The Yan Yang Dynasty, located in the southwestern seas of the Eastern Desolation Continent, was slightly larger than the former Tian Yue and served as a subordinate dynasty to the Sheng Yuan Imperial Dynasty.
Ten thousand years ago, King Mang led the first assault on the Yan Yang Dynasty. In that battle, the Yan Yang Dynasty lost its entire foundation. For ten millennia, local powers frequently caused unrest, leading to fierce conflicts and severe population loss.
Although the Yan Yang Dynasty was considered the third tier among the eight great dynasties, its strength was far inferior to that of the Tian Feng and Ao Long Dynasties within the same tier. The vast dynasty did not even possess a single martial artist in the Spirit Sea Realm.
Furthermore, with the recent demise of the Yan Yang Human King, the eight princes under him launched rebellions to vie for the throne, delivering a fatal blow to this aging dynasty.
A month ago, Xiao Bei Long, the Grand General of the Yan Yang Dynasty, supported the youngest prince. He broke through the struggles for succession, killing several princes and numerous top powers of the Yan Yang Dynasty, drastically reducing the number of spiritual connection experts in the Yan Yang Dynasty.
Xiao Bei Long seized control of the military and political affairs of the Yan Yang Dynasty, monopolizing the court and proclaiming himself the One-Word Allied King, showing clear signs of attempting to overthrow the existing regime.
The many descendants of the Human King lineage in the Yan Yang Dynasty, supported by loyal officials who advocated for the Human King to govern, erupted into internal strife, with warlords rising in various regions.
The One-Word Allied King's Mansion in the capital of the Yan Yang Dynasty.
A burly man with a long beard and long, upward-curving eyes asked, "Is there any news from Wen Hao?"
"King Xiao, General Wen Hao has been campaigning in Tian Yue for over a month. By now, he should be landing in Tian Yue," replied Zhao Zhong, a man in a gray long gown with graying hair. He was Xiao Bei Long's crony and strategist, with a cultivation of the first level of the Spiritual Connection Realm.
"The Xuanyuan Dynasty was once the foremost dynasty under the Sheng Yuan Imperial Dynasty. The tombs of the Xuanyuan Human Kings throughout history must be filled with abundant heavenly spirits and earthly treasures. At that time, this King will surely make these Human King descendants who defy my will pay!" Xiao Bei Long's voice grew increasingly furious, his face contorted with rage.
After the Human King's demise, under Zhao Zhong's planning, he had eradicated all the top powers of the Yan Yang Dynasty and monopolized the court. Yet, there were still fearless individuals who dared to oppose him, claiming to uphold the glory of Yan Yang.
"King Xiao, these are merely insignificant clowns, mere struggles before their demise," Zhao Zhong sneered. With his help, Xiao Bei Long was only a step away from ruling the vast empire, and he would then be a minister who rode the coattails of success.
Xiao Bei Long glanced at Zhao Zhong with the corner of his eye, "How is the resolution of the rebellions in various regions proceeding?" Every day, large numbers of cities in the Yan Yang Dynasty were being taken from him by the Human King faction and then returning to his control. Even a centipede dies but never falls stiffly.
"Rest assured, King Xiao. I have been keeping track, and the encirclement is gradually tightening," Zhao Zhong’s sinister expression sent a chill down one's spine.
...
Yun Wu Mountain is located in the southern part of the Yan Yang Dynasty, nestled between Wu Prefecture and Hui Prefecture. It stretches for thousands of miles. For ten thousand years, the spiritual energy here has been in a state of continuous depletion, leading to the gradual scarcity, and even disappearance, of demonic beasts and spiritual materials in this area.
For the past thousand years, few martial artists have ventured into this region.
"Buzz~~"
Deep within Yun Wu Mountain, in a gentle area, a blue illusory great formation slowly materialized. Soldiers clad in armor stood solemnly, and large banners fluttered in the wind.
Before long, a dark mass of an army, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, appeared. Each soldier was fully armored, standing sternly. An unparalleled aura of killing intent covered an area of tens of miles.
Han Qin Hu, Shi Wan Sui, Qin Qiong, Lu Jun Yi, Wang Bao Bao, and Yu Chi Gong sat together, gazing at a sand table map.
This map was left by King Mang to Bi Xi, who in turn presented it to the Great Han.
On the sand table, the entire mountainous terrain, cities, and fortresses of the Yan Yang Dynasty were laid bare.
"Gentlemen, this map is from ten thousand years ago, and there are bound to be some discrepancies with the present. All generals must familiarize themselves with it before proceeding cautiously. Do not be greedy for quick victories!" Han Qin Hu said gravely, looking at the others.
"Rest assured, General Han." The others clasped their hands in front of their chests, their expressions serious.
"Good!"
Han Qin Hu smiled faintly and lowered his head to examine the sand table map. Ten thousand years had passed, and the cities and fortresses might have deviated somewhat, but the general direction would not be wrong, especially for important passes. If not for the cataclysmic changes in heaven and earth, the overlords would not have easily altered the plans for fortresses and cities.
Han Qin Hu's fingers moved continuously across the map, and the others followed his train of thought with serious expressions.
"Thus, according to the Human King's decree, Qin Qiong and Yu Chi Gong, you two will lead two hundred thousand troops, departing from Yun Wu Mountain and heading directly south to the Yan Yang Dynasty."
"Wang Bao Bao and Lu Jun Yi, you two will lead the army and advance westward!"
"Remember, once a city is occupied, defend it if possible. If not, withdraw immediately and decisively. Do not engage in head-on confrontations. We are fighting far from the Great Han, with an extended supply line. We must assess the situation and concentrate our superior forces to defeat them one by one!" Han Qin Hu spoke calmly and rationally.
"Yes!"
The generals gazed at the sand table map. This was the Great Han's first step in venturing beyond its borders and connecting with the world, and it had to be handled with utmost caution.
"Depart!"
Han Qin Hu roared, his sword instantly unsheathed and pointed towards the sky.
"Hoo!"
"Hoo!"
"Hoo!"
The army roared, waves of bloody killing intent sweeping across the sky like sharp swords, tearing open the vast landscape of the Yan Yang Dynasty.
Wang Bao Bao and Lu Jun Yi, mounted their horses first. They clasped their fists heavily towards Han Qin Hu, Shi Wan Sui, Qin Qiong, and Yu Chi Gong, then turned and led two hundred thousand troops, galloping westward from Yun Wu Mountain.
As the army marched, dust rose, stirring the long-quiet mountain range into renewed activity.
"General Han, General Shi, we will depart first!"
Qin Qiong and Yu Chi Gong bowed slightly. They mounted their horses and led two hundred thousand troops southward. The southern part of the Yan Yang Dynasty was flat and suitable for cavalry.
Qin Qiong and Yu Chi Gong exchanged smiles, tightened their reins, and, crossing the river of history, once again fought side by side in the magnificent other world, their blood boiling like hot water.
"Depart!"
Han Qin Hu sat on his horse, gazing at the disappearing figures of the armies to the south and west. He struck his mount with his hand.
"Hiss!"
"Hoo!"
"Hoo!"
"Hoo!"
The two hundred thousand troops, holding their golden spears and long halberds, their eyes filled with fervor. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers had crossed the ocean, and in the enemy's territory, they would display their iron-blooded might, expanding the territory of the Eastern Desolation Continent's southwestern seas and proclaiming the Great Han's power.
For a time, Yun Wu Mountain was filled with tens of thousands of soldiers, dust rising everywhere. Layers of mist enveloped the entire mountain, as if a great fog had descended from the heavens, completely obscuring the area.