“Do you people of Divine Lady Peak really not know the rules?”
The man’s outburst at the end suddenly unleashed an aura of intimidation, and the people inside the hall felt as if they were enveloped by a boundless murderous intent, picturing mountains of corpses and seas of blood, their faces expressing terror.
Only Zheng Xueyue remained unshaken.
“Hmph!”
Naturally, Zheng Xueyue would not let anyone act so arrogantly in her presence. With a cold snort, she directly dispersed the man’s imposing aura, restoring calm to the hall.
“I can’t possibly hand anyone over to you. Give up that thought!”
Letting a stranger kill one of her own on her turf was certainly not a desirable outcome.
The man maintained his smile and said, “Is this your choice? I understand. I will report this information to the Military Leader, and you had better be prepared!”
Prepared for what?
Of course, for war!
Having said that, the man left without looking back.
He was no match for Zheng Xueyue and wouldn’t risk attacking her, but if he was determined to leave, Zheng Xueyue couldn’t stop him.
The people in the hall were no fools and clearly understood the subtext of the man’s words.
In other words, the Border Army was about to make a move against Divine Lady Peak.
But then—
When the man moved to exit, a woman suddenly stood forward.
“I am Huai Ru. The plan was my idea, and for offending the Border Army, I am willing to take responsibility with my life!”
Huai Ru knew the Goddess would never hand her over, for that would tarnish the sacred dignity of Divine Lady Peak.
But if they antagonized the Border Army, Divine Lady Peak would effectively be withdrawing from this struggle for power.
Moreover, since she was the one who had proposed the plan, she felt compelled to die for the future of Divine Lady Peak.
Ignoring those trying to stop her, she drew her sword and committed suicide.
Blood splashed everywhere as a life swiftly faded away. Huai Ru, with her beautiful features, now bore a face devoid of the breath of life, much like a wilted flower.
The man’s expression didn’t change; he had long known who Huai Ru was.
He had come specifically to coerce her into this position.
As she fell, he acted without hesitation, decapitating Huai Ru to ensure her death.
The followers of Divine Lady Peak did not expect the man to deliver this additional blow and were immediately outraged.
“Huai Ru already committed suicide; why did you have to do that?!”
The man still wore a smile, but now no one in the hall could see him as anything but cunning beneath the facade.
Appearances can indeed be deceiving.
“Of course, to make sure she was truly dead!” the man replied, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Delivering a coup de grâce was an all too common action.
Goddess Zheng Xueyue’s face grew darker as she said, “You’ve accomplished your goal; you may leave now!”
“Of course, yet allow me to remind you, the Border Army will not partake in any dispute for dominion. I hope you do not deceive yourselves.” Having said that, the man departed, leaving behind the somber crowd.
“Arrange for a dignified funeral!”
After saying this, Zheng Xueyue left the council hall immediately. With such an event occurring, there was no longer any need for her presence.
Once outside, Zheng Xueyue sought the elders of Divine Lady Peak.
“You’ve been too impulsive, striving for achievements before understanding the taboo. That’s why you accepted Huai Ru’s suggestion.
Remember, you must not provoke the Border Army, nor conspire against them. They’ve earned their reputation through battle. Moreover, if you do seize that position, you must not skimp on the grain supplies due to them.”
The seasoned veterans of Divine Lady Peak possessed far greater knowledge than Zheng Xueyue, who had been a Great Grandmaster for merely a little over a century.
In certain matters, power doesn’t signify everything.
Zheng Xueyue’s talent was exceptionally strong, which was why she could become the Goddess.
“The Border Army is truly that fearsome?”
Zheng Xueyue was still feeling indignant.
“More fearsome than you imagine. Moreover, they’re tied to a very important matter. You mustn’t act rashly. Remember, there are many strategies available to you, but don’t provoke the Border Army.”
The elder had spoken, and Zheng Xueyue had no choice but to relent.
“Elder, what should I do now?”
Initially, Zheng Xueyue didn’t wish to heed the advice of the older members, aiming to achieve her own success.
But the day’s events had exposed her naivety, prompting her to seek their experienced counsel.
The elder smiled and said, “Simple, just four words, ’Divinely Chosen as Emperor.’”
Zheng Xueyue’s eyes lit up, understanding the significance of those words.
She needed to plan carefully now.
…
Though Zheng Xueyue had new plans and wasn’t too concerned about her failure, such an embarrassing event still needed to be kept secret.
Unfortunately, no matter how they tried to conceal it, word still got out.
The Border Army came into everyone’s view.
Another powerful force had capitulated to military might.
Once more, the strength of the army was witnessed by the world.
All forces were quietly training their troops, sensing that military power would play a significant role in the future.
Of course, some factions turned their attention towards existing armies.
Like the Sun and Moon Army, as well as the Heavenly Blue Army and the Sun and Moon Army, these three being the premier forces of the great Zhou dynasty.
The reputations of these three armies had endured for five hundred years, able to contend with a Great Grandmaster when arrayed for battle. Possessing any one of them offered a tremendous boon.
Previously, during Zhou Tianyuan’s duel in Imperial City with the Great Grandmaster Shen Xuan, none of these three armies had been recalled for reasons unknown.
But it was certain that all three were formidable.
However, the locations of these special forces were not fixed, making them difficult to find.
All powers had dispatched people to search for them.
Yet soon, a shocking piece of news spread throughout the land.
The Sun and Moon Army encampment had been discovered, but all that remained was a multitude of dark red blood stains. No one was left behind.