Chapter 634: Plotting

“General Wu pays homage to King Ding! Young Master!”

Half a month later.

Wu Tiehu returned victorious to the city and performed a grand salute in the palace before Wu Ming and Wu Zhi, who sat side by side on the main throne. “Your humble servant has captured Golden Roc Pass and hereby presents the head of the Celestial King Ding Bao!”

“Although there were minor setbacks in this battle, capturing Golden Roc Pass deserves recognition!”

Wu Zhi’s voice rang clear and crisp, causing Wu Tiehu to immediately lower his posture respectfully.

For reasons unknown, even though he had already broken through to become a Star Fate cultivator and the Lord of the Esculent Sheep Star, he still felt like a mouse encountering a cat whenever he saw Wu Zhi, his heart quivering with awe.

“The King’s majesty has indeed grown even more imposing…”

Wu Tiehu silently mused, unaware that the Dragon Throne, known in ancient times as the Purple Tenuity Star Fate, ruled over all other stars and was the master of the celestial bodies!

Since Wu Zhi had gained the Heavenly Emperor’s recognition and achieved the True Dragon status, becoming the Purple Tenuity Star Fate, how could the Esculent Sheep Star amount to anything before the King?

“Hmm… He has indeed achieved the Star Fate, but his malevolence is too strong. He still needs refining; otherwise, his later years will surely be miserable…”

On the dais, Wu Ming opened his Heavenly Eye and glanced briefly at Wu Tiehu, secretly shaking his head. “After this trip, his malevolence and sins have only increased. Who knows what heinous deeds he has committed?”

Wu Ming had no doubts about this man’s ability to capture Golden Roc Pass and obtain Ding Bao’s head.

Having achieved the Star Fate and with the fortune granted by himself and the Heavenly Emperor, even if the opponent were the Supreme Heaven Sage, he would still be defeated. Under such an irresistible tide of fate, how could Ding Bao possibly survive?

“Your Majesty!”

At this moment, Chen Shuncheng beside them also solemnly bowed. “Thanks to Your Majesty’s divine might, since we advanced into Lingzhou, we have been victorious in every battle and triumphant in every campaign. Now the 50,000 Lingzhou troops have been reorganized and trained. Our army now numbers 150,000, making us the strongest among all the feudal lords. Only the rebel leader Ma Meng remains defiant, killing our envoys and stubbornly resisting. We beg Your Majesty to launch a punitive expedition to attack Liujiangkou and completely unify Lingzhou!”

“I volunteer to be the vanguard!”

Wu Tiehu immediately shouted in support.

For generals like them, achieving glory on the battlefield, conquering cities, and gaining merits were the paths to future prosperity and family wealth.

“Liujiangkou is protected by mighty rivers and has perilous terrain. Ma Meng commands 30,000 troops and has a formidable navy…”

As soon as Chen Shuncheng finished speaking, a civil official beside him stepped forward to object. “Your Majesty must not attack hastily. Now that Lingzhou has submitted, perhaps we should send another envoy, delivering Ding Bao’s head to see how Ma Meng reacts.”

“I have already sent three envoys previously. This man has already resolved to resist stubbornly, so there is no need to spare him anymore…”

Wu Zhi pursed her lips and sealed the fate of this ruthless warlord. “As for the navy’s defeat? I have received assistance from Lingzhou’s aristocratic families, ordering them to donate ships and manpower. Combined with our original Dingzhou reserves, we can field a navy of 20,000, which should suffice.”

“All generals, go and prepare the troops. In seven days, I shall personally raise the war standard and lead the campaign against Ma Meng!”

Wu Zhi, exuding heroism, abruptly made the decision.

This decision was based on both strategic analysis and the influence of the Dragon’s Qi. Wu Ming observed the girl’s fortune and saw it was flourishing, like flowers on brocade or fire cooking oil, indicating that this campaign would be advantageous and without harm.

…

Liujiangkou.

In the midst of sprawling military camps along the riverbank, there was a large naval base.

To defend this natural stronghold, reliance on the navy was essential, so Ma Meng had moved his headquarters directly into the naval base.

“I have received word that King Ding Wu Zhi will soon personally lead 20,000 naval troops and 50,000 land forces to attack us!”

Ma Meng, in his middle-aged appearance, had a long horse-like face and deep, gloomy eyes. Sitting on the commander’s seat, he exuded authority without even showing anger, as he looked at the generals below. “Does anyone have a strategy to repel the enemy?”

When he asked this, several of the generals below immediately lowered their gazes, keeping their eyes fixed on their noses, motionless for a long time.

The situation in Lingzhou was already clear. Wu Zhi was coming with an unstoppable army, undefeated in every battle, recruiting scattered forces and protecting aristocratic families, thereby gaining the people’s support. She now controlled most of Lingzhou. With Ding Bao’s sudden defeat and death, the pincer movement between them was broken, leaving Ma Meng to bear the pressure alone…

“The key to this battle lies with the navy!”

After a long silence, one person finally stepped forward and declared solemnly. “We have fought against the Dingzhou navy before, and they are nothing special. If we can defeat their navy, our land forces can rely on the rivers for defense and possibly maintain our position for a while. However, we must stockpile ample provisions and medical supplies.”

“Additionally, we need to seek external allies. Now that numerous dragon-like warlords have risen across the land, surely not all of them would be willing to see Wu Zhi unify the two provinces and eventually dominate them as a woman. Therefore, we should request troops and provisions from the lords of nearby provinces. At the very least, we can have them launch harassing attacks. If we can hold Wu Zhi’s main forces while her rear base is attacked, there might still be an opportunity to defeat this woman and dominate Lingzhou!”

Ma Meng originally harbored ambitions of dominating Central China, but after being repeatedly defeated by Wu Zhi, a mere woman, he had completely abandoned that dream.

Now, merely driving her out of Lingzhou and ruling there himself had become his highest aspiration.

Therefore, upon hearing his subordinate’s suggestion, he was immediately delighted, feeling as if he had found a kindred spirit.

“Advisor Sun’s words resonate deeply with me. You all may now withdraw and train the troops. Do not slack off under any circumstances!”

Ma Meng then handled several official matters. Later, he dismissed the other generals and officers, leaving only the aforementioned Sun, the advisor.

“Although your previous words were wise, they were somewhat vague. I believe you have further advice for me!”

Ma Meng, with a sincere expression, stood up and bowed. “I beg you to speak without reservation.”

“Very well!”

Advisor Sun’s eyes sparkled. “Does the Great General know of the teachings of the Immortal Dao, and of the Thirty-Six Cavernous Heavens and Seventy-Two Blessed Lands?”

In this world, true cultivators existed, and the presence of immortals and demons was no secret, especially not to someone like Ma Meng who wielded great power.

“So you come from a Daoist sect?”

Upon hearing this, Ma Meng’s expression changed, and he fell into contemplation.

“Great General, please don’t worry. I am merely an ordinary man with no Daoist abilities…”

Sensing Ma Meng’s concerns, Advisor Sun smiled. “Even if our sect’s cultivators were to come, they would not dare to infringe upon the Great General’s authority… As for nonsense about fortune draining, it’s entirely baseless! The Great General’s fortune is as vast as rivers and seas; how could it diminish merely because we took a small portion? If we were to truly consider it, the officials you’ve rewarded and the generals you’ve promoted have gained far more fortune than our entire sect combined. Yet, why haven’t we seen any decline in the Great General’s fortune?”

This half-truthful, half-deceptive explanation was enough to deceive someone like Ma Meng.

“Now that the King of Ding’s army is approaching, even if it’s a desperate measure, we must take action. What do you plan to do?”

Ma Meng’s expression fluctuated between dark and bright, finally asking.

Advisor Sun inwardly sighed in relief, knowing that the general was only half-convinced. At least the initial hurdle had been passed, and he wouldn’t be dragged out and executed anytime soon.

“My sect may not be impressive, but it has its own origins. Our patriarch was a Celestial Immortal who possessed a Cavernous Heaven…”

Advisor Sun smiled. “A Cavernous Heaven spans millions of square miles, with unknown boundaries. It has its own sun, moon, stars, and seasonal changes, forming a self-contained world. Within it, there are numerous people, unique landscapes, and resources rivaling those of the Zhou Dynasty. If the General faces defeat, he could retreat to the Cavernous Heaven as a fallback. Throughout history, many generals vying for the Dragon Throne have used this method to preserve themselves.”

“Oh?”

Ma Meng indeed thought of many historical examples of failed Dragon contenders whose armies and even themselves vanished without a trace. His heart burned with new hope. “Please continue.”

“The King of Ding, Wu Zhi, comes with great force, and she has powerful figures behind her. If the Great General doesn’t mind, I would be willing to invite some experts to assist!”

Advisor Sun’s eyes gleamed. “In fact, my patriarch will come in person. Great General, have you ever witnessed the might of a Celestial Immortal? Moving mountains, overturning seas, and reshaping the heavens and earth are mere trivialities to them!”

“Please convey my gratitude to your sect leaders. If they come, I will bestow upon them the titles of Celestial Masters and appoint them as my military advisors!”

Ma Meng gritted his teeth and made the promise.

“Excellent!”

Advisor Sun agreed, then took his leave and returned to his tent. His hands slightly trembled as he retrieved a yellow talisman from his belongings.

This talisman was half a chi long and an inch wide, with a rough surface and a strange sandalwood scent.

His expression solemn, he bowed to the talisman, then took out a vermilion brush, cut his finger, and used his blood as ink to write four large characters directly on it—”Mission Accomplished!”

Whoosh!

At the talisman’s movement, even within the military camp, it ignited without wind, instantly turning into a few ashes, with little smoke.

“Although I have not entered the Dao and possess no magical powers, consuming this ‘Soul-Binding Talisman’ allows me to send messages swiftly, even from within a heavily guarded military camp…”

Advisor Sun murmured to himself. “My sect has ordered that Ma Meng is already caught in the trap. But I wonder what plans we have next to deal with King Ding. She is a genuine dragon, protected by a Celestial Immortal!”

He knew this information, but naturally wouldn’t tell Ma Meng.

After completing these tasks, his body swayed slightly, his face turned pale, and he let out a bitter laugh. He hurriedly took a porcelain bottle from his bosom, poured out two crimson-red pills, and swallowed them. His cheeks regained a bit of color.

…

“This campaign against Ma Meng… might not go too smoothly.”

At the same time, Wu Ming’s divided consciousness suddenly lifted his head while traveling with the army, gazing toward the direction of Liujiangkou.

Faint streaks of calamitous black Qi floated in the air, rather alarming.

Despite this, he wasn’t too worried, after all, this was a direct contest of resources and strength.

In worldly terms, in terms of territory, population, troops, and even reputation, Ma Meng was far inferior to Wu Zhi. Without any external interference, the inevitable outcome would be a disastrous defeat, with Ma Meng’s death and his clan’s annihilation, becoming the laughingstock of the world.

Even if there were some schemes or hidden tricks, or even if transcendental experts directly intervened, the outcome would not change in the slightest.

A Golden Immortal could rival dozens or even hundreds of Celestial Immortals!

In the Zhou world, there were only three World Rank Beings, and that was including Wu Ming himself.

Once Wu Ming and the Heavenly Emperor joined forces, their combined might would dominate the situation. No matter how cunning the Supreme Heaven Sage was, the situation would be forcibly broken, and there would be no chance for any waves to arise.

At this point, any plots or schemes would only invite ridicule from outsiders, seen as the last desperate acts of a dying cause.

“Supreme Heaven Sage… The Heavenly Emperor wants me to take the lead, but where is the convenience in that?”