Chapter 386: Nangong Zhu's Hatred

Chapter 386: Nangong Zhu's Hatred

A few days later.

Gu Qingfeng reentered his seclusion.

This time, his goal was to continue deducing the Dao Canon.

Meanwhile, Gu Fengchen brought the stone tablet inscribed with the Dao Canon back to the Divine Martial Imperial Dynasty and handed it over to Gu Yang.

"This is the legacy my father deduced over several years of seclusion. The Dao Canon is indeed profound..."

With Gu Yang's current Saint-level cultivation, he was slightly taken aback when he truly saw the Dao Canon.

The profundity of this cultivation method was even more terrifying than he had imagined.

Gu Yang followed the cultivation method outlined in the Dao Canon and tried to slightly stir his qi and blood. Immediately, he felt his meridians tremble, and a mysterious and profound Dao aura spread out.

This Dao aura did not come from his physical body but from his qi and blood.

"The Gu Family's Meridians!"

Gu Yang instantly understood.

Cultivating the Dao Canon could activate the Gu Family's Meridians. After reaching the Sage Realm, Gu Yang had believed that he had truly reached the pinnacle of every level below the Saint Realm.

However, upon reviewing the Dao Canon again, Gu Yang suddenly realized that his previous cultivation still had some flaws.

He had a premonition.

If he could correct these flaws, his strength would greatly increase.

"With this Dao Canon!"

"The Gu Family will surely thrive!"

The Dao Canon was unfathomably profound. Although it only reached the ninth level of the Dao Palace Realm, it was sufficient to allow cultivators to reach the pinnacle of each realm.

To put it bluntly.

If one could lay the foundation with the Dao Canon, it would be something that many imperial legacies could not match.

Imperial legacy.

Gu Yang possessed one as well.

However, the imperial legacy he obtained could not be compared to the Dao Canon in terms of cultivation methods up to the Dao Palace Realm.

This was the Gu Family's imperial legacy!

Even if the current Dao Canon had not yet truly entered the ranks of imperial legacies, it could certainly be elevated to a true imperial legacy in the future.

Gu Yang had absolute confidence in this.

As long as Gu Qingfeng did not die, the Gu Family would surely produce an Emperor, and the Dao Canon would naturally transform into an imperial legacy.

Afterward, Gu Yang looked at Gu Fengchen and said, "Take this stone tablet back to the Gu Family. Only those with the Gu Family's Meridians can cultivate it!"

"Grandson understands!"

Gu Fengchen respectfully accepted the order.

Then, he left the imperial palace and headed toward the Gu Family.

Upon returning to the Gu Family, Gu Fengchen followed Gu Yang's instructions and placed the stone tablet in the library for the younger generations to study and cultivate.

At the same time, news of the Dao Canon spread.

All the younger generations of the Gu Family came to hear the news.

Their purpose was one: to study the Dao Canon and cultivate this Gu Family legacy.

---

"The third level of the Dao Palace Realm!"

Gu Shengan's body trembled slightly, and his aura surged, indicating that his cultivation had advanced from the second level of the Dao Palace Realm to the third level.

Moreover, Gu Shengan discovered that this breakthrough was more significant than any of his previous ones.

Even the transformation from the Ninth Stage of Divine Transformation to the Dao Palace Realm was only half as profound as this one.

If the second level of the Dao Palace Realm Gu Shengan could contend with a fifth-level Dao Palace Realm cultivator by relying on his foundation, then now, at the third level of the Dao Palace Realm, he had the confidence to face a ninth-level Dao Palace Realm cultivator.

Gu Shengan clearly understood the source of this transformation: his foundation!

When he transformed his entire cultivation method into the Dao Canon, his past flaws were corrected, allowing his strength to surge despite the seemingly minor advancement in cultivation.

"Having the Gu Family's Meridians, cultivating the Dao Canon is like having divine assistance. If I were to use the previous legacy, it would take at least several times longer to truly break through to the third level of the Dao Palace Realm.

Now, I've succeeded in just half a year, and my strength has greatly increased. This legacy will surely bring a significant transformation to the family!"

Since obtaining the Dao Canon, Gu Shengan had broken through in just half a year, demonstrating the extent of the changes it brought.

Afterward, Gu Shengan emerged from his seclusion.

A deputy general was already waiting for him.

"Salutations, Commander!"

"What is the matter?"

Gu Shengan's eyes were calm, and a sense of authority emanated from him as he looked at the other person.

With his breakthrough, the aura of power surrounding Gu Shengan had become much denser.

The deputy general respectfully said, "The imperial army has run into trouble in North Star Province. Many ancient forces have emerged and are launching attacks. General Jiang has sent a message, hoping that the Divine Martial Guard can provide support."

"North Star Province... My cultivation has just advanced. I will use them to test my new strength!"

Gu Shengan's eyes turned cold, and a murderous intent immediately surfaced on his face.

He had thought that annihilating the Xiao family would strike fear into the hearts of the realm. However, it seemed that the blood of just a few tens of thousands of people from the Xiao family was not enough to make other forces tremble.

If that was the case, then he would kill.

He would kill until every cultivator in the realm quaked at the mention of the Divine Martial Guard, and at the sound of his name, Gu Shengan, they would submit at first sight.

Now that he had broken through to the third level of the Palace of Dao Realm, Gu Shengan was confident he could face off against ninth-level Palace of Dao Realm cultivators. If he ever reached the ninth level, he would be on par with a Saint.

With a single command from Gu Shengan, three million Divine Martial Guard troops set off for Northstar Province.

Elsewhere, in Southstar Province.

The situation for the Taixuan Empire was also growing desperate.

However, it was clear to any discerning observer that the Taixuan Empire's downfall was only a matter of time.

The reason for this was the betrayal of the Taixuan Empire's war god, who not only surrendered to the Divine Martial Empire but also led the Black Armor Guard to submit to the Divine Martial Empire.

This move undoubtedly cost the Taixuan Empire a significant number of elite forces.

More importantly, this betrayal indirectly led to the annihilation of a large part of the Taixuan Empire's army.

This unexpected turn of events caught the Taixuan Empire off guard. By the time the news reached the capital, the Taixuan Empire's border had already fallen. In just ten days, thirty-six of the three thousand six hundred prefectures in Southstar Province had been captured and placed under the control of the Divine Martial Empire.

When the Taixuan Empire finally reacted, Nangong Zhu, despite his anger, immediately organized an army to defend, but they had already lost the initiative.

In just half a year, the Taixuan Empire had lost over three hundred prefectures. The Divine Martial Empire's army advanced like a sharp blade, demonstrating its formidable strength, which struck fear into the hearts of all the forces in Southstar Province.

In this situation, many of the forces under the Taixuan Empire began to harbor other thoughts, and some even secretly defected to the Divine Martial Empire, hoping to secure high positions and wealth.

The Divine Martial Empire welcomed these defectors without hesitation.

After all, in Gu Yang's eyes, Southstar Province would eventually belong to the Divine Martial Empire, and these local forces would become his subjects.

So, if they could surrender without a fight, that would be best.

However, if they insisted on resisting, Gu Yang would not show mercy.

Fortunately, these forces were sensible.

Once they received the Divine Martial Empire's promises and rewards, they immediately instigated rebellions and attacked the Taixuan Empire from behind.

In a short time, the Taixuan Empire was in disarray.

Everything happened so quickly that even Nangong Zhu, the emperor of the Taixuan Empire, was caught off guard. No matter how he thought about it, he couldn't understand why, in just half a year, the Taixuan Empire's millennia-old foundation had crumbled.

"Your Majesty, Xuan Yuan Prefecture has fallen. Prefect Zhao Yangchen has betrayed the court and led his forces to surrender to the Divine Martial Empire!"

"Your Majesty, Tai Yuan Prefecture has been lost. Prefect Chen Shengyuan has died in battle, and his three million troops have been completely annihilated!"

"Your Majesty—"

One piece of bad news after another shattered the silence in the imperial court, creating a suffocating and terrifying atmosphere.

After a long while, Nangong Zhu looked at the ministers with their heads bowed and a mocking smile appeared on his face.

"The Taixuan Empire, founded in the Primeval Era, has fallen into this state in less than a year. Even if I die, I will have no face to meet my ancestors.

Ministers, speak your minds. Is it because the Divine Martial Empire is too strong, or has the Taixuan Empire already become corrupt?"

At these words, the ministers trembled and bowed their heads even lower, afraid to speak out of turn.

Looking at the silent court, Nangong Zhu let out a long sigh and then gave a self-deprecating laugh.

"The Taixuan Empire's legacy will ultimately be destroyed in my hands..."

"Your Majesty—"

An old minister couldn't help but speak up, but he didn't know what to say.

Nangong Zhu waved his hand, signaling the minister to remain silent. His gaze turned vacant as he looked out of the palace, his thoughts shifting as if making a decision.

After a moment, Nangong Zhu spoke: "Duke Chuan!"

"Your servant is here!"

Nangong Chuan stepped forward from the silent court.

Nangong Zhu slowly said, "Duke Chuan, please go to the Divine Martial Empire on my behalf. Tell Gu Yang that the Taixuan Empire will surrender, but on one condition: we want Wang Junze's head in exchange!"

As he spoke, the murderous intent in Nangong Zhu's eyes almost became tangible, and his expression turned fierce.

Love can turn to hate in an instant.

Nangong Zhu had once trusted Wang Junze deeply and entrusted him with important tasks, but this was how Wang Junze repaid him.

Even now.

Nangong Zhu couldn’t understand why Wang Junze had betrayed the Taixuan Empire.

In his view,

The Taixuan Empire could surrender.

But Wang Junze had to die.

“Your Majesty...”

Nangong Chuan’s face changed slightly, and he was about to say something when he saw Nangong Zhu raise a hand to stop him.

“There’s no need for unnecessary words. I believe Duke Chuan understands that the Taixuan Empire’s defeat is only a matter of time. Even if we continue to resist, it will only increase the casualties.

If that’s the case, why continue?”

“The Divine Martial Empire’s momentum is unstoppable. Since the Great Calamity of the Primeval Era, it is likely to become the first divine empire in the Eastern Domain!”

Nangong Zhu shook his head slightly, his face showing a mix of reluctance and resignation.

There was no denying it.

The Divine Martial Empire’s momentum was overwhelming.

Becoming a divine empire was only a matter of time.

On the other hand, the Taixuan Empire, with its millennia of accumulation, had lost the sharp edge that an imperial dynasty should possess.

Nangong Zhu knew very well that even if the Taixuan Empire were given twice the time, it would still be impossible to break through the imperial constraints and ascend to the ranks of the divine empires.

This was because the successive emperors had always sought stability, losing the drive to push forward.

In such a situation,

How could the Taixuan Empire have a chance to ascend to a divine empire?

“I obey your command!”

Nangong Chuan understood that his words were correct. He took a deep breath and bowed to accept the order.

Nangong Zhu looked at the ministers in the court and said calmly, “If there are no other matters, we will adjourn the court.”

—

Three days later.

Nangong Chuan stepped into Ancestral Province.

The moment he entered Ancestral Province, a terrifying aura of fortune suddenly descended, as if the local fortune sensed the presence of a powerful outsider.

This sudden change

Caused Nangong Chuan’s face to change immediately.

“The Divine Martial Empire has only been an imperial dynasty for a few years, and its fortune has already grown to this extent!?”

The pressure from this fortune made Nangong Chuan feel his blood flow stagnate. He was already at the peak of the Ninth Heaven Saint Realm, just one step away from the Great Saint.

The fortune of an imperial dynasty

Could only match that of a sage king.

The current fortune of the Divine Martial Empire had not yet reached this level, but the self-reactive nature of the fortune alone could suppress a Ninth Heaven Saint, indicating that the Divine Martial Empire’s fortune had already reached the level of a Great Saint.

It should be noted that

Even after all these years, the Taixuan Empire’s fortune had only reached this level.

In other words,

The Divine Martial Empire had caught up to the Taixuan Empire’s millennia of accumulation in just a few years.

At this moment,

Nangong Chuan understood even more why Nangong Zhu had said those words.

Given the development speed of the Divine Martial Empire, it was only a matter of time before it ascended to a divine empire.

At the same time,

As the fortune of the court fluctuated,

Gu Yang, who was quietly cultivating, also seemed to sense something. His divine consciousness merged with the fortune, instantly discovering Nangong Chuan’s presence.

“Nangong Chuan!?”

Gu Yang’s expression changed slightly.

He was curious as to why this ancient saint of the Taixuan Empire had come here.

As for whether Nangong Chuan had any malicious intentions, Gu Yang was not particularly worried.

Not only was he a Saint, but even without achieving sainthood, the current fortune of the Divine Martial Empire was more than enough to suppress a mere Ninth Heaven Saint.

If Nangong Chuan dared to make a move, Gu Yang was confident he could subdue him.

“Someone!”

“Your Majesty, what are your orders?”

An Imperial Guard stepped forward.

Gu Yang said, “Nangong Chuan of the Divine Martial Empire has arrived. Go and welcome him on my behalf.”

“I obey your command!”

The Imperial Guard did not doubt and immediately accepted the order and left.

…

An hour later.

Nangong Chuan saw the Imperial Guard appear before him, but his face showed no surprise.

“Lead the way.”

Nangong Chuan said this calmly.

He knew very well that

From the moment he stepped into Ancestral Province, everything was under Gu Yang’s watchful eye. There was no way to hide from him.

Soon,

The Imperial Guard led Nangong Chuan into the palace to meet Gu Yang.

“Your Majesty, he has been brought.”

“You may leave now.”

In the side hall, Gu Yang waved his hand, his gaze fixed on Nangong Chuan from start to finish. He then smiled faintly.

“I have heard much about Duke Chuan. What brings you here today?”

“Nangong Chuan greets Emperor Gu!”

Nangong Chuan bowed and then straightened up, looking directly into Gu Yang’s eyes as he spoke slowly.

“...” (End of Chapter)

Chapter end