If you were asked to identify an item, would you choose to extract magical powers?

Chapter 300 Entering Moyun Capital, a King with One Word as His Side
Inside the imperial palace, above the Hall of Heavenly Pride, a terrifying crack stretched across the entire sky.

As the cracks continued to spread, an apocalyptic scene appeared in the sky.

A terrifying, desolate power spread across the entire sky.

The previous emperor was absolutely certain of victory and had planned to completely kill the terminally ill Emperor Shengwu and then seize everything from the Great Zhou Kingdom.

However, when the Holy Martial Emperor used dragon energy as a guide to bring out the desolate forbidden land, the eyes of the former emperor were instantly filled with fear.

Each of the ten forbidden areas is terrifying.

Even the most powerful people in the world are powerless against the Ten Forbidden Zones.

At this moment, the former emperor understood what Emperor Shengwu was planning.

"He wants to lure the Desolate Forbidden Land out, drag me into it, and eliminate a monstrous threat for the Great Zhou Kingdom." The former emperor's mind raced, and he immediately prepared to flee.

If he were to fight against the Holy Martial Emperor, he would be absolutely unafraid.

Because he was confident that he could kill the aging Holy Martial Emperor with ease.

But when the desolate forbidden land appeared, he had no confidence at all.

He has been hiding for so long in order to find an opportunity to overthrow the Holy Martial Emperor.

He can't die here now; he has to escape, escape the Great Zhou Kingdom, escape this palace.

After Emperor Wu of Song died completely, he emerged from the shadows and took over everything in the Great Zhou Kingdom.

However, just as the current emperor was about to flee, he discovered something amiss.

He couldn't leave the sky above the Hall of Pride, as if something was pulling him down, making it impossible for him to take a single step.

The former emperor suddenly raised his head, looked at the Holy Martial Emperor who was coughing up blood, and roared, "You dare to plot against me?"

Emperor Shengwu wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, straightened his hunched body slightly, and said with a hint of mockery in his tone: "You are still so foolish, just like when I overthrew you. You always thought that no one in the Great Zhou Kingdom except me could control you, and you also thought that I was terminally ill and no match for you."

"Arrogance and stupidity have been your constant companions throughout your life."

"Today I will use the Hall of Pride as a prison, leaving you no room to escape."

"In this desolate and forbidden land, I will deliver a fatal blow."

The Hall of Pride was a place where the former emperor hid his identity, but it had already been discovered by the Holy Martial Emperor.

Emperor Shengwu had begun setting up restrictions in the Hall of Heavenly Pride several years ago.

At that time, he was still at the height of his power, and after countless years of preparation, the Tianjiao Palace at this moment was not only a place where the former emperor hid, but also a prison.

The prison that was able to imprison the emperor of the previous dynasty.

"No, no, I absolutely cannot die here."

The former emperor went mad and bombarded the surrounding area relentlessly.

His aura was elevated to a level that instilled fear in all living beings.

However, his attacks could only cause the Heavenly Pride Palace to shake continuously; he had absolutely no way to deal with it.

When he first established the Hall of Pride, he made it extremely sturdy in order to protect himself.

And it was precisely because of its sturdiness that it became his tombstone at his funeral.

"Come on, everyone dies. You will die, and I will die too. Why fear death?"

The Holy Martial Emperor laughed heartily, his dragon aura, like a pillar of heaven, poured into the crack in the sky.

A desolate atmosphere continued to spread from within the cracks.

Immediately afterwards, a series of wild and mysterious scenes flashed through the cracks.

Not only that, but there were also illusory figures wandering within the cracks.

Each phantom exudes a terrifying aura, sending shivers down one's spine upon a single glance.

Emperor Shengwu said no more. His whole body was bathed in golden light, which transformed into a giant golden dragon. It stretched out its five fingers and grabbed the former emperor tightly.

The former emperor struggled frantically, and cracks appeared all over the golden dragon's body.

He wanted to escape the Holy Martial Emperor's confinement.

Even if he was imprisoned in the Hall of Pride, he did not want to be dragged into the desolate forbidden land by the Holy Martial Emperor.

However, the Holy Martial Emperor's actions were not intended to kill him, but rather to take him to his death. So, after seizing a brief opportunity, the Holy Martial Emperor, accompanied by countless golden dragons, seized the entire Heavenly Pride Palace.

A golden dragon coiled around the Heavenly Pride Palace within its body, emanating a terrifying aura.

"rise."

The Holy Martial Emperor raised his hand and pointed.

He violently pulled up the Heavenly Pride Palace and the former emperor, and threw them into the crack.

The roar of the former emperor vanished instantly after entering the crack, never to be heard again.

The Holy Martial Emperor's face was as pale as paper. He let out a long breath, as if a huge weight had been lifted from his heart.

He turned and scanned the palace, his gaze settling on the faces of the people below.

Among them were Eunuch Chen and others who fought alongside him, as well as ordinary people from the dawn of life.

Emperor Shengwu could sense the sorrow on the faces of Eunuch Chen and the others, and gently shook his head.

"There's no need to be sad. Everyone dies, including me."

"I feel no fear."

Despite this, the sorrow on Eunuch Chen's face grew ever stronger.

The chief commander clasped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, if the Great Zhou Kingdom were to fall into turmoil, the first person to die would be your humble servant."

The Prime Minister performed the courtesy of a scholar: "Thinking back to those days, we fought fiercely in the chaos of war, and the memory is still fresh in my mind. Today, Your Majesty departs first, but wait for us on the road to the Yellow Springs. When we meet again on the road to the Yellow Springs, we will surely be able to achieve great things again."

The academy's headmaster sighed and said, "His Majesty once said that my handwriting was too ugly. After His Majesty passed away, I will diligently practice my handwriting so as not to disappoint His Majesty's trust in me."

Upon hearing the crowd's words, Emperor Shengwu gently shook his head: "I entrust the Great Zhou Kingdom to you. I am tired and it is time for me to rest. Today, let me see what is so unusual about this desolate forbidden land?"

"By the way, Shen Bai, I hope you can complete the task I entrusted to you."

Shen Bai nodded slightly and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my best to ensure that the Great Zhou Kingdom will not fall into turmoil."

Emperor Shengwu then revealed a relieved smile: "I never expected to find such a treasure before I die. The Great Zhou Kingdom has always been born in times of crisis. I believe that no one in this world can destroy the Great Zhou Kingdom."

There was a hint of relaxation in his words.

He couldn't help but recall Shen Bai's state when he left Shengyun County.

At that time, he thought Shen Bai was a peerless genius, but he never expected that Shen Bai would be able to reach this level in such a short period of time.

This is not a peerless genius, but perhaps someone who will save the Great Zhou Kingdom from crisis in the future.

After a moment of reflection, Emperor Shengwu couldn't help but cough, and blood trickled down the corner of his mouth.

His chronic illness was too deep-seated; he could no longer bear it.

However, he still had an agreement with the Great Southern Kingdom and did not want to waste time.

"I'm leaving."

The Holy Martial Emperor simply uttered three words, said no more, and then transformed into a stream of light, disappearing into the crack.

The crack trembled slightly, then slowly closed, without making a sound.

Inside and outside the palace, whether soldiers, generals, eunuchs, or palace maids, all knelt down the moment the Holy Martial Emperor stepped into the crack, shouting in unison.

"Your Majesty, please wait!"

Upon hearing of this strange phenomenon, many people in Xuanjing City put down their work.

Even when they were doing something important, they put it aside, stood on the street, knelt down with blank expressions, and kowtowed towards the position of Emperor Wu of Song.

"Your Majesty, please take care."

This emperor, who turned the tide in a time of crisis, was more important than anything else in the hearts of the people.

Today, the emperor has passed away, and the people are filled with unspeakable grief.

After the crack closed, the desolate atmosphere vanished completely, leaving the scene in complete silence.

Eunuch Chen sighed and broke the silence first, saying, "Gentlemen, although we are sad, we should not let it linger. We must remember His Majesty's instructions to us."

The group exchanged glances, nodded in unison, and began to conceal their grief, each making their own arrangements.

The matter is settled today, but tomorrow will be completely thrown into turmoil.

They need to find a way for the Great Zhou Kingdom to survive amidst this turmoil.

Shen Bai was affected by the sadness around him and felt solemn. At this moment, he felt the gaze of Eunuch Chen.

Eunuch Chen walked up to Shen Bai and said, "Come with me to the Imperial Study. The new emperor's ascension to the throne will have to wait a few more days. His Majesty left a written edict before he left, saying that only you can see it in person."

Shen Bai nodded in realization and said, "I understand."

He then remembered that the Holy Martial Emperor had said that he had another plan for him after he entered the desolate forbidden land.

The relevant arrangements should be in place now.

Shen Bai said no more and left the place with Eunuch Chen, heading to the Imperial Study.

The three princes were also present, but their expressions were all different.

The second prince was obsessed with Taoism, and in his grief at this moment, he had no other thoughts.

The Third Prince was also saddened, but thinking of the heavy responsibility that the Great Zhou Kingdom was about to bear on his shoulders, he buried this sorrow deep in his heart.

Only the eldest prince's gaze inadvertently swept over the third prince, his eyes carrying a hint of deeply hidden anger.

The three princes left in silence.

Many high-ranking officials of the Great Zhou Kingdom also began to make arrangements one after another.

In the imperial study room.

As Eunuch Chen pushed open the door and entered, a hint of hidden sorrow unconsciously surfaced as he looked at the familiar scene inside.

Then, Eunuch Chen walked to the long table in the Imperial Study, took out a letter from the drawer, and handed it to Shen Bai.

The letter was sealed with sealing wax and had multiple layers of restrictions, making it impossible for ordinary people to open.

But as soon as Shen Bai received the letter, the restrictions on it seemed to recognize its owner and vanished in an instant.

Eunuch Chen said, "No one has seen the contents of this letter, not even us. You can read it slowly."

Shen Bai nodded and, without further ado, opened the letter in front of Eunuch Chen.

The letter was filled with lines of elegant, flowing calligraphy.

After the words appeared on the paper, Shen Bai read them carefully and raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Let me, as a king of equal rank, oversee Moyun Capital?"

The letter contained a very simple message: to have Shen Bai, as a prince of equal rank, take charge of Moyunjing and become a vassal of Moyunjing.

The so-called feudal lords held great military power, and their power was even greater than that of the Imperial Observatory.

After the death of Marquis Moyun, Moyun Capital was deserted, with no one left to govern it. Shen Bai seemed to understand what the Holy Martial Emperor meant.

The reason I let him sit in the capital, Mo Yunjing, is because the location of Mo Yunjing is too special.

Located right next to Xuanjing City, it serves as a protective force for the city.

Emperor Shengwu probably didn't trust anyone else to take charge, lest they harbor rebellious intentions.

The reason he was sent to oversee the situation was to ensure that Mo Yunjing would not be in danger.

This represents the Holy Emperor's complete trust in him.

However, Shen Bai was somewhat troubled.

Eunuch Chen took in Shen Bai's gaze and said, "Shen Bai, are you thinking that Moyunjing is now in dire need of reconstruction, and after you killed all the soldiers, there is no one left to command?"

Shen Bai nodded and said, "That's right, that's exactly what I meant."

The powerful soldiers and generals of Moyunjing were all wiped out by Shen Bai during the battle between Shen Bai and Moyunhou.

Although there are still soldiers and generals in Moyunjing, their numbers are not large, and they are not elite troops.

If Shen Bai were to take charge of Moyunjing at this time, the actual combat strength of Moyunjing would not increase much.

No matter how strong Shen Bai is, he is still just one person.

Eunuch Chen smiled and said, "His Majesty has already found the army you need."

Shen Bai was slightly taken aback and asked, "Where are the troops?"

At this time, the Great Zhou Kingdom is in turmoil, with various forces stirring up trouble and the feudal lords wanting to rise up one after another.

Before Emperor Shengwu departs, he should arrange everything properly to ensure that everything is used to its fullest potential.

Where can the army be found?

Eunuch Chen said, "Since the establishment of the Great Zhou Kingdom, His Majesty has been secretly cultivating an army, and this army is entirely composed of people from the Jianghu (江湖, the martial arts world)."

"Although they do not understand the power of the military emperor, each of them is extremely powerful in individual combat. The weakest of them are all at the Heavenly Spirit Realm, and there are more than 10,000 of them. Among them, there are even a large number of Heavenly Human Realm cultivators."

Shen Bai was slightly surprised when he heard this.

Tens of thousands of experts from the martial arts world, the weakest of whom were at the Heavenly Spirit Realm, and many others at the Celestial Human Realm.

This is enough to overturn many situations.

He never imagined that the Holy Martial Emperor would secretly cultivate such a powerful force.

With the addition of these people, Mo Yunjing might become more stable.

Eunuch Chen continued, "If this army were given to anyone else, not only would His Majesty be uneasy, but even I and the Chief Commander would be equally uneasy."

"Giving this group of people to you would be appropriate for anyone."

After thinking for a moment, Shen Bai nodded and said, "Okay, I agree."

Having said all that needed to be said, and with Shen Bai holding the position of a king of equal rank, and now being willing to provide him with manpower, he felt he could agree.

Moyunjing is indeed an extremely important military stronghold. If Shen Bai doesn't go to guard it and instead entrusts it to someone else, it's certainly not reassuring.

Seeing that Shen Bai agreed, Eunuch Chen nodded and said, "You shall set off for Moyunjing soon."

"Xuanjing City may be about to undergo a major reshuffle."

Shen Bai narrowed his eyes.

"Are there spies from other feudal lords inside Xuanjing City?"

The so-called major reshuffle was naturally aimed at the feudal lords.

With just a little thought, I figured it out.

Eunuch Chen didn't mince words and nodded directly, saying, "It's not just other feudal lords; it also includes spies from other countries. It's just that His Majesty hasn't entered the desolate forbidden area yet, so we haven't wasted manpower dealing with them."

"Now that His Majesty is gone, we must make sure that Xuanjing City is at least an impregnable fortress."

Shen Bai understood.

In fact, as Eunuch Chen said, it might not be possible to eliminate the feudal lords in a short time, but at least it could ensure that Xuanjing City would be safe.

This will also save a lot of trouble for those behind the scenes.

Shen Bai has stayed in this palace long enough; it's time for him to leave.

Thinking of this, Shen Bai fell silent.

Eunuch Chen took out a token and handed it to Shen Bai: "Take this token to the Cloud Mist Army Camp north of Xuanjing City. That is where tens of thousands of Jianghu people are located. They have been disguised as ordinary soldiers and have been hiding their identities. Now it is time to put them to use."

Shen Bai accepted the token, said no more, clasped his hands in a fist salute to Eunuch Chen, and left the Imperial Study, heading towards the Cloud Mist Camp.

Soon, the Imperial Study was empty.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door.

The third prince pushed open the door and entered, bowing to Eunuch Chen and saying, "Eunuch Chen, I've arrived."

When Eunuch Chen saw the young face of the Third Prince, he recalled what the Holy Martial Emperor looked like when he was still alive, and sighed.

"After ascending the throne, there is no need for such respect. Your Highness, Third Prince, you should first familiarize yourself with the politics of the Great Zhou Kingdom."

It will take some time for a new emperor to ascend the throne.

Therefore, at this moment, Eunuch Chen wanted the Third Prince to familiarize himself with the affairs of the court first.

The third prince nodded in agreement and sat on the familiar dragon throne, beginning to study the politics of the Great Zhou Kingdom.

……

After leaving the Imperial Study, Shen Bai walked in the predetermined direction.

Not long after, they left Xuanjing City and arrived at a spacious camp.

At this moment, in the camp ahead, a large group of soldiers are conducting their usual patrols and drills.

But every soldier's eyes were filled with sorrow.

They also witnessed the scene when the Holy Martial Emperor entered the desolate forbidden land, and the sorrow lingered in their hearts for a long time.

Shen Bai's arrival attracted everyone's attention.

After a moment's thought, one of the soldiers, disguised as an ordinary soldier, stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Greetings, Lord Shen. May I ask what brings you here, Lord Shen?"

After Shen Bai's gaze swept over them, he did not sense any powerful auras on them. He already knew that there might be a way to hide one's aura here.

Emperor Shengwu has been planning for so long, and he has hidden such a powerful army of martial arts forces here. He must have a way of concealing his presence.

This is normal.

After thinking for a moment, Shen Bai asked, "Who is in charge here?"

The soldier snapped out of his daze and pointed to the largest military tent: "That's General Zhao. He should be inside the tent right now, busy with his own affairs."

Shen Bai nodded and walked towards the military tent.

The soldiers were about to stop him, but then they remembered Shen Bai's identity, so they stopped what they were doing and followed him toward the military tent.

……

Within the military tent.

Zhao Henglong looked at the documents laid out on the table and fell into deep thought.

This army was named the Golden Dragon Guard, a name given to them by His Majesty the Holy Martial Emperor.

Since its establishment, they have remained anonymous, hiding in the Cloud Mist Camp, playing the roles of ordinary soldiers and generals.

They were nominally under Marshal Yang's command, but they only obeyed the orders of Emperor Shengwu.

Now that the Holy Martial Emperor has entered the desolate forbidden area, Zhao Henglong knows it's time to activate the Golden Dragon Guard.

But he didn't know who would lead the Golden Dragon Guard.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door, attracting Zhao Henglong's attention.

Zhao Henglong looked in the direction of the sound and saw Shen Bai walking in slowly with a long sword hanging at his waist.

As a citizen of the Great Zhou Kingdom, you may not know the various high-ranking officials of the Great Zhou Kingdom, but you absolutely cannot not know Shen Bai.

In an instant, Zhao Henglong understood, and then stood up and cupped his hands in greeting.

"This humble general, Zhao Henglong, greets Lord Shen."

Then, he let go of his hands, straightened his back, and looked directly into Shen Bai's eyes.

Shen Bai smiled slightly, walked to the chair opposite him and sat down, raising his hand: "Don't be shy, just sit down."

Zhao Henglong breathed a sigh of relief and sat down in front of Shen Bai.

Seeing this, the soldiers behind him were given a wink by Zhao Henglong and quietly left the area.

After the soldiers left, only Shen Bai and Zhao Henglong remained in the tent.

Zhao Henglong's face was serious as he directly stated his meaning: "Does Lord Shen have any token?"

Shen Bai smiled slightly, took out the token given to him by Eunuch Chen from his pocket, and pushed it across the table in front of Zhao Henglong.

He likes straightforward people and dislikes those who play games.

The simpler and more straightforward the current situation is, the better.

After revealing his identity and leading the group of Golden Dragon Guards away to garrison Moyunjing, he could then seize the time to improve his proficiency.

Zhao Henglong picked up the token and examined it carefully for a moment. After confirming that there was nothing wrong with it, he stood up again, raised his right fist, placed it on his heart, and bowed slightly to Shen Bai.

"Zhao Henglong, commander of the Golden Dragon Guard, greets Lord Shen. From now on, the Golden Dragon Guard will be at Lord Shen's command. No matter the dangers or hardships, the Golden Dragon Guard will not be afraid."

Shen Bai smiled and nodded, then stood up and said, "Time is of the essence. Let's set off for Moyun Capital today. From now on, you will be stationed in Moyun Capital."

Zhao Henglong was slightly taken aback. He hadn't expected that he would be leaving the Cloud Mist Camp so soon after arriving, and that he would be heading to Moyunjing.

He knew that Shen Bai had conquered Moyunjing not long ago, and now that Shen Bai was going there, he guessed he was going to become a vassal of Moyunjing.

Thinking of this, Zhao Henglong did not hesitate at all, walked out of the tent, and began to mobilize his men.

The cloud and mist camp was very large, with ample open space. Before long, more than 10,000 people were standing in the camp.

As Shen Bai slowly walked out, he felt many eyes on him and revealed a calm smile.

Zhao Henglong stepped forward and said loudly, "Lord Shen, many soldiers of the Golden Dragon Guard have now assembled here. Please give your orders, Lord Shen."

Shen Bai nodded, put his hands behind his back, looked at the soldiers around him, and slowly said, "Gentlemen, let's set off immediately and follow me to Moyun Capital. We will guard against all heresies in Moyun Capital."

The soldiers shouted in unison, "Your subordinate obeys!"

Shen Bai nodded slowly, then continued, "I almost forgot something."

A look of confusion appeared in everyone's eyes, wondering what Shen Bai was talking about.

Shen Bai's gaze gradually turned serious: "The golden dragon will eventually take flight, so there's no need for you all to hide your power today."

As soon as he finished speaking, a terrifyingly powerful aura erupted from the group of ordinary soldiers and generals.

(End of this chapter)