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

Chapter 176 The Nine Cauldrons Duke

When Lu Ming arrived at the camp entrance, he saw Lin Hong standing outside, looking around.

Clearly, he hadn't expected to take over Ice Lake Prefecture, or even the entire Cold Continent, so quickly.

Beside him stood a woman, dressed in a long yellow dress, with stunning beauty.

He exuded an air of nobility.

Needless to say, it's the Holy Maiden of Kaiyang.

Upon Lu Ming's arrival, Lin Hong's face instantly broke into a smile. "Hehe, the Marquis of Zhige is now famous throughout the world. He has saved me once again. I truly have no way to repay him."

When Lin Hong was speaking.

He stepped forward and took Lu Ming's hand.

The other party smiled and said, "Grand Tutor, you are too kind. Without your help this time, Ice Lake Prefecture could not have been conquered so quickly!"

"You're being too polite. With your abilities, it wouldn't matter whether we help you or not," Lin Hong said, waving his hand.

"Alright, let's go inside and talk. Don't just stand here."

Yu Sanjian watched the two of them flattering each other and said somewhat impatiently.

"Alright, I'll listen to the Seventh Ancestor." Lin Hong lifted his leg and walked inside.

At this moment, the Holy Maiden of Kaiyang came to Lu Ming's side and looked him over with some curiosity, saying, "Lord Zhige, you are very good. I am not as good as you. I just hope that you can maintain this state after the war in Dayu ends."

She was very close to Lu Ming, and she carried a faint fragrance.

This is both a reminder and a warning.

Lu Ming has offended too many people in Dayu.

Once this struggle for destiny within the imperial court ends, it will surely be rejected by all the major sects.

Not only him, but also Da Yu.

Countless disciples of sects died at the hands of the imperial court.

Once everything returns to normal, the suppression of Dayu will be unprecedented.

Lu Ming nodded without saying anything.

The atmosphere among everyone was quite subtle for the time that followed.

After having a meal.

Then they each went their separate ways.

Lu Ming led his army toward the southern border.

Lin Hong stayed behind to begin setting up defenses in Hanzhou.

The Holy Maiden of Kaiyang stayed behind to assist.

The Seventh Patriarch then returned to the imperial court.

It seems like everything just passed by like that.

Lu Ming traveled through the territory of the imperial court, so his journey was relatively smooth.

After traveling at various stops for three months, they finally returned to Hongdu Prefecture.

Now, the fourteen states under Lu Ming's command are even more prosperous.

The sea connects with the land, and numerous markets have been established along the coast.

Hongdu Prefecture is close to the dock and is also where Lu Ming is stationed.

It became even more lively and bustling.

As soon as they entered the city gate, they saw Bai Yan already waiting.

"Greetings, Your Excellency!" he said with a smile.

Then, he took out a scroll of imperial edict.

"The imperial decree arrived half a month ago, and you have been conferred the title of Duke of the Third Rank, Ninth Grade."

Lu Ming took the imperial edict and began to read it.

The corners of his mouth involuntarily turned up.

At this level, one is considered a figure of some importance in the imperial court.

However, at the most crucial moment, the system's in-game store was unlocked once again.

He looked at Bai Yan and asked, "Has anything happened recently?"

"My lord, our territory is very peaceful, and nothing major has happened."

Lu Ming breathed a sigh of relief and said, "That's good."

Then, he headed towards his own residence; this time, the departure took too long.

His wife must be getting impatient.

At the same time, in the Imperial Study of the Great Yu Palace.

The Queen sat above.

Below are several patriarchs of the imperial clan. Apart from the five patriarchs who were away, almost all the others were present.

"Seventh Brother, just say what's on your mind. Why did you call all of us here? Did you get into trouble?" the Grand Master of Ceremonies said calmly.

The Empress also cast a curious glance at them.

I wonder what the Seventh Patriarch is trying to do with all this fuss today.

"Your Majesty is now of marriageable age, and I am thinking that we should find her a husband. After all, our Great Yu needs to be passed down from generation to generation, especially in this day and age, so it is important that she has offspring as soon as possible."

It can also stabilize the political situation.

As Yu Sanjian spoke, his gaze swept over the other elders of the clan.

They frowned but didn't say anything.

As the Empress opened her mouth to speak, the Seventh Ancestor quickly continued, "I think the Duke of Jiuding is quite good. He is young but his cultivation surpasses that of his peers. He also governs the coastal areas very well. If he could marry Your Majesty..."

With the assistance of the Duke of Jiuding, the Great Yu will surely reach new heights.

I wonder what you all think.

Upon hearing the voice, the Empress, unusually, did not refute it and remained seated with a calm expression.

However, his gaze kept sweeping over the elders below.

I want to see their opinions.

“I think it’s inappropriate. No matter what, Lu Ming is a subject. How can he marry His Majesty?”

Moreover, it's not easy for a genius to grow into a prodigy.

Without support from behind, there is ultimately a lot more uncertainty.

I would have no objection if it were any woman from the imperial clan, and Duke Jiuding is indeed worthy of her.

But His Majesty's words were still somewhat insufficient.

The Grand Master's meaning was clear: Lu Ming was now unable to protect himself.

How could anyone possibly marry the Empress to him?

"Grand Master of the Imperial Clan, I think it's not impossible for him to marry His Majesty. We can protect him and help him grow," the Third Ancestor said after a moment of contemplation.

“Under normal circumstances, this would be fine, but we have broken with the Tian Shu Sect, which means that my Great Yu has no backing. Under such circumstances, what we need most is to find a powerful force.”

Instead of patiently nurturing someone, we should help each other.

This is taking too long, so long that it might be too much for the Great Yu to handle. Putting aside everything else, even within the Great Yu territory, the Nine Cauldrons Duke might not be able to withstand a single supernatural power.

Although he is quite good now, he is not invincible. At the very least, he needs to have the strength to protect himself. Putting everything else aside, if he could suppress a supernatural being within the Great Yu territory, I would no longer object to this matter.” The Grand Master said this.

A look of helplessness appeared on his face.

In fact, he was quite optimistic about Lu Ming, but the current situation in Dayu was really difficult.

Actually, this isn't the worst time yet.

The most dangerous time will come after the Great Yu Dynasty returns to peace following this battle.

Without the protection of the Tian Shu Sect.

He could already imagine the difficulties he would face from foreign forces.

The Seven Ancestors were unwilling, saying, "Now, apart from the people of the seven major sects, who dares to support us? After this battle, we have offended too many people. Lord Jiuding is really suitable. He is powerful and his talent goes without saying."

In just a few years, he should be able to rival the Dao Lord.

"It's really asking too much of you to make him defeat the divine power now."

At that moment, the Empress said calmly, "Let's discuss this matter later. I have no intention of getting married yet."

As she finished speaking.

The elders in the room also shut up and said no more.

Although they all held high positions in the Great Yu Dynasty, the Empress held absolute power.

This is because the immortal artifacts of the Great Yu Dynasty are controlled by each generation of emperors.

Meanwhile, Lu Ming was unaware of all this; he was having dinner with his wife.

Li Xirou is very happy today.

My husband, who had been away for more than half a year, has finally returned.

The table was laden with various delicacies.

She kept putting food on the other person's plate.

Of course, knowing that Lu Ming liked to drink, she even brought out some fine wine that she had brought back from her parents' home.

"Husband, are you going out again this time?" Li Xirou asked softly.

Recently, the fighting between the imperial court and the rebels has been too frequent.

This meant that Lu Ming often had to go out, which she found quite difficult to bear.

"I probably won't be going out for the time being, but it's hard to say, we'll see!"

Lu Ming knew that after this battle...

Large-scale wars are bound to happen again.

The major sects, in particular, will certainly not let this go easily.

And at this time.

A maidservant walked in.

"My lord, General Zhang Meng requests an audience."

Lu Ming raised an eyebrow. This was the first time Zhang Meng had come to see him while he was eating, especially since he had only just returned.

I knew in my heart that something must have happened.

He looked at his wife beside him and said, "I'll be right back."

"Okay!" Li Xirou nodded obediently.

Then, Lu Ming stood up and walked outside.

As soon as he stepped out of the courtyard gate, he saw Zhang Meng already waiting, looking at Lu Ming with an anxious expression.

"Has something happened?" the other person asked calmly.

It carried a hint of inquiry.

"My lord, the rebels have secretly amassed a large army and are heading towards us. They are about to reach the desolate state, and their numbers are close to two million."

Upon hearing the sound, Lu Ming raised an eyebrow.

There was no news from the imperial court either.

How did the rebels get here?

Then I realized, "They must have come from beyond this realm?"

"Yes, my lord. The seven major sects are on business, and the forces outside the region naturally dare not obstruct them. Xiao Lin sent word that the vanguard of the rebel army has recently been building a high platform in the camp, seemingly to welcome the arrival of some important figure."

Lu Ming nodded, his face showing no other expression.

Now that he has gathered three cauldrons, anyone who enters can only unleash the power of the Dharma Aspect Realm.

Even if Daojun appears, he is confident that he can suppress him.

Therefore, after pondering for a moment, he said, "Notify the army to assemble in the desolate state. Let's see who can break into my fiefdom!"

"As ordered!"

Upon receiving the order, Zhang Meng immediately withdrew.

After seeing him leave, Lu Ming pondered for a moment and then decided to exchange for another Nine Cauldrons.

There aren't many Dharma Aspect masters within my own territory.

If it's a battle between cultivators at the Divine Refinement stage, there shouldn't be any problem.

By gathering the Sea Gods and adding their own generals, it shouldn't be a problem to gather dozens or even hundreds of them.

Since the major sects are going to fight, let them experience the oppressive power of humanity.

Then, another ancient bronze cauldron appeared in his palm.

When a drop of blood is injected into it.

Lu Ming has already exchanged for a total of four cauldrons.

A great deal of humanitarian fortune converged upon him.

The humanitarian fortunes of the fourteen states were tightly brought together.

By this time.

In the fourteen states, anyone who enters can only use the cultivation level of the Refining God.

Even Daojun is no exception.

Meanwhile, the Dharma Images under his command can still unleash their full power.

This is a rare opportunity for a wealthy nation to win a war.

Thinking of this, I walked towards the front yard.

Wang Yue went home to be with his wife; there's no way to say that.

Lu Shi was drinking a jar of wine under the eaves.

At this moment, he was shirtless, revealing his incredibly muscular physique.

It even reflects light somewhat in the sunlight.

When he saw Lu Ming coming over, he quickly stood up.

"Master!"

He spoke with a hint of caution.

Lu Ming smiled and said, "It's good to have a drink since it's a rare rest. Go and inform the navy to lead their troops and experts above the Refinement God level from various families to assemble in Hongdu Prefecture. We'll set off for the Desolate State tomorrow."

"Yes, sir!" Lu Shi replied hastily upon receiving the order.

At this moment, he even showed excitement on his face.

For Lu Shi, his favorite thing was fighting on the battlefield.

Then, he hurriedly ran out of the mansion.

At this moment, the armies throughout the fourteen provinces were mobilized.

A day later, the various battalions and the navy gathered outside Hongdu City.

Lu Ming only stayed in the mansion for one night. After saying goodbye to his wife, he put on a black armor, rode his warhorse, and left the mansion.

They joined up with the main force.

They had just arrived outside the city.

Zhang Mu came forward and said, "General, all the soldiers in each camp have been assembled, and the governors of various regions are also leading their troops to assemble in the desolate state. It is expected that they will all arrive within ten days."

"lets go!"

Lu Ming said calmly.

He is not the same person he was in the past.

Now we hold the Nine Tripods in our hands.

He commands a million-strong army across fourteen provinces, as well as a vast sea area spanning millions of miles.

At least within the Great Yu territory, they can be considered a very strong existence.

Following the issuance of the order.

The warhorses charged forward, with the army following closely behind.

Lu Ming glanced at the assembled experts; although there weren't hundreds, there were still dozens.

This lineup, at least in terms of the number of people at the Refinement God Realm.

Our side is no weaker than the rebels.

As for the army...

Each state and prefecture allocated half of the supplies, totaling 800,000.

Keep in mind that these are 800,000 elite warriors, all at the Qi Refining stage.

In Lu Ming's view, sweeping away the two million troops of the various rebel kings would not pose any problem.

However, after this battle began.

His trump cards are about to be revealed.

But now he is fearless; in the fourteen states, he fears no one.

For the next few days, the army was on an emergency march.

The armies of various states and prefectures were frequently incorporated into Lu Ming's army.

When they arrived in the desolate state, an army of hundreds of thousands had already gathered there.

Generals from all sides came to pay their respects to Lu Ming.

The other person glanced around.

He then said, "Let's go up to the city wall and take a look."

As they spoke, they walked upwards.

As soon as he reached the top of the city wall, Lu Ming looked into the distance and saw an endless camp ahead.

Cultivators were also flying overhead.

They are clearly also observing their own side.

"How long have they been here?" Lu Ming asked.

“Those who gathered yesterday should launch their attack in the next couple of days,” Xiao Lin said hastily.

His voice carried a hint of respect.

Lu Ming nodded.

"Let's wait and see what they do."

He said slowly.

Meanwhile, inside the Chaotian Hall...

The Queen also received news of the rebels' attack on the southern border.

Sitting on the dragon throne, he appeared somewhat angry. "Are all the Black-Clad Guards useless? The rebels were already gathering in the Southern Frontier when you finally noticed. What use are you?!"

"Thump!" Wei Zhong immediately knelt down on the ground.

"Your Majesty, I deserve to die!" He slammed his head on the ground, his body trembling.

It was clearly a great fear.

At this moment, the Seventh Ancestor stepped forward and said, "The rebels went beyond the borders. Now the forces outside are suppressing us. Even the Black-Clad Guards cannot leave the territory of the Great Yu. Your Majesty, please do not blame them. Now we should consider how to help Duke Jiuding."

As he spoke, a hint of anxiety appeared in his eyes.

After all, Lu Ming was no ordinary general.

It is no exaggeration to say that he is the pillar of the Great Yu Dynasty. If something were to happen to him, it would be a huge loss for the entire court.

It could even destabilize the last foundation of the Great Yu Dynasty.

The Third Ancestor then slowly said, "The journey is too far, and it's too late to send a large army. We can only send sect disciples to assist."

The Empress nodded, then turned her gaze to the Holy Maiden of Kaiyang.

“I can certainly go, but as far as I know, all the major sects have mobilized a lot more Divine Power Realm experts, far more than we have. So I can only guarantee to do my best. As for the safety of Lord Jiuding, I cannot guarantee it, after all, his strength is still above mine.”

She was very direct.

The officials of the Great Yu Dynasty, along with the experts from the imperial clan, fell silent.

"Then I'll leave it to the Holy Maiden."

The Empress spoke.

There's no better way right now.

We can only send the sect's experts first.

After bowing respectfully with her hands clasped, the Holy Maiden of Kaiyang withdrew.

For a moment, the entire hall was filled with gloom and despair.

However, they were unaware that a Dao Lord would be descending upon the Tianxuan Sect this time, if they had known.

They'll probably be even more worried.

If a Dao Lord were to storm in, he would be virtually invincible.

Even if they are at the same level, they have the power to instantly kill their opponents.

Such a person is simply beyond the imagination of ordinary people.

(End of this chapter)