Invasion Myth: Starting with the Schoolteacher

There's definitely something fishy about Chapter 1032!
These ancient texts all mention that after establishing the Xia Dynasty, Yu the Great made Yangcheng his capital.

Therefore, compared to those white deer and lingzhi mushrooms that appear out of thin air, this "auspicious omen" that is based on the legend of the ancient capital city and has vague historical evidence is undoubtedly more convincing in terms of origin and "authenticity," and can naturally produce better political effects.

Considering the current delicate situation, it's possible that the emperor himself or his confidants are secretly stirring things up behind the scenes, urgently needing such a "major auspicious omen" to stabilize the situation.

This is a complex political game.

Returning to the present, the ruins of a legendary imperial capital and a "treasure" that may concern the fate of humanity hold a fatal attraction for any scholar.

Who wouldn't be interested?
Therefore, recently, many literati, scholars, and students have flocked to the area, eager to see it for themselves.

"Let's go! How can we miss such a grand event? Let's go take a look!"

After a satisfying meal, the six, their curiosity thoroughly piqued, excitedly paid the bill and headed towards the legendary ruins of "Yu Du Yang Cheng".

Unfortunately, when they arrived at the legendary site of the ruins with great excitement, they found that it had been tightly surrounded by wooden fences and ropes by the government, and there were also heavily armed county soldiers guarding and patrolling the perimeter.

Even when Xie Yuliang stepped forward to negotiate, he was still met with a cold shoulder.

The garrison commander said, "By order of the Prefect, this place is currently being inspected for historical sites. This is a matter of great importance, and no unauthorized personnel are allowed to enter."

Even if the group was very interested, they were helpless at this moment and could only sigh at the "railing".

On their somewhat disappointed return journey, as they passed a section of dirt road near the riverbank, they indeed heard a muffled and rapid sound of rushing water emanating from deep beneath their feet, as if an underground river was roaring beneath their feet.

"I never imagined... that the rumors about the underground river were actually true!" Qiao Feng exclaimed in amazement.

Legends and stories about human ancestors like Yu the Great always evoke a sense of longing and respect.

However, as Zao listened to the sound of water flowing from underground, he frowned slightly, feeling a strange discomfort in his heart following the rhythm of the water, and a sense of unease arose within him.

Ning Caichen noticed his friend's subtle abnormality, listened intently, observed the expressions of the guards in the distance, and then shook his head at Zao.

He whispered, "Apart from the sound of water, there was nothing else unusual. The soldiers were also in high spirits, so it didn't seem like there was any evil spirit causing trouble."

Although Ji Rui didn't have any special feelings, he was bold and had wild ideas.

A glance flew over, the meaning clear: since the three heroes can't get away with the righteous path, should we... tonight... you know what I mean.

However, the suggestion of "nighttime exploration" was rejected on the spot.

Given its proximity to Luoyang, right under the emperor's nose, trespassing into a restricted area strictly controlled by the government would be too risky, and it would be unwise to cause any further trouble.

Back in the city, the six set aside their curiosity about the ruins and continued to stroll through the streets of Xingyang, experiencing the unique atmosphere of this ancient city amidst the auspicious turmoil.

And the other side.

From the moment he stepped into the territory of Xingyang County, the Stone King and his entire demon entourage became visibly tense.

On the surface, it still maintains that rock-hard, expressionless appearance, but its internal computing power remains at an extremely high level, operating at a frantic pace.

Although it didn't emit heat like an overloaded machine, the abnormally active magical energy fluctuations caused by its high level of alertness, almost bursting out of its body, left Xu Xuan somewhat helpless.

"do not worry."

Someone tried to comfort him, but instead of relaxing, the Stone King raised his calculation ability to a whole new level.

Various terrains, historical records, legends, and information about various forces began to intertwine and deduce in his mind, and the light like a data stream flashed rapidly in the depths of his pupils, as if he was planning countless possible "paths to survival" for himself.

Since following Xu Xuan, it has been forced to delve into the geography, history, and culture of the human race. With its extraordinary memory and logical abilities, it can now be considered a well-read "human expert".

The reason we are so nervous right now is precisely because we "know too much"!
It's important to know that this is right on the banks of the Yellow River, one of the oldest and most central gathering places of human civilization.

Xingyang Prefecture!
Its administrative center was located in Xingyang, and it governed eight counties: Xingyang, Jing, Mi, Juan, Yangwu, Yuanling, Kaifeng, and Zhongmu.

Each of these eight counties, taken individually, has a wealth of legends and anecdotes that could fill several volumes.

Its historical foundation extends from the alliance of feudal lords during the Spring and Autumn Period to the "Holy Emperor of Humanity" Xuanyuan, Yu the Great, and even the big shots of various mythological eras!
Some of these legends have beautiful meanings, some record disasters, some sound terrifying, and some are even more chilling upon closer inspection.

At the same time, Xingyang County is also a place of great cultural prosperity, nurturing numerous literati and scholars over the centuries, leaving behind countless poems, songs, and literary works. The rich literary atmosphere and humanitarian spirit have long permeated this land.

It can be said that the light of humanity has always shone brightly and profoundly in this place.

This is the ultimate embodiment of "harmony among people"!

As for the "advantage of location"... it's even more remarkable.

Located at the confluence of the Yellow River and the Honggou Canal, it boasts convenient water and land transportation, serving as a hub connecting east and west, and north and south.

During the Warring States period, in order to dominate the Central Plains, King Hui of Wei had the Honggou Canal dug in Xingyang to divert the Yellow River southward and connect with the Huai River, forming a vast waterway network that ran through the heart of the Central Plains, which greatly promoted the prosperity of commerce and trade and economic development.

Its geographical location is extremely strategic, making it a battleground for military strategists throughout history.

During the Chu-Han Contention, Liu Bang "occupied the granaries of Ao Cang and blocked the strategic pass of Cheng Gao," relying on the granaries and passes of the Xingyang area to fight Xiang Yu for several years, laying the foundation for his future victory.

Therefore, to be precise, this place has long played the role of a core political, military, and economic hub in the Central Plains region, and has historically played an important role in stabilizing the local area, resisting external threats, and radiating influence in all directions.

Beneath every inch of land may lie the smoke of history and the imprint of power struggles.

And the "right timing" is now even more explosive.

This is a chaotic period in which the righteous are declining and the demons are rising, the great forces are collapsing, and dragons and snakes are rising from the land.

The recent spiritual awakening of the Huai River, the "day and night" phenomenon in Dazexiang, Pei State, and the "Mars guarding the heart" phenomenon triggered in Shangqiu...

The "favorable timing" laid out by this series of events is so grand and boundless that it has already shaken the entire landscape of China.

Against this backdrop of spiritual upheaval and celestial disorder, many ancient imprints, legends, and causes and effects that were previously dormant in the long river of history and deep within the earth will become exceptionally active, more easily awakened, or even manifested.

In addition, the causal storm brought about by the "White Lotus" heading north is something that even Xu Xuan himself may not be able to fully control, and this world has become a shape that even the Stone King cannot understand at all.

What if... someone here accidentally activates some incredible ancient existence or forbidden history?

This mere demon king of the third realm is probably not even qualified to be a mere mouthful of food.

Therefore, the Stone King's inner world leans towards pessimism.

It was clearly a giant rock that had come to life, having endured thousands of years of wind, rain, thunder, and electric chisels, its will should have been as firm as a rock. Yet, in the short few months it had been by Xu Xuan's side, it had repeatedly encountered situations beyond its comprehension and endurance, its Dao heart repeatedly teetering on the brink of collapse. Thinking about it, it's... a little heartbreaking.

Xu Xuan, being a very eloquent person, naturally continued to offer words of comfort.

For example, he patted the stone king on the arm and said in a relaxed tone:

"There's no use worrying; what's meant to happen will happen."

"Relax and just enjoy your demon life."

As soon as he finished speaking, he felt the demonic energy beside him, which had been "heating" due to excessive tension, cool down instantly.

I don't know if I was "comforted" by these words or choked by their overly "open-minded" attitude.

This is called professionalism!
Xu Xuan was very satisfied with the effect of his "enlightenment".

In fact, he always felt that the big rock next to him was quite lucky.

Looking back, from the Huai River to Pei State, and then from Liang State to Xingyang, it seems that none of the experts, powerful figures, or even evil gods and demons encountered along the way specifically targeted this demon king.

Every time, it "tactically infiltrates underground," and then... it wins without even trying.

Tsk tsk, it seems that not only is the demon's body ridiculously tough, but its destiny is also incredibly tough.

Xu Xuan nodded to himself. Sure enough, only such a "strongman" was worthy of following me into the dragon's den and tiger's lair of Luoyang!
The self-satisfied Holy Father, accompanied by the Stone King with his rich inner monologue, arrived at the first county town under Xingyang Prefecture.

Xingyang has been a military stronghold since ancient times, bearing the heavy responsibility of protecting Luoyang, the capital in the east, and relying on the natural barrier of the Yellow River to resist the southward invasion of northern nomadic tribes.

As soon as Xu Xuan stepped into the county town, he could clearly feel that it was completely different from the counties he had passed through before.

The air was thick with the aura of the human army, like invisible flames scorching the demonic energy; the murderous aura accumulated over years of fighting was several times heavier than in other places, making people feel awe.

Historical records indicate that during the late Eastern Han Dynasty, the northern nomadic tribes were nearly humiliated by powerful figures like Cao Cao. However, after the tides of history subsided and hundreds of years passed, these tribes rose again on the vast grasslands.

Today, although the imperial court has set up defenses in places like Youzhou further north, it is simply not able to completely stop all the foreign tribes from moving south.

In particular, powerful tribes such as the Xiongnu, Jie, Xianbei, and Qiang would often bypass the main defense lines, raid the borders, and even attempt to cross the Yellow River.

Therefore, the strategic importance of the defense line built by Xingyang along the Yellow River is self-evident; it is an indispensable barrier to protect the core area of ​​the empire.

"However, is it necessary for this troop movement to occur in a county town in the rear?"

Xu, the tactical master, sensed something was wrong.

After traveling through several counties, his expression grew increasingly strange, as if something had happened.

When they actually arrived at the foot of Xingyang City and stepped into the ancient city wall, even Xu Xuan's expression changed slightly, and he even subconsciously stopped in his tracks, almost turning around and leaving!
Holy crap?!
Alarm bells rang in my heart.

My six students, the Three Wonders and the Three Heroes, all possessing the "protagonist's destiny," have all gathered in this city?!
This place isn't Luoyang; it lacks the powerful imperial aura of a flourishing dynasty to suppress the fortunes of all directions...

This place is not Jiangnan, where all the legends of demons, monsters, and saints remain intact.
And then, I myself, a walking "source of causal pollution," stepped in...

This is practically a high-level game arranged by fate, one that cannot be avoided! The danger level is probably far greater than that of the Liang Kingdom!

In a flash, he took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the urge to slip away, and abruptly turned to the Stone King, saying:

"The situation has changed. We shouldn't stay here any longer... No, you shouldn't go in. Wait for me outside the city, conceal your presence, and don't approach me unless I summon you!"

Although the Stone King did not understand why the young master was suddenly so serious, its greatest virtue was that it was obedient.

Without hesitation, it transformed into a streak of earthy yellow light and sped away from Xingyang City, hiding in a desolate mountain in the distance.

Having diverted the Stone King from potential collateral damage, Xu Xuan straightened his robes alone, his gaze sharpening and becoming calm, before striding into the gates of Xingyang.

The moment he stepped through the city gate, it was as if an invisible gate had been opened.

The six extraordinary "protagonist" energies in the city, along with Xu Xuan's own vast, chaotic, and unique destiny aura, suddenly converged, collided, and intertwined!
The originally clear causal relationship between heaven and earth instantly became chaotic, like a calm lake surface where a boulder has been thrown in, with ripples spreading in all directions!

The six students also saw Xu Xuan after the thunderclap.

They were overjoyed and stepped forward to pay their respects.
"Master Xu" *6
Passersby were stunned. How did this young man become a "master"?
Xu Xuan said he wanted to keep a low profile, but he was secretly quite pleased.

The passersby were shocked, but it was a classic scene from a wish-fulfillment novel.

Then we found a place to talk, and I learned about the story of the so-called Yudu Yangcheng.

My older brother's city? That's mine!
My first reaction was quite genuine, but then I frowned; something was wrong.

There must be something wrong.

I could never have encountered such a wonderful opportunity so easily!

At this time, the governor of Xingyang was unaware that so many jinxes had arrived in his jurisdiction, and he was sweating profusely as he dealt with the people from the central government.

This young eunuch has such an arrogant aura, and he carries an inexplicable sense of pressure, almost comparable to the demeanor of a great figure like the Three Dukes.

He wiped away his cold sweat when confronted with this question.

"Rest assured, my lord, the treasures in Yangcheng are almost in our hands, and we will present them to you on an auspicious day."

A somewhat hoarse and sharp voice came from the head of the table: "Very good, His Majesty has already seen this. Do not make any mistakes."

He straightened up only after the eunuch left.

Even a high-ranking official wouldn't need to be so obsequious to the Three Dukes, but a minor eunuch's status is different.

As someone close to His Majesty conveying his will, the weight of their presence is self-evident.

It's a happy event in itself, at least my initial plan worked.

But...but.
Everything was going well. The group of sorcerers, Taoists, and magicians were saying that the underground was the ancient Yu River Road, which must connect to Yangcheng.

But who knew that the very first step would be so wrong?

(End of this chapter)