily, Zhong Shan couldn't help but chuckle. Let her come back if she wanted to. But from what Ying Lan said, it could be seen that she already had the talent of a top general.

"So, has my dear Ying Lan set her sights on anyone? If so, I'll arrange a marriage proposal for you. If he refuses, I'll snatch you a bridegroom," Zhong Shan joked.

"No, no, my man must surpass Master, otherwise, Ying Lan will never marry," Ying Lan replied anxiously.

"Well, that might be a bit difficult," Zhong Shan laughed. From Ying Lan's tone, it seemed that she hadn't found anyone she admired yet. But that was fine. If she didn't find someone she liked, then so be it. Previously, there were limitations due to the lifespan, but now that Zhong Shan had advanced in his cultivation, Ying Lan would surely follow suit as his lifespan increased.

"Master, have some tea," Ying Lan immediately poured another cup of tea for Zhong Shan.

"Alright," Zhong Shan nodded and took a sip.

In that moment when Zhong Shan lowered his head, Ying Lan glanced at him, and a hint of infatuation flickered in her eyes.

After taking a sip of tea, Zhong Shan looked up again and said to Ying Lan, "Since you're back, don't fight for the Chat Kingdom anymore. Fight for me instead."

Upon hearing Zhong Shan's words, Ying Lan visibly paused, then looked at Zhong Shan and said, "Master, aren't you pursuing immortality anymore? Besides, you have already reached the Innate Realm. Why focus on the country?"

"Immortality is not that easy. I want to establish a celestial dynasty. With the celestial dynasty ruling the world, it will be easier to pursue immortality," Zhong Shan furrowed his brows.

What Zhong Shan said about establishing a celestial dynasty and pursuing immortality seemed unrelated, but out of admiration for Zhong Shan, Ying Lan immediately chose to believe and looked at Zhong Shan excitedly. Unify the world? What a grand ambition! Only Master could have such audacity. Who under the heavens could surpass him?

"Master, are you planning to unify the six nations?" Ying Lan asked.

"Unify the six nations? That's just the first step. Then it's the land of the five nations you went to. After unifying the six nations, I will quickly unify the five nations over there. Then, with the people of the world, I will open up the mountains and rivers that separate the two places, creating an even larger territory, and expand the world further," Zhong Shan explained.

"Well, Ying Lan will definitely help Master," Ying Lan exclaimed excitedly.

"Establishing a country is not as simple as you think. Perhaps there are endless dangers ahead. I will encounter countless enemies, not only mortals but also immortal cultivators. The road ahead may be thorny, or it may be a dead end. Are you still willing to accompany me?" Zhong Shan furrowed his brows and looked at Ying Lan.

"Wherever Master goes, I'll go," Ying Lan immediately replied.

Watching Ying Lan, Zhong Shan sighed inwardly. While he was moved, he also constantly reminded himself that he must find a way to leave a way out for Ying Lan because once he made a decision, there was no turning back. As for Ying Lan, he couldn't let her be bound like this.

Next, Zhong Shan and Ying Lan continued to chat about past trivial matters and anecdotes from their time leading the three armies.

"This is Ying Lan, and this is Ling'er, whom you know," Zhong Shan introduced briefly.

"Ah," Zhao Suoxiang merely nodded.

"You passed by Xuancheng. Do you have any other business?" Zhong Shan frowned and asked.

"Not really. Just came to see what's going on," Zhao Suoxiang chuckled.

"Oh?" Zhong Shan was surprised.

"To the east of Xuancheng, there's chaos at Bamen Mountain recently. I missed Haosan's death, so this time, I'm going to take a look," Zhao Suoxiang said.

"Bamen Mountain?" Zhong Shan's tea cup clattered as he looked at Zhao Suoxiang in surprise. Bamen Mountain was where Bei Qingsi and Tian Sha went, right?

"Yes, Bamen Mountain is in chaos now. Many cultivators have been injured or killed. I heard that some people from Kaiyang Sect were also casualties," Zhao Suoxiang said casually, taking a sip of tea.

"What? People from Kaiyang Sect died there? How is Senior Brother Tian Sha doing now?" Tian Ling'er immediately became concerned.

"Senior Brother?" Zhao Suoxiang looked at Tian Ling'er with surprise. Tian Sha was the second senior brother of Kaiyang Sect, but wasn't Tian Ling'er in the Golden Core Stage?

"Yes, who died from Kaiyang Sect?" Zhong Shan asked immediately.

As the conversation shifted, Zhao Suoxiang's gaze also turned to Zhong Shan. "I'm not sure. I only heard about the casualties from the big battle. Various sects suffered losses."

"What exactly happened?" Zhong Shan furrowed his brow.

"It happened not long ago. Suddenly, something big occurred at Bamen Mountain, and then strange events followed one after another," Zhao Suoxiang frowned as he spoke.

"Oh?" Zhong Shan's curiosity was piqued.

"Bamen Mountain isn't actually a major mountain range. Few cultivators visit it regularly, but there's a small sect located there called the 'Golden Lock Sect.' It's very desolate, with only one person inside. I heard he's very old and hasn't taken any disciples. With just one person, nobody really pays attention to it. However, just a few days ago, there was a sudden earthquake in Bamen Mountain, followed by what seemed like the roar of a dragon, and then a large number of spirit stones gushed out from underground. They soared into the sky, a massive amount of spirit stones. People from nearby sects immediately wanted to seize the area and begin mining," Zhao Suoxiang explained.

"What? The roar of a dragon?" Zhong Shan immediately stood up, his eyes radiating intense light.

"Uh, yes, the roar occurred nine times. It might have been caused by some wild dragon being startled by the earthquake," Zhao Suoxiang looked at Zhong Shan with some confusion.

"Nine times? Are you sure it was nine times?" Zhong Shan exclaimed.

Nodding with a puzzled look at Zhong Shan, Zhao Suoxiang confirmed, his eyes showing a hint of doubt.

Shaking his head as he looked at Zhao Suoxiang, Zhong Shan said, "I lost my composure. Since nearby sects are competing for it, it shouldn't take this long. Will you be late if you go now?"

Glancing at Zhong Shan, Zhao Suoxiang smiled faintly. "I haven't finished yet. What's truly strange is that after the powerful figures from various sects rushed there, they found that an enormous array had inexplicably appeared in Bamen Mountain."

P.S. New week, seeking recommendation votes to support the story. (^__^)...