Chapter 624: The Battle for the Earth Book

Chapter 624: Chapter 624: The Battle for the Earth Book

In the Yang Realm, the Great Zong Empire established itself as the dominant power in the southern part of Shenzhou. Right after its foundation, it had already crushed four major imperial dynasties, a feat unprecedented in history. The appearance of the nineteen-clawed golden dragon of fortune shocked the world. The four celestial dynasties came to congratulate it, making the Great Zong the most powerful imperial dynasty in the south.

Its vast territory was larger than half of an average celestial dynasty's domain.

Initially, the surrounding imperial dynasties were worried that the Great Zong would continue its expansion, but after its establishment, Emperor Zhongshan seemed to lose his ambition and gradually became silent.

As the Great Zong became quiet, the neighboring imperial dynasties also refrained from provoking it. Thus, the Great Zong entered a period of peace and reorganization.

With its vast territory to assimilate and countless people to appease, numerous sects, including the Great Ming Sect, had to be visited. The Great Zong entered a golden age, holding imperial examinations to select talented individuals.

Although the Great Zong remained silent, the fortune on the Celestial Pavilion continued to increase, making it the most spectacular sight in the empire.

While everything developed in an orderly manner in the Yang Realm, Zhongshan's shadow body in Changjing of the Yin Realm received an unusual intelligence report from the outside world.

In Zhongshan's study, Zhongshan pondered with his eyes closed, while Gu Qianyou read the report.

After reading it, Gu Qianyou frowned.

"Someone deliberately released this information?" Gu Qianyou frowned.

"The Qilin possesses the Earth Book. The functions of the Earth Book have been detailed and made known to the world. Now, countless people in the Yin Realm are eyeing the Earth Book," Gu Qianyou continued.

"Yes, the person who spread this information has malicious intentions. The Qilin left this small world, but the Earth Book was left behind by the immortal Nangong Sheng," Zhongshan said, taking a deep breath.

"By spreading this news to the world, he aims to incite numerous strong individuals to fight for it. Ordinary strong individuals cannot contend for it; only large factions can. He wants to borrow a knife to kill? Let major factions fight for the Earth Book, and then he will seize it back? Could the mastermind behind this also be a powerful faction?"

"You're right. If this person doesn't have a powerful faction behind him, he must be a lunatic!" Zhongshan nodded.

"Nangong Sheng? He's an immortal, but facing the allure of the Earth Book, countless supreme experts will undoubtedly gather. It will be a grand battlefield. Do you want to go?" Gu Qianyou bit her lip and looked at Zhongshan.

"Of course!" Zhongshan affirmed.

Seeing Zhongshan's determination, Gu Qianyou felt a twinge of disappointment but nodded. "Alright, you should go. I'll watch over the Great Zong here!"

Seeing the disappointment in Gu Qianyou's eyes, Zhongshan showed a gentle smile, stroking her hair. "Come with me!"

With his keen eyes, Zhongshan noticed Gu Qianyou's disappointment. Gu Qianyou had always been a free-spirited woman, never bound by constraints. Even in the past at the Da Luo Celestial Dynasty, she roamed the world, always seeking adventure. She was a woman who couldn't stay idle, but for Zhongshan's sake, she willingly stayed in Changjing. This showed how deep her love for him was.

"But if we both leave, what about the Great Zong?" Gu Qianyou shook her head.

"It's decided. You go prepare, and we depart tomorrow!" Zhongshan said firmly.

Seeing Zhongshan's resolve, Gu Qianyou smiled excitedly. "Alright."

Zhongshan summoned his subordinates.

Before him stood Lin Xiao, Yan Chongzhi, Mr. Corpse, Xianxian, and Old Wine.

"Lin Xiao, you and Yan Chongzhi will stay and guard the dynasty!" Zhongshan ordered directly.

"Yes!" the two immediately responded.

"Your Majesty, the sudden elevation of our dynasty to an empire has caused great consternation among the surrounding imperial dynasties. My subordinates have apprehended many spies. If Your Majesty is absent for an extended period, how should we handle this situation?" Lin Xiao asked Zhongshan.

Yan Chongzhi also nodded in agreement.

"I grant you military authority. If any imperial dynasty dares to attack, fight! Fight! Fight!" Zhongshan said, handing over a tiger talisman, his eyes shining with determination.

"Of course not. But flying continuously without rest for twenty days is uncomfortable," Xianxian shook her head.

"We're almost there, another ten days at most," Zhongshan said.

"Another ten days?" Xianxian cried out in dismay.

Seeing Xianxian's reaction, the others couldn't help but relax a bit.

"Old Wine, what is your relationship with the Tian family?" Zhongshan suddenly asked Old Wine.

"Nothing, no relationship at all!" Old Wine hastily replied.

"No relationship? Why are you nervous?" Xianxian quickly picked up on the situation.

"Who's nervous?" Old Wine retorted.

"Really no relationship?" Zhongshan asked with a smile.

"Of course not!" Old Wine insisted.

"Good, because I believe the Tian family won't stay idle regarding the Earth Book. They'll surely send someone. I hope you won't suddenly have 'something else to do' then," Zhongshan said teasingly.

"What? The Tian family will be involved?" Old Wine's eyes widened.

"With such a significant event, how could the Tian family not be involved?" Gu Qianyou added.

Old Wine's expression changed rapidly, showing regret and helplessness. Looking at Zhongshan, Old Wine sighed.

"Sigh, Yan Chongzhi mentioned this, but I didn't believe him. It seems I can't hide anything from you!" Old Wine said with a bitter smile.

Xianxian stared at Old Wine, wondering what other secrets this old drunkard held.

"Spit it out. I can handle it accordingly," Zhongshan said, fixing his gaze on Old Wine.

Mr. Corpse also looked at Old Wine warily. Having pledged his loyalty to Zhongshan, Mr. Corpse prioritized Zhongshan's safety above all else.

"In truth, my surname is also 'Tian'," Old Wine admitted with a bitter smile.

"What? Old Wine, you're part of the Tian family?" Xianxian exclaimed in surprise.

Old Wine nodded and smiled bitterly. "I'm a member of the Tian family, but the Tian family would never recognize me."

"Oh?"

"My father was a direct descendant of the Tian family. Unfortunately, he fell in love with my mother, an enemy of the Tian family, and I was the result of their union," Old Wine explained.

"A bastard?" Xianxian repeated.

Hearing this, Old Wine, who was reminiscing about his sorrowful past, felt a surge of emotions. He glanced at Xianxian with a hint of frustration but knew he couldn't blame her for his own loose tongue.

"My parents were both executed by the Tian family in the name of righteousness, leaving only me. The Tian family considers me a disgrace, and every member of the Tian family is obliged to kill me on sight," Old Wine continued.

From Old Wine's words, Zhongshan quickly discerned that there were lies mixed with truths. However, he chose not to expose them and simply nodded.

"Don't worry, I'll try my best to keep you from meeting the Tian family," Zhongshan assured him.

"Thank you," Old Wine said, deeply moved.