Chapter 463: Proclamation of War

Chapter 463: Chapter 463: Proclamation of War

After sending off Hao Meili and the Western Poison Emperor, Zhong Shan carefully examined the ten-thousand-year dragon pearl in his hand.

Dragon pearls are essence beads cultivated within dragons, condensing the essence of heaven and earth over time. The longer the time, the more essence the dragon pearl contains. A ten-thousand-year dragon pearl is one of the most precious treasures in the world.

Dragon pearls can be used to craft magical treasures or be absorbed directly. Zhong Shan remembered how, during a meal with Yi Yan in the Da Yu Dynasty, he had taken a dragon pearl to go. However, this dragon pearl was different. Its essence was so potent that directly absorbing it could be lethal. Even the Western Poison Emperor, a pinnacle-level Emperor Extreme Realm expert, dared not absorb it.

But Zhong Shan couldn't afford to wait. He announced his seclusion, sealed the doors tightly, and began refining the pearl.

The ten-thousand-year dragon pearl, brimming with essence, was enveloped by his primordial spirit and fed to the Eight Extreme Heavenly Tails.

"Ah-woo~~"

The pearl was swallowed in one gulp by the Eight Extreme Heavenly Tails.

A terrifying surge of energy erupted from the Eastern Hall.

Outside the Eastern Hall, the generals watched with admiration.

"The commander's cultivation is going to increase again," Lin Xiao said with great admiration.

"Indeed," Mr. Shi smiled wisely, his eyes filled with anticipation.

"Roooar~~"

A mournful dragon cry echoed from within the Eastern Hall.

"Roar~~"

Zhong Shan let out a powerful roar.

"Boom~~"

The Eastern Hall exploded from within, lightning bolts spewing forth.

As the dust settled, Zhong Shan dusted himself off and emerged. He had reached the second level of the Integration stage! The ten-thousand-year dragon pearl had indeed lived up to its reputation.

Zhong Shan knew that breakthroughs would become increasingly difficult, but this ten-thousand-year dragon pearl, even after the Eight Extreme Heavenly Tails absorbed most of it, still provided enough residual energy for him to break through.

Zhong Shan considered finding more ten-thousand-year dragon pearls in the future.

"Rebuild the Eastern Hall!" Zhong Shan ordered the onlookers.

"Yes, yes!" Liu Wushuang, with a strange look, quickly nodded.

The Pure Land

In the Pure Land, the Past Amitabha Buddha, the Present Guiyuan Buddha, and the Future Jinchang Buddha sat together, listening to the Perfume Bodhisattva report. She glanced at Guiyuan Buddha occasionally as she spoke.

Both Amitabha Buddha and Jinchang Buddha looked at Guiyuan Buddha with peculiar expressions.

Guiyuan Buddha, the most powerful and serene figure in the Pure Land, was now struggling to maintain his composure. His face alternated between green and white, an ever-changing spectacle.

"Buddha, the message received is exactly as stated. At the time, Tian Ling'er thought you were inviting Zhong Shan to a meal," the Perfume Bodhisattva reported with bewilderment.

Her words caused Guiyuan Buddha's face to flush red with embarrassment.

"Infinite Life Buddha!" Both Jinchang Buddha and Amitabha Buddha intoned a Buddha's name, then looked at Guiyuan Buddha with sympathy.

"Guiyuan, don't take it too hard. Breaking your Silent Meditation is not the end of the world. This Zhong Shan is quite crafty. At the Great Extinction Event, I didn't plan on letting him leave, but he managed to escape unscathed," Jinchang Buddha consoled.

"Yes, Jinchang is right. It's not just Zhong Shan who's tricky; the people around him are also extraordinary. This time it was his wife. Last time, when I sent Perfume to capture him, it was the same. The people around him even had the ability to connect with the Yellow Springs Road. Perfume should have deep insights into that," Amitabha Buddha added.

The people speculated but dared not believe it. Could it be that all five imperial dynasties had submitted to someone named Ying? How was that possible?

No matter the circumstances, the three proclamations officially represented the declaration of war against the Pure Land by three of the most powerful figures. These proclamations spread rapidly across the Shenzhou continent, radiating in all directions.

Monks and Arhats from the Pure Land who were traveling abroad quickly returned to report the earth-shattering news to their Buddhas.

Within the Pure Land

The three Buddhas convened once more, standing before a group of Arhats and Bodhisattvas.

"Gu Shentong? Nie Fancheng? Ying?" Amitabha Buddha exclaimed in surprise.

"The Great Luo Dynasty, the Great Li Dynasty, and the Great Qin Dynasty?" Guiyuan Buddha said gravely.

"They've finally made their move," Jinchang Buddha said, frowning deeply.

"Notify all Bodhisattvas and Arhats of the Pure Land who are abroad to return immediately. Inform all allied sects and dynasties to gather at the Pure Land quickly to defend against the foreign invaders!" Guiyuan Buddha ordered.

"Yes!" the Bodhisattvas and Arhats responded immediately. Everyone knew the gravity of the situation.

Two great dynasties, no, three dynasties including the one led by Ying, were joining forces to attack the Pure Land?

Messages spread quickly in all directions, rallying all the forces and influences of the Pure Land to converge and prepare for the oncoming storm from the three dynasties.

Great Luo Dynasty, Eastern Manor

Zhong Shan, dressed in his battle armor, addressed his assembled generals.

"Wuhen, muster the troops and prepare for departure at the second hour tomorrow!" Zhong Shan ordered.

"Yes!" Shui Wuhen responded immediately.

"Prepare the army. We march against the Pure Land!" Zhong Shan declared.

"Roar~~~"

The generals let out a unified roar before quickly leaving to organize the troops and ready them for battle.

After most had left, Lin Xiao asked with a hint of curiosity, "Commander, why declare to the world now? Doesn't this give the Pure Land time to prepare?"

"There are two reasons. First, to reverse the will of heaven. We must have a righteous cause. The Pure Land holds great merit, while a dynasty holds fortune. War between the two usually ends up fruitless. Thus, we need a justified cause to reverse the will of heaven. After defeating the Pure Land, the heavens will grant us immense fortune. Second, the Emperor did this deliberately to force the Pure Land to recall all their people. The Emperor's goal is not just to annihilate the Pure Land but to exterminate every single person within it," Zhong Shan said, his eyes gleaming with determination.

"Exterminate every single person?" The generals were stunned. Such deep-seated hatred?

"Hatred fulfilled signals the arrival of the heavenly day," Zhong Shan explained.

Hatred fulfilled signals the arrival of the heavenly day? Did this mean Gu Shentong aimed to vent his final anger and then face the heavenly might? The realization hit everyone, leaving them in a mix of understanding and shock.

"Report! Commander, Mr. Shui Jing requests an audience outside the manor!" A messenger quickly entered the hall to inform.

Shui Jing? Mr. Shui Jing?

Zhong Shan's eyes flickered with curiosity. "Invite him in," he commanded.

A moment later, a refined-looking man in scholar's robes entered, his demeanor calm and wise.

"Mr. Shui Jing, what brings you here?" Zhong Shan asked, greeting him with respect.

"Commander Zhong, I bring urgent information and seek to offer my assistance in the upcoming campaign against the Pure Land," Mr. Shui Jing said, his voice steady.

Zhong Shan nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. With the addition of Mr. Shui Jing's insights, the strategy against the Pure Land would only become more formidable.