This martial saint's health bar is too thick

Chapter 652 Civil and Military Officials Ascend the Throne, Kingship and Nobility Await

April 3rd, the second year of Yuanxing.

The capital of the Chimo Kingdom, Chishen City.

Yuwen Chengxuan sat quietly in the courtyard, watching the leaves fall one by one from the big banyan tree.

After killing his great-grandson with his own hands, he remained in this state for several days.

With his cultivation level as a Grandmaster of the Dao Realm, he could go without food or water for several days without any problems.

But in just a few days, Yuwen Chengxuan looked like he had aged more than ten years.

As the patriarch of the Yuwen family, he is indeed very old, already 197 years old this year!
The theoretical maximum lifespan of a Grandmaster is 240 years, but most people cannot reach this limit. In addition, due to injuries that damage the foundation, it is extremely rare for a Grandmaster to live to 200 years old.

Yuwen Chengxuan spent the first half of his life fighting and killing others, and he faced death countless times.

That's why the Yuwen family has achieved its current glory!

He was seriously injured time and time again, but he got back up again and again. His foundation was damaged many times, so he did not expect to live to be 240 years old.

Fortunately, before his death was imminent, the family had a successor, and his great-grandson Yuwen Qiuchuan became a Grandmaster.

And just then, the world was in great turmoil, and the Yuwen family overthrew the Red Desert Royal Court, giving them the opportunity to ascend to the highest position!

Yuwen Chengxuan originally thought he would witness the Yuwen family's rise to new glory in his lifetime, but he never expected that he would be the one to kill the Yuwen family's future hope with his own hands.

If possible, he would rather die himself so that Yuwen Qiuchuan could live!

But the Great Blue Dynasty is not so easily fooled.

How can an old man like him, who doesn't have many years left to live, compare to Yuwen Qiuchuan, a grandmaster who is only seventy years old?

Only by handing over the life of Yuwen Qiuchuan, the current head of the family, could the Great Lan Dynasty, which had already won everything, lay down its butcher's knife and spare the Yuwen family.

"The special envoy from the Great Blue Dynasty is arriving soon. Shouldn't you prepare to welcome him, senior?"

A person appeared in the courtyard at some unknown time, completely shrouded in a black robe, making it impossible to see their appearance.

Yuwen Chengxuan had long ago given an order that no one was allowed to approach this courtyard without his permission.

After he personally killed Yuwen Qiuchuan, no one in the Yuwen family dared to disobey him.

But this person arrived so naturally that Yuwen Chengxuan didn't care at all.

He remained lying in his seat, motionless, and said expressionlessly:
"The envoy sent by the Great Blue Dynasty this time has little to do with my Yuwen family."

"Oh?"

The man in black robes spoke in a deep, somewhat stiff voice, “Now the Crimson Desert Kingdom is almost entirely under the control of your Yuwen family. Without the Yuwen family, it’s probably unrealistic for the Great Blue Dynasty to manage the Crimson Desert properly, isn’t it?”

Yuwen Chengxuan sneered, "The Wang family surrendered obediently, and only then was Wang Chengze granted the title of King of Xuanmo. My Yuwen family is so ignorant, daring to resist to the very last moment. If we are also granted the title of king, what will the Wang family think?"

The patriarch of the Yuwen family had long foreseen the outcome.

He decisively killed his great-grandson Yuwen Qiuchuan, solely to preserve the Yuwen family, without ever expecting that the Yuwen family could receive the same treatment as the Wang family.

"Do you think the Great Blue Dynasty will take your life?"

The man in black robes asked, his question very direct.

Upon hearing this, Yuwen Chengxuan was not angry, and said with certainty:
"will not."

The man in black robes nodded: "Understood. The Great Blue Dynasty intends to support someone from another force as the King of the Crimson Desert, but it must rely on the Yuwen family's power to stabilize the situation. If you are killed, the Yuwen family will fall completely, and the Crimson Desert will inevitably descend into chaos, which is not in the Great Blue Dynasty's interest."

Yuwen Chengxuan sneered: "I'm an old man who won't live for many more years. It'll be perfect for me to guard the Great Lan Dynasty. Once the power transition is stable and the Great Lan Dynasty has completely taken control of the Red Desert, I'll be almost dead by then. It'll be just the right time."

The man in black robes looked at the nearly two-hundred-year-old man with admiration in his eyes.

The other party had a very clear understanding of the situation, which is why they decisively killed Yuwen Qiuchuan, thus creating a way out for the Yuwen family.

"Since you see things so clearly, what are your thoughts on the collaboration I proposed earlier?"

The black-robed man asked.

Yuwen Chengxuan slowly closed his eyes: "When the time is right, we can cooperate."

The man in black robes nodded: "Your words are enough. I hope you take care of yourself."

No sooner had he finished speaking than the sound of gongs and drums suddenly came from outside.

The Blue Envoy has entered the city!
The leaders of all the forces in the Crimson Desert Kingdom had already arrived in Crimson God City, waiting to be received by the special envoy of the Great Blue Dynasty.

Yuwen Chengxuan did not appear; the Yuwen family sent their new patriarch instead.

Everything that followed went exactly as Yuwen Chengxuan had predicted—

The Heavenly Emperor selected a thirteen-year-old boy from the last remaining bloodline of the Red Desert Kingdom and bestowed upon him the title of King of the Red Desert!

The vast majority of the royal family of the Red Desert Kingdom died at the hands of the Yuwen family. Now that supreme power has returned to the royal family, the Yuwen family is helping to stabilize the situation.

No one dared to disobey the imperial decree bestowed upon them by the emperor.

Because if you disagree, you die!

April 5th, the second year of Yuanxing.

On the third day after the Red Desert King was appointed.

Lanling City.

As the sun rises, its golden rays break through the morning mist and fall upon the majestic city tower.

Outside Xuanwu Gate, a dense crowd had already packed both sides of the official road, craning their necks in anticipation. The air was filled with the scent of incense and dust, and a festive restlessness was palpable.

Suddenly, a heavy horn sounded from within the city, piercing the sky, and the crowd fell silent.

Two rows of golden-armored warriors marched out of the city gate in perfect unison, the heavy thud of their iron boots causing the ground to tremble slightly.

Next came the halberd-bearing officials, their halberds gleaming with a cold light, like a forest of trees, and twelve dragon flags fluttering in the wind, their embroidered golden dragons shimmering in the morning sun.

When the yellow parasol finally appeared, cheers from the people surged like a tidal wave.

The Emperor himself is here!

Once he left the imperial city, he was completely outside the range of the Xuanqiong Yuji True Dragon Formation. Here, Qin Ziheng was no different from an ordinary person.

But today he sat calmly on the dragon carriage, the sun, moon and mountain patterns on his dragon robe shining brightly, and the nine white jade beads swaying gently in front of his forehead.

Looking across the Eastern Continent now, the Great Blue Dynasty has no rivals!

Moreover, Qin Ziheng's trusted ministers were nearby, and the empire's strongest fighting force was within easy reach, so he naturally had nothing to worry about.

Today, Li Fei, Wenren Zheng, the Azure Iron Cavalry, the White Flame Army, and the Azure Frost Army have all returned to the capital!

The master of ceremonies' chanting was so powerful it seemed to pierce the clouds and split the rocks.
"His Majesty personally welcomes the royal army—"

The smoke and dust in the distance drew closer, gradually revealing the outline of the Xuanjia army.

The cavalry at the forefront were fully armored, their sky-blue armor gleaming in the sunlight.

The Azure Iron Cavalry led the way, their banners fluttering in the wind, followed by the White Flame Army and the Azure Frost Army.

The Great Blue Dynasty has been established for over five hundred years. Apart from the Azure Iron Cavalry, the other three of the four Imperial Guards are stationed on the frontiers. There has never been a scene where all three Imperial Guards gathered in the capital!
The triumphant army marched in perfect unison, their armor clashing with a resounding clang, and the sound of their footsteps, like a thunderclap, could be heard as tens of thousands of men marched on.

Three riders were at the very front of the procession. The one in the center was the Grand Marshal Wenren Zheng, the one on the left was Duke Jing'an Li Fei, and the one on the right was wearing a Taoist robe and exuding a powerful aura. He was none other than Tai Yu, the leader of the Daluo Sect.

The three men took the lead and arrived at the emperor's ceremonial guard first, then dismounted together.

"Your Majesty, we have lived up to your expectations. We have destroyed the Western Kingdom, breached its cities, destroyed its mountains and temples, and annihilated the Pudu Temple!"

Wenren clasped his hands in a salute and said in a loud voice.

Qin Ziheng personally dismounted from the imperial carriage, took a few steps forward, supported Wenren Zheng with one hand and Li Fei with the other, and laughed loudly:
"My pillar of the nation has returned!"

The emperor's voice was not loud, yet it carried clearly throughout the surrounding area.

In an instant, thunderous cheers erupted from both the city walls and the surrounding area. Flower petals rained down from the city walls, and bells and drums resounded in unison.

"Wei—!"

"Wei—!"

"Wei—!"

First, the imperial guards inside the city shouted loudly, and then the people inside the city joined in the shouting.

Finally, tens of thousands of victorious Imperial Guard soldiers shouted in unison.

The shouts shook the heavens and the clouds!
The golden sunlight cast a long shadow of the emperor's carriage, which intertwined with the shadows of the triumphant soldiers' banners.

Qin Ziheng looked at Tai Yu, the Grand Master of the Great Luo Sect, who bowed respectfully.

"Great Luo Sect Taiyu greets Great Blue Sky Prince!"

Qin Ziheng's smile remained unchanged as he nodded to Taiyu:

"This great victory is also thanks to Master Taiyu. My promise remains unchanged. Master, please come into the city with me."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Taiyu bowed again.

Qin Ziheng turned around, holding Wenren Zheng's hand with one hand and Li Fei's hand with the other:

"Come, today I will take you on a leisurely tour, hahaha—"

He led the two forward, where someone had already prepared mounts for them—tamed exotic beasts.

"Mount!"

Qin Ziheng was in high spirits today, and it was rare for him to show such a playful attitude.

Next, he, Li Fei, Wenren Zheng, Tai Yu, and others mounted their mounts.

The emperor was in the center, with Wenren Zheng and Li Fei on his left and right respectively, and Taiyu one position behind.

Four riders entered the city, followed closely by civil and military officials.

Just like the last time Li Fei rode into the city, countless flowers covered the avenue from Xuanwu Gate all the way to the Imperial City.

Wherever it passed, cheers surged like a tidal wave, and various flower petals were scattered like rain.

This is just a cursory glance!
The entire city of Lanling was in a frenzy of celebration, with fireworks rising everywhere and painting the sky in vibrant colors.

"Li Fei, I heard you were at the Five Proofs Peak outside Vajra City. What exactly happened? Tell me."

On horseback, Qin Ziheng turned his head and asked Li Fei with a smile.

The story of Li Fei's five proofs reaching the pinnacle has not been circulated to this day.

Because it was so bizarre, even most of the people who witnessed it firsthand didn't understand it.

The intelligence Qin Ziheng received was written to him by Li Fei, but even so, he didn't understand it. He couldn't comprehend how Li Fei had achieved the pinnacle of all five certifications.

Upon hearing this question, Wenren Zheng and Taiyu both looked at Li Fei.

Even these two martial saints were very curious about this matter.

"Your Majesty, I begin with the path to pacifying the world and end with the complete defeat of the Western Kingdom, thus leaving room for maneuver."

Li Fei explained to Qin Ziheng.

The unity of law and martial arts possesses both 'momentum' and 'strength'. Reversing the odds and breaking through the peak is to prove the way with strength, and going one's own way after breaking the deadlock is also to prove the way with strength.

The subsequent stages of proving one's path through destiny and bringing peace to the world are both about proving one's path through power.

It begins with the combination of 'momentum and force', followed by two instances of proving the Dao through force and two instances of proving the Dao through momentum.

Li Fei's five certifications reached a delicate balance, which was the key to his successful "finale".

"It's truly unbelievable; there's no one like it before, and there probably won't be anyone like it in the future."

After listening, Qin Ziheng exclaimed in amazement.

He genuinely didn't believe that anyone else would ever reach the pinnacle of all five certifications like Li Fei.

"So, how do you compare to Lin Tianyi now?"

Qin Ziheng suddenly asked, his face full of anticipation.

Li Fei killed five peak experts in one fell swoop outside Vajra City. Looking across the world, apart from Lin Tianyi, no one else could have done it.

So even in front of Wenren Zheng, Qin Ziheng ignored him and asked who was stronger, Li Fei or Lin Tianyi.

In his mind, these two were already the top two in the world, and they had clearly widened the gap between themselves and the other top experts!

Wenren Zheng and Taiyu, who were standing nearby, were also listening attentively, equally curious.

Li Fei had actually thought about this issue as well.

If Lin Tianyi's Dao principle were not the "King of the Great Dao," he would not hesitate to believe that his "Unique and Unparalleled Method" could crush any top expert in the world!
However, the power of the "Great Dao Leader" increases as the level of the Great Dao in the world rises.

Every time a new peak expert emerges in this world, or when a peak expert elevates their Dao to a new level, Lin Tianyi's [Great Dao Master] will receive feedback.

Ming Qi's attainment of sainthood through enlightenment and Li Fei's five attainments of the pinnacle both represent the expansion or even elevation of the Great Dao!
Lin Tianyi's status naturally rose accordingly!
"I cannot draw a conclusion; we will only know after we have fought."

Li Fei stated his conclusion.

If he had the chance to get within ten feet of Lin Tianyi, he would definitely win!

Otherwise, the outcome would be uncertain.

So he said, you'll only know after you've fought it.

"it is good!"

Qin Ziheng laughed loudly, "In the whole world, you are the only one who can say to Lin Tianyi that you only know after you've fought him. Lin Tianyi is far inferior to you at your age!"

Lin Tianyi, at the age of twenty-three, had only just become a Dao Foundation stage martial artist, and was indeed far inferior to Li Fei.

Qin Ziheng asked many more questions about the details of the battle outside Jingang City, including Li Fei and Wenren Zheng, and he did not neglect Tai Yu either.

The four of them rode into the imperial city together amidst laughter and conversation, and then went to the Zhenglan Hall together.

What followed was a grand court assembly that had been prepared in advance—

After all the civil and military officials had entered the hall, Qin Ziheng sat back on the dragon throne, and the imperial eunuch Feng Cheng took out the imperial edict and began to read it aloud:
"I have received the late emperor's dying wish and vow to eradicate internal troubles and pacify the four directions!"

Since ascending the throne, he has been vigilant day and night, never slacking off.

The Western Buddhist Kingdom, eyeing our territory and harassing our people. You, my warriors, with unwavering loyalty and the might of tigers and valiant soldiers, raise your banners with thunderous force, and sweep away the evil forces across ten thousand miles. Defeat them in one battle, annihilate them in another, so that the dust of the Western Lands may settle forever, and the world may be at peace!

This is truly a blessing for the nation and a boon for the people. I am deeply gratified and grateful, and hereby issue this edict to commend this extraordinary achievement.

You generals and soldiers, whether strategizing in the command tent or charging into battle, have united as one and worked together to achieve great victories. Your iron armor, gleaming coldly, shatters the enemy's courage; your banners, obscuring the sun and moon, are whipped up by the west wind!

"I, the Emperor, remember your hardships endured by wind and frost, arrows and stones, and your bravery on the battlefield. Your contributions to the nation and the well-being of the people are immeasurable. Therefore, I hereby bestow upon the officers and soldiers of the three armies 100,000 taels of gold and 50,000 bolts of silk."

The first part of the imperial edict was a general reward for the soldiers of the three armies, including money and various cultivation resources.

After reading out all the rewards, Feng Cheng's voice became low and deep:
Alas! How many warriors have returned from ancient battles?
Among you are those who sacrifice their lives for their country and die for the king; though their bodies perish, their names are honored, and their souls are lost but their integrity remains!
Every time I think of this, my heart aches with sorrow. Therefore, I hereby posthumously confer upon the fallen soldiers the title of "Loyal and Brave Guards," grant their children the privilege of attending university, bestow upon them land and houses, provide them with pensions and silver, and permanently exempt their families from taxes and corvée labor.

A separate imperial edict ordered the construction of the Zhaozhong Shrine in the westernmost province, where sacrifices will be offered year-round, and offerings will be made for eternity. May your loyal souls find peace, your heroic spirits never fade, and may you forever protect our great blue mountains and rivers!

In the battle against the Western Kingdom, the losses suffered by the three Imperial Guard armies were unprecedented.

More than two thousand Sky Blue Iron Cavalrymen died in battle.

The Qing Shuang Army suffered over 4,000 dead and over 2,000 seriously wounded.

More than a thousand soldiers of the White Flame Army died in battle.

Apart from the White Flame Army, the other two Imperial Guards are no longer able to activate a 10,000-strong army formation.

However, the emperor was not stingy with his rewards; all the soldiers who died in battle were posthumously honored, and their children all had bright futures!
After the rewards for the fallen soldiers were read out, the civil and military officials in the hall perked up, knowing that the main event was about to begin—

"The Great Luo Sect's leader, Taiyu, possessed a benevolent heart to save the world and upheld the orthodox methods of the Xuanmen. In the midst of a fierce battle and a critical moment, he extended a helping hand, instantly breaking the evil magic and turning the tide of disaster."

He specially appointed Taiyu as the Grand Preceptor of the Great Blue Kingdom, bestowing upon him a gold seal and purple ribbon, granting him the privilege of not hastening his departure when entering the court, and not naming him during homage!

The bestowal of honors upon Taiyu was within everyone's expectations. After all, it was a promise made publicly by the emperor in front of the world that day. Even if there were other arrangements for the Daluo Sect in the future, it would certainly be fulfilled now.

"Your Majesty, I thank you."

Inside the main hall, Taiyu stepped out from the ranks and bowed to Qin Ziheng.

A century later, the heads of three Taoist sects have once again been appointed as the Grand Master of the Blue Kingdom.

Qin Ziheng nodded without speaking, and Feng Cheng continued reading the imperial edict:

"Grand Secretary Ye Ze'an is a senior official in the central government and a man of great talent."

By carefully considering the principles of Yin and Yang, one can determine the overall situation; by being prudent and cautious in making decisions, one can stabilize the destiny of the world.

Seize the opportunity to strike like a hawk about to pounce; adapt to changing circumstances like the tides of a river or sea.

Strategizing within the ninefold imperial palace, winning battles a thousand miles away on the battlefield!
He was specially granted the title of Grand Pillar of State, and bestowed with a Qilin robe and a white jade tablet, to forever commemorate his merits!

Starting with the Battle of the Grasslands, Ye Ze'an devised a plan to force Qilian Guanshi to leave the pass ahead of schedule, thus ruining his plans.

He then plotted to cause internal strife in two major desert kingdoms, thus relieving the crisis in the southern border.

This battle in the Western Kingdom was also the result of a multi-pronged strategy, including the timely arrival of the Azure Iron Cavalry, the courting of Taiyu, and the plotting against the Shangqing Sect.
It can be said that without Ye Ze'an, Li Fei would not have been able to hold on until he broke through to the next realm!
Therefore, the emperor must reward this chief minister, and reward him handsomely!
However, Ye Ze'an had already reached the pinnacle of his position as a civil official and held the title of Duke, so there was no further title to bestow upon him. Therefore, Qin Ziheng appointed him as Grand Pillar of State.

This was the title before the Great Blue Dynasty's 'reform'. Although it didn't have much real power, it was the highest honor for a subject, and all the benefits were top-notch!
Even if Ye Ze'an himself doesn't cultivate, the cultivation resources that the Great Pillar State can receive can be given to the younger generation of the family.

The resources one can receive for this title each year are enough to support a medium-sized sect!
In addition, civil officials who sought his reputation and were granted the title of Grand Pillar of State would certainly receive a good posthumous title.

"Your Majesty, thank you for your grace."

Ye Ze'an calmly stepped forward to receive the reward.

Feng Cheng continued reading:

"Grand Marshal Wenren Zheng was exceptionally brave and commanded his troops with an aura that could move mountains and rivers."

He was appointed to a critical mission and became a pillar of strength in the midst of a turbulent river.

In the face of battle, victory is as easy as holding a candle to illuminate the night.

He was specially appointed Grand Pillar of State, and bestowed with golden armor and a plaque inscribed with the words "God of War" personally written by the Emperor.

The same honors were bestowed upon Wenren Zheng as upon Ye Ze'an, for both of them held extremely high positions and could not be granted any further titles.

Therefore, Wenren Zheng was also appointed as the Grand Pillar of State.

However, this title was mostly given to civil officials. Wenren Zheng was able to obtain the honor of Grand Pillar of State as a military general, which was even more rare than Ye Ze'an.

After reading out Wenren Zheng's conferment, Feng Cheng paused for a moment, then read out the final conferment:

"Li Fei, the Duke of Jing'an, is the greatest talent in history. It is my good fortune to have him."

The Demon-Slaying Spear!
Kill the Buddha's Eyed King!
Slay the Mysterious Heart True Lord!
Slay the River-Suppressing Heavenly King!
Slay Qin Mingli!

Once you reach the summit, your sword will cleave through the Five Great Peaks.

He overwhelmed all rivals and brought peace to the world.

How magnificent!

Li Fei was specially appointed as the Deputy Marshal of the Military Affairs Department and awarded the 18th-level military honor.

The Blue Patrol Pavilion Master was promoted to Level 18 Civil Servant.

He was appointed Grand Pillar of State!

The announcement of the rewards caused an uproar throughout the hall.

Li Fei was appointed as the Grand Pillar of State, which was something everyone expected.

It was entirely expected that his military officer rank would be promoted two more levels.

Unexpectedly, the emperor not only promoted Li Fei's military rank from level 16 to level 18, making him equal to Wenren Zheng and four other admirals.

They even appointed Li Fei as the Deputy Marshal of the Military Affairs Department!

This means that from now on, all the troops in the world will be under the control of him and Wenren Zheng. He is second only to Wenren Zheng and above the four admirals!
Li Fei's position as the head of the Blue Patrol Pavilion was originally a level 17 official, one level lower than the heads of the six inner pavilions.

Now the emperor has also elevated it to the same level as the Six Pavilions.

From then on, the cabinet was no longer six cabinets, but seven!

The position of Pavilion Master is equivalent to an eighteenth-rank civil official.

Deputy Marshal of the Military Affairs Department, Level 18 Military Officer.

Both civil and military officials have reached the pinnacle; since the founding of the Great Blue Dynasty, no powerful minister has ever achieved this!
In addition, there was the honor of being named a Grand Pillar of State.

Today, in this great hall, Li Fei is truly the head of all the officials, even surpassing Ye Ze'an and Wenren Zheng in status!
But the emperor still seemed dissatisfied.

He rose from the dragon throne and looked at the crowd surrounding His Majesty:
"My lords, the northern barbarians have now been subdued, the grasslands have been pacified, and the two great desert kingdoms have all submitted."

Wherever the sun and moon shine, all is within our territory; wherever carriages and horses travel, all belongs to our domain. The prosperity of this great nation is unprecedented since its founding!
With the East at peace and the West within reach, I shall uphold the legacy of my ancestors, carry on the mandate of the late Emperor, and expand upon a grand blueprint for ten thousand generations!
Although the ancestral precepts are glorious, and no one of different surnames shall be king, extraordinary achievements await extraordinary people.

I am determined to reform the old and establish the new, to break free from constraints and create a new world. How can I be bound by established laws?
Today, I hereby proclaim to the world—

But whoever can command a mighty army and pacify the western lands may be granted land and made a king, to forever guard the western frontier!

This oath is witnessed by mountains and rivers, and testified to by the sun and moon!

(End of this chapter)