Invasion Myth: Starting with the Schoolteacher

Chapter 1041 Making it up

Without the slightest hesitation, Xu Xuan immediately issued orders in the name of the prefect and began to "stir things up" in a grand manner.

The first step is to integrate resources.

The county government's treasury, garrison troops, and the mansion's offerings were all quickly mobilized.

"Not bad, we have some savings."

For a saint with such a terrifyingly high standard to give this comment is, in a way, a form of recognition.

The first thing they did was to take the already lively "Yuhe Literary Gathering" to the next level.

The Prefectural Governor's Office officially stepped forward and announced its full sponsorship of the literary gathering. Even more surprisingly, Lord Zheng Lian, who had previously ignored this unofficial literary gathering, personally went to the event to deliver a speech.

The prefect, with a ruddy complexion, strode up the high platform.

"The ancient charm of the Yu River, the legacy of the Holy Emperor... This is an unprecedented event in Xingyang's history... I... will certainly do my utmost..."

This gesture immediately won the admiration of the many scholars present.

Soon, one after another, the brilliantly written "Preface to Xingyang" was published, and countless poems, lyrics and essays emerged like snowflakes, pushing the atmosphere of the literary gathering to a new climax.

Interestingly, the three most renowned scholars and three extraordinary individuals from Chongqi Academy have mysteriously disappeared, never again displaying their exceptional talents, and their names are nowhere to be found in any of the important works.

But this did not stop other talented and romantic men from vying to befriend the prefect and express their loyalty.

After all, this prefect had become a model of loyalty to the emperor and patriotism.

If one could establish connections, rising to prominence would be a piece of cake.

Zheng Lian, you young people who only know how to write pretentious poems, do you think you deserve to rise to high positions?
There has to be a price to pay!

Thinking about this brings me a hidden pain, one that I cannot share with outsiders.

Before setting off, he had privately complained to the Dharma King.

At this point, why haven't you taken back the whip from your folk literary society? I'm about to be whipped to death.

The Dharma King's reply was still very dignified.

"Now that we have the ability to solve the problem, we cannot waste this excellent opportunity. This is the best time to enhance your reputation."

"Relax."

He patted Zheng Lian on the shoulder, his tone extremely confident.

The strong confidence conveyed in these words certainly put the prefect at ease.

Look at how capable our White Lotus Sect really is; they can even turn this situation into an advantage.

However, the sudden disappearance of the "Three Heroes and Three Wonders" reveals a clue: Xu Xuan'an has a "what does it have to do with me" mentality.

What he truly cared about was the natural elegance emanating from these thousands of young students, and the immense fortune gathered in the children of the powerful and wealthy.

These invisible yet immense forces are being skillfully guided to counteract and wear down the ever-pervading Yin energy of the Yellow Springs.

Since the rules of Yin and Yang are different, it depends on how heavy each side's weight is.

After seizing power in Xingyang, Xu Xuan instructed Zheng Lian to secretly submit a memorial to Luoyang, earnestly reporting the following:
"Your Majesty is wise. The treasure within the ancient Yu River channel is becoming increasingly radiant, and it is by no means an ordinary object. However, this place is connected to the Yellow River's water veins and is also related to the direction of the Central Plains' dragon vein. If we rashly dig deep, we may damage the earth's energy and harm the nation's fortune. I dare not be reckless and can only proceed step by step and steadily."

"At the latest, we will present this auspicious omen to the Emperor before the imperial examination this spring!"

Xu Xuan noticed that the prefect was hesitant and uncertain after submitting his memorial, realizing that this was due to the subtle emotions that arise when interacting with the former BOSS after just joining the rebel organization.

I felt fear, guilt, and a jumble of other thoughts.

There was no other way but to privately explain the deeper meaning to the newcomers:

"This is a delaying tactic. We need to put that damned emperor at ease so he won't send another imperial envoy to investigate and ruin our important plans. At the same time, we can combine the timing of presenting the treasure with the imperial selection ceremony."

"At that time, when the whole world is watching, the auspicious signs will appear and the effect will be fully demonstrated."

"Just relax and wait for your promotion and advancement."

This meticulously planned scheme reassured Zheng Lian, but one question lingered in his mind. He finally couldn't help but ask in a low voice:
"Your Majesty... what exactly are these 'holy royal treasures' that we have prepared, that we are so confident?"

good question!
The Great Compassionate Dharma King glanced around to make sure no one was listening before lowering his voice and mysteriously rambling, "Beneath the East Sea lies the Iron Sea-Stabilizing Needle."

"Legend has it that when King Yu of the Great successfully controlled the floods, he used this divine iron to measure the depths of the four seas. Later, realizing that this object was no longer of any use, he threw it into the East Sea to suppress the sea dragon's veins and ensure favorable weather for all directions..."

If this flawed myth were told by someone else, Zheng Lian would definitely scoff at it.

However, the fact that it was personally endorsed by this all-powerful "Great Compassionate Dharma King" actually added to its credibility.

It's perfectly normal for a rebel organization to know many secrets that normal people don't.

But the "Sea-Stabilizing Needle Iron"... I never imagined it would be this.

It's a divine object used by King Yu of the Great to measure the four seas and quell the floods. It has some fame, but not that great.

The rod method has existed since ancient times. It uses a long, straight rod that is inserted directly into the water to measure the depth. It is often made of wood or bamboo and is suitable for shallow waters.

For deep water, a depth sounding rope is used. The weight of a weight causes the rope to sink vertically, and the depth is determined by measuring the length of the rope submerged in the water. This method is much older.

However, considering that King Yu was facing raging waves at that time, neither method was suitable.

Then a stick that can be long or short and is extremely heavy would make perfect sense.

After thinking about it carefully, Zheng Lian felt that this item was just right.

Whether it is the Yuzhou Ding, which symbolizes the authority over the nine provinces, or the Hetu and Luoshu, which contain the ultimate principles of heaven and earth, their symbolic significance is too great.

If he were a member of the White Lotus Sect, even if he had found such a treasure, he would never have offered it to that "dog emperor." Wouldn't it have been better to keep it to stir up trouble when the world was in turmoil?

Thinking of this, his face suddenly stiffened.

No...aren't I a member of the White Lotus Cult right now?

Abrupt identity shifts can sometimes lead to confusion. That won't do; you don't want to reveal your true identity to outsiders one day.

After calming public opinion and easing pressure from the imperial court, Xu Xuan's final step was to personally visit the site for investigation.

Under Zheng Lian's personal guidance, they swaggered toward the core area where the Stone King had disappeared.

This time, there is no need for any observation or deduction, no need to create a fog of deception, and no need to sneak in.

The prefect personally accompanied the "inspection," and all the guards bowed and saluted wherever they went.

Someone swept their scrutinizing gaze over every array formation, every defensive line, and the trembling worshippers.

He nodded slightly, already having made his judgment.

Although it is the prefectural governor's mansion located under the emperor's nose, the quality of its service team is, to be honest, not even as good as that of the Liang Prince's mansion. The average level was already low, and several batches of elites were lost in the past few days, so now there is a lack of capable successors, and it is really not presentable.

But that's fine too, it makes them easier to fool.

The staff members standing nearby exchanged puzzled glances.

This matter was a top secret of the prefectural governor's office. The official, who was gloomy just the day before yesterday, seemed unusually relaxed today, even with a sense of relief.

Who exactly is this mysterious figure who suddenly appeared?
Despite their various speculations, everyone lowered their heads, not daring to ask any more questions, remembering the colleagues who had been swiftly dismissed a few days earlier for being too talkative.

As usual, after passing through three heavily guarded checkpoints, Zheng Lian didn't forget to boast a few words after each gate:

"My lord, please look, my defenses are impregnable; no one has yet been able to sneak in undetected..."

This made someone almost burst out laughing.

If you were truly impregnable, how could my Stone King have fallen into your trap?

Once he truly stepped into the core area, the smugness on Zheng Lian's face vanished instantly, replaced by a deathly pale expression.

A continuous, slight tremor came from beneath my feet, as if I were standing on the embankment where the Yellow River's waves were crashing against the shore.

The sound of rushing water could be clearly heard, but it didn't sound like a clear spring in the human world; rather, it sounded like a sob coming from the depths of the underworld.

Before them, the entrance to the underground passage was wide open in darkness, from which gusts of cold, biting wind howled, carrying a strong earthy smell and an indescribable stench of decay.

(End of this chapter)