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Chapter 359: The Empress (Part 2)
Chapter 359: The Empress (Part 2)
He did not seem to bear any severe wounds, but his demonic aura was low and lacked its former ferocity.
Upon its back stood Khan Hari'ger of the Lone Eagle Khanate.
Beside the Bear King stood Berg, the chief of the Falling Sun Tribe, and Monk Jiaseng of the Sumeru Vajra Division.
The patriarch of the Three Springs Palace, Zhao You'an, led his forces in pursuit of the Tang Dynasty cultivators retreating to the west.
Meanwhile, the chief of the Ang Tribe, Danbaei, headed east with his soldiers, pursuing the Tang cultivators fleeing in that direction.
Princess-Consort Yangjin and several monks of the Sumeru Lotus Division were not present at this juncture.
They had requested Khan Hari'ger's permission to join the pursuit of the Tang cultivators fleeing westward, and he had readily granted it.
Jia Sheng of the Vajra Division did not object.
He was well aware that Princess-Consort Yangjin and the others from the Lotus Division were spreading out to further understand the human realm of the Tang Dynasty.
It wasn't so much that the Lotus Division harbored any intentions towards the Tang Dynasty.
It was more a matter of reciprocity.
The master of the Vajra Division and Jia Sheng himself had previously traveled through the human realm of the Great Song Dynasty with the assistance of the Lotus Division, familiarizing themselves with the human realm while also establishing a connection with the Lone Eagle Khanate. In the process, they had also gained a basic understanding of the human realm of the Tang Dynasty.
Now, Jia Sheng would not stand in the way of Princess-Consort Yangjin and the others.
His attention turned to the tall man standing beside the Snow Country Bear King.
Khan Hari'ger of the Lone Eagle Khanate.
The ruler and foremost warrior of the Lone Eagle Khanate.
A Martial Saint of the Ninth Heaven Perfected Realm through the Riding Martial Tradition.
At this level, they were customarily referred to as Human Immortals.
Human Immortals of the Riding Martial Tradition possessed incredible might, both physically and mentally. Aside from their formidable physical prowess, their spiritual power was even more awe-inspiring. Against foes, both human and other lifeforms, they exhibited overwhelming pressure and dominance.
Those whose cultivation realm was insufficient and whose spiritual cultivation was not profound might very well be defeated without exchanging a single blow.
During the previous battle at Yinshan, it was only because Zhao You'an stood his ground and faced Chief Daunbaer of the Ang Tribe without yielding an inch that the latter's spiritual pressure did not prove overwhelmingly superior to that of Daoist Zhao You'an of the Dan Ding Sect, a Great Vehicle Daoist of the Tang Dynasty.
And Khan Hari'ger, whose power surpassed that of Dabura, would only hold a more pronounced advantage in this regard.
Human Immortals of the Riding Martial Tradition not only intimidated their enemies but also began to exert a commanding presence over other Riding Martial warriors, mutually reinforcing each other's might.
Without further ado, Jia Sheng and Bermu Ge turned back, intending to assist Hari'ger in facing the Tang Emperor.
However, before they could make their decision, the countless light spots that had appeared earlier now shone with a dazzling white light, covering the entire land of Yunzhou.
The restless earth veins seemed to stir as if a multitude of dragons were turning in their slumber.
The nation's rivers and mountains, along with the heaven and earth's spiritual energy, intertwined in this moment.
The countless flickering lights converged into a brilliant expanse of white light.
The many light mirrors, shining with white light, disappeared into the radiance.
The vast expanse of white light expanded, connecting everything into one.
The brilliant light enveloped all of Yunzhou, and as the spiritual energy rippled, a different landscape seemed to unfold.
Within that expanse of white light, it was as if a miniature version of the vast territory of the Great Tang Dynasty was superimposed over the land of Yunzhou, appearing incredibly detailed and complete.
Caught within this phenomenon, the group of foreign experts and Monk Jia Sheng from the Sumeru Vajra Division were equally astonished.
Based on Jia Sheng's knowledge, throughout history, similar instances of emperors harnessing the nation's geography and fortune had occurred, but none had manifested such an extraordinary phenomenon.
The current Tang Empress, Zhang Wantong, had a solid foundation in Confucian teachings.
With such a display of might, she had undoubtedly reached the Ninth Heaven Perfected Realm.
However, even a Ninth Heaven Confucian master of the Five Classics would not be able to encompass such a vast expanse of void with their nation's geography.
Empress Zhang Wantong of the Tang Dynasty... Monk Jia Sheng's heart suddenly stirred with unease.
The Sumeru Vajra Division had made multiple assessments of Empress Zhang Wantong's strength.
After witnessing Khan Harihger of the Lone Eagle Khanate, Jia Sheng's worries had lessened considerably.
But at this moment, his heart and mind suddenly wavered.
This Buddhist monk, who had cultivated to the Ninth Heaven Law Body Realm, stabilized his mind and channeled his power outward, attempting to break through the white light that enveloped Yunzhou.
However, he was unable to escape.
He stood motionless for a while, then made a swift decision and turned back to find Khan Harihger.
Although he would have to face Empress Zhang Wantong directly, at this moment, their strength would be diminished if they were divided.
This battle ahead was one they must win at all costs!
To the east, Abbot Bermu Ge did the same, turning his army around.
From the outside, the white light formed a picturesque landscape that covered Yunzhou, and within it, one could vaguely discern the majestic and awe-inspiring silhouette of a true dragon swirling above.
The true dragon soared in the sky, obscuring the firmament above.
Although the Sky Eagle, Hu He Cha Gai, bore the name of a celestial eagle, even it could not fly out from under this canopy.
Outside of Yunzhou, some of the Great Tang cultivators who had withdrawn in time looked back, equally astonished.
"The enemy chieftain and their main forces have all fallen into Her Majesty's trap."
Chu Yu appeared at this moment, his expression calm as he soothed the startled and agitated group: "Everyone, do not be alarmed. We shall assist Prince Zhao and the others, and together, we will wipe out the enemy's scattered forces outside Yunzhou."
Jing Xiang Fangzu's leader, Fang Huansheng, calmed down and quietly sensed the white light landscape before him.
It was as if he were facing an illusory void, a separate world disconnected from the mortal realm, isolated from all.
Those inside could not get out, and those outside could not enter.
"Her Majesty has taken to the battlefield herself. The enemy chieftain will surely surrender. We shall follow Her Majesty's edict." Fang Huansheng withdrew his gaze and spoke calmly.
The others gradually calmed down and echoed his words: "We shall follow Her Majesty's edict."
However, despite their words, everyone was still awe-struck by the sight of the vast and majestic white light landscape.
…………………
In the imperial capital of Luoyang...
With the Empress leading the campaign in person, the capital was left vulnerable. The Crown Prince was entrusted with governing in her stead.
Shence Army General Shangguan Yunbo returned to Luoyang to strengthen the central leadership.
However, most of Shangguan Yunbo's attention was focused on patrolling Luoyang.
The court officials reported directly to the Crown Prince.
Recently, the entire Great Tang Dynasty had been in turmoil, and Luoyang was no exception.
Without any news, they knew that the Empress was already engaged in battle with the enemy on the front lines.
The Crown Prince, Zhang Hui, instructed the north to promptly report the details of the great battle.
Later, he received several officials.
After seeing them out, Zhang Hui retired to the rear palace.
Several people were already waiting for him there. Upon his arrival, they stood up to greet him.
"Uncle, Aunt, please rise." Zhang Hui returned their greetings and then nodded to the few young officials of the Eastern Palace: "Everyone, please be seated."
The elegantly dressed elder was named Zhang Yang, the Chen Shan King, one of the oldest and most respected members of the Zhang-Tang royal family.
The palace-dressed woman was named Zhang Qiongrong, a cousin of the previous emperor, Zhang Qilong, and the current Empress, Zhang Wantong. She had been a princess and was later bestowed the title of Dongping Princess.
Shangguan Zhengqing, who stood beside her, was her nephew. At Zhang Hui's behest, he sat down with Chu Pu and Ye Song.
In addition, there was a young Confucian scholar with a refined and calm demeanor. He was Fang Zhu, the young leader of the Jingxiang Fang family, who had become a core figure in the higher echelons.
"With the loss of Yinshan, all of Hedong is now under threat."
Chen Shan King Zhang Yang spoke slowly: "Although Her Majesty has taken to the battlefield herself, the barbarians are cunning and move like the wind and lightning. If they attack from multiple directions, our nation will be in peril. We must be vigilant."
Crown Prince Zhang Hui said, "Uncle's words are most prudent."
Princess Zhang Qiongrong of Dongping had a gentle tone, but her words were piercingly accurate: "The Western Region's Sumeru Diamond Department has revolted, and there are issues in the East with the Underwater Penglai. The court is currently stretched thin trying to handle everything."
Crown Prince Zhang Hui said, "In the East and West, we have the true cultivators of the Tian Shi Fu and the elders of the Ye and Chu clans to handle the situation. I believe there will be no issues."
Princess Zhang Qiongrong of the Dongping Kingdom said calmly, "However, the conflicts with the Sumeru Gold Core Force and the Underwater Penglai were provoked by Master Tian Shi's Tang and Xu. If not for this, our Great Tang forces could have focused all their power in the North, and we would not have faced defeat at Yinshan. My brother, King Dongyuan, would not have perished in battle."
Zhang Hui said, "The loss of Elder Zhang of the Shu Shan Sect is indeed a great blow."
Shangguan Zhengqing sighed, "Not to mention Qingzhou, Suzhou, the Pure Yang Palace, and the Tian Shi Fu, even within the court, we have wasted and delayed too much time over the years. If we hadn't, the situation would be very different now."
Crown Prince Zhang Hui did not respond to this.
Shangguan Zhengqing was speaking on behalf of Zhang Qiongrong.
The underlying criticism was directed at the Empress's many decisions over the years, favoring commoners and neglecting the royal family and noble officials.
On the surface, there were only a few Scholarly Academies, but these measures were never limited to just a few academies. The intense competition was drawn out because they involved the Confucian aristocratic families.
Beneath the seemingly calm surface of the military, there were also undercurrents of conflict.
The massive influx of commoner and clan disciples into the Shence Army had a profound impact on the royal family, nobles, and even the Zhang-Zong royal family.
"Her Majesty has the foresight to attract talented individuals from all over the world, which is undoubtedly a good thing. If we continue these good policies for many years, we will surely reap the benefits."
"Chen Shan King Zhang Yang spoke slowly, "Her Majesty has been on the throne for nearly four decades. While this time may seem short to ordinary people, it is still too short for cultivators. A large amount of national treasury and heavenly resources have been spent, but it will take time to see results and returns. Although a few talented individuals have emerged, their number is still too small. However, if all of this were invested in places with existing foundations, forty years would be enough to see progress. Now, with the surging tides of the world, the return of the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands, and even the existence of other human realms, we are facing turbulent times. Our Great Tang desperately needs to accumulate strength to withstand the coming storms. But now, we find ourselves in a precarious situation, struggling to stay afloat."
"How can we face the founding emperors, as well as the Tang and Zong royal families, if our empire is in danger?" Zhang Yang continued, his words carrying a weighty tone.
Crown Prince Zhang Hui remained silent, neither agreeing nor rebuking the speaker.
For Zhang Yang and Zhang Qiongrong, this silence was a statement in itself.
Fang Zhu, Chu Pu, and Ye Song sat quietly, listening intently.
Shangguan Zhengqing met eyes with them, and they all nodded slightly in understanding.
This was the first time the Zhang-Tang royal family had been so straightforward about their concerns in front of the younger generation of aristocratic families.
It was a clear statement of their stance.
"Now, we must unite to overcome these difficult times," Zhang Yang concluded.
Finally, Crown Prince Zhang Hui spoke, "Her Majesty has taken to the battlefield herself. We must ensure stability in the capital and not give her any worries. The invasion of foreign tribes poses a threat to our nation, and it is our top priority to repel them."
As he spoke, an urgent report from the front lines arrived.
Zhang Hui read the report and remained silent for a long while.
After a moment, he passed the report to the others for them to read.
The room fell into an anxious silence.
The report detailed the developments in Yunzhou.
Ye Song and Chu Pu exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with concern.
Fang Zhu, who had been quiet until now, spoke bluntly, "This is why the Ninth Uncle and the three elders from Cangzhou, Qingzhou, and Suzhou never gathered in the same place."
Ye Song and Chu Pu remained silent, knowing that even with this knowledge, they had likely underestimated Her Majesty.
Dongping Princess Zhang Qiongrong regained her composure and spoke with a calm tone, "Her Majesty's talent in cultivation is extraordinary, surpassing even the previous emperor. However, her policies and decisions are questionable. She is no different from the previous Celestial Master, Tang Zhenren, acting on a whim and making reckless decisions. It is because of their mistakes that the Sumeru Vajra Division has turned against us, becoming a threat. In trying to gain an advantage, we have only weakened ourselves."
Chen Shan King Zhang Yang added, "While Tang Zhenren's actions may be questionable, it is commendable that she passed on the position of Celestial Master to Xuan Xiaozi, choosing to support him and act as the protector of the Taoist law. Her integrity and wisdom are undeniable."
Zhang Qiongrong nodded in agreement.
Fang Zhu then turned to Crown Prince Zhang Hui, as this was the most crucial part of today's meeting.
Ye Song spoke softly, "Her Majesty makes decisions on her own, and her perspective may not align with that of the Celestial Master's Mansion."
He paused before continuing, "If not for this, she wouldn't have created a new faction to cultivate new talents."
The elderly Zhang Yang looked at Crown Prince Zhang Hui and said, "In the end, this Great Tang empire will always belong to the Zhang family."
Zhang Hui reiterated, "Our top priority is to repel the invading foreign tribes."
Everyone in the room agreed, acknowledging the urgency of the situation.
The Lone Eagle Khanate and the Sumeru Vajra Division were formidable enemies.
The battle of Yunzhou had begun unexpectedly, but its outcome would determine the course of many future events.
…………………
Lei Jun stood at the border of Yunzhou and Jinzhou, gazing at the white light that enveloped the mountains and rivers before him. He, too, was surprised by the extent of Empress Zhang Wantong's power.
He had expected her to be extraordinary, but the scale of her current endeavor was impressive.
With his current cultivation, insight, and intelligence, Lei Jun could discern that the Empress's abilities were enhanced by the nation's geography and her own unique understanding.
It reminded him somewhat of Meng Shaoji's historical studies, but her cultivation, divine powers, and realm were far superior to Meng's current state.
She had a Confucian foundation.
However, to be blunt, the current situation resembled a gladiatorial arena.
According to the information he had received, only a limited number of Great Tang cultivators were trapped within, as most had evacuated Yunzhou in time.
On the other hand, the Lone Eagle Khanate had sent their best warriors.
There was Ha Rihger, the Lone Eagle Khan, a Human Immortal of the Ninth Heaven Perfected Realm.
The monk, Jia Sheng, a Ninth Heaven Law Body Realm high monk.
The Martial Saint, Berg, a Ninth Heaven Perfected Realm warrior.
And even the mighty beasts, the Azure Sky Eagles, and the Snow Country Bear King.
All of the invading heavy cavalry warriors, light cavalry, body tempering warriors, and striking warriors were trapped within as well.
Her Majesty had certainly made a spectacular move.
Lei Jun didn't have much interaction with the Empress, but based on his past impressions, he didn't think she had created this situation with the intention of sacrificing herself to delay the enemy.
Having reached the Ninth Heaven Perfected Realm and imbued with the nation's geography, she was an incredibly formidable opponent.
Lei Jun shook his head slightly, choosing not to interfere with the white light that surrounded Yunzhou.
However, he didn't leave immediately.
There was one crucial figure who had yet to make an appearance—the leader of the Vajra Division, the monk, Gala Tuo.
A Ninth Heaven Law Body Realm high monk, just one step away from achieving the Buddha Body, Gala Tuo was an entirely different caliber from Jia Sheng.
If anyone could break this balance from the outside, it would be him.
If he didn't come here, then where was he?
Lei Jun pondered this as he gazed westward.
PS: 8k words per chapter
(End of Chapter)
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