450: Devouring the world, establishing a new Xia dynasty, the seventh mortal bond.

The intense exchange of fire between the two sides lasted for a full half an hour.

Relying on the steel barricades formed by military vehicles, the Dingnan Army occupied an absolute strategic advantage.

The battle results showed a terrifying disparity: Chen Xiong's personal guard suffered more than half casualties, while the Dingnan Army had fewer than ten killed, with a casualty ratio of nearly one hundred to one.

At this moment, the suffocating golden light of dragon-shaped Luck that enveloped the battlefield finally flickered a few times before completely dissipating into the night, and the surrounding mountains returned to darkness.

Deputy Officer Mo, who had been closely watching the battle, was overjoyed at the sight, but being cautious by nature, he did not immediately order a charge.

A glint flashed in Deputy Officer Mo's eyes, and he performed an extremely bold test.

He turned his gun and aimed it at the outer skin of his thigh.

Under the astonished gaze of several Daoists, Deputy Officer Mo pulled the trigger without hesitation—

“Bang!”

A clear, ringing sound, like metal clashing, echoed, and the bullet was actually deflected by the crimson aura that erupted around him, falling uselessly to the ground.

“Hahahahaha! Grand Marshal's Divine Talismans have manifested again!”

Deputy Officer Mo burst into wild laughter, all his worries instantly vanishing.

He suddenly leaped out from behind the military vehicle barricade, standing fearlessly amidst the hail of bullets, talismanic light swirling around him, deflecting all incoming bullets!

“Brothers! Did you all see it? The Grand Marshal's Divine Talismans protect us! Kill—!”

This scene instantly ignited the passion of all Dingnan Army soldiers.

Earth-shattering shouts of killing pierced the clouds, and the soldiers, who had originally been firing from behind cover, leaped out one after another, launching a fearless charge towards the Qingzhou Army!

“Damn it! That old fox Chen Xiong... he got away!”

The battle ended, the smoke cleared, and Deputy Officer Mo stood in the center of the chaotic battlefield.

He looked at the empty official road leading towards the Capital, his forehead veins bulging with anger, and immediately kicked the tire of a nearby military vehicle fiercely.

Deputy Officer Mo had meticulously planned, setting up a dragnet, and accurately calculated Chen Xiong's escape route, but he never expected that the opponent could still escape right under his nose at the last moment.

“Search! Turn this entire mountain area upside down and search! He definitely hasn't run far!”

A knot of frustration in Deputy Officer Mo's chest was hard to appease; he almost roared out the order.

The credit for the first kill, which was within his grasp, had just flown away. How was he going to explain this to the Grand Marshal?

However, everyone knew in their hearts that in this vast dark night and continuous mountain range,

Once someone lost their trace, trying to catch a person determined to escape was like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Just as Deputy Officer Mo was fuming, the silent Green-robed Daoist beside him remained calm.

He had, at some unknown point, picked up the Qingzhou Governor's Document that had fallen to the ground, and after gently dusting it off,

“Deputy Officer Mo, please calm down.”

The Green-robed Daoist slowly spoke, unfolding the document in his palm, revealing the dark red bloodstains belonging to Chen Xiong, which had not yet completely dried.

“With this item in hand, even if Chen Xiong escapes to the ends of the earth, he will still be a turtle in a jar.”

“After this poor Daoist sets up an altar and performs a ritual, using his blood as a guide to cast the ‘Ten Thousand Li Tracking’ technique,

At that time, no matter how many hiding places he has, he will not escape the guidance of fate.”

Upon hearing this, Deputy Officer Mo was overjoyed, and the anger on his face was instantly replaced by anticipation.

He immediately reined in his impatience and solemnly clasped his fists towards the Green-robed Daoist: “In that case, I shall trouble Great Master! Please speak if you need anything, and my Dingnan Army will cooperate fully!”

He deeply knew that the methods of these eminent figures were unfathomable; since the other party spoke with such certainty, that Old fellow Chen Xiong was destined to be unavoidable.

The Daoist nodded slightly, saying no more, merely carefully tucking the blood-stained Governor's document into his sleeve.

Three days later, Hejiang City.

This former hub of Qingzhou had completely fallen under the control of the Dingnan Army.

Lu Xuan personally arrived here and stepped into the Governor's mansion hall that once belonged to Chen Xiong.

“Grand Marshal,” Deputy Officer Mo respectfully presented a document stained with dark red bloodstains to Lu Xuan with both hands.

“Three days ago, that old thief Chen Xiong used this item to temporarily break the Grand Marshal's Divine Talisman's protection, causing my Dingnan Army to lose ten good brothers.”

“However, although that old thief temporarily escaped by chance, the net of heaven is vast! Yesterday, he was captured by my pursuing troops, and I have already ordered his immediate execution!”

Lu Xuan's gaze fell, quietly staring at the blood-stained Governor's document.

This seemingly ordinary item, capable of temporarily breaking the Talisman personally drawn by him, a Great Master of Celestial Masters, was truly interesting.

Lu Xuan's thoughts stirred slightly, according to the records in the True Scripture of Yang Flame Talisman Fire.

There are only a handful of powers in this world that can nullify a sorcerer's Daoist magic, and the most magnificent and upright one is—Mortal World Luck.

That invisible power, which silently carries the faith of myriad people and the weight of the nation.

Before the former Dynasty's lifespan was exhausted, it could also be called Imperial Dynasty Luck, the magnificent Mandate of Heaven, condensed from the Power Of Will of billions of living beings and the Dragon Veins of mountains and rivers.

The moment Lu Xuan's fingertip touched the blood-stained document.

He suddenly trembled!

An abstruse light screen, visible only to Lu Xuan, automatically unfolded before his eyes, and the familiar characters on it rippled violently.

Host: Red Dust Immortal Lu Xuan (Seventh Incarnation)

Realm: Celestial Master (Major Achievement)

Cultivation Technique: True Scripture of Yang Flame Talisman Fire (11/9)

Points: 80000

And below all the data, a brand new line of text, shimmering with golden light,

Detected the Power of Heaven and Earth Origin, please confirm whether to extract and absorb?

This document, a remnant from the former Dynasty, contained not simple Luck, but a more fundamental... Heaven and Earth Origin?

The next moment, Lu Xuan calmly took the Qingzhou Governor's Document. He looked up at Deputy Officer Mo and asked a seemingly unrelated question.

“Who holds the imperial seal of china now?”

Deputy Officer Mo was taken aback by the sudden question; his mind was full of front-line military affairs, and he didn't react for a moment.

So, Deputy Officer Mo subconsciously looked at the well-informed Feng Shui Advisor beside him.

Upon hearing this, the Feng Shui Advisor's face also showed a hint of surprise. After taking a deep breath, he stepped forward and revealed the core secret he knew.

“Reporting to Grand Marshal, according to various confirmed rumors, that imperial seal of china, which carries the Mandate of Heaven and symbolizes legitimacy... is now enshrined in the Capital, controlled by Provisional President Shen Yiyuan.

It is said that he is barely maintaining the facade of a co-ruler of the world by relying on the remaining Luck of the imperial seal.”

Today's Xiayu Kingdom is divided by warlords, and that Provisional President in the Capital is nominally the co-ruler of the world.

“Very good.”

Lu Xuan's original plan was to proceed steadily, gradually encroaching upon the surrounding provinces, accumulating strength, and aiming for the world.

But the appearance of this wisp of “Heaven and Earth Origin” in his hand, and the definite news of the imperial seal of china, made him change his mind.

“Order the three armies to prepare immediately, and march north—directly to the Capital!”

What Lu Xuan wanted now was the imperial seal of china, which contained the Mortal World Luck.

“Urgent report—!”

An urgent shout broke the solemn atmosphere in the main hall.

A Dingnan Army general rushed in, exclaiming anxiously: “Grand Marshal! The Western Overlord Luo Zhenshan and the Southern Ridge Witch Marshal Miao Jiugu have arrived outside Hejiang City with their retinues! They... they request an audience with the Grand Marshal!”

“Oh?”

Lu Xuan raised an eyebrow slightly. These two Qingzhou overlords, who were as famous as him, were not guarding their own territories, but dared to come to the Dingnan Army's territory on their own initiative?

The general took a deep breath and delivered the most crucial information: “They claim... they are here to pledge allegiance with their troops!”

The hall immediately fell silent.

Everyone's gaze was fixed on Lu Xuan, awaiting his decision.

Not long after, heavy footsteps echoed from the corridor outside the hall, drawing nearer.

Led by the Dingnan Army's personal guards, two figures walked side by side into the hall that once belonged to Chen Xiong.

The one on the left, with a physique as robust as a mountain and bronze-colored skin, was precisely “Western Overlord” Luo Zhenshan, who controlled the lifeblood of Qingzhou's western mining industry.

The one on the right was a lithe middle-aged woman adorned with intricate Miao silver ornaments.

Her expression was calm, and several eerie cloth bags hanging from her waist swayed slightly with her steps.

Witch Gu King, Miao Jiugu.

As the two entered the main hall, their gazes fell upon the imposing figure seated at the head, and an undisguised look of astonishment simultaneously flashed across their faces.

However, that moment of surprise was instantly replaced by absolute humility.

Their former arrogance as warlords who carved out their own territories was completely gone; they bowed to Lu Xuan without hesitation, their posture extremely low.

“Luo Zhenshan, Miao Jiugu, greetings to Grand Marshal Lu!” The two spoke in unison, their tones immensely respectful, “We are willing to lead all our officers and soldiers to pledge allegiance under the Grand Marshal's banner, to be at your command, without any disloyalty!”

They were truly afraid.

Chen Xiong, the King of Qingzhou, with an army of half a million, entrenched in the provincial Capital, with deep roots, how arrogant and unyielding was he?

And what was the result?

In the face of the Dingnan Army's swift and decisive military might, and those unfathomable Talisman techniques, he couldn't even last half a month before he died, his clan was annihilated, and his Foundation changed hands.

Frankly speaking, the strength and Foundation of the two of them were far inferior to Chen Xiong's at that time.

If the Dingnan Army's military might were to turn towards them, the outcome would only be even more unimaginable.

Rather than waiting until the army reached their city gates and they met a gruesome end, it was better to proactively pledge allegiance early, which might secure a respectable future for themselves and their subordinates.

Only those who understand the times are truly outstanding individuals.

In this chaotic world, being able to accurately discern the general trend and humble oneself in time requires immense wisdom and courage.

With the surrender of Qingzhou's two major warlords, Qingzhou was unified, ending twenty years of warlord fragmentation, and the common people lived in peace and contentment.

The news spread like wildfire, instantly sweeping through every corner of the Xiayu Kingdom.

In the city streets and rural fields, everyone was talking about the name that had risen like a comet—Lu Xuan!

“Have you heard? Qingzhou is unified!”

“The Western Overlord and the Witch Gu King have both surrendered!”

“That Grand Marshal Lu is a true Dragon descending to the Mortal World! His Dingnan Army not only doesn't plunder grain but also helps the common people slay demons and eliminate evil!”

“The common people under his rule can eat their fill and dress warmly, without having to worry about being dragged away by demons in the middle of the night...”

Hope, like timely rain after a long drought, nourished countless desperate souls struggling in the chaotic world.

The long-suppressed aspirations in the hearts of the common people began to stir, eagerly looking forward to the day when the “Dingnan” banner would be planted all over the divine land.

At the same time, talented individuals from various regions and strategists with great ambitions also packed their bags, converging towards Qingzhou and the Dingnan Army like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea.

Anyone with discerning eyes could see.

The Dingnan Army was no longer a regional warlord, but had formed an invincible momentum, poised to devour the world and control the divine land!

This rolling historical wheel could no longer be stopped by anyone.

When the time comes, Heaven and Earth will work together; the general trend cannot be defied!

“I'm furious!”

“That brat Lu Xuan! The Dingnan Demon Army!”

“My Donglai Province... is willing to declare Grand Marshal Lu as the co-ruler of the world, ushering in a new national era!”

“Zhenjiang Province, both high and low, also wish to follow...”

Lu Xuan's momentum of devouring the world caused an unprecedented shock in the Xiayu Kingdom.

Warlords in various provinces reacted differently; some were furious and distressed, their heads aching.

Some assessed the situation and decisively surrendered their entire provinces, while a few stubborn ones wished to hold out to the end, relying on dangerous terrain.

However, under this grand trend of Heaven and Earth, how could one be allowed to overestimate their own strength?

Not only were the common people in the major provinces overjoyed to welcome the royal army, but even many generals and soldiers under the warlords were deeply inspired, either defecting on the battlefield or staging military insurrections against their commanders.

“The people yearn for stability, the world returns to Lu,” this slogan had become an irreversible tide throughout the Xiayu Kingdom.

Three months later.

The beacon fires gradually extinguished, and the mountains and rivers were reorganized.

The Dingnan Army under Lu Xuan's command took over most of the Xiayu Kingdom's territory without bloodshed.

Wherever they went, the common people were moved to tears, lining the streets to welcome them, genuinely supporting this enlightened ruler who could end the chaos and bring peace.

Now, on the map of the entire Xiayu Kingdom, only one isolated city remained.

The Capital.

It was still resisting stubbornly, but everyone knew that it was merely the final chapter of the old era.

Within the Capital at this time, countless forces surged beneath the surface, eventually escalating into a wave that swept across the entire city.

The hearts of the people had completely turned!

In the streets and alleys, discussions were no longer about presidential decrees, but about Grand Marshal Lu's benevolence and the Dingnan Army's prestige.

Inside the presidential palace, Provisional President Shen Yiyuan listened to the faint commotion from outside the window, slumping dejectedly in the chair that symbolized supreme power.

His face was ashen, his lips trembled for a long while, and finally, he squeezed out a curse from between his teeth, mixed with endless confusion and despair.

“Damn you, old Heaven... what the hell... is going on?!”

He couldn't understand it no matter what.

Clearly, three months ago, he was still the nominal co-ruler of the world, holding the moral high ground; the advantage should have been his.

How, in the blink of an eye, did his forces collapse like a landslide, utterly defeated?

Now, he had even fallen to the point of being betrayed by all, a lonely man?

Just then, the presidential palace gate was forcefully pushed open.

A general in a crisp officer's uniform, with a complex expression, led several thousand heavily armed soldiers swarming in, instantly surrounding this core building, symbolizing old-era power, making it impenetrable.

The general walked up to Shen Yiyuan, stood at attention, and gave a standard military salute, his voice heavy yet firm.

“Your Excellency, Mr. President.”

“Times have changed. Please... come with us gracefully.”

“Now that the new ruler is clear, and the world's hearts are unified, this is an irreversible... Mandate of Heaven.”

Half a year later.

A brand new nation was declared established on this scarred divine land, historically known as “New Xia.”

Lu Xuan, supported by the myriad people, rightfully ascended to the position of Grand President, stabilizing the world.

From then on, the decades-long chaos of warlord fragmentation was completely ended, laws were unified, and order was rebuilt.

The dark era that once regarded human lives as mere grass was gone forever; the lives and dignity of all common people were solemnly protected by the new laws.

Now, in New Xia, all demonic influences within its borders have been swept away, and evil has been quelled.

The ghosts and monsters that once plagued the human world have turned into historical dust under the mighty military prowess of the Talisman army.

Finally, a new era was ushered in, where mountains were opened, bridges were built over water, and human will triumphed over nature!

In a quiet room, Lu Xuan dismissed his attendants and was alone.

In his hands rested precisely the imperial seal of china, which carried the rise and fall of countless Dynasties and symbolized the Mandate of Heaven.

He gazed at this imperial seal, which gathered the Luck of the divine land, and finally silently uttered two words in his heart.

“Extract.”