Mythical Three Kingdoms: Martial Arts Reach Divine Ranks, I Alone Rule the World

After saving Emperor Liu Hong's life, Zhang Mu did not linger in the palace.

After waving goodbye to Empress He, Zhang Mu walked alone through the long palace corridors, his footsteps echoing on the empty stone slabs.

Looking around at the magnificent splendor, Zhang Mu sensed an aura of decay emanating from this imperial city.

"All the palaces and pavilions have turned to dust..."

Looking around at the scene before him, Zhang Mu was suddenly moved to speak.

Who could have imagined this?

"Even this magnificent imperial city can one day be reduced to ashes by a great fire!"

Having said that, Zhang Mu turned back with great interest to look at the palace where Liu Hong, who was still asleep on the dragon bed, was located...

His gaze held neither sympathy nor pity.

There was only a faint sarcasm and a barely audible sigh.

"I wonder which unlucky soul will be chosen to have their luck stolen and their life extended in the future..."

"Hehe, most people can't withstand such a fate that involves the emperor."

But then, a self-deprecating look appeared on Zhang Mu's face, and he felt that his sentimentality was completely unnecessary.

What good will it do if Liu Hongsu wakes up?

If he wants to live a long life, he has to be able to withstand the hurdle of the Heavenly General next year.

If even the mighty Han Qi is invited to his death, how can he, as a human emperor, possibly live a long life?

If Liu Hong hadn't died, how could the many outstanding figures of the late Han Dynasty have emerged?

"Sigh, I hope that unlucky guy isn't Liu Bei!"

"In the coming chaotic world, without the benevolence and virtue of Emperor Zhaolie of Han, it will ultimately appear somewhat bleak."

As Zhang Mu's voice echoed, he had already disappeared around the corner of the palace corridor.

……

The General's Residence.

When Zhang Mu returned, it was nearly dusk, and the afterglow of the setting sun slanted across the blue tiles of the mansion, casting a faint golden hue.

As soon as he stepped into the mansion, he heard a familiar sound of laughter.

Looking in the direction of the sound.

Guo Jia, Guo Jia’s close friend, was holding the imperial edict and marveling at it. He tapped the scroll of the edict lightly with his fingers and muttered something to himself.

Beside Guo Jia.

Xi Zhicai and Prefect Guo Qun stood around, their eyes fixed on the imperial edict that Zhang Liao was holding.

Zhang Liao, who had read the contents of the imperial edict beforehand, remained calm, but his eyes were always on the edict, fearing that Guo Jia might accidentally damage it.

"Gentlemen!"

"It's just an imperial edict, is it really worth all this fuss?"

As soon as Zhang Mu spoke, he immediately attracted everyone's attention.

Upon hearing this...

Guo Jia, who was the first to spot him, brightened up and immediately brandished the imperial edict in his hand, teasing Zhang Mu, "Gongzhi, you're something else!"

"Before you knew it, you had gone from being a garrison commander to being appointed governor of a prefecture by the imperial court."

"When do you plan to take office?"

As he spoke, Guo Jia took a step closer, a mischievous glint in his eyes, and reminded Zhang Mu, "Do you still remember the promise we made when we drank and laughed together until we were drunk? 'If we become rich and powerful, let's not forget each other.'"

"Jia keeps these words in mind at all times, so don't even think about going back on your word."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Mu couldn't help but laugh and scold, "Easy!"

"As long as you, Guo Fengxiao, are willing to take a temporary position under me, all your expenses for staying overnight in brothels can be reimbursed through public funds."

"So, Fengxiao, are you interested?"

When Zhang Mu said this, his eyes held a hint of teasing, but also a subtle seriousness.

Having reached an unconventional imperial realm in terms of strength, he did not particularly value the position of Governor of Bingzhou bestowed upon him by Emperor Liu Hong.

But as the old saying goes...

The meat was practically offered to you; there's no reason to spit it out.

If he intends to conquer the world someday...

Therefore, Bingzhou is undoubtedly his blessed base, and his close friend Guo Jia is a top talent who can work with him and Zhang Mu to build a great cause.

Upon hearing Zhang Mu's half-joking, half-serious request for talent, Guo Jia was first slightly taken aback. Then, he turned to look at Xi Zhicai beside him and pointed at himself incredulously, his face showing an expression that even Zhang Mu found exaggerated.

"Me...me?"

"Gongzhi, Jia thought you would ask Zhicai this question first."

"He has a steady and easy-going personality, unlike Jia, who is used to being lazy and only wants to seek out women all day long, and can't do anything serious."

It was rare to hear Guo Jia, who was usually quite unserious, say such humble words, and Zhang Mu was immediately amused and didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

He shook his head, his tone tinged with helplessness, yet also with greater sincerity.

"Fengxiao, who says the governor doesn't intend for Zhicai to succeed?"

After saying this, Zhang Mu looked seriously at Xi Zhicai beside him and slowly said, "Zhicai, if you are willing to stay and assist Yu Mu..."

"You can choose from various official positions under the governor of Mu, such as the deputy governor or the chief administrator."

"Even if you wish to serve as a prefect of any region, you can choose any prefecture in Bingzhou as you like. As long as you are willing, I, Zhang Mu, will never treat you unfairly."

Zhang Mu did not inquire further about the plans of Guo Qun, the governor of Yanmen County, who was also present.

As his former superior, Zhang Mu had no intention of letting him go.

When he was the garrison commander of the prefecture, he was practically a beast of burden to Guo Qun. Now that he is about to become the governor of Bingzhou, it is naturally Guo Qun's turn to enjoy some "good fortune".

In the field.

Xi Zhicai listened quietly to Zhang Mu's words. He did not respond immediately, but lowered his eyes slightly and gently rubbed his cuffs as if deep in thought.

A moment later, he raised his head and looked directly at Zhang Mu.

"What would happen if I refused?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Mu was not angry. He simply shoved Guo Jia's head, which was almost sticking out of his face, and laughed heartily.

"What else can we do? Of course, the governor's mansion will always be open to you."

"after all."

"The one who extended the invitation to you just now was your friend Zhang Gongzhi, not the otherworldly Emperor Realm being Zhang Mu."

"He disdains using his power to oppress friends and close relatives."

As he spoke, Zhang Mu turned his gaze to Guo Jia, a smile appearing in his eyes, "Well, if you want me to show some sincerity..."

Zhang Mu's tone carried a hint of mischief.

"Mu could also emulate the great Emperor Gaozu and have Fengxiao perform a moonlit chase after Xi Zhong tonight!"

Or perhaps...

"We could also have someone build a thatched hut in Yingchuan, nestled against the mountains and beside the water, and have Mu San visit the hut sincerely, requesting you to come out of seclusion and assist him. What do you think, Zhicai?"

Before Xi Zhicai could even respond to Zhang Mu's words, Guo Jia clapped his hands in approval.

He rubbed his hands excitedly, looking eager to try it out.

"Gongzhi, that's great! But when you build your thatched hut in Yingchuan, could you build another one?"

"Hehe, when Jia ties Wenruo up and takes him in too, once you're inside the hut, you don't need to be gentle with him. Just knock him out with a stick and carry him away."

"Once you take Zhicai and Wenruo in, with their abilities, even if you become a hands-off manager and do nothing, there won't be any trouble in Bingzhou."

"With their help, Jia can comfortably indulge in nights of revelry at brothels, living a carefree and joyful life all day long. Isn't that wonderful?"

Guo Jia's every word revolved around brothels, and he was even more enthusiastic about seeking talent than Zhang Mu himself, completely disregarding the lives of his two close friends.

As he spoke, he winked and made faces, as if he could already see his bright future of nightly revelry.

Zhang Mu was tempted by Guo Jia's suggestion to kidnap Xun Yu.

Out of respect for Xi Zhicai, he did not respond. Instead, he smiled slightly and looked at Xi Zhicai again, his tone filled with expectation.

"What does Zhicai think?"

however.

Faced with Zhang Mu's question, Xi Zhicai did not play by the rules.

He asked a question with piercing eyes.

"May I ask about Gongzhi...?"

"If Han Ji were to fall, what would you do?"

As soon as Xi Zhicai said this, the room fell silent. The air seemed to freeze, and even the wind stopped moving.

Zhang Liao, who wasn't particularly noticeable, looked at Xi Zhicai with surprise.

He never expected this.

This scholar, who appears gentle and refined like a gentleman and prefers to wear a white scholar's robe, would actually utter such astonishing words.

Guo Qun, the governor of Yanmen, did not react as obviously as Zhang Liao. He merely raised his eyelids slightly, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes.

If someone else said this, Guo Qun would only think that person was being arrogant.

but……

Guo Qun, the governor of Yanmen County, glanced at the crowd present and felt that the younger generation was surpassing the older generation, while he himself was getting old.

Zhang Mu, Guo Jia, Xi Zhicai, and Zhang Liao, who recently entered the Martial Prime Realm, are all outstanding individuals.

With their strength and level of attainment, they would be a force to be reckoned with anywhere.

And now?

However, they all gathered in Bingzhou and stayed together in this "mere" town general's mansion.

This is by no means a coincidence, but rather seems to be...

Suddenly, Guo Qun, the governor of Yanmen Commandery, thought of Pei County, the place where Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang first rose to power.

"What should be done?"

Unaware that Guo Qun was already comparing him to Liu Bang, Zhang Mu smiled and repeated Xi Zhicai's question.

next moment.

His smile gradually faded, replaced by an aura of unapproachable authority.

The imperial aura suddenly erupted, making the unprepared crowd feel as if they were in a raging storm, making it difficult to even stand still.

Immediately afterwards, they heard Zhang Mu say in an unquestionable tone, "If Han Ji falls, I will naturally take his place."

"With the supreme authority of the Emperor, I will reshape the landscape of the Nine Provinces!"

These are Zhang Mu's true feelings.

With his strength reaching such a level, he never even considered using the emperor to command the feudal lords, but instead slowly plotted and watched the drama of Cao Cao, Sun Quan, and Liu Bei dominating the world.

If he hadn't raised an army, that would have been fine...

Cao Cao, Sun Quan, Liu Bei, Yuan Shao, and Dong Zhuo could do whatever they wanted.

but.

If Zhang Mu were to decide to raise an army, it would surely sweep away all obstacles with the force of autumn winds sweeping away fallen leaves.

of course!

If some old monsters suddenly appear along the way, the situation will be different.

Although Zhang Mu was arrogant, he wasn't arrogant enough to think he could sweep across the past and present single-handedly.

Xi Zhicai was very satisfied with Zhang Mu's answer.

He nodded slightly, his eyes showing approval.

As an unconventional being in the Imperial Realm as described by his close friend Guo Jia, Zhang Mu would be extremely disappointed if he had to ponder for a long time before answering his question.

Fortunately, Zhang Mu did not disappoint him.

Regardless of what the future holds, this domineering and decisive nature at least demonstrates that Zhang Mu possesses the qualities of a ruler.

As he pondered this, Xi Zhicai's eyes inadvertently caught sight of the imperial edict in the hand of his close friend Guo Jia.

After a moment's thought.

He then asked, "If you were to gain control of the state, how would you treat the people of the previous dynasty and the Liu family?"

"Zhicai, do you think I lack the capacity for tolerance?" Zhang Mu said with a smile.

This question posed no challenge to Zhang Mu.

After all, his past life's history had already provided the answer.

"If they behave themselves, they will have no fear of death and will continue to enjoy worldly wealth and honor."

"Even if some of them have achieved a high level of cultivation, as long as they are not wicked, the shepherd can tolerate them."

"As for the rest..."

"hehe!"

Zhang Mu smiled contemptuously and said, "If they want to revive the Han dynasty, they'll first have to have the ability to kill me."

"Mu is now an unorthodox imperial path, with few rivals among his generation. As he continues to cultivate, they will eventually be unable to even see his back."

As he spoke, Zhang Mu suddenly asked Xi Zhicai, "Zhicai, do you know what a mayfly is?"

"Of course I know."

Xi Zhicai gave an affirmative answer, but he didn't understand what the connection was between the mayfly and the people Zhang Mu had just mentioned.

But very quickly.

Zhang Mu then answered Xi Zhicai's question.

"Some people, before reaching the Emperor Realm, only think that Mu is very strong, but that kind of strength is laughable, like a frog in a well looking at the moon in the sky—it's a weak and unrealistic strength."

"And when they finally caught a glimpse of Mu's back and luckily stepped into the royal territory..."

"You'll only discover that later."

"Seeing Mu Ru as a mayfly gazing at the blue sky, killing them is nothing more than extinguishing thoughts with a flick of the wrist."

Zhang Mu spoke these words with unparalleled domineering power.

The opera singer was so shocked that he was stunned for a long time.

Much later.

Xi Zhicai straightened his clothes, bowed solemnly to Zhang Mu, and spoke in a dignified and firm tone.

"Xi Zhong, Xi Zhicai..."

"Greetings, my lord!"

Upon seeing Xi Zhicai's actions, Zhang Mu's domineering aura silently melted away, and he burst into joyful laughter.

He quickly helped Xi Zhicai up and said sincerely, "Hahaha! I am not happy to be granted the title of Governor of Bingzhou by the imperial court, but I am happy to have brought Zhicai into my service today."

Seeing the excited Zhang Mu, Xi Zhicai had no intention of letting Guo Jia go.

He turned his head and looked at Guo Jia with a meaningful gaze: "Fengxiao, what about you?"

"Heh, if you don't wish to serve under my lord..."

Xi Zhicai gave a light snort, his tone making no attempt to conceal the threat.

"I should emulate Fan Zeng, who served Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King of Western Chu, and advise my lord that if he cannot find a genius, he should eliminate him quickly!"

"If I let you go elsewhere, you will surely become a major threat."

Guo Jia's face fell upon hearing Xi Zhicai's threat. He immediately jumped up, pointed at Xi Zhicai, and cursed, "You ungrateful wretch, Xi Zhicai! You're forcing me into this!"

Guo Jia pounded his chest with his hand, looking heartbroken and regretful for having met the wrong person.

The next moment.

Guo Jia, however, instantly switched to a cunning smile, his face as expressionless as a dog's. His gaze swept towards Yingchuan in the southeast, and he said with a grin, "Since Zhicai, you've said so..."

"How about we discuss later how to help Gongzhi lure Wenruo here?"

"Even in a brothel, three women can share one husband; it shouldn't be unreasonable for you, me, and Wenruo to serve one master together!"

"Compared to the dissolute Jia..."

"If Wenruo were to side with someone else, that would be the real disaster."

When Guo Jia said this, he felt no guilt or remorse for betraying Xun Yu.

As Guo Fengxiao's close friend...

If you don't even have this much mental fortitude, how can you associate with him?