Lord of the Earth

"This is the Ark of Crossing the World?"

When the group arrived at the "lookout" outside a "mysterious inn," the sight before them sent shockwaves through their hearts.

Amidst the endless void and turbulent currents, a colossal ship, with an ancient yet futuristic design, floated silently.

Its entire body has a dark yellow metallic luster, and the lines of the hull are smooth. Countless mysterious and complex runes are engraved on the surface. These runes are not static, but slowly flowing, drawing on the surrounding void energy to form a thin but tough shield that easily repels the spatial storm that is enough to tear apart an ordinary demigod.

What's most shocking is that its location is almost identical to that of the mysterious inn that is constantly changing its coordinates in the void and hiding itself, maintaining a relatively static state!
This vessel for crossing the world?
How could they be so accurate in locking onto and following the footsteps of the mysterious inn?!

It is important to understand that the reason why the Mysterious Inn became a refuge for humans was largely due to its elusive and elusive nature. It was so elusive that even many gods skilled in tracking could not accurately pinpoint its location despite their best efforts.

But this "ship for crossing the world" can be seen everywhere.

This alone was enough to horrify all the experienced shopkeepers present!
This not only made them realize that Qian Xia's strength was unfathomable, but also involuntarily gave rise to an indescribable "fear" deep in their hearts.

"But...it's just a ship, isn't it?"

"It looks impressive, but how many people can it accommodate?"

Despite the shock, some suppressed their excitement and couldn't help but feel a bit doubtful and disappointed.

After all, the crisis facing the inn was global, and what was needed was a massive military force capable of turning the tide of the entire battle.

However, their doubts were completely shattered the next moment.

The hull of the Ark of Transcendence opened silently, and squads of soldiers in bright armor and with a stern demeanor emerged like a steel torrent, quickly forming orderly formations in the void.

Their movements were perfectly synchronized, their eyes sharp as eagles, and the blood and spiritual energy emanating from their bodies were perfectly integrated, naturally condensing into a chilling war cloud in the void. Their elite status was in no way inferior to the Beiwei Army, the most renowned elite force in the entire mysterious inn, under the command of the Crimson Gold Armored General!

After sensing the chilling aura of elite troops emanating from this army.

Even the most arrogant and self-important shopkeepers could not hide the shock and surprise on their faces.

"This army... according to the evaluation of the Kyushu Will, is probably 'peerless (level)', and if it has a powerful commander, it may even be superior to an ordinary peerless army!"

Even the red-gold armored general known as "Pengju" couldn't help but show surprise on his face.

"Qi Jiguang, commander of the Qianxia Xuanwu Legion and commander of the Shenji Battalion, has come here on His Majesty's orders to greet you all, managers!"

A military general, dressed in black mountain-patterned armor and wearing a crimson cloak, strode out from the army formation.

His face was resolute, his eyes were like lightning, and although he did not deliberately exude a powerful aura, the commander's aura forged in countless battles and amidst mountains of corpses and seas of blood, as well as the immense divine power contained within him that he had not yet unleashed, made everyone instantly understand that he was a general who had already been deified!

Qi Jiguang's gaze swept over the crowd, finally landing on Zong Ze, whose hair and beard were all white, yet whose spine was straight.

He then clasped his hands in a fist and bowed.

"Before I departed, His Majesty specifically instructed me that Elder Zong was a man of high moral character and prestige, who devoted himself to the survival of the human race and was truly a role model for us all. He has now specially ordered us to come here to await Elder Zong's command, to fight against the calamity together, and to protect our human race!"

His attitude was respectful, but the message conveyed in his words sent a shockwave through everyone.

The ruler of Qianxia actually treated Zong Ze with such courtesy!
At this moment, Zhang Juzheng and Yue Fei, standing behind Zong Ze, exchanged a glance, their eyes revealing an expression of "as expected".

A dynasty that can hold Zong Ze in such high esteem and has the ability to cultivate a military genius like Qi Jiguang at this stage must possess extraordinary foundation and ambition.

Yue Fei looked at Qi Jiguang and his troops, and his eyes shone with an astonishing light.

It was a feeling of excitement at seeing a target, and also a sense of satisfaction at finding like-minded people.

One of them, dressed in a black brocade robe embroidered with the imperial cat pattern, with the world-renowned Juque sword hanging at his waist, had a handsome face and an aura of righteousness between his brows. He stepped forward first and bowed to Zong Ze, who stood tall and straight on the welcoming platform with his white hair and beard. His voice was slightly raised due to excitement.

"Zhan Zhao, the Hall Master of the Qianxia Hall of Righteousness, pays respects to General Zong. When the inn was first established, it was fraught with danger. Thanks to your selfless protection of us from among thousands of troops, General Zong, I will never forget this kindness and virtue!"

"General, you are a man of great virtue, protecting the flame of humanity from ever dying out. Since our parting at Cangming, I have never stopped worrying about your safety. To see your esteemed face again is truly... truly a long time coming!"

His excitement was palpable, and his eyes even gleamed with a faint light.

It was a heartfelt respect and a genuine joy at reuniting after overcoming numerous hardships.

"It's Guard Zhan! It really is him!"

Immediately, some people in the crowd gasped in surprise.

"Back then, when my Mysterious Inn was newly established and its foundation was not yet stable, it was surrounded by powerful enemies. It was Zhan Zhao and Hong Fu Nu, one firm and the other gentle, one overt and the other covert, who joined hands to overcome all obstacles and protect the first group of displaced compatriots..."

An elderly shopkeeper stroked his beard and sighed with emotion.

Upon hearing this, General Zong Ze's usually calm eyes sparkled with excitement.

"It really is you, young friend Zhan... the heroine Hong Fu... how is she now? I often think of the heroic figures of the two of you back then."

"Thank you for your concern, General! My wife is doing well and is now serving in Qianxia. She cares for you even more than I do!"

Zhan Zhao replied respectfully.

Of course, compared to the warmth and emotion brought by Zhan Zhao and Hong Fu Nu, the eyes of most of the Chinese shopkeepers were involuntarily filled with shock and scrutiny as they looked at Qi Jiguang and the silent yet menacing steel legion behind him.

Shenji Battalion! Commander of the Xuanhuang Legion! Qi Jiguang!
This name and title resonated with different people in their hearts.

"If I remember correctly, this General Qi, like Manager Zhang, seems to be from the Ming Dynasty, right?"

Those familiar with the backgrounds of various factions whispered among themselves to their companions.

"More than just sharing the same origin! I've heard that the two were inseparable friends back then, complementing each other perfectly! One held a central position in the imperial court, in charge of national policies, promoting reforms, raising funds and clearing obstacles for the new army; the other guarded the border, training and strengthening troops, relying on the support of the central government to fully display his abilities and build the strongest army in the world... truly a perfect match!" "However, times have changed."

The other person sighed with a complicated tone.

"The former Manager Zhang was the Grand Secretary of the Ming Dynasty, a powerful figure in the court and the Imperial Tutor, who could even suppress the imperial power; while General Qi, although a famous general of his time and a formidable figure in the southeast, still humbly referred to himself as 'a humble disciple under the Grand Secretary' in his letter to him... The difference in their status was indeed like heaven and earth."

"But now..."

The person who spoke earlier spoke with a hint of disbelief in their voice.

"Judging from this situation, General Qi, as the commander of the Qianxia 'Xuanwu Legion,' commands an army on his own. His power and status are probably no less than that of the ruler of a dynasty! Compared with Manager Zhang, he is not only no less capable, but because he holds a large army and has made outstanding military achievements, his actual status in this extraordinary period may even be... greater!"

Indeed, the middle-aged man in the brocade robe, also known as "Manager Zhang," was none other than Zhang Juzheng, the renowned "Imperial Tutor" of the Ming Dynasty!

The arrival of this former "subordinate" actually shocked him more than the others.

Because he knew Qi Jiguang's talent better than anyone else, but he also knew better the various constraints that had previously bound Qi Jiguang.

Today, the new look of Qi Jiguang's "Divine Machine Battalion" is remarkable, especially the massive "war puppets" that stand silently behind the army formation, radiating a chilling energy, and their recent victory in a brief divine battle where they utterly destroyed a Zerg kingdom head-on...

What does this mean?
Zhang Juzheng knew all too well!
This is far more than just a powerful army! It means that Qianxia has completely broken through the limitations of the past era. Not only does it possess geniuses whose individual strength rivals that of saints or even gods, but it has also established a systematic, mass-producible, and terrifying war machine capable of "slaughtering gods and destroying nations"!
This represents a leap in civilizational level, a true advantage of dimensional reduction!

The potential and strength of the Qianxia dynasty have clearly far surpassed those of a typical dynasty. Its prosperity, advanced system, and formidable technology have likely touched upon the realm of "imperial dynasties" that only exist in ancient legends!
Just realizing this is a powerful boost for everyone who is currently trapped in the inn, short of soldiers and generals, lacking effective means of counterattack, and even plagued by internal strife. The appearance of Qi Jiguang and his army is the most dazzling ray of light to pierce through the gloom of despair!
This is why Zhang Juzheng, the Ming Dynasty's Grand Secretary who was both praised and criticized in history but was absolutely pragmatic, was willing to temporarily put aside the option of welcoming the "Ming Dynasty" in order to fully promote cooperation with Qianxia, ​​and even went so far as to deliberately stage a grand drama to confuse the Western camp!

Simply because he saw in Qian Xia his hope of "turning the tide".

"Of course, there was some personal motive involved as well."

Zhang Juzheng thought to himself.

He looked into the distant void, as if he could see his homeland through endless distances.

"The Ming Dynasty... has too many internal entanglements and complex factions, making it difficult to provide immediate relief. As for the Qin Dynasty, although it is incomparably powerful, its style is too fierce and domineering. Using it as reinforcements would probably be against the will of Heaven. Only the newly emerging Qianxia has both swift and decisive methods and a wise ruler who is willing to delegate power, knows how to appoint people, and has a broad mind. It is the best choice to break the current deadlock."

This is the most famous "powerful minister" in the history of the Ming Dynasty, and even in the entire history of China.

Zhang Juzheng understood very well that only when the monarch reduced interference could the abilities of his ministers be truly utilized… Now, witnessing all that this mysterious inn…

The desire for reform had long been brewing.

However, this mysterious inn itself is deeply entrenched, making reform extremely difficult.

"The Mysterious Inn is self-contained, with peculiar rules and strict barriers. Before obtaining the position of 'Head Manager' and gaining control over the inn's core rules, even we face numerous limitations in our attempts to intervene in other inns. If we cannot take control of the inn, any proposal to bring in strong allies is highly likely to be obstructed by the Western camp using the rules, ultimately leading to failure!"

Zhang Juzheng's face was resolute as he continued.

"But now, the situation is different! Now that we've torn off all pretense of civility, we'll have no choice but to resort to any means necessary..."

"This is no longer a simple matter concerning the inn; it is a matter of the overall layout of the human race in the Eternal Land for the future of Qianxia, ​​and it is also a struggle for the fate of the nation! We have no choice but to move forward, there is no way back!"

This "Imperial Tutor" of the Ming Dynasty even turned his gaze to Zong Ze, who was listening intently, and spoke in a sincere yet sharp tone.

"General Zong is not without talent... Besides a divine general like General Yue, who is invincible, there are many heroes and righteous men. But please forgive my bluntness, the old general's temperament is too kind and upright, more capable of maintaining the status quo than expanding it. He is not the most suitable person to take power and break the deadlock in this treacherous and dangerous situation that requires drastic measures."

"The storm to come will require even more decisiveness and a greater willingness to break with convention. And perhaps that's precisely what Qian Xia can offer us..."

Zhang Juzheng's words, though subtle, directly pointed out the core of the predicament currently facing the Mysterious Inn.

This kind of architecture definitely needs a more decisive leader with the courage to carry out sweeping reforms...

"Uncle, do whatever you want to do."

"However, the Western camp is not weak; they have a true god as their backer... I wonder how many troops Qianxia has sent this time?"

After all, this small boat doesn't seem to be able to carry many people.

At this moment, Qi Jiguang's voice rang out again, answering everyone's question about the size of the troop force:

"His Majesty has decreed that the vanguard force for this mission will initially consist of ten million soldiers. Further reinforcements may be added depending on the battle situation and the inn's rules regarding acceptance."

"Ten million?"

Upon hearing this, some people's excitement faltered slightly, as if they felt that this number was still somewhat insufficient for the vast battle.

This is normal, considering that this mysterious inn itself is a force that fights against "catastrophe creatures".

How vast is the Eternal Land?

The number of lives lost in the catastrophe was so vast that even ten million, or even a hundred million, would only be a drop in the ocean.

However, the next moment.

They were stunned by what Qi Jiguang said next!

"These ten million soldiers are all at least at the fifth level of the Transcendent Realm. Among them, there are over a million soldiers at the Extraordinary Realm! They are fully equipped with various war weapons and runic armor, and are ready to be deployed into battle at any time!"

A million extraordinary beings?!
Upon hearing this, all the shopkeepers gasped in surprise, their faces showing disbelief.

The Transcendent Realm is a huge threshold, requiring both talent and resources. Among the countless survivors gathered at the Mysterious Inn, only one or two out of a thousand can reach the Transcendent Realm.

And Qian Xia casually dispatched a vanguard force that actually included a million extraordinary beings?! What terrifying resources and mobilization capabilities this demonstrates!
However, after the initial excitement, the real problems still remain. (End of Chapter)