“Your Majesty, you have been in seclusion for twelve days now!”

“The food I brought to you, you haven’t eaten a single bite.”

The leading Shadow Guard said, while Zheng Yi frowned at the same time.

“Twelve? One day in the Great Yu World is equivalent to one year in the Illusionary World?”

“One day in the heavens, one year on earth?”

Zheng Yi calmed his mind, fortunate that he was a Qi Cultivation Second-layer Cultivator, so he didn’t require much ordinary food.

Otherwise, merely training in the Illusionary World would starve him to death!

“Summon Liu Cheng’en and Chen Liancang, and also prepare a meal for me.”

“At your command, Your Majesty!”

The two Shadow Guards quickly departed, and before long, Zheng Yi had a feast prepared.

Phoenix Tail Shark Fin, Red Plum Fragrance, Kung Pao Wild Rabbit, Eight Treasure Wild Duck, Buddha’s Hand Golden Roll, Stir-fried Squid Threads, Embroidery Ball Scallop, Stir-fried Pearl Chicken, Milk-fried Fish Slices…

Dozens of dishes were laid out in front of Zheng Yi, a dazzling array that made his mouth water, and he soon indulged in a hearty meal.

Meanwhile, Chen Liancang and Liu Cheng’en were carefully serving at the side.

After eating until he was half-full, Zheng Yi sipped a spoonful of lotus soup and asked, “Cheng’en, during my days in seclusion, have there been any major occurrences in the court?”

“Your Majesty, there have been few major events in the court, mostly related to intelligence on some rebels.”

“Oh? What important intelligence is there?”

“In Shuzhou, General Cui Xiawu has fully captured Hanzhong and other areas, and has already broken through Shuzhou’s greatest pass, Divine Sword Pass. Now, he is advancing towards Shuzhou Prefecture Rongg City.”

“The rebel army flees at the sight of him, no one is a match.”

“Oh?”

Zheng Yi was not greatly surprised; with the Red Coat Cannon and hot air balloon, if Cui Xiawu couldn’t even capture Divine Sword Pass, it would be a waste of him being the Illustrious Martial General!

“What else?”

“In Jinggzhou.”

Liu Cheng’en continued: “General Jin Peng achieved a great victory on land against the thirteen water bandit routes in Jinggzhou, but lacked large ships, and was unexpectedly attacked by the bandits, leading to a retreat of thirty miles.”

“However, fortunately, General Meng Guang led the North Sea Navy from the Nulong River into Jingg, crossing through Haizhou, Jiangzhou, and Jingzhou, eradicating a large number of rebel water forces.”

“Recent intelligence suggests General Meng Guang, commanding his navy, has already defeated three routes of Jingzhou’s water bandits, and is currently surrounding the greatest rebel king in Jingzhou, known as the ‘Chaotic River White Dragon’ of the water bandit rebel army.”

Without waiting for Zheng Yi to ask, Liu Cheng’en continued: “In the direction of Yunzhou, General Guanshan has fully commanded the Yunzhou official army, but was unexpectedly attacked by Shi Tianlang from Yuezhou, forcing him to deal with Shi Heilang from Yuezhou.”

“Additionally, Shi Tianlang’s son, who was appointed by Your Majesty as General of Yuezhou, also rebelled, but was killed by Qu Bo, Commander of the First Regiment, First Division of the New Army!”

“Shi Heilang rebelled?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Liu Cheng’en said: “Shi Heilang, while passing through Shuzhou, was instigated by King Shu, and suddenly attacked General Cui Xiawu’s camp, but was unfortunately killed by land mines set up outside the camp by General Cui Xiawu.”

Zheng Yi shook his head, these unrefined kings lacked insight, and when leading troops in battle, they liked charging ahead with their armies.

Doing so may boost the combat strength of their underlings’ troops and greatly raise morale, but it also places themselves in extremely dangerous positions.

Once the Commander-in-Chief is killed, their soldiers’ morale will instantly plummet.

In severe cases, the entire army may even collapse directly.

Shi Heilang was such.

The Imperial Court treated him well; not only was he made General of Yuezhou, but he was also given generous rewards and a position as a Second-grade General.

Instead of being grateful, he was seduced by the Rebel King and became a traitor.

This kind of person deserved death.

Zheng Yi said: “Order Guanshan to ensure the annihilation of Shi Tianlang from Yuezhou and to eradicate his nine clans!”

“Yes!”

“What about other places?”

Liu Cheng’en said: “Your Majesty, in other states, the rebel kings are mutually battling, and no victor has been determined.”

“The Imperial Court has limited spies in these places and cannot obtain all intelligence.”

“However, we have managed to gather some general intelligence.”

Liu Cheng’en continued: “In Binzhou, the Wang Family’s Hidden Sect has taken action, with their ‘Celestial King Army’ numbering thirty thousand, occupying the majority of Binzhou and threatening the Capital Region.”

“There are even rumors that the Celestial King Army in Binan contains suspected Immortals who wield Celestial Thunder, and once in battle, they killed the Bingzhou Governor with Celestial Thunder.”

“Immortals? Likely Hidden Sect cultivators from the Wang Family; they finally acted.”

Zheng Yi said indifferently: “The Wang Family colludes with the enemy and sells out the country; their deaths are not worthy of regret.”

“Once my army stabilizes Chuzhou and Jingzhou Two States, we will surely trample over Binzhou!”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Liu Cheng’en continued: “In Haizhou, it is occupied by Yuanhe Mountain. Their thirty thousand disciples each capable of defeating hundreds.”

“They recruit refugees, defeat official armies, occupy the prefecture, and have sent envoys demanding an audience with Your Majesty.”

“Haizhou? Yuanhe Mountain?”

Zheng Yi furrowed his brows; this sect located in Haizhou could rival Taiyii Dao in martial prowess.

After occupying Haizhou, they’ve sent people to see me for what purpose?

“They sent people to see me for what purpose?”

Liu Cheng’en hesitated for a moment, and Zheng Yi calmly said: “Speak.”

“Yes!”

“Yuanhe Mountain sent people to seek an audience with Your Majesty, requesting that Your Majesty recognize Yuanhe Mountain as the actual ruling sect of Haizhou, with the Imperial Court not to levy taxes in Haizhou, and that any officials or generals sent to Haizhou by the court must be approved by Yuanhe Mountain…”

“Presumptuous!”

Zheng Yi laughed in rage himself; Yuanhe Mountain had the audacity to make such demands of the Imperial Court?

Where do they get such confidence from?

“Cut off the ears of Yuanhe Mountain’s envoy and send them packing!”

“Yes!”

Liu Cheng’en continued: “Qingzhou has been occupied by the White Lotus Sect.”

“Rumor has it that the White Lotus Sect has a Saintess descended to earth who can float on water, heal the sick, and summon Celestial Soldiers and Generals, impervious to bullets and blades.”

“They swiftly defeated Qingzhou County Soldiers, invaded neighboring Jizhou, but were repelled by Taiyii Dao disciples.”

“According to the latest intelligence, it seems the White Lotus Sect conflicts with Yuanhe Mountain, and both sides have waged war to seize cities…”

“Yangzhou, Xuzhou occupied by Tuoba Clan, Jiangzhou by Tianlong Temple, yet still with many Rebel Kings within, engaged in continued conflicts.”

“These Rebel Kings, who knows when they’ll determine a victor…”

“Ten states in rebellion, it’s the common folk who suffer.”

“Binzhou, Jizhou, Qingzhou are better off; being close to the Capital Region, nearly a million refugees have arrived over the past two years.”

“After all, currently, Your Majesty’s Capital Region is the safest in the whole world.”

“Not only can they find a livelihood, but also food, and even manage to save some silver…”

“Those southern states are truly in turmoil…”

Zheng Yi shook his head; disorder, absolute disorder.

Currently, the entire Great Yu World is practically in chaos, with almost every state having dozens, if not scores, of Rebel Kings.

Some with hundreds of thousands of troops, others with as few as three to four thousand, besiege cities and plunder lands, waging wars against each other to gain control.

Zheng Yi wishes to eradicate all these Rebel Kings in one fell swoop, but it would indeed take considerable time.

“What about Grand General Xu? Any news from him?”

Liu Cheng’en did not reply but instead looked towards Chen Liancang.

Chen Liancang respectfully said, “Your Majesty, Grand General Xu has already returned to Yunzhou and is currently on his way back to the Capital City.”

“Is Grand General Xu unharmed?”

Zheng Yi exclaimed with delight, “When can he return to the Capital City?”

Chen Liancang murmured softly, “Your Majesty, Grand General Xu’s left arm was severed, and he entered Nanzhao Country alone… He killed the National Guardian Master of Nanzhao and forced the King of Nanzhao to sign a treaty between the two nations.”

“Princess Lingyin of Nanzhao is to enter the Capital City and become Your Majesty’s consort.”

“Nanzhao Country submits to Great Yu, recognizing it as the suzerain state, and will be a vassal state for generations!”

“What?!”

8th Year of Zhengyong, November 25th.

Xu Mujun ventured into Nanzhao Country alone, intercepted at Peach Blossom Cliff on the border by three thousand elite Nanlin Army of Nanzhao.

With just one person and one sword, Xu Mujun pierced through the Nanlin Army formation, killing one thousand five hundred sixty-two soldiers and the Nanlin Army commander Luo Lin!

8th Year of Zhengyong, November 28th.

Xu Mujun was stopped by the National Guardian Master Shex Longzi of Nanzhao, and they engaged in a great battle.

On that day, Xu Mujun used the Flying Sword Technique to slay Nanzhao’s National Guardian Master Shex Longzi!

8th Year of Zhengyong, December 5th.

Xu Mujun entered the Nanzhao capital, facing the opposition of twenty thousand Imperial Guards.

Xu Mujun advanced, and the twenty thousand Imperial Guards retreated.

Xu Mujun pressed forward again, and the twenty thousand Imperial Guards retreated once more!

The King of Nanzhao, Quan Longsheng, personally appeared, and the twenty thousand Imperial Guards surrounded Xu Mujun!

On that day, Xu Mujun spat out a flying sword, transforming into a blood-red light, killing more than three thousand eight hundred Nanzhao Imperial Guards.

As a result, the Nanzhao Imperial Guards collapsed!

Disregarding the king’s orders, they turned around and fled.

The King of Nanzhao, Quan Longsheng, had no choice but to surrender the entire nation.

Three days later, the King of Nanzhao issued a decree, announcing several edicts.

First: Princess Lingyin of Nanzhao is to enter Yu, becoming the Empress of Great Yu.

Second: The entire nation of Nanzhao submits, acknowledging Great Yu as the suzerain state.

Third: Nanzhao’s 120,000 border troops are entirely led by General of Yunzhou, Guanshan.

Fourth: The troops stationed at Peach Blossom Cliff on the Nanzhao border are to be withdrawn, and replaced by Great Yu’s army.

Fifth: The Nanzhao King, Quan Longsheng, abdicates, with his seventh son, Quan Xubai, succeeding him.

Sixth: …

As Zheng Yi read the memorial and the treaty submitted by Xu Mujun, he rubbed his eyes, almost unable to believe it.

What kind of joke is this?

Is it truly a treaty and not a surrender document?

The entire military power and national defense have been handed over, leaving Nanzhao with only a portion of civil power within its borders.

From this perspective, Nanzhao is essentially akin to a state of Great Yu.

The King of Nanzhao must have been truly terrified by Xu Mujun to sign so many agreements.

Zheng Yi immediately instructed, “Order the troops along the way to ensure the safety of Grand General Xu and to welcome him with the honors of a Prince, understood?”

Liu Cheng’en was greatly shaken and hurriedly replied, “This servant obeys the command!”

Chen Liancang suddenly stated, “Your Majesty, this old servant has one more thing to report.”

“What is it?”

“The Tomb Raider Captain at Celestial Longevity Mountain has broken through the Konjac Sea Lotus and found the entrance to the Grand Ancestor’s main tomb.”

“Without Your Majesty’s command, they dare not enter recklessly.”

“Broken through?”

Zheng Yi’s eyes suddenly brightened; after nearly five years, they finally reached the entrance to the main tomb!

The burial place of this old ancestor is truly hard to excavate.

“Liu Cheng’en, take care of the Imperial Palace.”

“Elder Chen, accompany me to Celestial Longevity Mountain!”

“Yes!”

As twilight approached, Zheng Yi led a large contingent of Imperial Guards, finally arriving at Celestial Longevity Mountain.

“We pay our respects to Your Majesty!”

Under the leadership of Hu Bafeng, over a dozen Tomb Raider Captains and more than a hundred ‘workers’ respectfully knelt on the ground, shouting long live.

“Rise!”

Zheng Yi declared, “Hu Bafeng, well done, I shall reward you.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

After more than four years of continuous excavation of the Imperial Mausoleum, Hu Bafeng’s face was weather-beaten, and his hands were covered with calluses.

Moreover, due to almost daily blasting of the Konjac Sea Lotus over the past two years, his hearing seemed to be impaired.

He had to shout when speaking, or else he could barely hear.

Following Hu Bafeng’s lead, Zheng Yi and his entourage entered the Grand Ancestor’s Mausoleum.

The enormous walls previously occupied by the Konjac Sea Lotus were now hollowed out into a deep, dark passageway wide enough for five people to walk side by side.

Entering the Konjac Sea Lotus passage, after a short while, the view suddenly opened up.

Giant stalactites hung from the ceiling, and the air was thick with dampness.

In front of Zheng Yi stood a massive giant bronze cauldron.

Behind the giant bronze cauldron was a colossal bronze door, guarded by ferocious dragon-shaped beasts.

On either side of the bronze door was carved a pair of massive couplets.

Upper line: “Gaze upon Betelgeuse and accompany the immortals on a grand tour;”

Lower line: “Harness the clear breeze and embrace the bright moon for eternity.”

Horizontal inscription: “Ascend in Broad Daylight!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep