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Chapter 595: Chapter 595: The Second Transit

Zhao Suoxiang, though only at the Integration stage, was treated with great respect by Di Xuanha upon learning he was the commander of the Eighth Legion of the Great Zheng Empire. Previously, Di Xuanha had not experienced Zhong Shan\'s influence firsthand. This time, witnessing Zhong Shan\'s extraordinary charisma and strategic prowess left a deep impression on him.

Di Xuanha felt a sense of gratitude. It seemed the Wolf Clan was finally poised for greatness. Zhao Suoxiang, held in such high regard by Zhong Shan, was bound for a promising future.

Despite the Great Zheng\'s current small size and limited power, their unique position and strategic advantages would soon propel them to new heights.

At the Taishou Heavenly Court, in Prince Lietian\'s Mansion

Prince Lietian sat at his desk, reviewing various intelligence reports, while others stood on either side, occasionally whispering to one another.

Monk Sekong, having heard about the events in Blue Flame City, took a deep breath. He felt a sense of pride for his earlier decision to \'run away with an upset stomach.\' So many powerful figures had appeared, and despite their overwhelming advantage, Zhong Shan had managed to leave unscathed, gaining the title of Alchemy Saint, Nie Fancheng\'s gratitude, and the Eternal Sacred Platform.

Zhong Shan was indeed as cunning and mysterious as they said. Sekong felt fortunate for not acting impulsively, grateful for his prudence.

Before him stood Wangchen, who had not joined the Blue Flame City expedition. Wangchen seemed equally enigmatic, and Sekong decided it would be wise to avoid antagonizing him in the future.

Although Sekong\'s strength was not formidable, his keen instincts had allowed him to navigate the world of powerful figures safely.

After reviewing the reports, Prince Lietian took a deep breath.

"A storm is brewing. The chaotic times are upon us," Prince Lietian remarked.

"What should we do, Lord?" someone asked.

"With the coming chaos, we must strive for dominance. After Nie Fancheng returns, he will undoubtedly target the Taishou Heavenly Court. The entire Shenzhou will be affected. We must act steadily, expanding our territory gradually," Prince Lietian replied.

"Understood!"

"My army will focus on the Blue Flame Empire, which poses no significant challenge. Sekong, you will lead the forces to conquer it," Prince Lietian commanded.

"Yes!" Sekong immediately responded.

"While I\'m away, Sekong will lead the external forces, and Wangchen will manage internal affairs," Prince Lietian ordered.

"Yes!" everyone responded in unison.

"Lord, are you leaving?" Wangchen asked, frowning.

"Indeed, I need to meet Shen Ya Daojun. It\'s time for a serious discussion," Prince Lietian said, his brow furrowing slightly.

"Has Shen Ya Daojun discovered something?" Wangchen asked, puzzled.

"I\'m not sure. Shen Ya Daojun is extremely mysterious. I need to meet him personally to find out," Prince Lietian shook his head.

"Understood!" everyone replied.

Great Li Heavenly Court, Nie Fancheng\'s Study

In Nie Fancheng\'s study, ten trusted confidants, the most capable individuals of the Great Li Heavenly Court, were present. Among them was Marquis Shaofei, who stood at the center, reporting on the events he encountered in Blue Flame City.

Marquis Shaofei, less powerful than Nie Fancheng, had just returned and was unaware of the changes at the Ten Thousand Pills Conference. When he mentioned Zhong Shan\'s mysterious forces expanding to dominate Blue Flame City, shock filled the eyes of the confidants.

"Enough!" Nie Fancheng said, shaking his head.

At Nie Fancheng\'s command, everyone fell silent.

"The Great Zheng Empire is now an ally of the Great Li Heavenly Court. Unless they disturb our court, we will document other matters but take no action," Nie Fancheng stated solemnly.

"Understood," the group responded, nodding with a mix of surprise and understanding.

"I\'ve gathered you here today to discuss the grand strategy of the world," Nie Fancheng continued.

The grand strategy of the world?

"Chaos is upon us!" Nie Fancheng took a deep breath.

Chaos? The confidants\' breaths hitched. What did he mean by chaos? To Nie Fancheng, wars with neighboring empires did not count as chaos. Only something that affected the entire Shenzhou and could destabilize the Great Li Heavenly Court counted as true chaos.

Chaos is upon us? The wise men in the room held their breath, waiting for Nie Fancheng to explain.

"The Taishou Heavenly Court..." Nie Fancheng began, detailing some global events.

The wise men quickly analyzed and dissected the world\'s situation, devising strategies to ensure their survival and victory in the impending chaos.

Arrival at Tianlang Island

Zhong Shan reached Tianlang Island, where he received various significant updates.

The news of the coming chaos had not yet spread widely, but several matters caught Zhong Shan\'s attention.

First Matter: The Edict of Youming Heaven

"Jian Ao wants a world without monkeys?" Gu Qianyou exclaimed, surprised.

"Indeed, given Jian Ao\'s personality, this move is expected. With the world about to plunge into chaos, this conflict will encompass many factions. Not only will the heavenly courts be at war, but the sacred lands will inevitably be drawn in," Zhong Shan mused.

"Isn\'t that an opportunity for us?" Gu Qianyou smiled.

"Indeed," Zhong Shan agreed.

Second Matter: The Former Great Luo Heavenly Court Princes

The four former princes of the Great Luo Heavenly Court—Gu Zhengyi, Gu Xuan, Gu Taizong, and Gu Zhantian—had established four grand empires: the Great Yong Empire, the Yongle Empire, the Great Tang Empire, and the Spring and Autumn Empire. Recently, leveraging the deep foundations of the Great Luo Heavenly Court, these empires had ascended to imperial status.

Gu Qianyou had a complicated relationship with these four emperors. Though they shared blood ties, there was no familial affection. During her past tribulations, no one besides Zhong Shan had stood up for her.

Gu Qianyou\'s feelings towards the four emperors were complex and conflicted.

Third Matter: Intelligence from Qingzhou

This information came not from scouts but from Yi Yan, Shuijing, and Shui Wuhen. The three legion commanders sent reports indicating that the empires around Qingzhou seemed to be stirring, advising Zhong Shan to prepare in advance.

"Qingzhou\'s empires are becoming restless?" Zhong Shan pondered aloud.

"Yes, we should be vigilant," Gu Qianyou suggested.

"Indeed. We must solidify our position and be ready for any developments," Zhong Shan concluded, his mind racing with strategic plans for the turbulent times ahead.

The Four Corners of Qingzhou

"Are there traces of Gu Xuan and the others in the four corners of Qingzhou?" Gu Qianyou asked with a frown.

"Although Yi Yan and the others wrote their reports cryptically, it appears to be so," Zhong Shan confirmed with a nod.

"Don\'t let my feelings influence your actions. Do what you must. Neither of us owes them anything. I was once the princess of the Great Luo Heavenly Court, but now I\'m the empress of the Great Zheng Empire. Even if you oppose them, the world won\'t blame you because of me," Gu Qianyou said, biting her lip.

"But..." Zhong Shan frowned.

"Don\'t worry about me. Sooner or later, you will have to face them," Gu Qianyou sighed.

"Very well," Zhong Shan nodded.

"Then go to the underworld with Zheng\'er. Out of sight, out of mind," Zhong Shan suggested.

"Alright," Gu Qianyou agreed.

The Underworld

In the underworld, the shadow body of Zhong Shan, accompanied by key officials of the Great Zheng Empire, returned to the Hall of Yin and Yang.

Yan Chongzhi looked at the \'Hall of Yin and Yang\' with a mix of curiosity and surprise. Suddenly, a black-robed figure appeared at the entrance of the hall.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!" the Skeleton King, Wang Gu, respectfully greeted Zhong Shan.

Wang Gu\'s sudden appearance made Yan Chongzhi\'s heart tighten. How did this person appear so suddenly?

"Wang Gu, you and the three ghost craftsmen, enter the Hall of Yin and Yang and follow Mud Buddha to the yang world," Zhong Shan ordered.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" the five responded immediately.

Mud Buddha led the group into the Hall of Yin and Yang, while everyone else waited outside.

Yan Chongzhi frowned. Was what the emperor said true? Could they really go to the yang world?

After waiting patiently for a stick of incense\'s time, the door of the Hall of Yin and Yang suddenly opened with a loud rumble.

Four new faces emerged from within: an exceptionally beautiful woman and three richly dressed men.

As soon as the doors opened, the four newcomers frowned slightly but soon adjusted to the new environment.

"Greetings, Father!" the white-robed man, Zhong Zheng, spoke first.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!" the other two men also bowed respectfully.

"We just met, no need for formalities," Zhong Shan said with a smile.

Father? The man called Zhong Shan \'Father\'?

"Greetings, Empress Qianyou!" Master Shi immediately greeted respectfully.

Empress? That woman was the empress?

"Greetings, Empress, and Crown Prince!" everyone else quickly followed suit.

The second transit through the Yin-Yang passage included the same nine individuals: Mud Buddha, Wang Gu, the three ghost craftsmen, Gu Qianyou, Zhong Zheng, and two members of the Daring Commerce Guild.

"The Daring Commerce Guild in the yang world is already on track. Now, let\'s expand the Daring Commerce Guild into the vast lands of the underworld!" Zhong Shan declared.

"Yes, Father!" Zhong Zheng responded enthusiastically.

"Master Shi, leave a Heavenly Realm zombie to accompany the Wolf King and temporarily guard this Hall of Yin and Yang," Zhong Shan ordered.

"Yes!" the group responded promptly.

"Everyone else, follow me back to the capital!" Zhong Shan commanded.

"Yes!"

The Yang World

After emerging from the Hall of Yin and Yang, the four new arrivals curiously examined their surroundings.

The Skeleton King seemed particularly intrigued, looking up at the enormous golden sun in the sky without any fear. The three ghost craftsmen, however, remained cloaked in their black robes, wary of the bright sunlight.

The four undead beings then turned their attention to Zhong Shan, curious about this other emperor.

"Your Majesty, here is the Brain-eating Beast," Mud Buddha said, handing over the creature captured earlier to Zhong Shan.

Zhong Shan took it gently and nodded.

"Wushuang!" Zhong Shan called.

"At your service!" the commander of the Jinyiwei, Liu Wushuang, responded promptly.

"Take everyone to rest. I will summon you later," Zhong Shan instructed.

"Yes!" everyone responded and followed Liu Wushuang.

Zhong Shan, holding the vial containing the Brain-eating Beast, quickly flew towards Di Xuanha\'s residence to the east.

I\'m exhausted. These past two days have been a whirlwind. Last night, I attended three events, drank until I was dizzy, and then went to a KTV where I have no idea what I sang. Today is the same, and I have another event out of town! I barely managed to finish this chapter. There might not be another chapter today, but if I don\'t drink myself into a stupor, I will definitely write more tonight. I\'ll do my best!