Chapter 214: Emperor Yu's Chess
Chapter 214: Emperor Yu's Chess
"Unfortunately, no one else believes us."
The lean middle-aged man snorted coldly, "They think we're just trying to trick them, luring them to help us. These people are only motivated by self-interest. Without any benefit, even if the Mourning River extends to their homes, they'll just move away instead of solving the problem!"
"Human nature is what it is; we can't blame them."
The old man shook his head slightly, "The real pity is that ten thousand merits are too difficult to achieve. It requires destroying a Yudu-grade Mourning River ten times. If not for Zhengdong, who is in the Great Peace Dao Realm, it would be impossible."
"Let's talk about the Liangzhou Dragon City Mourning River first."
The authoritative-faced middle-aged man said, "That Li Family youth lured the three Demon Kings into the Dragon City Mourning River. He probably planned to take them down with him inside the Mourning River."
"That particular Mourning River is extremely dangerous, more troublesome than other Yudu-grade ones. It ranks among the top ten of its kind."
"Li Xiaoran, with his Li Family bloodline and inherent advantages, has made little progress over the years. He may not gain much from this attempt either."
"This is a rare opportunity to catch them in a trap. If we can kill the Void Realm's sovereign, the Void Realm will be severely weakened, falling from its position as a top power. This will allow the Demon Suppression Bureau to send forces to clean up, easing the pressure on the border."
"But the other Holy Palaces and Dragon Gates are unlikely to sit idly by. They might anticipate our actions, leading to a major conflict."
"Do you think we should ask Uncle Zhengdong to come, or can we handle it ourselves? If the Xia Clan's elder chooses not to intervene, we'll retreat in time."
"I don't think it's worth it."
The lean middle-aged man said, "Uncle Zhengdong has already worked hard to clear the Mourning River. He shouldn't have to deal with this kind of thing. We agreed that they would guard the frontier while we managed the Mourning River. Now, they want us to handle their problems as well. Isn't that ridiculous?"
The authoritative man looked at the old man, who remained silent. After a moment, he said:
"I'll go and check it out personally. Once Zhengdong returns from the Mourning River, let him rest. If necessary, he can come over later."
"Uncle, you really plan to go?"
The lean middle-aged man was stunned and couldn't help but say, "Didn't the Wang Family cut ties with these demons long ago? These years, they've been slaying demons and building their legacy. Even though the Li Family lost six sons, they've done their duty and gained a good reputation!"
"But who remembers the Wang Family members who died in the Mourning River? They're even removed from the Merit Board. Ask anyone in the world, who remembers that the Wang Family was also a Divine General Manor?"
"Who will help us deal with the Mourning River if we help them?"
The old man heard his passionate words and fell silent for a moment before looking up at him and saying:
"I'm not going for the Wang Family's duty, but out of a martial artist's conscience!"
"Humanity and demons cannot coexist. Slaying demons and protecting the people is the martial path we follow. What's the point of having great martial skills if we just live a life of mediocrity?"
"The Wang Family's achievements may not be known to the world, but the heavens, the earth, and the Emperor know. Our descendants will remember, and that's enough!"
Seeing his determined gaze, the lean middle-aged man was stunned. His lips trembled slightly, but he didn't say anything more.
...
...
Dayu Province, the Holy Capital.
In the majestic imperial palace, deep within a courtyard.
Snap!
With a sharp sound, two figures sat leisurely in a pavilion within the courtyard, where peach blossoms were in full bloom, playing a game of chess.
One was Emperor Yu, and the other was a man in his forties, dressed in a luxurious dragon robe, with a few strands of white hair at his temples. His waist badge bore the character "Qing", and everyone in the imperial palace and the entire Holy Capital knew what that badge represented: Prince Qing, Jiang Qingshan.
In the world outside the imperial court, he was known by another name: Master Qing Shan!
"Brother, you've won again."
Jiang Qingshan saw the black stones cutting off his territory, completely sealing his fate. He sighed and smiled bitterly, bowing his head.
Emperor Yu chuckled, "You always let me win. It's no fun this way."
"Brother, your Go skills are too high. I don't dare to let you win. I've given it my all, but I just can't match you. I'll have to practice more when I get back", Jiang Qingshan said with a wry smile.
Hearing this, Emperor Yu was very pleased, his smile lingering on his lips.
"Your Go skills truly need improvement. You should find a better player to come to your residence and help you hone your skills. After all these years, you still can't even beat a child; you haven't made any progress."
Jiang Qingshan was speechless, and he smiled bitterly. "Brother, you're embarrassing me. My Go skills may not be as good as yours, but I can still hold my own against the Little Chess Sage. How could I be worse than a child?"
Emperor Yu smiled when he saw Jiang Qingshan's discontent, but his smile faded as he thought of the Carefree Young Man under the Willow Tree, and he remained silent.
He stopped placing the Go stone and whispered, "You are already aware of the situation in Liangzhou. What are your plans?"
Seeing this, Jiang Qingshan stopped moving the pieces on the chessboard and replied seriously:
"The Holy Palace, Dragon Gate, and Void Realm are attacking Liangzhou, and other demon forces are also stirring, eyeing the other states and preventing them from lending too much aid."
"They intend to use Liangzhou as a weak point. Once they occupy it, they will use the Wei River demon clans to advance and attack the other states. With Liangzhou's terrain, they can defend on land and attack with their navy. They are truly planning to take serious action against our Dayu!"
Emperor Yu nodded slightly and said, "You should also know about the situation behind them."
Jiang Qingshan's eyes narrowed, and he nodded. "I've heard that the Li Family's young man lured the Void Realm's ruler into the Dragon City Mourning River. Now it's a good time to catch them like fish in a barrel. Brother, did you summon me to join the hunt?"
"I want you to join the hunt, but not in the Dragon City Mourning River."
Emperor Yu tapped his fingers lightly on the chessboard, his eyes on the black stone that had fallen off the board. He smiled and said:
"Sometimes, the outcome of a game is not determined by what happens on the board, but by what happens off the board."
"The Dragon Gate's Grand Elder Lu Yuan and the Candlelight Deity are trying to capture Liangzhou. According to the front-line secret report, the Candlelight Deity didn't plan to show up, but the child was too difficult to handle, forcing him to reveal himself."
"But the Dragon Gate's Patriarch and the Holy Palace's Elders haven't participated in this battle."
"Where do you think they are?"
Jiang Qingshan's heart stirred, and he quickly had an answer, but he shook his head. "I'm slow-witted, Brother. Please enlighten me."
Emperor Yu said calmly, "The older generation of the Li Family hasn't shown up, which indicates they are aware of the problem. They want to invade Liangzhou and use this opportunity to make a big move, to crush the Divine General Manor as well!"
"The three major forces have revealed their cards, but fortunately, the Li Family is smart and hasn't recklessly left their territory."
"Now that they are all gathered in Qingzhou, their own strongholds are vulnerable. This is the perfect time for a hunt!"
Jiang Qingshan's eyes narrowed. "Brother, are you planning for me to destroy their strongholds and uproot their foundation?"
"Yanbei has been at peace for over a decade. The Holy Palace should pay a price!"
Emperor Yu nodded slightly and gazed at the bright peach blossoms in the courtyard. "My garden is always green, but it's autumn outside."
"I haven't gone hunting with you in years. I wonder if your hunting skills have declined."
Jiang Qingshan smiled. "I can't compare to Brother, but I can ensure that not a single living creature remains on the mountain!"
"Then I'll wait for you to return for a drink!"
Emperor Yu smiled.
Hearing this, Jiang Qingshan stood up and bowed respectfully, formally accepting the mission.
After seeing Jiang Qingshan off, Eunuch Chu Jiuyue slowly walked back to the pavilion. Seeing Emperor Yu still staring at the chessboard, lost in thought, he said:
"Your Majesty, are you thinking about that child?"
Emperor Yu's gaze returned to him. "Do you think the fate of our Great Yu Divine Dynasty has truly declined?"
Eunuch Chu Jiuyue's face changed, and he quickly replied, "Your Majesty, our Great Yu Divine Dynasty is blessed by the Former Emperor and will remain prosperous and unfading. How can it be said to have declined?"
"If it hasn't declined, then why did the Li Family's Jiulang, so young, die on the frontier, his body never found?"
"Why is that child, only fifteen years old, already in such danger? They are the future hope and pillars of our Great Yu Divine Dynasty, but heaven seems unwilling to give them time."
Emperor Yu gazed at the distant sky outside the courtyard and whispered, "If only that child had ten more years, just ten more years, it would be enough."
Eunuch Chu Jiuyue fell silent.
Thinking of the secret reports sent back from Liangzhou, he knew these words were true.
At fifteen, cultivating to the Three Eternities Realm with a foundation so solid it was unimaginable, he had even slain a Demon King with the Three Immortalities and fought against the Ultimate Mastery Realm, which was truly astonishing!
Such a prodigy could be said to have the potential to question the Sage without any exaggeration.
Perhaps it was precisely because of this that the ruler of the Void Realm had abandoned the overall battlefield to chase after him alone... Eunuch Chu Jiuyue thought to himself.
"Your Majesty, what about the Mourning River in Liangzhou?"
Emperor Yu fell silent for a long moment before he finally spoke:
"Send a message to the Ninth Brother. Have him go personally, at any cost, and bring him back!"
Eunuch Chu Jiuyue's pupils constricted slightly. Was he really going to release that madman?
"Your Majesty, but if we do this..."
"Are you afraid?"
Emperor Yu gave him a cold, calm look, his expression now serene: "If he comes out, his first strike will likely be aimed at me, but it doesn't matter. For that child, I am willing to bear it."
"Your Majesty..."
Eunuch Chu Jiuyue was deeply moved, never expecting Emperor Yu to take such a risky step.
That Ninth Prince... was not someone to be trifled with!
In the vast imperial palace and among all the nobles, the mere mention of that existence was met with deep apprehension.
In the past, he had nearly split the Imperial City with a single strike, a madman indeed!
...
The battle in Liangzhou had ended, but tensions were still simmering across the land.
The fifty-thousand-strong Imperial Clan army remained stationed in Liangzhou, waiting for developments outside the Mourning River.
After consulting with the two Princes, Li Tiangang, together with the Liangzhou army, dispatched a combined force of twenty thousand elite troops to the Dragon City Mourning River.
They set up camp outside the Mourning River, forming a military formation, ready to rescue Li Hao and Li Xiaoran whenever they emerged from the river. They were also prepared to deal with the ruler of the Void Realm, hoping to ambush and defeat the enemy if possible.
Although a force of twenty thousand might not be enough to harm the Dao Domain, it was not just an army; it also included many powerful figures.
News of various powerful figures either joining or declining to join had reached Li Tiangang and his companions, allowing them to make strategic plans in advance.
However, time passed.
No conflict had yet broken out outside the Mourning River, but there was a major upheaval in Yanbei.
Prince Qing led a million-strong army to capture the Holy Palace, laying waste to the Holy Mountain Secret Land, destroying the mountain gates, and slaying countless demons.
Now, the Holy Palace's holy mountain and sacred land were in ruins, its spiritual springs severed, and its peaks devastated.
This news quickly spread among the demons and reached those gathered in Qingzhou.
"Damn it, Master Qing Shan is ruthless!"
"He even led the charge himself. I heard the Palace Master of the Holy Palace was severely injured and fled."
"The other Elders of the Holy Palace have returned, but it's probably too late."
In the Qingzhou secret land, numerous fearsome figures lingered, all of them Elders of the Dragon Gate.
When the situation in Liangzhou turned, some Elders of the Holy Palace realized that their ambush plan in Qingzhou would fail.
Once Liangzhou was stabilized, the old guards of the Li Family would have no reason to leave the Divine General Manor.
This would render their ambush meaningless.
However, just as the Holy Palace Elders began to retreat, news of the disaster in Yanbei reached them.
No one had expected that Master Qing Shan would seize this opportunity, not reinforcing Liangzhou but instead targeting the Holy Palace's stronghold!
When news of this battle arrived, the Elder Bird Demon of the Tianji Hall personally reported it. The many Elders of the Dragon Gate, including the Patriarch of the Dragon Gate, were shocked and enraged.
They also felt a sense of dread.
Their remaining forces guarding the mountain gates and demon nests were already thin. If another Prince were to lead an attack, their own lair might be in peril.
After much deliberation, they had no choice but to retreat.
The two old guards of the Li Family remained in seclusion, clearly anticipating their actions. Continuing the ambush would be pointless.
"Contact the Holy Palace. Go to the Mourning River. There is no turning back now; we must rescue the Candlelight Deity."
"What a waste of a half-step Dao Realm. How could he fail to capture a mere child?"
"The Void Realm has been secluded for too long; they've forgotten how to hunt prey!"
The various Elders of the Dragon Gate grumbled in anger, their hearts filled with rage.
Not only had they failed to capture Liangzhou, but they also failed to crush the Li Family of Qingzhou. The entire plan had fallen apart.
And once the intelligence from the Tianji Hall was relayed back, they realized that the failure of the plan was due to one variable: the young general named Hao Tian!
He was from the Li Family, and he was a member of the Li Family!
It wasn't just the Dragon Gate; the numerous Demon Kings of the Holy Palace also harbored deep resentment.
…
Inside the Divine General Manor.
When Li Muxiu learned that the Yanbei Holy Palace’s stronghold had been eliminated, he couldn't help but burst into laughter.
He knew it all along; that Emperor would never disappoint.
The stronghold of the Yanbei Holy Palace was taken down, with the Palace Master fighting alone and being defeated by Prince Qing. Both had unleashed their Great Peace Dao Realm powers, which were deeply concealed.
But Prince Qing was the more skilled, defeating him. With a million elite soldiers sweeping through, all of them from the Imperial Clan, the entire Holy Mountain was flattened.
This battle was a shock to the Demon Realm, showing them that even an aging lion still had the power to deliver a fatal bite to its enemies!
"Those guys in Qingzhou must be terrified by now."
"Wait a bit longer, just a few more days, and I'll secretly leave to go to Liangzhou."
Li Muxiu went to the Ancestral Hall and explained his plan to Li Qingzheng: "You know the situation in Liangzhou. These guys are definitely up to no good and won't let us ambush the Candlelight Deity, which would dissolve their alliance."
"But the Candlelight Deity must die!"
Li Muxiu's eyes flashed with a cold light, and he said, "Also, I need to bring Li Hao and Fourth Brother back, or they might be in danger."
"But that Candlelight Deity is a half-step Dao Realm. Can you handle him?"
Li Qingzheng looked worried.
Li Muxiu narrowed his eyes and said, "Just a half-step Dao Realm, who can't handle that!"
Li Qingzheng was taken aback and looked at him in surprise, "You, you've reached that level too?"
Li Muxiu nodded slightly, his face suddenly showing a hint of sadness, "It was during those fishing trips with Li Hao, a moment of enlightenment during our idle chats. I have to thank that boy..."
Li Qingzheng became excited, but when he mentioned Li Hao, he thought of the young man who had played chess with him for four or five years in the courtyard, and he sighed, "It's a shame that Tian Gang is so stubborn, and that boy is just as stubborn. But now that you've reached that level, you've finally caught up to Elder Brother's steps."
"Elder Brother..."
Li Muxiu thought of his Elder Brother, who was killed in the Dragon City battle, ambushed and surrounded by the Dragon Gate's Patriarch and several Demon Kings. His fists clenched involuntarily.
At that time, he was still traveling and pursuing the girl he had long desired.
It wasn't until he heard the news that he woke up and returned to the Li Family, taking over from Fourth Brother to guard the Rain Listening Pavilion, and cutting off all contact with that girl.
Although many people had tried to persuade him that it wasn't his fault, that the Dragon City battle was led by Li Tianzong himself, and others were defending their own territories, Li Muxiu didn't see it that way.
He had never been favored by his father, with a carefree and idle nature.
He was idle, and thus felt guilty, a guilt that had rooted deep in his heart, one he didn't want to revisit.
"I heard Li Hao has reached the Three Immortalities and can even stand up to a Demon King. I wonder how he cultivated."
Seeing the melancholy in Second Brother's eyes, Li Qingzheng quickly changed the subject, smiling, "Now that we bring him back, he won't need to compete with that little Li Qianfeng anymore. We can directly name him the True Dragon."
"Tian Gang shouldn't have any objections either. After this battle, Li Hao's achievements are clear for all to see, and he should be ennobled!"
Hearing this, Li Muxiu snapped back to reality, a flash of anger in his eyes, and he coldly snorted, "Of course not. His accomplishments are no less than Little Ninth's back then. Li Hao is only fifteen, and he has already become a general and been ennobled. I'd like to see how Tian Gang can still criticize his son's character!"
"The misunderstanding from back then was just that, a misunderstanding. I don't know why Tian Gang was so impulsive back then, not even letting Li Hao finish speaking. Ah!" Li Qingzheng shook his head in regret.
Li Muxiu's eyes flickered, and he whispered, "I just don't know if Li Hao will be willing to come back, or if he will recognize me as his Second Uncle."
Li Qingzheng glanced at him, recalling the young man's solitary figure walking out of the Divine General Manor on a snowy day, and fell silent for a moment.
...
As time passed.
After Liangzhou was pacified, everyone's attention turned to the Mourning River beyond the borders.
The territory where the Mourning River lies was originally part of Dayu's domain. However, due to the Mourning River, it was eventually separated from the rest.
This shows how troublesome the Mourning River is, forcing the Great Yu Divine Dynasty, which has always placed great importance on its territory, to cede land to avoid it. Even the most powerful demon factions have never been able to achieve such a feat.
Li Tiangang was stationed at the Liangzhou Western Border, the closest point to the Mourning River, constantly monitoring the situation.
After another month passed, Li Tiangang could no longer hold back and sought out Li Xuanli, entrusting the area to his watch.
"I need to make a trip to Heavenly Gate Pass."
Li Tiangang said.
"You want to go see Li Hao? But I heard that it's just his Martial Body."
Li Xuanli immediately understood his intentions.
When they were reclaiming Liangzhou, they had also sent scouts to investigate the situation at Heavenly Gate Pass, but found no signs of demon invasion or activity.
They could understand this, given that Li Hao's War Banners were so intimidating, filling the entire pass, making it unlikely for any demon to dare approach.
Additionally, when they reclaimed Liangzhou, they learned from a captured Tianji Hall Bird Demon about Li Hao's situation.
For five thousand miles beyond the pass, Li Hao had cleared out all the demons, leaving none daring to invade!
Moreover, the demons' attack on Liangzhou had intentionally avoided Heavenly Gate Pass!
These two pieces of information shocked not only them but also the other soldiers and the various reinforcements who had come to aid.
No one had expected that the demon army, which had united three major top-tier demon factions, would dare to face the million-strong army of the Eastern Western Border but not dare to invade the southern pass defended by that young man!
One person could rival a million troops!
Considering Li Hao's power displayed on the battlefield, everyone was both amazed and silent.
That young man's combat strength truly warranted such cautious respect from the demons.
Your true strength is often recognized not by your teammates but by your opponents.
Similarly, only you know who your weakest opponent is.
Undoubtedly, they had yet to realize the young man's growth, but the demons outside Heavenly Gate Pass had already deeply experienced it.
Furthermore, Li Tiangang wrote to the imperial palace, requesting more War Banners to assist in defending Liangzhou.
However, after several days, he received a reply stating that the Celestial Observatory had no means to provide such support and suggested he ask Li Hao where he learned such heavenly skills.
Receiving this reply, Li Tiangang was somewhat stunned.
He remembered the words of the Candlelight Deity when it appeared, and a sensation of his blood pulsating through his veins filled him.
The Sword Formation War Banners were something the child had created on his own?
Who helped him?
Li Tiangang realized that he knew far too little about his son.
Apart from being favored by Emperor Yu and beloved by the older generation in the family, the child had some secrets that even he did not know.
He had written to his Second Uncle for information, but received a slightly mocking response: "He's your son. You ask me, who do I ask?"
Li Tiangang was well aware of his Second Uncle's temper and did not get angry.
However, from this reply, he realized that even his Second Uncle was unaware.
After all, this matter was significant, and even if his Second Uncle was angry with him, he wouldn't be vague about such an important issue.
Since that was the case, he could only ask Li Hao himself.
Currently, Li Hao had not returned from the Mourning River, and his fate was unknown.
He planned to visit Heavenly Gate Pass first, as he had heard that Li Hao's Martial Body had some basic movement capabilities and might carry some memories.
Besides inquiring about the War Banners, he also wanted to know if Li Hao had any confidence in escaping the Mourning River and returning.
With his Fourth Uncle, who had spent over a decade exploring the Dragon City Mourning River, accompanying him, he should be safe...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
