Chapter 349: The Proclamation

Chapter 349: The Proclamation

February 16th, 2025

Upon learning of the Xingchen Imperial Court's connection with evil spirits, Gu Yang naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity.

Without hesitation, he issued a proclamation, publicly declaring war against the Xingchen Imperial Court.

"The Xingchen Imperial Court defies the heavenly path, colluding with evil spirits, poisoning the lives of the innocent, and disrupting the order of the universe!"

"Today, the Divine Martial Empire, in accordance with the will of Heaven and upholding justice, vows to wield its thunderous might, punish the unrighteous, and save the people from calamity!"

As soon as this proclamation was made, it shocked the entire world.

The Xingchen Imperial Court colluding with evil spirits?!

This news was hard to believe for other powers.

After all, the Xingchen Imperial Court had stood tall in the Eastern Domain for many years; how could it possibly collude with evil spirits?

However, when the Divine Martial Empire issued the proclamation, even if other powers didn't fully believe it, they would still send people to investigate.

At first, there seemed to be no issues within the Xingchen Imperial Court, and everything appeared peaceful.

But when an ancient Sage entered the Xingchen Imperial Court, they immediately discovered the illusion created by the evil spirits. The seemingly prosperous city was, in reality, a place of white bones, devoid of any living soul.

This sight enraged the ancient Sage, who directly took action and slew all the evil spirits in the city.

However, this act also infuriated the powerful evil spirits hiding within the Xingchen Imperial Court.

In the end, the ancient Sage suffered severe injuries and left.

When this news spread, it stirred up a storm in the Eastern Domain.

At this moment, everything the Xingchen Imperial Court had tried to conceal was thoroughly exposed to the public.

Instantly, various powers were enraged, and one after another, they declared war against the Xingchen Imperial Court, with some even directly challenging the Xingchen Imperial Court.

...

"Good one, Lu Zhen! Daring to act so boldly, it seems the Xingchen Imperial Court's foundation will be completely destroyed by Lu Zhen's hands!"

Within the Tai Xuan Imperial Court, Tai Xuan Emperor, Nangong Zhu, smiled upon reading the news.

The Xingchen Imperial Court colluding with evil spirits!

In his eyes, this was a path to self-destruction.

Evil spirits!

These were extremely sensitive topics.

Not only had the Xingchen Imperial Court secretly colluded with evil spirits, but they also offered human sacrifices to appease the evil spirits. This undoubtedly touched the most sensitive nerve of the human race.

To be blunt, with the Xingchen Imperial Court's actions exposed, they had completely isolated themselves from the human race.

Not just the Xingchen Imperial Court, but even if ten such courts were combined, they wouldn't dare to provoke the entire human race.

Therefore, in Nangong Zhu's opinion, Lu Zhen was seeking death.

This war hadn't truly begun, but Nangong Zhu could already foresee the downfall of the Xingchen Imperial Court.

Throughout history, the Tai Xuan Imperial Court and the Xingchen Imperial Court had been neighboring domains, and there had always been friction between them. Over a decade ago, the Tai Xuan Imperial Court openly challenged the Xingchen Imperial Court, leading to a war that lasted for many years.

It was only after the emergence of the demon disaster that the war temporarily subsided.

One could say that Nangong Zhu was the one who most desired the annihilation of the Xingchen Imperial Court.

Not only was it due to the conflict with the Xingchen Imperial Court, but also because the Xingchen Imperial Court possessed an ancient and profound heritage.

If the Tai Xuan Imperial Court could annihilate the Xingchen Imperial Court and divide its resources, it would be of great significance to the Tai Xuan Empire.

At this moment, someone stepped forward, clasped their fists, and said, "Your Majesty, the Xingchen Imperial Court's collusion with evil spirits and their poisoning of the innocent is a disgrace to our human race. I believe that our Tai Xuan Imperial Court should uphold justice and send troops to the Xingchen Imperial Court!"

"We agree, Your Majesty!" the other officials chimed in as the first speaker finished.

Upon hearing this, Nangong Zhu's expression turned solemn, and he spoke in a deep voice, "Since all of you believe that our Tai Xuan Imperial Court should dispatch troops, I hereby order the Ministry of War to mobilize thirty million troops, led by General Nangong Sheng, to attack the Xingchen Imperial Court!"

"As you command, Your Majesty!" The Minister of War and Nangong Sheng both bowed and accepted the order.

Nangong Sheng, bearing the title of 'Sheng Wang,' had earned his reputation as a renowned general of the Tai Xuan Imperial Court. In the past, he had led troops into battle with few defeats, making him a well-known figure.

However, as Nangong Sheng chose to seal himself away, news about him gradually faded.

But Nangong Zhu, being the person he was, was well aware of Nangong Sheng's capabilities.

With Nangong Sheng's cultivation at the eighth level of the Sage Realm and the assistance of thirty million troops, attacking the Xingchen Imperial Court would be more than manageable.

Normally, with the Xingchen Imperial Court's profound heritage, a full-scale war between the two empires would require more than thirty million troops.

But Nangong Zhu knew that after this news spread, countless powers would declare war on the Xingchen Imperial Court.

Therefore, the Tai Xuan Imperial Court didn't need to exert all its strength.

With just Nangong Sheng and thirty million troops, they could easily divide the entire Xingchen Imperial Court.

And as the Tai Xuan Imperial Court mobilized its forces, other powers also joined the fray one after another.

After all, the opportunity to divide and conquer an Imperial Court was right before their eyes, and no one would miss it.

As the instigator, the Divine Martial Empire was also eager to make its move.

Yan Yun, Xue Cheng, and Jiang Mo each led a million-strong army, splitting into three routes and rushing towards the Xingchen Imperial Court.

The Divine Martial Empire's intention to divide the Xingchen Imperial Court was now apparent to all.

However, Gu Yang had never intended to hide his ambitions.

The Xingchen Imperial Court's three million years of heritage had long caught Gu Yang's attention.

The Divine Martial Empire had already made significant progress towards becoming an Imperial Court, and with just a few more steps forward, ascending to the rank of an Imperial Court would be a certainty.

At this moment, if the Divine Martial Empire could successfully divide the Xingchen Imperial Court, it would save them at least several hundred years of accumulation.

At that time, the Divine Martial Empire's promotion to an Imperial Court would not be impossible.

For other newly established Imperial Courts, it would be unrealistic to expect them to ascend to the rank of an Imperial Court within less than a hundred years.

But the Divine Martial Empire was different.

Although it was a relatively young empire, its heritage was already substantial.

After more than a decade of recuperation, the Divine Martial Empire's strength had grown even further.

Even though the Divine Martial Empire had not produced many Half-Saint Realm experts, the number of Dao Palace Realm cultivators had increased significantly.

Additionally, the Imperial Palace had several Half-Saints.

Although these Half-Saints were not cultivated by the Divine Martial Empire, they had pledged their loyalty to it.

With the presence of powerful experts like Gu Qingfeng, it was no exaggeration to say that the Divine Martial Empire was one of the strongest empires among all.

Even after hundreds of thousands of years, the Divine Martial Empire's strength and heritage were unmatched by other empires.

Therefore, the Divine Martial Empire had more than enough qualifications to ascend to the rank of an Imperial Court.

However, the issue was not solely about the empire's strength.

When an empire ascends, it is not merely a matter of strength but also a question of heritage and national fortune.

Only when the people are prosperous, the territory vast, and the national fortune thriving, can an empire truly ascend to the rank of an Imperial Court.

If the Divine Martial Empire were to follow the conventional path, it would take at least several hundred years or even a thousand years to achieve this transformation.

Such a long period of time was something Gu Yang could afford to wait.

But he did not want to wait.

If there was a way to expedite the Divine Martial Empire's ascension, Gu Yang naturally wanted it to happen sooner rather than later.

The heavens are unpredictable.

No one could guarantee when the Divine Martial Empire would face a great tribulation.

Therefore, what Gu Yang needed to do was to enhance his own strength and that of the entire Divine Martial Empire, so that when facing future tribulations, they would have the confidence to overcome them.

Initially, Gu Yang had not planned to take action against the Xingchen Imperial Court so soon.

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However, the effect of the proclamation was beyond Gu Yang's expectations.

Once it was confirmed that the Xingchen Imperial Court had colluded with evil spirits, the reactions of various powers far exceeded Gu Yang's expectations.

Upon further reflection, Gu Yang found it reasonable.

After all, the Xingchen Imperial Court's collusion with evil spirits and their harm to living beings had caught the attention of many righteous cultivators. Moreover, numerous powers had sensed the scent of profit in this situation.

The righteousness of the human race ultimately could not compete with the allure of profit.

Now that various powers were eager to take action and divide the Xingchen Imperial Court, Gu Yang could not stand idly by.

Given this situation, if the Divine Martial Empire hesitated, they might not even get a chance to benefit.

---

Guxingzhou! A fierce battle raged between two armies.

On one side was the Divine Martial Empire's army led by Yan Yun, and on the other was the Xingchen Imperial Court's army.

The latter defended the city, and a fierce battle ensued.

In the void, many powerful cultivators secretly observed the scene. After all, the Xingchen Imperial Court had become a target for many, and numerous human cultivators had entered the area, hoping to claim a share of the spoils.

A war of this scale naturally attracted attention.

"Is the Divine Martial Empire truly a newly established Imperial Court? With such a formidable army, I fear that many long-standing Imperial Courts might pale in comparison!"

A Dao Palace Realm cultivator was shocked by the sight of the army's morale and the presence of numerous powerful cultivators among them. Some of their auras even made his heart race.

If it weren't for the knowledge that the Divine Martial Empire was established less than a hundred years ago, he might have mistaken it for an ancient Imperial Court.

Hearing this, another cultivator coldly smiled, "Gu Qingfeng is the Supreme Emperor of the Divine Martial Empire. With him leading the way, how could the Divine Martial Empire be measured by common sense?"

"If a full-scale war were to break out, I fear that many Imperial Courts would have to bow before the Divine Martial Empire!"

Upon hearing the name Gu Qingfeng, the crowd fell silent.

This person is truly a towering mountain that weighs on everyone's minds.

Whether you are a top-notch genius or an overbearing powerhouse, you'd still have to bow down before this person.

Since Gu Qingfeng's birth, his strength and achievements have been astonishing, and no one would doubt his capabilities.

Just as that powerful cultivator had said earlier.

If we were to discuss the foundation and strength of the entire Divine Martial Empire, even many imperial dynasties would have to bow down in submission.

Gu Qingfeng alone.

Is capable of suppressing an entire imperial dynasty.

Even at the peak of their power, many imperial dynasties might not be able to compare to Gu Qingfeng.

This is the terrifying nature of a top-tier powerhouse.

In the face of absolute strength, numbers often become insignificant.

Unless—

If the number of people reaches a level that can be considered defying heaven, then perhaps they could pile up and kill a powerful cultivator.

But it's quite obvious.

A mere imperial dynasty doesn't have the qualifications to do so.

If there isn't a powerful cultivator of the same level to hold down the fort, wanting to surround and kill a cultivator comparable to a top-tier Empire Aspirant is nothing but a pipe dream.

It is precisely because of the three words, Gu Qingfeng, that many cultivators watching the battlefield below have some unpleasant thoughts, but they suppress their ideas.

Some things may be good, but they are not something one can touch.

If they were to stir up trouble, they'd only be asking for it.

The Divine Martial Empire is not to be offended.

To be precise.

It is the person behind the Divine Martial Empire that they cannot afford to offend.

As long as Gu Qingfeng remains alive, unless a Great Emperor is born, no one can move the Divine Martial Empire even a tiny bit.

This is certain.

Without a doubt.

At this moment.

A powerful cultivator from the Imperial Court, who had accompanied the army, approached Yan Yun and spoke in a low voice.

"General Yan, there are several cultivators secretly coveting, including at least three or four Half-Saint level powerhouses. We must be cautious!"

"Half-Saints are not a concern. As long as they don't interfere with the war, we need not worry."

Yan Yun glanced at the void, his expression calm as he replied.

"It's within my expectations that cultivators would secretly observe the battle."

Yan Yun wasn't too concerned about this.

After all, even if these Half-Saints had ten times the courage, they wouldn't dare to interfere in the affairs of the Divine Martial Empire.

Offending the Divine Martial Empire would have consequences that not everyone could bear.

Even some ancient aristocratic families or primeval ancient families would have to be respectful towards the Divine Martial Empire, let alone a few Half-Saints.

Upon hearing this, the Imperial Court cultivator's expression relaxed.

He had only joined the Imperial Court a few years ago and hadn't fully adjusted to his new identity.

Before joining the Imperial Court as a cultivator, he was just a freetravel cultivator. Although he was a Half-Saint level cultivator, he had to be cautious in his actions.

Especially during the pursuit of opportunities, he had to prevent other cultivators from secretly attacking him.

There was no other way.

As a freetravel cultivator, he had no backing.

If he offended someone, he'd only need to crush them to death without worrying about any repercussions.

But things are different now.

Having joined the Divine Martial Empire, his identity as a freetravel cultivator is no longer the same. Offending him is equivalent to offending the entire Divine Martial Empire.

After that.

Yan Yun looked towards the battlefield, his brows furrowed. "The people from the Xingchen Imperial Court seem a bit off. Has Zhang, the Imperial Court cultivator, discovered any clues?"

"Indeed, something is amiss!"

Zhang, the Imperial Court cultivator, nodded, his expression becoming much more solemn.

"I've noticed that the people from the Xingchen Imperial Court are unafraid of pain and even death. Logically speaking, a siege war of this scale should be enough to dampen their morale.

Even the most elite troops wouldn't remain unchanged.

But the situation in the Xingchen Imperial Court is clearly not right..."

Upon hearing this.

Yan Yun confirmed his suspicions.

"In that case, this should be similar to some evil spirit techniques that manipulate people's hearts. Or perhaps, these people have already become puppets of evil spirits!"

"However, it's also normal. Even after the news of the Xingchen Imperial Court sacrificing civilians and colluding with evil spirits spread, there are still large armies willing to defend the city without retreat. It's impossible for there to be no hidden schemes."

"Pass down the order to speed up the siege. This general intends to capture the city before sunset!"

Yan Yun's final words were directed at the deputy general beside him.

The latter immediately accepted the order.

Immediately after.

Yan Yun turned to Zhang, the Imperial Court cultivator, and said, "It seems we'll have to trouble the experts from the Imperial Court to open up the situation for our army!"

"Rest assured, General Yan. Leave this matter to the Imperial Court cultivators."

Zhang, the Imperial Court cultivator, nodded and then led the other Imperial Court cultivators, soaring into the sky and heading towards the city walls.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end