Chapter 358: King Cloud Gu Xiu

Chapter 358: King Cloud Gu Xiu

Just as Yan Yun was caught in a dilemma, a terrifying aura suddenly erupted, and a blood-red energy surged into the sky, dispersing all the strange and chilling presence like the radiant sun.

Sword qi shot through the air like a rainbow, as if it could tear apart the entire world.

“A Saint!”

Zhang Gongyang, sensing the intense fluctuations, turned pale with shock.

With his half-Saint cultivation, he felt as insignificant as an ant under such sword qi. Only a Saint could possess such power.

Clearly, a Saint-level powerhouse had taken action against the hidden Evil Spirits.

This sudden turn of events instantly made Zhang Gongyang realize it was a perfect opportunity.

“General Yan, with a Saint taking action to slay the Evil Spirits, this is the best chance for us to suppress the enemy army!”

“Pass the general’s order, attack with all our might to prevent the enemy from hindering the Saint’s efforts to slay the Evil Spirits!”

Yan Yun quickly regained his composure and issued the command in a stern voice.

As Zhang Gongyang had said, this was indeed a perfect opportunity.

If the Saint could slay the Evil Spirits, their army’s problems would be solved.

The battle at the Saint level was naturally beyond Yan Yun and his men.

So what Yan Yun could do now was to prevent the undead army from reinforcing the Evil Spirits.

However, the aura did not last long. Soon, all the corpses seemed to lose their power and fell to the ground simultaneously, lifeless.

“The Evil Spirits are dead!”

Yan Yun’s face relaxed upon seeing this.

At that moment, a cultivator descended from the sky.

Yan Yun immediately understood that this was the mysterious powerhouse who had slain the Evil Spirits.

“Divine Martial Empire’s Yan Yun, I greet you, Sir. May I ask for your name?”

“Gu Xiu!”

Upon hearing this, Yan Yun’s face changed dramatically.

“You are King Cloud Gu Xiu?!”

Qing Wang Gu Xuan!

King Cloud Gu Xiu!

These were two of the princes of the Divine Martial Empire.

While Yan Yun was not unfamiliar with Gu Xuan, though he had not met him often, he did know him.

However, Gu Xiu was different.

Yan Yun had only heard of a King Cloud in the imperial court but had no idea what he looked like.

Although the Gu Xiu before him seemed to share some resemblance with Gu Qingfeng, appearances could be deceiving, and Yan Yun could not be entirely certain.

Seeming to sense Yan Yun’s doubts, Gu Xiu did not waste words and directly took out the imperial edict given to him by Gu Yang.

“This is the imperial edict from my brother. General Yan, you may inspect it.”

Yan Yun did not hesitate and immediately took the edict, seeing the unique seal of the Divine Martial Empire and the aura of the imperial dynasty it contained.

While the seal could be forged, the aura of the nation’s fortune was impossible to fake.

“Your subordinate Yan Yun pays respects to King Cloud!”

After confirming Gu Xiu’s identity, Yan Yun bowed respectfully.

The other generals and members of the Gong Feng Academy also showed due respect.

The title of King Cloud carried immense weight in the Divine Martial Empire.

This was because King Cloud’s father was Gu Qingfeng.

These three words alone held tremendous power.

Moreover, Gu Xiu’s ability to slay the Evil Spirits clearly indicated he was at the Saint level, making it impossible for Yan Yun and his men to be disrespectful.

“General Yan, you are too kind.”

Gu Xiu smiled slightly, not putting on airs as a prince.

At this moment, Yan Yun asked his question, “May I ask, King Cloud, what brings you here?”

“My brother has sent me to assist you in the campaign against the Xingchen Imperial Court. If you have any needs, feel free to speak, and I will do my best to help.”

“Is that so?”

Yan Yun’s face lit up with joy.

With Gu Xiu in command, their army would have a stronger foundation.

Thinking of this, Yan Yun asked tentatively, “May I ask, what is King Cloud’s current realm?”

“I am at the Dao Palace Ninth Level. As you know, in this age of declining laws, no one can become a Saint. However, in terms of strength, I should be able to handle most Saints!”

As he spoke, Gu Xiu silently added to himself, except for his father.

The notion that no one could become a Saint in the age of declining laws did not apply to his father.

After all, Gu Qingfeng had already reached the Saint King Realm, and the so-called Heavenly Dao’s suppression did not exist for him.

As for how Gu Qingfeng broke through the barrier, Gu Xiu did not ask, but he was certain it was something beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Otherwise, Gu Qingfeng would have shared the method with him.

At the very least, his older brother should have been able to become a Saint.

Such matters, in Gu Xiu’s view, Gu Qingfeng would never keep secret.

After all, the one who could even part with an Eternal Life Immortal Herb clearly showed deep paternal love.

On the other side.

When Yan Yun heard that Gu Xi was only at the Ninth Level of the Dao Palace Realm, he felt a bit disappointed at first. However, as the other party continued speaking, that disappointment quickly dissipated.

At the same time.

He was also somewhat shocked.

The Ninth Level of the Dao Palace Realm could rival a Saint.

Each of these individuals was considered a prodigy of the age.

Whether it was the emperor, Gu Xuan, or Gu Xi, their strength could not be measured by ordinary standards.

Afterward.

Yan Yun led his troops into the city as a temporary resting place for the army.

This time.

Yan Yun did not act rashly.

He was waiting.

Waiting for Jiang Mo and Xue Cheng to arrive.

In the campaign against the Xingchen Imperial Court, the Divine Martial Empire had divided its forces into three routes, with Yan Yun leading just one of them.

The remaining two routes were led by Jiang Mo and Xue Cheng, respectively.

Although the three armies were divided, they were ultimately to converge at a single location.

Here.

This was the convergence point.

Ten days later.

The other two armies finally arrived, albeit belatedly.

Both armies had suffered significant losses, with most of the soldiers bearing injuries, indicating that they had faced numerous challenges along the way.

When the armies entered the city to rest and regroup, many of the soldiers showed a sense of relief.

Inside the government office.

The few gathered took their seats.

"Your servant greets Prince Yun!"

Jiang Mo and Xue Cheng, who had initially been by Gu Yang's side, were naturally familiar with Gu Xi. However, they did not expect to see him here.

Gu Xi smiled slightly upon hearing this. "General Xue, General Jiang, it has been a long time!"

At this moment.

Yan Yun said, "This time, there were Evil Spirits guarding the city, manipulating the corpses of the citizens to cause chaos. If it weren't for Prince Yun personally slaying that Evil Spirit, it would not have been so easy for us to take the city.

Moving forward, we will encounter the Celestial Pivot Mansion, the core of the Xingchen Imperial Court."

"According to our scouts, the Celestial Pivot Mansion is shrouded in a mysterious black mist, making it difficult for sunlight to truly penetrate it.

From the situation along the way, it seems that the citizens of the Celestial Pivot Mansion have long since perished!"

Yan Yun first flattered Gu Xi before getting straight to the point.

His words.

Caused the others to become solemn.

Jiang Mo said angrily, "The Lu royal family is truly inhumane, slaughtering even their loyal subjects. What could they be thinking, to ally with Evil Spirits?!"

Throughout the journey, Jiang Mo had truly witnessed the horrific scenes, building up a great deal of anger toward the Xingchen Imperial Court. He was also somewhat confused.

In response.

Yan Yun and the others were silent, understanding each other without words.

They had their own guesses as to why the Xingchen Imperial Court had taken such a desperate risk, and it likely had something to do with the Divine Martial Empire.

However.

This was by no means a justification for the Xingchen Imperial Court to ally with Evil Spirits and slaughter their own people.

Yan Yun moved to the center of the government office hall, where a large sand table was placed. On it, various colored flags were scattered.

If one looked closely, they would see that these flags surrounded a central area.

There.

Was the Celestial Pivot Mansion.

The core of the Xingchen Imperial Court.

Yan Yun said, "Now, all the forces have surrounded the Celestial Pivot Mansion, but none have made a move, as the situation inside remains unclear.

Although Lu Zhen has allied with Evil Spirits, his methods are not ordinary, and he would not simply sit and wait for his demise.

Therefore, there must be a powerful force within the Celestial Pivot Mansion that gives Lu Zhen the confidence to stand against our combined forces!"

"Three days ago, messengers from other factions came, stating that all the forces have agreed to a pact: whoever can slay Lu Zhen's head will gain control of the Xingchen Imperial Court's territory!"

Upon hearing this.

The others, who were unaware of this development, were visibly startled.

Gaining control of an imperial court's territory!

This was no small matter.

The Xingchen Imperial Court had been operating for many years, and its territory spanned an entire province. The vast Eastern Domain had only 108 provinces in total.

The Xingchen Imperial Court occupied one of these provinces, giving an idea of its size.

Even though the Gu Yue Province was now riddled with wounds and could not be compared to other major provinces.

Nonetheless.

It was still one of the 108 provinces.

Not to mention.

The resources of a single province alone were enough to make anyone covetous.

If the Divine Martial Empire could capture the entire Gu Yue Province, its territory would expand to an astonishing degree, ranking it among the top empires in the world.

Next.

The Divine Martial Empire only needs to develop its population significantly, and ascending to an imperial dynasty will be a matter of course.

However.

Everyone also understands.

Truly conquering Gu Yue Province is no easy feat.

Beheading Lu Zhen is no small task.

Xue Cheng looked at the sand table, his expression serious: "Killing Lu Zhen is not that simple. The situation at Celestial Pivot Mansion is still unknown. Whoever makes the first move might just be doing it for someone else's benefit.

For now, we can only wait patiently and avoid being too hasty!"

"Our general's view is the same as General Xue's!"

Jiang Mo nodded.

The others also held similar views.

Acting rashly without knowing the situation at Celestial Pivot Mansion carries too much risk.

Especially considering the resistance they've faced from the Xingchen Imperial Court, which already shows how formidable this imperial dynasty is.

If they were to advance into Celestial Pivot Mansion alone, these thirty million troops would likely be no match.

Actually—

There are no longer thirty million troops.

The losses have been significant, and now, combining all three armies, they only have about twenty-three million left.

At this moment.

Yan Yun looked at Gu Xiu, who had remained silent.

"Prince Cloud, what are your thoughts on this?"

"Warfare is not my forte, but I agree with the two generals. The situation at Celestial Pivot Mansion is still unclear, and sending troops in rashly could lead to unforeseen dangers.

More importantly, the civilians in Celestial Pivot Mansion have little chance of survival, and the entire region is surrounded by various forces.

Lu Zhen is now like a bird in a cage, unable to escape.

If that's the case, why don't we wait and let others make the first move?"

Gu Xiu expressed his view.

He also did not recommend directly entering Celestial Pivot Mansion.

With his keen perception, Gu Xiu could sense that there was some unknown danger lurking within Celestial Pivot Mansion.

As someone who has survived for decades in the You Mo Realm, evading all their pursuits, Gu Xiu relied on his sharp sixth sense.

Or perhaps it was the environment of the You Mo Realm that honed his keen perception of situations.

Regardless, Celestial Pivot Mansion was fraught with danger.

After a pause, Gu Xiu continued: "Additionally, I believe we should inform His Majesty about this matter and let him make the final decision!"

"Prince Cloud's words are wise!"

Yan Yun nodded.

Passing this issue to Gu Yang would simplify things considerably.

Soon.

Yan Yun sent a message back to the Divine Martial Empire.

Within half an hour, a response came from the Divine Martial Empire.

Gu Yang's reply was just four words: "Wait for the right moment!"

Seeing this, Yan Yun and Jiang Mo, among others, relaxed.

If Gu Yang had told them to wait for the right moment, it meant they didn't need to rush into Celestial Pivot Mansion. They could plan their moves carefully.

What they feared was if Gu Yang insisted on sending the troops directly into Celestial Pivot Mansion to behead Lu Zhen first. In that case, they would have no choice but to comply.

After all, when an imperial command is given, who could refuse?

At that time.

They would be truly caught between a rock and a hard place.

Fortunately.

Gu Yang did not give a direct order but left the decision in their hands, making subsequent actions much easier.

Jiang Mo said, "Since His Majesty has instructed us to wait for the right moment, let's observe the situation for now. We can send some scouts into Celestial Pivot Mansion to gather information and keep an eye on the other forces.

At this point, all the forces are waiting for the right moment. Even if we hold back, we must not miss the opportunity!"

"Agreed!"

"I also agree!"

Many of the generals nodded in agreement, and Gu Xiu naturally had no objections.

As he said, warfare was not his strong suit.

For things he was not good at, Gu Xiu never interfered but let the professionals make the decisions.

Seeing that everyone shared the same view, Yan Yun had no reason to oppose it.

Besides.

Without a clear understanding of the situation at Celestial Pivot Mansion, Yan Yun also dared not act rashly.

While the Divine Martial Empire held back, the other forces adopted a similar approach. While their main armies remained stationary, numerous scouts slowly infiltrated Celestial Pivot Mansion to gather more information. (End of Chapter)

Chapter end