Start with a red name

The first person to speak was the "Black Wind Army Master," who had left a deep impression on Cao Ao's mind and led him to victory in countless battles.

He glanced at everyone, his gaze finally settling on himself and the other "Northern Core" members beside him, Song Mingzhu and Yu Hou. He nodded slightly, as if greeting them, and said with a smile, "Senior brothers, I only like to take action. I'll leave this matter of answering questions to you."

As he spoke, his gaze swept over Song Mingzhu, Cao Ao, Yu Hou, the High Priest of the Holy Mountain, and other "Northern Core Members" before he closed his eyes, appearing detached from the matter.

Then, Cao Ao saw that one of the remaining two men, dressed in an even more unusual and unconventional style, simply said, "Junior brother, it's up to you," and then closed his eyes.

The last one nodded and smiled, then spoke:

“Some of you know me, and some don’t… My name is Su Ruiliang… You seem confused about the current situation? To be honest, it’s not that complicated…”

Then, in front of the visitors and his two "fellow disciples" beside him, he gave a brief introduction to the situation.

It is indeed very simple to understand based on the literal meaning of what the other party said. Even if his head was buzzing, it did not prevent Cao Ao from clearly understanding the truth.

Simply put, these three fellow disciples who joined forces to deceive the world and, in less than a year, swiftly unified the nine provinces of the world, all studied under the same teacher.

Their achievements today, seemingly unprecedented, are in fact the result of generations of tireless efforts, meticulous planning, and careful preparation within their school.

“You have helped us achieve our long-cherished wish and are pillars of strength that we can rely on and trust… Therefore, you must not be misled by appearances.”

As he spoke, "Su Ruiliang" paused and said:

"The real skill lies beyond the poem; our lineage has been passed down since the time of Emperor Yuan."

Since Emperor Yuan, he has devoted himself to the country for hundreds of years, narrowly escaping death many times. It is only through divine favor and the unremitting efforts of each generation that he has achieved what he has today.

Therefore, you must not attribute this great achievement to us three brothers.

At this point, the listeners' minds were in turmoil, countless thoughts swirling in their heads, and a cacophony of shocks reverberating through their ears.

But soon, Su Ruiliang's next words made them realize that they had been "careless." What they had just seen was nothing compared to what was to come; even bigger "bombs" were waiting for them.

Then, Su Ruiliang, who had just finished speaking, suddenly stopped, glanced around at everyone, and then sighed sadly, saying:
"With our concerted efforts, the Nine Provinces are already in our grasp. It is just around the corner that we will share in this prosperous era and create achievements far surpassing those of the Yuan Emperor and even the Five Emperors."

At times like these, saying anything discouraging is even more inappropriate.

Upon hearing this, everyone felt a jolt of unease, an instinctive sense of unease washing over them.

"As the saying goes, human strength has its limits. The three of us brothers have spent the first half of our lives busy planning and scheming, never having a moment's rest. This year, we have exhausted all our energy. We originally wanted to hold on until the world was officially unified, but alas, we are like oil lamps burning out. I'm afraid we won't be able to wait until then!"

These words still echoed in the stone chamber, and endless thoughts and unspeakable emotions burst forth in everyone's minds.

Luo Qing, who was almost the weakest among the representatives of the weakest side present, had a distorted face, showing shock and fear, and subconsciously shouted:
"Boss!"

Su Ruiliang looked at him, nodded slightly, and then his gaze swept over the others in turn, saying softly:
"The current situation is indeed ill-timed. The unification of the world is on the verge of completion, but not quite. Furthermore, the three of you have not been able to unite as one because my fellow disciples and I each had our own roles. This was something we originally planned to push forward with all our might, but alas... the will of Heaven is hard to defy!"

At this point, "Su Ruiliang" paused, displaying a detached and carefree attitude, completely disregarding his own safety and life, with all his thoughts focused on the greater cause.

"Since we've embarked on this path, we've stopped worrying about life and death."

My only worry is that if my two fellow disciples were to pass away so hastily, the world would inevitably be thrown into turmoil again… and it wouldn't be fair to you all.”

As Su Ruiliang calmly and unhurriedly recounted his story, seemingly oblivious to life and death, the minds of his listeners were on a rollercoaster ride.

Each word that fell caused their thoughts to rise and fall dramatically, sometimes soaring to the heavens amidst raging winds and thunder, and sometimes crashing down into the abyss, crushed and enveloped by bone-chilling fear and darkness.

Finally, the still understated "Su Ruiliang" "gently" sent a meteorite capable of destroying the world into everyone's heart.

"...Fortunately, my fellow disciples and I were not entirely unprepared for today's situation and made some preparations in advance."

As he spoke, "Su Ruiliang" looked to one side of the stone chamber and said, "Come out."

Luo Qing, Cao Ao, and the others all followed his gaze and saw a stone wall directly opposite the passage they had entered through.

From the moment they entered the dimly lit stone chamber, everyone's attention was drawn to the three people inside.

Only now did I realize that this stone wall was not a single piece; it had obvious gaps.

"Click—Buzz—"

With a slightly grating, low sound, a stone wall slid open like a door, and a figure stepped out from inside.

Young, unusually young.

You can even vaguely see some youthful innocence.

Everyone present had extensive experience in recognizing and judging people.

It was obvious at a glance that the unfamiliar young man who suddenly appeared in front of them was probably a young man who was not even twenty years old.

He searched his memory thoroughly but had no recollection of this suddenly appearing young man.

Aside from being relatively pleasing to the eye, the first impression it gives is that it is "ordinary and unremarkable".

Such thoughts and judgments were made in the blink of an eye, and everyone's minds were briefly stunned.

"???"

However, soon, someone's pupils contracted, as if they realized something, and they quickly looked at "Su Ruiliang".

Su Ruiliang smiled as he watched the young man slowly approach and stand beside him.

Then he introduced himself to everyone:

"This is the mantle he was chosen and unanimously recognized by my two fellow disciples. The unfinished business of ours will be handed over to him to complete... We hope that you will venerate him as you would the three of us, and completely bury this chaotic world that has lasted for more than five hundred years, and create a new golden age."

At this point, Su Ruiliang's gaze slowly swept across everyone's faces, his expression filled with eager anticipation.

The crowd, their emotions in complete disarray, were speechless, standing there stunned, unable to offer any response to his earnest expectations.

Su Ruiliang's face showed disappointment, and he said indifferently:
"Your contributions to the current state of the world are undeniable."

But my sect's centuries of dedicated cultivation and accumulation is the prerequisite. I wouldn't say it's much, but it should at least be 50% of the effort, right?

My two fellow disciples and I have painstakingly planned and collaborated for so many years, and now we've even risked our lives. I dare not say more, but surely it's not an exaggeration to say we've shared three or four parts of the success?"

Many people felt a sudden pang in their hearts upon hearing this.

The unspoken implication is that the remaining one or two percent of the credit belongs to them, and this "they" is further divided into three groups.

When it comes down to the individual, the impact is even more negligible.

In other words, every single one of them present was, if not insignificant, at least negligible in this massive wave sweeping across the world.

That was a rather harsh statement, but everyone present knew it was an indisputable fact.

They were all deeply involved in this "giant wave," and it was precisely because of this that they realized they were just lucky "drops of water," and that their absence would not affect the final formation of this "giant wave."

Su Ruiliang publicly stated that they deserved one or two tenths of the credit. This was not stinginess, but generosity. It was a historical evaluation of them and a personal commitment to their future in front of their successors!
At this moment, the two figures sitting cross-legged with their eyes closed beside "Su Ruiliang" also opened their eyes and looked at the people in the room.

An invisible pressure surged within the small stone chamber.

Everyone present was like a dam teetering on the brink of collapse under the impact of a giant wave.

Luo Qing immediately knelt down and shouted, "Chief, my hesitation just now was not because I had any other thoughts, but because I was worried that the new chief would be unable to handle the current situation if he took office hastily... However, since the chief has already made arrangements, I will risk my life to carry them out to the end. I ask all the heroes present to witness that if I utter a single falsehood, may I be shattered to pieces and my body and soul be destroyed!"

Just as Luo Qing publicly swore an oath and revealed his true feelings, the others reacted only slightly slower and immediately took action.

By the time Luo Qing finished speaking, everyone in the room had already knelt down and loudly pledged their loyalty. Some focused on honoring the last wishes of their three "fellow disciples," while others focused on recognizing the successor they had jointly designated.

Even those like Yu Hou and the High Priest of the Holy Mountain, who were either arrogant due to their solitary nature or proud of their status and power, knelt down in this atmosphere to make their stance clear.

"Good...good...good!" Su Ruiliang shouted in approval, and the other two nodded slightly as well.

The oppressive, suffocating atmosphere in the room suddenly eased, and everyone breathed a silent sigh of relief.

Your concerns are valid.

However, you don't need to worry about this. Since my fellow disciples and I dared to make such an arrangement, we naturally already have a plan for it.

Su Ruiliang first glanced at Luo Qing, then his gaze swept over the faces of everyone else in the room, and said:

"Our lineage has continued from the time of Emperor Yuan to the present day. Although we have faced numerous crises, we have always managed to rise from the ashes and start over time. This is certainly not due to luck."

As he spoke, he beckoned to the young man standing beside him and said, "Come here."

The young man standing to the side moved his feet and sat cross-legged in front of him.

Behind him were his three fellow disciples, who sat cross-legged on the same stone couch.

The moment he sat down cross-legged, a hand pressed down on each of his shoulders.

Cao Ao, Song Mingzhu, and others from the North, as well as a group of powerful figures from the South, could clearly see that the two people who simultaneously reached out and pressed down on the young man's shoulders were none other than the Venerable Lord who, in just a few short months, had led them to sweep across the world and had won their hearts and minds, so that they would never dare to disobey him even in death!

After his fellow disciples on either side of him made their moves, Su Ruiliang, who was sitting in the center, also reached out and placed his hand on the head of the young man sitting cross-legged in front of him.

"Within our sect, there is a very special secret technique."

Its special feature is that one must diligently practice from the very beginning, but it can only be used once in a lifetime.

The reason it can only be used once is because after that, it will be exhausted and the lamp will burn out.

Seeing the scene before them, many people looked bewildered, but that didn't stop them from holding their breath and listening intently as "Su Ruiliang" casually revealed the secrets of his sect.

Just then, everyone's eyes suddenly sharpened, their gazes fixed on the young man sitting cross-legged on the ground.

Among those present, even the one with the lowest cultivation level had made rapid progress due to the "promotion" in the past year, stepping into the threshold of the peak of Marrow Refinement.

Needless to say, those with even higher cultivation levels are numerous, with many achieving the fourth or fifth realm of perfection.

There is no weakling.

With their sensitivity to power, they caught the clues the moment the anomaly appeared.

The three arms that were pressing on the young man's left and right shoulders and above his head were like rivers, with a powerful and surging force flowing from their respective "sources"—the three brothers on the stone bed—into the young man sitting cross-legged in front of them.

Logically speaking, such immense force should easily burst a young person's body.

But the young man who was in the eye of the storm remained calm and composed.

"...The sole purpose of this secret technique is to transfer the cultivation, experience, and insights of our predecessors into the recipient's body."

There's no need to worry about the recipient being unable to withstand it, because the power and insights infused into them will first be refined and purified, and then automatically sealed off until they reach the recipient's tolerance level, allowing them to slowly digest, gradually unlock, and rapidly improve.

Everyone in the room was startled, then showed expressions of sudden realization and deep thought.

Everyone thought of the "miracles" that had happened to themselves and those around them.

No need for lengthy and arduous training; a single "blessing" or "promotion" is all it takes to quickly leap to a new level.

This progress is not only in terms of strength, but also accompanied by more experience and insights.

When "Su Ruiliang" pointed this out, a strong sense of déjà vu washed over everyone.

Then, looking at the scene before them, isn't this an enhanced version of the "blessings" they had received?

So, if you're really worried that this young man who hastily assumed power isn't capable enough to hold the fort, you can put your mind at ease now.

They only need to watch quietly and wait for a young and powerful leader to be born after this "handover ceremony" ends.

Strangely enough, the thoughts of the people inside did not stop; instead, they surged and churned in the silent atmosphere.

Its intensity even surpassed the surging, turbulent force emanating from the three individuals, including "Su Ruiliang."

In a daze, the stone chamber seemed to transform into a place different from the real world, a place that was both real and illusory.

The people inside became less sensitive to the passage of time.

It felt like the next instant, yet also like a long time had passed.

"All right."

A voice broke the silence in the room, bringing the people, who seemed to be floating on clouds, back to reality.

The moment the voice entered their ears, everyone knew that it was Su Ruiliang who was speaking.

However, compared to before, his voice suddenly sounded much older and weaker.

Upon closer inspection, everyone was stunned once again.

The "Su Ruiliang" who was radiant and full of energy just a moment ago is now thin and emaciated.

It's like a strong and vibrant tree that has lost all its branches and leaves and all its moisture, clearly reaching the final moment of its life.

The same was true for his two fellow disciples beside him.

Not long ago, these were all unparalleled heroes with boundless ambition!

Luo Qing, Cao Ao, Song Mingzhu... who among the people in the room had not been captivated by the heroic bearing of these three?

Seeing this scene, all other thoughts that had been stirring in everyone's hearts were temporarily extinguished, leaving only the sadness of a hero's twilight.

Sensing the somber atmosphere, Su Ruiliang chuckled softly twice and then said:
"Alright, you can all leave now. I hate dragging things out the most. If I'm going to leave, I want to leave cleanly and decisively... I don't need you to accompany me on this final journey."

Some people's eyes flickered, as if tears were welling up in their eyes.

Some lips trembled, as if they wanted to say something, but didn't know what to say.

The relationships between people are so strange. They seem very familiar, but they are actually very unfamiliar. The longest we've spent together is only a year, and that was on and off. Others only had a few months of connection.

A bright future, just beginning, and now... we have to part ways?

"You probably have a lot of questions too, and it's impossible to answer them all in a short time."

However, we have plans for this, and Xuan'er is fully aware of everything. You can discuss it with him later... Hehe, we've worked hard all our lives, so let's take a break and not worry about this anymore."

"Oh, Xuan'er's full name is Geng Xuan. You'll know once you spend more time with him. He's a kind-hearted and good child."

This was Su Ruiliang's final instruction, followed by repeated "Go," urging everyone in the room to leave.

Geng Xuan, the young man who inherited the mantle of the three, did not lose his composure upon suddenly rising to a high position. He simply stood guard beside the three brothers, "Su Ruiliang," with a faint smile on his lips, watching them leave.

Seeing this young man's attitude, some people were displeased.

In their minds, we are, after all, heroes who fought alongside your master to build this empire. Calling us "uncles" might be a bit presumptuous, but you should at least show some respect and courtesy.

But now, he looks at her with a slightly condescending attitude, showing no awareness of placing himself as a "junior".

Many people already harbored resentment towards Su Ruiliang and his fellow disciples for entrusting the world to a mere child without consulting them. Geng Xuan's attitude only exacerbated their discontent.

However, at this moment, no one was so foolish as to openly jump out and act as a clown.

They maintained an excellent outward demeanor, and under Su Ruiliang's repeated urging, they respectfully performed a deep bow before retreating from the stone chamber.

……

The thoughts that everyone thought they had concealed well were laid bare before Geng Xuan.

It could be said that from the moment these people entered the stone chamber, all their thoughts and feelings were under his watchful gaze.

While they may not have seen through the distinction between loyalty and treachery, wisdom and folly, they were certainly aware of some future trends.

After everyone had left, Geng Xuan turned to the three of them and began to wrap up the handover scene.

At this moment, the three people who were sitting cross-legged on the stone bed, already exhausted, had unknowingly stopped breathing and turned into three corpses.

As for these three people, they are naturally all fake.

Although it was fake, it was still one he had carefully selected.

The method is not complicated. First, select a suitable target, then use the "mind-controlling technique" of the Perfect Realm to control them, and then after several months of careful "sculpting", make them completely immerse themselves in the "persona" he prepared for them in advance, and willingly cooperate with him to complete the "succession ceremony" just now.

The appearance is different?

Carefully select the best materials, and then use the "Disguise Technique" of the Perfect Realm.

Insufficient cultivation? With the abundance of good fortune he currently possesses, he can easily "rapidly mature" them to the fifth realm of perfection in a short period of time by letting a little bit slip through his fingers!

While not flawless, it was sufficient to smoothly transition the play from the "first act" to the "second act."

Of course, he didn't expect to keep it from everyone.

The script he wrote for this "over-the-top scene" was rather perfunctory and crude.

If you really want to investigate, the flaws aren't just one or two, but a whole string of them!
Those invited to witness this event were all, in fact, people who had been "promoted" and helped by him. They had likely held their ground at the core of power through repeated "refinement," securing their place at the top of this rapidly rising power pyramid. None of them were fools.

Even if we have no choice but to believe his story for now, if we investigate further, all sorts of inconsistencies and flaws will be revealed.

Not to mention after they left, just now, before everyone left the stone chamber...

Geng Xuan had already noticed some obvious abnormalities.

Before the High Priest of the Holy Mountain left, he had a brief eye contact with him.

Luo Qing, Cao Ao, Song Mingzhu... these people who were most favored and trusted by him and had the most contact with him also hesitated to speak before leaving the stone chamber.

Among these people, Fan Qi undoubtedly behaved the strangest.

Because of his special contribution, he "infiltrated" the stone chamber along with Cao Ao, Song Mingzhu and others. He always adhered to the principle of following the crowd and only wanted to be an ordinary, unremarkable "extras" who no one cared about. He never made any outrageous moves.

But with the appearance of Geng Xuan, even though he tried his best to hide it, he paid more and more attention to this "young man".

The moment "Su Ruiliang" uttered his full name, this abnormality reached its peak, and no matter how superb his acting skills were, he could not maintain his outward composure.

This is an old acquaintance!

Geng Xuan, a young man from Changpingfang, had close contact with Fan Qi from Kangleji.

If we add the perspectives of Luo Qing and others who also come from Kangleji, the ins and outs of their grudges with the leader of the Jinsha Gang, and follow the timeline, many deeply buried subplots can be roughly reconstructed.

It can be said that this was originally a fabricated illusion by Geng Xuan, and as time goes by, those with ulterior motives will verify it from various sources, making it more likely to be exposed and even revealed to the world.

However, Geng Xuan was not worried about this.

In fact, it could be said that this is exactly what he wanted to see.

The reason for today's events is multifaceted.

Besides the legitimate reasons of "returning power to themselves" and "returning things to their rightful owner," they also shared the same purpose as the other visitors.

However, in his handling of the situation, he was undoubtedly more ruthless and decisive than anyone had imagined.

Everyone here has been thinking about the same thing the most—

A grand feast is about to begin, but three tables of guests have arrived. Who should sit at the table, and who shouldn't? Which group of guests will have more guests at the table, and which table will have fewer?
While everyone else was still stuck in their old ways of thinking within a limited framework, Geng Xuan simply dismantled the original table and served a new set of dishes.

On the one hand, "Geng Xuan" is the successor who has been recognized by all three "entrepreneurs," including "Su Ruiliang." This is the core of the story, witnessed and acknowledged by everyone, and which no one can openly question.

On the other hand, whether it was Luo Qing and others from the Giant Bear Gang, or Cao Ao and Song Mingzhu from the Northern Territory, no matter how much they were valued and favored in the past, they were just "old ministers" subordinate to one of the three "founders".

And now, a "new king" has ascended the throne.

In a sense, everyone is back to the same starting line, and relationships, whether close or distant, need to be re-evaluated.

This change has disappointed many, but excited many more.

The opportunity they thought was closed has once again opened its doors to them.

As for whether anyone will jump out and cause trouble in the future—

Hehe, this is exactly what I wanted!
Even without Geng Xuan personally stepping forward, his supporters would readily step forward to wage a resolute struggle against him.

Only after undergoing such "refinement" can the "table guests" of the new era be entitled to enjoy everything with a clear conscience.

They were partners who fought side by side to build the empire, did they have to be so ruthless?
Geng Xuan had a brief moment of hesitation before actually implementing the plan.

However, he soon began to take formal action.

……

After leaving the stone chamber, there was no longer any need to manage their expressions; everyone's face was a whirlwind of emotions, their expressions shifting like a stormy sea.

Some snorted coldly and then quickly departed, either alone or in groups of three or five. It was unclear whether they were leaving the valley or seeking another secluded spot for a private conversation.

Most of the discussion remained at the "Giant Bear Gang" headquarters. While everyone tacitly refrained from public discussions, private exchanges were rapidly taking place.

A day later, after "seeing off" the three "masters", Geng Xuan walked out of the stone chamber and received everyone's greetings in the bright and transparent hall.

Compared to the hasty "first meeting" inside the stone chamber, this meeting was undoubtedly much more formal.

The attitude of the crowd was not exactly perfunctory, but it was still subtly different from the meeting witnessed by Su Ruiliang and the other two.

Geng Xuan didn't care about this, but looked around and exclaimed in surprise:
"Why are five people missing?"

Everyone kept their eyes down, and no one stepped forward to explain what had happened.

After a moment, seemingly sensing the oppressive atmosphere, Luo Qing, one of the hosts, hesitated for a moment before speaking tactfully:
"Perhaps some urgent matter caused the delay?"

Geng Xuan was silent for a moment, then said:
"Originally, I had prepared quite a few topics, but for now, we can put them aside and deal with this matter first... What do you guys think?"

His calm words, like a sharp blade, cut through everyone's hearts.

deal with?

How to deal with it?

This seems to be a self-evident, common knowledge, and a consensus that requires no further explanation.

Geng Xuan remembered these five people.

One person was from Yuanzhou, one was from Minzhou, and the other three were from the three southern states. They were all recruited into the core circle very late.

Bringing them into the inner circle was largely driven by political considerations.

Undoubtedly, those who were among the first to follow Su Ruiliang and his two fellow disciples in conquering the land, as well as those from the states where they rose to prominence, would receive more favor and preferential treatment. However, it is also impossible to truly exclude outstanding individuals from other states from the power structure.

These people are naturally well aware of this.

They may have lost their minds, mistaking the new king for a child.

Perhaps they clearly realized that with the changing of the guard and the unprecedentedly fierce competition, they had in fact been squeezed out of the "table." Therefore, they wisely abandoned their already illusory "power" and turned back to cultivate their own "substance."

Regardless, they all made their own choices.

Geng Xuan responded directly and clearly without hesitation.

In just half a month, this minor "twist" was smoothed over, and a new power core that combined the wishes of the three parties and broke through the original boundaries began to take shape.

The army, which mainly originated from three sources, has also completed its initial integration.

By establishing his authority through the killing of five people, coupled with the strength and skill demonstrated in reshaping the core of power and reorganizing his loyal army, Geng Xuan, who had just taken power, had initially secured his position.

He led a group of core high-ranking officials and over 100,000 elite troops to the outskirts of Yuanjing City.

Looking at the majestic city wall that could be seen in the distance, everyone except Geng Xuan was extremely solemn.

Yuanjing is a colossal city with a "divine" quality, and also a place where hidden talents abound.

After more than 500 years of sedimentation, no one knows how deep the water is or how many dragons and snakes are lurking in the shadows.

The conquest of the world cannot be considered complete until this place is brought under control.

The reason why the core members and elites following Geng Xuan were so serious was because they understood another reason from Geng Xuan's words—this was the "final test" that the three deceased "Su Ruiliang" had specially reserved for Geng Xuan, the "new king," and them, the new core members.

If they can successfully overcome this obstacle, such achievements will be enough to establish Geng Xuan and his followers as invincible figures or even deities, and quickly stabilize the world.

But if we cannot overcome this obstacle, then all will be lost, and the world will return to chaos.

This realization has also resolved the confusion in some people's hearts.

Initially, they joined forces with the allied forces led by Yang Huer outside the capital of Yuan and achieved a crushing victory. However, instead of pressing their advantage and seizing the fruits of their labor, they stagnated for several months and began to reorganize their internal strength. At that time, many people had doubts about this.

I understand now, I understand everything!

With these thoughts in mind, the imposing army approached Yuanjing step by step.

……

Yuanjing, the inner city.

Over the past year, the most talked-about topic in Yuanjing City has undoubtedly been the legendary entrepreneurial experience of "Su Ruiliang" and his group.

This heated discussion was not merely a passive observation, but a deep concern about their own fate—everyone knew that the entire Yuanjing City was destined to be swallowed by this "giant beast."

Only heaven knows what the final outcome will be.

Any new information related to this topic would spread like wildfire throughout Yuanjing City at an astonishing speed. Moreover, what was originally a very brief message would quickly become richer and more distorted in the process of spreading, until it was completely unrecognizable.

At this moment, as the army outside the city resolutely advanced towards Yuanjing, a series of new messages quickly spread throughout the city.

Inside a small courtyard, made of ordinary materials, yet exuding a tranquil atmosphere.

An elderly man who preferred peace and quiet, enjoyed his own company, rarely meddled in outside affairs, and had never been bothered by the fierce battles and rumors that had broken out outside the city, was now stunned by this new news and fell into a daze, muttering to himself.

"The descendant of the Silkworm God? The leader of the army outside the city is actually the descendant of the Silkworm God?"

"Throughout history, the silkworm breeders have all been determined to save the world, and have been secretly planning for this for five or six hundred years?"

"The Spring Silkworm Scripture can seal the cultivation achievements of past generations into the body of a new Spring Silkworm disciple... The modern Spring Silkworm disciple may appear to be a young man of no more than twenty years old, but in reality, he possesses the immense accumulation of the Spring Silkworm Scripture practiced by all those over the past few hundred years?"

"..."

These rumors spread rapidly throughout Yuanjing City and were constantly embellished by people. Every word of these "tracing back to the source" made the old man dizzy and saw stars.

"The Spring Silkworm Classic isn't as exaggerated as they make it out to be."

"More importantly, if that person outside the city is truly the modern-day Spring Silkworm Child, then... who am I?"

The old man pondered the matter deeply but could not find a solution. Instead, he became increasingly confused about his own existence.

Finally, he gritted his teeth and made up his mind.

That night, he seemed to drift out of his own courtyard like a ghost, passing over dark rooftops, silent streets, and the chaotic city walls, like a light wisp of cotton in the wind, silently drifting into the military camp stationed outside the city.

After a ghostly movement, it drifted into a military tent.

As soon as he entered the tent, the old man, who had been in a ghostly state, suddenly became still, his feet immediately taking root at the entrance of the military tent.

His eyes were fixed, and he looked inside.

A young man was sitting on a long couch, staring at him with wide, bright eyes.

Judging from her appearance, she didn't seem to have been suddenly awakened from her sleep, but rather had been waiting for my arrival.

This was completely different from what the old man had expected. He paused for a moment, then, without avoiding the question, asked directly, "Are you the commander-in-chief of this army?"

"Mm." Geng Xuan nodded.

"I heard you are a modern-day silkworm breeder?" the old man asked again.

With his eyes fixed on the old man opposite him, Geng Xuan noticed that after hearing this, he did not answer immediately, but instead a meaningful smile slowly appeared on the corner of his mouth.

The next day, early morning.

Luo Qing, Cao Ao, Song Mingzhu and others came to Geng Xuan's tent, intending to inquire when they would enter the city.

However, after entering the tent, their eyes were drawn to an old man who suddenly appeared next to Geng Xuan.

The crowd looked at the old man with puzzled expressions, then their eyes showed inquiring looks.

Geng Xuan smiled faintly and gave a brief introduction:

“This is my sect’s protector. According to seniority, I should address him as ‘Uncle-Master’.”

Hearing his introduction, everyone's hearts were stirred. The old man next to Geng Xuan remained silent, standing there like a wooden stake.

However, Luo Qing quickly explained his purpose and introduced the arrangements that everyone had already discussed.

After listening, Geng Xuan said:
"Your plan is very comprehensive, so let's keep it roughly like this. However, there is one thing that needs to be adjusted slightly."

As he spoke, he glanced at the old man beside him and said:
“My uncle has been living in seclusion in Yuanjing City for many years and knows a lot about the situation in the city. Before you take action, you should ask him for his opinion. Well, aside from other things, he has had a lot of contact with four experts at the Innate Realm. Before you enter the city to take over, he can take you to negotiate with them and try to avoid direct conflict with them.”

Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback.

"Four...four people at the Innate Realm?"

Geng Xuan said, "I have had more contact with four of my senior uncles, but that's not all... However, you don't need to worry. With the momentum we've built up, it's not something a few people at the Innate Realm can stop us."

Besides, as long as we treat them politely and make prior arrangements, we don't need to worry about any conflict with them.

There were more reasons, but Geng Xuan didn't say them.

Most importantly, he possesses a "powerful weapon" capable of making even a powerful expert at the Innate Realm bow down.

The "Dharma Protector Uncle" standing next to him is proof of this.

This true contemporary Spring Silkworm Master, who had already broken through to the Innate Realm more than twenty years ago, was able to become his "supporting actor" in just one night, not because he physically persuaded him with his fists.

Instead, he presented the other party with a broader future.

The current Innate Realm is not only fraught with hidden dangers, but also has no way to advance further, reaching the pinnacle of a single path.

Geng Xuan used his own experience as an example to demonstrate a path with a broader prospect and no hidden dangers.

This one rule alone was enough to silence all the experts at the Innate Realm.

They certainly didn't believe that a young man like him could be absolutely certain of succeeding on such a path, but the mere possibility was enough to make them risk everything.

It can be said that they are willing to witness success or failure.

The empty title of "contemporary silkworm breeder" means nothing in the face of such temptation.

……

From "Su Ruiliang" to Geng Xuan, neither of them ever actively promoted themselves as contemporary silkworm disciples, nor did they say that the fundamental method of their cultivation was the Spring Silkworm Scripture.

Throughout, he kept referring to "his master's school".

Everything else is just people's imagination based on what they say.

Geng Xuan naturally did not refute such rumors.

Being able to catch real silkworm eggs through this method would be an unexpected bonus.

With this old fellow, who knew the ins and outs of Yuanjing, leading the way, the last hurdle to taking over Yuanjing vanished without a trace.

Geng Xuan led a group of elite confidants and took over the area with almost no effort.

Since the reign of Emperor Yuan, this great city has been adrift in chaos for nearly six hundred years. Most of the time, it has been caught in the struggle between multiple forces. Although it was once subordinate to a single will, not only was the time short, but it was also filled with undercurrents that were not yet fully unleashed.

Geng Xuan's takeover this time was the easiest.

At the same time, it is also the most "popular choice".

It wasn't that the more than one million people in Yuanjing immediately pledged their loyalty to him, but rather that as they watched the mighty iron cavalry sweep across the streets before them, a clear truth naturally took root in their hearts—

This time, it's a sure thing.

The world has truly been unified once again. (End of Chapter)