Chapter 497: Reorganizing the Court

Chapter 497: Chapter 497: Reorganizing the Court

After offering incense to Gu Shentong, Zi Xun stood silently before the censer for a moment, as if she had a thousand words to say but chose to remain silent. Taking a deep breath, she finally turned around. Throughout this, no one disturbed her.

Suddenly, a deafening thunderclap echoed through the clear sky, and a vast bolt of heavenly lightning struck down on the White Jade Mountain where Gu Shentong's spirit hall was located.

An explosion in the spirit hall?

Almost everyone was furious. Such audacity! To bomb Gu Shentong's spirit hall during his grand funeral, with eighty million mourners present? Who would dare such an outrageous act?

The four princes and Huan Tu Long simultaneously glared at the sky, searching for the powerful intruder.

The massive White Jade Mountain had lost a third of its structure, and the spirit hall's entrance was blown apart, revealing many items within.

Who was bold enough to do this? Seeking death?

Everyone looked towards the figure in the sky, and as they recognized her, the four princes' pupils constricted simultaneously. Zhong Shan also recognized her at once.

"Nü Qinghui!" Gu Qianyou clenched her fists and glared angrily at the woman in the sky.

The woman wore a veil, hiding her features, but her figure exuded an enchanting aura. It was she who had just bombed the spirit hall.

"Nü Qinghui, what are you doing?" Huan Tu Long glared, then rapidly ascended towards her.

Nü Qinghui lowered her head, casting a glance at Huan Tu Long.

With just one look, Huan Tu Long's ascent halted abruptly as if a powerful force had pushed him back. He crashed back to the ground, raising a cloud of dust. Though uninjured, he had clearly lost in that brief confrontation.

"Heavenly Extreme Realm? You've reached the Heavenly Extreme Realm? How is this possible?" Huan Tu Long exclaimed in shock.

Everyone knew that Nü Qinghui was an Imperial Extreme Realm cultivator. However, Huan Tu Long couldn't be mistaken—only someone at the Heavenly Extreme Realm could defeat him so effortlessly. Had she really ascended to the Heavenly Extreme Realm?

Moreover, most Heavenly Extreme Realm experts had taken a wisp of Primal Chaos Purple Qi and gone into seclusion. Why hadn't Nü Qinghui? Had she broken through in just the past few days since Gu Shentong's death?

The Heavenly Extreme Realm was the highest realm in Shenzhou. Nü Qinghui had actually reached it?

"Nü Qinghui Daojun, His Majesty has already passed. What is the meaning of this?" Gu Zhengyi suddenly spoke.

Daojun—there was only one Daojun in the world, the Crow Daojun, and now there was another.

"This is between me and him. You'd best not interfere," Nü Qinghui said coldly.

Hearing Nü Qinghui's blunt dismissal, a chill flashed in Gu Zhengyi's eyes.

"You still want to kill him? He's already dead, utterly annihilated. What more do you want?"

From below came an angry shout.

Everyone was slightly surprised, looking towards the censer where Zi Xun stood.

Zi Xun was reprimanding Nü Qinghui?

Those unaware of Zi Xun's identity couldn't help but worry for her.

Zi Xun's outburst indeed provoked a reaction from Nü Qinghui, who instantly appeared before her.

"Have you finally acknowledged him?" Nü Qinghui said softly.

"Let's go!" Zhong Shan commanded.

The million-strong Zhong family army quickly assembled and followed Zhong Shan away. None of the surrounding generals dared to stop them and made way for their departure.

Once they were far enough, Gu Qianyou softly asked Zhong Shan, "What's the deal with Zi Xun?"

"You saw it all, didn't you?" Zhong Shan's eyes flashed with a hint of apology.

Seeing Zhong Shan's expression, Gu Qianyou immediately understood. Pouting, she said, "You philanderer, always leaving a trail of affection. I'll tell my two sisters when we get back so they can deal with you."

Gu Qianyou's words were harsh, implying that she would let Bao'er and Ling'er handle Zhong Shan. However, this also showed her deep affection for him. Even knowing this news, she couldn't bear to truly blame him.

Looking at Gu Qianyou, Zhong Shan felt a wave of emotion.

Zhong Shan left, departing from the ancient abyss.

At this time, the power structure of Shenzhou had changed drastically again.

The leading forces remaining were the Three Holy Lands and the Three Great Empires:

Longevity RealmNetherworld HeavenCreation God PalaceGreat Sage EmpireGreat Qin EmpireGreat Li Empire

One year later, Tianlang Island, Dazhen Dynasty, Xuanjing, Longevity Hall.

In the Longevity Hall, Zhong Shan sat on the Nine Dragon Heavenly Chair, looking at the assembled ministers.

"From today, I appoint Shuijing as the commander of the sixth legion of the Dazhen Dynasty," Zhong Shan announced.

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!" Shuijing stepped forward to receive his appointment.

The six commanders of the Dazhen Dynasty were:

First Legion Commander, Lin XiaoSecond Legion Commander, Wei YinglanThird Legion Commander, Yi YanFourth Legion Commander, Mr. CorpseFifth Legion Commander, Shui WuhenSixth Legion Commander, Shuijing

This grand assembly of commanders was impressive. Even an ordinary imperial court didn't have so many wise leaders.

Zhong Shan then looked at Liu Wushuang.

Zhong Shan knew Liu Wushuang well. From her past experience, sacrificing herself to the wolves and enduring years of torment to eventually tame the little wolf, her resolve and capability were evident. Although she wasn't as precise in handling military affairs as the six commanders, she understood her role deeply, never overstepping her bounds, and was self-disciplined. Most importantly, she was loyal to Zhong Shan.

Such a person was perfect for a position Zhong Shan had in mind.

"Liu Wushuang!" Zhong Shan called.

"Present," Liu Wushuang responded immediately.

"I appoint you as the Chief Commander of the Jinyiwei under the Imperial Guard of the Dazhen Dynasty, responsible for overseeing all matters and reporting directly to me," Zhong Shan decreed.

Overseeing the entire empire and reporting only to the emperor? Such immense power! Everyone turned to look at Liu Wushuang, who usually kept a low profile. They had anticipated that Zhong Shan would eventually utilize her, but they hadn't expected him to grant her such significant authority.

Chief Commander of the Jinyiwei? Imperial Guard?

Not everyone was aware that the Imperial Guard consisted of two departments: the Jinyiwei, operating openly, and the Shadow Guard, working in the shadows. The Shadow Guard was commanded by the Dark Emperor.

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!" Liu Wushuang accepted her appointment.