You get Lu Bu as your starting character.

royal palace.

The Hall of Nourishing Heart.

Zhou Chen sat upright on the dragon throne, flipping through several memorials on the dragon desk.

These memorials were submitted by the Ministry of War, concerning the compensation for the casualties of the army after the attack by the masters of the Hundred Cities of the Great Wilderness and the major battles with the Yan and Yue armies.

Zhou Chen flipped through the memorials, a sigh escaping his lips.

This war is really a money-making machine!

After these major battles, the army has suffered so many casualties, and there is a need for sufficient funds to compensate them.

To be honest, if Zhou Chen hadn't continuously confiscated the assets of many officials and powerful families, and reformed the tax system, these few major battles might have emptied the entire treasury of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

However, more than the enormous amount of compensation, Zhou Chen was deeply moved by the fact that so many soldiers had selflessly fought and died for the Great Zhou, their bodies wrapped in horsehide.

As emperor, Zhou Chen realized for the first time that every decision an emperor makes must be made with utmost care and caution.

Because every decision the emperor makes can potentially determine the life or death of tens of thousands of people.

Zhou Chen picked up his pen and reviewed these memorials.

Zhou Chen was never stingy with compensation for the soldiers who died for the Great Zhou, no matter how large the amount of compensation.

Just after Zhou Chen finished reviewing these memorials, a palace eunuch came in and reported: "Your Majesty, the Mu Clan Merchants are requesting an audience outside the palace."

"Oh!"

Zhou Chen looked up, a hint of surprise flashing across his face.

Since the Mu Clan Merchant Guild last delivered some news to the palace about the armies of the two great dynasties of Da Yan and Da Yue, the Mu Clan Merchant Guild has remained silent.

Why is the Mu Clan Chamber of Commerce suddenly requesting to see the Emperor of the Great Zhou?

"Summon the people from the Mu Clan Merchant Guild to the palace and bring them to the Hall of Mental Cultivation."

Zhou Chen looked at the eunuchs and guards and said.

"According to the order."

The eunuchs and guards bowed and withdrew.

More than ten minutes later.

Mu Yuyan entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation under the guidance of the eunuchs and guards.

"Mu Yuyan greets Your Majesty."

After entering the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Mu Yuyan bowed slightly to Zhou Chen on the dragon throne.

"Miss Mu, there's no need for such formalities."

Zhou Chen waved his hand.

As for Mu Yuyan, Zhou Chen knew that he, the emperor of the Great Zhou, did not have much of a deterrent effect. Since her greeting was just a courtesy, Zhou Chen would not take it too seriously.

"Miss Mu, is there something you need to see me at the palace?"

Zhou Chen looked at Mu Yuyan and asked casually.

"Your Majesty, Yu Yan has come to the palace to congratulate you."

"Oh!"

"Congratulations to me?"

Zhou Chen raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise flashing across his face.

Recently, Da Zhou has been plagued by one trouble after another. Is there any good news to celebrate?
"Your Majesty first repelled the Great Yan army, severely injured the Yan army's commander-in-chief, killed two Yan army experts at the Life and Death Realm, forced the Yue army to retreat, and recaptured the South Gate Pass."

"Your Majesty, with the strength of the Great Zhou alone, repelled the armies of two great dynasties. Isn't this something to celebrate?"

Mu Yuyan parted her red lips slightly and looked at Zhou Chen on the dragon throne, speaking softly.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chen paused for a moment, then smiled. "Miss Mu's information network is quite impressive. I only received the news of the Yue army's retreat in the Southern Frontier not long ago, and I didn't expect Miss Mu to already know about it."

"However, Miss Mu, it seems a bit premature to offer your congratulations!"

"Although our Great Zhou has repelled the Yan and Yue armies, they have not completely retreated, and our Great Zhou is still in constant danger."

"If I am not mistaken, the Yan and Yue armies have already requested aid from their respective dynasties. Once their reinforcements arrive, our Great Zhou will once again face a life-or-death crisis."

Zhou Chen didn't think that everything would be fine once he had recaptured Dongyan and Nanmen Passes and repelled the Yan and Yue armies.

The defeated Yan and Yue armies will certainly seek help from their respective courts.

When the time comes, facing the even stronger reinforcements from the Yan and Yue armies, that will be the true test for the Great Zhou.

Given the obvious situation, Zhou Chen didn't believe Mu Yuyan couldn't see it.

"Your Majesty is absolutely right. Our Mu Clan Merchant Guild has received news that the courts of Great Yan and Great Yue have indeed received requests for assistance from their respective armies. It is highly likely that Great Yan and Great Yue will send the Samsara Venerable to attack Great Zhou."

Mu Yuyan could naturally see such an obvious problem.

Mu Yuyan came to the palace to see Zhou Chen this time to remind him, lest he think that everything would be fine after defeating the armies of the two great dynasties.

However, it seems that the emperor of the Great Zhou Dynasty is quite clear-headed on his own, without her prompting.

The Venerable One of Reincarnation?
Upon hearing Mu Yuyan's words, a hint of seriousness flashed in Zhou Chen's eyes.

Zhou Chen knew that Mu Yuyan wouldn't come to the palace to see him, the emperor of Great Zhou, for no reason; it turned out she had come to deliver a message.

However, Zhou Chen had already anticipated these reports about Mu Yuyan.

Mu Yuyan glanced at Zhou Chen's calm expression, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

Logically, Zhou Chen's expression should have changed upon hearing about the Samsara Venerable, but Zhou Chen's expression remained calm.

Does the Great Zhou Dynasty possess the strength to deal with the Reincarnation Venerable?

The thought flashed through her mind, and Mu Yuyan looked at Zhou Chen on the dragon throne and tentatively said, "Judging from Your Majesty's appearance, you already have a way to deal with the Reincarnation Venerables that the Great Yan and Great Yue dynasties may send."

Zhou Chen shook his head and said, "To be honest, Miss Mu, I had anticipated that the defeated Yan and Yue armies would ask their respective courts for help, and I did make some arrangements."

"But I cannot guarantee that it will achieve the desired effect."

At this point, Zhou Chen glanced at Mu Yuyan.

"If my arrangements fail to work, and the Great Yan and Great Yue dynasties send Reincarnation Venerables to attack my Great Zhou, I hope the Mu Clan Merchant Guild can lend my Great Zhou a hand and help my Great Zhou block their Reincarnation Venerables."

Zhou Chen stared straight at Mu Yuyan.

Zhou Chen made arrangements for both the Great Yan and the Great Yue.

However, whether they can hold off the reinforcements from the two great dynasties is another matter.

Therefore, Zhou Chen wanted to add another layer of insurance.

If the Mu Clan Chamber of Commerce were willing to lend a hand to his Great Zhou, that would be even safer.

Mu Yuyan shook her head; "Your Majesty, my Mu Clan Chamber of Commerce is just a chamber of commerce and will not take the initiative to intervene in wars between dynasties."

"However, Yu Yan can provide the Great Zhou with more sophisticated weapons and armor, as well as various cultivation resources such as pills and martial arts techniques."

"It's not that Yu Yan doesn't want to help His Majesty, it's that she can't."

"If Yu Yan helps His Majesty fend off the Reincarnation Venerables of the two great dynasties, then the Great Zhou will face not only the Great Yan and Great Yue dynasties."

Mu Yuyan said meaningfully.

Hearing Mu Yuyan's words, Zhou Chen did not give up; "Miss Mu, you first sent a message to me, and then you are willing to provide my Great Zhou with better armor and weapons. If I am not mistaken, Miss Mu wants me to owe you a favor!"

"Miss Mu must also be facing some difficult matters and needs my help."

"Since that's the case, then I'll be frank with Miss Mu today. If Miss Mu is willing to help me, then I will owe Miss Mu a favor." "No matter when or where, as long as Miss Mu asks, I will do anything for Miss Mu."

"I don't need Miss Mu to openly send people to take action. If the Great Yan and Great Yue dynasties have reincarnation venerables who attack Great Zhou, I only need Miss Mu to secretly send people to hold them off. It will only take a few months. What do you think, Miss Mu?"

Zhou Chen looked at Mu Yuyan.

What Zhou Chen needs most right now is time.

Given some time, Zhou Chen will be able to produce outstanding individuals.

At that time, Zhou Chen would not be afraid of the mere Great Yan and Great Yue.

Mu Yuyan frowned and fell silent.

Mu Yuyan understood what Zhou Chen meant.

That is, since she was willing to help Da Zhou hold off the Reincarnation Venerable who might make a move from Da Yan and Da Yue, Zhou Chen would owe Mu Yuyan a favor. In the future, if Mu Yuyan needs anything, Zhou Chen will repay this favor and do it for her.

But if she doesn't help this time, Zhou Chen will only selectively repay the favor he did by sending the message before, and won't go all out.

Just as Mu Yuyan fell silent.

A sudden spitting sound rang out in the hall.

"I will accept this on behalf of my young lady."

Suddenly, Steward Yang from the Mu Clan Chamber of Commerce appeared silently in the main hall and stood beside Mu Yuyan.

At the same time that Chief Steward Yang appeared, Dian Wei, the commander of the Imperial Guards, also appeared beside Zhou Chen.

Besides Dian Wei, Zhou Chen was surrounded by dozens of eunuchs and guards dressed in eunuch uniforms.

They all stared warily at Steward Yang, who had appeared silently in the main hall.

After glancing at Dian Wei, Chief Steward Yang looked at Zhou Chen on the dragon throne. "I can take responsibility for this matter on behalf of my young lady. If any Reincarnation Venerables from Great Yan or Great Yue make a move against Great Zhou, I will secretly intervene to stop them."

"But there are some things I need to make clear to Your Majesty."

“My young lady’s troubles lie with the Azure Dragon Dynasty. If His Majesty wishes to back out now, it’s not too late.”

Chief Steward Yang calmly gazed at Zhou Chen on the dragon throne.

Chief Steward Yang did not have much reverence for imperial power. As powerful figures at their level, there was very little that they could respect.

Azure Dragon Dynasty?

Zhou Chen's pupils involuntarily contracted.

Of the five regions of the Central Plains, the Imperial Court is located in the Central Region, ruling over the four directions. The four great dynasties guard the four regions of the East, South, West, and North. The Great Zhou is currently located at the border of the Eastern Wilderness.

The dynasty that guarded the eastern region was the Azure Dragon Dynasty.

It can be said that the Azure Dragon Dynasty is the overlord of the entire Eastern Region, and second only to the Imperial Court in the entire Wilderness Realm.

Zhou Chen had no idea that Mu Yuyan's difficulties and troubles were actually caused by the Azure Dragon Dynasty.

This is truly a bombshell.

It should be understood that the Azure Dragon Dynasty is not comparable to dynasties like the Great Yan and Great Yue. With the current strength of the Great Zhou, let alone the Azure Dragon Dynasty, even dynasties like the Great Yan and Great Yue would have to struggle to withstand it.

However, despite his surprise, Zhou Chen was not intimidated by the Azure Dragon Dynasty.

The Azure Dragon Dynasty is very strong, but given some time, even if it is the Azure Dragon Dynasty, the Great Zhou will not be afraid.

Zhou Chen glanced at Steward Yang; "You don't need to provoke me. I never go back on my word."

"The Azure Dragon Dynasty is very strong, but the potential of my Great Zhou is beyond your imagination. In just a while, my Great Zhou will no longer fear the Azure Dragon Dynasty."

Zhou Chen's confidence stemmed from his sign-in system.

Given some time, Zhou Chen could easily conquer not only the Azure Dragon Dynasty, but also the Xuanyuan Imperial Court.

Upon hearing Zhou Chen's words, a hint of surprise flashed in Steward Yang's usually calm eyes.

Chief Steward Yang had not expected that Zhou Chen, the emperor of the Great Zhou, would have such confidence to rival the Azure Dragon Dynasty.

You should know that even a powerful figure like Steward Yang wouldn't dare to make such a boast.

Manager Yang didn't know where Zhou Chen's confidence came from, but Zhou Chen's tone was quite calm and firm.

Mu Yuyan, who was standing next to him, also glanced at Zhou Chen on the dragon throne in surprise.

Although Mu Yuyan had some faith in the Great Zhou, she never imagined that the Great Zhou could compare to the entire Azure Dragon Dynasty.

After all, the entire Mu Clan Chamber of Commerce is part of the Azure Dragon Dynasty, which shows how powerful the Azure Dragon Dynasty is.

"As long as you don't go back on your word."

Steward Yang nodded and said, "The Great Zhou has just merged into the Wilderness Realm and is not yet familiar with everything there. In my opinion, His Majesty's harem is still lacking a person in charge."

As soon as Steward Yang said this...

Mu Yuyan, who was standing next to her, changed her expression; "Uncle Yang."

Chief Steward Yang gave Mu Yuyan a deep look, then looked at Zhou Chen on the dragon throne.

Zhou Chen was also visibly stunned at that moment.

How could Zhou Chen not understand the meaning behind Steward Yang's words!
Zhou Chen glanced at Mu Yuyan, his eyes flickering slightly.

Empty words are not enough; this is to prevent him from backing out later, and to completely tie the Great Zhou to the warship that is resolving the troubles of the Azure Dragon Dynasty!
Zhou Chen pondered for a moment, then nodded; "Alright."

……

Dai Viet.

In a remote mountain area.

An angry tiger's roar echoed throughout the entire mountain forest.

Cao Youxiang fled in a disheveled state, carrying several dead tiger cubs in his hands.

"A seventh-tier wild beast, this is going to be a real problem for Da Yue."

Cao Youxiang grinned sinisterly as he charged toward the nearby city outside the mountains.

From the deep mountains and forests behind, a terrifying aura spread out, chasing after Cao Youxiang.

As the angry roar of the tiger resounded, countless wild beasts throughout the mountains and forests seemed to receive some kind of command, and they emerged in droves...

In an instant, tens of thousands of wild beasts rioted, rushing out of the deep mountains and forests like locusts.

……

at the same time.

Great Yan.

In the sea, a dragon soared into the sky, its angry roar shaking the heavens.

"Who killed my son?"

As soon as the dragon's mouth opened, the rivers surged and overflowed like a flood, rushing towards the Great Swallow.

As the dragon's roar spread, all the wild beasts and monsters from the surrounding rivers, lakes, and deep forests rushed out and charged towards the nearby city.

Hearing the dragon's roar of anger from afar, Cao Zhengchun dared not delay for a moment and fled towards the capital of Great Yan with a pale face.

"This dragon meat is truly a treasure. Just a small piece has raised my cultivation to the Yin-Yang Realm. Once we reach a safe place, I will break through to the Life and Death Realm in one fell swoop."

As Cao Zhengchun fled, he secretly looked forward to what was to come.