Chapter 595: Chapter 595: The Second Transit
Zhong Shan, Di Xuanha, and their entourage quickly found Zhao Suoxiang after leaving Blue Flame City.
With Di Xuanha providing protection, the journey was exceptionally safe. Despite the group numbering five thousand, Di Xuanha, a powerful Heavenly Realm expert, managed to escort everyone to eastern Shenzhou within two months.
Zhao Suoxiang, though only at the Integration stage, was treated with great respect by Di Xuanha upon learning he was the commander of the Eighth Legion of the Great Zheng Empire. Previously, Di Xuanha had not experienced Zhong Shan's influence firsthand. This time, witnessing Zhong Shan's extraordinary charisma and strategic prowess left a deep impression on him.
Di Xuanha felt a sense of gratitude. It seemed the Wolf Clan was finally poised for greatness. Zhao Suoxiang, held in such high regard by Zhong Shan, was bound for a promising future.
Despite the Great Zheng's current small size and limited power, their unique position and strategic advantages would soon propel them to new heights.
At the Taishou Heavenly Court, in Prince Lietian's Mansion
Prince Lietian sat at his desk, reviewing various intelligence reports, while others stood on either side, occasionally whispering to one another.
Monk Sekong, having heard about the events in Blue Flame City, took a deep breath. He felt a sense of pride for his earlier decision to 'run away with an upset stomach.' So many powerful figures had appeared, and despite their overwhelming advantage, Zhong Shan had managed to leave unscathed, gaining the title of Alchemy Saint, Nie Fancheng's gratitude, and the Eternal Sacred Platform.
Zhong Shan was indeed as cunning and mysterious as they said. Sekong felt fortunate for not acting impulsively, grateful for his prudence.
Before him stood Wangchen, who had not joined the Blue Flame City expedition. Wangchen seemed equally enigmatic, and Sekong decided it would be wise to avoid antagonizing him in the future.
Although Sekong's strength was not formidable, his keen instincts had allowed him to navigate the world of powerful figures safely.
After reviewing the reports, Prince Lietian took a deep breath.
"A storm is brewing. The chaotic times are upon us," Prince Lietian remarked.
"What should we do, Lord?" someone asked.
"With the coming chaos, we must strive for dominance. After Nie Fancheng returns, he will undoubtedly target the Taishou Heavenly Court. The entire Shenzhou will be affected. We must act steadily, expanding our territory gradually," Prince Lietian replied.
"Understood!"
"My army will focus on the Blue Flame Empire, which poses no significant challenge. Sekong, you will lead the forces to conquer it," Prince Lietian commanded.
"Yes!" Sekong immediately responded.
"While I'm away, Sekong will lead the external forces, and Wangchen will manage internal affairs," Prince Lietian ordered.
"Yes!" everyone responded in unison.
"Lord, are you leaving?" Wangchen asked, frowning.
"Indeed, I need to meet Shen Ya Daojun. It's time for a serious discussion," Prince Lietian said, his brow furrowing slightly.
"Has Shen Ya Daojun discovered something?" Wangchen asked, puzzled.
"I'm not sure. Shen Ya Daojun is extremely mysterious. I need to meet him personally to find out," Prince Lietian shook his head.
"Understood!" everyone replied.
Great Li Heavenly Court, Nie Fancheng's Study
In Nie Fancheng's study, ten trusted confidants, the most capable individuals of the Great Li Heavenly Court, were present. Among them was Marquis Shaofei, who stood at the center, reporting on the events he encountered in Blue Flame City.
Marquis Shaofei, less powerful than Nie Fancheng, had just returned and was unaware of the changes at the Ten Thousand Pills Conference. When he mentioned Zhong Shan's mysterious forces expanding to dominate Blue Flame City, shock filled the eyes of the confidants.
"Enough!" Nie Fancheng said, shaking his head.
At Nie Fancheng's command, everyone fell silent.
"The Great Zheng Empire is now an ally of the Great Li Heavenly Court. Unless they disturb our court, we will document other matters but take no action," Nie Fancheng stated solemnly.
"Understood," the group responded, nodding with a mix of surprise and understanding.
"I've gathered you here today to discuss the grand strategy of the world," Nie Fancheng continued.
The grand strategy of the world?
Wang Gu's sudden appearance made Yan Chongzhi's heart tighten. How did this person appear so suddenly?
"Wang Gu, you and the three ghost craftsmen, enter the Hall of Yin and Yang and follow Mud Buddha to the yang world," Zhong Shan ordered.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" the five responded immediately.
Mud Buddha led the group into the Hall of Yin and Yang, while everyone else waited outside.
Yan Chongzhi frowned. Was what the emperor said true? Could they really go to the yang world?
After waiting patiently for a stick of incense's time, the door of the Hall of Yin and Yang suddenly opened with a loud rumble.
Four new faces emerged from within: an exceptionally beautiful woman and three richly dressed men.
As soon as the doors opened, the four newcomers frowned slightly but soon adjusted to the new environment.
"Greetings, Father!" the white-robed man, Zhong Zheng, spoke first.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!" the other two men also bowed respectfully.
"We just met, no need for formalities," Zhong Shan said with a smile.
Father? The man called Zhong Shan 'Father'?
"Greetings, Empress Qianyou!" Master Shi immediately greeted respectfully.
Empress? That woman was the empress?
"Greetings, Empress, and Crown Prince!" everyone else quickly followed suit.
The second transit through the Yin-Yang passage included the same nine individuals: Mud Buddha, Wang Gu, the three ghost craftsmen, Gu Qianyou, Zhong Zheng, and two members of the Daring Commerce Guild.
"The Daring Commerce Guild in the yang world is already on track. Now, let's expand the Daring Commerce Guild into the vast lands of the underworld!" Zhong Shan declared.
"Yes, Father!" Zhong Zheng responded enthusiastically.
"Master Shi, leave a Heavenly Realm zombie to accompany the Wolf King and temporarily guard this Hall of Yin and Yang," Zhong Shan ordered.
"Yes!" the group responded promptly.
"Everyone else, follow me back to the capital!" Zhong Shan commanded.
"Yes!"
The Yang World
After emerging from the Hall of Yin and Yang, the four new arrivals curiously examined their surroundings.
The Skeleton King seemed particularly intrigued, looking up at the enormous golden sun in the sky without any fear. The three ghost craftsmen, however, remained cloaked in their black robes, wary of the bright sunlight.
The four undead beings then turned their attention to Zhong Shan, curious about this other emperor.
"Your Majesty, here is the Brain-eating Beast," Mud Buddha said, handing over the creature captured earlier to Zhong Shan.
Zhong Shan took it gently and nodded.
"Wushuang!" Zhong Shan called.
"At your service!" the commander of the Jinyiwei, Liu Wushuang, responded promptly.
"Take everyone to rest. I will summon you later," Zhong Shan instructed.
"Yes!" everyone responded and followed Liu Wushuang.
Zhong Shan, holding the vial containing the Brain-eating Beast, quickly flew towards Di Xuanha's residence to the east.
I'm exhausted. These past two days have been a whirlwind. Last night, I attended three events, drank until I was dizzy, and then went to a KTV where I have no idea what I sang. Today is the same, and I have another event out of town! I barely managed to finish this chapter. There might not be another chapter today, but if I don't drink myself into a stupor, I will definitely write more tonight. I'll do my best!