Chapter 178: An Empty Hand Grabs a Wolf
Chapter 178: An Empty Hand Grabs a Wolf
September 4, 2024
Enthroned as the Duke of Guangyang!
Granted the Title of National Master!
Upon these words,
Gu Yang’s expression remained unchanged, but Gu Yun, seated beside him, was visibly shocked.
Throughout history,
treason and rebellion have always been grave crimes,
with the lightest punishment being the extermination of nine generations of one’s family.
But now,
Gu Yang’s rebellion had not only failed to enrage the court; instead, he was directly enthroned as the Duke of Guangyang, with his status officially recognized. Gu Yun was naturally stunned.
However,
after his initial shock,
Gu Yun quickly understood why the court had acted this way.
On the other side,
Gu Yang accepted another imperial decree, his expression softening as he looked at Zhao Hai.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for the enthronement. I will accept this decree on behalf of my father!"
Seeing Gu Yang accept the enthronement, Zhao Hai’s face broke into a smile.
"Your Highness, if you understand the Emperor’s intentions, that is enough. On this visit, I also carry another decree from His Majesty, requesting that the National Master visit Zhongzhou."
"My father is currently in seclusion, and I do not know when he will emerge. However, once he does, I will bring him to you, Lord Zhao. Additionally, you must be tired from your long journey. Why don’t you rest in the Duke’s residence for a few days before returning to Zhongzhou to report?"
Gu Yang did not directly agree to Zhao Hai’s request but instead laughed and promptly arranged for someone to escort Zhao Hai to rest.
Zhao Hai’s mouth opened as if to say something, but he could not find the words.
After Zhao Hai left, Gu Yang glanced at the two imperial decrees in his hand and casually tossed them aside.
If this scene were witnessed by outsiders, it would be considered a grave act of disrespect.
But neither Gu Yang nor Gu Yun showed any concern, as if the imperial decrees were nothing more than scraps of paper.
"His Majesty’s timing for sending someone to enthrone you is suspicious. Your Majesty should be cautious," Gu Yun said.
Gu Yang’s expression remained calm. "I was uncertain about the severity of the situation in Zhongzhou, but now it seems the collapse of the Tai Xuan Dynasty is imminent."
"Sending someone to enthrone me with a mere title, expecting me to serve them, is quite naive!"
By the end of his statement,
Gu Yang’s expression had turned to one of disdain.
He could see through the intentions of the Zhongzhou ruler.
Despite his young age, Gu Yang’s experience far exceeded that of others.
The moment Zhao Hai presented the imperial decree, Gu Yang had already formed a suspicion.
If it were anyone else, they might have been tempted by the title of Duke of Guangyang.
But for Gu Yang,
the Tai Xuan Dynasty’s actions were nothing more than an attempt to get something for nothing.
Indeed,
it was an attempt to get something for nothing.
He had already taken control of the entire Tai Shan Prefecture. Whether or not the court granted him a title, it would not change the reality of his power.
Now, they wanted him to serve them with just a decree, which Gu Yang found impossible.
However,
Gu Yang also understood that the court’s true interest was not in him as the Duke of Guangyang, but in the Martial Saint who stood behind him.
Subsequently,
Gu Yang called for Gu Yi and handed him the two imperial decrees.
"Take these decrees from the Tai Xuan Dynasty to my father."
"Understood, sir!" Gu Yi’s expression remained unchanged as he took the decrees and left.
As Gu Yi was about to leave, Gu Yun added, "However, the Great Profound Dynasty's foundation is truly exceptional. Even at this stage, they can still dispatch a True Intention Master."
"I suspect the Great Profound Dynasty might even have a Martial Grandmaster in existence!"
"Are you saying that Zhao Hai is a True Intention Master?"
Gu Yang's expression shifted slightly.
To be honest, he knew that Zhao Hai was very strong, and he couldn't gauge his true strength. However, the idea that Zhao Hai could be a True Intention Master was something Gu Yang hadn't considered.
After all, True Intention Masters were exceedingly rare. Each one was a formidable force, comparable to a Fusion Spirit Realm sorcerer. Even in immortal sects, a True Intention Master could hold a high position.
Gu Yun, for instance, was merely a True Intention Master but was the leader of the Divine Martial Sect, which held a status in Wu Province equivalent to that of an immortal sect.
So when Gu Yun mentioned that Zhao Hai was a True Intention Master, Gu Yang was genuinely shocked.
However, what Gu Yun said next left an even deeper impression on him.
"Martial Grandmasters are extremely rare. Could the Great Profound Dynasty really have one?"
Gu Yang found it hard to believe.
Gu Yun shook his head. "It's true that Martial Grandmasters are rare, but the Great Profound Dynasty has ruled for three thousand years, with the resources of the entire land under the control of the royal family. It wouldn't be surprising if they secretly cultivated such a powerful figure."
"Although the current royal family of the Ji clan is a branch of the immortal Ji clan, human hearts are fickle."
"Over three thousand years of evolution, the royal family likely isn't content to accept their fate. With the current gathering of heroes in Central Province, the Ji clan can only watch from the sidelines."
"The fact that they've sent a True Intention Master with an imperial decree is also quite telling."
Gu Yang understood the truth in Gu Yun's words.
However, he had no intention of getting involved in the Central Province's affairs. Whatever plans the royal family had, they didn't affect him.
In Qingyun Province, he only controlled one of the four counties.
To interfere in Central Province's affairs, he would need to control at least one province.
But Gu Yang was aware of his shallow roots. The entire process of taking over Mount Tai County had been too swift, and he lacked the necessary foundation.
The most important thing now was to consolidate his power and build a solid base before making any further moves.
Otherwise, he risked overextending himself and suffering a setback.
Therefore, he couldn't afford to get involved in Central Province's affairs.
On the contrary, the more chaotic Central Province became, the better it was for him.
With everyone's attention focused on Central Province, Gu Yang could focus on strengthening his position in Qingyun Province. He would wait for the right moment to make his move and secure his dominance.
Over the next few days, Gu Yang treated Zhao Hai with the utmost hospitality, but whenever Zhao Hai requested a meeting with Gu Qingfeng, he was told that Gu Qingfeng was in seclusion.
Zhao Hai understood Gu Yang's intentions, and although he was dissatisfied, he had no choice but to accept it.
After all, with Gu Yun, the leader of the Divine Martial Sect, stationed at the Wang Mansion, Zhao Hai knew that even as a True Intention Master, he had no room to act rashly.
Not to mention, Gu Yang had the backing of a Martial Saint.
A few days later, Zhao Hai left, his face a mask of frustration.
(End of Chapter)
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