Start from Wusheng

Chapter 1144 The Fisherman Appears

Soon, messages began to come back one after another.

"The Prince of Jingzhou is unable to extricate himself from a powerful enemy, and Qingchu Prefecture remains inactive and on high alert!"

"The four governors who are on our side are guarding the key passes and have already put the capital under siege."

This is good news. The eight prefectures of Zhili are key to entering and leaving the capital. Controlling these places allows for both offense and defense. Even if we fail, we can retreat unscathed and then turn around and surround the capital.

but……

“Outside the eight prefectures of Zhili, there is a force attacking the outer perimeter, which is suspected to be from the north.”

Wu Linbei smiled. "Bei Xuan Zhu, huh? No need to overthink it, he must be here to support Zhou Daqian."

"Hehe, let's not worry about it. Once Bei Xuanzhu arrives in Dijing, even a dragon will have to coil up..."

At this point, he asked Chongyang Gong, "Won't Lord Niu come?"

"will not."

Chongyang Gong said with certainty, "If we are separated by the south and the north, and Niu Gong really wants to make a big show of entering the capital, Tiannan Divine Sword will target him first."

Since Zhenbei Ge isn't coming, the overall situation won't be affected much, and a mere reinforcement from Bei Xuan Zhu is unlikely to change the outcome.

As for the Western Branch of the Zhou Clan...

"As always, the security is tight. You can't tell anything from the outside, and our people can't infiltrate."

Under Zhu Ruoxuan's management, the Zhou family's western branch was extremely well-organized, and no news could get out after Zhou You went into seclusion.

Even Lian Feihong's allies couldn't get any information from him.

It should be understood that the major factions vying for the throne are intertwined, with information channels reaching every corner of the land. Now, even allies are unaware of the situation, and enemies are even more clueless.

"..."

The martial arts monument pressed its hand to its heart; only the final step remained, yet he still felt uneasy.

Zhou Daqian is the biggest variable in this battle. Although Lian Feihong may seem like a candle that has been extinguished in the wind, as long as Zhou Daqian lives, the matter is not over.

"Peace of mind makes one invincible."

Duke Chongyang seemed to see through his thoughts and spoke up to comfort him, "Once you become a feudal lord and hold power over the world, dismissing Zhou Daqian will be just a matter of a word."

Yes, in an era when the God of War did not appear, the emperor's power was supreme.

Even the Heavenly Sword of the South must respect the reigning monarch; no matter how powerful one is, one cannot interfere with the orders of the Sacrificial Palace.

Wu Linbei let out a sigh of relief, reflecting on the past, and realized that his current high position was due to fate.

Despite being possessed by a demon, he managed to escape unscathed; despite being an illegitimate son, he inherited his father's family business and ultimately became the biggest winner in the competition for the title of lord.

It can be said that he elevated his humble origins to the highest level, deserving to be remembered for eternity.

However, even standing in this moment of boundless glory, a shadow always lingered in his heart.

It wasn't because of his disgraceful role in the family's downfall, nor because of his betrayal of the Inner Demon Ring, nor because of his collusion with the enemy to ambush Lian Feihong, his biggest rival...

That unease, originating from the depths of his heart, prevented Wulinbei from feeling happy.

He couldn't help but activate the Heart Demon Ring. This powerful ruler, who was closest to the Supreme Demon Weapon, was not like a demon at all. He was not harsh on his demon soldiers. Putting aside his identity as the weapon master, he was more like the leader of a major sect.

Wu Linbei's success was largely due to the support of the Heart Demon Ring, and the price he paid was not serious.

However, once the martial artists at sea offered him the terms of support, Wulinbei immediately made a cold and rational decision to betray them.

Wu Linbei is an unappreciated illegitimate son. Although he has noble blood, he has a low status. If he wants to rise to prominence, he must seize every opportunity. Betrayal is just a stepping stone to success.

He has no regrets!

Once he successfully ascends the throne and becomes the supreme ruler of all fifty states, no one will have the right to judge or condemn him. Wu Linbei took a deep breath, raised his hand to order the final all-out attack, not forgetting a potential enemy, Dongfang Daqian.

"After this battle, Dongfang Daqian will also be a hidden danger that must be dealt with."

Strangely enough, with the two great masters going into seclusion one after another, he, ranked third, finally had a chance to rise to prominence.

Dongfang Daqian is also a formidable figure no less powerful than Zhou Daqian. Backed by the Human Race Cult and possessing sacred artifacts, he is widely recognized as a top contender with the aura of a king.

However, at the height of his career, he chose to go into seclusion, reportedly because he was discouraged by Zhou Daqian's criticism.

It's strange to think about the Martial Arts Monument; how come the two strongest enemies are both named Daqian!

Could it be that the word "vast universe" possesses some mysterious magic? Hmm, I happen to have an expert with me, let me ask.

"Lord Chongyang, I would like to ask, what is the meaning of the word 'Daqian' in seal script?"

After thinking for a moment, Chongyang Gong bowed and explained, "The term 'Daqian' was first recorded before the Nine Tripods descended to earth. Later, when the Nine Tripods descended, the original Martial Saint used the Nine Tripods as an annotation, and that's how this term came about."

"It is said that before he passed away, he left behind..."

At this point, Chongyang Gong seemed to choke, and remained silent for a long while.

Wu Linbei waited patiently, but gradually noticed that Chongyang Gong was acting strangely, clearly thinking about something very important.

After a long silence, Chongyang Gong spoke up, "Excuse me, I suddenly remembered something important, please excuse me!"

Excuse me! It's time to... leave.

How could Wulinbei agree to this? At this crucial moment of victory, his most trusted strategist was about to leave. How could he allow that?
Just as they were about to persuade him to stay, a sudden and unexpected change occurred...

"Buzz!"

A burst of light exploded in the sky above the capital, illuminating the core of the battlefield.

The grandmasters belonging to the two major camps, Wulinbei and Lian Feihong, were completely exposed under the light, their expressions filled with astonishment.

The Lian family patriarch and the Zhou family's ninth-generation ancestor stood side by side, sensing that chilling aura, "Sacred Artifact... Dawn."

The identity of the uninvited guest is becoming increasingly clear: Dongfang Daqian.

Dongfang Daqian was in seclusion the longest and emerged early, unexpectedly intervening just as the Martial Arts Monument was about to win.

His appearance was a signal, a new force emerging from different corners of the battlefield.

A third force has emerged, none other than the Human Race Cult of the Eastern Great Thousand, which has been conserving its strength and is now powerful and well-equipped.

Even the patriarch of the Lian family from the Heavenly Dynasty greeted them, saying, "You two are here too. Sorry we're late."

They spoke politely but attacked them at the same time, clearly not there to help them.

"Good heavens, are they trying to reap the benefits without lifting a finger?"

The direction of Dongfang Daqian's military might is not to help either side, but to swallow both sides whole.

The incident happened suddenly, and since both sides had been locked in a long battle and had exhausted most of their strength, they were temporarily suppressed and unable to raise their heads.

The martial arts monument, filled with shock and anger, instinctively asked, "Lord Chongyang..."

Looking back, Chongyang Gong had already vanished without a trace, leaving the place empty.

An ominous feeling rose in his heart. Could it be that Chongyang Gong had also played a part in Dongfang Daqian's sudden intrusion?

This old man has gone back and forth, losing all credibility, and is no longer the highly respected master of seal script he once was.

Nowadays, the Duke of Chongyang is perceived by outsiders more as a schemer.

(End of this chapter)