148: Chapter 148 The battle had barely begun when the news spread like wildfire!

"Absurd!"

Emperor Mingde slammed the secret report in his hand onto the hall floor, his eyes blazing like torches, filled with burning rage.

He had already learned that the surrounding Great Tang, Liyang, and Great Ming had all deployed troops to the borders, watching like tigers eyeing their prey.

Once Northern Li's defensive lines collapsed and Heavenly Revelations fell, those neighboring countries would surely take advantage of the situation. At that time, the mountains and rivers would be overturned, and the state would cease to exist!

"Immediately issue an order to the world: any Sect within our borders that contributes to the war effort will, after this battle, be granted full ownership of the lands they occupy!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the expressions of Jin Xian, Jin Wei, and the other three changed instantly.

"Your Majesty, you must not!" Jin Xian hurriedly tried to dissuade him. "Northern Li has numerous Jianghu Schools. If this precedent is set today, even if we repel the powerful enemies, half of the empire will fall into the hands of the Martial Forest!"

"Exactly! The Jianghu forces are already deeply rooted. To grant them further rewards would lead to a situation where they become too powerful to manage, causing endless future troubles!"

"Then tell me, how should we respond?"

Emperor Mingde glared at everyone, his voice low yet full of pressure.

Just then, a clear and youthful voice rang out: "Father, there is no need to worry.

As long as we annihilate Ye Dingzhi's isolated army before the Thirty-Six Outer Tribes enter our borders, the chaos will resolve itself."

Everyone looked toward the source of the voice and saw Xiao Chuhe picking up the secret letter that had just been thrown. He stood in the hall with a calm expression.

"What did you say?" Emperor Mingde's brows furrowed, his tone deepening.

"Every word I say is true; this plan is feasible." Xiao Chuhe did not back down in the slightest.

Jin Xian and the other two showed looks of astonishment, exchanging glances. They hadn't expected this young prince to have such courage.

"If Ye Dingzhi were so easy to deal with, do you think I haven't thought of it?" Emperor Mingde said coldly.

"But there is someone who can accomplish this." Xiao Chuhe's tone was firm.

"Who?"

"Mr. Su."

A single sentence fell, and the entire hall went silent.

Indeed, if Su Rui were to act, Ye Dingzhi would be nothing to fear.

The strength Su Rui had previously displayed had already transcended into the Realm of the holy.

But the problem was that this man had already clearly stated he would not interfere in the struggles of the imperial court.

With his abilities, even imperial power would find it difficult to restrain him.

"All men have desires, whether it be greed for wealth, a love for beauty, or a longing for power.

As long as a sufficient price is offered, there is always room for negotiation." Xiao Chuhe's expression was certain.

"These words... who taught them to you?" Emperor Mingde frowned as he looked at his son.

"I read them in books," Xiao Chuhe answered frankly.

Emperor Mingde sighed softly: "Child, there is logic in books, but it may not necessarily apply to the ways of the world.

When you grow older, you will understand."

Xiao Chuhe froze, a flash of confusion appearing in his eyes.

He was about to say more but was waved away.

He silently withdrew from the hall, his small body with hands behind his back, repeatedly mulling over the conversation.

He felt a slight regret in his heart—if his Father could use every means to invite Su Rui, he could take the opportunity to get close and find a chance to become his Disciple.

Unfortunately, hope was slim at the moment.

Emperor Mingde was completely unaware of his son's thoughts. At this moment, he had already sent someone to urgently summon Xiao Ruofeng, ordering him to join forces with the soon-to-arrive Baili Dongjun to set an ambush at Qingyun Terrace, ensuring the Demonic Cult's army was annihilated outside the city.

...

Inside the Qingyun Great Camp, Xiao Ruofeng and Lei Mengsha were currently seeking help from Su Rui, hoping he would act to eradicate Ye Dingzhi.

Su Rui merely gave a faint smile: "Baili Dongjun will arrive tomorrow; there is no need for me to act."

He had no intention of getting involved in this dispute.

Naturally, he wouldn't easily agree to it.

"Can Baili Dongjun truly stop Ye Dingzhi?"

Xiao Ruofeng's brows furrowed slightly, his tone laced with unease.

The State Preceptor was injured, and Jin Xuan was practically on the verge of death.

Although the Dark River could be considered on their side now, that Patriarch was only at the Half-Step Divine Roaming Realm and might not be willing to truly risk his life.

Once the situation turned sour, he would likely turn and leave; no one would stay to cover the retreat.

At that point, Ye Dingzhi would sweep the field with no one to stop him, and the situation would likely become uncontrollable.

Lei Mengsha stood silently to the side, winking and making faces at Li Hanyi, teasing her until her face was full of embarrassment, making her want to draw her sword immediately to force him to shut up.

This father of hers was still as improper as ever.

Xiao Ruofeng sighed softly and turned to leave.

Lei Mengsha hurried to follow him.

Meanwhile, Baili Dongjun's group was on their way to Heavenly Revelations.

Outside Heavenly Revelations City, dozens of falcons and messenger pigeons took flight, scattering in all directions—all released by scouts sent by various major forces.

The battle had just begun, and news spread like the wind.

"That man actually didn't act!"

Shangguan Haitang was still dressed in men's clothing, her jade-like face handsome, tapping a folding fan against her palm, her voice cold.

"Why didn't he act? I heard the State Preceptor nearly lost his life. If reinforcements hadn't arrived in time, he would likely have perished.

Yet that man remained indifferent?" Duan Tianya frowned in confusion.

A light flashed in Shangguan Haitang's eyes, as if a sudden realization had struck her.

"This is actually a good thing! It shows he has no deep ties with the Northern Li Imperial Court!"

She suddenly snapped the folding fan shut and tapped it against her forehead with a crisp 'clack,' her speaking speed abruptly quickening.

"That's unlikely, isn't it?" Duan Tianya shook his head. "He clearly moved into the Pillar State General's Manor earlier and has a close relationship with Lei Mengsha. He even came to the battlefield personally this time; why would he stand idly by?"

"That's exactly why it's worth pondering." Shangguan Haitang's tone was firm. "With his strength, he could have turned the tide, yet he chose to remain inactive.

If this isn't detachment, then what is?"

A hint of eagerness burned in her eyes: "This matter must be reported to Foster Father as soon as possible!"

"Don't be impulsive yet," Duan Tianya hurriedly advised. "This kind of thing has wide implications; we must verify it clearly."

Shangguan Haitang took a deep breath, suppressing the excitement in her heart and calming down a bit.

"You're right... but if it's truly so, should our Great Ming take advantage of the situation and try to win this person over?"

Her gaze flickered slightly with a hint of anticipation.

Duan Tianya did not answer, remaining silent.

Easier said than done.

"Jing Ni, the mission assigned by the Commandery Magistrate is urgent."

Black and White Profound Blade's voice was like ice, without any ripples.

"The time has not yet come." Jing Ni shook her head gently. "Approaching rashly will only arouse suspicion. Even if I get close, it would seem too intentional."

Though she hadn't experienced it personally, as a top assassin of the Net of Heaven, she had read countless secret files—the methods for approaching a target and swaying their will were recorded in detail within the scrolls.

Among the female assassins in the Net of Heaven, those with outstanding appearances were all well-versed in these ways.

Jing Ni was no exception.

She had never truly waded into the waters of love, yet she was already familiar with a thousand methods, making her a master of theoretical application.

"The sooner, the better." Black and White Profound Blade said only this one sentence.

And at this moment, a ripple quietly rose in Jing Ni's heart.

She had once executed a mission in Great Qin, the target being an elderly sword master.

The opponent's martial arts far surpassed hers; even in his twilight years, he could easily suppress all her attacks.

But at the final moment, that old man had actually taken the initiative to discard his sword and calmly accept death.

"This remnant body is not worth pitying.

You are still young; are you to be a blade for your entire life, never to see the light of day?"

That single whisper was like a nail driven into her bones, lingering for a long time.

In the end, she still killed him.

But those words echoed repeatedly in the depths of her heart.

Before, when the Net of Heaven was powerful, she had no choice.

But now... perhaps, it is time for a change.

Shi Yao released all the messenger pigeons in her hand and turned to look at the two from Fanyin Heaven.

They were doing the same thing, only their pigeons were headed in a different direction—not to the Marshal of the Unruly, but straight to the supreme Empress of the Phantom Sound Workshop.

Noticing Shi Yao's gaze, the two women snorted coldly and flicked their sleeves as they walked away.

"The great battle is about to be decided; let's see how much longer you can remain so smug!"

...

Inside the Demonic Cult's temporary camp, the atmosphere was heavy.

Mo Qixuan knelt on one knee, his expression solemn, not daring to raise his head before Ye Dingzhi.

"Cult Leader, on the battlefield today, Disciples of the Snow Moon City Martial Arts Hall appeared, and more than one."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the tent was shaken.

Mo Qixuan had already reported previously that Snow Moon City hid a top-tier expert.

During the final battle at Wushuang City years ago, the city lord's earth-shattering final strike had, according to his observations, shared an identical Concept with that Martial Arts Hall Master.

"You mean... that person has come personally?"

Ye Dingzhi's face was dark, his gaze like a blade piercing straight into Mo Qixuan's eyes.

"Yes!"

Ye Dingzhi paused slightly. Today's battle situation was in their favor; if no one could stop him tomorrow, he could start a slaughter and sweep away the Northern Li experts.

This battle not only concerned the overall direction of the situation but was also related to whether he could rescue Consort Xuan.

"Indeed, that person has already come; he is right in the army."

A cold female voice suddenly rang out.

Everyone was startled to see a red shadow flash by, moving so fast it was dizzying.

The woman in red landed steadily, her appearance stunningly beautiful, as if she had stepped out of a painting.

"Cult Leader East had not shown yourself before, yet you suddenly appear now. What is the meaning of this?"

Ye Dingzhi's face darkened slightly.

"I stayed in Heavenly Revelations for some time, thinking that Cult Leader Ye was already unstoppable." Invincible East's tone was indifferent, not backing down at all.

"What do you mean by that?" Tyrant spoke up with a gloomy face.

The strength Zhao Guyan had displayed in Wushuang City had left him with lingering fears.

Ye Dingzhi might be able to handle it, but he himself might not be certain.

If, as Mo Qixuan said, Zhao Guyan had reached such a Realm merely by imitating the Concept of that Snow Moon City Hall Master, then the risk of this operation was far higher than anticipated.

Although the benefits after conquering Northern Li were tempting, life was the foundation.

If there was a fatal threat, he had to re-evaluate his options.

"That man did not act." Young Master Yu, wearing a bronze dragon mask, gave a light laugh and spoke leisurely.

As everyone's gaze converged on him, he remained unhurried and chuckled again: "You all say this person is incredibly strong. If that's the case, why has he remained inactive until now? If he were truly as powerful as you say, a single move should have made him unstoppable—but what are the facts?"

Hearing this, everyone's expressions varied as they fell into thought.

"But we cannot count on him never acting," Tyrant said coldly. "Once he makes a move, the situation will immediately spiral out of control."

"Sect Leader Xiong is absolutely right." Ye Dingzhi suddenly interjected, cutting off the argument. "However, I have my own ways to respond; you all need not worry too much."

He stood up, his gaze sweeping over everyone: "In tomorrow's battle, we must strive to finish the task in one stroke.

The promised benefits will not be reduced by a single cent.

Right now, the newly gathered forces of the Thirty-Six Outer Tribes are approaching Northern Li."

Seeing that everyone still had doubts, his voice deepened: "You should understand that with the surrounding nations now stationing troops at the borders—once Heavenly Revelations falls, the enemy will not just be our few groups of people."

He paused, his tone becoming increasingly grave: "At that time, besieged from all sides, even with heaven-defying means, it will be hard to turn back the tide."