The Ming Dynasty: The most ruthless imperial grandson, Old Zhu begged me not to kill him.

Chapter 733 How could you possibly know my weakness?
The red mark seemed to be the Northern Darkness Demon's Achilles' heel; once pierced, its demonic aura rapidly dissipated, and its size began to shrink. Zhu Xiong Ying pressed his advantage, his sword raining down on the Northern Darkness Demon like a storm, each strike precisely hitting the red mark.

"Impossible! How could you possibly know my weakness!" The voice of the Old Demon of the Northern Sea was filled with fear and resentment.

Zhu Xiong Ying sneered, "You have committed countless evils, and your crimes are intolerable to Heaven! Today is your death day!"

As the final sword pierced down, the Old Demon of the Northern Sea let out a desperate wail, and his massive body collapsed with a crash, turning into a pool of black water.

The demonic aura of Black Wind Mountain dissipated, and sunlight shone on the land once more.

The soldiers cheered and jumped for joy, celebrating this hard-won victory.

Standing atop the mountain, Zhu Xiong Ying looked down at the landscape below, his heart filled with boundless pride.

He suddenly realized that he was no longer the little emperor hiding in the palace.

He was the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, the ruler of the world!

He will lead the Ming Dynasty to an even more glorious future!
Upon returning to the capital, Zhu Xiong Ying immediately summoned all civil and military officials and announced a momentous decision—to personally lead an expedition to attack the Northern Yuan!

This decision immediately caused an uproar in the imperial court.

"Your Majesty, you mustn't! You are of inestimable worth; how can you so easily take such a dangerous risk?"

"The Northern Yuan is located in a harsh and cold land. Our army is not accustomed to the climate and water. If we rashly send troops out, there may be unforeseen consequences!"

"Your Majesty, please reconsider!"

The ministers all advised against it, believing that Zhu Xiong Ying's decision was too risky.

Zhu Xiong Ying remained unmoved. His gaze was firm, and his tone resolute. "My mind is made up! The Northern Yuan has repeatedly invaded our borders, burning, killing, looting, and committing all sorts of atrocities! As the Emperor of the Great Ming, how can I sit idly by? I will personally lead the expedition to completely annihilate the Northern Yuan and eliminate this threat forever!"

"But Your Majesty..."

"No need to say any more!" Zhu Xiong Ying interrupted the ministers. "My mind is made up, and no one can change it! I know you are worried about my safety, but I believe that as long as my soldiers work together, we will definitely be able to defeat the Northern Yuan!"

Seeing Zhu Xiong Ying's resolute stance, the ministers knew they could say nothing more.

Thus began a massive Northern Expedition.

Zhu Xiong Ying personally led his army northward, advancing with unstoppable momentum, conquering cities and seizing territories.

The Northern Yuan army was no match for the Ming army and suffered repeated defeats.

In less than a month, the Ming army had conquered large swathes of territory belonging to the Northern Yuan.

The Northern Yuan emperor was terrified and immediately sent an envoy to sue for peace.

Zhu Xiong Ying sneered, "Trying to make peace now? Too late!"

He ordered the attack to continue, vowing to completely annihilate the Northern Yuan.

With nowhere else to turn, the Northern Yuan emperor had no choice but to lead his remaining troops to flee to the northern desert.

Zhu Xiong Ying led his army in pursuit and eventually captured the Northern Yuan emperor alive.

With this, the Northern Yuan Dynasty was completely destroyed.

Zhu Xiong Ying returned in triumph and was warmly welcomed by people all over the country.

His fame spread far and wide, intimidating all directions.

As a result, the Ming Dynasty became even more powerful and became the true hegemon of the East.

However, the victory in the war did not satisfy Zhu Xiong Ying.

He always had a question in his mind: what was the origin of the Northern Darkness Demon?

He always felt that there was a bigger conspiracy hidden behind the Old Demon of the Northern Underworld.

To unravel this mystery, Zhu Xiong Ying decided to travel to Kunlun Mountain to search for the legendary immortals.

Legend has it that a hermit named Yu Xuzi lives on Mount Kunlun, and he is omniscient and omnipotent. Perhaps Yu Xuzi can answer the questions in Zhu Xiong Ying's heart.

Thus, Zhu Xiong Ying embarked on his journey once again, heading towards the Kunlun Mountains...

At the foot of the Kunlun Mountains, Zhu Xiong Ying encountered a mysterious old man.

The old man had white hair but a youthful face, and possessed an air of otherworldly wisdom; he was clearly no ordinary person.

Zhu Xiong Ying stepped forward and bowed, "Sir, may I ask who you are...?"

The old man smiled slightly, "This humble Taoist is Yuxuzi."

Zhu Xiong Ying was overjoyed and quickly told Yu Xu Zi about his question.

After listening, Yu Xuzi pondered for a moment and said, "The Old Demon of the Northern Underworld is no ordinary monster. It comes from a mysterious organization—the Heavenly Demon Sect."

"The Heavenly Demon Sect?" Zhu Xiong Ying was startled. "What kind of organization is that?"

Yu Xuzi sighed, "The Heavenly Demon Sect is an extremely evil organization. They attempt to overthrow the human order and rule the entire world."

"What?!" Zhu Xiong Ying exclaimed in shock. "Such an evil organization actually exists!"

Yu Xuzi nodded. "The Heavenly Demon Sect has a vast influence, spreading throughout the world. They lurk in the shadows, waiting for their chance to strike."

"Then how should we deal with this?" Zhu Xiong Ying asked anxiously.

Yu Xuzi said in a deep voice, "If we want to fight against the Heavenly Demon Sect, we must find their headquarters and destroy it completely!"

"But where is the headquarters of the Heavenly Demon Sect?"

Yu Xuzi shook his head. "I don't know either. However, I can give you a clue."

"What clue?" Zhu Xiong Ying asked hurriedly.

Yu Xuzi pointed to the distant snow-capped mountains and said, "The headquarters of the Heavenly Demon Sect is located deep within those snow-capped mountains..."

Yu Xuzi's words filled Zhu Xiong Ying with shock and unease. The Heavenly Demon Sect—the very name sounded sinister. He couldn't imagine what kind of hell it would be if such an organization ruled the world.

"I must stop them!" Zhu Xiong Ying clenched his fist, his eyes flashing with determination.

"Your Majesty, the Heavenly Demon Sect is powerful and we must not underestimate them," Chang Yuchun said, clasping his hands in a fist salute, his rugged face full of worry.

"General Chang is right, this matter needs to be considered carefully," Zhu Biao also advised. Although he was physically weak, he was meticulous and far-sighted.

“Father, I also believe that we should not act rashly,” Zhu Yunwen echoed.

Zhu Xiong Ying looked around at everyone, took a deep breath, and said, "My mind is made up. Immediately mobilize the army and divide it into two groups. One group, led by General Chang, will go deep into the snow mountain to investigate the location of the Heavenly Demon Sect's headquarters; the other group, led by General Lan Yu, will wipe out the remaining Northern Yuan forces to eliminate future troubles."

"Your Majesty, I believe that Lan Yu is arrogant and self-important, and difficult to control. I fear there may be problems," Zhu Biao said worriedly.

Zhu Xiong Ying waved his hand, saying, "Although Lan Yu is arrogant, he is brave and skilled in battle, a fierce general. He has made great contributions in this Northern Expedition, and I believe he is capable of fulfilling his duties."

"Your Majesty, I also think it's inappropriate," Empress Ma advised. "Lan Yu is arrogant and disdainful of others, and he may cause trouble."

"Mother, I know your worries, but I believe Lan Yu will not betray my trust," Zhu Xiong Ying insisted.

Chang Yuchun and Lan Yu accepted the order and set off, each leading their armies.

Zhu Xiong Ying remained in the capital to handle government affairs while awaiting news from Chang Yu Chun.

A few days later, Chang Yuchun sent an urgent report, saying that the terrain deep in the snow-capped mountains was treacherous and the climate was harsh, making it difficult for the army to penetrate deep into the mountains.

Zhu Xiong Ying frowned, her heart filled with anxiety.

At this moment, Yu Xuzi reappeared and said to Zhu Xiong Ying, "Your Majesty, I have a plan that can help the army enter the depths of the snow mountain smoothly."

(End of this chapter)