Daqin Zhentiansi

Chapter 795 The Great River Sword Sect: No Entry Without Invitation

Above the nine giant cauldrons, an unprecedentedly magnificent divine light intertwined to form a net of light covering the sky, radiating majestic imperial power and immortal Dao charm!
Emperor Yuankang's eyes gleamed with divine light, his hands clenched slightly beneath his dragon sleeves, and his heart surged with the ambition to create a prosperous era.

His voice, booming like a bell, resounded throughout the heavens and earth: "Liangzhou has surrendered! Lost territory has been recovered! This is the prosperity of our Great Qin Kingdom, the mandate of heaven!"

"From this day forward, Yongtian Continent will no longer be isolated!"

"The reunion of the Nine Provinces begins here!"

In the crowd, Zhang Yuan gazed at the radiant Liangzhou Cauldron, and at the vast chain of divine light connected to the Imperial Cauldron. His eyes were deep, and beneath the calm surface lay a wild ambition that was about to ignite a prairie fire.

Ji Yuntang stood a little further back, stroking his beard and smiling. His wise gaze swept over the excited crowd and the majestic Nine Tripods, and he nodded deeply.

……

Qianyang Palace.

The nine colossal cauldrons intertwined with divine radiance like a celestial net, their imperial majesty and Daoist aura enveloping the heavens.

Emperor Yuankang's gaze blazed like torches beneath his crown, his voice resounding throughout the world:
"Liangzhou returns to its rightful place! The reunion of the Nine Provinces begins today—"

Below the jade steps, Ji Yuntang, dressed in a green robe and wearing a jade belt, stood before the assembled officials.

He stroked his long beard lightly with his fingertips, smiling as he looked at the Liangzhou Cauldron, its divine light soaring into the sky.

The moment the golden light of the cauldron completely merged with the imperial cauldron, a prairie fire was reflected deep in the pupils of this pillar of Confucianism and Taoism.

The official carrying the imperial edict stepped forward, holding a jade scroll adorned with a black dragon pattern, and a resounding echo reverberated throughout the white jade plaza.

"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:"

"Liangzhou has been reclaimed, and lost territory has been recovered. Ji Yuntang, a meritorious official, was promoted to the position of principal official, responsible for the work of education and the strategy of Buddhist warfare. He was directly admitted to the central cabinet and given the title of Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion!"

Before the imperial edict had even finished, Ji Yuntang's robe sleeves trembled slightly.

His wise gaze swept over the bustling crowd and the majestic Nine Tripods, and his composed nod revealed the culmination of twenty years of planning that had finally yielded fruitful results.

The imperial edict continued to resound like thunder splitting the sky:
"Zhang Hengqu, the headmaster of the Imperial Academy, established the right path with Confucianism and Taoism, and educated and nurtured the people. He was promoted to Grand Academician of the Hall of Literary Brilliance!"

"Wang Anzhi, the former Minister of Rites, was promoted to Grand Secretary of the Wuying Hall for his meritorious service in supervising the rites in Liangzhou!"

"Cao Yue, the Grand Censor, is upright and just in upholding the law; he has been promoted to Minister of Rites!"

A sudden undercurrent surged beneath the steps.

Zhang Hengqu lowered his eyes and remained silent, the bamboo slips of the Spring and Autumn Annals in his sleeve gleaming faintly.

Wang Anzhi's fingertips curled slightly beneath his crimson robe.

Cao Yue stared at the newly bestowed peacock-patterned robe he was given, his Adam's apple bobbing silently.

As the imperial edict was read to its final moments, the entire room suddenly froze:

"Marquis Zhang Yuan of Qingyang is relieved of his post as Deputy Commander of the Eastern Border Campaign, but retains the positions of Garrison Commander of Donghan County, Deputy Commander of the Black Ice Guard, Deputy Director of the Zhen Tian Division, and Director of the Wu Zhen Division, for other important uses!"

The imperial edict from Qianyang Palace was like a boulder thrown into a deep pool in the imperial court, stirring up a thousand waves.

Ji Yuntang, the Confucian and Taoist pillar who promoted the return of Liangzhou, entered the core of power without any controversy due to his merits and mature political skills.

He became one of the three Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet, standing alongside Zhang Hengqu, the head of the Imperial Academy, and Wang Anzhi, the former Minister of Rites.

Although Wang Anzhi lost his position as Minister of Rites, he was promoted to Grand Secretary and joined Ji and Zhang in managing important affairs.

The appointment of Cao Yue as the new Minister of Rites has opened up new avenues for many officials, and the political landscape of the court has quietly shifted.

As for the change in Marquis Qingyang Zhang Yuan's position, it does appear on the surface to be a "retreat".

He relinquished his prominent military power as Deputy Commander of the Eastern Frontier Camp, but retained the foundation of the Eastern Han County Garrison Commander, the core deputy positions of the Black Ice Guard and the Zhen Tian Division, and the real power of the Chief of the Martial Garrison Division.

The phrase "to be reassigned elsewhere" has drawn countless eyes and sparked much speculation.

With the imperial edict issued, it was clear to everyone that the cabinet structure was initially set, and that key positions in ministries and local governments would inevitably undergo a new round of personnel changes. For a time, both inside and outside the court, there were many who coveted these positions, creating a truly "jubilant" scene.

Inside the Hall of State Affairs, a heated discussion was taking place among several senior officials.

The newly appointed Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, Wang Anzhi, stroked his beard and pondered: "The Marquis of Qingyang's adjustment this time seems to be a way of concealing his sharpness, but in fact it is a strategic retreat."

"The head of the Martial Town Division is in charge of supervising martial arts experts. He wields considerable power and also holds positions in the Black Ice Platform and the Heavenly Suppression Division. His Majesty still trusts him deeply."

"In my opinion, this 'other appointment' is mostly to use his sharpness to open up a new chapter."

Sima Qingguang, the Minister of Personnel, interjected, "The eastern border has only recently been pacified, and the presence of the Duke of Ningguo and the generals of the various armies in the eastern border is sufficient."

"The Marquis of Qingyang should now be pointing his sharp blade at a new enemy. He had a deep grudge against the Yan wolf cavalry in the northwest. If he were to take command of the war against Yan now, both old and new grudges could be settled at the same time. That would be a good prospect."

"No!" Minister of War Guo Ming's voice boomed, "The states of Wei and Zhao are the real threats to the eastern border! With Liangzhou newly annexed, the fortunes of our Great Qin have greatly increased, and we should take advantage of this victory to advance eastward!"

"Marquis Qingyang is well-versed in military affairs, especially in breaking through enemy lines. It is perfectly reasonable to let him lead his eastern army to attack Wei and Zhao! Besides, the eastern army was trained by Marquis Qingyang himself, so isn't it just right for him to take command?"

Some people raised objections: "Although the hunt in the East Sea was successful, it is hard to guarantee that the demons will not return. Letting Marquis Qingyang go to supervise the East Sea again to ensure the safety of our eastern border is also a prudent plan."

"Or... send him to Qingtianzhou to oversee things? After all, the grain and spirit food of Qingtianzhou are crucial to the foundation of the country. It would be good for the Crown Prince to manage things there, but it would be more secure to have someone as decisive as Marquis Qingyang assisting him."

Even the top civil officials of the Qin Dynasty in the Hall of State Affairs were at a loss as to why Zhang Yuan was appointed.

Meanwhile, inside the Zhen Tian Si government office, several nobles and powerful figures had different thoughts.

Marquis Changning, Su Jing, lightly tapped the table with his fingertips: "Eastern Border? No, the army there is already formed, there is no need for Zhang Qingyang to go back to oversee it. Qingtian Continent? With the First Prince and the Master in charge, it is already stable, he probably won't have anything to do if he goes there."

"Standing in Liangzhou? We just appointed the Zhao father and son as Heroic Spirit Generals, and the Venerable Ones on the wooden staff submitted and pledged allegiance. Is there any need for that?" He shook his head slightly. "With Zhang Qingyang's abilities and ambitions, he's definitely aiming for something even more troublesome."

Duke Lu Jun of Chengguo looked solemn and replied, "I've thought of that senior's invitation... Lord Wu'an!"

"The Sword Tomb Trial in Yangtianzhou! That Sword Tomb is said to be an extremely dangerous place for tempering sword intent and honing one's soul and body, and it contains countless ancient and ferocious swords, making it an excellent opportunity for breakthrough! Senior Ying Yuexuan of Tianxuan Sword Pavilion also mentioned arranging for his disciples to go to Yangtianzhou. It's highly likely that he'll go there!"

Qin Wuyai nodded and said in a low voice, "Chenzhou is also a possibility. It has been frozen for ten thousand years, and the Great Dao has been dormant for a long time but has been strangely revived. The situation is complicated. There are ancient demonic sects within it, and immortals are watching from the outside."

"The Marquis of Qingyang has many methods and has even mastered the power of both Buddhism and Demonism. It makes sense that he went to Chenzhou to pave the way for the Crown Prince's future governance."

The powerful figures in the Zhen Tian Division held Qingyang Marquis Zhang Yuan in the highest esteem for his methods.

Their vision went further than that of the officials in the court.

The emperor didn't abandon Zhang Yuan; rather, he used him in a more suitable position.

……

Imperial City.

Qingyang Marquis Mansion.

The room was warm and cozy, isolating it from the noise of the outside world.

Zhao Yu leaned gently against Zhang Yuan's chest, her fingers unconsciously twirling a strand of his dark hair, her eyes filled with worry: "This time... will we be able to stay in the capital for a few more days?"

The numerous reserved positions listed in the imperial edict gave her a glimmer of hope.

Zhang Yuan felt the warmth in his arms, but slowly shook his head and said softly, "It won't be long, I'll be leaving soon."

"Where are you going?" Zhao Yu's heart tightened, and she subconsciously gripped his clothes tightly.

“Yang Tianzhou.” Zhang Yuan’s voice was calm and resolute.

Zhao Yu looked up abruptly, her eyes filled with astonishment: "Yangtianzhou? That's so far away! Immortals and demons roam there..."

Yangtianzhou is a place where immortals reside. Although the Great Qin has made secret arrangements, it is still a dangerous and perilous place for Zhao Yu.

Zhang Yuan patted her back reassuringly: "Don't worry, I have important business to attend to. This matter... cannot be told to anyone for the time being." He knew that, given Zhao Yu's current status and situation in the capital, she no longer needed his arrangements.

Zhao Yu gazed into his deep, calm eyes, and all her unspoken words were ultimately reduced to silent obedience and trust.

She simply nodded emphatically, burying her worries deep inside: "Mm."

The three-day period passed in a flash.

When the Qin Emperor issued his second major edict, the entire imperial city was completely set ablaze!

The Grand Council, a staff agency previously supported only by Sun Qi, a Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion, and Ji Liang, the Marquis of Xichang, was suddenly elevated to an unprecedented core position!
The imperial edict announced: The Grand Council will be expanded to nine Grand Councilors!
Sun Qi and Ji Liang, the original team members, were able to remain in their positions.

The newcomers include Marquis of Qingyang Zhang Yuan, Marquis of Zhenxi Ouyang Shucai, and Duke of Ningguo Han Qi.

And, three unexpected heavyweights.

First Prince Ying Rong, Third Prince Ying Xian, Fifth Prince Ying Li!

The prince was directly appointed to the military secret service!
This is an unprecedented situation!
The appointment caused an uproar in both the court and the public.

The participation of the three princes, especially the eldest prince who held real power in one region, in the highest military decision-making process meant that the core of imperial power was directly involved in the forefront of military and national strategy.

Although Marquis Zhang Yuan of Qingyang was among them, his "position" did not seem particularly prominent compared to the brilliance of the three princes, two marquises, and one duke.

Many people began to whisper among themselves, speculating whether this marquis, who had made great military achievements, had been effectively "sidelined" in the new round of power reshuffling.
After all, the Grand Councilors were primarily responsible for planning and deliberation, rather than directly commanding troops.

However, the Military Affairs Bureau demonstrated its value and ruthless methods as soon as it was established.

After the first meeting, the "Military Strategy" jointly signed by nine Grand Councilors was quickly produced, and its core strategy shocked the world: attack Wei and Zhao in the east and press Chenzhou from the outside!
The specific plans are clear and ambitious.

The main attack was launched from the eastern border, with Duke Han Qi of Ningguo personally overseeing the eastern border and commanding the main forces of the eastern border camps, including Donghan and Dongping, to march eastward with their target being the states of Wei and Zhao!

This is the land where Zhang Yuan once fought and bled, and now it will be engulfed in a massive war.

In support of the Northern Expedition, the eldest prince Ying Rong, who controlled the grain and pacified the people of Qingtianzhou, coordinated the overall situation and led a portion of the elite Northern Great Wall army south into Chenzhou!
This move serves both to pressure local forces in Chenzhou and cut off external channels that could potentially aid Wei and Zhao, and to lay the groundwork for future governance or further actions.

With the support of the Northwest Military Commission, the newly appointed Fifth Prince Ying Li, who will also be taking up his post in the Northwest, shoulders a heavy responsibility, leading the main force of the Northwest Army, with his troops pointing towards the border of the Yan Kingdom.

The Third Prince, Ying Xian, went to the southern border to command a million-strong army, while also deterring the "Azure Sky Domain" and "Pingchong Domain" that border the northwest.

The attitudes of these two regions are unclear, and strong deterrence is needed to prevent them from making any unusual moves.

At a time when Liangzhou had submitted and the nation's fortunes were rising, the Great Qin boldly chose to launch a three-pronged attack!

Its sharp edge is fully revealed, and its aura is as fierce as a tiger that can swallow up thousands of miles!
This courage and ambition silenced all speculation about whether Zhang Yuan had been "sidelined".

People finally understood that expanding the military, taking in princes, and establishing the three fronts were signs that the entire empire's war machine was entering its most efficient operating state!

Marquis Qingyang, Zhang Yuan, remains one of the Nine Ministers of the Military Council, a crucial core component of this massive machine. However, at this moment, everyone's attention is drawn to this grand three-pronged strategy, focusing on the front lines of the battlefield.

While the capital city was abuzz with discussions about the Grand Council and the strategy of attacking from three sides—

The depths of the Qingyang Marquis's residence were already deserted.

……

Qingtianzhou.

A faint light flashed within the teleportation array on a perilous peak shrouded in mist.

Dressed in ordinary black outfit and having concealed his aura, Zhang Yuan had already set foot on this alien land where the spiritual energy was more unrestrained and the rules were more bizarre.

The powerful aura of the immortal sects faintly enveloped the surrounding area.

He raised his head and looked at the distant, towering mountain range, its sword-like peaks seemingly teeming with countless ferocious beasts, his eyes sharp as knives.

That's the direction of the Great River Sword Sect.

----------------

Yang Tianzhou.

The Great River Sword Domain.

Yangtianzhou, this vast land where immortals and demons intertwine, is dominated by three major powers standing in a tripartite balance.

The "Immortal Alliance" stands tall in the east.

It is led by the ethereal and pure energy of the Taixu Sword Pavilion and the strict talismans of the Wanjie Talisman Sect.

They gathered numerous sects, large and small, including the Heavenly Pill Sect, claiming themselves to be the orthodox sects, ruling the universe, and looking down upon mortals as if they were ants.

The West, on the other hand, is a "devil's den outside the realm."

Endless extraterrestrial demons, transformed into surging demonic waves and deep, dark lairs, have fought against the Immortal Alliance for tens of thousands of years, with frequent clashes that have stained the vast sky crimson.

Caught between the confrontation between immortals and demons, there exists a "neutral faction" with a detached stance.

The Tianxuan Sword Pavilion is renowned for its fierce sword intent, forged in a place of malevolent forces, while the Great River Sword Sect draws upon the might of a vast river to guide its sword path.

There are other reclusive ancient sects or hermitages of independent cultivators. They do not belong to any side, act according to their own rules, and are single-mindedly pursuing the ultimate swordsmanship and the inheritance of their sect.

Under the shadow of these three behemoths, weaker forces drift like duckweed, struggling to survive.

The most dangerous and alluring place on the entire Yangtian Continent is the Sword Tomb, located in the heart of the continent!
Legend has it that it was formed from the enormous remains left over from the ancient war between gods and demons. Over millions of years, the mountains of corpses and seas of blood condensed to form an eternally desolate region filled with malevolent blood mist and perpetual lightning and thunder.

One hundred thousand "murderous swords" of various shapes and exuding a fierce aura are deeply embedded in the dark red earth, which is as red as congealed blood.

These vicious swords are either remnants of gods and demons, or the condensation of the will and resentment of those who died in battle. Each one contains terrifying power capable of shattering the void and an unruly weapon spirit.

Sword Tomb is recognized as the most dangerous forbidden zone in Yangtian Continent. Those who enter it face a nine-out-of-ten chance of death, as it is said to be devoured by ten thousand swords.

Yet it is also the ultimate crucible for tempering one's sword heart, honing one's spirit, and seeking breakthroughs!

Legend has it that whoever can truly subdue one of these malevolent swords will be able to unleash the power to shatter the void contained within it and reach the pinnacle of unparalleled swordsmanship.

Zhang Yuan, dressed in an inconspicuous black outfit, stepped onto the towering Cloud Steps of the Great River Sword Sect.

The mountain wind was biting, blowing his black hair across his forehead and revealing his calm, deep eyes.

Just as he stepped onto the last stone step, a sudden change occurred!
On the western horizon, a filthy river of blood, stretching for thousands of miles, suddenly appeared, carrying a nauseating, stench. Like a monstrous dragon, it rolled and roared as it crashed violently into the heart of the Eastern Immortal Alliance!

Almost simultaneously, a clear aura filled the eastern sky, and countless dazzling sword lights converged from the direction of the Taixu Sword Pavilion, transforming into a giant azure shield stretching across the sky.

Blood flows like a hammer, giant shields stand like mountains!

"BOOM!!"

An unimaginable explosion resounded through the sky!

The crimson torrent collided violently with the blue barrier.

The shockwave shattered the clouds, disrupted the celestial phenomena, and shrouded the thousands of miles of rivers and mountains below in a doomsday light and shadow intertwined with red and blue!

The raging torrents swept across the sky above the Great River Sword Sect, stirring up ripples in the protective array around the mountain.

Zhang Yuan merely glanced indifferently at the astonishing clash between immortals and demons on the horizon before looking away, as if it were just a passing breeze.

"The Great River Sword Sect is not open to unauthorized entry."

A sound rang out before the mountain gate.

(End of this chapter)