Starting as a centurion, he fought his way through the chaos of the world.

Chapter 164 Nine Cauldrons
[High-quality replica of the Jizhou Cauldron, a low-grade immortal artifact, worth 10 billion points (the nine cauldrons combined are comparable to a high-grade immortal artifact and possess the power to suppress destiny)]

Looking at the Nine Provinces Cauldron displayed in the system store.

A smile appeared on Lu Ming's face.

This is exactly what I want. Putting everything else aside, as long as one of the Nine Cauldrons is placed in my fourteen provinces, I should be able to cover all fourteen provinces, along with the territories I currently occupy in the sea.

At that time, it will be able to form its own unique humanistic destiny.

Even if the Great Yu is breached.

Even those at the Ascension Realm would likely find it difficult to enter.

Moreover, the greatest function of the Nine Cauldrons is...

Within their own territory, the strength of their own people is not subject to any restrictions.

Only the enemy can be bound.

It can be said that as long as the Nine Cauldrons are set up, one has secured the right timing, location, and popular support.

By exchanging for four cauldrons, one can prevent those above the Refinement God level from entering the fourteen states.

By then, we will have the strength to challenge all the major sects.

At the very least, once you enter your own territory, you don't need to fear those sect members.

Thinking of this, his eyes flickered slightly.

"I still have too few points."

To redeem the Nine Cauldrons, you will need 500 million points.

That's quite a number.

However, now that he has reached his position, sending troops is no longer something he can do casually.

Launching an attack rashly could have far-reaching consequences.

This would also draw the Great Yu into the flames of war.

Moreover, and most importantly, with the arrival of experts from various sects at the Dharma Aspect Realm.

Even if one wants to rival them.

We can't be afraid for now.

As he thought of this, he waved his hand.

A map appeared in the palm of your hand.

It was a nautical chart drawn by the Marquis's residence.

The above depicts the maritime forces.

Clearly, Lu Ming is preparing to take action in the sea area.

The reason for choosing this place is twofold: firstly, it would be possible to bring all the major families in the coastal areas under the jurisdiction of the Marquis's mansion.

The territory has more than doubled in size, and it will go unnoticed.

Furthermore, the Marquis's mansion's spirit stones are no longer sufficient to supply the army.

After this battle with the King of Langya.

The soldiers all had a lot of military merits.

It's likely that it won't be long before everyone enters the Qi Refining stage.

His cultivation has reached such a level.

They would have to use spirit stones to cultivate, otherwise the breakthroughs of their subordinates would become slow.

Therefore, it was imperative to collect taxes from the major coastal families.

Furthermore, these coastal aristocratic families will definitely become a problem for the Marquis's mansion if they are not subdued as soon as possible.

They are too close to the fourteen provinces; if they were to launch a surprise attack while things were in chaos...

It poses a great threat to me.

Thinking of this, Lu Ming raised his eyes and then said to the door, "Zhang Meng, come in."

Upon hearing the sound, the other party immediately ran inside.

After informing Guo Zhun, he waited outside.

"Master Hou!"

He said respectfully.

After pondering for a moment, Lu Ming slowly said, "Go and inform Helian Nu to come to the Marquis's residence. Tell him you have something to discuss with him."

"Yes, Lord Marquis."

Upon receiving the order, Zhang Meng quickly retreated.

After the other person left, Lu Ming stood up and walked towards the backyard.

Even if Helian Nu travels from the sea, it will take at least two days to arrive.

In the next two days, he plans to try to break through.

However, when we first arrived in the backyard...

Mu Qinglin was accompanying Li Xirou, carefully arranging the plum blossoms in the courtyard.

At this moment, he had completely lost his former arrogance and became meek and submissive.

As Lu Ming slowly walked over.

Li Xirou stood up and said with a smile, "Spring is just around the corner, and I'm planning to plant some more flowers."

"I'm glad you like it," Lu Ming said with a smile.

Then she turned her gaze to Mu Qinglin, "We're going out to sea in a few days, you can come along."

"Yes, Lord Marquis!"

The other party quickly agreed.

After glancing at her, Lu Ming went into the secret room and began his seclusion again.

These past few days, he has been continuously consuming Tianyuan Fruit.

Now, I have a vague feeling that I'm about to make a breakthrough.

Let's see if we can improve our cultivation level.

Inside the sealed room, he tried his best to sense the energy floating in the air.

It captures the movement of the stars.

Time passed by minute by minute.

"Buzz!"

It's unclear how much time passed, but the invisible mystical light within the entire secret chamber began to float outwards.

Behind Lu Ming, a giant azure python shimmering with starlight emerged.

A cold, eerie light shone in his eyes.

The scales are fine, compact, and sharp.

It climbed onto Lu Ming's neck.

It seemed to be choosing its prey to devour.

The celestial markings on his arms also became four.

At this point, his strength as a Celestial Master was comparable to that of a Purple Mansion.

Once you reach the fifth level, you can receive the falling star power at night.

It can not only improve one's cultivation level, but also temper one's physical body.

It can be described as truly miraculous.

After feeling the powerful energy within my body.

Then, she stood up and walked outside.

When I arrived at the door.

Then they saw Mu Qinglin standing cautiously outside the secret room.

Clearly, she has now adapted to the role of a maid.

"Where is Madam?" Lu Ming asked, glancing around the room.

"Reporting to the Marquis, the Madam has gone to her parents' home."

"Let me stay here," Lord Zhang Meng just reported.

General Helian Nu has arrived.

When this name was mentioned, a hint of fear involuntarily surfaced in Mu Qinglin's eyes.

Clearly, Helian Nu was notorious for his ferocity.

Lu Ming nodded.

Then I walked toward the front yard.

Since Helian Nu has arrived, it means that he has been cultivating for two days.

When I arrived at the front yard, I saw that the other person was already standing at the door.

A robust physique, coupled with black armor.

When standing still.

It is like an iron tower.

Upon seeing Lu Ming, he respectfully stepped forward and said, "Greetings, Lord Marquis!"

Lu Ming waved his hand.

Then he entered the front hall, and as soon as he sat down, he looked at Helian and said angrily.

What's the situation in the sea recently?

He asked directly.

Helian Nu quickly sat up straight and said, "Reporting to the Marquis, everything else is fine. The families below are all obedient and pay their monthly spirit stones on time. However, recently..."

Those families that sought refuge with us seem to have been ostracized by the major coastal families.

Several heads of households complained to me.

"Oh, why is that?" Lu Ming raised an eyebrow. This kind of thing needs to be stopped as soon as possible, otherwise, if it continues to develop like this, it will be very dangerous.

Who would dare to rely on me?

"The forces in the sea have always coveted the Great Yu, and have frequently harassed it in the past."

Now, not only have they not gained any advantage in Dayu, but it is you, Lord Marquis, who have expanded your influence in the sea.

This made the sects in those sea areas very nervous and resistant.

For now, since they don't dare to attack us, their only option is to exclude those other families.

Lu Ming nodded.

After learning the whole story, he pondered for a moment and said.

"Who are the leading forces?"

"The Sun family of Zhenhai in the sea area, and the Zhang family of Qiulong Island, each control hundreds of sects and families along the coast."

Both families are quite powerful, with the heads of both families having reached the early stage of the Dharma Aspect realm.

They can gather hundreds of thousands of tribal soldiers in a short period of time.

They're all formidable.

Lu Ming's gaze darkened slightly. "Suppressing the sea and imprisoning the dragon, that's quite an impressive boast. But if it's just the Dharma Aspect Realm, it's not a big deal."

As he thought about this, Lu Ming seemed to be pondering something.

After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Whose people are ostracizing us?"

Lu Ming said slowly.

He was already radiating murderous intent.

"The Zhang family of Prison Dragon Island used to have business dealings with several families that had pledged allegiance to the Marquis's mansion, but now those dealings have been severed."

Moreover, checkpoints were set up along the flight path.

Intercept these families' merchant ships.

Some time ago, they made a statement.

Anyone who dares to betray their own side is their enemy.

Helian Nu hurriedly replied.

He didn't have a good way to deal with these two companies.

I am only at the initial stage of Spirit Refinement.

Neither the Sun family nor the Zhang family are people he can deal with.

"Since they're going to be the first to stick their neck out, then we'll deal with the Zhang family first. Did you bring all the naval warships?" Lu Ming said calmly.

His combat strength is now comparable to that of a peak-level Refinement God.

If one can master the formation, dealing with a peak Dharma Aspect cultivator should not be a problem.

Once the two family heads are suppressed, the rest will naturally surrender.

If they refuse to submit, kill them until they do.

"I've brought everything, we can set off anytime!" Helian Nu hurriedly replied.

Although he was somewhat worried about whether Lu Ming could handle two family heads, he dared not disobey the order in the slightest.

"Alright, then go and prepare."

Once the army is assembled, we can set off immediately.

"Yes!" Helian angrily replied and then withdrew.

Then, Lu Ming looked outside the hall and said, "Zhang Meng, inform the generals of each battalion, as well as the officials, that we will set sail tomorrow."

"As ordered!"

Zhang Meng responded.

He hurriedly headed towards the military camp.

At this moment, Lu Ming's palms were flipping.

The Dragon Sparrow Blade appeared in his palm.

Next, I will stir up trouble in the seas.

As long as we take over the coastal areas.

I exchanged for the Nine Cauldrons.

Within the territory of the Marquis of Zhige's mansion, there was only one iron barrel.

He then had the leverage to compete with the major sects.

At that time, even if a Dao Lord descended, they would still have the power to fight.

Meanwhile, in the capital city of Shangjing...

The Empress is reviewing memorials in her study.

The female official in blue cautiously entered.

"Your Majesty, the Seventh Ancestor has returned."

The Empress raised an eyebrow. "Please!"

A clear voice sounded.

After the female official in blue left, a hint of nervousness appeared in her eyes.

After all, whether Kaiyang Sect cooperates or not is related to the future of the entire Dayu.

"Tap!"

A moment later, the Seventh Patriarch walked in.

He was wearing a gray cloth robe and had a gourd hanging from his waist.

Upon arriving at the study, he bowed to the Empress and said, "Your Majesty, I have fulfilled my mission. The Kaiyang Sect is willing to cooperate with us and attaches great importance to our proposal. The Kaiyang Saintess will arrive in a month."

While discussing cooperation matters.

They will also be stationed in Dayu to help us defend against the experts from the six sects.

The Empress's eyes lit up with joy. "Very well. Since the Holy Maiden has come, our Great Yu cannot be negligent. Send word to prepare for the welcoming of the Holy Maiden of Kaiyang."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The Seventh Patriarch immediately spoke.

However, the Empress then thought of something else: "Seventh Ancestor, do you think we should inform Marquis Zhige?"

"Why don't we just let it go for now? Although the Kaiyang Sect doesn't care about the killing of its disciples, it still has a lot of grievances against Marquis Zhige. It's said that the Kaiyang Saintess has said she'll teach Marquis Zhige a lesson."

"Given the latter's personality, they might not give them any face. If a fight really breaks out, it won't look good," the Seventh Patriarch said with a wry smile.

The Empress smiled and said, "If that's the case, then I'll trouble the Seventh Ancestor to explain things clearly to Marquis Zhige, so that he won't misunderstand."

After all, it was Lu Ming who proposed the alliance with the Kaiyang Sect.

Such a grand scene.

The Queen felt it would be inappropriate not to invite the other party.

"I will personally send him a message in a moment."

The Seventh Patriarch immediately spoke.

However, he seemed to remember something else and said, "Your Majesty, there is one more thing. The Grand Master of Ceremonies has drawn up another list, this time all of them are legitimate daughters of the imperial clan. He wants Marquis Zhige to choose them and asked me to ask for your opinion."

There is a difference between legitimate daughters of the imperial family and illegitimate daughters.

For a legitimate daughter to marry, she must obtain the Empress's approval.

"With Marquis Zhige's status and abilities, he is indeed worthy of the legitimate daughter of the royal family, but didn't he refuse last time?" the Empress said after a moment's hesitation.

"The Grand Master of Ceremonies means that we need to have a woman from the imperial clan marry into the Marquis's household to feel at ease. It doesn't matter if she becomes a concubine. If all else fails, you can issue another decree," the Seventh Ancestor said helplessly.

The Grand Master of Ceremonies held outdated and rigid ideas.

They always believed that marriage was the safest way to retain talent and deepen the relationship between the two sides.

The Empress shook her head without hesitation this time, saying, "If this matter is forced, it will not be good. Tell the Grand Master of Ceremonies that I will handle this matter, and he doesn't need to worry about it for now."

The Empress said helplessly.

The Grand Master's actions were truly inappropriate.

The Seventh Patriarch smiled and said, "Then I will go and deliver the message."

Then, he walked out of the study.

When only the Queen remained.

She took out Lu Ming's portrait.

Look carefully.

After a moment, he put it away.

On the other side, at the Zhelongfu Wharf.

Two days passed in the blink of an eye.

The warships, gleaming with metallic luster, were docked at the pier.

The army is slowly boarding the ship.

Lu Ming stood on his flagship.

Looking out into the distance.

A moment later, Zhang Meng walked over and said, "My lord, everyone has boarded the ship. Shall we set sail?"

"Let's go!" Lu Ming said calmly.

The next moment, the sails were raised.

Then, they headed towards the sea.

The forty warships lined up were quite a sight.

And the place they went to was none other than the sea area where the Zhang family had set up a checkpoint.

That was also the only way to get to the Zhang family's house.

(End of this chapter)