Chapter 727: Strategizing in the Underworld

Chapter 727: Chapter 727: Strategizing in the Underworld

In the southern Underworld.

Initially, only six imperial dynasties surrounding the Great Yan Heavenly Dynasty were vying for territory, but the conflict triggered a chain reaction. The southeastern, southern, and southwestern regions became embroiled in the battle, involving a total of thirty imperial dynasties.

Accumulated grievances over countless years erupted in these decades of warfare. Some dynasties perished, new ones emerged, yet no heavenly dynasty was born.

Amidst the continuous wars and struggles for supremacy, three powers stood out, invincible in their advance.

The Great Zhen Imperial Dynasty, a previously obscure and mysterious dynasty. From the eastern Underworld, every battle they engaged in was a decisive victory, demonstrating overwhelming strength.

The Tianmai Imperial Dynasty, originating from the central Underworld near the Hell's Yellow Springs, a dynasty under the Tian family of the Underworld. Commanding the three armies was Xiao Wang. Xiao Wang, overseeing the three armies, led them southward with unmatched prowess.

The Five Colors Imperial Dynasty, situated in the western Underworld, marched eastward undefeated.

These three imperial dynasties, undefeated in their campaigns, stood out conspicuously. Meanwhile, the other twenty-seven imperial dynasties experienced both victories and defeats, with some falling and others rising.

In the Tianmai Imperial Dynasty's frontline camp, within the central military hall.

Generals lined both sides of the hall, while Xiao Wang sat behind the command table, which was covered with various intelligence reports.

Xiao Wang read and pondered.

As Xiao Wang was contemplating, the generals on both sides suddenly shouted in unison, "Greetings to the head of the Tian family!"

Xiao Wang looked up to see Tian Xiaozi stepping in.

Xiao Wang immediately stood up.

"Greetings, Master!" Xiao Wang said.

"Mm, you may all leave," Tian Xiaozi instructed the others.

"Yes!" The generals complied and exited, leaving only Tian Xiaozi and Xiao Wang in the hall.

"How are you adapting to the frontlines?" Tian Xiaozi asked.

"I was responsible for waging wars in the mortal realm. Adaptation isn't an issue," Xiao Wang replied humbly.

"Good, you are my most capable subordinate. The southern Underworld relies on you," Tian Xiaozi said.

Xiao Wang frowned slightly and asked, "May I ask what your ultimate goal is, Master?"

With a gentle smile, Tian Xiaozi said, "First, we will take control of the entire south."

Understanding Tian Xiaozi's ambition, Xiao Wang immediately responded, "Yes!"

Pleased with Xiao Wang's attitude, Tian Xiaozi asked, "Anything unusual in the south?"

"There are some anomalies," Xiao Wang replied.

"Oh?"

"The Great Zhen Imperial Dynasty," Xiao Wang affirmed.

"The Great Zhen Imperial Dynasty? Zhong Shan again?" Tian Xiaozi's pupils contracted.

"Yes, the Great Zhen Imperial Dynasty has suddenly gained several formidable generals and strategists," Xiao Wang said seriously.

"Who exactly?"

"Zhao Suoxiang, Shui Wuhen, Mr. Shui Jing, and even..."

"And even what?"

"I even sense the strategic influence of Mr. Yi Yan from the mortal realm in these arrangements. I can't be certain, but it's a strong feeling," Xiao Wang said with a frown.

"Who are these people exactly?" Tian Xiaozi asked.

"Understood!" Mr. Corpse replied promptly.

"You all may go now. Yan Chongzhi and Wang Ku, stay behind," Zhong Shan said.

"Yes!"

The others left, leaving Yan Chongzhi and Wang Ku.

At this moment, a woman entered the study. It was Empress Gu Qianyou.

"Greetings, Empress!" Yan Chongzhi and Wang Ku bowed.

Gu Qianyou nodded and walked over to Zhong Shan's side.

"Qianyou, this time I need you to undertake a significant task," Zhong Shan said.

"I can't stay idle. After all these years, my mind is getting rusty!" Gu Qianyou wrinkled her nose.

"Now there's something important for you to do. Unfortunately, I can't go with you," Zhong Shan sighed.

"You are the emperor, and with war breaking out, you need to command the central army. I'm just one of your soldiers now. Tell me, which side do you want me to strike?" Gu Qianyou said with a smile.

"Securing the south is critical, and your task is the most crucial part. It will take a long time, but I'll have Yan Chongzhi, Wang Ku, and Old Man Jiu assist you fully," Zhong Shan said.

Yan Chongzhi frowned slightly, recognizing the importance of this mission. What exactly was it?

"Oh?" Gu Qianyou was puzzled. Why were two corps commanders involved?

"This time, you will venture deep into ghost territory. Yan Chongzhi, as the Ghost King, and Wang Ku, as the Skeleton King, are very familiar with the area. Old Man Jiu will be there to warn you of any dangers. Be careful," Zhong Shan said.

"Understood," Gu Qianyou nodded.

Three days later, the marshals embarked on their campaigns. Gu Qianyou, accompanied by Yan Chongzhi, Wang Ku, Old Man Jiu, and a dozen ghost cultivator subordinates, left the capital Changjing.

A year passed, and the battles continued. Zhong Shan remained in Changjing, overseeing the campaign.

One day, in Zhong Shan's study, a guard entered.

"Your Majesty, a woman in red seeks an audience with the 'Nine Dragon Token,'" the guard reported respectfully.

The Nine Dragon Token? A woman?

The Nine Dragon Token was a symbol of imperial authority, allowing its bearer to be treated as if the emperor himself were present. Zhong Shan had issued a few of these tokens. Who could be bringing it now?

"Let her in," Zhong Shan said.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Soon, a woman in red, escorted by the guard, entered. After she was brought in, the guard withdrew.

The woman, dressed in red, had a red sword strapped to her back, looking valiant and extraordinary.

"Jian Hong?" Zhong Shan exclaimed in surprise.

Zhong Shan immediately stood up, astonished to see Jian Hong.

"Jian Hong pays respects to her benefactor!"

Jian Hong, the former master of the Sword God Palace in the mortal realm, was the daughter of Sword Master Jian Ao and the wife of Xiao Wang. After Xiao Wang was killed by Shen Qi Tian, Jian Hong had pursued Shen Qi Tian across the Divine Province. Unfortunately, she was ultimately killed by Shen Qi Tian. Zhong Shan had later helped her condense her soul.

"Please, rise. Jian Hong, how do you have the Nine Dragon Token?" Zhong Shan asked, puzzled.

He had never given Jian Hong a Nine Dragon Token. How did she come to possess one?

"I encountered an old acquaintance of yours in the Underworld. He asked me to deliver a message to you and gave me the Nine Dragon Token to ensure you would believe me," Jian Hong explained.

Taking the Nine Dragon Token, Zhong Shan examined it and said, "This is Wei Taizhong's Nine Dragon Token!"