Dingzhou City.
At night, the sky was dotted with stars. Suddenly, an ominous star shone brilliantly, flaring up to an extreme peak, then quickly dimming.
“The star force of the Chevalier Star is dispersing?”
Wu Ming, observing from the high pavilion, was startled: “It seems Wu Tiehu has already perished!”
In reality, how could stars that had existed since ancient times possibly vanish simply because a mere individual bearing the celestial fate had died?
Since ancient times, the saying that when a great general falls a meteor falls is merely due to the sudden dissipation of gathered star force, creating a strange phenomenon of flowing light.
For the stars themselves, it indeed represents a major loss, but it is far from damaging their essence.
Sighing silently at the sight, Wu Ming murmured, “This man was burdened with calamity qi. Dying in battle like this can still be considered a fortunate end. Otherwise, in the future, E Xu and I would have had to personally assist him in facing the calamity, which would have been unpleasant. Now, dying honorably in battle, sacrificing himself for the country, his descendants will all receive care and support…”
Actually, his abilities were only sufficient for a command at the county or prefectural level, and reaching the rank of a fifth-grade general was already a blessing from heaven.
How could Wu Ming continuously grant him advantages, ultimately even performing a ritual to make Wu Tiehu the true master of the Chevalier Star’s fate?
What immense fortune and opportunity was this?
If one’s foundation is shallow and cannot bear it, one easily becomes tainted by the dark side of the star force, leading to changes in temperament—becoming cruel and bloodthirsty, among other aftereffects.
However, had Wu Ming not altered his fate, he might have died during the campaign in Lingzhou. Living a few more years now was still a gain.
At this moment, in the southern night sky, numerous stars suddenly shone brightly, revolving around a central purple star, displaying a regal aura.
Excellent!
Wu Ming nodded approvingly: “Although we have lost a general, after this battle, the south is finally stabilized, with no further resistance. What remains is merely leading a million troops to cross north of the river, sweeping away the opposition like autumn leaves in the wind… However, there will inevitably be some twists and turns!”
Although the north is fragmented and can at most organize one such alliance, the real problem lies in having people within our own ranks constantly undermining us by leaking information.
Moreover, there remains one major hidden danger.
“Xiantian Immortal Venerable…”
Wu Ming murmured, uttering a name.
If the Great Zhou is reunified again, the surrounding barbarian tribes will have no further opportunities. In such a scenario, even if they have previously acted like timid turtles, they will inevitably emerge.
“In terms of overall momentum, E Xu is already unmatched. Unless she herself becomes complacent and rashly exhausts the military strength, there is no possibility of a major defeat… The only variable lies there.”
Wu Ming gazed toward the direction of the imperial palace, deep in thought.
…
Outside the imperial palace, in an underground chamber beneath a civilian residence.
A hidden secret room was opened, inside which sat two Taoist monks cross-legged, each bearing a flickering black-purple talisman on their body.
“By borrowing the Immortal Venerable’s talisman and refraining from using our magical powers all this time, we barely managed to remain hidden within Dingzhou… Finally, the time has come to act.”
An elderly Taoist murmured, then took out a thin incense stick, lighting its tip.
“Venerable, please take note. Wu Zhi has already defeated the rebel king Chen Jie and will soon conquer the south, turning her swords toward the northern plains… What should we do? Please instruct us, Venerable!”
The thin smoke rose, then vanished into the void, disappearing mysteriously.
Opposite them, silence reigned. Soon, a passage formed, from which a dragon’s roar emerged.
“This is… imperial qi?!”
The old Taoist was startled: “I wonder which dynasty’s emperor’s imperial qi this is, captured and sealed by the Venerable with great power, only to be used now…”
Roar!
Indeed, accompanied by the dragon’s roar, a black dragon emerged from the passage, claws bared, fierce in expression, bound by black-purple talismans as if sealed.
With a flick of the old Taoist’s sleeve, the dragon obediently entered it.
“Senior Brother, the Venerable has bestowed imperial qi… What does this mean?”
The younger Taoist beside him could no longer contain his curiosity and asked.
“What else could it be? Naturally, it is meant to support the young emperor’s uprising! The Great Zhou has been the legitimate dynasty for three hundred years, so there must still be some loyal subjects…”
The old Taoist smiled: “I have fully understood the Venerable’s intent. Now what we must do is vigorously encourage Wu Zhi to launch a northern campaign, and take the opportunity to bestow this imperial qi upon the young emperor…”
Frankly speaking, the great trends of the world lie in manpower, provisions, and strategic advantages. A few strands of dragon qi, unless used as initial capital at the beginning, would not significantly affect the overall situation in later stages.
Moreover, even if the Xiantian Immortal Venerable possesses extraordinary abilities, could he possibly seal away an entire dynasty’s fortune?
Therefore, this imperial qi would at most slightly invigorate the young emperor, causing Wu Zhi a bit of trouble.
However, if this situation were to erupt precisely when Wu Zhi is preparing to cross the river for battle, the resulting complications would be far more than just minor.
“The Venerable’s dragon qi—could there be more? If so, they will certainly be given to the northern warlords, leading to a pincer attack from within and without. Wu Zhi will inevitably suffer a crushing defeat. Even if she survives, she will no longer have the opportunity to unify the land!”
The old Taoist saw the situation clearly.
The Battle of Red Cliffs during the Three Kingdoms period was similarly the case.
After the elite army was annihilated in a single day, it was not something that could be replenished in just a few years.
Therefore, after the defeat at Red Cliffs, Cao Cao immediately lost the chance to ascend to imperial power. Even though his descendants eventually achieved unification, the fruits of victory were easily taken by others.
The current situation Wu Zhi faces is broadly similar.
…
The northern border of the Great Zhou.
Qianzhou, the Palace of King Wu.
Ji Quan gazed at the overcast sky and suddenly sighed.
He was a member of the Great Zhou royal family. In this age of chaos, he took advantage of the mutual conflict among several warlords in Qianzhou, gradually expanding his influence. Relying on his royal lineage, he gained the loyalty of many former Great Zhou officials. Now he controlled five commanderies of Qianzhou and declared himself King Wu.
The founding emperor of the Great Zhou had risen from Qianzhou, and his title was also King Wu!
Ji Quan’s ambitions were obvious to all.
In fact, this man was diligent in governance and possessed capable methods. Given time, he might have repeated the achievements of the founding emperor. Unfortunately, he faced a terrifying opponent.
Even before he began his rise, a powerful warlord had already emerged in the south. Now, while he had yet to fully conquer Qianzhou, his opponent had already unified the south, commanding nine provinces with a million elite troops!
The disparity in strength was truly disheartening!
The struggle for supremacy in the world is like a snowball rolling downhill. One side has already built an unstoppable momentum, while the other is still quietly developing its strength. The outcome is naturally clear.
“What a pity… If I only controlled a single commandery and was not of royal blood, perhaps I would have surrendered already…”
After a long silence, Ji Quan sighed deeply.
Although Wu Zhi accepts defectors, he himself is nearly a major warlord controlling an entire province. Even if she is not concerned, her ministers and generals would inevitably be wary, not to mention his royal status and previous declaration of kingship.
Ji Quan had no doubt that even if he surrendered, he would merely be placed under house arrest, waiting for a few years before being conveniently eliminated by some sudden illness or drowning.
Objectively speaking, if their positions were reversed, he would certainly do the same!
“The north may all surrender, but I cannot!”
Shaking his head, Ji Quan suddenly heard a dragon’s roar in his ears.
In a daze, he seemed to see a giant purple-black dragon appear in the sky, baring its fangs and claws, rushing toward him.
“Ahh!”
Ji Quan screamed, then suddenly found himself clear-headed, realizing the garden was still the same garden, nothing unusual, except several guards hurriedly approaching: “Your Majesty?”
“Nothing!”
Ji Quan waved his hand, dismissing them, but remained deep in thought: “The black dragon! Could this be an omen?”
Whether it was a delusion or not, after being pounced upon by the black dragon, he felt his senses sharpened, his mind more alert, his body filled with energy, and a boldness to challenge even the heavens.
“Great news for the King!”
At this moment, a minister hurriedly requested an audience, none other than his newly appointed chancellor.
“Reporting to the King!”
The chancellor approached quickly, then performed a meticulous bow: “The commanderies of Hechuan and Dingguo have requested to surrender. Qianzhou is now unified!”
“Oh? Truly good news!”
Ji Quan’s brows slightly relaxed: “We can now spare over ten thousand troops to defend against the south.”
“Not only that!”
The chancellor continued: “Envoys have arrived from Yuzhou and Mengzhou… all the northern warlords have sent representatives, intending to form an alliance to resist the southern King Ding. Who else but Your Majesty could be the leader of the alliance?”
“Me?”
Ji Quan smiled slightly.
The King Ding was still the imperial chancellor, and this campaign was officially sanctioned, giving him the moral high ground.
After all, the young emperor was in his grasp—what imperial edict could he not produce? The northern warlords now regretted their previous shortsightedness, cursing their failure to foresee this.
At this point, the only option was to promote someone to challenge the southern puppet court.
In every aspect, Ji Quan, being of royal blood, was highly suitable.
After all, considering lineage, strength, and legitimacy, Ji Quan was not without hope of inheriting the throne.
“This matter…”
Ji Quan felt his heart pounding.
The north controlled ten provinces and had the natural barrier of the Celestial River. Even if he could not cross the river to conquer the south, defending his territory would be more than sufficient. If managed well, establishing a new kingdom and forming a standoff between north and south was not impossible.
At that time, he would no longer be a prince, but an emperor—the supreme sovereign!
“Going against the current, if you do not advance, you retreat. Does Your Majesty still have a way to retreat at this point?”
Ji Quan sneered coldly, suddenly making up his mind: “Let’s do it! You quickly go down and win over the various warlords, ensuring that at the alliance meeting, they elect me as the Grand Alliance Leader!”
This was also to first secure the nominal leadership, then gradually divide, win over, and assimilate them, eventually having the possibility of uniting the north.
Although the hope was slim, if it succeeded, at least a Northern and Southern Dynasties standoff would be formed, with the supreme throne beckoning.
Ji Quan, already without a retreat, would never regret this gamble!
“Understood!”
The chancellor responded firmly, his face slightly flushed with excitement, yet puzzled. He felt that today’s King Wu was somewhat different from usual.
He seemed much sharper and decisive, yet upon closer inspection, he still looked the same as before. The chancellor couldn’t help but feel a chill: “Earlier, Chancellor Qin had said that our King only had the fate of a king, and exceeding that would shorten his fortune and lifespan. But today, seeing our King with a full and noble appearance, indicating great achievements ahead, he certainly doesn’t look like someone destined for an early death. Could it be… he has received the Mandate of Heaven?”
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