Chapter 781: Chapter 781: Great Qin's Impending Departure
Netherworld, Former Tian Family Stronghold
A massive black hole enveloped the Tian family's stronghold, obliterating everything within it. At the edge of the black hole, a blood-soaked figure shot away into the distance. Alll latest novels at novelhall.com
Tian Chenzi, though gravely injured, had survived Ying's strike and managed to escape. Without daring to look back, he dragged his mangled body and vanished from sight.
As the black hole slowly receded, the once formidable Tian family stronghold was no more. What emerged from the void was Ying and a group of Great Qin's formidable warriors.
Ying held a small white object, resembling a shell, which he carefully placed into his sleeve.
"The Tian family is destroyed, the Dayou Heavenly Dynasty is destroyed, the Heiman Sacred Ground is destroyed. Your Majesty, have we overstepped?" Li Si asked, frowning.
"No, this is exactly what we needed to do," Ying responded firmly.
"Indeed?" Li Si questioned.
"Have the armies of the Great Zheng begun their march?" Ying asked with a smile.
"They definitely started moving north a month ago. Zhong Shan is always quick to act when there's profit involved," Li Si replied with a chuckle.
"You don't fully understand Zhong Shan. He knows when to advance and when to retreat," Ying said seriously.
"Oh?"
"The Immortal Realm in the Yang World aside, Zhong Shan knows the reality outside this small thousand-world. He understands the challenges he'll face once the heavens open. If I didn't clear the obstacles for him in the Netherworld, he might even choose to abandon the idea of opening the heavens and leave with his ministers," Ying explained.
"Your Majesty is wise. Even if we hadn't eliminated the three major forces in the Netherworld, Zhong Shan would have eventually had the power to do so. However, by clearing them out, we've made it easier for him to decide to stay and open the heavens. It's like adding weight to a balance scale—by removing these threats, we've made it more worthwhile for him to stay and open the heavens," Li Si realized.
Ying nodded.
Indeed, the armies of the Great Zheng had long since begun their march, not just a month ago as Li Si suggested, but a full year prior. Initially, it was not the main forces, but numerous covert units and the Da Rong Merchant Association preparing for the upcoming war.
Now, the main forces were also mobilizing. Led by Lin Xiao, Yan Chongzhi, Zhao Suoxiang, and Shui Jing, the Northern Expedition had begun.
Six months later, the Netherworld was in an uproar. The three major forces had been wiped out by Great Qin in one fell swoop. This news spread fear and panic among the northern dynasties.
The dissolution decree from Great Qin was no secret. Many in the other dynasties had laughed at it, thinking, "How can a heavenly dynasty from the Yang World have such a long reach?"
They thought it was impossible. How many people could Great Qin send down? How could they defeat an entire heavenly dynasty? And how dare they challenge a sacred ground as well?
Did they think they were the Great Zheng?
Even the Great Zheng hadn't been this audacious when dealing with the Immortal Realm.
People dismissed the decree as absurd.
But reality proved otherwise. Not only was the Dayou Heavenly Dynasty destroyed, but the Heiman Sacred Ground and even the Tian family, the strongest recognized force in the Netherworld, were also obliterated.
Many found it hard to accept this reality. How could it be possible?
Is the Great Qin Dynasty really this perverse? Is this still a celestial empire?
People were in a state of panic, and the major dynasties were on high alert. Yet, the Great Qin did not send any troops. Moreover, why was the Great Xuan Dynasty unscathed? Could it be that the Great Qin couldn't deal with the Great Xuan Dynasty?
Is the Great Xuan Dynasty really that formidable?
Not only was the Great Xuan Dynasty unharmed, but it even mobilized troops from the south to attack the north.
"Moreover, it won't be long before the Great Qin departs. This would somewhat explain everything. The netherworld? The Great Qin doesn't care about it, giving it to Zhong Shan just to bolster him. They want to ensure that after their departure, our Taishui Celestial Dynasty and the Immortal Realm won't have an easy time!" Wang Chen said gravely.
After Wang Chen finished speaking, everyone looked incredulous amidst their astonishment.
"Can you be sure?" Kong Lietian asked in a deep voice.
"I cannot be certain; it is merely a guess. I hope Your Majesty will judge wisely!" Wang Chen immediately said.
The group fell silent. After a moment of silence, Kong Lietian took a deep breath and revealed a wicked smile, "The Great Qin leaving? That's good. Originally, I was worried about the Great Qin. If they leave, the world will become much clearer. The Great Xuan? Let's see how you contend with me!"
"Sekong, inform all the Hongru Academies to keep a close watch on every move of the Great Qin!" Kong Lietian commanded in a deep voice.
"Yes!"
"How is Daojun Shenya now?" Kong Lietian looked at Ye Qingcheng.
"Still in seclusion!" Ye Qingcheng replied.
"Notify your ancestor for me; I want to see him!" Kong Lietian thought for a moment and said.
"My ancestor has instructed that he doesn't wish to see you at the moment!" Ye Qingcheng said.
Kong Lietian's face turned ugly.
A year later.
Great Qin Dynasty, Sacred Capital of Xianyang. In Ying's study.
Ying stood with his hands behind his back, looking at several large maps on the wall.
Li Si entered the study and bowed respectfully to Ying.
"Your Majesty, the gentleman asked me to deliver a message." Li Si said respectfully.
"Has Guiguzi's side made all the preparations?" Ying did not turn around.
"Yes, everything is ready!" Li Si nodded.
"Hmm, then let Bai Qi bring back those newly trained elite Great Qin troops. It's time to leave!" Ying said.
"Yes."
"What's the situation with the two celestial dynasties, the Great Xuan and the Taishui?" Ying continued to ask.
"Zhong Shan has withdrawn all members of the Great Rong Merchant Guild. There isn't a single scout from the Great Xuan near Xianyang. The Taishui is quite the opposite; those academies are becoming increasingly active, as if they know we are about to leave." Li Si said.
"Oh?"
Ying turned around to look at Li Si.
"Not only the academies near the Sacred Capital of Xianyang but also those in other cities. The deans of those academies are colluding with the dignitaries of each city, their intentions obvious, just waiting for our Great Qin to leave, then the Taishui Celestial Dynasty will march eastward!" Li Si sneered.
"The mind of a ruler, Kong Lietian is far inferior to Zhong Shan!" Ying said with a faint smile.
"Then, Your Majesty, should we..." A hint of killing intent flashed in Li Si's eyes.
"Hmm, go ahead. Since these scholars from the academies are restless, use the old method and execute them!" Ying nodded.
"Yes!" Li Si's eyes lit up.