Chapter 498: Towards the Glory of Dazhen

Chapter 498: Chapter 498: Towards the Glory of Dazhen

Shenzhou, Southeastern region.

This region was known as the Land of Chaos.

The Land of Chaos housed eight major royal dynasties and nearly a hundred smaller kingdoms. There were no imperial dynasties nearby to pose a threat, making it seem like an isolated area, yet it was vast in scope.

Anyone skilled in feng shui would recognize this place as a gathering spot for qi, a land of potential.

The ultimate principle of the world is that prolonged division leads to unity, and prolonged unity leads to division. Such a chaotic land would eventually give rise to an imperial dynasty to bring an end to the turmoil.

However, over the years, countless royal dynasties had risen and fallen, but none had ever ascended to become an imperial dynasty.

The eight major royal dynasties were established through endless bloodshed on the battlefield, each capable of intimidating nearly ten smaller kingdoms.

Although news from across Shenzhou reached the Land of Chaos, those tales of heavenly dynasties and sacred lands remained beyond the reach of its inhabitants.

Normally, after prolonged contention, a single imperial dynasty would eventually rise to unify the region. However, establishing an imperial dynasty was no easy feat. Each of the eight royal dynasties aspired to this goal, but it was exceedingly difficult.

Shenzhou had only three heavenly dynasties, and less than a hundred imperial dynasties. In such a vast land, the emergence of an imperial dynasty was no quick or easy matter.

The eight royal dynasties occupied the region's eight directions, forming a circle around the Land of Chaos. The central area remained unclaimed, held only by smaller kingdoms.

It wasn't that the eight royal dynasties were unwilling; none wanted to be the first to make a move. Whichever dynasty touched the central area would become the target of the other seven unless it had the strength to dominate the entire Land of Chaos.

A year ago, the central region was ruled by an ordinary kingdom, which was suddenly eliminated by an unknown force, replaced by a new rising power.

This new power was believed to be a dynasty, but the emperor had never appeared, and there was no sign of its fate energy. Thus, people assumed it was merely a kingdom.

This kingdom bore the banner of 'Zhen.'

The Dazhen Kingdom?

The eight royal dynasties' royal families paid little attention, as the Land of Chaos was full of kingdoms that frequently rose and fell. The emergence of the Dazhen Kingdom wasn't particularly noteworthy.

The appearance of the 'Dazhen Kingdom' was indeed subtle. After seizing the central area, it did not expand but continuously recruited and trained soldiers.

The capital of the 'Dazhen Kingdom' was named 'Guangling,' after the former kingdom's name. Within Guangling City, in the imperial palace.

Zhong Shan had arrived. This time, it was Zhong Shan's shadow body that had come.

The true Zhong Shan was stationed on Tianlang Island, while the shadow body commanded the military campaigns.

In the palace, Zhong Shan, dressed in black robes, exuded immense authority as he looked at Shui Wuhen, the Chief Commander of the Jinyiwei of the Dazhen Dynasty.

"Continue," Zhong Shan ordered.

"Yes, Your Majesty. The Great Luo Heavenly Dynasty has collapsed. Gu Shentong passed the throne to Gu Zhengyi. Nearly half of the Great Luo Heavenly Dynasty's strength is now under Gu Zhengyi's control. He has established a new dynasty called 'Yong,' the Great Yong Dynasty," Shui Wuhen reported.

"What's so small about me?" Wei Yinglan muttered softly.

At the same time, on Tianlang Island, the true Zhong Shan sat in the Longevity Hall at Xuanjing.

Seated at the entrance of the Longevity Hall, surrounded by civil and military officials, today was an extremely important day for the Dazhen Dynasty: the day of the imperial examination.

Countless scholars and wise men gathered at the Dazhen Dynasty, preparing for the imperial exams. Zhong Shan's examination system was broad and inclusive, allowing even commoners with no martial skills to participate.

Starting from the county-level exams, candidates were selected step by step, gradually uncovering various talents.

This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In Tianlang Island, the Dazhen Dynasty was seen as the supreme authority, the ultimate power, fulfilling everyone's fantasies. The officials of the Dazhen Dynasty were seen as immortal beings, almost godlike.

To become an immortal? Could a mere mortal aspire to such a thing? Absolutely, as long as one passed the imperial exams and ascended through the ranks, the Dazhen Dynasty would provide the corresponding benefits. For those exceptionally talented, reaching the capital-level exams and then the palace exams would result in wealth, honor, and even longevity.

Thus, the opening of the Dazhen Dynasty's imperial exams stirred immense desire among scholars, who racked their brains to excel in the tests.

Now, it was time for the capital-level exams after several rounds of selections.

There were thirty-eight thousand candidates for the capital exams, but only a few would make it to the palace exams.

Zhong Shan looked at the scene with satisfaction. The strength of a dynasty didn't rely solely on discoveries and recommendations, which were too slow for development. The imperial exam was the quickest shortcut, capable of bringing countless talents, wise men, and strength to the Dazhen Dynasty in one go.

What about their low cultivation levels? They weren't needed for combat. With sufficient stipends, they could focus on their cultivation.

An imperial dynasty's strength wasn't built by one or a few people but by countless individuals.

In a certain mountain forest of Shenzhou, a grand palace stood.

Inside the palace sat an immensely imposing man, Han Jiguang, the former emperor of the Great Guang Dynasty, one of the two imperial dynasties destroyed by Zhong Shan.

Before Han Jiguang stood his two sons, both princes.

"Father, just as you predicted, the Great Luo Heavenly Dynasty fell within a few decades. The day of the Great Guang Dynasty's rise has come," the eldest prince said excitedly.

"Yes, Father. Over the years, we have also recruited many wise men into our dynasty, and with the 'Ice Army' as our foundation, restoring the glory of the Great Guang Dynasty isn't too difficult," the second prince said enthusiastically.

"Indeed," Han Jiguang nodded, setting aside his scroll.

"So, Father, when do we start? When do we establish the new dynasty?" the eldest prince asked again.

The second prince also seemed eager, clearly ready to get started.

"Ten years ago, the Great Guang Kingdom was already rebuilt, and it's about time it ascended to a royal dynasty," Han Jiguang said softly.

Upon hearing this, the two princes were stunned, their mouths agape in surprise.

They had been gearing up to establish a new dynasty, only to realize that their father had already begun rebuilding ten years ago. The two princes lowered their heads, realizing how short-sighted they had been compared to their father.