1985 - 1993
Chapter 1985: The Regent
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Given that the holy war had not come to an end, the procedures of Xuanyuan Zhu's ascension to the throne were simplified. Even though, the entire process still lasted three days from the early morning of February 14 to the evening of February 16.
On February 14, Xuanyuan Zhu offered sacrifice to the heavens and the earth in the round sacrificial altar of Emperor Xuanyuan's royal palace escorted by his royal relatives.
On February 15, after finishing the sacrifice, the three councilors and the nine ministers led all the major officials and officers to the round sacrificial altar to welcome Xuanyuan Zhu. "As Your Majesty has already finished the sacrifice, please ascend to the throne right now." Xuanyuan Zhu then bade farewell to his royal relatives and was escorted by those major officials and officers to the Heavenly Heart Gate of the royal palace, where the councilors, ministers and lords were waiting for him. At Heavenly Heart Gate, there was a golden desk, on which there were the coronet and uniform, especially for the crown prince. When they saw Xuanyuan Zhu, all the dignitaries uttered in unison, "Your Majesty, please put on your coronet and uniform". Xuanyuan Zhu then walked to the front of the golden chair. The protocol officials then helped him put on the uniform. After that, they bowed towards him. Zhang Tie then helped him put on the coronet. Then, Zhang Tie held his hand and walked all the way towards the Nine Heavens Palace from Heavenly Heart Gate while being escorted by the officials and officers. Xuanyuan Zhu then took the jade seal of Taixia Country from the hands of the employed sage-level knight of the royal household who served as a seal keeper at this moment. After that, he ascended to the throne. After all the officers and officials of Taixia Country deeply bowed towards him for three times, he left Nine Heavens Palace for the Imperial Ancestral Temple.
When he came to the Imperial Ancestral Temple, he presented the roster and jewelry and conferred his parents, his grandparents, his grandparents' parents and his grandparents' grandparents with important titles out of courtesy.
On February 16, all the officials and officers wrote letters and congratulated his ascension to the throne. All the ambassadors from other countries in Xuanyuan Hill then presented the letters of credence to meet Xuanyuan Zhu. When those ambassadors finished their visits in the evening, Xuanyuan Zhu handed the jade seal of Taixia Country to Zhang Tie and officially entrusted Zhang Tie as the regent who would supervise the affairs of the state. After that, Xuanyuan Zhu left Nine Heavens Palace, which symbolized the accomplishment of the entire succession ceremony.
From then on, as Xuanyuan Zhu was still a minor, his preoccupancy was to learn and grow up. Therefore, he could only administer the affairs of the state on the morning of the first day and the 15th day of each month. As for the other days, he had to study in the royal palace. When he finished his coming-of-age ceremony at 20 years old, Zhang Tie would return the power to him. By then, Xuanyuan Zhu would administer the affairs of the state officially.
…
On February 17, the 933rd year of Black Iron Calendar, Zhang Tie in lord's boa-silk uniform was sitting in the Nine Heavens Palace and watching the three councilors, nine ministers, those officers and officials and the five lords with complex moods.
When he came to Xuanyuan Hill in the beginning, he could only hide his real identity and do everything stealthily. But now he was standing on the highest point of the supreme palace on behalf of Taixia Country and humans. When he retrospected the past, he felt like having a big dream.
Zhang Tie's seat was in front of Xuanyuan Zhu's throne, which was only one step lower than the 9-step stairs of Xuanyuan Zhu's. It was the regent's seat. When Xuanyuan Zhu was not in the Nine Heavens Palace, the place, where Zhang Tie was, became the highest location in Nine Heavens Palace. He would be able to watch everything in the palace.
The officials and officers were standing on two sides respectively. Under Zhang Tie's seat, there were 8 chairs, respectively for the commander-in-chief, the one being responsible for public works, the premier, Lord Guangnan, Lord Xuanwu, Lod Jingtian, Lord Dingxi and Lord Yian.
There were respectively two rows of imperial guards in shiny helmets and armors on both sides on the royal stairs. These guards were at least knights.
Meng Shidao was sitting in the seat of premier and watching Zhang Tie calmly. Zhang Tie also watched him calmly.
One day before Xuanyuan Zhu ascended to the throne, Meng Shidao who was "a bit sick" finally "recovered" and attended the following three ceremonies. In the three days, Zhang Tie had seen Meng Shidao for more than once. However, the two parties didn't make any exchange with each other. Today, it was the first time for Zhang Tie and Meng Shidao to meet each other officially after Zhang Tie's return.
However, one was in a higher position while the other in a lower position.
It was the first day for Zhang Tie to administer the affairs of the state. It was pretty solemn in the Nine Heavens Palace. All the officers and officials in the palace looked calm like Meng Shidao, no matter what they thought. Many people had noticed the subtle qi field between Zhang Tie and Meng Shidao when the two people watched each other. However, nobody opened their mouth. They were all waiting for Zhang Tie to break the silence.
Watching Meng Shidao's calm look, Zhang Tie felt like watching capricious mist. Actually, Zhang Tie always felt that something in Meng Shidao's eyes was observing him secretly.
Meng Shidao behaved very calmly. He didn't even look afraid or flurried at all after knowing that Zhang Tie had entered Xuanyuan Hill.
Meng Shidao was the premier of Taixia Country, one of the three councilors of the country. After Meng Shidao promoted to a sage-level knight, it was absolutely reasonable for him to hurt Yun Zhongzi who was wanted by the supreme court. Even though Zhang Tie couldn't find any loophole from Meng Shidao on this event. Even though he knew that Meng Shidao might have made an agreement with Old Man Taiyi and Grand Master Shenkong privately, he still couldn't condemn Meng Shidao because of this because of the two sage-level knights had already died.
Those knights of the three major sects who were captured by Iron-Dragon Sect didn't even know that Meng Shidao had connections with Old Man Taiyi and Grand Master Shenkong, not to mention the agreement between them. Even Xuanyuan Lie, the ninth prince of Emperor Xuanyuan, couldn't get any intelligence from their mouths; because Meng Shidao didn't have any contact with Xuanyuan Lie at all. Given the above points, Zhang Tie couldn't find any loophole from Meng Shidao at all.
Over 30 years ago, Zhang Tie returned to Taixia Country for the first time. At that time, the Gobbling Party was already a great force in Taixia Country. During these years when Meng Shidao served as the premier of Taixia Country, the influence of the Gobbling Party expanded in Taixia Country rapidly. Besides those disciples of Meng Shidao's, hundreds of millions of people were bewildered by the specious theory of humanity, justice and morality of the Gobbling Party. After so many years, many such people had already become the grass-roots or even middle-level officials in Taixia Country. Their tentacles had already reached every nook and corner of the country; some of them had even become provincial governors and had great influence in the provinces, prefectures and cities across Taixia Country. It was no exaggeration to say that the influence that Gobbling Party posed to the grass-roots civilians of Taixia Country was absolutely greater than that of the three major sects. This explained why Zhang Tie didn't catch Meng Shidao for the time being.
However, it didn't mean that Zhang Tie could tolerate Meng Shidao bringing trouble to him on the position of premier of Taixia Country.
In order to end the holy war as soon as possible, Meng Shidao must leave the position of premier and leave Xuanyuan Hill.
…
"When I arrived at Xuanyuan Hill a few days ago, I've heard that Chancellor Meng was sick. I wonder whether do you feel a bit better these days?" Under the gaze of so many officers and officials in the Nine Heavens Palace, Zhang Tie asked Meng Shidao calmly on the high seat.
After hearing Zhang Tie's first words, many officials and officers in the palace felt that their hearts pounded slightly. Everyone knew the old scores between Jinwu Palace and Gobbling Party. They all knew that Zhang Tie was not actually concerned about Meng Shidao's physical condition.
"Thanks for your concern, Lord!" Meng Shidao replied with a smile, "A few years ago, in order to promote to a sage-level knight, I got into a devil's way when in cultivation and got some sequela. I've not been completely cured even now. Sometimes, I feel a lack of spirit. As it's at the critical moment of holy war, the position of premier is closely related to the holistic situation facing Taixia Country, I feel that I couldn't be qualified for this position any longer; therefore, I especially come here to resign. After resignation, I prepare to return to the Gobbling Province and open a college. I'm going to be immersed in learning and continue to realize the secrets in the far-ancient moral stele!"
Zhang Tie was slightly shocked by Meng Shidao's words. Zhang Tie indeed planned to kick off Meng Shidao today. He had long prepared well some tricks and was going to try them on Meng Shidao. Unexpectedly, Meng Shidao asked for resignation voluntarily. He drew back wisely in the face of overwhelming odds. This really saved Zhang Tie's time.
"I agree!" Zhang Tie didn't even urge him to stay out of politeness; instead, he directly agreed with Meng Shidao to leave like pushing a boat along the current. Meng Shidao appeared to be choked by Zhang Tie's words. However, Zhang Tie didn't continue to see Meng Shidao; instead, he told some guards in the palace in a decisive tone, "We're going to discuss the current situation facing Taixia Country and humans in the holy war; additionally, we should work out the solutions. It would last long. Now that Chancellor Meng doesn't feel good and always lacks spirit, you'd better leave here for recuperation; otherwise, if there's something bad happens to you, people would complain to me about not respecting the elder. Accompany Chancellor Meng to go back to his mansion for rest; have imperial doctors make a diagnosis for and give treatment to Chancellor Meng carefully. Chancellor Meng, if you need any pills, just have people take them from the royal warehouse!"
"Thanks for your concern, Lord!" Meng Shidao appreciated Zhang Tie as he took got up and took a gloomy glance at Zhang Tie calmly. Before those guards approached him, Meng Shidao had walked towards the gate of Nine Heavens Palace.
"Chancellor Meng, please leave the seal of premier in case that I have to have someone to take it!" Zhang Tie said calmly, "Chancellor Meng could leave Xuanyuan Hill at any time; however, Xuanyuan Hill must have a premier every day!"
The entire palace was in dead silence. All the officials and officers in the palace were watching Meng Shidao who had stopped his foot.
Even though Emperor Xuanyuan couldn't dismiss premier, one of the three councilors, in such a simple way. Zhang Tie's strong resolute decision caused many people's heart to palpitate.
Meng Shidao turned around and took a glance at Zhang Tie with a smile. He then lightly took off a space-teleportation finger ring and gave it to a guard. Then, he left the Nine Heavens Palace with the "company" of two guards.
Watching Meng Shidao leaving in such a calm way, Zhang Tie didn't feel relaxed at all; instead, he became intense at once. Actually, Zhang Tie didn't mean to fiercely maul Meng Shidao by the last two sentences; instead, he was just testing Meng Shidao on purpose. Previously, he thought that Meng Shidao would resist him; unimaginably, Meng Shidao just accepted his arrangement calmly. That was too abnormal.
'Did he swallow insult and humiliation wisely or have Plan B?'
Zhang Tie looked a bit solemn…
Chapter 1986: The Harm of the Gobbling Party
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Zhang Tie saw Meng Shidao off the stairs outside the Nine Heavens Hall with slightly narrowing eyes. Then he glanced over those civilian ministers and military officers in the hall.
Many people among them at present dared not look straight into Zhang Tie's eyes.
'No matter what, I've completed the first step——drive Meng Shidao out of here…' Zhang Tie muttered inside. 'I've got only two things to deal with. Stabilize the domestic situation before resisting foreign aggression. I will completely end this holy war in the homeland of humans and drive all the damn demons back to the underground…'
At this moment, it was the supreme target in Zhang Tie's inner heart.
In order to reach this target, Zhang Tie could do many things that he didn't want to do or felt reluctant to do in the past such as being regent and being completely merciless to all the enemies and opponents.
"The position of the Finance Minister is of great significance and should not be vacant. Now that Mr. Meng has resigned, do you have any proper commendation?" Zhang Tie continued to ask.
Ordinary officers were not qualified to recommend someone to assume such an important position. After hearing Zhang Tie's question, all the Civil Ministers and military officers in the hall fixated onto those people right under the throne of Zhang Tie.
'I'm afraid that Qianji Monarch has long reached a tacit agreement with someone; otherwise, he could never drive Meng Shidao away so decisively.' Many people at present were crystal clear about it.
"I've got a candidate!" Zuoqiu Mingyue stood up and opened his mouth.
"Please go ahead, Military Minister!" Zhang Tie said seriously.
"I recommend Tang Ling the former commander-in-chief and Senior General Bearpower of Imperial Guards to be the new Finance Minister!" Zuoqiu Mingyue took a look at all the others as he opened his mouth. "Before assuming the former commander-in-chief of Imperial Guards, he once assumed the position of minister of agriculture. He has rich experience in political affairs. Later on, when Tang Ling promoted to a heavenly knight and ruled the Imperial Guards, he made illustrious military exploits. Before the holy war broke out, Tang Ling intended to promote to a semi-sage level knight. He then resigned with the consent of Emperor Xuanyuan. According to my knowledge, Tang Ling had promoted to a semi-level sage knight at the end of last year and has just stabilized his realm. He could stop secluded cultivation at any time. My lord, if you send an order, Tang Ling would definitely like to assume this position and contribute to Taixia Country!"
Zuoqiu Mingyu indeed had already communicated with Zhang Tie about this candidate. After knowing that Zhang Tie would never allow Meng Shidao to assume the position of Finance Minister, Zuoqiu Mingyue proposed the most proper candidate in their hearts on behalf of the military and top four armies of Taixia Country.
Undoubtedly, the most proper candidate for Finance Minister that could satisfy the military must be a mogul in the army.
The position of Finance Minister was of great significance which could influence many aspects. If it could be assumed by a mogul in the top four armies, it was definitely a good piece of news for the military of Taixia Country.
Actually, before Meng Shidao assumed the position of finance minister, the military of Taixia Country had been looking for a person who could assume this position. However, at that moment, nobody in the military of Taixia Country could compete with Meng Shidao. Plus the crown prince's great support and many military moguls' unrealistic expectations towards Meng Shidao, the position of Finance Minister finally fell in the hands of Meng Shidao.
Over so many years, the military of Taixia Country had long been disgruntled with Meng Shidao; especially after Crown Prince Xuanyuan Changying was assassinated, Meng Shidao's deeds made many military moguls furious, which mainly contained two points: firstly, since the holy war broke out, a wide area of land had been lost; however, Meng Shidao still didn't give full support to the military; armies still couldn't use many products of official enterprises and receive logistics replenishment timely. Additionally, the trade of fiery oil and fiery-oil weapons were levied with heavy taxes among the people. Secondly, through the interpretation of some members of the Gobbling Party, the theory about humanity, justice and morality publicized by Meng Shidao couldn't be accepted by people at all.
According to some backbones of the Gobbling Party, demons started the holy war because of the problems facing Hua people themselves; instead of demons. If all the Hua people's moral integrity could reach the standard——match moral integrity with one's position, demons would never start the holy war; nor would Hua people suffer from any other disasters.
Generally, in the theory of the Gobbling Party, if someone wanted to kill you ferociously with a saber, you should not resist and kill the opponent first; instead, you should review yourself and check whether there was any defect with your own moral integrity or not. Only people with mistakes could incur others' attacks and encounter disasters. A person with perfect moral integrity would never encounter such things and would live in a perfect world.
Over these years, due to the surging attacks of demons, Taixia Country lost lands constantly and suffered from many domestic issues. Many people at the bottom of the society gradually lost their confidence in humans in the holy war, and had been gradually bewildered by the Gobbling Party and accepted the interpretation and theory of the Gobbling Party——Facing the sabers of demons, many people being influenced by the Gobbling Party didn't think about defeating demons and chopping off demons' heads; instead, they were praying and confessing every day and hoping to find reasons from themselves. They thought it was their own mistakes that incurred the attacks of demons. They wanted to resolve the disasters by becoming perfect people morally and reaching the "free realm" of matching their moral integrity with their positions.
Zuoqiu Mingyue said, if this theory of the Gobbling Party was really publicized, Hua people would kneel down and fight their enemies from then on. Evidently, Hua armies would be heavily inflicted.
Given his current position, even Zhang Tie wanted to jump up and swear at the Gobbling Party after hearing those words. Zhang Tie couldn't understand how humble were those members of Gobbling Party who could attribute the harms brought by bandits and wild beasts to their own mistakes and confess about that.
Before Zhang Tie came back, nobody across Taixia Country could defeat Meng Shidao and the Gobbling Party, not even Zuoqiu Mingyue. After Zhang Tie's return, Zuoqiu Mingyue and the military of Taixia Country finally saw hope…
They had to defeat Meng Shidao. This was a tacit agreement and common view that Zhang Tie had reached with Zuoqiu Mingyue and the other military moguls of Taixia Country.
Even though there were no old scores between Jinwu Palace and the Gobbling Party, given the empty theory that Gobbling Party publicized alone, Zhang Tie would never allow Meng Shidao to continue to assume the position of finance minister. As long as Meng Shidao held this position, the theory of the Gobbling Party would continue to spread across the country which would castrate the spirit of Taixia Country and Hua people completely…
Chapter 1987: Zhang Tie's Arrangements
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
After hearing Zuoqiu Mingyue's proposal, Zhang Tie instantly agreed with it…
It only took Zhang Tie less than 10 minutes to dismiss Meng Shidao and appoint Tang Ling as the new premier. Additionally, Tang Ling was requested to take office in Xuanyuan Hill right now. Zhang Tie was more efficient compared to those major officials and officers who had to discuss all kinds of issues in the Nine Heavens Palace over these years.
"As Li Yunji, the former justice minister, also one of the nine ministers of Taixia Country, is involved with the case of Royal Alliance, he has already been dismissed and put behind the bars. The position of the justice minister couldn't be vacant. Do you have any proper candidate?" Zhang Tie's voice reverberated around the palace soon after he fixed the position of premier.
After hearing Zhang Tie's words, all the others on the spot remained silent. As the new justice minister had to deal with a major criminal case of Royal Alliance and Jinwu Palace, nobody knew what Zhang Tie was thinking about at this moment. Therefore, they all waited for Zhang Tie to make a decision.
The position of the justice minister was now a pair of scissors in Zhang Tie's hand. As for whether this pair of scissors was suitable or not, it depended on its owner.
Zhang Tie waited there for half a minute. When he found that everybody in the palace was silent, he continued.
"Now that you're silent, I will directly appoint the justice minister…" Zhang Tie said with a smile. Meanwhile, he looked around those major officials and officers who were standing in the palace. When the others were guessing whom Zhang Tie wanted to appoint as the new justice minister, Zhang Tie called out an unpredictable name, "Where's Xue Bingdao, the assistant of the minister of rituals (the head of nine ministers)?"
After hearing Zhang Tie's words, many people fixated onto a Class II official (being closely inferior to Class I officials and officers like the three councilors and the nine ministers of Taixia Country) who was standing in a relatively front position among the officials.
In his 50's, the assistant of the minister of rituals had a beautiful beard, a fair face and stable temperament. Now that he could take this office, he must be a shadow knight. After hearing his name being called out, he looked a bit surprised. Closely after that, he took one step forward and replied while holding a jade plate. "I'm here, Lord!"
"From today on, you're the justice minister of Taixia Country!" Zhang Tie said calmly without any explanation as he watched Xue Bingdao.
After being silent for a few seconds, Xue Bingdao bowed deeply towards Zhang Tie before replying, "Yes, Lord!"
Many people in the palace were greatly shocked by Zhang Tie's appointment. They could understand why Zhang Tie dismissed Meng Shidao; however, they were completely confused by this appointment. Xue Bingdao appeared to not have any connection with Jinwu Palace. He was absolutely nobody for Zhang Tie. Why would Zhang Tie suddenly have Xue Binhao carry this heavy burden by appointing him as the justice minister?
Many people didn't get Zhang Tie's point; however, some understood it immediately. The commander-in-chief, the councilor of public works, Lord Guangnan, Lord Yi'an and some of the nine ministers got Zhang Tie's point first as they all watched Zhang Tie with great admiration. Xue Bingdao also understood it too.
Xue Bingdao was not exceptional among those major officials and officers in the palace; however, he had one advantage over all the others. Before entering Xuanyuan Hill, Xue Bingdao once served as the provincial governor of Xuanzhou Province for over 4 decades. Xuanzhou Province was a big province where Taiyi Fantasy Sect's base was located. As the provincial governor and the provincial governor's clan of Xuanzhou Province, even though Xue Bingdao and Xue Clan were not members of Royal Alliance, they could never avoid having relationships with Taiyi Fantasy Sects or those major sects which propped up Taiyi Fantasy Sect. At this moment, it was a good piece of news for the three flurried top sects and those major sects across the country that supported the three top sects that Zhang Tie appointed Xue Bingdao as the justice minister of Taixia Country. It meant that Zhang Tie didn't want to wipe out the three top sects by force; instead, he would keep them alive. Additionally, he could stabilize the overall situation facing Taixia Country to the utmost degree by making this decision.
Zhang Tie's saber became a stick. Therefore, many people preferred to be beaten by a stick rather than hopelessly face that saber at the risk of their lives and losing their clans without any hesitation.
"Over 1,000 knights of the three top sects are still being in the prison of Iron-Dragon Sect. After a while, the Supreme Court should assign people to take over all the knights of the three top sects in Youzhou Province and deal with them in accordance with laws. However, in the past a few months, Iron-Dragon Sect got a lot of secrets about the details of a major case in Mojiang City, Songzhou Province many years ago. At that time, the three top sects set a trap to intimidate and ambush Zhao Yuan in Mojiang City in order to get his secret methods. Unexpectedly, Zhao Yuan's power was far greater than they could imagine. Later on, Zhao Yuan killed many knights and broke out of the predicament. Even the entire Mojiang City was destroyed in the battle. Those who should claim responsibility for the tragedy in Mojiang City should be Royal Alliance and the three top sects!"
Zhang Tie then sighed. "As an alchemist master, Zhao Yuan should be serving humans on the battlefield at this moment; however, he's always being sworn by the public and wanted by the supreme court because of the tragedy in Mojiang City. It's time for the supreme court to clarify his innocence!"
Before knowing Royal Alliance, Zhang Tie also thought that his master Zhao Yuan should be responsible for the tragedy in Mojiang City. However, after knowing the hideous nature of Royal Alliance, Zhang Tie started to doubt the truth of the tragedy in Mojiang City. This time, after Iron Dragon Sect captured so many knights of the three top sects, Zhang Tie asked his men to interrogate those knights tentatively. As was imagined, they indeed got the details about the tragedy in Mojiang City. Actually, it Royal Alliance was the culprit of that tragedy. His master Zhao Yuan was the greatest victim in the tragedy. His sufferings were difficult to put in a nutshell. When Zhao Yuan witnessed all of his family members being killed by the young owner of Heavens Holding Pavilion in Mojiang City, Zhao Yuan almost lost his marbles with stimulation. Therefore, he usually behaved like a madman later on…
When Zhang Tie thought that the famous alchemist master was thrown out of the Zhao Mansion by the guards like a mad beggar in Whitedragon Town, Hidden Dragon Island, he almost dropped off tears out of pity.
Today, in the Nine Heavens Palace of Emperor Xuanyuan's royal palace, Zhang Tie determined his mind to clarify his master's innocence and expose the truth of the tragedy in Mojiang City to the public.
After having the supreme court cancel off its wanted circular about Zhao Yuan, Zhang Tie felt relieving his burden as his master Zhao Yuan could finally show up in Xuanyuan Hill aboveboard. He finally could do something for his master.
…
After adjournment, Zhang Tie independently met Xue Bingdao, the new justice minister in a study room of Nine Heavens Palace.
"Do you know why I have appointed you as the justice minister of Taixia Country?" Zhang Tie watched Xue Bingdao and asked him, sitting behind the desk.
"Yes, I do!" Xue Bingdao said straightforwardly, "Lord, do you want to keep them alive in case of more trouble in Taixia Country because of Royal Alliance?"
"Glad you know!" Zhang Tie nodded as he continued, "As for this case of Royal Alliance, you will be responsible for dealing with it!"
"Lord, I'm waiting for your guidance!"
"If they tell the truth, they will receive a lighter sentence; if they refuse to confess, they will face harsher punishment; the chief criminal will be severely punished; those being forced to do it will be pardoned. Neither punish those innocent people nor let them go. All of these are my requirements!" Zhang Tie flicked the desk as he specified with profound eyes. "Concretely, there're three points. Firstly, from now on, the three top sects of Royal Alliance will not set the position of owner or suzerain anymore. If they want, Xuanyuan Hill will appoint proper people as their owners and suzerains. It's the necessary price that the three top sects shall pay for their intention to rule the country. Secondly, the three dongtians of the three top sects must be taken over the top four armies of Taixia Country in the following 100 years. All the preferential policies for reassuring the three top sects across the country shall be canceled off. Thirdly, half of the properties of major clans in Royal Alliance shall be confiscated. Meanwhile, none of the descendants of these major sects in the next five generations are forbidden to be officials and officers. Those who have already been serving as officials and officers shall be demoted for consecutive three levels and shall not be promoted for the rest of their lives. Additionally, they're forbidden to serve as provincial governors, prefectural magistrates or local main officials or officers!"
"The latter two points are reasonable. As for the first point, it might arouse great turmoil among the three top sects. If so, it would be in contradictory with your original intention…" Xue Bingdao said with a worried look.
"Count the quantity and cultivation levels of those disciples and knights in the three top sects and tell those elder knights in the three top sects, if the three top sects want to select their owners and suzerains, they must behave righteously for the sake of humans. They must show me three times the number of heads of demon knights and fighters if they want to atone for their crimes. Any top sect which meets this demand first could select their own owners and suzerains!"
"Lord, It turns out that you have long been considerate about your decision." Xue Bingdao sighed with moods. Closely after that, he left there.
After Xue Bingdao left there, Fang Qingming appeared in front of Zhang Tie with a frown as he said, "I suggest you to keep Meng Shidao in Xuanyuan Hill with an excuse; instead of having him return to the Gobbling Province. If Meng Shidao leaves here so easily, the Gobbling Party would definitely bring us great trouble in the future!"
Fang Qingming had been conferred as Zhang Tie's adviser who helped Zhang Tie deal with major events.
"I am letting him go back to the Gobbling Province on purpose!" Zhang Tie watched Fang Qingming as he said slowly and calmly, "Now that the Gobbling Party was born in Gobbling Province, I will let it die in Gobbling Province too. However, the holy war counts the most. We'd better sweep over the demons in Taixia Country first!"
…
Tang Ling served as the chief minister of the interior…
The case of Royal Alliance started to enter the ending stage…
The armies of Taixia Country resumed Ganzhou Province, Liangzhou Province, Yuzhou Province and Anzhou Province consecutively. The battle situation facing the west territory of Taixia Country started to be reversed. The whole country was in hubbubs.
After making arrangements for personnel affairs and preparations, the entire country had been running at its full speed for ending the holy war. It was the first time for the slogan that "resume homeland and eliminate demons" to spread across the country since the holy war broke out…
On May 1, the 933rd year of Black Iron Calendar, Zhang Tie made an oath convention with a corps of about 500,000 Zodiac guards and over 100 battle general in Xuanyuan Hill. After that, they left for the frontline by airboat with the hope of hundreds of millions of people in Xuanyuan Hill…
"We will never come back if we don't bury all the demons into the ground!" Zhang Tie declared to all the officials, officers, generals and soldiers on the rostrum. Closely after that, the army of 500,000 soldiers, over 100 generals and Zhang Tie bottomed up their glasses of liquor.
"Kill demons! Kill demons! Kill demons…"
All the 500,000 people roared in unison on the drill ground…
Chapter 1988: Five Years
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Starting from the 933rd year of Black Iron Calendar, after Zhang Tie destroyed the three major demon camps and killed four sage-level demon knights, the overall situation facing Taixia Country had been immediately reversed in an overwhelming manner like surging rivers. As a result, the armies in Taixia Country which were always in defense started to attack. They broke into the territory under the control of demons and started to recover their lost territory. Only after more than half a year, Taixia forces had already regained Ganzhou Province, Liangzhou Province, Yuzhou Province and Anzhou Province which were once occupied and managed by massive demon forces in order to threaten Lingzhou Province, Lizhou Province and humans' defense line at Tongguan Pass.
Even historians considered it as a symbolic event which should be spoken highly off. As it was the first time for Taixia forces to resume its lost territory on a large scale and for demon forces and knights to retreat since the holy war broke out, it was a great turn for humans on the battlefields.
Like the great turn on the oriental battle fields, the north and south battle lines on the Western Continent also came to a turn.
Since the 932nd year of Black Iron Calendar, the allied forces on the Western Continent had suddenly found that those puppet forces of the Sacred Alliance Empire slowed down their offensive tempo. In the beginning, the Sacred Alliance Empire decreased its offensive tempo on the land along with the use of fiery-oil weapons. Then, the air cavalries of Sacred Alliance Empire became slow to respond to attacks of humans in the air; instead, more wing demons appeared. Through constant tentative attacks, the allied human forces on the Western Continent had already secured its advantage in the sky. Later on, through a holistic analysis of intelligence, the allied human forces on the Western Continent finally confirmed that Sacred Alliance Empire couldn't produce fiery oil within its territory anymore.
As for armies that had been used to rely on fiery oil, as long as they lost fiery oil, it meant that their planes would not fly anymore. Besides, all the fighters would lack frightening fiery-oil weapons. On this occasion, even though the forces of Sacred Alliance Empire had demons on their backs, it was also impossible for them to maintain the previous offensive tempo.
Additionally, when demons' three major camps were destroyed overnight in Taixia Country, people on the Western Continent could barely see major camps that gathered a large batch of demons anymore. Even the two major demon camps within the territory of Sacred Alliance Empire had disappeared overnight. On this occasion, the morale of allied human forces on the Western Continent soared. After stabilizing the north and the south battle lines, they finally started to launch counterattacks in some theaters of operations.
Through half a year's preparation, on May 1, the 933rd year of Black Iron Calendar, also the same day when Zhang Tie took a mass pledge in Xuanyuan Hill, , the allied human forces in the south and the north battle lines on the Western Continent finally started a massive counter-attack. Meanwhile, human forces rapidly took the upper hand on both Eastern Continent and Western Continent. The forces of demons and demon lackeys started to collapse like avalanches.
In June, the 933rd year of Black Iron Calendar, Zhang Tie arrived at the battlefield in Taixia Country. In the same month, hundreds of corps of top four armies like Black Armor Army, God's Will Army and Forbidden Army divided into five main forces and respectively broke in demon's territory from Tongguan Pass, Ganzhou Province, Liangzhou Province, Yuzhou Province and Anzhou Province which had already been resumed in an overwhelming manner like splitting bamboo. On the 934th year of Black Iron Calendar, the allied human forces continued to recover Xianzhou Province, Pingzhou Province, Jingzhou Province, Dingzhou Province and Luozhou Province. The whole country was in a festive atmosphere.
…
In April, Weishui River had long thawed. From the sky, the Weishui River was running like a green belt on the ground. At noon, the sun was hanging over the sky. The huge air-borne battle fortress of Taixia Country flew over here from the east, leaving a sliding huge shadow on the devastated land.
A 1,000 m high demon battle fortress was standing on the east bank of Weishui River like an odd-looking tree. Only after a short while, the shadow of human battle fortress had covered the demon battle fortress.
Many beetles with iron scales were looking up at the human battle fortress in the sky on the ground nearby the demon battle fortress. Apparently, some iron-scaled beetles appeared to be intense as they were running about. Some beetles were spurting out mucus towards the sky. However, the mucus that the beetle spurted out could at most reach dozens of meters high. Therefore, their attack could be ignored by the air-borne battle fortress which was at dozens of thousands of meters high in the sky. It was like how ants crawling on the ground wanted to drown an eagle hovering in the sky with their saliva.
The responses of those beetles were instantly transmitted to the demon battle fortress. At the same time, the demon battle fortress which looked like an odd-looking towering tree appeared to feel a danger as it started to spew black fog out of its mouthparts, which covered the air zone in the nearby.
However, all these were in vain.
As long as demon battle fortress completely transformed, it would not move anymore. Without the protection of other demons, its air-defense ability would almost become zero.
Pitifully, within 600 miles around that huge airborne battle fortress, they couldn't see any demon knight at all. There were only a few wing demons.
When the demon battle fortress was spewing out black fog forcefully, a hot-white lightning bolt shot down from the human battle fortress in the sky, crushing the demon battle fortress on the ground immediately like a sandcastle encountering tsunami on the sand beach. In an instant, the ground within a few square miles around that demon battle fortress was swept over by the terrifying great heat and strong impact wave. Those beetles on the ground nearby this demon battle fortress were instantly vaporized and perished…
Only after a few seconds, the ground where the demon battle fortress was located left nothing but a huge pit. Meanwhile, some beetles over 10,000 m away from the demon battle fortress screeched with great grief and ran about on the ground like headless flies.
On the air-borne battle fortress, Zhang Tie slowly drew back his hand with a faint frown. When he watched Weishui River in front of him, he still felt fidgety out of no reason.
Hundreds of generals and knights of Taixia Country were watching his back. As a result, very few people noticed that Zhang Tie had just destroyed a demon battle fortress on the ground. In the eyes of these generals and knights, without the protection of demon knights, demon battle fortresses were destined to turn into ashes. Even the air cavalries behind them could easily destroy that demon battle fortress on the ground.
Just now, Zhang Tie might only want to enjoy himself just like how people who walked on the riverside would skip stones on the river occasionally.
These generals and knights of Taixia Country behind Zhang Tie had not seen him launch a strike for almost 2 years. Zhang Tie's latest attack was in Ningzhou Province. At that time, a heavenly demon knight was in 600 miles away from this battle fortress. Zhang Tie then flew out of the battle fortress. Only after about 10 minutes, Zhang Tie had taken back the head of a heavenly iron-armored demon knight. From then on, there was no target on the battlefields which was worth Zhang Tie's attack.
Nobody behind Zhang Tie spoke. Over these years, everyone behind him had formed a habit. As long as Zhang Tie didn't send an order to have them stop. This air-borne battle fortress which worked as the vanguard of the five major forces of Taixia Country would keep flying forward and crush all the enemies that they could see on the way. Nobody could prevent them. All the obstacles on the way could be ignored in front of this airborne battle fortress. Everyone was deeply convinced that they could clean up demons all the way to the Realm of Disasters…
"Stop…" Zhang Tie opened his mouth. He didn't turn around; instead, he just raised his hand. Closely after that, the airborne battle fortress which was slowly flowing in the sky came to a stop. "We will wait for the ground forces and the other major forces here. When Weishui River freezes in winter, we will cross the river. After that, we will pluck up our courage to drive all the demons back into the earth, end the holy war on the earth's surface and resume the lost land of the whole country…"
After hearing Zhang Tie's words, those generals and knights behind him instantly became thrilled as their eyes almost beamed. Right on the opposite of the Weishui River, demons were still occupying Yinzhou Province, Wuzhou Province, Zhuzhou Province, Yezhou Province and the area from wild provinces to the Realm of Disasters. They would regain these areas sooner or later. However, the speed of recovery didn't depend on these knights who served as vanguards, but how fast the army corps of engineers behind the five major ground forces paved railways and build roads. Only after they fixed railways and roads could the logistics personnel behind them transport materials forward constantly and stabilize the ground forces.
…
As the airborne battle fortress stopped in the air above the south bank of Weishui River, thousands of knights had already hurriedly flown out of the airborne battle fortress squads after squads and started to wipe out the region within thousands of miles. Generally, after they wiped out this region, the air cavalries of Taixia Country would carry out another round of search and attack here. After that, the vanguard ground troops would arrive, followed by the four major forces of the top four armies. Dozens of corps of engineers were following the four major forces and fixing railways, roads and airports for field operations at their utmost efforts. After that, provincial forces arrived. Finally, the first batch of local officials and officers and experts from all walks of life and business groups which had discovered business opportunities…
There were few demon knights within 600 miles in the sky. Therefore, those knights who were responsible for wiping out demons firstly swore inside. They knew that another batch of people had already penetrated through this region earlier than them——the knights of major sects and clans in Taixia Country.
When Taixia Country was in a poor overall situation in the holy war, these major sects and clans behaved more conservatively than regular troops of Taixia Country as they all hid somewhere for the sake of their own safety. When the overall situation started to reverse, these major sects and clans behaved more radical and dauntless than the regular troops of Taixia Country. As a result, all the conservative major sects and clans which hid themselves for the sake of their safety scrambled to assign their elites to the battlefields and served as the vanguards of the countries' regular forces voluntarily.
It had almost been 5 years since Zhang Tie left Xuanyuan Hill and took a mass pledge. The overall situation facing the holy war had long been greatly reversed…
However, not knowing why, Zhang Tie always felt restless these days…
Chapter 1989: The Source of Zhang Tie's Concern
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
"As the vanguard troops of Black Armor Army, No.117 corps, No.15 corps and Black Armor Battle Fortress have already pushed forward to Peaceuniverse Prefecture in the north of Huanzhou Province, which is about 3,800 miles away from Xuanyuan Battle Fortress. Some demon forces are still resisting stubbornly. According to our estimation, Black Armor Army's vanguard corps will clear up all the small demons quads in Peaceuniverse Prefecture in 2-3 weeks. After that, the vanguard corps will march into Fieryfield Prefecture…"
"As the vanguard troops of God's Will Army, No. 38 corps, No. 215 corps and God's Will Battle Fortress have already arrived at Phoenixwing Prefecture in the south of Huanzhou Province, which is about 4,100 miles away from Xuanyuan Battle Fortress. The vanguard troops of God's Will Army have already discovered a team of 15 demon knights in Phoenixwing Mountain Range in Phoenixwing Prefecture, the most powerful one among them were earth knights. The knights of God's Will Army have already fought those demon knights. After killing 5 demon knights, they have already collapsed the demon team and are chasing after the remains. Three teams of 60 knights in Xuanyuan Battle Fortress have already flown towards Phoenixwing Prefecture and joined the besiege towards the remaining demon knights under the leadership of 9 earth knights…"
"As the vanguards of the middle route army, the two corps of Zodiac Guards have already arrived at Whitetiger Prefecture in Kangzhou Province, which is about 1,500 miles away from Xuanyuan Battle Fortress. As the middle route army always marched forward with Your Highness, they encountered the least enemies. The knights of Zodiac Guards have not seen demon knights for a few months…"
As he always felt restless, Zhang Tie directly came to the command center of the Xuanyuan Battle Fortress and had people report the situations facing the five major forces to him. He wanted to know whether he had forgotten about something or not.
The floor under Zhang Tie's foot was transparent high-intensity crystal glass. The sand table of the map of the entire country was in the lobby of the lower storey under his foot. Many staff officers were busy collecting various information and present them on the machine sand table. As long as Zhang Tie lowered his head, he could see clearly the overall situation facing Taixia Country in the holy war.
Zhang Tie was standing on the bank of Weishui River on the sand table. A huge convex arrowhead was marked on this place on the sand table. Additionally, there were another four huge arrowheads in Huanzhou Province, Kangzhou Province and Ningzhou Province pointing at the battleline Weishui River-Helan Mountain Range on two sides of this huge arrowhead in a row. The five huge arrowheads coordinated with each other. The distance between them and Zhang Tie's location was varied from 3,000 miles to 5,000 miles.
Taixia's forces pushed forward smoothly. Given the current situation, demons were unable to prevent the five arrowheads from gathering at the bank of Weishui River. After that, the five arrowheads would cross Weishui River together and enter Wuzhou Province and Yinzhou Province.
Zhang Tie lowered his head and watched the map under his foot. Meanwhile, he paced back and forth and slightly knitted his brows. Given the intelligence, the five main forces were marching forward without obstacles like splitting bamboos as usual. However, Zhang Tie still felt restless; even severer than before.
It was a young and handsome knight called Zhang Yuteng who was reporting about the situations facing the five main forces to Zhang Tie. He looked similar to Zhang Tie. Zhang Yuteng was Zhang Chengting's son, also one of Zhang Tie's grandsons. At this moment, many young knights of Jinwu Palace also joined those main forces and followed Zhang Tie to regain the lost territory and make meritorious deeds all the way here. Because Zhang Yuteng was sensitive and had extensive experience and a good memory as well as a great military talent, Zhang Tie asked him to stay with him as his personal guard. In this way, Zhang Yuteng could also widen his knowledge.
"How's the Lion Fortress?" Zhang Tie asked Zhang Yuteng.
After resuming Force Province, Lion Fortress had gone back to the Earth-Elements Realm through Force Province. They pushed all the way to the entrance of the first abyss in Earth-Elements Realm. They were safeguarding Earth-Elements Realm and prevented demons from using the same trick. Besides Du Guyi the Demons-Suppressing Commander, Zuoqiu Mingyue was also in the Lion Fortress in Earth-Elements Realm.
"Demon knights in the first abyss are constantly raiding Lion Fortress. However, as they are all small forces, they couldn't pose any threat to Lion Fortress!"
"When did Lion Fortress meet a heavenly demon knight recently?"
"Four months ago!"
��Where are all the allied human forces on the Western Continent?"
"The allied human forces on the Western Continent have already crossed Gradis Mountain Range. Yesterday, the vanguard corps of the allied human forces had already collapsed Dante City, a major town in the middle of Sacred Alliance Empire. The defense line of the Sacred Alliance Empire has already been full of loopholes!"
Not knowing why, Zhang Tie couldn't be happy, although they were all good news.
"Well, you can leave!" Zhang Tie waved his hand as he added, "I'm going to be in secret cultivation recently. Don't bother me unless it's important!"
"Yes, sir!" Zhang Yuteng made a military salute to Zhang Tie fast. After that, he walked towards the door.
As for Zhang Tie, only heavenly demon knights could attract his attention on the battlefield. Nothing else was important. Everyone in Xuanyuan Battle Fortress was crystal clear about this point.
When Zhang Yuteng pulled open the door and was going to leave there, Zhang Tie abruptly added, "Yuteng, if you don't plan to marry that girl, you'd better not let her misunderstand you. Zhang descendants could behave romantically; however, you couldn't fondle with any woman. If a woman would like to stay with a man, she must want something. Some women could be bought; however, some couldn't be bought. Before going to bed with a woman, you should confirm whether you could give her what she wants or not. If you can't, don't touch her. It's like ordering food in a hotel, don't order something you can't afford. Don't think about having food for free. It's the lowest request for a man.��
Zhang Yuteng stopped at once. Closely after that, he turned around and said with a bit embarrassed look, "I see, grandpa!"
Zhang Tie nodded and implied Zhang Yuteng to leave.
As Zhang Tie's grandpa, Zhang Yuteng was born in a distinguished family; additionally, he was young, able and handsome. Such a man would always be the focus of women wherever he was, even in Xuanyuan Battle Fortress. Zhang Tie was crystal clear about the movements of his grandson. When the other knights hunt demons outside, his grandson also became the prey of many people in the battle fortress. Those tender traps could also hone Zhang Yuteng who had just promoted to a knight and didn't have too many love experiences.
After Zhang Yuteng left, Zhang Tie contacted Jinwu Palace and Xuanyuan hill and was told that everything in Jinwu Palace and Xuanyuan Hill remained normal. After that, Zhang Tie sat in his chair and half-closed his eyes with hands crossed on his lower abdomen. He then started to smooth out his mind.
Recently, it was even out of Zhang Tie's imagination that Taixia forces were too smooth on the battlefields. The others might feel delighted about this victory; however, Zhang Tie couldn't become delighted; because he knew that demons' tactics and war potential were far greater than that.
Even though demons had lost three major camps, 4 sages and over 10,000 demon knights, they would never be willing to be defeated. Given the demon's craze and aggressivity, if they were doomed to fail this holy war, they would definitely launch a counter-attack ferociously at this moment. Like that in the previous two holy wars, when demons couldn't conquer humans, they would always bring damage to humans as much as they could. That was demons' style.
Currently, demons could still use a lot of tactics.
Demon princes didn't appear at this moment, which implied that demons had not fully tapped their war potential.
Demons had not used puppet worms in Taixia Country on a large scale. If demons were doomed to lose this holy war, they would at least use puppet worms without any concern despite the existence of moon-miasma; instead, due to the existence of moon-miasma, demons would even intensify the use of puppet worms in order to consume more humans and turn more places into barren lands where humans could barely survive. Even though demons couldn't use them in the territory of Taixia Country; they could at least use them in the territory under the control of Heavens Reaching Empire. However, demons didn't use puppet worms in their territory; instead, they left the territory to humans. That might contain greater dangers…
There should be many more sage-level demon knights and demon knights below sage in the underground abysses besides those being killed in the three major camps by Zhang Tie.
Now that demons were not driven completely mad, how could they be willing to accept failure?
Therefore, demons must have another trump card that Zhang Tie didn't know about…
It was the source that made Zhang Tie restless when they were going to win the holy war.
'What's the trump card of demons? Why do demons believe that they could reverse the overall situation facing holy war even though I've regained all the lost lands on the Eastern Continent?'
Zhang Tie was in meditation…
Chapter 1990: Zhang Tie's Precaution
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Through 2 hours' meditation, Zhang Tie had smoothened out all the detailed information; however, he still didn't know about the demons' trump card.
In order to prevent demons from arousing catastrophe in Taixia Country with puppet worms, strictest food and water source control measures and selective examination about the physical health of mass personnel had been carried out in each household, each town, each city, each prefecture, each province, even each military region across Taixia Country 3 years ago.
Each pass of the city's running water pipe network was strictly defended by people from the source to the water outlets. The water sources of cities were actually even under the strict control of the military of Taixia Country. A drop of water would be tested five times before entering a citizen's home in the city. Additionally, the government of Taixia Country promoted the water source distribution system. Even though those cities could be available to running water, the government of Taixia Country still suggested people to use water separately. For instance, all the eligible families could make a well in their own courtyard, from where they could get their daily water. Otherwise, they could use stream water or spring water which was close to their homes.
Recently, the government on different levels was looking for people to make wells everywhere across the country. Many public wells were made in each street, each community, each village, each city. Each well was guarded by people around the clock so that people could get water separately and safely. In this way, even though demons wanted to add puppet worms' eggs in water sources, they could only impact very few people.
Even ordinary families had started to pay attention to water safety, not to mention major clans. Starting from the tragedy in Heavenly Cold City dozens of years ago, capable major clans in Taixia Country had already paid attention to the prevention of the risks brought by puppet worms.
Besides water sources, grains and food circulation across Taixia Country were also under strict control.
The circulation of all the preliminary agricultural products was free. However, all the processed ready-to-eat food must stay in the prefectures where they were produced.
It was such strictly controlled among the people, not to mention that in the military. All the food that soldiers ate every day was tested many times.
With these arrangements, Zhang Tie believed that Taixia Country was able to control demon disasters in a small area even if there was another demon disaster aroused by puppet worms.
The ultimate goal for Lion Fortress to enter Earth-Elements Realm from Force Province was to monitor the abnormal actions of the demon army in Earth-Elements Realm and prevent the army of demon knights from reappearing in Force Province.
The army of demon knights was not horrible. They were just seeking death, no matter how many demon knights were there. What Zhang Tie was worried about the most was that the army of demon knights separated and spread across the country. He was afraid that these demon knights would break into the hinterland of Taixia Country, burning, killing and destroying there aggressively. And then, even though these demon knights could be wiped out, Taixia Country would also suffer great losses in the end.
…
The Taixia Country had been ready to cope with various emergencies; however, what was more fatal was that all the precautions appeared to be useless now.
…
'What is the trump card of demons?!'
This question always lingered in Zhang Tie's mind and was hard to catch like a spirit in dark fog.
Among the train of thoughts, Meng Shidao and the Gobbling Party suddenly occurred to Zhang Tie, causing him to pause temporarily.
Zhang Tie and Zuoqiu Mingyue had already reached an agreement that they would drive demons into the Earth-Elements Realm when they dealt with Meng Shidao and the Gobbling Party. It was not the right moment for them to do that. Tang Ling the chief minister of the Interior had been weakening the influence of the Gobbling Party and disarming the Gobbling Party step by step over these years. The backbones of the Gobbling Party had gradually left the hub of Xuanyuan Hill. Meng Shidao's influence in Taixia Country was gradually weakening. Local forces of the Gobbling Party were also under control. When humans were fighting demons, they should never allow the Gobbling Party to arouse big trouble in Taixia Country…
Zhang Tie then didn't think about Meng Shidao and the Gobbling Party anymore.
…
Even though Zhang Tie had already started to form his immortal chakra, he was still a human. He was not as almighty as legendary gods, who could always have everything in control and reckon accurately.
…
After thinking for a few more minutes in vain, Zhang Tie directly stood up and left for the cultivation room.
After entering his backroom, Zhang Tie instantly disappeared and entered Castle of Black Iron.
The lobby of the palace tree was empty. Nobody was there. The small tree remained unchanged. However, a water pool appeared not far from the small tree. That immortal stone was in the water pool. Nine Heavens Immortal Spring was pouring out of the immortal stone and flowing in the water pool below the immortal stone. Everything was as same as what Zhang Tie had seen in the Heavens of Light.
Zhang Tie ran his spiritual energy as he sensed that Heller was making experiments in the species lab upstairs. A'Gan, Edward and those women of Yin-Yang Sect were not here.
Heller knew that Zhang Tie had returned as he stopped what he was doing.
"Heller, you don't have to go downstairs. I'm heading for the Mountain Ruins…"
"Okay!"
"Where are the others?"
"They're building an immortal palace at the foot of the mountain!"
Zhang Tie then turned around and walked out of the lobby of the palace quietly. After that, he rushed into the sky…
…
Castle of Black Iron had changed greatly.
Its land covered hundreds of millions of square miles, which looked vast just like a small subcontinent being girdled with an ocean. There were also many isles as large as pearls in the ocean. After combining Mountain Ruins, the air zone of Castle of Black Iron instantly increased by dozens of times. Those air-floating mountains were floating in the sky like isles. All the air-floating mountains in Mountain Ruins in Motian Realm had become decorations in the sky of Castle of Black Iron. In the highest place of the sky, it was the remaining core of Buzhou Mountain.
At this moment, some new cities appeared at the foot of the immortal mountain. When Zhang Tie left Motian Realm, he traveled across those cities which were under the control of demons and teleported all the 10 million-odd people there into Castle of Black Iron. Therefore, the current population in Castle of Black Iron was many times greater than that before.
After mastering the force of realm, Zhang Tie could teleport people into Castle of Black Iron easily. As long as he covered a city with his realm, he could teleport a lot of people into Castle of Black Iron with the force of realm.
At this moment, those women of Yin-Yang Sect were in those cities at the foot of the mountain. They were their leaders.
Those women appeared to be too depressed in Motian Realm and they had to behave meticulously over there. Therefore, when they found they could display their capacities in the vast space of Castle of Black Iron, they all became such passionate as they started to have apprentices for the further development of Yin-Yang Sect.
In front of those women who pursued their undertakings, even Zhang Tie was forgotten.
…
Only after a short while, Zhang Tie had entered an air-floating mountain which was as high as tens of thousands of meters deep in Mountain Ruins.
There was a maze-like time-honored mountain cave inside the air-floating mountain. After moving quite a while inside, Zhang Tie deeply entered the mountain cave.
It was pitch-dark all over in the mountain cave. However, there was a cyan 2 m higher light curtain that loomed like a portal. Zhang Tie instantly penetrated through it and came to a strange space.
It was a colossal space being similar to the secret places of major clans that contained many time towers. There were 36 towers of time in this space, no matter large or small. These time towers were divided into three kinds given their sizes; each kind containing 12 towers of time. The three kinds of time towers could allow him to cultivate in for 20 years, 10 years and 5 years respectively.
35 towers of time in this secret place were still freezing. Only a small time tower was already available a few days ago. Zhang Tie could cultivate five years inside…
This secret place once belonged to demons in Motian Realm. Almost none of the humans in Motian Realm knew that demons had such a secret place here. However, after Castle of Black Iron combined Mountain Ruins, all the secrets in Mountain Ruins had been exposed to Zhang Tie; all the secret places in Mountain Ruins had been exposed to Zhang Tie. Therefore, Zhang Tie instantly became the person who understood Mountain Ruins the most in the two worlds closely after Heller. Of course, this secret place which was once occupied by demons became Zhang Tie's rear garden.
Castle of Black Iron had just combined Mountain Ruins. Most of these towers of time were still freezing as they had just been used by demons.
Two years ago, Zhang Tie used a time tower in another secret place in Mountain Ruins. He stayed inside for 10 years, during which period, he reached the 3-change realm of his immortal chakra. Now it was enough for Zhang Tie to reach the 5-change realm of his immortal chakra.
When Zhang Tie reached the front of that time tower, he directly entered it and started his cultivation.
When problems couldn't be solved with intelligence and mindset and he didn't know demons' trump card, the best solution for Zhang Tie to respond to unknown crises was to strength his battle force and make him more powerful.
…
When Zhang Tie was thinking about demons' trump card on the bank of Weishui River, the entire Gobbling Province, the nestle of Gobbling Party became boisterous; because Opening Stele Festival would kick off on April 17, namely two days later.
Opening Stele Festival was not a traditional festival in Taixia Country. It was actually a festival exclusive to the Gobbling Party. Many years ago, the far-ancient morality stele was discovered on the same day.
In order to celebrate the discovery of the far-ancient morality stele, Gobbling Party would hold grand campaign on the same day annually across Gobbling Province. Gradually, this campaign developed into the Opening Stele Festival of the Gobbling Party in Gobbling Province.
In recent years, with the return of Zhang Tie in an unrivaled manner and the dismission of Meng Shidao as the premier, the influence of Gobbling Party in Taixia Country had already weakened; however, in Gobbling Province, Gobbling Party was still the leading force even though a new provincial governor had taken office…
Chapter 1991: The Catastrophe (I)
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
On April 16, one day before the Opening Stele Festival, the entire Morality Prefecture of Gobbling Province had been boisterous before sunrise.
Actually, Morality Prefecture was called Safescreen Prefecture before the 687th year of Black Iron Calendar. However, after that year, Safescreen Prefecture became Morality Prefecture, because an earthquake took place in Safescreen Prefecture on April 17, the 687th year of Black Iron Calendar. As a result, Vast Universe Mountain had collapsed, exposing the far-ancient mortality stele, which shocked the entire country.
15 years later, a teenager, who was born on the same day as far-ancient morality stele, realized the truth and cultivated 3 years in front of the stele. He then promoted to a black iron knight at 18 years old. From then on, the far-ancient morality stele became an immortal item in the hearts of many people in Safescreen Prefecture. 30 years later, when the teenager became a middle-aged man, he promoted to an earth knight. Then, the influence of far-ancient morality stele covered the entire Gobbling Province and aroused the attention of all the people across the country. From then on, Safescreen Prefecture gradually became Morality Prefecture. Later on, Meng Shidao started to write books and set up his theory and win popularity across the country. As Gobbling Party gradually came into being, of course, Meng Shidao became the leader of the Gobbling Party.
In the following 200 years, with the increasingly greater cultivation base and meritorious deeds of Meng Shidao, he finally became famous across the country. When Meng Shidao became the crown prince's teacher and the premier, one of the top three counselors of the state, the influence of the Gobbling Party spread across the country and almost matched that of the top six sects…
Like how natives in Youzhou Province treated Zhang Tie as the pride of Youzhou Province, Meng Shidao was also taken as the pride of Gobbling Province by natives in Gobbling Province. Since the founding of the Gobbling Party, the entire Gobbling Province had been covered with thousands of morality agencies. Each city in Gobbling Province contained dozens of morality agencies. Morality agencies could even be seen in towns and villages outside cities. All the morality agencies were united under the control of the backbones of Gobbling Party. In the beginning, people joined morality agencies voluntarily. Later on, as more and more morality agencies were founded, the influence of the Gobbling Party gradually expanded. As a result, those who didn't join morality agencies would gradually be repelled by Gobbling Party and morality agencies as heretics. They would have trouble, no matter what they did. On this occasion, those people and families who didn't want to join morality agencies had to leave Gobbling Province and find somewhere else to live.
During the past over 200 years, with the promotion of Meng Shidao, almost nobody could live in Gobbling Province without joining morality agencies from officials in major clans to small tradesmen and porters.
On April 16, one day before Opening Stele Festival, many capable men had arrived at Morality Prefecture by airboat or airships with piety, as if making a pilgrimage. The entire Morality Prefecture was filled with human exclamations and horse neighs. All the hotels and inns had been occupied. More people were heading for Morality Prefecture from surrounding cities and prefectures, rubbing shoulders and following the steps. As a result, all the official roads had been occupied.
…
At 1 am of April 17, Zhu Laosan, the boss of a bean curd workshop in the east street of Zhujia Village outside Yellowrock City of Morality Prefecture had got up. After lighting the oil lamp, he woke up his 13-year old son who was sleeping in the same room with him.
"Guangsi, get up…"
The 13-year old boy was having a sound sleep at 1 am. Zhu Laosan called him twice and pushed him by hand before waking him up.
"Ah, papa, what's up…" Zhu Laosan's son finally opened his eyes; however, his eyes were sleepy. Therefore, Zhu Guangsi didn't know why his father woke him up.
"Did you forget what I've told you? The Opening Stele Festival starts today. We're going to "touch the Morality Stele". We have to arrive at Vast Universe Mountain before daybreak. Hurry, get up. Wash your face and rinse your mouth. Put on the new clothes that I've prepared for you!" Zhu Laosan's tone instantly turned strict. After hearing his father's strict words, Zhu Guangsi who was usually strictly taught by his father rubbed his eyes and hurriedly got up. He started to prepare for the trip.
Zhu Laosan was a widower. Since his wife died of complications during pregnancy, he didn't marry any other woman. He and his son survived on the ancestral skill of making bean curds in Zhujia Village.
Last night, Zhu Laosan almost stayed awake. Although he was also lying on the bed with closed eyes, he became sleepless with excitement before attending the Opening Stele Festival.
Actually, since the director of the morality agency in Zhujia Village, also the police inspector of Zhujia Village gave him a piece of big ceremonial plate and told him that he could take his son to "touch the Morality Stele" seven years ago, Zhu Laosan had been sleepless.
Zhu Laosan had been waiting for this day for 10 years. During the past 10 years, he almost donated half of his annual revenue to the morality agency of Zhujia Village in order to get a piece of huge ceremonial plate one day and "touch the Morality Stele" together with his son on the Opening Stele Festival.
Perhaps it was pious and sacred for someone to "touch the Morality Stele". However, as for Zhu Laosan who lived at the bottom of the society, he joined Morality Agency because all the others in Zhujia Village had joined it. If he didn't join it, he couldn't live in Zhujia Village. Even though he sold bean curd, he might also be in debt. Additionally, he might have a lot of trouble. By insisting on accomplishing the rite of "touch the Morality Stele", he was courageous and realistic. He wanted to take his son to try their lucks. He wanted to scramble for an opportunity for his son to make his ancestors illustrious. But, he didn't want his son to stay at Zhujia Village and sell bean curd for the rest of his life like him.
Zhu Laosan didn't attach any extravagant hope that his son was favored by Meng Shidao. Although, 7 or 8 kids would be favored by Meng Shidao annually, given the number of kids who came to Morality Prefecture to "touch the Morality Stele" from the other places across the country annually, the possibility for them to be favored by Meng Shidao was less than 1/10,000. Besides Meng Shidao, the chief directors of morality agencies across the country would also come here on the same day and take back some qualified kids for cultivation.
Zhu Laosan hoped that his son could be favored by chief directors of morality agencies in the other big cities. Otherwise, he hoped that his son could find a reliance in the morality agency of Yellowrock City after coming at with the experience of "touch the Morality Stele" at this young age. As a person who only knew how to make bean curds since young could only try his best to help his son become outstanding in this way.
In less than 30 minutes, Zhu Laosan and his son had prepared it well. They put on new clothes. After taking some food that they prepared last night, Zhu Laosan carried some dried rations and a utility box. After that, he carried a fluorite lamp in one hand and his son in the other before leaving their home.
It was midnight with bright moons and sparse stars illuminating the sky. Meanwhile, the lotus-covered pond near Zhu Laosan's home was reverberating with the croaking of frogs; crickets were singing in weeds nearby.
When Zhu Laosan and his son left their home, they saw many villagers had prepared to leave their homes too, old and young.
When they spotted Zhu Laosan and his son, many people greeted him as they watched Zhu Laosan with admiration in their eyes. The news that Zhu Laosan acquired a piece of big ceremonial plate for attending the Opening Stele Festival had spread across Zhujia Village. Besides the director of the morality agency in Zhujia Village and Zhu Laosan, only two more families had received one big ceremonial plate respectively.
Watching the admirable eyes and hearing the passionate greetings of those people in Zhujia Village, Zhu Laosan felt inspired. Pinching the big ceremonial plate close to his skin and holding his son's hand, he walked out of Zhujia Village, chesting out.
Thankfully, it was nice weather today. Even though there was no fluorite lamp, they could also see clearly the road. After a short while, Zhu Laosan and his son had walked out of Zhujia Village and come to a path on a mountain slope outside Zhujia Village which connected with an official road.
From the mountain slope, although it was midnight, they found the entire official road downside there was already brightly lit. It was even more boisterous than the most boisterous night market. So many people were walking on the official road with portable luggage on their backs and lanterns or fluorite lamps in hands, no matter male or female, old or young. Some youths took nothing at all. They just walked on the road jubilantly in groups towards the same direction.
Zhu Laosan and his son also entered the great stream of people and hurried on with their journey.
Zhujia Village was about 33 miles away from Vast Universe Mountain. As long as they kept going, they would almost arrive there before daybreak.
In order to display their piety, nobody took any traffic tools like horses or carriages any more from 60 miles away from Vast Universe Mountain. All of them were walking towards Vast Universe Mountain on foot.
"Papa, my feet hurt…" After walking about 13 miles, Zhu Laosan's son couldn't move anymore.
"Take a short break. Drink some water. Then we have to continue…" Zhu Laosan took off the utility box and passed it to his son.
A few minutes later, although Zhu Guangsi had not recovered, he was already encouraged by his dad to continue. When his son really couldn't walk anymore, Zhu Laosan's face turned gloomy as he even dragged his son forward.
On the way, Zhu Laosan was tired and thirsty; however, he still arrived at the foot of Vast Universe Mountain before daybreak with his persistence.
The greater part of people who came here stopped around the Vast Universe Mountain. After that, they all gathered on dozens of huge squares over there. Each square could match a large airport in size and could hold hundreds of thousands of people. These squares led to roads towards Vast Universe Mountain. In normal times, there were not so many people on these squares; however, on the day of the Opening Stele Festival, all the squares around Vast Universe Mountain would be fully crowded.
With the big ceremonial plate, Zhu Laosan and his son Zhu Guangsi passed two checks under the admiring eyes of many people and entered Vast Universe Mountain along the well-paved road. After walking another a few miles hardly, they finally saw a 7-mile long team in front of them which was twisting like a boa. The end of the team was right in front of them while the head of the team had come to the back of a mountain ridge.
They were all waiting there. Therefore, Zhu Laosan and his son had to stop there.
All the people here were going to "touch the Morality Stele" when the first ray of sunlight cast on the far-ancient morality stele. As it was still a few hours left from daybreak, they were all waiting there quietly…
Chapter 1992: The Catastrophe (II)
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
When Zhu Laosan and his son caught sight of the far-ancient morality stele from afar, it was already the afternoon of April 17. The sun that rose from the east had already been hanging over the sky, scorching Zhu Laosan's head. As he had walked and stood too long today, Zhu Laosan's soles had been stinging like standing on a hot-red iron plate. If not he had prepared some dried rations and water in advance, he might not stick to it.
His 13-year old son's face had turned dreadfully pale. If not Zhu Laosan supported him with one hand, Zhu Guangsi had long fallen to the ground.
Zhu Laosan felt distressed about his son; however, he couldn't allow his son to sit on the ground. Otherwise, they would be regarded as impious or indecent. In that way, all the efforts that he had made over the past 10 years would be in vain.
However, even though they couldn't bear it anymore, they must keep standing; because the long team had already nipped Zhu Laosan and his son like a twisting giant boa. Therefore, Zhu Lansan and his son could only slowly move forward with the others of the team.
"Son, hold on. When we come back, I will let you eat half a month's sugar-coated haws…" Zhu Lan could only comfort his son in this way; meanwhile, he secretly took out a slice of ginseng and put it in his son's mouth. In this way, they finally negotiated the mountain ridge and caught sight of the far-ancient morality stele.
When Zhu Laosan caught sight of the far-ancient morality stele, he was instantly fascinated by it although Zhu Laosan was an atheist.
The far-ancient morality stele was 210 m in height and over 50 m in width. It was pitch-dark and smooth all over like a mirror. Standing in a basin of Vast Universe Mountain, it was lofty, cold and fierce and looked a bit mysterious. Although sunshine shone on the high far-ancient morality stele, the smooth stele was still pitch-dark as if it could absolutely absorb sunlight.
At the sight of the far-ancient morality stele, Zhu Lansan had felt that it was not an artifact. Meanwhile, he held the huge, black stele in great awe even a bit fearful. Additionally, all the tiredness had gone.
When the far-ancient morality stele was discovered at the beginning, it was not like this. At that time, it was inlaid in a cliff which had collapsed. However, over the past 200-odd year, through the Gobbling Party's renovation, all the terrain and landforms within 6 miles had been changed. As a result, this place became a vast, open square, which could almost hold over 1 million people. When far-ancient morality stele was discovered, this place was completely open to the public. Anyone could come to see it whenever they wanted. But now, this place had become the sacred land of the Gobbling Party. In normal times, only some backbones of the Gobbling Party could enter this place. Ordinary people couldn't have a chance to watch this far-ancient morality stele which shocked the entire country unless the annual Opening Stele Festival.
There were totally 4 teams who came here to 'touch the stele' like Zhu Laosan coming from east, south, west and north. Each team was crowded with people. Far-ancient morality stele was girdled with a four-storey viaduct. People from different directions could enter different corridors to 'touch the stele'. After that, they would enter different areas on the square.
It took Zhu Laosan about one hour to come to the front of far-ancient morality stele from he caught sight of it. Those people, who came from the same direction as Zhu Laosan, entered the second corridor. The surging people slightly cut their own fingers with their teeth as they reached out their hands and painted their blood on the smooth surface of the stele. After walking around the far-ancient morality stele in an anti-clockwise manner, they left the corridor and entered the square.
Some fanatical followers and backbones of Gobbling Party even pierced their own palms with sabers and painted their entire bloody fingerprints on the stele so as to display their piety.
It was said that Meng Shidao slightly cut his own fingers and painted his blood on the far-ancient morality stele every day when he realized the truth in front of it. Finally, Meng Shidao established a relationship with the far-ancient morality stele. As this legend spread over, it gradually developed into the 'touching the stele' rite today.
From the visual angle in the second-storey corridor, far-ancient morality stele became a black wall. When he Zhu Laosan watched the blood and bloody fingerprints over the 'wall', he didn't feel pious at all; instead, he felt cold all over. He even shuddered with fear.
Zhu Laosan also imitated the others to slightly cut his own fingers. Additionally, he asked his son to do it like him. Then, he painted his own blood on the surface of the far-ancient morality stele as his fingers quivered. As he was intense, he even forgot about the feeling of this expensive touch which he exchanged with the greater part of his income over the past 10 years by selling bean curds.
Being pushed by the others, after touching the far-ancient stele flurriedly, Zhu Laosan and his son had left there from the exit of the corridor. After that, they were guided to the area close to the periphery of the square, where they could finally slump to the ground on their butts.
The surging crowd flew into the square like water. When the dark fell, the entire square had been filled with people. The population there was definitely greater than 1 million. It was a dark dense of people everywhere. After completing the 'touch the stele' rite, those who were closer to the far-ancient morality stele represented higher positions in Gobbling Party.
The climax of the Opening Stele Festival had not come. The climax of each Opening Stele Festival was after the last streak of sunlight left far-ancient morality stele. By then, Meng Shidao would arrive and give one hour's lesson before enrolling some of them as his apprentices.
Since he promoted to a heavenly knight, Meng Shidao would come here in almost every Opening Stele Festival. Despite being the premier of Taixia Country over these years, he would also come here from Xuanyuan Hill on this day and celebrate the Opening Stele Festival with all the other members of Gobbling Party.
A vast array of backbones, heads and members of morality agencies would come here from afar in order to meet Meng Shidao and listen to his lesson. Those who were favored by Meng Shidao would even be imparted with Returning Truth Sutra by Meng Shidao.
Zhu Laosan and his son sat on the edge of the square for rest as they waited for Meng Shidao in an intense and restless way. To be honest, if they could meet Meng Shidao here, when they came back home, they could bluff it for many years to the villagers in Zhujia Village even though they were far from Meng Shidao. If his son was selected as Meng Shidao's apprentice among tens of thousands of kids, the Zhu family would definitely have a bright future.
Not all the apprentices of Meng Shidao's came from major sects or backbone families of the Gobbling Party. Actually, some kids from ordinary families would be selected as Meng Shidao's apprentices every year. From then on, they would reach the sky in a single bound and became the legendary figures in their hometowns. Being encouraged by these models, Zhu Laosan was brave enough to take his son here to try their lucks.
Before sunset, thousands of people in white had arrived. They were students in Vast Universe School. After completing 'touch the stele' rite, those people sat in the area where was closest to the far-ancient morality stele.
By then, the entire square had been occupied.
"Mercy is the core of Dao; morality is the body of Dao; rite is the reflection of Dao; righteousness is the motive of Dao. Dao, as a real object, is faintly discernible. It looks blurry; however, it has an image; it looks virtual; however, it's real; although it looks profound and dark, it has real essence. Since far-ancient times, it has been existing. We could learn the original state of everything in the universe from it…"
Since they came to the square, the students of Vast Universe School had been reading aloud, gradually followed by over 1 million people. Their voices were earthshaking. Almost all the members of Gobbling Party could recite this paragraph.
When the last streak of sunlight left the highest point of far-ancient morality stele, the entire square was gradually in dead silence.
"Stand up and welcome our master…" At this moment, a loud and majestic voice reverberated in the air above the square. After hearing this voice, all the people stood up straight with full respect.
"Papa, I cannot see him…" Zhu Guangsi whispered as he rocked Zhu Laosan's hand.
Because he was young and was standing at the periphery of the square, Zhu Guangsi was submerged in the crowd of adults when everyone stood up. As a result, he could only see the waists and legs of people in front of him and couldn't see anything in the distance at all.
Zhu Laosan hurriedly made a hand gesture to tell his son to keep silent. He then watched the far-ancient morality stele in the far with wide eyes.
Zhu Laosan didn't see how Meng Shidao arrived at all. When everyone stood up and the entire square was in dead silence, a shadow in black instantly appeared on the top of the far-ancient morality stele like playing magic. He then overlooked the over 1 million fanatical followers of Gobbling Party over the square.
"Our respects to you, master. Wish your chakras to rotate forever and your great Dao to consolidate forever!" Over 1 million people congratulated him at the same time as they all bent towards the shadow on the top of the far-ancient morality stele…
In the past years, after their greetings, that shadow would usually say, "The great Dao doesn't belong to one person; instead, it belongs to the public. Please take a seat. I will tell you something about Dao…" After that, they would settle down as that shadow on the top of the far-ancient morality stele would start to give a lesson to them about Dao.
But today that shadow remained silent abnormally. After their greetings, he didn't speak for a few seconds. Therefore, all the 1 million-odd followers of Gobbling Party just stood there and watched the shadow on the top of far-ancient morality stele with eager eyes. They didn't know what to do next. Therefore, the atmosphere on the spot became weird.
Finally, that man on the top of the far-ancient morality stele sighed. "This day has finally come…"
When they heard this gloomy sigh clearly, all the 1 million-odd people became frustrated at this moment.
'This day has finally come… what does Master mean?'
Chapter 1993: The Catastrophe (III)
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Nobody got the point of Meng Shidao. Therefore, all the 1 million-odd people over the square became a bit restless. Even though backbones of the Gobbling Party and the disciples of Meng Shidao had been greatly shocked as they didn't know what to do next.
Zhu Laosan's heart was pounding heavily. Not knowing why, when he saw the shadow on the top of the far-ancient morality stele and listening to the shadow's voice, he felt thirsty as his excitement was gradually replaced by fear instinctively. At this moment, he finally felt regretful taking his son here to attend this motherf*cking Opening Stele Festival.
"Dad, I'm afraid…" Zhu Laosan's son also became restless as he pulled Zhu Laosan's hand and raised his head, muttering, "Let's go back…"
'Go back?'
'Yea, we should go back, but…'
After looking around the dense mass of people, Zhu Laosan realized that he and his son had been confined in the crowd. They could barely leave this place. Additionally, if they wanted to leave here at this moment, the result would be…
On this occasion, small figures would always worry about their personal gains and losses. Zhu Laosan didn't know what would happen next; however, he was crystal clear about the outcome if he dared leave here at this moment; because it meant that he and his son didn't respect Meng Shidao. If they really left here at this moment, Zhu Laosan and his son might not be able to live in Zhujia Village at all. They might even lose their lives. Given the influence of the Gobbling Party, if they wanted to kill them, it was like how an elephant killed an ant with its foot.
When Zhu Laosan was struggling inside for a few seconds, that shadow on the top of the far-ancient morality stele didn't spare any slim chance for him to hesitate or struggle. That shadow raised his hand. Closely after that, he gave out a streak of bloody light which shot in the far-ancient morality stele. Then, Zhu Laosan saw a terrifying, odd scene——the black far-ancient morality stele suddenly gave out strong red light. Meanwhile, a huge black hole suddenly appeared on the smooth surface of the far-ancient morality stele like a huge black swirl or a ghost's wide mouth. At the same time, those backbones of Gobbling Party and the disciples of Meng Shidao who were closest to the far-ancient morality stele exclaimed and flew off towards huge black mouth in a flurried way. When they approached the huge black mouth, those people were instantly shattered and turned into blood mist before being engulfed…
The entire square was covered with great fear. Everyone on the square flustered as they all exclaimed with panic. Zhu Laosan even saw some knights suddenly flying off the crowd and wanting to escape. However, in an instant, the red light that the far-ancient morality stele gave out had covered all the people on the square. Those knights who were already in the air were then being absorbed in the huge mouth with exclamations and turned into blood mist like fish being hooked…
Zhu Laosan became greatly panic-stricken. He found that he and his son were both floating up; meanwhile, his blood appeared to be pulled out of his body by a great force.
He shouted with tears and nasal mucus as he held his son's hand tightly. His son and many people in the surroundings were frightened so much that they all burst out tears.
Zhu Laosan and all the people in the surroundings were towed by that huge hole in the middle of far-ancient morality stele out of control like a leaf in a hurricane.
When they almost entered the huge hole, Zhu Laosan saw much grim black qi coming out of the top of the huge hole and binding a golden light&shade like shackles from all directions.
"Meng Shidao…" That light&shade being confined uttered a majestic and furious growl.
It was the last voice that Zhu Laosan heard. Closely after that, he and his son had turned into blood mist like all the other 1 million-odd people on the square…
…
The area being covered with the red light from the far-ancient morality stele was expanding. Only after a short while, the red light had absolutely covered the entire region within 35 miles like water that flowed out of a bowl. As a result, millions of people who were celebrating the Opening Stele Festival on the squares in the periphery of Vast Universe Mountain were blown up. All of their blood completely left their bodies and turned into scarlet carps. Following after, those carps shot towards the far-ancient morality stele in an overwhelming manner. Only after a short while, all the scarlet carps had entered the far-ancient morality stele through the huge black hole. Meanwhile, the huge black mouth was expanding as it gradually covered 2/3 of the entire morality stele…
The entire far-ancient morality stele had already floated up. Meanwhile, thick clouds came into being within thousands of miles in the sky together with lightning bolts and roaring thunders. They formed a funnel-shaped huge cyclone in the sky above the far-ancient morality stele. Meng Shidao was standing on the top of the far-ancient morality stele with glow in his eyes as his hair fluttered in the wind.
Meanwhile, wisps of black qi flew out of the huge mouth of the far-ancient morality stele and were absorbed by Meng Shidao's body. As he absorbed more and more black qi, Meng Shidao's look gradually changed. His skin was gradually covered with fine black scales as his brow ridge bulged while being covered with a hard horny layer. Meanwhile, long fingernails grew out of his hands like that of ghosts. Even a black sharp horn grew out of his central forehead.
As Meng Shidao transformed, his qi was also growing stronger. In an instant, all the earth, water, wind and fire elements within thousands of miles became energetic as a huge black immortal chakra being circled by numerous runes appeared behind Meng Shidao.
"Is this the power above sage-level knight?" Meng Shidao muttered as he watched his hands with a smile. Meanwhile, he broke a mountain peak of Vast Universe Range into pieces dozens of miles away with a punch, causing an earthquake.
"Hahaha…" Meng Shidao finally guffawed.
However, before he finished his words, as more and more black qi poured in his body from the far-ancient morality stele, the second black immortal chakra started to appear behind Meng Shidao.
"Meng Shidao…" the golden light being confined by the shackles of black qi inside the far-ancient morality stele roared again.
"Your Majesty, even though you don't want to cooperate with us, you can never prevent the demon overlord from coming to this world anymore. Humans and Taixia Country will succumb to the demon overlord again. As for that item in Emperor Xuanyuan's royal palace, I will take it myself…"
When Meng Shidao spoke, the scene in the huge, black mouth had changed. A world being filled with black fog and flames appeared in the huge mouth. A terrifying giant as huge as a mountain with scarlet blood was filling that whole world. When he waved his hand, dense mass of demon knights instantly poured out of the huge mouth and came to this world. They then started to look around with greedy and grim eyes.
"Go, destroy everything you see. As you're created by the demon overlord, welcome the demon overlord with damages and massacre…"
Those knights flew in all directions like destructive tides ceaselessly. Only after a short while, the quantity of demon knight who had poured out of the far-ancient morality stele had already been greater than 200,000. Additionally, more and more demon knights were pouring out of there…