127: Postwar Integration

The news of the defeat of the Crimson Flame Coalition spread rapidly throughout the Jianghu as if it had grown wings. All major forces were shaken upon learning that Beyond Heaven had not only routed the Southern Frontier Coalition, but that its Young Lord, Jun Xiaoyao, was also the Prince of Zhenbei of the Great Qian Dynasty. Those forces that had previously eyed Beyond Heaven covetously now restrained their ambitions, secretly weighing the consequences of making an enemy of Beyond Heaven.

Inside the Tianwaitian Headquarters, post-war reorganization was proceeding methodically. In the council hall, Jun Xiaoyao sat in the main seat, listening to the reports from everyone.

“Young Lord, the Crimson Flame King has been thrown into The Net's dungeon. All three hundred plus members of his personal guard have been captured, and the core Cultivation Technique of the Crimson Flame Tribe, the Heaven Burning Art, has been seized and stored,” Zhao Gao reported clearly, holding the ledger. “The Five Tribes of the Southern Frontier have presented their surrender documents and handed over their various secret arts and Secret Manuals, including the antidote formula for the Blood Vine Curse.”

Jun Xiaoyao nodded slightly and turned his gaze to the Marshal of the Unruly: “Marshal of the Unruly, what were Beyond Heaven's losses in this major battle?”

The Marshal of the Unruly stepped forward and said solemnly, “Reporting to Young Lord, three hundred and seventy-two were killed in battle, one hundred and forty-five were seriously injured, and over five hundred sustained minor injuries. However, the captured supplies, such as grain, weapons, Cultivation Techniques, and Secret Manuals, are enough to compensate for these losses, with even a surplus remaining.”

“The fallen brothers shall be given a generous funeral and compensation according to Beyond Heaven's rules, and their families will be properly settled by The Net,” Jun Xiaoyao said in a calm tone, yet with undeniable authority. “Those seriously injured shall be personally treated by Wu Xingyun to ensure their lives are saved. Those with minor injuries should rest well, and rewards will be distributed based on merit after their recovery.”

“Yes, Young Lord!” everyone replied in unison.

“Dark Blade, lead The Net's elites to the Southern Frontier to take over the territory of the Crimson Flame Tribe and the Five Tribes, take inventory of resources, and select usable individuals to incorporate into The Net,” Jun Xiaoyao continued to command. “Remember, the people of the Southern Frontier are fierce. Use both grace and severity. Those who refuse to submit shall be executed without mercy.”

Dark Blade clasped his fist in acknowledgment: “Your subordinate understands.”

“West Gate Blows Snow, go organize the captured Cultivation Techniques and Secret Manuals, compile the useful parts into volumes for the core members of Beyond Heaven to study.”

“Yes, Young Lord,” West Gate Blows Snow's cold voice rang out.

“No Fate, strengthen the Headquarters' defenses, especially the dungeon guards. Watch the Crimson Flame King carefully; don't let him die, and don't let him escape.”

“Your subordinate obeys,” No Fate responded, a flash of severity crossing his eyes.

Everyone took their orders and left. Only Jun Xiaoyao and Zhao Gao remained in the council hall.

“Young Lord, although the Five Tribes of the Southern Frontier have submitted, people's hearts are unpredictable. Should we perhaps...” Zhao Gao made a gesture of slitting a throat.

Jun Xiaoyao shook his head: “No need. Keeping them alive is still useful. The Southern Frontier has complex terrain and abundant resources. Having them guard the Southern Frontier for us is safer than directly stationing our own people. As for their loyalty, The Net's methods are sufficient to keep them in line.”

Zhao Gao smiled knowingly: “The Young Lord is wise.”

“Oh, right. Take the Crimson Flame King's Heaven Burning Art to Ouyezi and see if he can find inspiration for improving weapons, especially methods to counter fire-attributed weapons,” Jun Xiaoyao added.

“Yes, Young Lord.”

A few days later, in the Southern Frontier.

The Net's Elites led by Dark Blade had arrived at the former site of the Crimson Flame Tribe. The once prosperous tribe was now nothing more than broken walls and ruins, the air still thick with the smell of smoke and blood. The leaders of the Five Tribes had already led their clansmen to wait outside the tribe. Seeing Dark Blade and his men, they stepped forward to salute, their attitude respectful, but the apprehension in their eyes was undeniable.

“There is no need for such formality, leaders,” Dark Blade said in a cold tone, his black and white twin swords slightly swaying at his waist. “The Young Lord has commanded that the Southern Frontier territory shall henceforth be under the jurisdiction of Beyond Heaven. Your Five Tribes must hand over thirty percent of your resources and dispatch young, strong men to be incorporated into The Net and follow orders. If anyone disobeys, do not blame my sword for being merciless.”

The leaders of the Five Tribes exchanged glances. The leader of the Rattan Armor Tribe bit the bullet and said, “Lord Dark Blade, thirty percent of the resources is too much. Our clansmen may find it difficult to survive...”

“Hmph.” Dark Blade snorted coldly. His black sword instantly left its sheath. With a flash of sword light, a massive rock beside the Rattan Armor Tribe leader shattered instantly. “Either hand it over, or die. Choose one.”

The Rattan Armor Tribe leader was scared pale and quickly said, “I'll hand it over! I'll hand it over!”

Seeing this, the other leaders dared not raise any further objections and all expressed their willingness to comply.

Dark Blade nodded in satisfaction: “Very good. Within three days, complete the inventory of resources and young, strong men, and hand them over to The Net for takeover. If you dare play any tricks, the Crimson Flame King will be your fate.”

The leaders of the Five Tribes repeatedly agreed, not daring to say anything more.

Tianwaitian Headquarters, Dungeon.

The Crimson Flame King was chained to the stone wall. The once arrogant tribal leader was now gaunt and covered in injuries. No Fate stood before him, holding a bowl of coarse rice.

“Eat,” No Fate handed the bowl over.

The Crimson Flame King looked up, his eyes bloodshot, glaring fiercely at No Fate: “Where is Jun Xiaoyao? Tell him to come see me!”

“How could the Young Lord meet with a prisoner like you?” No Fate said calmly. “If you know what's good for you, eat. Otherwise, no one will care if you starve to death.”

The Crimson Flame King knocked over the rice bowl, scattering the rice everywhere: “I am the Overlord of the Southern Frontier! How can I endure such humiliation! If Jun Xiaoyao has the guts, kill me!”

No Fate's eyes turned cold. His iron sword left its sheath and pressed against the Crimson Flame King's throat: “Want to die? It's not that easy. The Young Lord kept you alive because there is naturally a use for you.”

The Crimson Flame King struggled violently, the chains emitting a grating friction sound: “Let me go! I want a fight to the death with Jun Xiaoyao!”

No Fate ignored him, sheathed his sword, and turned to leave, leaving the Crimson Flame King roaring in place.

*** Meanwhile, some forces in the Jianghu were secretly colluding.

Inside Prince Jing's Palace of the Great Qian Dynasty, Prince Jing Zhao Ye was secretly meeting with several Family Sect Masters.

“Gentlemen, Beyond Heaven's power is growing daily, and Jun Xiaoyao holds both the title of Prince of Zhenbei and Young Lord of Beyond Heaven. His intentions must be punished,” Zhao Ye said gravely. “If we allow him to continue developing, we may lose our foothold.”

“Your Highness Prince Jing speaks the truth,” echoed an old man wearing a brocade robe. He was the Sect Master of the Li Family, one of the four major families in the Capital. “The Net of Beyond Heaven acts ruthlessly. They have already annexed the Southern Frontier, and their next step will likely be to encroach upon the Central Plains.”

“Then what should we do?” asked another Sect Master.

A hint of viciousness flashed in Zhao Ye's eyes: “Doesn't Jun Xiaoyao want to integrate the Jianghu? We'll give him some trouble. The Netherworld Cult in the Western Regions is an old acquaintance of mine. Their Cult Master, the Netherworld Old Freak, has already reached the Mid-stage Terrestrial Immortal Realm. If we can persuade him to act, it will surely teach Beyond Heaven a lesson.”

“Netherworld Cult?” Everyone's expression changed slightly. “We heard the Netherworld Cult operates secretly and uses cruel methods. Cooperating with them might bring trouble upon ourselves.”

“Hmph, those who achieve great things don't fuss over minor details,” Zhao Ye sneered. “As long as we can overthrow Jun Xiaoyao, what is this small risk? I have already sent someone with a generous gift to invite the Netherworld Old Freak to come and discuss. I believe he will not refuse to cooperate with us.”

Everyone was silent for a moment, then finally nodded in agreement. A conspiracy targeting Beyond Heaven was quietly brewing.

Tianwaitian Headquarters, Jun Xiaoyao's study.

Zhao Gao rushed over, his expression grave: “Young Lord, The Net has uncovered intelligence that Prince Jing Zhao Ye held a secret meeting with several prominent families and Sects in the Capital, seemingly plotting something. Furthermore, the Cult Master of the Netherworld Cult in the Western Regions, the Netherworld Old Freak, recently left the cult, and his whereabouts are unknown.”

Jun Xiaoyao set down the teacup in his hand, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes: “Prince Jing? Netherworld Cult? It seems the matter of the Crimson Flame Tribe has made some people restless.”

“Young Lord, should your subordinate send people to investigate?” Zhao Gao asked.

“No need,” Jun Xiaoyao said indifferently. “They are merely clowns jumping on a beam; they can't cause much trouble. However, the Netherworld Old Freak is a nuisance. Zhao Gao, order The Net to closely monitor the movements of the Netherworld Cult. If the Netherworld Old Freak dares to step into the Central Plains, execute him without question.”

“Yes, Young Lord.”

Jun Xiaoyao looked out the window. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the buildings of the Headquarters, coating them in a golden halo. He knew that the calm was only temporary; the undercurrents in the Jianghu were already surging. But he did not care. Beyond Heaven's strength was sufficient to meet any challenge. Anyone who dared to infringe upon his interests would pay a heavy price.