Under One Person: My Inner Realm Connects to All Worlds!

Chapter 225 The Princes Pay Tribute
In an instant, the entire palace fell into a deathly silence, followed by a deafening roar of cheers!
"Long live! Long live!"

The allied soldiers were extremely excited, their cheers like a tidal wave. Many former members of the Tang Dynasty and members of the Bad People were moved to tears and knelt on the ground.

"Your Highness, we pay our respects! Your Highness, we pay our respects!"

Yuan Tiangang stood not far away, watching the young figure holding Zhu Wen's head, bathed in blood and fire. The corners of his mouth under the mask finally slowly curved into a smile.

At that moment, he truly saw the shadow of the Grand General of Heavenly Strategy and Emperor Zhenguan in Li Xingyun.

Decisive and ruthless, with a spirit that can conquer all!

He had waited for this moment for far too long!

Li Xingyun tossed Zhu Wen's head to his guards, his cold gaze sweeping over Zhu Youzhen, who lay limp on the ground.

“Zhu Wen’s sons were all executed as a warning to others.”

As soon as the voice fell, soldiers stepped forward and swiftly brought down their swords.

The lineage of the false emperor of Liang was thus completely wiped out.

Li Xingyun stepped out of the main hall and stood on the high steps. The setting sun, like blood, stained his entire body with a golden-red hue. Beneath his feet lay Zhu Wen's still-wet blood, and behind him lay the ruins of the destroyed palace of the pseudo-Liang dynasty.

Smoke rose sporadically in the city, and the shouts of battle gradually subsided, replaced by the deafening cheers of the allied forces and the thunderous cries of "Long live Your Highness!"

His gaze swept over the countless excited, awe-inspiring, and fervent faces below, and he slowly raised his arms.

As the noise subsided, all eyes turned to him.

"Yuan Qing," Li Xingyun said, his voice not loud, but clearly carrying in all directions.

Yuan Tiangang appeared silently a little behind him and bowed, saying, "Your subject is here."

"Practice."

Li Xingyun's voice suddenly rose, carrying an undeniable majesty, shaking the surrounding area and resounding over the imperial city of Bianzhou, even drowning out the crackling sound of the battlefield embers.

"The false Liang dynasty has been destroyed, and the traitors have been executed!"

"The Tang Dynasty has been restored to its former glory, and the world urgently needs its support. Therefore, all princes, military governors, and prefects throughout the land, regardless of whether they are from the north, south, east, or west, who have received the Tang's favor and enjoy its stipends, are hereby ordered to immediately set off for Bianzhou to pay homage to the Tang!"

He paused slightly, as if looking down upon the world, as if he could penetrate thousands of miles and look directly at the various warlords who were still observing or harboring ulterior motives.

"I will wait here. Those who do not arrive—"

Li Xingyun's voice suddenly turned cold, chilling to the bone, accompanied by an invisible, suffocating pressure that caused thousands of soldiers below to involuntarily hold their breath.

"They are considered traitors and should be attacked by the whole world!"

The last sentence struck like a heavy hammer, hitting the heart of every listener.

Yuan Tiangang bowed deeply: "Your subject obeys the decree!"

His figure flickered and disappeared, going to carry out this order that would once again shake the world.

Li Xingyun stood alone on the high platform, his robes fluttering in the evening breeze.

As the setting sun completely disappeared behind the distant mountains and night quietly descended, torches were lit one after another inside and outside Bianzhou City, like a galaxy falling to earth, illuminating the city, which had just experienced the baptism of blood and fire, as bright as day.

He recaptured Luoyang, destroyed the false Liang dynasty, and issued a summons to the world.

Three major events, like three thunderbolts, spread wildly in all directions from Bianzhou as the center.

The world fell silent in response.

-----

Jinyang, Tongwen Hall.

The teacup in Li Siyuan's hand fell onto the luxurious carpet and shattered, the tea staining the surface, but he was completely unaware.

"Summon the whole world...those who do not come will be regarded as traitors..." His face turned pale as he repeated those words, cold sweat seeping from his forehead.

Li Cunzhong and the others stood below, not daring to utter a sound.

"Is he...is he trying to emulate Emperor Guangwu's restoration of the dynasty by summoning generals to the Cloud Terrace?" Li Cunli's voice was hoarse.

"Summoning generals from the Cloud Platform?"

Li Siyuan scoffed, "During Emperor Guangwu's reign, the world yearned for the Han dynasty, and heroes flocked to it. But now? With regional warlords vying for power, who is willing to easily relinquish their authority and military might? He's using overwhelming force to compel the world to choose sides!"

"Then, brother, we..."

"Go! Let's set off now!"

"They are in the right, didn't they hear His Highness's summons? What, do you want to be attacked by all the princes in the world, or do you want to become the next Zhu Wen?"

Li Cunli quickly cupped his hands in response: "But what about my godfather?"

Li Siyuan's expression was uncertain, and his fingers tapped rapidly on the table.

Li Cunli's question hit the nail on the head. In the end, Prince Li Keyong of Jin was the true ruler of Jin, and Li Siyuan was merely acting as his proxy.

Moreover, his godfather lived a secluded life and possessed unfathomable power; he would never submit to such a young upstart.

"As for my godfather..."

Li Siyuan pondered for a moment, a calculating glint in his eyes, "I will go and report to them personally. But the decree has already been issued, and there is no time to lose."

"You shall immediately prepare ceremonial tributes in the name of the State of Jin, select elite guards, and make it clear that you are ready to depart at any time. You shall also make a great show of it so that the whole world knows that the State of Jin is actively responding to Your Highness's summons."

He stood up, his tone grave: “Remember, we must maintain the proper posture, appearing more fearful and submissive than anyone else. But until we see Father and understand his intentions, the procession can proceed cautiously, understand?”

Li Cunli immediately understood: "What you mean, elder brother, is to appear extremely obedient on the surface, but in reality, delay and observe, waiting for our godfather to make a decision before deciding on our course of action?"

"Exactly!"

Li Siyuan nodded: "The situation is beyond our control now. Li Xingyun is riding high on the momentum of his victory over Liang, and there's also that unpredictable army of his. We can't confront them head-on. Let's put ourselves in the position of loyal subjects for now, so there'll be room for maneuver later. Go quickly!"

"Yes!" Li Cunli accepted the order and hurriedly left.

Li Siyuan straightened his clothes, took a deep breath to suppress the trembling and unease in his heart, and turned to walk towards the secluded cultivation place in the back mountain.

At the same time, the reactions of all the regional military governors and regional military commanders across the country were exactly the same as Li Siyuan's; they were all shocked.

As for Qi, there's no need to elaborate. Shuiyun Ji had already clearly expressed her support in Bianzhou, and Qi's army had even participated in the war to destroy Liang. At this moment, they are assisting in stabilizing the situation and clearing Liang territory.

As for the other regional warlords, Wuyue, Nanping, Chu, Shu... all cast shocked, angry, fearful, and hesitant glances toward Bianzhou in the Central Plains.

Inside the Shu King's palace, Shu King Meng Zhixiang looked at the imperial edict copied in his hand, his fingers trembling slightly.

"Those who fail to appear will be considered traitors, and the whole world will attack them? What an arrogant tone!" He looked at his civil and military officials, "Gentlemen, what do you think?"

One general angrily said, "Your Highness, Shu is a strategically important, prosperous, and peaceful region. Why should we listen to the orders of a mere child? He has just finished a major battle; how could he possibly have the strength to launch a distant expedition into Shu?"

A civil official cautiously remarked, "Your Highness, although Li Xingyun is young, his power is already established. The war to destroy Liang was like a thunderbolt, especially that Undying Army, which is beyond human strength to defeat. The lesson of Zhu Wen is not far off." "Moreover, he is the legitimate heir of the Li Tang dynasty, with legitimacy and righteousness in his hands. If we refuse to obey orders, it may give him a pretext. If he then joins forces with Qi and Jin to attack, although our Shu region is treacherous, I fear it will be difficult to hold out for long."

Meng Zhixiang closed his eyes and pondered for a long time before sighing, "Prepare the gifts. I will personally go to Bianzhou. Whether it is a dragon or a worm, I must see it with my own eyes."

Similar debates and choices are unfolding in various places.

On the post road, the number of fast messengers heading to Bianzhou suddenly increased, followed by various entourages and caravans, representing different forces, harboring different thoughts, but all heading in the same direction day and night.

Some were eager to join the cause and gain merit by following the emperor; some were terrified, just to avoid the ravages of war; some watched coldly, wanting to find out the truth; and some secretly conspired to do evil.

However, no one dared to openly ignore this conscription order, which carried the scent of blood and fire.

His formidable power in annihilating the false Liang dynasty, beheading the Underworld Emperor, and personally killing Zhu Wen, along with his legendary army of immortal and indestructible demons, was enough to make even the most unruly warlords bow their heads and submit.

Bianzhou became the center of the world's political and cultural events.

-----

Ten days later, at the Imperial Palace in Bianzhou.

Despite the ravages of war, the main palaces were quickly cleaned and repaired, barely restoring their royal grandeur.

However, a faint, lingering smell of blood still seemed to permeate the air, reminding people of the horrific events that had recently occurred here.

Outside the Daqing Hall, on the square.

The various lords and envoys stood in order, completely silent. They wore different court robes or ceremonial robes of regional governors, their expressions varied—some were respectful, some were apprehensive, and some were curious—all secretly observing their surroundings.

The palace guards were all replaced by elite members of the Bad People and soldiers of the Qi Kingdom, standing solemnly like a forest, exuding a chilling aura.

Even more chilling were the rows of terracotta warrior soldiers standing solemnly on both sides of the square, their skin a bluish-gray, their eyes a ghostly red, and their bodies shrouded in a faint blackish-red aura of malevolence.

They were as silent as mountains, yet they exuded a suffocating sense of oppression. This was the army of gods and demons that had conquered Luoyang and pacified Bianzhou!
Everyone who saw it felt a chill run down their spines and lowered their heads, not daring to look any longer.

"His Highness has arrived!"

The eunuch's high-pitched voice broke the silence.

Everyone perked up and quickly composed themselves, holding their breath and focusing their attention.

Li Xingyun slowly walked out from the depths of the main hall. He was still dressed in black casual clothes, only wearing the Longquan sword.

However, his steps were steady, and when his gaze swept over them, no one dared to meet his eyes. It was as if an invisible imperial aura emanated from him, making him more regal than any magnificent robes or crowns.

Yuan Tiangang followed closely behind like the most loyal shadow, his cold gaze sweeping across the entire scene from behind his mask.

Those of higher status, such as Prince Qi Shuiyunji and Prince Jin's representative Li Siyuan (Li Keyong claimed to be ill and did not arrive, so Li Siyuan represented him with full authority), stood at the front of the officials.

Li Xingyun stood on the steps of the imperial palace, looking down at the dark mass of people below, but did not speak immediately.

Silence is sometimes more powerful than words.

An invisible pressure accumulated in the silence, and many lords began to sweat on their foreheads and their calves trembled slightly.

After a long silence, Li Xingyun finally spoke, his voice calm yet clear enough to reach everyone's ears:

"Zhu Wen murdered the emperor and usurped the throne, bringing chaos to the world. He has now been executed. With the fall of the false Liang dynasty, the Tang dynasty has been restored to its former glory."

He paused slightly, his gaze sharp as he swept over the crowd: "However, the world has been in disarray for a long time, with regional warlords holding sway, government orders failing to be enforced, and the people suffering. This is not the sign of a prosperous era, much less the appearance of the Great Tang Dynasty."

"As a descendant of the Li Tang dynasty, I am ordained by Heaven to restore order, rebuild our land, and create a new golden age!"

Li Xingyun's voice suddenly rose, filled with an undeniable determination: "The reason I have summoned you all here today is to inform the world that, effective immediately, the hereditary power of the military governors is abolished and returned to the central government. Military power, financial power, and the appointment and removal of officials in all regions must all comply with the laws of the court!"

Upon hearing this, a suppressed gasp and gasps immediately rose from below.

Although it was expected, hearing firsthand about such a direct and thorough takeback of the power of the regional military governors still made many people turn pale and instinctively want to oppose it.

But when they met Li Xingyun's cold, sharp eyes and felt the terrifying aura emanating from the silent army on both sides, all their words got stuck in their throats.

Li Xingyun took in everyone's reactions and continued, his tone slightly softer, but still carrying a steely edge:

"Of course, if you gentlemen can perform your duties diligently, pacify the local areas, and be loyal to the court, I will not hesitate to bestow rewards upon you. Those who have rendered meritorious service to the country may enter the court as ministers and be granted imperial edicts and certificates, which will bring blessings to your descendants."

"Yes——"

His tone shifted abruptly, a chilling murderous aura rising within him: "If there are those who outwardly comply but inwardly defy, harbor ulterior motives, or even intend to establish their own independent regimes..."

Li Xingyun didn't say anything more, but slowly took off the hilt of the Longquan sword and held it in front of him.

"Changlang——"

A soft sword cry, like a dragon's roar, echoed across the deathly silent square.

At the same time, the terracotta warriors on both sides seemed to receive a silent command. The crimson light in their eyes suddenly intensified, and the overwhelming killing intent pressed down as if it were a physical force, causing many of the weaker ones to almost collapse to the ground.

A silent threat is more powerful than any rebuke.

Li Xingyun's gaze slowly swept over the lords below who were silent as cicadas in winter.

Finally, his gaze settled on the Jin delegation, landing on Li Siyuan, who was trying to remain calm as the leader.

"Prince of Jin, where is Li Keyong?"

Li Xingyun's voice was calm and even, yet it made Li Siyuan tremble. He immediately stepped forward and bowed deeply.

"Your Highness, my adoptive father, Prince Li Keyong of Jin, has reached a critical juncture in his secluded cultivation, but his vital energy has been disrupted, making it impossible for him to undertake a long journey. Therefore, he has specially ordered me to do so."
"Retreat?"

Li Xingyun interrupted him, a cold smile curving his lips, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. "Is it seclusion, or is it observing from behind closed doors, intending to follow in Zhu Wen's footsteps?"

Li Siyuan's forehead instantly became covered in cold sweat, and he said urgently, "Your Majesty, we would never dare! The entire Jin Kingdom is loyal to Your Highness and devoted to the Tang Dynasty! My godfather is indeed..."

“My will is very clear.”

Li Xingyun's voice was not loud, but it carried a coldness like a final judgment: "Those who fail to appear shall be regarded as traitors, and the whole world shall attack them. Prince Jin, do you think my sword is not sharp enough, or do you think that his thirteen bodyguards can withstand my thousands of troops?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire room fell into a deathly silence; you could hear a pin drop.

Everyone felt a chill run from the soles of their feet to the top of their heads. Was this a prelude to attacking the Jin state, which was the strongest and had the most ambiguous attitude?
Li Siyuan knelt down with a thud, his voice trembling: "Your Highness, please see the truth! The State of Jin has absolutely no disloyal intentions! Absolutely no disloyal intentions!"

Li Xingyun stopped looking at him, but turned her head slightly and whispered to the shadow behind her, "Yuan Qing."

Yuan Tiangang silently took half a step forward and bowed: "Your subject is here."

"Go and retrieve the gift I prepared for all the feudal lords of the land!"

"I will follow your Highness' orders."

Yuan Tiangang's figure flickered before everyone's eyes like a ghost before disappearing completely.

(End of this chapter)