Chapter 1974: Overwhelming Strikes (IV)
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Soon after waiting for a few minutes, Zuoqiu Mingyue and the other powers in the high tower had already received many intelligence one after another, almost all of which were related to the abnormal phenomenon in Force Province.
Of course, there were not only 2 human scouts in Force Province. All the other human scouts in Force Province could also discover the abnormal phenomenon facing demons' encampment in Force Province even though they were far away.
——Earthquake!
——Strong light!
Almost all the human scouts had mentioned the two words when they described the abnormal phenomenon facing demons' encampment in Force Province.
In only 10-odd minutes, demons' encampment in Liangzhou Province and Anzhou Province had already become chaotic as all the demon knights started to fly out of their battle fortresses and gathered around their battle fortresses in a vigilant state. At the same time, demon knights in the encampment of Anzhou Province appeared to retreat. Closely after that, demon knights in the encampment of Liangzhou Province also started to retreat. Additionally, ground demon forces in the two encampments also started to move.
Although they hadn't waited for the intelligence for too long, those generals and knights in the high tower were really in anxiety.
Finally…
"Lord, we've contacted the scout No. 2 in Force Province…" the assistant of the military minister rushed inside with great excitement again as he shouted, "The Scout No. 2 was hiding underground hundreds of miles away from the demons' encampment in Force Province just now. The earthquake from the demons' encampment caused him to blackout. He had just woken up. After that, he came out of the ground and checked the situation facing demons' encampment in Force Province. Then, he found the demons' encampment in Force Provincie had vanished like suffering from a natural disaster. The intelligence from scout No. 2 was consistent with that of scout No. 1!"
All the generals and knights in the high tower were petrified. After confirming the intelligence from scout No. 1, all of them felt it was unbelievable. 'Was it a real natural disaster?'
After a short period of shock, everybody became ecstatic. They were so thrilled that they felt their blood rushing straight to their heads. The faces of all the generals of the top four armies turned pretty red at a stroke. All the other human knights' eyes shone as they even wanted to howl to the heavens.
'Demons' encampment in Force Province has converged more than half of demon knights and more than 1/3 of ground demon forces in Taixia Country. They're gone!'
"God bless Taixia Country!" A general of God's Will Army couldn't help raising his arms and howling to the heavens.
"God bless Taixia Country!" All the people at present then howled to the heavens.
"It's not the God who blesses Taixia Country, but Qianji Immortal…�� Zuoqiu Mingyue calmly revealed the intelligence that he had just received as he watched those excited generals and knights on his side.
According to the regulation in the army in Taixia Country, these generals and knights beside Zuoqiu Mingyue were not allowed to take any remote-sensing communication devices which they could use to contact outside and their clans except those allocated in the army for the sake of confidentiality. Otherwise, someone might contact these people in the army or those in the rear end so as to disturb the actions of the army. In No. 17 military regulation, people who dared complain about their superiors, raping women, framing soldiers or superiors, asking for intelligence or betraying the army would be sentenced to death. All five items were about leaking intelligence. Of course, they were not allowed to take the remote-sensing communication devices for free. Therefore, they didn't know that Zhang Tie was already back until now.
"A few hours ago, Qianji Immortal appeared in Youzhou Province and killed Old Man Taiyi, Old Man Shenkong, over 10 powers who were above shadow knights of the three top sects which intended to invade Iron-Dragon Sect's base and captured over 1,000 knights of the three sects…"
When those generals and knights who were howling to the heavens heard this news, they all became dumbfounded.
Qianji Immortal had become a legendary figure for dozens of years since he disappeared in the battle in Yinhai Desert. Everyone at present almost thought that Zhang Tie had died. Unexpectedly, they could receive news about Zhang Tie from Zuoqiu Mingyue.
"Perhaps we can't call him Qianji Immortal anymore. According to the news from Youzhou Province, Zhang Tie is at least a sage-level knight. Besides, Lord Fairysea also appeared outside the mountain gate of Iron-Dragon Sect. He said that Zhang Tie was already the most powerful human. He's unrivaled. Because I guess that Zhang Tie appeared on the battlefield and gave a heavy blow to the demons after leaving Youzhou Province tonight, I told you to make preparation to launch a holistic attack. What happened to demons' encampment in Force Province was not a publishment from the God, but Zhang Tie's destructive strike!"
Hearing Zuoqiu Mingyue's calm narration, all the cheers disappeared as everyone else thought that they had misheard it.
"Lord, that's impossible!" A general of Imperial Guards refuted as he watched Zuoqiu Mingyue with wide eyes and swallowed his saliva forcefully. "Forgive me for my impoliteness, that's impossible! Even though Qian… even though Zhang Tie has promoted to a sage-level knight and become the most powerful human, it's still impossible for him to destroy the entire demons' encampment in Force Province. There're over 70,000 demon knights, 2 abyss monarchs and over 500 demon corps. Even those demon knights queued up and waited to be decapitated, they still couldn't be killed in such a short period of time, not to mention those ground demon forces��"
When the general said, no one else spoke. However, given their looks, they all agreed with this general's words.
Zhang Tie alone destroyed the entire demons' encampment in Force Province in the blink of an eye. That was unbelievable. Even though they racked their minds, they still couldn't figure out how Zhang Tie did it. 'Did he release tens of thousands of nirvana thunders at the same time?'
"I don't believe in it either. However, we will know whether Zhang Tie has that ability or not soon!" Zuoqiu Mingyue took a look at the others with a shrewd light sparkling in his eyes as he added in a muffled voice, "If the demons' encampment in Force Province was indeed destroyed by Zhang Tie alone, we will soon see how demons' encampments in Liangzhou Province and Anzhou Province are destroyed…"
"Lord, look…"
A knight facing Zuoqiu Mingyue suddenly exclaimed as he pointed at the air zone in Liangzhou Province in the northwest of Tongguan Pass.
Zuoqiu Mingyue turned around as he saw that the air zone in Liangzhou Province suddenly became bright. Closely after that, a huge light column fell to the ground from the clouds. In a few seconds, the entire region became white…
Because Liangzhou Province was closer to them, they could sense that the disaster was much better this time.
The strong earthquake and wave soon approached them from Liangzhou Province, causing Tongguan Pass and all the battle fortresses nearby to rock..
Chapter 1975: Overwhelming Strikes (V)
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Under Zhang Tie's gaze, demons' encampment in Liangzhou Province melted like ice and snow too, facing the Embrace of Twilight Goddess.
The power of this Embrace of Twilight Goddess was only half of that in Force Province, but it was enough to deal with those honeycomb-sized battle fortresses in the sky above demons' encampment in Liangzhou Province which was retreating.
The demon commander of demons' encampment in Liangzhou Province might have sensed that their encampment in Force Province was destroyed soon after it happened. Although he didn't know about the details, he had already asked all the demon knights to fly out of their encampment in Liangzhou Province and covered the encampment to evacuate. Of course, it was always the steadiest action and response plan; however, it was fatal on this occasion; because Zhang Tie could kill all of them easily.
After losing two main encampments, demons only had one main encampment left in Anzhou Province. If there was no problem with the mind of the commander of demons' encampment in Anzhou Province, he should have already asked all the demons to evacuate in different directions; instead of staying with each other for death…
It was a rare opportunity. In order to realize the best effect, Zhang Tie didn't hide himself anymore. Before the aftermath of his strike in demons' encampment in Liangzhou Province disappeared, Zhang Tie had already rushed into the sky and manifested his virtual image of king roc. In the sky above Liangzhou Province, he turned into a huge six-wing king roc. After that, he howled and flew towards Anzhou Province at his full speed with wuthering wind and thunders…
In an instant, the clouds within tens of thousands of miles had turned golden as they started to roll and undulate like billows in an ocean as if they were welcoming the first manifestation of Zhang Tie's virtual image of king roc in this world.
…
In the high tower, Zuoqiu Mingyue and his subordinates were still immersed in the disaster facing demons' encampment in Liangzhou Province. Right then, someone noticed that the clouds in the sky of Liangzhou Province turned golden while the virtual image of a domineering brilliant six-wing king roc turned into a golden light and flew towards Anzhou Province…
"Virtual image of king roc, virtual image of king roc; it's the legendary virtual image of six-wing king roc…" All the generals and knights in the high tower exclaimed due to excitement. The virtual image of six-wing king roc shocked them too much.
Only the emperor-level classic Infinite King Roc Sutra could form the virtual image of king roc…
After thinking about it for a short while, some smart ones immediately understood that Zhang Tie cultivated Infinite King Roc Sutra …
Additionally, Zhang Tie had promoted to a sage-level knight!
It was the supreme realm that only the missing Emperor Xuanyuan could reach!
Zhang Tie's performance today couldn't even be matched by Emperor Xuanyuan.
The key reason that Emperor Xuanyuan was so prestigious in Taixia Country and could become the emperor and spiritual leader of billions of Hua people in Taixia Country lay in that Emperor Xuanyuan, who cultivated "Xuanyuan Deity-Converting Sutra", had promoted to a sage-level knight. He became the most powerful one who could protect Hua people in Taixia Country. Nobody could defeat Emperor Xuanyuan, no matter human or demon…
In the earlier two holy wars, all the Hua people were deeply convinced that they would never be extinct and would win the holy wars as long as Emperor Xuanyuan was still alive. None of the sage-level demon knights could defeat Emperor Xuanyuan at all.
Powers in a chaotic world were like a beacon in a vast ocean or a high mountain in the plain that could always give people hope and win people's admiration and loyalty.
Starting from the holy war, the entire Taixia Country was in a precarious situation especially in the period of dozens of years when Emperor Xuanyuan was missing. Everyone Hua people had a question——could Hua people win this holy war without Emperor Xuanyuan? Additionally, demons were much more powerful than before. They were overwhelming across the Eastern Continent. Facing powerful demons, even Taixia Country started to tremble and be constantly nibbled. The overall situation facing Taixia Country was so depressed that it almost made people desperate…
The sudden appearance of the virtual image of king roc in the air instantly lit up the hearts of all the humans on the battlefield. As a result, everyone saw hope in confusion and dark for the first time.
After confirming the news that demons' encampment in Liangzhou Province was destroyed too, Zuoqiu Mingyue instantly sent an order——Lion Fortress entered Ganzhou Province and Liangzhou Province and cleaned up all the remaining demon knights over there under the leadership of Du Guyi, the Demon-Suppression General. Zuoqiu Mingyue directly exited Tongguan Pass and cleaned up demons in Anzhou Province and Yuzhou Province with those knights who defended Tongguan Pass.
At this moment, all the Hua knights in Lingzhou Province, Lizhou Province and Tongzhou Province started to move. As vanguards, they all rushed into the areas occupied by demons and cleaned up the remaining knights and wing demon forces. At the same time, many heavy bombers which were responsible for attacking ground targets had been fully loaded with fiery-oil inflammable bombs and set off the airports and air cavalry bases in the rear end. After entering the sky, they formed into huge battle formations and flew towards demons' strongholds in Ganzhou Province, Liangzhou Province, Anzhou Province and Yuzhou Province like dark clouds.
Colorful and brilliant battle qi smokes and tornadoes of Hua knights rushed into the sky across Taixia Country like flying banners.
Over 1,000 ground human corps rushed out of their defense lines and battle fortresses as numerous Hua fighters roared and rushed towards demons.
At this moment, the booms of hundreds of thousands of tanks and armored vehicles shook the ground. They rushed towards demons in a hundreds-of-miles long row on the vast and open plain…
Cavalry archers on rhino-dragon horses holding their long iron crossbows rolled over hills and plains like the flood in clarion calls…
…
Before Zhang Tie arrived at Anzhou Province, he found that those honeycomb-sized battle fortresses of the demons' encampment had been separated. They all evacuated towards the west of Anzhou Province like water being poured out while their distances varied from dozens of miles to hundreds of miles.
Those demon knights also evacuated towards the rear end of demons in groups in small teams. From afar, those demon knights were like sesame over a pie and could be seen everywhere. Some demon knights reached tens of thousands of meters high and evacuated as fast as they could; some were flying close to the ground. They might have received the order. Additionally, they were in different directions.
On this occasion, the Embrace of Twilight Goddess became useless…
However, Zhang Tie had already found his target, namely Sagus, another abyss monarch of demons and the sage-level knight who was in charge of demons' encampment in Anzhou Province…
To be honest, Zhang Tie was familiar with Sagus…
Chapter 1976: Overwhelming Strikes (VI)
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
The giant image of six-wing kin roc appeared above clouds, facing towards the ground. Under such a giant frame, all the demon knights were escaping in all directions with fear like insects…
"Ah…" Before a shadow wing demon who was flying tens of thousands of meters high in the air under clouds made any response, Zhang Tie's image of king roc had approached it. The six-wing king roc then broke through the clouds with its over 10,000 m long huge claw and crushed the shadow wing demon like how an eagle caught an insect.
The shadow wing demon's miserable shrieks rocked the air zone. All the wing demons were afraid of king rock instinctively.
The clouds as long as hundreds of miles were instantly smashed as the powerful image of king roc finally approached those demon knights with destructive momentum.
At this moment, besides demon knights, even thousands of wing demons were escaping as fast as they could. When Zhang Tie's virtual image of king roc covered the sky, many ordinary wing demons instantly felt soft all over as they all fell off the sky like how weak animals saw terrifying natural enemies.
When king roc's virtual image flapped its wings, the wind element surged out of Elements Realm at once and attacked those demons in terms of two heavenly cyan tornadoes. In an instant, thousands of wing demons had been involved in. Even ordinary black iron demon knights could barely survive it in the air. On the ground, whenever Fuyao passed, it would devastate those ground demon forces like how hurricanes killed ants. When the two tornadoes passed by, they instantly collapsed some demon armies. As a result, a greater part of ground demon forces disappeared in such a short period of time.
The cyan tornadoes were called Fuyao, which was a powerful, wide-range lethal skill carried by the virtual image of king roc.
"Boom…" When the virtual image of king roc reached out its claw again, it instantly broke a moving air-borne beehive-sized battle fortress into pieces.
"Sagus…" Zhang Tie shouted as his virtual image of king roc disappeared, revealing his original look.
As an abyss monarch of demons, when the army of demons evacuated from the encampment in Anzhou Province, of course, Sagus was not good enough to bring up the rear for the demon army by blocking the pursuing troops of Taixia Country. Additionally, as the situation in the direction of Force Province was unclear, Sagus was not foolish enough to rush to the front of the evacuating demon army and explore the way forward for its team. It just hid in the middle of the evacuating demon army together with more than 10 senior demon knights. They were leaving for the northwest of Anzhou Province. Given their route, they appeared to want to enter Pingzhou Province and Xianzhou Province before evacuating from Dingzhou Province or Tongzhou Province. In this way, they could make a detour around Force Province.
Of course, Zhang Tie would not allow Sagus to leave. When the virtual image of six-wing king roc passed through the clouds, Zhang Tie had blocked the way of Sagus' team.
When the powerful virtual image of king roc descended, it greatly frightened Sagus and its core subordinates. However, Sagus didn't imagine that it was a "familiar person" in front after the disappearance of the virtual image of king roc.
Compared to that person at the bank of Weishui River, Zhang Tie's look almost remained unchanged. He was still like a teenager. However, his qi had been different than before.
"Zhang Tie…" Sagus screamed while it spotted Zhang Tie who was over 50,000 m away in front, eyes red.
"It's me, Sagus…" Zhang Tie replied as he watched Sagus calmly.
"Impossible. Didn't you die at Yinhai Desert in Shazhou Province?" Nobody else would bring Sagus greater shock than Zhang Tie; because it could never forget the lesson that Zhang Tie gave it at the bank of Weishui River. Given Sagus' words, it didn't know that Zhang Tie had already returned to Youzhou yet or the news from demons' encampment in Force Province had been discontinued before reaching him.
"Of course, it's me!" Zhang Tie lowered his tone, "You're still alive. So were those demon knights who're encroaching Taixia Country and human territory. How could I die? If I died in that way, who would pick your head and avenge the death of Crown Prince Changying?"
Zhang Tie said as Heavens-Separation Sword appeared in his hand.
He could choose to not kill Sagus with Heavens Separation Sword; however, if he wanted to kill more demon knights in the shortest period of time, Heavens Separation Sword was his best choice; because this weapon's strike could cross 100,000 m in a split second; additionally, it could break silver secret items and break knights' protective battle qi easily. As a golden secret item, Heavens Separation Sword was the natural enemy of silver secret items and protective battle qi. Additionally, there were very few golden secret items in this world. Therefore, Heavens Separation Sword's sharpness appeared to be more brilliant.
It was Sagus who assassinated Crown Prince in Jinzhou Province. After knowing that Sagus was at demons' encampment in Anzhou Province, Zhang Tie especially dealt with demons' encampment in Anzhou Province in the end. He just wanted to chop off Sagus' head himself to avenge the death of Crown Prince Changying, consoling his friend's soul and boosting the morale of soldiers and commoners across Taixia Country. He wanted to show hope of victory to all the people in this holy war. That also explained why Zhang Tie showed the trump card Infinite King Roc Sutra; because Zhang Tie knew what a powerhouse who cultivated an emperor-level secret method and had promoted to a sage-level knight meant for Taixia Country and Hua people.
Although the emperor could die, people's hearts shouldn't!
"Kill him…" Sagus roared with fury as it pointed at Zhang Tie. Almost at the same time, over 10 demon knights above heavenly knights formed 4 three-in-one battle formation and rushed towards Zhang Tie with Sagus.
Zhang Tie slightly shook his head as the battle formation without formation beads was not a real battle formation at all. Previously, Zhang Tie felt that such a battle formation was great. However, when he came back from Motian Realm, he found such battle formations were rough, not to mention a battle formation composed of heavenly knights.
Before the 10-odd heavenly knights rushed to Zhang Tie's front, Zhang Tie had already slashed his Heavens Separation Sword.
In an instant, an overwhelming sword qi had submerged those heavenly demon knights…
The battle formation of heavenly demon knights was shattered; their silver secret items' material forms were crushed; their protective battle qi was smashed; closely after that, their bodies were shattered into pieces too.
The battle formation of more than 10 heavenly demon knights couldn't even withstand Zhang Tie's one sword strike.
Watching Zhang Tie rushing over there, Sagus almost cracked its eyes out of fury. Meanwhile, it emitted a purple-red light, involving Zhang Tie in his private territory immediately.
It was like a misty ocean inside Sagus' private territory. It was covered with heavy black fog. Numerous demon knights appeared in the black fog and charged at Zhang Tie.
However, before those demon knights approached Zhang Tie, they had been crushed by the ubiquitous protective sword wind around Zhang Tie.
Zhang Tie stepped in the air and flew towards Sagus at lightning speed.
Meanwhile, the black fog turned into towering billows and charged at Zhang Tie from all directions.
Sagus roared as he took out an odd-looking black saber. He then slashed towards Zhang Tie with the huge saber. The surging saber qi then turned into a black boa with a horn on its head before lurking in the billows, arousing heavier wind and greater billows. Meanwhile, it widely opened its mouth and bared its sharp fangs before charging at Zhang Tie…
Zhang Tie slashed his sword, filling the entire private territory of Sagus with his surging sword qi at once just like how a hot sun broke out of the clouds…
The towering billows were instantly shattered. The black boa was beheaded too.
At this moment, Zhang Tie had already come to Sagus' front. Before Sagus launched a second strike, its head had been chopped off and was caught by Zhang Tie's hand.
"Zhang Tie, even though you could kill me, you can not change the fate that Taixia Country is destined to die."
Although its head had been chopped off and was in Zhang Tie's hand, Sagus still spoke with a faint, weird and grim smile. It didn't close its eyes until it finished these words.
"Boom…" Sagus' body and private territory were crushed in a split second. Lifting Sagus' head, Zhang Tie reappeared on the battlefield.
Sagus' last words and grim and weird expression caused Zhang Tie's heart to palpitate once. However, on this occasion, Zhang Tie didn't think too much about that. After teleporting Sagus' head into his portable space-teleportation equipment, Zhang Tie looked around and spotted a shadow iron-armored demon knight who was escaping in a flurried manner over hundreds of miles away. Zhang Tie then darted towards that demon knight.
A shadow demon knight was as weak as an insect in Zhang Tie's eyes. However, Zhang Tie knew that this shadow demon knight was an insurmountable mountain in front of black iron human knights and earth human knights, not to mention those ordinary human fighters. If he killed that shadow demon knight, he probably would save a lot of people's lives.
In less than 10 seconds, Zhang Tie had narrowed the distance between him and that shadow demon knight to tens of thousands of meters. With a flash of his Heavens Separation Sword, that shadow demon knight's body had been smashed by his sword qi…
After that, Zhang Tie spotted another shadow demon knight who was escaping over 250 miles away. Zhang Tie then chased after it…
Half a minute later, after killing two more black iron demon knights and one earth demon knight, Zhang Tie shattered the second shadow demon knight with his Heavens Separation Sword.
In this way, Zhang Tie alone chased after tens of thousands of demon knights like how a fierce tiger chased after a pack of rabbits, causing those demon knights to wail like ghosts as they were almost scared sh*t out of them…
Not knowing how long had passed, after shattering the last shadow wing demon knight, Zhang Tie looked around as he found that he had already left Anzhou Province and entered Pingzhou Province. He couldn't even see any more shadow demon knights within 600 miles. Only some small fishes and shrimps were fleeing in a flurried way.
After feeling something abnormal behind him, Zhang Tie turned around as he saw a streak of white light shooting towards him.
In the direction of Anzhou Province, he saw tens of thousands of Taixia knights' battle qi rushing into the sky. It meant that Taixia knights had already arrived and were chasing after those demon knights. As a result, those air-borne demon battle fortresses were smashed into pieces by Taixia powerhouses with booms or falling to the ground…
That streak of white light stopped 1,000 m away in front of Zhang Tie, revealing Zuoqiu Mingyue's original look, sword in hand.
"Hahaha, Lord Military God, long time no see…" Zhang Tie laughed as he greeted Zuoqiu Mingyue.
"It's really you!" When he confirmed that was Zhang Tie, Zuoqiu Mingyue sighed with gratification; especially shock. "Where's Sagus?"
"I've already killed Sagus. As for the rest things, it's your job, lord. I will not scramble for meritorious deeds with your subordinates. I have to return to Youzhou Province to reunite with my family…" Zhang Tie hid his Heavens Separation Sword as he cupped his hands towards Zuoqiu Mingyue with a smile. After that, he rushed into the sky and revealed his virtual image of king roc. He then flapped his feathered wings and flew towards Youzhou Province…
On August 17, the 932th year of Black Iron Calendar, Zhang Tie returned to Taixia Country. On the same day, he destroyed three demons' encampments in the collapsed territory of Taixia Country; killed four sage-level knights and over 100,000 demon knights alone and destroyed thousands of demon corps. The turning point of the third holy war between humans and demons arrived…
Chapter 1977: The Leader (I)
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
White clouds were slowly moving in the azure sky which was as clean as a mirror. A golden airboat longer than 7,000 m was flying in the sky at a low speed like a huge whale. The shadow of the huge airboat was like that of a cloud. With the movement of the airboat, its huge shadow passed by those hillsides, rivers, villages and cities, causing numerous people to look up at the sky with awestruck exclamations inside…
Those who were familiar with Taixia Country knew that airboats in Taixia Country were basically divided into three levels given their sizes, namely cyancloud level, purplecloud level and heavenlycloud level. According to strict regulation, different levels of airboats were exclusive to different people. Cyancloud level airboats were exclusive to provincial governors and those on the same level. Many major clans had cyancloud level airboats. Purplecloud level airboats were exclusive to ministers, which were usually taken by the 9 high-level ministers of Taixia Country and could be seen in some major sects and clans in Taixia Country. Heavenlycloud level airboats were exclusive to three counselors and six lords or some talents being deeply appreciated by the emperor. In Taixia Country, there were very few heavenlycloud level airboats. However, the longest one among the three levels of airboats was less than 5,000 m. Across Taixia Country, only one kind of airboat could be longer than 7,000 m——Xuanyuan Level airboats.
Xuanyuan level airboats were exclusive to imperial households of Taixia Country. It belonged to ritual vessels. Generally, only Xuanyuan Emperor could take Xuanxuan level airboat when he was making an inspection tour across the country so as to manifest the dignity of imperial households. Crown prince and the other princes could only take Xuanyuan level airboats in special cases. Besides, someone who was invited and treated in the most solemn of ceremony by the imperial households of Taixia Country could also take Xuanyuan level airboats. However, very few people could receive such a great treatment since the founding of Taixia Country.
At this moment, there were four heavenly level airboats being marked with the emblems of the top four armies of Taixia Country were opening a path ahead of the Xuanyuan level airboat. On both sides and the back of this Xuanyuan level airboat, there were 36 purplecloud level airboats. Therefore, it was like a huge pair of feathered wings crossing the skyline.
In the periphery of these 36 purplecloud level airboats, it was a huge double-wing formation composed of over 2,000 airplanes driven by air cavalries in Taixia Country who were escorting the Xuanyuan level airboat.
As one of the 9 big immortal provinces in Taixia Country, Pingzhou was grossly prosperous. In normal times, it was bustling in the air zone of Pingzhou Province as many airboats and airships were accessing to this air zone. However, it was very clean in this air zone today. Besides this Xuanyuan level airboat's fleet and those air cavalries, no more airboats or aircraft could be seen in that air zone.
The air zone of Pingzhou Province had already carried out air control today.
When the Xuanyuan level airboat entered Enping Prefecture in Pingzhou Province, although the other airboats were still flying at a low speed, those escorting air cavalries were reluctant to transfer the escort mission to their colleagues who had already set off Enping Prefecture.
The air cavalries in Enping Prefecture couldn't wait to drive over 2,000 airplanes and join the glorious escort mission. For a few hours' accompanying flights today, over 2,000 air cavalries were selected from millions of air cavalries in Enping Prefecture and had accepted over one month's tough training.
When the Xuanyuan level airboat left Youzhou Province, it meant the start of a glorious and great review for those air cavalries across Taixia Country. Those being selected to join the escort mission would be admired by people. Those airboats didn't need to stay; however, air cavalries would change one batch after another. The Xuanyuan level airboat had already been escorted all the way from Youzhou Province to Pingzhou Province and would go to Xuanyuan Hill in the end.
…
Standing on the observation deck on the top of the Xuanyuan level airboat, hands behind his back, Zhang Tie was watching the ground moving slowly under his foot. Standing next to Zhang Tie, Bian Heng the Yama was watching the scenery on the ground with great interest and the escorting airplanes in the distance.
As for a person who came to the main world from Motian Realm, he wouldn't be fed up with the scenery in Taixia Country even if he kept on watching it for one more year.
Bian Heng was still Bian Heng, however, he got a more special identity——employed elder of Jinwu Palace.
When Zhang Tie destroyed the three major camps of demons, he had already invited Bian Heng to come out of Castle of Black Iron so that they could go back to Youzhou Province together.
Except for Zhang Tie, nobody else knew the background of Bian Heng. Zhang Tie only introduced Bian Heng's name and his current identity as the employed elder of Jinwu Palace to the public; nothing else.
Now that Zhang Tie didn't want to expose more information about Bian Heng, of course, nobody would ask him about that.
Besides Bian Heng, his old lover in Motian Realm also came to Taixia Country with him. The cross-realm flower that Zhang Tie gifted to Bian Heng was eaten by his old lover.
Of course, now that she could win the favor of Bian Heng the Yama, this woman was not average. Bian Heng's old lover was Jiang Mingyue. As a sage-level knight, she was known as Woods Goddess in Motian Realm. Additionally, she was a founder and grandmaster of Woods Sect, a major clan in Motian Realm.
Given their names, Yama and Goddess, they were a perfect match. As for how they fell in love with each other, Zhang Tie didn't care. He only cared that Bian Heng brought another employed elder to Jinwu Palace apart from himself.
Therefore, there were two sage-level knights among the employed elders of Jinwu Palace.
In the past months, Bian Heng lived up to the expectation of so many people and cured Yun Zhongzi's disease. Yan Feiqing, who had long promoted to a semi-sage level knight, also promoted to a sage with Zhang Tie's help.
Zhang Tie brought back 2 sage-level employed elders; Yun Zhongzi's disease was cured; Yan Feiqing promoted to a sage-level knight. In only a few days, Zhang Tie had got 4 sage-level knights on his side. Plus him, the power of Jinwu Palace was already overwhelming.
Chapter 1978: The Leader (II)
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
"The scenery in Taixia Country is indeed different than that in Motian Realm. There're so many marvelous things here. After entering the air zone of Pingzhou Province, I feel this province appears to be more prosperous than the other provinces and prefectures." Bian Heng spoke to Zhang Tie as he watched the mountains, rivers, land, cities and villages that were elapsing under his foot.
There were a total of more than 10 observation decks in the Xuanyuan-level airboat that could meet the demands of different people. Zhang Tie and Bian Heng were on the highest point at the prow of the airboat, from where they could view most sceneries. As the deck had been surrounded with a crystal cover that had processed with alchemic skill, they didn't worry about heavy wind and strong sunlight here; meanwhile, they could enjoy the sceneries across the country.
'I wonder whether Emperor Xuanyuan always stood here and enjoyed the beautiful rivers and mountains of Taixia Country previously or not.'
Such a weird whim occurred to Zhang Tie while he answered Bian Heng, "Pingzhou is one of the top 9 immortal provinces in Taixia Country. The 9 immortal provinces are all essential zones of Hua people. Each province contains tens of billions of people. Their prosperity could never be matched by other provinces and prefectures. But when you arrive at Xuanyuan Hill, you will see the most prosperous and magnificent city in the world!"
"It's strange. There're so many people and cities in Taixia Country; however, nobody could form an immortal chakra and promote to an immortal emperor!" Bian Heng sighed, shaking his head. "It seems that when one gets something, one will lose something else. Such a large population is unimaginable in Motian Realm!"
Although being on the observation deck, they were still talking secretly with battle qi; because their contents were not suitable to be eavesdropped by the third people. It was also a habit that Bian Heng had formed since he came to Taixia Country. When someone else was beside them, Bian Heng would pay attention to his words; when he was with Zhang Tie alone, he would not care so much as he just put it straight.
"There's a large population in Taixia Country; however, there's no Nine-Heavens Immortal Spring in this world. Therefore, the ultimate level of knights here is just sage-level knight. As you and your wife have already formed sage-level chakras, you're already top powerhouses in this world…"
"Top sh*t!" Bian Heng rolled his eyes while he cast a glare at Zhang Tie, continuing, "You killed demon emperors like chopping melons and vegetables in Motian Realm. The so-called sage-level knights are nothing but sh*t in front of you. Additionally, you've long drunk Nine-Heavens Immortal Spring. Even the entire Mountain Ruins is in your hand. There's one point that I'm confused about. Now that you've got the Nine-Heavens Immortal Spring, why not have your wife Yan Feiqing drink some? Additionally, Yun Zhongzi has already taken you as his owner sincerely. He will never disobey your order in the future. He could also have some. Why don't you gift him some? As long as the two people advance to immortal emperors, won't your force be more powerful? Additionally, even though they promote to immortal emperors, they won't pose any threat to you. By then, you will definitely be more powerful than them…"
The reason that Bian Heng and Jiang Mingyue promised to be Jinwu Palace's employed elders and follow Zhang Tie's order lay in the verbal agreement between them and Zhang Tie out of trust——As long as they could serve as the employed elders of Jinwu Palace for 100 years, if they determined to return to Motian Realm, they would be gifted Nine-Heavens Immortal Spring by Zhang Tie before leaving.
Of course, it had nothing to do with Zhang Tie whether Bian Heng and Jiang Mingyue could establish an immortal palace and promote to immortal emperors in Motian Realm or not. It depended on themselves.
Out of the temptation of Nine-Heavens Immortal Spring, Bian Heng and Jiang Mingyue left Motian Realm for Taixia Country with Zhang Tie.
After hearing Bian Heng's questions, Zhang Tie shook his head silently. After a short while, he asked Bian Heng, "How do you feel about Taixia Country?"
"Not bad! What do you mean?"
"Taixia Country is indeed not bad. But do you think the current situation facing Taixia Country could remain unchanged if I gift them Nine-Heavens Immortal Spring?"
Bian Heng instantly thought up something as he said, "You mean…"
"After drinking Nine-Heavens Immortal Spring, they would see clearly their cultivation road forward. That road might be nice; but in the long run, it might not be good for Taixia Country and humans. The fame of a general means tens of thousands of lives, not to mention an immortal emperor. Zhang Tie looked forward with profound eyes as he said, "If there were Nine-Heavens Immortal Spring in this world, Taixia Country's territory has long been shared by immortal palaces; instead of being such a complete country like today. If Taixia Country were split up, how could it defend demons? From then on, when human powerhouses rise, they would definitely scramble for their personal territories through fight so as to seize the opportunity to form their immortal chakras. Even if I have Feiqing and Yun Zhongzi drink Nine-Heavens Immortal Spring, if they don't establish immortal palaces, they would not be able to absorb forces of moods or advance to immortal emperors. If they found immortal palaces, do you think Taixia Country will be peaceful or not? Even if they found immortal palaces in the other continents or subcontinents; instead of Taixia Country, they would also pose endless threats to humans too…" Zhang Tie sighed as he continued, "Once Feiqin and Yun Zhongzi form their immortal chakras, Zhang clan of Jinwu Palace will only have two ways to go: rule all the humans through wars; or become the common target of humans and demons. It's also possible for human and demon knights to join hands with each other to deal with Jinwu Palace. On many occasions, human heart is even more terrifying than demons. No matter which way we will choose, the descendants of Zhang clan would never live peacefully any more…"
If one wanted to form his immortal chakra, he must absorb forces of moods. The forces of moods referred to the energies of moods with different attributes in people's minds. In the realm of moods, these energies existed everywhere. Actually, when one formed his first immortal chakra, only very little energy carried by one's pious belief was available in the realm of mind. Additionally, if one wanted to produce such kind of energy, he must found an immortal palace or have his own belief.
Theoretically, after one formed his first immortal chakra and promoted to an immortal emperor, he could form another 8 immortal chakras. In fact, nobody else among humans or demons in Motian Realm could form the second immortal chakra.
The force of moods being used to form the second immortal chakra was not completely limited to the energy of belief from one's immortal palace. One could also absorb the energies of other moods with different attributes. Although it appeared to be easier than forming the first immortal chakra, the key point for one to form his second immortal chakra was to realize rules on higher levels. If one couldn't make it, he would not form the second immortal chakra.
When in Motian Realm, Zhang Tie could acquire the energy of belief from Dragon Emperor Immortal Palace. In this world, he could acquire the energy of belief from the Ancient-God Church. The Ancient-God Church that Zhang Tie founded at the beginning casually by disguising as a damned priest at the beginning helped him promote to an immortal emperor. The two immortal palaces provided the force of mood for Zhang Tie to form his first immortal chakra.
It sounded a bit strange. Although the population of followers of Ancient-God Church was smaller than that of the followers of Dragon Emperor Immortal Palace, Zhang Tie found the energy of belief that the Ancient-God Church provided to him was even greater than that from Dragon Emperor Immortal Palace.
"I finally know why you promised Jiang Mingyue and me to gift us Nine-Heavens Immortal Spring when we return to Motian Realm in 100 years…" Bian Heng bared his teeth as he stroked his face and took a glance at Zhang Tie, saying, "I feel being cheated by you…"
"Ahem… ahem… you're thinking too much!" Zhang Tie answered with a solemn look.
When Bian Heng wanted to say something else, he heard regular footsteps and knocks from behind.
"Come in…" Zhang Tie said without looking back.
Zhang Chenglei entered. After making a military salute to Zhang Tie and Bian Heng with full respect, he talked to Zhang Tie, "Dad, I've got a message from the royal palace of Xuanyuan Hill. Those civilians in Xuanyuan Hill have been in uproars after knowing that you're going to Xuanyuan Hill. Over 100 million people have already surged into those airports outside Xuanyuan Hill. They're waiting to see you. As too many people were gathering in those airports, the royal palace was afraid that you're unhappy about that. Therefore, they wanted to remove the air forbidden zone above Xuanyuan Hill so that our airboat could directly land in the square outside the royal palace. I'm waiting for your decision!"
Watching his dad kill two sage-level knights and destroy the three encampments of demons in Taixia Country alone, Zhang Chenglei, as Zhang Tie's eldest son, held Zhang Tie in greater awe.
Before promoting to a knight, Zhang Chenglei and his brothers had taken Zhang Tie as their idol. When he became a knight, especially an earth knight, Zhang Chenglei and his brothers gradually realized how powerful was their father.
Zhang Tie watched Zhang Chenglei with a smile as he asked, "Chenglei, what do you think Royal Palace means?"
Zhang Chenglei became silent for a few seconds. Then, he took a glance at Zhang Tie and said straightforwardly, "I think Royal Palace is testing you!"
"Why do the Royal Palace test me?" Zhang Tie continued to ask Zhang Chenglei with a calm look.
Zhang Chenglei gritted his teeth before saying, "Father, because everyone across Taixia Country said that you're going to be the new Emperor Xuanyuan; of course, those royal households in the Royal Palace feel panicky. Only Emperor Xuanyuan could have Xuanyuan Hill remove the air forbidden zone and directly land his airboat in the square outside the Royal Palace…"
Chapter 1979: The Leader (III)
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
As Zhang Tie's son, Zhang Chenglei looked straight into Zhang Tie's eyes and put it straight. "Dad, after coming back, you killed Taiyi Old Man and Old Man Shenkong and cracked down three major clans with your own power. Additionally, you destroyed three major demon camps, numerous demon corps and killed 4 sage-level demon knights and over 100,000 demon knights. You've almost reversed the overall situation of the holy war and curbed the raging waves of domestic and demon forces with your own strength. That's an unprecedented and earthshaking achievement! Even if Xuanyuan Emperor himself returned, he could barely do that. Additionally, dad, you cultivate the unrivaled emperor-level classic Infinite King Roc Sutra, although there are numerous human and demon powers, none of them could match you!"
"Emperor Xuanyuan once said the emperor should be responsible for the safety of the country and humans; instead of only pursuing for top power. Dad, although you don't have the authority of emperor, you've already taken the responsibility of the emperor. Each of your actions would attract worldwide attention. Dad, if you're willing to move to Xuanyuan Hill, most of the people in Taixia Country would definitely support you!"
"Really?" Zhang Tie asked calmly without expressing his opinion.
"Dad, although you didn't receive many guests in late months, many owners of major clans who had cooperation with Jinwu Business Group had contacted my eldest uncle and implied that if you wanted to enter and host Xuanyuan Hill, most of them would definitely stand on your side."
After hearing his eldest son's words, Zhang Tie looked calm and composed; however, he felt a bit complex inside. Zhang Tie had long known these things. Actually, not only these major clans, even Heavens Fortune Sect, Demons-Slaughter Valley, Cheng Honglie and Lu Dingzhi had implied that. Those major clans and sects, even provincial governors and ministers didn't change their attitudes because they favored those in power. In the final analysis, Taixia Country contained too many forces. Commoners, major clans and sects had their own concerns respectively. However, the biggest concern of different classes and communities of interest was same——defeating demons!
Only when the demons were defeated could commoners stay alive, major clans and sects maintain their powers and interests, Hua people and Taixia continue to exist, officials continue to have authorities with high compensations, individual lives and family honor be guaranteed. In other words, defeating demons was tantamount to maintaining the maximal interest of everyone.
In the holy war, anyone who could lead Hua people to defeat demons and maintain the maximal interest of billions of commoners and major clans in Taixia Country would gain most people's support and enter and host Xuanyuan Hill.
By contrast, the current imperial households of Taixia Country were swaying in the midst of a raging storm. Emperor Xuanyuan had already disappeared before the start of the holy war. In many people's eyes, Emperor Xuanyuan had not fulfilled his obligation. Many people even felt that Emperor Xuanyuan had already died. After that, the crown prince Changying was assassinated by demons; Xuanyuan Wuji the 3rd prince and Xuanyuan Lie the 8th prince colluded with Imperial Alliance. All the princes who were possible to ascend to the throne of emperor had been killed or abolished. None of the current princes could live up to the expectation of the public and assume such a heavy burden. How could such imperial households compare with Zhang Tie?
"Chenglei, where do you think I should park my airboat?" Zhang Tie asked his son calmly.
This question was very simple for Zhang Tie; however, it was not for Zhang Chenglei; because he knew that his father was testing his abilities. If Zhang Tie became the emperor, Zhang Chenglei, as Zhang Tie's son would have a new identity in Taixia Country.
After being silent for a few seconds, Zhang Chenglei answered seriously, "Dad, to be honest, when I stayed with my brothers these days, we've already discussed this thing privately. Our opinions are consistent. No matter where you're going to park the airboat, we will support your decision!"
Zhang Tie then replied with a reassured smile, "If so, notice Xuanyuan Hill that we're going to park at the airport outside Xuanyuan Hill according to the schedule!"
"Yes, dad!" Zhang Chenglei bowed and left.
Bian Heng just squinted at the two people with his small eyes when they talked. Not until Zhang Chenglei left there did he smirk and ask Zhang Tie in a weird tone, "The throne of the emperor is right in front of you, aren't you moved by that even a bit?"
"Do you know my parents' biggest hope for me when I was young?" Zhang Tie asked Bian Heng.
"Of course, they hoped you to become outstanding and glorify your ancestors!" Bian Heng answered with a cold harrumph.
"My name contains the word "Tie", which means that my parents hoped me to live a bit longer instead of dying at a young age. Besides, my parents hoped me to open a grocery store or shop covering 100 square meters in a prime location nearby the railway station or those high-end blocks. If I could make dozens of golden coins annually steadily, they would be reassured!" Zhang Tie said with a smile.
Bian Heng was dumbfounded. He absolutely believed in Zhang Tie's words; because he had met Zhang Tie's parents more than once these days. He even wrote some prescriptions to improve his parents' health. Bian Heng knew that Zhang Tie's parents didn't have so many desires.
"What about you? Don't tell me that you have the same expectations!" Bian Heng asked Zhang Tie with curiosity.
"Of course, I had greater expectations for myself!" Zhang Tie watched Bian Heng seriously as he said, "My expectations were over 10 times greater than that expected by my parents. I determined to make at least hundreds of gold coins a year, marry a lot of wives and give birth to many babies and let my parents move in a villa with a garden…"
Bian Heng asked, astounded, "No more?"
"If it's not enough, I have one more!"
"Go ahead."
Zhang Tie heaved a sigh and said, "I've already received the leftovers of Dragon Emperor in Motian Realm, how could I receive His Majesty's posterities too in Taixia Country!"
"What?" Bian Heng almost jumped up as he widely opened his eyes and asked, "You mean the imperial households of Taixia Country are the posterities of Dragon Emperor!"
"Right…"
Chapter 1980: Inside And Outside the Royal Palace
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Emperor Xuanyuan's royal palace, Xuanyuan Hill…
When Zhang Tie and Bian Heng were enjoying the view, Fang Qingming and two dignified women in phoenix-shaped headwear sat silently in an attic in the east palace of Emperor Xuanyuan's royal palace.
As the adviser of late Crown Prince Changying, Fang Qingming's hair near his temples had been silver over the past 20-odd years after Crown Prince Changying's assassination. Additionally, there were some wrinkles over his forehead. Even so, his eyes were still as crystal and quiet as water. Although he didn't look as spirited as before, he was more profound with age.
Although Crown Prince Changying was already dead, Fang Qingming won greater favor from those people on Crown Prince Changying's side.
There were mainly two people on late Crown Prince Changying's side: Queen Shaoyi, mother of Crown Prince Changying; Mrs. Xiao, wife of late Crown Prince Changying.
When Emperor Xuanyuan was on the throne, there was once an Empress Wen who once ruled the harem of Emperor Xuanyuan's royal palace. However, Empress Wen was not a knight. Therefore, she died at only 200 years old or so. After Empress Wen, nobody was conferred as empress in Emperor Xuanyuan's royal palace any longer. Instead, ceremonial empresses were conferred, whose positions were above that of concubines and were as same as that of empress ceremonially. Even though, ceremonial empresses were not real empresses. All the mothers of those princes in Emperor Xuanyuan's royal palace were ceremonial empresses. There were 17 ceremonial empresses and 39 princes and princesses of Emperor Xuanyuan in total.
Inside Emperor Xuanyuan's royal palace, all the ceremonial empresses were briefly called empresses. They all had their own ranks and titles and were responsible for one department respectively.
At this moment, the two women on the opposite of Fang Qingming were Empress Shaoyi, mother of late Crown Prince Changying and Mrs. Xiao, the wife of late Crown Prince Changying.
Late Crown Prince Changying's mother was a very beautiful woman at her 50's. She looked very dignified with a smooth, delicate and wrinkled face in brilliant longuette made of boa silk. With tassels, a decorated shoulder covering, a belt decorated with jade, a floral waistband and a five-phoenix coronet, she looked pretty much like a royal dignitary.
By contrast, Mrs. Xiao, the wife of late Crown Prince Changying was much younger at her 30's. Now that she could marry Crown Prince Changying, she must have an unparalleled beauty. Additionally, Mrs. Xiao was also in brilliant clothes and a 4-phoenix coronet.
At this moment, Fang Qingming looked as calm as water in a time-honored well. He was tasting the tea water in front of him. By contrast, Empress Shaoyi and Mrs. Xiao looked worried as they both knitted their brows deeply.
Right then, they heard rapid footsteps. It was the female personal attendant of Empress Shaoyi. After passing through the two doors, she opened the bead curtain and trotted in.
"Your Majesty, I've got a message from there…" The personal attendant hurriedly bent over and reported.
"Stand up. What's the message? Mr. Fang is here, hurry, tell us about it honestly…" Empress Shaoyi urged after taking a glance at Fang Qingming.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" the personal attendant nodded at Fang Qingming before replying clearly, "According to the message from General Wei, Monarch Qianji's airboat is approaching Pingzhou City. However, Immortal Qianji didn't allow the airboat to land outside Emperor Xuanyuan's royal palace; instead, he insisted on landing at the airport outside Xuanyuan Hill…"
Monarch Qianji was Zhang Tie's current title in Taixia country. Since he destroyed three demons' encampment on the battlefield and displayed his secret method Infinite King Roc Sutra, his title Monarch Qianji had been spreading across the entire country among people.
This title was of great significance to many people. The word monarch couldn't be enjoyed by ordinary people. As Zhang Tie cultivated an emperor-level secret method and had promoted to a sage-level knight, his meritorious deeds were going to shine through ages. He deserved this title. However, at this moment, there was no emperor in Taixia Country and nobody in Xuanyuan Emperor's royal palace was expected to ascend to the throne of Emperor Xuanyuan; therefore, when they heard the title Monarch Qianji, many royal households in Emperor Xuanyuan's royal palace would feel terrified and complex.
At this moment, Xuanyuan Hill had already been converged with talented people and influential forces. Numerous people were craving for Zhang Tie's arrival. Among them, those in Emperor Xuanyuan's royal palace were most fidgety.
After hearing the personal attendant's words, Empress Shaoyi and Mrs. Xiao finally heaved a deep sigh. After waving her hand and asking the personal attendant to leave, Empress Shaoyi watched Fang Qingming with great admiration and opened her mouth again. "Like you've predicted, sir, Zhang Tie didn't have his airboat land outside Emperor Xuanyuan's royal palace. As for the followings, we have to depend on you!"
Mrs. Xiao then stood up and bowed towards Fang Qingming before saying, "Over these years, without Mr. Fang's help, my son and I didn't even know how to survive in Xuanyuan Hill!" Mrs. Xiao said as she almost dropped off her tears, "Meng Shidao was Crown Prince's master and was recommended as the finance minister by Crown Prince. However, after Crown Prince's death, Meng Shidao instantly forgot about the friendship between him and Crown Prince and wanted to prop up someone else to ascend to the throne. That's too merciless!"
Fang Qingming also stood up and bowed towards Mrs. Xiao out of kindness. Closely after that, he replied with a sigh, "His Highness Crown Prince had great talent and bold vision. However, he died for the country and failed to meet his ambitions. Although Crown Prince is already dead, he left his brilliant fame and still won the respect from people across the country and could bring good fortune to us. This time, I will try my best efforts to make it. If we succeed, it's not my meritorious deed; but the blessing from heaven. As for Meng Shidao, Mrs. Xiao, please don't worry about him. After Monarch Qianji arrives at Xuanyuan Hill, the Gobbling Party will be rooted up. As long as we win the support of Monarch Qianji, we could make everything. I will pay an official visit to Lord Guangnan right now!"
…
At the same time, Meng Shidao, the finance minister of Taixia Country was feeding his golden fish in a pool of the Sincerity Garden not far from Emperor Xuanyuan's royal palace.
This Sincerity Garden was newly built. Its name and owner remained unchanged. The only difference was that this one was at least 10 times larger than that when Meng Shidao served as late Crown Prince's master. The garden was surrounded by high, verdant birches. The entire courtyard was in the wood of birches. The high birches not only prevented curious people from peeping into the garden but also covered the sunshine. Although the sun was hanging high in the sky, Sincerity Garden was covered with tree shades while only a hint of sunshine could penetrate through the birches. As a result, Sincerity Garden looked a bit gloomy. Although Xuanyuan Hill was in the early spring, it felt a bit cold here.
"You mean Zhang Tie won't let his airboat to land outside Emperor Xuanyuan's royal palace. Unexpectedly, he's such a gentleman…" Meng Shidao fed his golden fish conscientiously as he muttered, "Since they have received the news that Zhang Tie was going to Xuanyuan Hill, very few people showed up to my Sincerity Garden these days…"
Meng Shidao didn't look back. Nobody was behind him. However, there appeared to be a human shadow in the dense trade shades close to the ground which looked such weird…
That shadow appeared to say something. However, nobody else could hear that voice except Meng Shidao.
"As of now, these small tricks won't work anymore. Even though 100 million or 1 billion people die in Xuanyuan Hill, Zhang Tie would not lose even a strand of hair…" Meng Shidao said as he dropped some feed into water and shook his head, "You can leave. Just follow the plan. I even want to meet Zhang Tie here. I'm afraid that I will not have such a rare opportunity in the future…"
The human shadow faded away as if it had never appeared there at all. Meng Shidao was still feeding his golden fish attentively.
When he dropped off a bit larger feed into water, an ordinary golden fish suddenly darted out of water from the bottom of the pool and engulfed that piece of feed before the other golden fish approached it.
"Why did you move so fast?" Meng Shidao slightly knitted his brow as he watched that golden fish and muttered. He then became hesitant for a few seconds while holding some feed. Only the odd gloomy light deep in his pupils were sparkling like jack-o'-lanterns…
After a few seconds, Meng Shidao loosened his fingers, dropping that bit feed into water. At the same time, a red and black golden fish swam over there and engulfed that bit of fish feed at once.
In less than 5 seconds, the red and black golden fish, which had just engulfed the feed suddenly went berserk as two rows of dense, sharp teeth grew out of its mouth. Closely after that, it broke another golden fish into two halves and swallowed half of its body. Watching this scene, all the other golden fish in the pool became panicky at once. At the same time, the berserk golden fish started a massacre in water. As a result, the entire pool became bloody only after a short while…
Chapter 1981: The Welcome Ceremony
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
On February 6, the 933rd year of Black Iron Calendar, Zhang Tie's airboat finally landed at the airport of Xuanyuan Hill slowly.
Although Bian Heng had seen the world, when he saw the prosperous Xuanyuan Hill in the sky, he was still greatly shocked for quite a while. He didn't recover his composure until he was awakened by Zhang Tie. After that, he followed Zhang Tie towards the hatch door of the airboat and prepared to get off the airboat.
Besides Bian Heng, only Zhang Tie's eldest son Zhang Chenglei and his cousin Zhang Su followed Zhang Tie here. The others in Jinwu Palace and Iron-Dragon Sect and those women of Yin-Yang Sect in Castle of Black Iron didn't come with him.
Those women of Yin-Yang Sect were busy doing their own jobs in Castle of Black Iron. Their lives were pretty full every day. Therefore, they didn't have time to pay attention to other things. Additionally, the holy war was ongoing; therefore, those women of Yin-Yang Sect didn't want to come out of there for the time being. Zhang Tie just let them do whatever they wanted in Castle of Black Iron. As for Yan Feiqing and the other family members, it was not suitable for them to follow Zhang Tie here as he was here to negotiate about the warfare of the holy war which determined the future of Taixia Country and humans; instead of making a sightseeing tour. Therefore, they just stayed in Youzhou Province.
Before opening the hatch door completely, Bian Heng suddenly heard muffled booms from outside. Closely after that, he released his protective battle qi with shock as he asked, "Is there an assassin?"
"It's not an assassin, but gun salute!" Zhang Tie told Bian Heng with a smile.
"Gun salute? What's that?" Bian Heng asked Zhang Tie out of curiosity.
There was no gun salute in Motian Realm. Therefore, Bian Heng felt very strange about this kind of ritual.
Hearing the thunder-like bangs, Zhang Tie started to explain about gun salute and its purpose to Bian Heng.
"It's so strange; so strange!" After hearing him, Bian Heng shook his head while he replied with an unbelievable look, "According to you, guns were mass destructive weapons on battlefields; however, they finally work as gun salute. I've really not seen people greeting their guests with gun salute!"
"This tradition is not exclusive to Hua people, but originated from the Western Continent. I'm afraid that it's similar to using axes and spikes as ceremonial instruments by Hua people!"
Gun salute in this age was greatly different than that before the Catastrophe. In Black Iron Age, gun salute was an effect of loud sound caused by the fast release of the compressed stream. In order to make it louder, the gun barrels for the ceremonial purposes were even processed with rune technology. The vehicles for gun salute were especially huge. These things could only be seen in Xuanyuan Hill. They belonged to the honor guards of Taixia Country.
In order to welcome Zhang Tie, an over 20,000 m long runway had been cleared at this airport. A square matrix of salute guns was set in the nearby and was discharging their gun salutes tidily and orderly.
The airport was covered with banners and people. Almost all the big figures in Xuanyuan Hill had arrived here.
Three princes were assigned here, who were standing in front of all the others and in the middle location. On the left side of the three princes were the high-level officials of Taixia Country represented by the three councilors of the state and nine ministers. On the right side of the three princes were Hua dignitaries represented by the six lords in Taixia Country.
At this moment, almost all the major officials above LV 3 in the royal court of Xuanyuan Hill had arrived. They were all welcoming Zhang Tie respectfully. Actually, two of the three councilors and nine ministers were not here, namely Meng Shidao, the Premier of State Council of Taixia Country and Li Yunji the former justice minister who was put behind the bars in the prison of Xuanyuan Hill.
It was said that Meng Shidao was sick; therefore, he didn't come here to welcome Zhang Tie. Li Yunji the justice minister was the most unfortunate. Although he showed off his power in Youzhou Province, he was arrested by a commander of God's Will Army on the way back to Xuanyuan Hill and put behind the bars in the Xuanyuan Hill. As for his crime, he colluded with the three major sects, fabricated an unjust case and framed up loyal and upright people. The golden Xiemao rune that Li Yunji presented outside the mountain gate of Iron-Dragon Sect was also proved to be fake. Since Li Yunji was put behind the bars, the position of the justice minister had been vacant.
Except for Lord Fairysea; Lord Guangnan, Lord Xuanwu, Lord Jingtian, Lord Dingxi and Lord Yian were all here and standing in the first row, closely followed by noblemen like dukes, marquises and counts. Those below counts were not even qualified to stand here.
Bai Runtian the Lord Guangnan was standing in the middle of the five lords and looking around complacently. Standing on both sides of Lord Guangnan, Lord Xuanwu, Lord Jingtian, Lord Dingxi and Lord Yian were watching Lord Guangnan with admiration in their eyes.
Previously, except Cao Clan, the clan of Lord Dingxi slightly declined due to various reasons, Lu Clan, the clan of Lord Xuanwu, Sun Clan, the clan of Lord Jingtian and Qin Clan, the clan of Yian were not weaker than Bai Clan, the clan of Lord Guangnan. They were all on the same level. Although Qin Clan's base was in Xuanyuan Hill and didn't appear to own too much territory, Qin Clan controlled Xuanyuan Bank, the largest bank in Taixia Country. Xuanyuan Bank's influence covered the entire country. Therefore, Qin Clan was almost the No. 1 clan among the five lords. However, it was already history. As Zhang Tie was Bai Runtian's son-in-law, of course, Bai Runtian became the lord of lords. Nobody had any dissent about it.
Behind the royal households and major officials and officers were ambassadors, even kings or princes from countries on the Western Continent and subcontinents. They were of different skin colors and in different kinds of uniforms. The population of these people was greater than 3,000.
With gun salutes, all of them were standing there silently, raising their heads and waiting for Zhang Tie.
Such a grand ceremony had been held for over 100 years in Xuanyuan Hill.
After 108 gun salutes, with the long bugles of the honor guards, the Xuanyuan-level airboat's hatch door slowly opened. Zhang Tie then slowly got off the airport and stepped onto the red carpet on the ground, followed by Bian Heng.
The three princes instantly came forward to greet Zhang Tie.
The three princes were respectively the eldest prince Xuanyuan Changqing, the sixth prince Xuanyuan Changhong and the eighteenth prince Xuanyuan Feng.
Xuanyuan Changqing was already a heavenly knight. Xuanyuan Changhong and Xuanyuan Feng were already shadow knights. Pitifully, none of them cultivated the emperor-level secret method Xuanyuan God Sutra .
Zhang Tie didn't see Xuanyuan God Sutra before. He just heard about that the conditions for cultivating this emperor-level secret method were very strict, which required exceptional qualification. Therefore, not all the princes of Emperor Xuanyuan were qualified to cultivate Xuanyuan God Sutra. Those who could cultivate Xuanyuan God Sutra and had promoted to knights were only late Crown Prince, the third prince and the ninth prince.
However, the Crown Prince had been assassinated, the third prince was killed by Zhang Tie; the ninth prince had been put under house arrest as he was involved with the three major sects and Royal Alliance. Therefore, the entire royal households looked a bit bleak. None of them could bring hope to the royal households anymore.
Perhaps the word bleak was too acerbic. To be honest, as the descendants of Emperor Xuanyuan, all the three princes in front of Zhang Tie were talents with superb flair. It was not hard for them to be outstanding. However, as princes, since they were asserted that they couldn't cultivate Xuanyuan God Sutra by Emperor Xuanyuan and had to cultivate other inferior secret methods, they had been doomed to not be outstanding in Xuanyuan Hill which was full of elites and heroes for their whole lives, not to mention ascending to the throne.
After greeting Zhang Tie, the three princes stood aside. After that, a young wife in 3-phoenix coronet and with red eyes and a handsome and stable youth walked to the front of the representatives of royal households, holding the hands of a 7-year old boy in golden royal costume. The three people then knelt down and touched the ground with their foreheads towards Zhang Tie at the same time.
"Father-in-law, my respect to you. I'm Xuanyuan Yunfei…"
"Father, my respect to you. I'm Shini…"
"Grandpa, my respect to you. I'm Xuanyuan Zhu…"
As the 7-year old boy knelt down and crept on the ground, he raised his head and watched Zhang Tie with his black eyes in a flexible and smart way stealthily. The boy's look reminded Zhang Tie of himself in his childhood…
Chapter 1982: Question and Answer
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Watching the three people in front of him, especially his daughter Zhang Shini and the little boy who called him grandpa next to his daughter, Zhang Tie felt complex. Before the battle at Yinhai Desert, Shini, Zhang Tie's favorite daughter was still behaving in a spoiled manner in his arms. Unexpectedly, after he came back, his daughter had already become a wife and a mother…
All parents would be moved to see their children become parents.
Being purely political, the marriage between Zhang Chenglei and Princess Peacepursuit was the bond between Jinwu Palace and the late Crown Prince Changying. It had been fixed before the battle at Yinhai Desert. Additionally, Zhang Chenglei and Zhang Tie's daughter-in-law were always courteous to each other and had already had three sons and one daughter. Both parties were very satisfied with this marriage.
However, the marriage between Zhang Shini and Xuanyuan Yunfei was not out of political purpose; instead, it was love.
Xuanyuan Yunfei was Princess Peacepursuit's junior brother who shared the same father with Princess Peacepursuit. After marrying Zhang Chenglei, Princess Peacepursuit gave birth to two sons after a few years. Then, the new family went to Xuanyuan Hill to visit Princess Peacepursuit's parents. At that time, Zhang Shini followed her eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law to Xuanyuan Hill for the purpose of sightseeing, where she got acquainted with Xuanyuan Yunfei. As Zhang Shini and Xuanyuan Yunfei were both in their puberty, they gradually fell in love with each other.
Later on, although Zhang Shini had already left Xuanyuan Hill, she always contacted Xuanyuan Yunfei. The two people would meet once or twice a year.
When the two people grew mature and reached the proper age for marriage, Zhang Shini and Xuanyuan Yunfei confessed their secret to their own families. With the consent of the parents of both parties, the two people smoothly got married. The marriage between Zhang Shini and Xuanyuan Yunfei further strengthened the relationship between Jinwu Palace and the party of late Crown Prince Changying.
Zhang Shini, who had already become a mother, was already a black iron knight. Her battle force was even much greater than that of Xuanyuan Yunfei, who was not even a knight. Xuanyuan Yunfei looked handsome and similar to late Crown Prince Changying; however, he was not as domineering as late Crown Prince Changying; instead, he looked like an elegant scholar. Zhang Shini was also lenient and tender like Linda. They were really a perfect couple.
"Shini, you've already grown up. Get up. Let's talk about it later…" Zhang Tie watched the three people for a few seconds with complex moods. After that, he slightly waved his hand, causing the three people to stand up with a wisp of tender battle qi, which poured out of the earth's surface.
It might be Xuanyuan Zhu's first time to be lifted by a sage-level knight with battle qi. When he slowly got up, he was apparently shocked with a flurried look. However, he didn't shout; instead, he recovered his composure immediately. It was hard for a 7-year old boy to make it. Therefore, Zhang Tie cast one more glance at his grandson.
"Who taught you in normal times?" Zhang Tie bent over and asked Xuanyuan Zhu with a pleasant look.
"Grandpa, My parents teach me and supervise my learning usually. Since last year when I was 6 years old, I have started to attend Mr. Fang's classes five days a week!" Xuanyuan Zhu answered with a clear and innocent voice.
'Mr. Fang…' Zhang Tie immediately recalled a familiar image. Only one person could be called Mr. Fang by the party of late Crown Prince Changying, namely the adviser of late Crown Prince Changying.
"I've got a question for you." Zhang Tie said with a smile.
After hearing that Zhang Tie was going to ask Xuanyuan Zhu about one question, all the others near the airboat fixated onto Xuanyuan Zhu.
"Please go ahead, grandpa!" Xuanyuan Zhu took in a deep breath before chesting out and saying, "I will definitely tell you all that I know honestly. If I don't know about the answer, I will study hard when I come back!"
"Okay, do you know how to make rice brew?"
"Yes, I do!"
Zhang Tie's question sounded a bit strange; however, Xuanyuan Zhu's answer was such resolute without any hesitation. Watching this scene, all the others in the surroundings remained silent.
"How do you know it?"
"Mom always made rice brew in the mansion. Mom's rice brew is aromatic and sweet. I like eating it the most. As I always saw mom cook it at home, I helped mom to make it and gradually learned to make it independently!"
Zhang Tie stroked Xuanyuan Zhu's head before saying, "Not bad! When I was as old as you, I've also learned how to make rice brew. Do you feel it interesting to make rice brew?"
"Interesting!" Xuanyuan Zhu replied as he nodded seriously, "Well-made rice brew is yummy. Besides, Mr. Fang has taught me about the philosophy of rice brew!"
"What philosophy?"
"Mr. Fang told me that all the affairs concerning rice and food are very significant in the world. Nothing else is more important than that. With rice and food, we could live, work, read and cultivate; with rice and food, Xuanyuan Hill could run, fighters in the frontline could have strength to fight demons. Therefore, before deciding whether one could do something or not or what degree could he reach by doing that, he should see whether he could have food or not by doing that. For instance, when one is hungry, one would not be able to cultivate, go too far or have a good play. Mr. Fang said that demons were bad; because they didn't want us to enjoy food steadfastly. If we're happy or have enough food, demons would be unhappy about that and would destroy such good days…"
"Hahaha, not bad…" Zhang Tie laughed as he stroked Xuanyuan Zhu's head. After that, he drew Xuanyuan Zhu's hand and asked Xuanyuan Zhu to walk together with him.
Watching this scene, many people changed their attitude about Xuanyuan Zhu at once.
…
Later on, Zhang Tie coordinated with them and had brief talks with or nodded towards all the three councilors, nine ministers and all the other dignitaries and ambassadors from all the other countries. After that, being escorted by big crowds, he pulled Xuanyuan Zhu into an open limo and had Xuanyuan Zhu sit on his side. After that, the vehicle drove out of the airport with the guard of honor.
It was Pangu Avenue on the central axis of Xuanyuan Hill outside the airport. It had long been in a shocking commotion on both sides of Pangu Avenue. There were full of colorful flags and a dark sense of people on both sides of the avenue and the square. Many people reached their upper bodies and heads out of the windows of the buildings on both sides of Pangu Avenue. Even the roofs of the buildings on both sides of Pangu Avenue had been crowded with people.
Elite fighters in full-body armors which were responsible for the safety of Xuanyuan Hill were standing on both sides of Pangu Avenue, one person per meter. They were maintaining the order on the avenue and preventing onlookers from pouring into the road.
"Monarch Qianji…"
"Monarch Qianji is coming…"
As Zhang Tie appeared, the crowd on both sides of the avenue were instantly in hubbubs as their cheers became as overwhelming as a tsunami. In an instant, the entire Xuanyuan Hill roared like a silent volcano suddenly erupted.
With the boom of engines, 108 heavy airplanes flew over the sky above Pangu Avenue with colorful smokes, leaving a brilliant rainbow in the sky…
Sitting in the open limo, Zhang Tie was waving his hand towards those civilians on both sides of the avenue. Tens of thousands of maidens were scattering their peach petals towards Zhang Tie's fleet on roadside stones and on the roadside buildings. The entire Pangu Avenue was instantly submerged in the ocean of cheer and fresh flowers.
After being depressed by the holy war for so long, Taixia Country and the civilians in Xuanyuan Hill urgently demanded such a spirited and festive celebration…
In such a festive and inspiring celebration, Zhang Tie could clearly sense that numerous moods turned into colorful energies that couldn't be discovered by ordinary people and entered the realm of moods at any time across Xuanyuan Hill. The jubilant and inspiring positive energy was completely opposite to those kinds of negative energy on the battlefields. Such energies couldn't be absorbed by and were hated by the supreme demon powerhouses.
Xuanyuan Hill was the heart of Taixia Country. What happened here could instantly reach the rest of the country. Only after a short while, Zhang Tie had felt that more and more positive energy was entering the realm of moods within tens of thousands of miles in Xuanyuan Hill, many of them were completely consistent with the energy of belief. Zhang Tie could directly absorb and utilize such energy and form his own immortal chakra…
At this moment, Zhang Tie finally understood why Emperor Xuanyuan as the descendant of Dragon Emperor didn't establish an immortal palace in Taixia Country; because the title and position of Emperor Xuanyuan was the very belief of hundreds of millions of Hua civilians…
Chapter 1983: Mourning for Late Crown Prince Changying
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
——Paved with peach blossoms, the road is for Monarch Qianji; covered with red, they will open for you today every year under sunlight and in the breeze!
The grand welcome ceremony for Zhang Tie's arrival could definitely be described in the above lines.
That poem was not created by Zhang Tie. Actually, Zhang Tie spotted this poem on the piece of red cloth being held high by some excited scholars with bamboo poles on the roof of a building.
The entire Xuanyuan Hill was in hubbubs. Zhang Tie's fleet bathed the rain of brilliant peach flowers and the cheer of the onlookers on the way to Emperor Xuanyuan's royal city.
When Zhang Tie's fleet came to the entrance of the royal cemetery in Emperor Xuanyuan's royal city, Zhang Tie saw Fang Qingming standing at the entrance of the royal cemetery and waiting for him.
After Crown Prince Changying was assassinated, he was buried in the royal cemetery in the Emperor Xuanyuan's royal city in Xuanyuan Hill.
Zhang Tie's first destination in Xuanyuan Hill was the royal cemetery. He would like to mourn for late Crown Prince Changying first. All the other major figures of the royal households and late Crown Prince Changying's family had long been waiting for Zhang Tie in the cemetery. Those officials, officers and ambassadors in Xuanyuan Hill also followed him here.
One of the most important reasons why Zhang Tie chose to come to Xuanyuan Hill today was that it was Crown Prince's memorial day.
Zhang Tie got off the vehicle and walked towards Fang Qingming who was standing at the entrance of the cemetery while holding Xuanyuan Zhu's hand. The three princes then led Zhang Tie towards the mausoleum of Crown Prince Xuanyuan Changying, followed by all the others.
When he saw Xuanyuan Zhu getting off the same vehicle with Zhang Tie, Fang Qingming's eyes sparkled with shock.
"My respect to you, Monarch Qianji!" Fang Qingming greeted Zhang Tie with full respect when he saw Zhang Tie approaching him. Xuanyuan Zhu called Fang Qingming, "Master."
"Mr. Fang, long time no see!" Zhang Tie sighed when he saw Fang Qingming who was old and firm instead of being as young as that over 20 years ago, "Unexpectedly, the departure with Crown Prince Changying in Xuanyuan Hill is for always!"
"If His Highness knew that Monarch Qianji is back safe and sound, he would definitely be very happy!"
"Zhu said that Mr. Fang always lived in the cemetery and kept vigil beside Crown Prince's mausoleum over these years."
"A man cannot serve two masters. Now that I couldn't protect His Highness with my weak ability, I would feel satisfied with guarding His Highness' mausoleum!" Fang Qingming said as he made a hand gesture and led Zhang Tie inside the cemetery.
The royal cemetery was on a hill inside Emperor Xuanyuan's royal city. This hill was verdant all the year round. The two sides of the aisle were full of solemn giant dark steel land turtles which carried 5-6 m high steles with inscriptions. These stony sculptures made the cemetery more solemn and respectful.
Besides the late empress, the most remarkable royal person being buried here was Crown Prince Changying.
With the guidance of Fang Qingming, Zhang Tie climbed the mountain for a short while along the broad main road before entering the exclusive cemetery of Crown Prince Changying.
The table and sacrificial articles had been prepared well for Zhang Tie.
Mrs. Xiao, the wife of late Crown Prince Changying, and all the concubines and descendants of late Crown Prince Changying were standing on both sides of the table and waiting for Zhang Tie. When Zhang Tie burned the joss sticks and scattered alcohol for late Crown Prince Changying, all the family members of Xuanyuan Changying bent over towards him.
With great ambitions, he was buried in the loess. As Zhang Tie's old friend, he became white bones and rested with the evergreen mountain. When Zhang Tie recalled Crown Prince Changying's voice and expression and watched this graveyard, he couldn't help feeling sad.
"Brother Changying, you and I have parted with each other for almost 30 years. I'm especially here to visit you. As it's your memorial day today, I will offer a demon's head to you as the sacrifice. Hopefully, I've avenged your death and could help you rest in peace…" Zhang Tie heaved a deep sigh with tears at his eye corners. Meanwhile, he took out of the head of Sagus, an abyss monarch whose eyes were still wide open and put it onto the sacrificial table.
After hearing Zhang Tie's words and watching Zhang Tie taking out of the head of a sage-level demon knight, all the others on the spot were greatly shocked. Mrs. Xiao and Crown Prince Changying's concubines burst into tears at once. All the descendants of Crown Prince Changying then bent over deeply towards Zhang Tie. All the major officials and officers over there were greatly shocked as they sighed with moods.
"Monarch Qianji, thank you for taking revenge for His Highness. When Crown Prince was alive, he told me that only Monarch Qianji was his bosom friend in this world. After Monarch Qianji disappeared in the battle at Yinhai Desert, His Highness sighed day and night and didn't have any appetite. If His Highness knew that Monarch Qianji was back safe and sound and had wiped out demons and evil forces as well as made Taixia Country and humans much more powerful than before, he would definitely feel happy for you!" Mrs. Xiao talked to Zhang Tie as she wiped off her tears.
"I hate I was back late. If I could come back a few years earlier, Brother Changying might not have died for the country!" Zhang Tie said as he shook his head.
"His Highness always said that human power was always limited. It's not Monarch Qianji's fault. Please don't blame yourself!" Mrs. Xiao said as she took a glance at Fang Qingming.
Fang Qingming then implied the four royal knights beside him to carry a dark steel turtle with a huge stone stele on its back over here and put it in front of Zhang Tie and said, "Monarch Qianji, please leave memorial words for His Highness!"
There were already two rows of similar dark steel turtles in the Crown Prince's cemetery. The giant steles on the backs of those turtles were all funeral orations and sacrificial couplets which depicted the lifetime meritorious deeds and meaningful events of Crown Prince Changying. Of course, those who were qualified to leave memorial words here were all top figures like three counselors and six lords.
Zhang Tie also spotted a memorial article left by Meng Shidao among them which was composed of thousands of words.
Watching the dark steel turtle and huge stele on its back, Zhang Tie only considered it for two seconds before reaching out a finger and leaving two lines of sublime words on it with his sparkling battle qi.
——Not being regretful about surname Xuanyuan, you're still a hero after death!
Given Xuanyuan Changying's lifetime meritorious deeds, he afforded such great praise and comment. Few crown prince in the history of humans could behave better and contribute more than Crown Prince Xuanyuan at the critical moment of the country.
…
After Zhang Tie's mourning, all the officers, officials and ambassadors consecutively mourned Crown Prince Changying. Then, the welcome ceremony almost came to an end superficially.
After leaving the royal cemetery, Zhang Tie directly returned to Qianji Mansion.
Soon after Zhang Tie entering the gate of Qianji Mansion, Fang Qingming had paid a visit to him. Zhang Tie asked people to take Fang Qingming into the parlor of Qianji Mansion.
"Xuanyuan Zhu, the grandson of Monarch Qianji will administer affairs of state, Monarch Qianji will be conferred as Lord Xuanyuan and act as regent. Your position is above three lords. In this way, the friendship between Monarch Qianji and His Highness could be preserved; the descendants and royal households of Emperor Xuanyuan could still remain decent; the overall situation facing Taixia Country as a whole could be stabilized and people could be reassured; a new situation facing holy war could be opened up; Jinwu Palace's foundation as the No. 1 clan in Taixia Country could be laid. Jinwu Palace doesn't belong to royal households; however, it's more like royal households. If Monarch Qianji agrees, it would bring boundless beneficence to Taixia Country and humans. Even our descendants would benefit from your kindness. Any other choice that Monarch Qianji makes would cause great casualties and turmoil across the country even humans. Besides, even the holy war would not come to an end in a short period of time. It's my sincere words, please consider it carefully, Monarch Qianji!"
Before Zhang Tie opened his mouth, Fang Qingming had deeply bowed towards Zhang Tie and said without any polite greeting or prelude.
Chapter 1984: Fixing the Major Event
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Gazing at Fang Qingming who was bowing deeply towards him expressionlessly in the parlor, Zhang Tie admired the great convincing power of this adviser of late Crown Prince Changying.
Fang Qingming was crystal clear about his target here in Xuanyuan Hill; therefore, he put it straight with enough reasons the moment he saw Zhang Tie.
"Mr. Fang, please get up!" Zhang Tie walked to the main seat and sat down, continuing, "Is that Empress Shaoyi and Mrs. Xiao who asked Mr. Fang to come here? Mr. Fang, do you think I want Xuanyuan Zhu to be the new emperor only because I let him stay with me today?"
Empress Shaoyi was late Crown Prince Changying's mother. Zhang Tie had not seen her; however, he heard that she was a powerful figure in the royal palace. Only after having a brief talk with Mrs. Xiao today, Zhang Tie had known that Mrs. Xiao could never be matched by ordinary women.
It was said that Monarch Qianji was going to replace the royal households across Xuanyuan Hill. Therefore, all the members of the royal household were in panic. Zhang Tie had sensed it as he was firstly welcomed by three princes today. It was a very rare courteous reception. It was very abnormal for the royal household to do that. It might display the royal household's fear and concern about Zhang Tie's ambition. However, the royal household could do nothing to relieve their fear and concern; because most of the people across Taixia Country were standing on Zhang Tie's side; especially the military and local major clans and sects. The royal households had very few trump cards; additionally, Zhang Tie was not afraid of their trump cards at all. Besides the identity of the royal household of Taixia Country, there was an employed sage-level knight who was said to never leave the royal palace. As for the branch of late Crown Prince Changying, they might not even match the three princes who welcomed Zhang Tie today after Crown Prince Changying was assassinated and Meng Shidao chose another wise owner. Given seniority and cultivation level alone, the three princes could definitely suppress Xuanyuan Yunfei and his brothers and sisters.
Actually, before Zhang Tie returned to Taixia Country, Xuanyuan Lie the ninth prince of Emperor Xuanyuan had already been ready to ascend to the throne and the branch of late Crown Prince Changying had already been completely marginalized. If Zhang Tie didn't come back, the last obstacles for Xuanyuan Lie to ascend to the throne might have been completely cleaned up after the three major sects joined hands to crack down Jinwu Palace.
Given political tactics alone, if Xuanyuan Zhu became the new emperor, those who benefited the most would be the branch of late Crown Prince Changying, then the entire royal household, Zhang Tie and Jinwu Palace in the end.
Fang Qingming had already got up and sat on his seat calmly.
"Of course Empress Shaoyi and Mrs. Xiao hoped that the descendant of Crown Prince Changying could rule Xuanyuan Hill. It's human nature!" Fang Qingming admitted in a euphemistic way, "Monarch Qianji, you must be crystal clear about the current situation facing the royal household of Taixia Country. Although those princes are excellent, they're unable to ascend to the throne without the support of people. Although Xuanyuan Zhu is late Crown Prince's grandson, he inherits a part of your powerful bloodlines. His flair in cultivation could definitely rank first among the descendants of late Crown Prince Changying. He could definitely cultivate Xuanyuan God Sutra in a couple of years; he has infinite potential in the future. What's more, as long as Xuanyuan Zhu could win your support, nobody else in the royal household would be qualified to scramble with him for the throne. He will smoothly become the new emperor of Taixia Country. Taixia Country has not got a ruler for too long. Many problems have been aroused because of this. Even the third prince and ninth prince have lost their lives. Royal Alliance also raised winds and waves across the country. The whole country urgently requires an emperor to maintain its stability, even though it's just a nominal emperor!"
"Without Monarch Qianji's support, nobody else could take that seat. Of course, you could take that seat yourself; however, if you really do that, the turmoil across the country might not come to an end in a short period of time. When you pacify the entire country by force and have the royal household to give the seat to you with sincerity, it would be many years later. During these years, many more people would lose their lives. I know Monarch Qianji is always magnanimous and compassionate. You would never allow hundreds of millions of Taixia people to suffer from more hardships. As for whether Emperor Xuanyuan could come, it's still of uncertainty. On this occasion, the complete alliance between Jinwu Palace and the royal household of Taixia Country would be the best choice for both parties!"
"Xuanyuan Zhu behaves like a wise emperor. As his teacher, I'm crystal clear about this point. Besides the late Crown Prince's bloodline, he also has your bloodline. He's also your grandson. If you assist him to ascend to the throne, he will never betray his bloodline in the future. It's nothing different than ruling the country yourself. It's just a title! When Xuanyuan Zhu promotes to a knight and could wield power officially, the holy war might have already come to an end!"
Fang Qingming said everything possible. His reasons were sufficient and convincing. As a result, Zhang Tie became silent. Even though Zhang Tie had made a decision, he didn't want to state his own stand so fast. At least Zhang Tie wanted to communicate with the three councilors and the nine ministers and his father-in-law Lord Guangnan. Even though he just went through the moves, it was very necessary for him to inquire about these moguls' opinions. It was of great significance for the overall stability of Taixia Country in the future.
Fang Qingming was the first person who paid a visit to Qianji Mansion. After Fang Qingming left there, more and more people came to Qianji Mansion. After making exchanges with those major officials, officers and influential figures of local major clans and sects in Taixia Country except for Meng Shidao, Zhang Tie gradually formed a unified opinion with them.
The major event was fixed!
…
On February 14, the 933rd year of Black Iron Calendar, namely one week after Zhang Tie came to Xuanyuan Hill, Xuanyuan Hill had been in commotions; because on the same day, two pieces of news spread over Taixia Country and the other continents and subcontinents from Xuanyuan Hill. The shocks aroused by the two pieces of news almost immediately covered the situation facing the holy war in the west of Taixia Country.
The first piece of news was Xuanyuan Zhu, the 8-year old grandson of late Crown Prince's ascended to the throne officially and administered affairs of the state on this day and became the supreme ruler of Taixia Country nominally. After Emperor Xuanyuan missed so many years, Taixia Country finally got a new emperor.
The second piece of news was that Zhang Tie, also Monarch Qianji, was conferred as Lord Xuanyuan, the head of seven lords in Taixia Country.
Zhang Tie was conferred as Lord Xuanyuan without the process of dripping his blood on a strange crystal and displaying his meritorious deeds on Heavens Fortune List. However, nobody across Taixia country had any dissent about it; because Zhang Tie's meritorious deeds were greater than that of any lord…
Therefore, Zhang Tie became the only one who was conferred as the supreme lord and was widely accepted by all the humans without the process of dripping his blood on a strange crystal and displaying his meritorious deeds on Heavens Fortune List in the three holy wars.