Lord of the Earth

"Your Majesties, please rest well. We will go to pay our respects to the King of Xia tomorrow!"

After temporarily settling Emperors Huizong and Qinzong in the luxurious pavilion of the "Golden Terrace," a wondrous building that has now also been elevated to the level of a "divine artifact," the two emperors were placed in a different location.

Zong Ze's excitement gradually subsided, turning into calmness. He then turned and walked steadily through the corridor to a quiet and simply furnished side hall.

In the side hall, someone was already waiting.

The man, dressed in dark casual clothes, was sitting leisurely in a sandalwood chair, sipping fragrant tea while flipping through a military book that looked ancient but was actually filled with the faint shadows of war.

Hearing footsteps, he didn't look up, but simply turned a page of his book, his voice calm and unwavering.

"Elder Zong, now that we've finally met the two emperors, why don't we chat with them a little longer?"

"Why ask such a question when you already know the answer? What Your Majesties have witnessed today was probably arranged by the Embroidered Uniform Guard beforehand, wasn't it?"

Upon hearing this, Zong Ze's gaze showed a hint of annoyance.
Indeed, this person is none other than Jia Xu, Jia Wenhe, the head of Qianxia's intelligence and strategic analysis department!
"There are no outsiders here, Elder Zong, why feign anger?"

This "intelligence chief" of Qianxia looked at Zong Ze, who had a full head of white hair, and his eyes, which seemed to be able to see through people's hearts, carried a knowing smile.

"You deliberately didn't inform General Yue about this matter, and even sent him a message, telling him to prioritize the war and not to rush things... Clearly, you had some concerns in your heart?"

Jia Xu put down his military treatise and tapped the table lightly with his fingertips.

"Is it because you're worried that if General Yue meets these two former kings, it might... stir up old feelings and give rise to some other thoughts? After all, General Pengju's name of loyalty and righteousness has been passed down through the ages, and these two words, 'loyalty and righteousness,' are sometimes the most captivating to people's hearts."

Jia Xu's words, though seemingly casual, went straight to the heart of the matter.

It should be noted that among the ten "Xuanjia" troop types in the Qianxia camp, Yue Fei's "Beiwei Army" ranks among the top three alongside Qi Jiguang's "Shenji Battalion" and Wu Qi's newly formed "Daxia Elite Army," boasting numerous military achievements and enjoying high prestige in the military and among the people.

Yue Fei himself was exceptionally capable and was highly trusted by Xia Tian, ​​who entrusted him with the important task of guarding the strategic location of "Human Race - City of Saints".

Strictly speaking, Yue Fei's relationship with Qian Xia is currently closer to that of close allies and collaborators. As the military commander of the "City of Saints," he fights more for the human race!

Whether the deep-seated imprint of the former Song Dynasty and the obsession with "welcoming back the two emperors" have truly disappeared completely in their hearts, no one dares to guarantee.

After all, in history, the reason why Yue Fei was killed by Qin Hui on fabricated charges was not only because his merits threatened the emperor, but also because his insistence on the political slogan of "straight to the capital and welcome back the two emperors" undoubtedly touched the biggest taboo of Emperor Gaozong of Song, Zhao Gou, and was one of the key factors that led to his tragic end.

In the land of eternity, will this obsession become a variable?

Zong Ze sat down opposite Jia Xu, sighed softly, stroked his snow-white beard, and a hint of helplessness and complexity flashed in his eyes.

“Master Jia is wise and your words hit the nail on the head. I know Pengju's character better than anyone. He is loyal and devoted to fighting for the survival of the human race. He is also grateful for the support provided by Qianxia and has no ulterior motives. What I worry about is never that Pengju will harm Qianxia.”

His gaze drifted out the window, as if he could see the two restless former masters on the Golden Terrace.

"What I'm worried about is those two emperors... After a century of imprisonment, their minds are fragile. Suddenly freed and seeing their former ministers in such a prominent position, they might inevitably have some unrealistic fantasies. If they rely on their past relationship as ruler and subject, without understanding the situation, and make some inappropriate demands on Pengju, or try to use old feelings to influence his judgment, or even hope to use Pengju's power to seek a special position outside the Qianxia system... wouldn't that put Pengju in a dilemma of loyalty and righteousness? And would it also cause Qianxia unnecessary embarrassment and trouble?"

Zong Ze looked at Jia Xu.

"Therefore, I believe that it is best to let Pengju and His Majesties avoid the sensitive period of their first meeting, allowing them to calm down and recognize reality, and also allowing Pengju to focus on the war without any worries."

Jia Xu listened quietly, his face still showing the same calm and composed expression. He picked up his teacup and gently blew on it: "Elder Zong's foresight and painstaking efforts are admirable. Wenhe admires you." He nodded, indicating his understanding.

In fact, with Jia Xu's control over intelligence and his insight into human nature, how could he not know the deeper meaning behind Zong Ze's actions? Zong Ze's trip, seemingly to "draw a line" with Emperors Huizong and Qinzong and to emphasize the rules of the Qianlong and Xia dynasties, was actually to protect these two former emperors who had lost power and were extremely prone to making mistakes!

Remind them to recognize their position and not to act rashly, lest they bring real trouble upon themselves.

Ultimately, Qianxia was the first human race to successfully advance to the level of an "Imperial Dynasty," with a vast territory, numerous powerful figures, and strict laws.

"Two 'rulers of fallen kingdoms' may receive some research attention and basic living security in Qianxia due to their special status and historical fame."

However, if they truly fail to recognize the times and attempt to stir up trouble and challenge the order of Qianxia by relying on the long-vanished imperial glory, the consequences will be far beyond what they can bear.

Zong Ze saw this point and took the initiative to warn him as a "former official".

"Actually, Xu was also worried that they would not know when to advance and retreat and repeat the same mistakes. Normally, such rulers who have been criticized in history would hardly be widely recognized, and later historians would criticize them harshly. If it weren't for the Qianxia Kingdom's inclusive and tolerant spirit, its adherence to the concept of 'humanity's common prosperity, and its complete disregard for their past identities and stains, and its willingness to give them a chance to start over, how could they have the opportunity they have today?"

"One should be cautious in speech and action, and keep to one's own place in order to enjoy peace and tranquility."

Jia Xu's tone carried a sense of heaviness and admonition.

"Of course, His Majesty Qianxia is willing to provide opportunities for any capable human to display their talents... Mount Tai does not refuse a handful of soil to reach its height, and the rivers and seas do not refuse a stream to reach their vastness... Qianxia welcomes all ambitious human beings to join us and is more willing to provide protection for any human... As long as they do not intentionally harm the human race itself, they will not be punished..."

Jia Xu's words undoubtedly put Zong Ze's mind at ease.

After all, Jia Xu was one of Xia Tian's earliest and most trusted followers, and his words, to a certain extent, could represent Xia Tian's own attitude. "In fact,"

But immediately, Jia Xu put down his teacup, changed the subject, and became more formal.

"Taking advantage of the arrival of His Majesties in Baiyujing, I invited Elder Zong here for two reasons. First, to ensure that these two outstanding figures, who have left their mark on the annals of history, can settle down in Qianxia with peace of mind. Second, I would also like to take this opportunity to discuss with you the urgency of Qianxia's next step in embarking on the 'Path to the Immortal Dynasty'..."

Jia Xu pointed his finger into the air, and a screen of spiritual energy unfolded.

With the power of the SkyNet, a vast "distribution map" spanning hundreds of millions of miles was projected, showing the forces of various alien races and humans scattered like stars in the sky!
This map represents hundreds of millions of town-level forces, tens of millions of city-level forces, over one hundred thousand dynasties, and nearly one hundred imperial dynasties!
These are precisely the "vast landscape of China" that Qianxia is experiencing today!
"Now, thirty years have passed since my Qianxia established its nation in this world. Thanks to the bravery of our soldiers on the front lines, and the outstanding achievements of generals like Yue Fei and Qi Jiguang, our territory has steadily expanded, and our fortunes have grown increasingly prosperous. Today... the population of my Qianxia has exceeded one hundred trillion, encompassing more than one hundred thousand intelligent races... It can be said that even among imperial dynasties, we are already second to none..."

He paused and continued.

"Even when the world was unlocked twenty years ago, those top-tier divine cities descended in droves and attempted to invade my Qianxia, ​​but they all failed. Instead, my Qianxia destroyed several of their divine kingdoms..."

"In this way, no god will dare to easily invade the territory of Qianxia... It can be said that the people of Qianxia have all enjoyed the long-awaited peace since the heavens were shattered and transformed into the eternal land."

"However, the higher-ups of Qianxia have never forgotten our mission as the first imperial dynasty of the human race... and it absolutely cannot end here!"

"Because even with my current fortune, the rank I can achieve is only that of a supreme deity. To take a further step and touch the realm of 'true god,' what I lack is not just that!"

"The gods' silence now is merely a superficial illusion..."

"The alien races have never given up their desire to destroy our human race. A mere dynasty with a strong destiny cannot truly guarantee our human race's foothold in this eternal land. Only by transcending the limitations of our own race can we achieve our goal!"

"However, unlike when we first advanced to the 'Imperial Dynasty' mainly by expanding our territory and accumulating fortune, after reaching the rank of Imperial Dynasty, if we want to go further and reach the legendary 'Immortal Dynasty' or even the higher-level Heavenly Court, simply relying on the accumulation of population and territory will have little effect."

"What is needed even more is a deeper understanding of the laws of this world, the ultimate sublimation of the civilization's foundation, and... a contribution of 'merit' to the development of the entire Eternal Land!"

“Therefore,” Jia Xu said, looking intently at Zong Ze.

"The 'Mysterious Inn,' which connects to the 'Cataclysmic Battlefield' and allows our human race to continuously gain merit, is undoubtedly of paramount strategic importance to the human race and Qianxia, ​​which are currently in a critical period of growth. And Elder Zong, as the most senior, well-connected, and respected representative of the human race among all forces in the inn..."

"This time, His Majesty also hopes that you can do something for Qianxia... persuade all the people in the Mysterious Inn to join Qianxia's camp!"

Jia Xu spoke very frankly.

Summer becomes the "head manager" of the mysterious inn, possessing the power to set the rules.

However, this does not mean that they can "rule the law" in the Mysterious Inn and the City of Saints, because both the head manager and the lord of the Holy City are only "temporary" in their positions!

Behind these two items lie the true god who forged them, and the high-ranking members of the human race…

Taking the Mysterious Inn as an example, each inn is essentially independent, similar to cities that make up a "federation" on Earth. Although the "head manager" has the power to unify them, each Mysterious Inn also has a certain degree of autonomy...

Summer wants more than just control of the "Mysterious Inn"; she wants to control as much of the "righteous" cause of fighting against the calamity as possible, along with the enormous "merit and fortune" that comes with it.

To achieve this grand plan, it is crucial to thoroughly win over outstanding figures like Zong Ze, Yue Fei, and Zhang Juzheng, who possess immense prestige and are blessed by the human race at the Mysterious Inn, and to make them genuinely submit and become subjects of Qianxia.

"The situation is relatively clear on Mr. Zhang Taiyue's side."

Jia Xu analyzed in his mind.

After all, the way the Wanli Emperor 'purged' him in later history, even exhuming his body and whipping it, was enough to chill the heart of this 'Imperial Tutor of the Ming Dynasty,' making him completely disillusioned with his former master and even the old dynasty, and turning to accept the ideas of Qianxia was not difficult!
Moreover, Qi Jiguang and Zhang Juzheng were old friends with a high degree of mutual trust. If Qi Jiguang were to offer Zhang Juzheng the position of "Deputy Prefect of the Government" in Qianxia while he was serving as the chief political officer of the Mysterious Inn, Zhang Juzheng would likely not refuse.

"However, General Yue is different."

Jia Xu frowned slightly.

"General Yue was both a scholar and a warrior, and his loyalty and bravery were unparalleled, but he was also quite... well, stubborn in history. His 'loyalty' was more of an idealized sincerity towards his country and its people, rather than blind obedience to a specific monarch. Although his obsession with 'welcoming back the two emperors' has faded with the changing times, it remains to be seen whether he truly accepted the Qianxia dynasty as his only object of loyalty."

"This is also why His Majesty and Wenhe have never forced him to lead the army, but rather have entrusted him with leadership through cooperation or delegation."

"These days, thanks to General Yue's leadership of the army, we have expanded our territory and gained many merits and fortunes for our human race. This has been witnessed by everyone in the Qianxia court and among the people."

Jia Xu's tone became serious.

"Now, His Majesty intends to reorganize the military system and expand the existing four main legions into ten legions. His Majesty prefers General Yue Fei to serve as the commander of one of the new legions and the deputy head of the military affairs office, formally incorporating him into the Qianxia Dynasty and granting him corresponding authority and resources."

This means that as long as Yue Fei agrees, he will leap from the military commander of the "City of Saints" to one of the commanders of the core military force of the Qianxia Dynasty, and his status and power will be incomparable to what they were before.

This is both a tremendous opportunity and a necessity for a more complete sense of belonging!
What choice will Yue Fei ultimately make?
Even though Jia Xu already had some suspicions, to be on the safe side, he definitely needed to rely on the influence of Zong Ze and the two emperors, hence today's "show of force"! (End of this chapter)