Chapter 1546: The Right Path is Full of Changes

At this time, this fellow Jiang was utterly unaware that the secret arts he had newly learned were all 'stolen goods'.

Bearing in mind the kindness of the elder monk Kuzhu, he simply examined the two secret arts briefly, and then, pondering all the way, returned to the State of Qi on his own.

Within the bounds of the Eastern Domain, he naturally no longer needed to conceal his tracks. He could practice his secret arts while flying about unrestrainedly, without needing to care whose territory he flew over, or whose authority he might offend – this was the status of the State of Qi in the Eastern Domain, and also the dignity he had earned through his long struggles in Qi.

In Chongxuan Sheng's previous letter, a great event was mentioned.

It was said that the Hall of Military Affairs had formally presented a memorial, requesting to raise an army and attack Xia.

This request for battle was personally penned by the Grand Marshal who defended the nation, and bore the signatures of no less than five commanders of the Nine Legions.

And the Son of Heaven of Qi... had personally approved it with his imperial brush, and had already pressed down the Seal of the Son of Heaven!

This meant that, just as the war between Jing and Mu fully erupted and entered its most intense phase, the war beast that was the State of Qi had also bared its fangs, its military might pointed directly at the State of Xia, intending to complete the great endeavor left unfinished during the Qi-Xia hegemony of yesteryear!

Just as in the final phase of the Qi-Xia hegemony of that time, the State of Jing establishing the Yitian Temple within the borders of the State of Xia was seen as a sign of the war's end.

From the moment Jiang Wang, the Heavenly Pride of Qi, won the Battle of Star-Moon Plain, causing the State of Jing to make the Star-Moon Covenant and dismantle the Yitian Temple...

Everyone knew that this battle would come sooner or later.

This campaign against Xia was vastly different from the previous lightning strike by the Spring Death Army on Sword Peak Mountain.

The greatest difference, of course, lay in the objective.

The previous time, the Son of Heaven of Qi was making a strategic move, to teach the State of Xia a lesson, while simultaneously shattering the entire chessboard, forcing out the Equality Nation hidden in the shadows, and transferring the internal contradictions within Qi.

Of course, looking at it now, that battle can also be seen as a prelude to the current one, almost a great military exercise that blunted the edge of the State of Xia.

In this present battle, the Son of Heaven of Qi was by no means satisfied with merely teaching the State of Xia a lesson.

The battle of yesteryear established the State of Qi's qualification as a hegemon, and for the Son of Heaven of Qi, it was the greatest military achievement of his life, a great undertaking that would allow him to stand alongside Qi Taizu and Qi Wudi in the ancestral temple.

But failing to completely swallow the State of Xia in one gulp was ultimately a blemish on a perfect jade, becoming a regret that could not be erased from his heart.

At that time, the State of Jing was powerful, and even he, Jiang Xu, had to avoid its sharp edge.

Now, after accumulating national strength for over thirty years, he had firmly secured his position as hegemon.

Looking forward, he had completely subdued the so-called Nine Kingdoms of Sunrise that inherited the legacy of the Old Yang Empire, either destroying their states or receiving tribute from them. Dominating the Eastern Domain, there was no one who could resist.

Looking overseas, he had made steady progress in the coastal archipelago and become the absolute main force of the human race on the Maze Realm battlefield, forcing the Diaohai Tower to struggle for survival. The Zhenhai Alliance, which they had finally managed to pull together, also had to cede power to the State of Qi. A Sea Merit Ranking was erected, and it was filled with the names of the Heavenly Prides of the State of Qi.

Internally, he had removed hidden dangers, suppressed various contradictions, and the Son of Heaven of Qi held firm control over military and political affairs, with eight reins in his grasp.

Looking across the world, when he spoke of teaching the State of Xia a lesson, he conquered Sword Peak Mountain in one fell swoop. When he spoke of participating in the Yellow River Gathering, he claimed the top position of the Yellow River Gathering in the 3919th year of the Dao Calendar.

Behind the Ten Thousand Demon Gate, the elite of the Nine Legions of Qi made themselves known to the various states.

The fame surrounding Jiang Wang, the Heavenly Pride of Qi, was also a submerged confrontation between Qi and Jing. The final outcome was that the Zhuang State, belonging to the Dao sect, suffered the bitter consequences, while the Three Punishment Palace restored the reputation of the Heavenly Pride of Qi.

On Star-Moon Plain, he even won the battle of the Heavenly Prides of Qi and Jing!

Such a State of Qi... naturally had the qualification to harbor more ambition.

The Yitian Temple was a strategic-level military asset of the Dao sect, capable of rapidly deploying high-level combat power, and even summoning the power of the Three Sacred Grounds of the Dao sect. As soon as the Yitian Temple within the State of Xia was completed, the State of Qi immediately withdrew its troops!

The State of Jing's current dismantling of the Yitian Temple was a complete abandonment of its interests in the State of Xia, thereby avoiding fighting on two fronts against the States of Qi and Mu.

Because the Battle of Star-Moon Plain had already shown them the strength and determination of the State of Qi. Even the strongest state in the world, Jing, had to be sufficiently cautious about the current world situation.

The Son of Heaven of Qi sending Cao Jie to the grasslands to help the State of Mu capture Liyuan City was for this very day.

The State of Mu attacking the State of Sheng had a primary strategic objective of defeating the State of Jing and spreading the glory of the God of Cangtu beyond the grasslands. The secondary strategic objective was to break the steel blade that was the first vassal state of the Dao lineage and open a southern gateway.

They had had enough of bleeding with the State of Sheng year after year, of their horses' hooves never being able to step out of the grasslands!

The State of Qi, on the other hand, wanted to take advantage of the opportunity when the great war between Jing and Mu had no time to be distracted, to expand its territory southward and rebuild its military achievements.

Once this strategic plan was completed, the State of Qi would immediately become a colossal entity spanning the eastern and southern domains, with immeasurable future potential.

These were all laid bare for all to see; no one could hide them from anyone.

The war initiated by Qi and Jing driving the States of Xiang and Xu on Star-Moon Plain was a kind of mutual sand table exercise, a probing of each other's trump cards.

The State of Qi gave up its alliance with the State of Mu on the condition of forcing the State of Jing to abandon the State of Xia.

And the State of Jing had the arrogance of the world's strongest nation, and they were not even lacking the confidence to fight on two fronts. To abandon the State of Xia, they had to test the capabilities of the State of Qi, and thus the Battle of Star-Moon Plain occurred.

From the perspective of the Son of Heaven of Qi, this probing was also what he wanted. If the State of Jing still maintained the strength to look down upon the world and surpass all other states, he could only temporarily abandon his ambition towards the State of Xia.

If the State of Jing showed signs of being strong on the outside but weak on the inside, like a giant tree with internal rot, then he might as well join forces with the Emperor of Mu and first divide the vast and fertile land of the central domain.

Although the State of Jing was defeated in the Battle of Star-Moon Plain, the Heavenly Pride of Jing did show his brilliance, and there was no sign of a talent gap.

Therefore, the State of Jing abandoning the State of Xia and the State of Qi attacking Xia became a matter of course.

The tacit understanding between the two sides had already been reached before the war began.

Even so, to prevent the State of Jing from breaking the treaty, the State of Qi repeatedly postponed the time of the war, until the war between Jing and Mu completely erupted.

The strategic objective of this attack on Xia was to wipe out the State of Xia's regime and firmly establish a foothold in the southern domain.

Its scale was far beyond what attacking Ming or destroying Yang could compare to.

To destroy a great nation, it is naturally impossible to set out in the morning and arrive in the evening, achieving it in haste.

The human and material resources that needed to be mobilized were immeasurable.

After the Battle of Star-Moon Plain, the State of Qi had already begun to prepare in secret. It was only when the Jing-Mu war escalated to its most intense point that the entire nation began to formally mobilize!

At this time, it was impossible for the State of Jing to withdraw.

Throughout the entire Eastern Domain and even the coastal archipelago, there was nothing to worry about.

All that the State of Qi needed to deal with was the State of Xia.

This was such a crucial war. To put it broadly, it concerned the fate of the State of Qi for the next hundred years! To put it narrowly, it also concerned the changes in the domestic political landscape of Qi.

In the Qi-Xia hegemony of that time, how many families rose and fell? How many people ascended, and how many plummeted?

Past events are not far off; those who come after should naturally be aware.

Therefore, the various aristocratic families and renowned clans enthusiastically participated, even changing their previous principle of never involving too many direct descendants in a single war...

Li Fengyao and Li Longchuan of the Marquis of City Destruction's Manor.

Bao Bozhao and Bao Zhongqing of the Marquis of Shuofang's Family.

And even Chongxuan Sheng and Chongxuan Zun of the Marquis of Bowang's Manor...

All were confirmed to participate in the war!

From the noble sons of aristocratic families to the common people, from kings and ministers to a small soldier wielding a spear, the people of Qi, hearing of war, were not afraid!

This was the banner that the Son of Heaven of Qi had erected for the people of Qi through victory after victory since his enthronement.

Where the Taihuang Banner of Ziwei Central Sky pointed, that was where the blade of the people of Qi was directed.

Those who blocked it would surely be broken.

Chongxuan Sheng's urgent letter for Jiang Wang to return was due to the importance of this war.

And the reason why Jiang Wang had traveled east all the way, challenging experts all the way, madly improving himself at such a critical moment, challenging the top Outer Mansion cultivators of the great sects one by one.

It was because he knew that the direct competition between him and Chongxuan Zun was already unavoidable...

From the first time he came to Qi back then, he knew who Chongxuan Sheng's opponent was.

He had to help Chongxuan Sheng!

"Little brat!"

As Jiang Wang was flying at high altitude, he suddenly heard such a shout.

He looked down from the clouds and saw only a pavilion standing on a mountain peak, with a table of wine and meat placed inside.

A burly man with a square face and a dignified appearance was sitting before the table, drinking wine and eating meat, truly enjoying himself.

Jiang Wang naturally recognized him. It was Gu Shiyi, the number one expert of the State of Zheng, who had previously helped him when he was being pursued by a mysterious Divine Ascension expert of the Equality Nation!

This person's reputation was excellent, a true hero of the highest caliber in the world. He was of royal lineage in the State of Zheng, but he did not covet power or position, nor did he pursue an official career. He achieved the status of a true person of this era through his own efforts. He was a chivalrous man with a righteous heart, constantly engaging in acts of helping the weak and suppressing the strong, earning the reputation of a great hero of the world.

The time he slapped the mountains and rivers clear for a thousand miles still remained vividly in Jiang Wang's memory.

He certainly did not dare to forget the life-saving grace.

Jiang Wang put away his thoughts and responded warmly: "Senior Gu!"

Gu Shiyi raised his eyes and looked at him, simply waving a hand: "Come down and drink!"

This was a desolate mountain within the borders of the State of Zhao, far from any village or inn. Why would a person like Gu Shiyi be drinking in this place?

With this question in mind, Jiang Wang flew down.

He first bowed and saluted: "Since our last separation, I have often recalled Senior's demeanor. It is truly a pleasant surprise to meet you here today!"

Gu Shiyi was wearing a black and gold Windward Robe, sitting with a confident and relaxed posture. He simply waved a hand: "There's no need for these empty pleasantries!"

This person's way of speaking was indeed too direct.

Of course, Gu Shiyi had the capital to be so fearless.

Jiang Wang smiled wryly and asked: "Why is Senior Gu here?"

Gu Shiyi said: "I was drinking with someone here, and that person left, but I haven't had my fill yet. If you don't mind the leftover soup and cold roasted meat, you can drink a few jars with me!"

Jiang Wang looked at the table and indeed saw that it was in disarray, with plates and cups scattered.

In the seat opposite Gu Shiyi, there was also a used set of tableware, piled with gnawed bones, spilled wine, and so on. The person was no longer there, and the seat had been cold for a while.

The wine, however, was fragrant. Several jars were still sealed with mud, and the aroma was continuously wafting out.

"It is only right to drink a few bowls with Senior." Jiang Wang sat down beside Gu Shiyi, casually picked up a jar of wine, clapped away the mud seal, took a clean porcelain bowl, and poured a full bowl for himself.

"I shall first toast Senior three bowls, to thank Senior for your assistance last time!"

He raised his wine bowl, about to drink it all.

But Gu Shiyi reached out and stopped him.

This person had been drinking here for an unknown amount of time, and the scent of alcohol on his body was so浓郁 that it seemed to have thickened.

A dignified True Person of this era, with a hint of intoxication in his eyes.

He looked at Jiang Wang, his attitude clear: "I have said, it was merely a small effort, no need to thank me. If you are doing this to thank me, this wine is better not drunk. If you are to drink with me to my satisfaction, then you are allowed to drink this wine!"

"Then I shall not speak of it, but keep it in my heart!" Jiang Wang said: "But Jiang Wang has important matters and is in a hurry to return to the country. It is no problem to drink a few bowls with Senior, but to drink to satisfaction... I'm afraid I cannot this time."

Gu Shiyi let go of his hand and looked at him with slightly intoxicated eyes: "Even drinking a little wine with me is so difficult for you, you fellow don't respect me much, do you!"

Jiang Wang sat up straight, showing his pride, but his tone was very humble: "In this chaotic mortal world, this body is truly difficult to be free. I hope Senior understands. If I easily agree, and then Senior expects me to drink for four or five days to be satisfied, and I then try to find excuses to leave, that would truly be disrespectful to Senior."

"Hahahaha." Gu Shiyi burst into laughter: "Little brat is sincere and lovely, a wonderful person!"

Although Gu Shiyi looked like he was only in his forties, his actual age was over two hundred. For him to call Jiang Wang a little brat, there was nothing awkward about it.

He simply picked up a bowl and said: "I toast Senior a bowl!"

The two clinked their wine bowls and each drank it all.

Jiang Wang felt a scorching hot current, burning all the way from his throat to his chest. What strong wine!

No wonder even a True Person of this era like Gu Shiyi was slightly intoxicated.

After the heat seared his lungs and intestines, only a burning pain and a feeling of exhilaration remained.

"Again?" Gu Shiyi's eyes held an inexplicable emotion.

Jiang Wang said nothing more, picked up the wine jar again, first filled Gu Shiyi's bowl, then filled his own.

Thus they clinked bowls again, and drank it all in one gulp.

After this bowl, the air current that had previously subsided surged up again. The two bursts of alcohol vapor collided, instantly exploding with a fullness of alcohol throughout his body and heart!

"Good! A straightforward person!" Gu Shiyi casually wiped his mouth with his sleeve, personally picked up the wine jar, and was about to pour wine for Jiang Wang.

Jiang Wang quickly stopped him: "Senior, how can this be?"

"What's wrong with this?" Gu Shiyi pushed his hand aside, pouring two bowls with great ease, saying: "And don't keep calling me Senior, Senior. On the wine table, there is no seniority. Just call me Brother Gu!"

The wine was good wine, and it was also quite intoxicating.

But as for Brother Gu, Gu Shiyi dared to hear it, but how could Jiang Wang dare to call him that?

He couldn't help but say with a bitter face: "You are of great age and virtue, how could I be disrespectful? Senior should not be bothered by the matter of address. Just let me call you whatever feels natural."

"Let's not talk nonsense." Gu Shiyi waved a hand, somewhat impatiently: "Okay, since I am a few years older than you, you can call me Big Brother Gu, and I will call you Little Brother Jiang!"

One or two hundred years older, and he still calls it "a few years" older?

"Ah?"

While Jiang Wang was still stunned, Gu Shiyi had already brought his bowl over to clink: "Little Brother Jiang, come drink!"

So they clinked bowls, and so they drank it all again.

This wine was such that for every sip taken, there was a recoil. The aroma of the wine layered, and the intoxication twisted back. It made people drink with more vigor and want to drink more.

After a few bowls, Jiang Wang was already a third intoxicated, and couldn't help but ask: "Senior, what kind of wine is this?"

Gu Shiyi squinted at him: "What did you call me?"

The alcohol vapor seemed to collide with his internal organs, with his heart, with his mind.

In his intoxication, Jiang Wang blurted out: "Big Brother Gu!"

emboldened by the wine, having shouted out "Big Brother Gu", he instantly felt much more at ease: "This wine is truly strong! I wonder what it's called?"

Gu Shiyi slowly filled the wine again. This time, he didn't clink bowls with Jiang Wang.

He simply said: "Cang Sang."

"Cang Sang of Canghai Sangtian, Cang Sang of the Righteous Path in the Human World is Cang Sang!"

He raised his bowl and drank it all.

There was an inexpressible emotion in his eyes.

Such a person, born of the direct lineage of the royal family, achieving fame in his youth, yet choosing to abandon his country and position, not accepting the Dragon Court, but traveling the world alone, renowned in various states, for over two hundred years now.

His experiences and his story can be called a legend.

Who could know his mood and his nostalgia?

In his life as a knight of the world, there must also be many regrets, many unforgettable memories. Let him, in moments like the present, slowly remember.

And he could only remember.

Thank you to everyone who has consistently given me strength on this long journey.