The Reversal of Heaven Begins with The Smiling, Proud Wanderer

His gaze swept over the chaotic meeting hall and the unconscious officials of the Beiyang government.

With a wave of his hand, a deep blue "qi" surged forth like a living tide, silently invading the depths of these people's souls, subtly modifying and weaving their memories, planting a spiritual seed called "loyalty," and fundamentally changing their perceptions.

Although they retain most of their original memories and personalities, from this moment on, their highest will and beliefs have changed, and they will take Lin Mu's interests as the highest principle, becoming his most reliable puppets.

Interestingly, during this process of memory modification and mental exploration, Lin Mu discovered that the "Yuan Shikai" sitting in the main seat was actually just a stand-in.

The real Yuan Shikai silver dollar was inherently suspicious and afraid of death, and he did not attend the meeting in person, but instead hid in a secret dark room.

Lin Mu was too lazy to waste any more energy controlling a hidden true form.

For him, one puppet was enough. Since the substitute was more useful, there was no need for the real body to exist.

With a slight thought, his overwhelming mental power instantly penetrated the wall and precisely targeted the obese body in the dark room.

Inside the dark room, Yuan Datou was horrified by the dramatic changes outside and was plotting how to escape when he suddenly felt an irresistible force squeezing him from all directions!

"Uh!"

He couldn't even utter a scream before his body exploded like a watermelon crushed by an invisible giant hand, turning into a puddle of flesh and dying silently.

Then, Lin Mu walked to the spot where Qiu Shan died and picked up the nine-eyed dzi bead that had fallen to the ground and was shimmering with a mysterious luster, as well as the thunder whip that had become dull and lifeless.

His golden pupils shone brightly, activating the ability to rewind history. Countless fragments of secrets about thunder magic cultivation, the use of magical artifacts, and Laoshan Taoist arts flooded into his mind like a tide, which he quickly understood, absorbed, and mastered.

He then went to the body of Master Qian and, through the rewind of his golden eyes, he also acquired knowledge about the Maoshan Sect's corpse control techniques, corpse raising techniques, spirit summoning techniques, basic talisman drawing methods, and the cultivation secrets of Samadhi True Fire.

Unfortunately, Master Qian's skill in talismanic arts is shallow; he only knows some basic corpse-suppressing and corpse-controlling talismans.

Lin Mu thought to himself.

It seems I'll need to find a way to obtain some genuine "Complete Collection of Talismans" or the authentic talismanic techniques from Longhu Mountain or Maoshan Mountain before my "Heavenly Talisman" can unleash its true power.

Soon after, the Beiyang officials who had been unconscious in the conference hall gradually regained consciousness.

Their eyes gradually regained their clarity, even becoming more piercing than before, their depths filled with a kind of unwavering, fervent light, as if they had found their lifelong faith and direction.

These people stood up in unison, straightened their disheveled robes, and then bowed deeply to Lin Mu, who was seated in the main seat.

"Greetings, Marshal Lin!"

"I am willing to die for Marshal Lin! I will dedicate myself to the cause and never hesitate to die!"

Yuan Datou, Jin Quan, and others were among them, seemingly born to be Lin Mu's most loyal and reliable subordinates and followers.

Lin Mu nodded slightly, accepting their homage with composure.

At this point, the core of power in the Beiyang government completely fell into Lin Tian's hands.

Going from top to bottom is always simpler than going from bottom to top, but most people simply can't do it.

In any case, directly controlling the Beiyang government and avoiding war with minimal sacrifice and countless deaths can be considered a good deed.

It will also be easier to consolidate power in other areas afterward.

Chapter 113: The Zhili-Anhui War

After taking control of the core leadership of the Beiyang government, Lin Mu did not rush to sit on the throne that symbolized the highest power.

He stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Presidential Office Building, gazing at the sparse pedestrians on Chang'an Avenue.

As dusk fell, Beiping was shrouded in a gray fog, much like the crumbling regime.

Although Lin Mu subdued the officials in the capital with swift and decisive measures, the Beiyang system was deeply entrenched, and the local military governors held their own armies. If he were to take office rashly at this moment, his position would be illegitimate and would inevitably provoke a strong backlash from various forces, causing unnecessary turmoil.

He needed a "legitimate" opportunity, a stepping stone that would allow him to legitimately enter the core of power.

"The most urgent task at present is to integrate the power of the Beiyang government and consolidate its foundation."

Lin Mu turned around, his voice echoing in the spacious office.

He sat upright in the main seat, his gaze sweeping over everyone present: "During this period, all affairs within the manor will be handled jointly by Jin Quan, Xu Shichang, Bai Xiongqi, and others. If you encounter any problems, you can report them directly to me."

"I will obey Commander Lin's orders!"

Jin Quan, Xu Shichang, Bai Xiongqi, and other key figures whose perceptions had been altered immediately bowed and accepted the order, their expressions fervent and devout.

Their eyes gleamed with an unusual light, a light of unwavering loyalty and adoration for Lin Mu.

They didn't feel there was anything wrong with handing over supreme power to this suddenly appearing "Marshal Lin," but rather considered it a matter of course.

In their minds, Lin Mu was the man destined to wield great power.

The change in perception brought about by the two-pronged approach was not a good thing for these people, but it was good news for the Beiyang government.

Because there will be no more factional disputes or infighting, everyone can work together to serve Lin Mu.

Lin Mu's plan was to take control of the middle and upper management from the top down and then implement reforms.

This is currently the fastest and most effective method.

Few of these mid-to-high-level officials are good people; it's better to make the most of them and maximize their value.

Among these people are a corrupt finance minister, a diplomatic official who colludes with foreign enemies, and an education director who suppresses students. They have all been brainwashed by Lin Mu and have become mere tools who only know how to be loyal.

It brought the top leaders of the Beiyang government together as one, and it was also easy to use.

Lin Mu nodded slightly, instructing these people to focus on their official duties, before getting up and leaving with Si Teng.

At this moment, Si Teng had taken off her wide black robe and put on a dark blue cheongsam. The exquisite embroidery was faintly visible under the light, which made her figure graceful, but also gave her a cold and aloof air.

She stood quietly to Lin Mu's side and slightly behind, like a loyal shadow guard, her eyes scanning the surroundings warily, ready to deal with any potential threat at any moment.

"Si Teng."

"Your honor."

Si Teng stepped forward, bowed slightly, and her neck curveed gracefully like a swan's.

Lin Mu looked her over and said calmly, "From now on, just call me Commander in public."

"Yes, Marshal."

She immediately changed her tune, her voice clear and cool like a spring.

"You are new to the world and have many questions. Stay with me for now and cultivate yourself."

Lin Mu said, "Later I will teach you guidance techniques to improve your strength."

"Thank you, Marshal."

Si Teng responded softly.

She had no objection to Lin Mu's arrangements.

Having escaped Qiu Shan's control, she was like a rootless duckweed. Lin Mu's strength and the innate wood spirit aura that made her instinctively submit became her only temporary support and direction.

She began to carefully observe the world and learn about everything around her.

Three days later, the Presidential Palace issued the letter of appointment.

Under the influence of Shuangquan Shou, Yuan Shikai personally signed the document appointing Lin Mu to Liang Shiyi's cabinet.

Liang Shiyi is no good; he betrayed his country for personal gain, though he does have some power at the moment.

On the day the cabinet was inaugurated, Liang Shiyi feigned enthusiasm to welcome Lin Mu, saying, "General Lin is young and promising. It is a great blessing for the country to have him join the cabinet."

Lin Mu simply smiled faintly, and as he shook hands, a barely perceptible blue light flashed in Liang Shiyi's eyes.

In less than half an hour, everyone in the entire cabinet meeting room had been cleansed by Lin Mu's Double-Handed Baptism.

Their eyes gradually changed from initial doubt and wariness to piety and fervor.

"I am willing to serve the Commander-in-Chief!"

All cabinet members, including Liang Shiyi, bowed in unison, and the cabinet thus became a one-man show by Lin Mu.

At the same time, under the pretext of reorganizing military affairs, Lin Mu began to integrate the military and police forces in the Kyoto area.

In the Xiyuan military camp, several division commanders whispered among themselves.

"Who is this Marshal Lin? Why does he want to recruit us right away?"

"I heard that even the president treats him very politely..."

Before he finished speaking, the training ground gates opened, and Lin Mu strode in, surrounded by a group of officers.

He wasn't wearing a military uniform, but rather a long black robe, which made him stand out conspicuously among the group of soldiers in uniform.

“I know you all have doubts.”

Lin Mu's voice was not loud, but it clearly carried throughout the entire training ground: "I have come here today only to make you all understand that following me is the right choice for you."

A division commander with a thick beard sneered, "Marshal Lin, what a big mouth you have! We soldiers only recognize this!"

He patted the pistol at his waist.

Lin Mu smiled slightly, a flash of golden light disappearing from his eyes.

The next moment, all the officers present simultaneously drew their sidearms, forming a huge circle in the air that slowly rotated.

The soldiers were shocked and some even knelt down to kowtow.

The bearded division commander was deathly pale, his lips trembling as he was unable to speak.

"Now."

Lin Mu asked gently, "Any more questions?"

The entire Kyoto region was transformed into an impregnable fortress by Lin Mu in a very short period of time.

Lin Mu quickly identified spies from other countries or warlords in Kyoto, and either they suddenly changed sides and became double agents, transmitting false information in reverse.

Just as Lin Mu was steadily consolidating the fruits of victory, the wheels of history continued to rumble forward along their original trajectory.

The conflict between the Zhili clique warlords Cao Kun and Wu Peifu and the Anhui clique warlord Duan Qirui had long been irreconcilable. In their struggle for control of the central government, the two sides finally broke off all pretense of civility.

The Zhili-Anhui War broke out ahead of schedule due to Lin Mu's intervention!

In early March, the flames of war ignited in the area of ​​Zhuozhou, Gaobeidian, and Liulihe in the southern part of the capital region.

The Anhui Army amassed a large force on the western route and launched a fierce attack on the Zhili Army, relying on the railway line.

The deafening roar of heavy artillery could be felt throughout the entire Gyeonggi region, causing the earth to tremble.

The Zhili clique, relying on its relatively elite Third Division and tenacious defense, engaged in a fierce tug-of-war with the Anhui army.

The battlefront was like a meat grinder, every inch of land stained with blood.

The eastern battlefield was also fiercely contested, with deafening gunfire and corpses strewn across the land.

Inside the Presidential Palace's operations room, telegrams crackled incessantly.

"General, the Third Division of the Zhili Army has suffered more than half its casualties. Wu Peifu requests reinforcements!"

The operations staff officer held the latest battle report, his voice urgent.

Lin Mu stood in front of the sand table, pointing his finger at the location of Gaobeidian: "Order the First Mechanized Brigade to set off in one hour."

Si Teng stepped forward quietly: "Is the commander-in-chief going to personally lead the expedition?"

"It's time to close the net."

Lin Mu turned around and took down the military overcoat from the wall: "You're coming with me."

At dawn, Lin Mu personally mobilized a brigade of mechanized troops and set off for the smoke-filled main battlefield on the western front.

The army was well-equipped, and the soldiers had solemn expressions; these were elite troops that Lin Mu had specially "enhanced".

At this moment, the battlefield was littered with corpses and flames soared into the sky.

With heavy artillery and newly formed armored vehicle convoys, the Anhui Army is launching wave after wave of fierce attacks on the Zhili Army's positions.

The Zhili army's defense line was on the verge of collapse. Wu Peifu personally went to the front line to supervise the battle. Standing in the command post, all he could see through his binoculars were retreating soldiers.

"Commander! We can't hold out any longer! Let's retreat!"

The chief of staff's face was covered in soot, and his arm was wrapped in a blood-soaked bandage.

Wu Peifu gritted his teeth: "Hold on a little longer..."

Just then, a deafening cheer suddenly erupted from behind.

A well-equipped force appeared on the flank of the battlefield, led by Lin Mu.

Instead of rushing his troops into battle, he stepped forward alone, ignoring the whistling bullets and shells overhead.