According to ancient lore passed down for millennia, it is rumored that the secret treasure of the Xuanyuan Dynasty lies hidden within the Abyss of Imprisoned Souls.
This secret treasure contains the mystic arts for a kingdom to ascend to a dynasty. With this method, a kingdom could indeed be elevated to a dynasty.
The King of Jin likely aimed to elevate his kingdom another step, ascending to a dynasty and promoting himself to a Human King, commanding all nations.
However, participating in the Three Origins Grand Gathering this time was still quite worthwhile for him. Not only could he obtain a Xuanyuan Token, but he could also seize the opportunity for a summoning of ancient heroes, a reward from the system, achieving two goals with one action.
While Yang Hao was hatching his schemes, for Wei Yu and Tian Nan, time crawled like years. The Liao and Jin kingdoms did have cultivators at the Guiyuan realm, but they were only at the third or fourth level. Their strongest, the Kings of Jin and Liao, were merely at the fifth level of Guiyuan.
Yet, in this Great Han, within this very grand hall, there were four individuals at the fifth level of Guiyuan. This was nearly more than their entire sects possessed in terms of depth. How could this be tolerated? Cold sweat soaked through their clothes.
Who knew if there were even stronger beings within the Great Han imperial palace? Merely a few civil officials were already at the fifth level of Guiyuan. How powerful would the Great Han generals, who conquered battlefields, be?
An indeterminate amount of time passed. The two dared not move an inch, bowing their heads, feeling as if their legs had ceased to exist.
"Approved!"
With a single word, the two felt a great sigh of relief within their hearts. They hurriedly knelt and offered their thanks!
Had this King of Han refused to participate in the Three Origins Grand Gathering, how would they explain themselves to their respective sects upon returning?
Wei Zhongxian, observing Wei Yu and Tian Nan kneeling in gratitude, wore an expression of disdain. These were supposedly the esteemed disciples of the three overseas sects, even from the Xianyu Sect. Bah! Trash!
Bullies who preyed on the weak!
He truly wished to capture them and bring them to the Eastern Depot for a thorough session of torture!
Having secured Yang Hao's promise, Wei Zhongxian led the two away at a slow pace.
After they retreated, voices once again echoed through the Xuanzheng Hall.
"My lords, regarding the war in the north, what are your thoughts?"
Yang Hao gazed at Changsun Wuji, Du Ruhui, and the others below.
"Your Majesty, the northern Liao, Jin, and Goryeo kingdoms were once a single entity four thousand years ago. If we pursue them now, the Goryeo kingdom will undoubtedly declare war on our Great Han. After all, no one wishes to have a powerful kingdom as their neighbor, nor would they easily allow another kingdom to become strong!"
Fang Xuanling stepped forward, cupped his hands, and addressed the assembly.
"Currently, General Qi Jiguang leads our troops north, expanding our territory for a thousand li and capturing eight cities. In the northwest, Zhang Han has annihilated the Langya Kingdom and now borders the rising power of Loulan. Your Majesty, according to intelligence gathered by the Embroidered Uniform Guard from Loulan, there is a shadowy hand guiding Loulan from behind."
"Over the past few centuries, Loulan has defeated the Chu Kingdom, the Liao Kingdom, and the Langya Kingdom. In every decisive battle, there has always been a guiding hand manipulating events from the shadows!"
"Your Majesty, among these nations, although the Jin and Liao kingdoms appear to be the strongest, this is not the case. Loulan and the Chu Kingdom to the southwest are, in fact, the paramount powers among the nine kingdoms."
"Oh?"
"What are your opinions?"
Yang Hao turned to the others.
"Your Majesty, this humble official believes that attacking the Jin and Liao kingdoms is not a matter of urgency. The border battles have already thoroughly proclaimed the prestige of our Great Han. However, we must not underestimate the other nations, especially Loulan and Chu."
"The great hand behind Loulan is elusive, but there are some clues regarding the Chu Kingdom!"
Du Ruhui picked up where Fang Xuanling left off, speaking softly. "The King of Chu, every three years, personally ventures deep into the Abyss of Imprisoned Souls. Sometimes for three or four days, other times for more than half a month.
"However, each time the King of Chu enters the Abyss of Imprisoned Souls with three thousand young boys and girls, it is strange that upon his return, he is the only one. Those three thousand children have likely..."
"How long has this phenomenon been occurring?"
Yang Hao's scalp tingled. Could this be another Mu Yang?
"Your Majesty, this has been happening for nearly thirty years. It has been approximately two years and eleven months since the King of Chu last entered the Abyss of Imprisoned Souls."
"Lord Changsun, according to your statement, the King of Chu will be entering the Abyss of Imprisoned Souls again in a month?"
Meng Tian stepped forward, his brow furrowed.
"Indeed. Based on the pattern of the past twenty-seven years, the King of Chu will inevitably enter the Abyss of Imprisoned Souls again next month!"
Changsun Wuji stroked his beard and said with a chuckle.
The Abyss of Imprisoned Souls is rumored to harbor a great terror in its depths, controlling the entire abyss. Demonic beasts roam freely, and spiritual treasures of heaven can be found everywhere. Even masters of the Grandmaster realm can only hover at the periphery. It was there that Mu Yang, in his solo expedition into the Abyss of Imprisoned Souls, learned the arts of evil poison.
From then on, he rampaged through the Wu Kingdom, with few rivals!
Currently, the Abyss of Imprisoned Souls lies between the Great Han and the Chu Kingdom, the two nations gazing at each other across the mountains!
This is also why the border to the southwest of the previous dynasty had been peaceful for nearly a thousand years.
These layers of mystery perplexed everyone, leaving them deep in thought, unable to find a solution.
What was the King of Chu's consistent reason for entering the Abyss of Imprisoned Souls, worth the sacrifice of three thousand lives!
Nearly thirty years, that amounted to over twenty thousand lives!
"Your Majesty, according to the news from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the Chu Kingdom likely has an intricate relationship with the great terror within the Abyss of Imprisoned Souls!!"
Changsun Wuji's expression was solemn, his tone grave.
"Your Majesty, Mao Xiang requests an audience!"
Just as Yang Hao and his companions were discussing and analyzing the situation, a young eunuch approached the hall and said softly.
Mao Xiang, who commanded the Embroidered Uniform Guard and was solely responsible for collecting and gathering military intelligence, interfaced directly with the Military Affairs Department. Now that Mao Xiang himself sought an audience with Yang Hao, bypassing the Military Affairs Department, it likely meant that the situation on the front lines had reached a decisive moment.
"Announce him!"
Yang Hao commanded.
"Yes!"
The young eunuch stood at the entrance of the Xuanzheng Hall and called out loudly, "Announce Mao Xiang's audience!"
...
"Mao Xiang, Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, pays his respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty reign in peace!" Su Dan Novel Network
"I am well."
"Your Majesty, envoys from the Jin and Liao kingdoms met with General Qi Jiguang at Yuehai Pass last night, presenting a plea for peace. Both the Jin and Liao kingdoms are willing to cede five border cities each to the Great Han, requesting a ceasefire!"
Mao Xiang approached the hall and presented a map of the border territories, with a large area circled in red.
"Heh heh heh, a joke! Such a small amount of land, is this meant to appease beggars?"
Meng Tian roared, filled with indignation.
"Ten cities! Only ten cities, and you expect the iron cavalry of my Great Han to halt their advance? Mao Xiang, go back and tell the Jin and Liao kingdoms that if they wish for peace, each must cede ten cities to my Great Han. Otherwise, the iron cavalry of my Great Han will march north without delay, and we will not rest until both kingdoms are annihilated!"
...
...
On the thirteenth day of the first month of the first year of Great Han, the Jin Kingdom agreed to the Great Han's terms. In the afternoon of that day, they ceded ten southern cities. Qi Jiguang personally took over the military and border defenses of these ten cities, and the Great Han army occupied them.
From then on, a truce was established between the Great Han and the Jin Kingdom, and their border was redrawn.