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In mid-November, south of Xindu County, on the banks of the Fuyang River.

Su Dingfang's surprise attack, like a divine intervention, suddenly appeared on the flank and rear of the Xia army's Xindu defense line! The local defenders were caught off guard and breached several camps in succession. When the news spread, Xindu was thrown into turmoil, and the defending general Cao Zhan hurriedly mobilized troops to try to encircle and suppress the enemy, while at the same time urgently requesting reinforcements from Dou Jiande in Leshou.

Upon hearing the news, Dou Jiande was both shocked and furious. He hadn't expected Song Que to have the audacity to send troops so deep into enemy territory under the guise of a feint! Xindu was the southern shield of Leshou and could not be lost. He had no choice but to draw some mobile troops (including Gao Kaidao and Xu Yuanlang's troops) from his already strained forces to reinforce Xindu, attempting to join forces with Cao Zhan to launch a pincer attack and annihilate this isolated enemy force.

However, Su Dingfang employed a cautious approach, avoiding direct confrontation with the Xia army. Utilizing the mobility of his cavalry, he continuously conducted guerrilla warfare and harassment around Xindu, attacking supply lines and annihilating small enemy units. This effectively tied down Xindu and its reinforcements, preventing them from effectively supporting Liu Heita in Qinghe or returning to defend Leshou. The situation on the entire Hebei battlefield began to become delicate and chaotic due to the appearance of this surprise force.

…………

Zhu Yuyan did not travel with Qin Qiong's army. After crossing the Yellow River, she led a group of experts from the Yin Kui Sect away from the main force. Based on clues that "Shadow" had already gathered, she headed straight for the core stronghold of the Great Ming Zun Sect in Hebei—a seemingly ordinary manor located in Julu County (present-day Pingxiang area), which was actually an underground operation that had been running for many years.

Xu Kaishan, cunning and shrewd, had long been wary of the Yin Kui Sect. The sacred altar was heavily fortified, with numerous visible and hidden sentries, and a master of the *Yu Jin Wan Fa Gen Yuan Zhi Jing* (Scripture of the Wisdom of Controlling the Roots of All Laws) used sophisticated secret techniques to monitor the surroundings. Beneath the manor lay a complex network of passageways and numerous secret chambers, stockpiled with vast amounts of supplies, and even a group of fanatical "Atomic" assassins secretly trained there.

However, he faced the Yin Kui Sect, which was equally skilled in concealment, assassination, and trickery, and whose strength was even greater, as well as the Yin Empress Zhu Yuyan, who had pushed the Heavenly Demon Art to an unprecedented eighteenth level!
The moon is dark and the wind is high, the sky is full of murders and arson.

Zhu Yuyan personally took action, using her supreme demonic form and musical techniques, combined with Bai Qing'er's seductive arts, to disrupt the mental defenses surrounding the sacred altar from several miles away. Wen Caiting and Danmei led a team of skilled in stealth and sabotage, like cats in the night, silently eliminating all the visible and hidden sentry posts on the perimeter and dismantling several deadly traps.

By the time Xu Kaishan realized something was wrong, the Yin Kui Sect members had already flooded into the core area of ​​the manor like a tidal wave!

"Zhu Yuyan! How dare you do this?!"

Xu Kaishan was both surprised and furious. He appeared in the main hall of the altar, accompanied by the five core members of the Mingzi, including Sha Fang, Lie Xia, Xin Nana, Jiu Lingzhi, and Ka Lu, as well as elite atoms such as Duan Yucheng. The Persian saintess Cynthia stood quietly to one side.

"Why don't you dare?"

Zhu Yuyan, dressed in a flowing black palace gown, gracefully entered the main hall. Her stunning beauty appeared even more alluring in the dim candlelight, and an invisible yet tangible force field emanated from her, suppressing the eerie and sacred aura that originally belonged to the Great Ming Zun Sect within the hall, causing it to retreat step by step.

"Xu Kaishan, you use the banner of righteousness to do despicable things and bewitch people. You should have been eliminated long ago. Today is the day your Great Ming Sect will be wiped out of the Central Plains."

"Arrogant! Form ranks! Prepare for battle!"

Xu Kaishan roared, knowing there was no way out but to fight to the death. He formed a hand seal, and a lotus flower phantom appeared above his head. A surge of powerful spiritual energy mixed with strange true qi erupted, attempting to stabilize his position and disrupt Zhu Yuyan.

Sha Fang unleashed her full power of the Enchanting Beauty Technique, enveloping the entire scene with seductive music and alluring light and shadow; Lie Xia moved with lightning speed, her strangely shaped short blade targeting vital points; Xin Nana played her string music rapidly, her sound blades invisible; Jiu Lingzhi's palm strikes were both gentle and vicious; Kaluli's powerful move was heavy; Duan Yucheng and the others formed an array to surround and attack.

However, the Yin Kui Sect has mobilized its entire force this time, bringing its elite troops. Elders like Wen Caiting, Danmei, and Bai Qing'er are all top-tier martial arts masters, and there are also skilled poison users and stealth fighters from Western Shu, such as Sina, sent by Wanwan. More importantly, Zhu Yuyan's Heavenly Demon Technique has reached the "Formless" realm!
Faced with the encirclement, Zhu Yuyan's figure shifted, seemingly appearing in several locations simultaneously. Her Heavenly Demon Twin Slashes transformed into two breathtakingly beautiful arcs of light, felling the Atomic Death Soldier like mowing grass wherever they passed. Her Heavenly Demon Ribbon, like a living serpent, darted through the battle formation, sometimes coiling around weapons, sometimes striking vital points—it was impossible to defend against. Her Heavenly Demon Sound clashed head-on with Sha Fang's Enchanting Love Technique, and with a higher level of spiritual cultivation, she forcefully suppressed and even counterattacked her opponent!
Seeing the situation was dire, Xu Kaishan personally intervened, joining forces with Lie Xia and Kalu to attack Zhu Yuyan. His "Mastery of All Laws' Root Wisdom Scripture" was indeed profound, combining mental attacks with true energy, making it unpredictable. However, Zhu Yuyan's Heavenly Demon Force Field was already close to a domain, completely encompassing and eliminating all the changes in his Wisdom Scripture. After only twenty or so moves, Xu Kaishan was struck by a palm print from Zhu Yuyan containing eighteen layers of Heavenly Demon power, causing him to spit out blood and fly backward, crashing into a corner of the altar.

Sha Fang was entangled by Wen Caiting and Bai Qing'er, facing imminent danger. Lie Xia attempted to ambush Zhu Yuyan but was forced back by Dan Mei's Xuanbing Force. Karu, though strong, was clumsy and was overwhelmed by Sina's poison and the hidden weapons of the Yin Kui Sect experts. Jiu Lingzhi and Xin Nana also found themselves in fierce battles.

Seeing that defeat was inevitable, a glint of madness flashed in Xu Kaishan's eyes, and he roared, "Let's die together!" He actually wanted to detonate the gunpowder and poisonous smoke buried under the altar!

"Humph!"

Zhu Yuyan snorted coldly, her figure flashing like lightning as she instantly appeared before Xu Kaishan, unleashing a flurry of Heavenly Demon Twin Slashes! Xu Kaishan barely managed to parry, but the strange force imbued with the twin slashes completely invaded his meridians, causing his true energy to dissipate. Zhu Yuyan's left hand, with its hook-like fingers, swiftly gripped the top of his head!
"Soul Searching and Soul Stealing!"

The Yin Kui Sect's most cruel secret technique was activated! Xu Kaishan let out an extremely shrill scream as his life's memories and spiritual imprints were forcibly extracted and read! At the same time, Zhu Yuyan also instantly gained control of all the mechanisms and mechanisms of the altar, as well as the arrangement of gunpowder and poisonous smoke, through him!

"break!"

With a sharp shout from Zhu Yuyan, several finger strikes shot out, precisely destroying several key mechanism nodes. The muffled thuds and strange odors emanating from underground abruptly ceased.

Xu Kaishan's eyes were unfocused, he was foaming at the mouth, and he collapsed to the ground as if he were in a daze, his breath rapidly fading.

Seeing their leader deposed, Sha Fang was terrified and was fatally stabbed by Wen Caiting with a needle. Lie Xia, Karu, Jiu Lingzhi, Xin Nana, and others were also killed or captured. Duan Yucheng and the rest of the Atom group were almost entirely wiped out.

Only the Persian saintess Cynthia, as the battle neared its end, bowed slightly to Zhu Yuyan and said in broken Chinese, "Your Majesty, light has no fixed form. Once this matter is over, Cynthia will return to Persia to spread the true doctrine." With that, a soft holy light emanated from her, and her figure gradually became transparent, eventually disappearing from the hall, leaving only a scripture lying on the ground. Zhu Yuyan frowned slightly but did not stop her. This Persian saintess seemed to possess some kind of strange escape technique and had not actively sought to be an enemy; she let her go.

Thus, the core power of the Great Ming Sect in the Central Plains was annihilated overnight by the Yin Kui Sect with thunderous methods! The altar was reduced to ashes, and all books and property were confiscated.

The news sent shockwaves through Hebei!
Those followers and believers who secretly colluded with the Great Ming Zunjiao or believed in its doctrines were particularly terrified, and the morale of many Xia army generals was further damaged.

Late November, Jieqiao front line.

Liu Heita, having waited in vain for reinforcements and hearing news of the capital's dire situation and the destruction of the Great Ming Zunjiao, knew things were going badly. Song Que, keenly sensing the wavering morale of the Xia army, suddenly launched his long-planned all-out offensive!

This time, it was no longer a feint. Under the cover of heavy crossbows and catapults, the elite infantry of the Heavenly Alliance launched a relentless assault on the Xia army's positions at Jieqiao. Simultaneously, an elite cavalry force outflanked the Xia army, attempting to cross the Fuyang River and cut off Liu Heita's retreat. Liu Heita led his troops in a desperate resistance, the battle exceptionally fierce. However, morale wavered, the rear was unstable, and reinforcements were nowhere in sight; even the bravest general could not turn the tide. After three days of fierce fighting, the Jieqiao defense line was finally breached. Liu Heita, wounded multiple times, led his remaining ten thousand men in a rout to the north, attempting to retreat to Xindu.

However, in the direction of Xindu, Su Dingfang's surprise attack was locked in a fierce battle with the reinforcements led by Cao Zhan and Gao Kaidao, leaving the city's defenses vulnerable. Before Liu Heita's remaining troops even reached Xindu, they heard that Cao Zhan, the garrison commander, seeing the situation was hopeless, had surrendered to Qin Qiong at the instigation of some of his generals! Gao Kaidao and Xu Yuanlang even led their troops to defect, turning against the Xia army and besieging the remaining forces that had not yet surrendered!
Liu Heita found himself in dire straits, with surrendered enemies ahead and pursuing troops behind. He sighed to the heavens, knowing there was no place for him in Hebei, yet he refused to surrender. Leading several thousand of his most loyal cavalry, he turned northwest, attempting to cross the Taihang Mountains and escape towards the Turks. Su Dingfang and Song Que sent troops in pursuit, inflicting another heavy defeat on his forces at the Taihang Pass. Liu Heita, with only a few hundred riders, fled in disarray into the mountains, his whereabouts unknown.

Early December, Leshou.

Dou Jiande was deserted by his followers, had no external reinforcements, and lacked morale. Song Que and Qin Qiong's armies joined forces, completely surrounding Leshou. Zhu Yuyan also finished dealing with the affairs of the Great Ming Zunjiao and led the Yin Kui people to join the main army.

The siege lasted no more than five days before a mutiny broke out in Leshou City. Some generals, along with officials who were already dissatisfied with Dou Jiande, opened the city gates and welcomed the Heavenly Alliance army into the city. Dou Jiande, seeing that all was lost in the palace (formerly the Xia Prince's Mansion), refused to surrender and committed suicide by self-immolation in the Chongde Hall. Some of his family members also died with him.

Thus, the Great Xia regime came to an end.

Song Que and Zhu Yuyan quickly took over the various prefectures in Hebei, suppressed sporadic resistance, pacified the local people, issued proclamations to reassure the people, announced the continued use of the new policies of the Heavenly Alliance, reduced taxes, and stabilized order.

Late December.

Yi Huawei issued an edict from Luoyang, officially announcing that the Central Plains, after decades of war, had finally been unified. The former territories of the Li Tang and Xia dynasties were now under the rule of the Heavenly Alliance. The era name was changed to "Dingding," with the following year (624 AD) as the first year of Dingding.

………………

The fifteenth day of the first lunar month is the Lantern Festival.

Luoyang, Ziwei City.

This central hub of the empire, which had experienced the extravagance of Emperor Yang of Sui, the confinement of Wang Shichong, and the brief rule of the Tang Dynasty, changed hands again within a few months, yet it did not show much signs of decay due to the ravages of war.

On the contrary, under the leadership of Lu Miaozi and with the full efforts of countless skilled craftsmen and laborers, the palace was completely renewed, retaining the grandeur of the previous dynasty while incorporating the simple, pragmatic, and ideologically sound new style of the Heavenly Alliance.

The palace was magnificent, with long corridors and bright lights, as if it were daytime. It complemented the dazzling sea of ​​lights celebrating the Lantern Festival in the city's streets and markets, as if foreshadowing the bright future of this new regime.

Tonight, a grand ceremony destined to be recorded in history will be held in the main hall of Ziwei City—Zetianmen Square and the front court (called Zetianmen in the Sui Dynasty, renamed Shuntianmen in the early Tang Dynasty, and now restored to its original name): the leader of the Tiandao Alliance will officially ascend the throne and establish the country.

On the plaza, the elite Xuanjia Tiance troops and the Imperial Guards stood in solemn formation, their armor gleaming, their spears and halberds reflecting the lamplight and the rising moon, their cold light chilling. Civil and military officials, representatives of surrendered noble families, meritorious soldiers from various armies, and even some specially invited envoys from foreign tribes, all stood solemnly on either side of the imperial road according to their rank. Everyone held their breath, the atmosphere extremely solemn and respectful.

Unlike the elaborate rituals and mystique of traditional enthronement ceremonies, this grand ceremony, under Yi Huawei's direction, simplified many redundant procedures, but placed greater emphasis on announcing the event to the world and uniting the people.

At the exact hour of Hai (9-11 PM), bells and drums sounded in unison, and the Shao music was played.

Under the watchful eyes of thousands, Yi Huawei slowly walked out from inside the Zetian Gate.

He wore no elaborate and heavy imperial robes like those of previous emperors, but rather a specially made imperial court dress. The dress was black, symbolizing the element of water (representing the "Way of Heaven," and also implying "the mystery within mystery, the gateway to all wonders"), embroidered with gold thread depicting the sun, moon, stars, mountains, seas, and dragons—simple yet dignified. Over this was a dark blue cloak embroidered with gold cloud patterns. He wore a twelve-tassel crown, the tassels made of white jade, crystal clear, partially obscuring his face but adding to his imposing and mysterious aura. His steps were steady, his aura restrained, as if he were one with the earth beneath his feet and the starry sky above. The imperial aura of a ruler forged in blood and fire, who had unified the Central Plains, naturally permeated the air without needing to be deliberately displayed, silencing the entire audience.

He stepped slightly to the side, following Shan Wanjing, who was about to be made empress. She wore a black phoenix-patterned robe matching the imperial attire, and a nine-dragon, four-phoenix crown, adorned with jewels and jade, exuding an air of refined elegance. Though ravaged by war, her youthful and radiant face appeared even more dignified and noble in her magnificent attire. Her brows held both the regal bearing of an empress and a touch of heroic spirit. Her gaze was firm, her steps composed, closely following the figure ahead whom she admired, followed, and fought for.

The emperor and empress slowly ascended the Zetian Gate tower (where the main ceremonial platform was located) along the laid-out imperial road. The tower had already been prepared, with incense tables and offerings set up, facing south (symbolizing the rule over the world).

The official in charge of rites loudly proclaimed "Greetings!" and read the sacrificial text to Heaven.

The writing is concise yet grand in spirit. It first describes the turmoil and suffering of the people since the end of the Sui Dynasty, then recounts the achievements of the Heavenly Alliance in following the will of Heaven and pacifying the four directions, then speaks of the grand ambition of establishing a new dynasty and reforming the old, and finally prays to Heaven to bless the new dynasty with peace, prosperity and good weather.

Yi Huawei personally offered incense and paid homage to Heaven and Earth. Then, he turned and faced the thousands of people in the square.

"Since the Sui Dynasty lost its virtue, the world has been in turmoil, with wars and disasters raging for nearly twenty years. People are displaced, fields are overgrown, bones lie exposed in the wilderness, and for miles there is not a rooster's crow. All this is due to the collapse of the old system, the separatist rule of powerful clans, and the failure of government orders!"

His voice wasn't particularly loud, but it possessed a strange penetrating power and resonance, clearly reaching everyone present and even those on the outskirts of the square through special arrangements.

"I rose from humble beginnings, moved by the suffering of the common people, and with a heart set on saving the world, I founded the Heavenly Alliance. Thanks to the bravery of my soldiers, the assistance of my wise ministers, and the loyalty of the people, after five years of rebuilding, I finally swept away the rebellion, cleansed the world, and brought down the banners of the Tang and Xia dynasties, restoring the Central Plains to unity!"

"However, conquering the world is easy, but governing it is difficult. Today, I ascend the throne not for the sake of my own family or clan, but to receive the Mandate of Heaven, to end the chaos, and to usher in an era of lasting peace!"

"From this day forward, the name of the nation shall be—Hua!" (End of Chapter)