https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-460-Journey-to-the-Central-Region-Shaking-the-World-6k2-/13027890/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-461-A-Gathering-of-Heroes-8k5-Part-2-/13027899/
Chapter 461: A Gathering of Heroes (8k5) (Part 1)
Chapter 461: A Gathering of Heroes (8k5) (Part 1)
In the Central Region, within the Imperial City.
"How dare this insolent youth!" Prince Hanzhao's fury filled the air.
Draped in the dragon robe, his overwhelming pressure caused the entire palace to creak and groan as if on the verge of collapse. The court maids and eunuchs trembled, afraid to make a sound.
Before Prince Hanzhao, a mirror emitting a spiritual glow displayed a scene from the Cold North Jade State, specifically, the events unfolding outside the Seven Mysteries Sect's mountain gate.
The Spirit Armament, Sky Peering Mirror.
This weapon was not listed in the Great Xuan's Spirit Armament Manual, but it was one of the Great Xuan Imperial Family's foundations. By harnessing the aura of the Sky Peering Mirror carried by Prince Zhaoquan, one could traverse the Dao Governorates and observe the world from a distance of ten thousand li.
Through this Spirit Armament, one could observe almost the entire Eight Directions, a range even surpassing that of a Heaven and Man Master. However, its limitation was that it could only provide a rough image, lacking detail and the ability to perceive more specific things. Unlike a Heaven and Man Master, who, with a mere thought, could merge with heaven and earth, detecting even the slightest movement within a thousand li.
At this moment, the mirror showed Chen Mu refusing the Imperial Edict and even killing Prince Zhaoquan on the spot, which further enraged Prince Hanzhao.
As the Emperor Xuan, occupying the Supreme Sovereign position, he held the power of the court and ruled over the world. By bestowing the title of North Cold King upon Chen Mu, he had already taken the initiative to seek compromise. Yet, Chen Mu's audacity and disrespect in defiance, he had killed the envoy!
"Your Majesty, please calm your anger." The Master of the Mystic Pavilion stood behind Prince Hanzhao, his face grim, but he spoke up nonetheless.
Prince Hanzhao's eyes were icy, and his voice carried a hint of anger. "A mere martial artist dares to be so brazen, disregarding the court's authority. Must I bow and submit to him personally?"
Indeed, Chen Mu was the second person in a thousand years to cultivate the Heaven and Earth Principle, achieving unparalleled prowess. If he had lived a thousand years ago, he would have been like the Great Ancestor, Emperor Wu, sweeping through the world, unifying the Eight Directions, and establishing a millennium-long dynasty.
But the current era was not a thousand years ago!
In those days, hundreds of kingdoms vied for power, and the people yearned for stability. His ancestor, Ji Hao, with his unmatched martial arts, gained the loyalty of countless people, gradually pacifying the chaotic era and laying the foundation for the Great Xuan Dynasty's millennium-long reign.
However, the Great Xuan Dynasty of today was not the fragile 'Hundred Kingdoms' of the past, constantly embroiled in war and turmoil. After a thousand years of accumulation, their foundation was far stronger. Even if the world was divided into nine parts, with the power he held, he could still sweep through the world and establish a new order, just as he would have done a thousand years ago.
Even if Ji Hao were to be reincarnated in this era, he would not be able to shake the Great Xuan Dynasty's dominance.
Chen Mu was born amidst the convergence of heroes and the rise and fall of nations, surpassing even the ancestors of the Ji Clan in brilliance. But what of it? The Great Xuan Dynasty had ruled for over a thousand years, and its empire was far from the desolate wasteland of the past.
He did not wish to continue the struggle with Chen Mu in the current situation, but that did not mean he feared him. If, after a lifetime of striving for the Supreme Sovereign position and achieving the pinnacle of martial arts, he still had to bow to a secular martial artist like Chen Mu, then all his years of enduring humiliation and secret struggles would become a laughingstock.
Prince Hanzhao's icy gaze fell upon the Sky Peering Mirror, where he saw Chen Mu's figure transform into a long rainbow, spanning the sky and heading towards the Capital Region, the direction of the Central Region. His eyes flashed with determination.
If it was a fight he wanted,
Then they would have one!
In other places, he might have been wary of Chen Mu, a martial artist who had reached the pinnacle of human strength. But here, in the Central Region, the heart of the Great Xuan Dynasty, where the power of the six princes—Jin, Chu, and Zhao—converged, even the presence of countless Blood Transformation experts and more than one Heaven and Man Master could not shake his authority. Those he had forced out of the Central Region had to establish themselves elsewhere.
Here, what could Chen Mu do?
"Given the current situation, it seems we have no choice but to engage in a battle to make him back down. Cough..." The Master of the Mystic Pavilion stared at the mirror, his eyes deep with meaning.
In truth, Chen Mu's reaction was within his expectations.
By issuing the decree to bestow a royal title, Prince Hanzhao intended to convey two messages. Firstly, it represented the power of the Imperial Court, seeking reconciliation with Chen Mu. Secondly, it aimed to drive a wedge between Chen Mu and Prince Zhenbei Yuanhong.
After all, Prince Zhenbei Yuanhong, as the Northern Defense King, controlled the Northern Defense Governorate and ruled over the eleven states of the Cold North. If Chen Mu were to be granted the title of North Cold King and establish himself in the Jade State, it would put Prince Zhenbei and the Northern Defense Governorate in a very awkward position.
This was not a hidden scheme but an open strategy.
The message was simple.
If Chen Mu was willing to temporarily reconcile with the Imperial Court, then the Court would support him in the Cold North, even assisting him in replacing Prince Zhenbei.
Although Chen Mu gaining control of the entire Cold North would significantly bolster his power and give him the resources to contend for the world, the Court was not concerned. With the world divided into nine parts and the Jin and Chu kingdoms eagerly watching, the Court could afford to let Chen Mu and Prince Zhenbei fight, creating room for maneuver.
On the other hand, it was not surprising that Chen Mu was unwilling to reconcile.
The Master of the Mystic Pavilion had studied Chen Mu's character. Rising from humble beginnings, Chen Mu held clear grudges and always sought revenge. He had always acted without restraint, and now, with his unmatched personal power, he was unlikely to show any respect for the Court.
With the issuance of this imperial edict, if Chen Mu has no intention of reconciliation, then this decree will be seen as a provocation. In that case, it is highly likely that Chen Mu will make a move, and the best-case scenario is that Chen Mu ventures alone to the Cold North and heads to the Central Region.
The Mystic Pavilion Master's greatest concern is that Chen Mu will join forces with Yuan Hong and others, or that he will be lured by the Jin King and Chu King. If that happens, Chen Mu will not only possess unparalleled personal martial might but also have the backing of a formidable power. This would pose a significant threat to Prince Hanzhao's throne.
Currently, Chen Mu seems to be planning to venture alone to the Central Region, which is exactly the best-case scenario in the Mystic Pavilion Master's mind. Here, relying on the thousand-year foundation of the Great Xuan Dynasty, they can engage in a battle with Chen Mu, and there's a chance to suppress Chen Mu right here in the Central Region.
Even if it's difficult to suppress him, driving Chen Mu away will still be a favorable outcome. It will not only deter various powers but also make Chen Mu realize that the Great Xuan's realm is not something that can be shaken by a single person. This will provide more room for maneuver later on.
For this very reason, the Mystic Pavilion Master did not specifically instruct Zhao Quan to maintain a low profile when delivering the edict to the Seven Mysteries Sect. After all, everything still depends on strength. Chen Mu has now reached the Blood Transformation realm and is fearless, unaware of the profound foundation of the Great Xuan Dynasty. Only after a battle will Chen Mu realize that individual strength has its limits.
Prince Hanzhao waved his hand, causing the spiritual light of the Heaven-Peering Mirror to dissipate, and then he strolled within the palace. Afterward, his eyes flashed, and he said, "Li Quan, go and invite the two Heaven-Human Masters to discuss matters. Also, send word to the Director of the Eastern Prosecution Bureau, the Commander of the Heavenly Principle Army, and all the Supreme Elders of the various sects to gather in the front hall!"
"Li Quan, please also invite Prince Liang on my behalf to discuss matters in the front hall."
His voice carried an air of authority.
He is no longer the Han King, who was once one of the lowest-ranked among the eight princes. Now, as the new ruler of the Great Xuan Dynasty and a Blood Transformation master, he can mobilize countless forces. If Chen Mu intends to cause trouble in the Central Region, let him come and give it a try!
"Cough... Cough... Understood."
The Mystic Pavilion Master, Cheng Zu, coughed violently twice, but his eyes remained deep and profound. After responding, he took measured steps out of the hall.
"Yes, Your Highness."
An eunuch standing in front of the hall bowed respectfully to Prince Hanzhao and then quickly exited the hall.
In a short while, the entire Great Xuan court sprang into action.
...
Capital Region.
Jade Prefecture.
Located in the northernmost part of the Capital Region, Jade Prefecture may not be as prosperous as the Central Region, but as one of the eleven prefectures within the Capital Region, it is still considered one of the core areas of the Great Xuan's ninety-nine prefectures. It is also a highly prosperous place.
On the vast plain, towns and villages were scattered like stars in the sky. Aside from the central state capital, there were fourteen county capitals, twice as many as the Jade State. If you count the entire state population, it was more than double that of the Jade State!
In Jade Prefecture alone, there were three major sects vying for dominance.
Nowadays, after the division of the realm into nine parts, three forces have settled in Jade Prefecture. They are the remnants of the Haoran Sect and the Qinglian Sect from the Cold North, as well as a portion of the Jinqiang Sect from the Zhao Kingdom. These three forces have formed an alliance and established their territory in Jade Prefecture, competing with the local three sects.
The Haoran Sect and the Qinglian Sect are both defeated factions from the Cold North, driven out by the Northern Defense Prefecture. The Jinqiang Sect, on the other hand, is from the Zhao Kingdom and is in a similar situation. Initially, the three local sects in Jade Prefecture were somewhat dissatisfied with the arrival of the Haoran, Qinglian, and Jinqiang Sects. They intended to join forces to expel them, but they were stopped by a decree from the Great Xuan court.
As the new ruler of the Great Xuan Dynasty, Prince Hanzhao naturally welcomes sects like the Haoran and Qinglian Sects, which have been defeated in other regions but still retain their lineage.
After all, these sects have difficulty establishing themselves in places like the Cold North Region and are forced to seek refuge in the Capital Region. In this situation, they must pledge allegiance to the Great Xuan Emperor, and he is more than willing to accept them to strengthen his own power.
At this moment, on the vast plain, a grand and imposing town stands.
This is the headquarters of one of the three local sects in Jade Prefecture, the Heavenly Strategy Manor. In the center of the town, within a spacious hall, nearly ten grandmasters are seated, each with a discontented expression, arguing among themselves.
"The people from the Jinqiang Sect are getting too arrogant. A defeated sect dares to compete with us for the resources of Wuyi Mountain. This audacity cannot be tolerated any longer. I say we should report to the old master of our sect and teach them a lesson!"
One of them glared angrily.
"No."
A person beside him spoke in a deep voice, "The court has issued a decree, allowing the Jinqiang Sect to establish their mountain gate in the north of Wuyi Mountain. It's clear that the court is on their side. If we rashly engage in a battle with the Jinqiang Sect, we might displease the court, and it would be a loss for us. Moreover, with the alliance between the Jinqiang, Haoran, and Qinglian Sects, our Heavenly Strategy Manor alone cannot handle these three sects."
Everyone present is aware that the court intends to attract sects that have been defeated in other regions and are struggling to find a foothold. It is inevitable that some concessions will have to be made during this process, leading to various frictions.
"The court, hmph!"
At this moment, someone coldly laughed and said, "With Chen Mu's return to the Cold North, the court is probably in a panic, and they won't have the time to manage affairs below. If we truly clash with Chen Mu, the court might even ask our Heavenly Strategy Manor for assistance."
Upon hearing these words, the people in the hall showed various reactions.
"Be careful with your words!"
An elder sitting at the head of the table glared, his eyes flashing with displeasure, and he rebuked.
The grudges between Chen Mu and the new emperor, as well as the past enmity with internal sects like the Mystic Pavilion and Blood Concealment Tower, are common knowledge. However, such words are inappropriate, even though this is the headquarters of the Heavenly Strategy Manor and the elders present are all heads of various departments.
Once upon a time, Prince Hanzhao of the Han Kingdom had merely been a figurehead, but now he firmly held the reins of power over the eleven states of the Jingji Region. Even if the world was divided into nine regions, Prince Hanzhao was still the supreme ruler of these states. Any baseless rumors that reached his ears would inevitably cause great trouble.
Hearing the old man's rebuke, the master of Tiance Manor, who had spoken with a cold smile, suddenly realized his mistake and fell silent.
But just as everyone was about to continue discussing how to deal with the Jinqiang Gate, the sudden change in the face of the elder sitting at the head of the group, Gu Yuan, caught everyone's attention. He abruptly stood up, his gaze fixed on a direction outside the window.
The other numerous masters and sect leaders also noticed the change in Elder Gu Yuan's expression, and they all followed his gaze, looking in the same direction.
Immediately after.
The many masters and sect leaders present all had a change in their expressions.
"This is..."
Someone's pupils slightly contracted, and they took a step forward, their entire body suddenly appearing outside the house. They stood in the courtyard, looking up at the distant horizon, feeling the vast blue sky, where the power of heaven and earth seemed to stir like a tidal wave.
As time passed, a golden rainbow appeared, spanning the heavens. It was like a brilliant meteor, leaving a white trail in its wake as it streaked across the sky at an almost unbelievable speed.
"What terrifying speed! Who is this person, crossing the borders with such power?"
Someone exclaimed in surprise, their eyes wide with shock.
The people present were all masters who had undergone marrow washing, and even though they were far away, they could still sense the terrifying aura. That rainbow, stretching across the sky, was not something an ordinary person could achieve. Even a Grandmaster-level figure in the Blood Transformation Realm would not be able to display such formidable power.
"A Heaven-Human Realm expert?"
Elder Gu Yuan's pupils slightly contracted at this thought.
Looking across the ninety-nine states of the world, there were no more than twenty people who had reached the Heaven-Human Realm. Even though the Tiance Manor had been established for nearly two hundred years, none of its leaders had ever stepped into the Heaven-Human Realm.
A Heaven-Human expert crossing the borders with such power was no ordinary matter.
Just as everyone's expressions were changing, trying to think of the various Heaven-Human experts in the world, a figure draped in a gray robe suddenly appeared before them.
(End of Chapter)
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