Chapter 294: The Starlight Empire

Chapter 294: The Starlight Empire

December 18, 2024

Jingyun Mansion.

Jingzhou City.

The walls of Jingzhou City were in ruins, with a massive gash as if a supreme divine blade had cleaved the ancient city in two.

The lingering indestructible blade intent above was awe-inspiring.

At this moment, the chaos within Jingzhou City had completely subsided. After Jingyun Alliance captured the city, it took only half a day to suppress all unrest and restore order.

Currently, in the Marquis' Manor, Gu Wu sat in the main seat, while other powerful members of the Jingyun Alliance were present.

However, compared to the previous gathering, there were now some empty seats.

After all, the conquest of Jingzhou City had come at a significant cost to the Jingyun Alliance. Not only had many cultivators from their own forces perished, but even some sect leaders had fallen in this battle.

"Reporting to the Alliance Leader, all direct and collateral branches of the Marquis' Manor have been captured and await your orders!"

Xia Yunchuan's expression was respectful as he looked at Gu Wu, his eyes filled with reverence.

In the previous battle, Gu Wu's three-blade strike had slain the Marquis of Jingyun, and his overwhelming strength had shocked the world. Everyone was deeply impressed by his power, and there was no longer any dissent within the Jingyun Alliance.

After all, the Marquis of Jingyun was a powerful cultivator at the seventh level of the Dao Palace Realm. That Gu Wu could defeat him with three strikes was unquestionable.

Although everyone understood that Gu Wu's victory was due to his possession of a top-tier treasure, both his cultivation and the treasure were part of his strength.

Therefore, even if Gu Wu's power was reliant on the treasure, it was still a formidable deterrent to them.

At present, everyone in the Jingyun Alliance obeyed Gu Wu's commands without a hint of disrespect.

"The Marquis of Jingyun is dead, and there's no need for these remnants of the Marquis' Manor to exist. Kill them all to prevent future troubles!"

With this simple statement, Gu Wu had decided the fate of everyone in the Marquis' Manor.

Xia Yunchuan and the others showed no surprise at this outcome, finding it entirely normal.

Eradicating the roots.

Such an action was nothing out of the ordinary.

With the Marquis of Jingyun dead, there was no need for the people of the Marquis' Manor to live. If they were to show mercy, it might lead to countless hidden dangers in the future.

At that moment, a Celestial Martial Sect elder entered from outside and respectfully bowed to Gu Wu above.

"As per the Sect Leader's instructions, I have thoroughly investigated the entire Marquis' Manor and completed the inventory of all resources. Additionally, I have found sixteen Dao Palace Realm techniques and divine abilities, which I request the Sect Leader to examine."

As his words fell, the Celestial Martial Sect elder took out the corresponding jade slips from his storage ring and respectfully handed them to Gu Wu.

When the others saw this, their breathing became rapid.

Sixteen Dao Palace Realm techniques and divine abilities!

This was an immense temptation for them.

The reason various sects and noble families were willing to join the Jingyun Alliance and attack Jingzhou City was to obtain the Dao Palace Realm legacy.

Now, the legacy was right before their eyes.

Everyone's hearts were stirred.

Gu Wu waved his sleeve, taking all the jade slips and then looking at Xia Yunchuan and the others.

"I previously stated that after exterminating the Marquis of Jingyun, all of you here would be allowed to copy one Dao Palace Realm legacy."

"Now, I will fulfill my promise. The Dao Palace Realm legacy is here, and each force may copy one technique and one divine ability!"

"However, remember not to copy excessively, or I won't show mercy."

Upon hearing this, everyone broke into smiles.

Xuanxu Zi took the lead and bowed, saying, "The entire Qingfeng Sect thanks the Alliance Leader!"

"Thank you, Alliance Leader!"

The others also hurriedly expressed their gratitude.

Obtaining the Dao Palace Realm techniques meant they now had a path to advance.

Even if they couldn't personally break through to the Dao Palace Realm, they could leave this legacy for future geniuses to enter the Dao Palace Realm.

Subsequently, Gu Wu said, "Now that the Marquis of Jingyun is dead, when the news reaches the Return Origin Dynasty, it will surely enrage them. Therefore, I believe that before the Return Origin Dynasty can react, our Jingyun Alliance should take control of the entire Jingyun Prefecture.

When their army arrives, we will be ready for battle!"

"Yes!"

Hearing this, everyone present clasped their fists in agreement.

At this point, they naturally understood how to proceed.

The Marquis of Jingyun was dead, and his manor had been seized and his family exterminated.

The Jingyun Alliance, in essence, is now in a life-or-death struggle with the Return to Origin Empire.

At this juncture, retreating is no longer an option.

Given the circumstances, the only choice is to conquer the entire Jingyun Prefecture and consolidate its power. Only then will there be a chance to stand against the Jingyun Prefecture.

"Furthermore—"

"If we can seize the Jingyun Prefecture, and unite all our forces, we might have a chance to advance even further!"

As he spoke, Gu Wu's eyes gleamed with determination.

Hearing his words, the others' faces showed surprise.

Qingyang Zi couldn't help but ask, "Does the Alliance Leader mean... that we should continue expanding the Jingyun Alliance?"

"Why not?"

Gu Wu countered.

"With malevolent spirits wreaking havoc, conflicts will arise across the land, and this is our chance, the opportunity for the Jingyun Alliance."

"Currently, the Return to Origin Empire is at war with the Divine Might Dynasty. It's unlikely they'll have the spare resources to deal with us. If we seize this chance to expand, our strength will undoubtedly skyrocket."

"Even if the Return to Origin Empire manages to repel the Divine Might Dynasty and then turns their attention to us, they may not have the opportunity to do so."

"There's another matter you shouldn't forget. Although we've obtained the Dao Palace Realm inheritance, the resources required to truly step into this realm are abundant."

"Relying solely on the Jingyun Prefecture won't suffice to support numerous Dao Palace Realm cultivators. Without expansion, how many among you here can break through to the next realm?"

His words echoed in the hall, leaving everyone in silence.

Controlling the Jingyun Prefecture and further expansion both have their advantages. The former offers stability, while the latter entails tremendous risk.

However, behind this enormous risk lies an astonishing reward.

Gu Wu's words ring true; the Jingyun Prefecture is not vast, and its resources are limited. Even with the Dao Palace Realm inheritance, breaking through successfully requires more.

If the Jingyun Alliance expands further, they can acquire more resources, making breakthroughs easier.

Most importantly, Gu Wu's display of strength against the Jingyun Marquis has given them the confidence to stand against the Return to Origin Empire.

If Gu Wu were just an ordinary Dao Palace Realm cultivator, they wouldn't dare take such risks. But with his prowess, slaying the Jingyun Marquis in three strikes, his power rivals the peak of the Ninth Level Dao Palace Realm.

At this level, Gu Wu is a top-tier existence in the current Wumo Era, only surpassed by Demi-Saint Realm cultivators.

With this in mind, many make their decision.

Xia Yunchuan's voice resonated, "With our Alliance Leader's guidance, it's our destiny. The fall of the Jingyun Prefecture and the unrest in the Return to Origin Empire present an opportunity for the Jingyun Alliance. I believe we should expand!"

"Trisun Sect shares this view!"

"Qingfeng Sect has no objections!"

"Red River Sect has no objections—"

Leaders of various factions voiced their support, leaving Gu Wu satisfied.

The minority with differing opinions had no choice but to agree, as the tide had turned, and they nodded in consent.

Two days later, the war report from the Jingyun Prefecture reached the Return to Origin Empire, infuriating Emperor Han. He was eager to dispatch troops immediately to annihilate the Jingyun Alliance.

Before Emperor Han could act, the Divine Might Dynasty had already made their move. Within two days, the Taiyang Prefecture was completely occupied, falling under the control of the Divine Might Dynasty.

Immediately, the Divine Might Dynasty took action.

Shi Zhen led the central army, dividing into three routes to attack the three prefectures of the Return to Origin Empire, causing them immense pressure.

In response, Emperor Han had to suppress the idea of dealing with the Jingyun Alliance, focusing on sending troops to the frontlines to resist the invasion of the Divine Might Dynasty.

Far away in the Nine Provinces, Gu Yang, overseeing the situation, couldn't help but smile. "With the fall of the Taiyang Prefecture, the Divine Might Dynasty's fortune has greatly increased. If they can conquer the entire Return to Origin Empire, even if they can't ascend to an Empire, they'll take a significant step towards becoming a Fortune Empire."

"This way, the time needed for the Dynasty's ascension will be greatly reduced!"

In the end, the fastest way for a Dynasty to rise is through continuous warfare.

The Taiyang Prefecture alone is equivalent to a decade's worth of fortune for the Divine Might Dynasty.

However, Gu Yang also understands that not every situation allows for such continuous warfare.

Currently, the Divine Might Dynasty's overwhelming power in their conquest of the Taiyang Prefecture has led to this significant increase in fortune.

If both sides were evenly matched, engaging in a prolonged war, even with the eventual capture of the Taiyang Prefecture, the increase in Dynasty fortune would be minimal.

After all, with so many fallen soldiers, it was a drain on their luck, and a prolonged war would also easily cause unrest among the people, which was not conducive to stability and development.

Only by having the Divine Might Dynasty's side advance like a raging fire, as they were now, could they truly achieve the effect of sustaining war through war.

"Your Majesty, there is news from the front that the Return Origin Dynasty seems to have some connection with the Starlight Empire. If the Starlight Empire gets involved in this war, things will likely take a turn for the worse!"

A minister suddenly stepped forward and spoke in a deep voice.

As the words "Starlight Empire" left his mouth, the atmosphere in the court suddenly froze.

An imperial dynasty!

It represented an unparalleled heritage.

If the Return Origin Dynasty truly had a connection with the Starlight Empire, things would become much more complicated.

"Gu Yi!"

"This minister is here!"

"Do the Crimson Guard have any information about the Starlight Empire?"

Gu Yang asked.

The Crimson Guard was the public identity of the Secret Guards, and Gu Yi had also transitioned from the shadows to the light, becoming the current commander of the Crimson Guard.

Naturally, the role of the Crimson Guard was the same as that of the Secret Guards, not only monitoring officials but also responsible for gathering intelligence from various regions.

Gu Yi bowed and said, "Your Majesty, according to the Crimson Guard's investigation, the Return Origin Dynasty recently sent people to the Starlight Empire, and it is highly likely that they have secretly formed an alliance."

"An alliance..."

Gu Yang narrowed his eyes, deep in thought.

After a moment, Gu Yang said, "It's just an imperial dynasty. If the Starlight Empire is sensible, then so be it. But if they truly intend to get involved in this war, our Divine Might Dynasty is not afraid.

Inform Shi Zhen to attack the Return Origin Dynasty with full force. If we detect the Starlight Empire's interference, there's no need to hold back."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Gu Yi bowed and withdrew.

After the court session.

In the Imperial Study.

Gu Yang took out a tightly sealed iron box, which felt heavy in the hands of the recipient.

Gu Yang said, "This box contains a Great Sage Weapon. You must take it to Shi Zhen immediately. If there are powerful individuals from the Starlight Empire, use the Great Sage Weapon to suppress them!"

"This minister receives your command!"

"Go."

Gu Yang waved his hand, and Gu Yi bowed and retreated.

Watching Gu Yi's departing figure, Gu Yang also felt relieved.

With Shi Zhen's strength, it was impossible to confront the Starlight Empire.

After all, the Starlight Empire had a profound heritage, and powerful individuals were like clouds. There was more than one Demi-Saint Realm expert, and in the past, the Starlight Empire had produced more than one Sage.

Even though Shi Zhen was at the Ninth Level Dao Palace Realm, he was definitely no match for the Starlight Empire.

Therefore.

Gu Yang believed that a Great Sage Weapon was enough to suppress all unrest, even if the Starlight Empire did intervene, it couldn't change anything.

After all, no matter how powerful an imperial dynasty was, it had limited strength in the current Wumo Era.

The strength of an imperial dynasty with luck lay only in the aspect of national luck.

Once they left their territory, without the support of luck, the threat of the Starlight Empire was not as great as imagined.

"If the Starlight Empire doesn't interfere, then so be it. But if they do, I fear the death toll will not be limited to just one or two."

Gu Yang's eyes turned cold, and killing intent filled the Imperial Study.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end