Chapter 2369: Celestial Dipper

Zhu Biqiong is not one to belittle herself arbitrarily. She feels that her current self is a temporary strong person within the Shenlin Realm.

However, to say she can roam the Mirage Realm unchecked is still not enough.

Jiang Wang roams the Mirage Realm relying on martial prowess, Li Longchuan became famous in the Mirage Realm because of military strategy, and in these two aspects, she is incomparable to those two.

She doesn't actually hold much hope for the matter of "welcoming back the Dou'e remnant army." She believes that Lou Yue doesn't truly hope for her either.

Thirty-five thousand people. If three to five thousand can return, that would be considered lucky.

The Mirage Realm is unpredictable. Enemy and friendly forces are intertwined like dog's teeth, with domains constantly being born and destroyed. To this day, there are still many places that both the human and sea races are unable to explore.

She doesn't even know which domains those Dou'e remnant armies are scattered in. The Jingguo people fundamentally did not plan to enter the Mirage Realm; even if they had some preparations, they were shattered in Canghai.

Those who escaped from Canghai into the Mirage Realm probably all ended up in the sea race's territory.

With the Hai Nest garrison blocking the front, Canghai elites pursuing and killing from behind, and no route map, not even knowing where they are, they can only rely on luck to stumble forward.

She is unable to find a safe way for these Dou'e remnant armies to return.

Not to mention these Dou'e remnant armies, even she herself has no clear direction in the Mirage Realm.

"Confusing World," "Mirage Realm"—this name is truly fitting.

At one moment, Zhu Biqiong suddenly had a fleeting thought: Could Diao Hai Lou move its headquarters here?

From now on, focus on operations in the Mirage Realm, and just leave a station on Small Crescent Island to handle near-sea matters.

This way, perhaps they could jump out of the quagmire of the contending states, like Yang Valley, transcendent and outside the situation, similar to Tian Gong City in Lunxian Forest, preserve the inheritance, and not forget Diao Long Ke's original intention.

The initial Diao Hai Lou was reluctant to part with the resources of the near-sea archipelago. The current Diao Hai Lou finds it difficult to shake off the constraints of the near-sea archipelago.

Going to Shenlu will definitely not be allowed, but going to the Mirage Realm will probably not be stopped.

The only problem is...

Can the current Diao Hai Lou still stand firm in the Mirage Realm?

"Zhu girl."

Luo Yizhi, the commander of the Dou'e army whom Zhu Biqiong had just rescued from the sea race pursuit, caught up a few steps: "Which direction should we go next?"

Direction...

Zhu Biqiong couldn't say where they should go. She had also stumbled upon them by chance.

She looked at this person: "Do you have any ideas?"

Luo Yizhi's Two Yi battle armor was already shattered. He wore a blood-stained black martial uniform, appearing quite handsome and tall.

Being able to hold the position of commander in the Dou'e army at a young age meant he should have had an unlimited future—if not for this defeat at Canghai.

"To be honest," Luo Yizhi cupped his hands, "we want to stay and welcome our brothers back, but it's not right to ask the pavilion to accompany us on such a dangerous endeavor. Many sea race dukes have appeared in Canghai."

"You also know that many sea race dukes have appeared in Canghai," Zhu Biqiong calmly laid out the reality. "To be honest, the combat power in the Mirage Realm is now imbalanced. You Jingguo will not have equal investment in the Mirage Realm. Turning back is sending yourselves to death."

Luo Yizhi of course knows this is the reality. He is surviving in such a reality.

But he said: "When entering the Mirage Realm, not a single one of our tens of thousands of brothers turned back. Because the military order did not allow us to retreat, it required us to go home. The Great Commander just died behind us."

Gathered behind Luo Yizhi were seventeen Dou'e army warriors in total. They couldn't even form a team's combat formation. Some people's swords were broken, or they were more or less injured, but every person's eyes were very firm.

Luo Yizhi continued: "That is the figure I admired since childhood, positioned at the highest level of the central empire's military. He exploded into a thunderclap in order to let more brothers go."

"Then you should properly execute the military order even more," Zhu Biqiong said.

After saying this sentence, she suddenly was stunned for a moment. Because she remembered, once there was a person on the battlefield who just did not execute military order. Perhaps that was indeed a very good friend.

Luo Yizhi solemnly said: "I am now also executing the military order. As a soldier of Great Jing, a commander of the Dou'e army, I bear this duty, and thus have this responsibility. I want to bring more brothers home—"

He deeply bowed to Zhu Biqiong: "Zhu girl, thank you very much for your help. I will engrave this great kindness. See you again later."

Zhu Biqiong had no good feelings towards Jingguo or Qi state. At the city head, great kings change flags; every great king wants to drink blood and suck marrow. But at least at this moment, facing such a group of warriors, she was somewhat inevitably moved.

But she is no longer the naive and impulsive person she once was. In the end, she just waved her hand: "Then, see you again—"

Her words stopped abruptly.

Precisely at this moment, four extremely brilliant stars illuminated the ancient starry sky, casting brilliant light into the present world, and actually casting the brilliant light into the Mirage Realm.

The brilliant light winds and folds the Big Dipper, unknown who scoops the star river!

The Mirage Realm originally had no division between upper and lower, it was hard to distinguish heaven and earth with day and night. But now the Big Dipper hangs high.

The Mirage Realm originally had no direction, it was impossible to distinguish east, west, south, and north. But now the Big Dipper hangs high.

She had never felt starlight so beautiful.

Everyone looked towards that direction. The brave and tenacious Dou'e warriors, who had never collapsed during this disastrous retreat, now faced each other, their eyes full of tears.

"I probably know which way we should go," Zhu Biqiong said.

"I knew it too," Luo Yizhi said.

Luo Yizhi asked again: "Whose Dao path is this, that it is actually so powerful it can be expounded to the Mirage Realm?"

He is also a cultivator in the outer tower realm of the Starlight Holy Tower, and has also begun to try establishing and expounding his Dao, but has truly never seen such a terrifying starry sky Holy Tower.

The true Big Dipper Seven Stars are probably just like this.

"You don't need to know who that person is. In any case, just look at it and walk back. Under heaven is one family, all comrades in the Mirage Realm," Zhu Biqiong said.

But she also added: "You will know."

Yes, who under heaven does not recognize the lord?

Those who see the Big Dipper Star will all walk towards this side.

At least at this instant, the Mirage Realm truly had a direction.

Faith, sincerity, benevolence, and martial prowess is the direction of the true self.

The night hangs the Big Dipper, which is the direction home.

In the fifth watch of the night, Jiang Wang established the tower, locked the sea, and illuminated all sides with his consciousness, brightly illuminating the Mirage Realm. Internally, he waged war between heaven and humanity; externally, he welcomed the return of the Dou'e remnant army.

The Dao he described is all in it.

The bow statue of the disaster giant ship was carved from Kui Ox thunderstruck ten-thousand-year divine yin wood, a master's handiwork, carved into the form of the legendary Fei beast.

Qi Wen stood at the bow.

Following Lou Yue's departure, Jingguo's overall withdrawal overseas thus pulled open the curtain.

But things are not ending that quickly.

Clearing out Jing people's many arrangements on the sea is a tedious task—of course, it's not his turn, as the Qi family head, to specifically execute.

After he firmly grasped Xia Shi, the old master formally retired, no longer involved in worldly affairs from now on. He became the only person who could represent the East Lai Qi family.

He had just come from Small Crescent Island and met with Chongguang Zhenren.

This trip was not a private meeting; it was in his capacity as the commander of Xia Shi and the highest responsible person of Jueming Island, to visit the Supreme Elder of Diao Hai Lou, their substantial strongest one.

Of course, there were no embarrassing threats or other unsightly things.

A great country has a great country's dignity.

He simply, on behalf of Qi state, sent Diao Hai Lou a gift.

He sent back the matching sword of the deceased former Diao Hai Lou master—Chen Du.

This globally renowned weapon, which shook the islands and was famous in the Mirage Realm, accompanied Wei Xun's rise all the way, and was also lost in the Mirage Realm with Wei Xun's death. It was found again by the Jingguo people as a continuation of the Jinghai Plan, and finally it was the people of Qi state who sent it back to Diao Hai Lou.

Chongguang and Qin Zhen must have understood what this represented.

From now on, Jingguo is not a pressure, Diao Hai Lou is not an obstacle, and the various near-sea islands can all fly the purple flag.

Diao Hai Lou can go or stay.

To be fair, "Great Qi Diao Hai Lou" is not bad either.

As long as they obey conscription during wartime and pay taxes according to daily rules. The inheritance will not be broken, past honors will also be respected, and they can receive the protection of the Jingwei flag.

Su Guanying and Shi Mingpeng, as governor and military governor in South Xia, raised the power of South Xia and had the power of Yandao. They both picked up a big bargain.

Shi Mingpeng could be the military governor of South Xia because at that time, Xiong Tu had just proven his Dongzhen realm not long ago and could not maximize the value of the military governor of South Xia. Also, because Xiong Tu had left a bad name in South Xia once, it did not match the Qi Court's policy of governing Xia.

Su Guanying could be the governor of South Xia, purely to thank Xie Huai'an's good nephew...

In short, these two stationed in South Xia enjoyed huge war dividends, were nourished by the official spirit and popular support of the entire South Xia, and after years of governance, with favorable weather, they were already hoping for the absolute peak.

Now he and Ye Hen Shui are also not unable to be the governor and military governor of the near sea.

This is not only a huge elevation of power, but also has enormous benefits for personal cultivation.

At least for him personally, he can completely say that Dongzhen is already at the door, push the door and see!

The benefits of Official Dao, far surpassing various schools, are exactly in this manner.

He only needs to guard one point: at this time, he cannot let people steal the peach. In today's political environment of Qi state, with the current emperor's outstanding talent and strategy, this kind of thing usually will not happen.

Unless...

Unless he also becomes completely useless like Qi Xiao, of no use to the country or the family.

Qi Xiao did not catch the good times.

The difficult task of the past, after his Qi Wen's several years of operation, has become a huge piece of meat through this battle.

If Qi Xiao were present, she could certainly rely on this to go further and ascend to the absolute peak.

How powerful and terrifying the absolute peak Qi Xiao would be, even he, her younger brother, dared not imagine.

At the first hour of daylight, heavenly light sprinkled upon the sea, the sun and stars sharing this sky.

Qi Wen then suddenly realized that the night had already passed. He also couldn't help but wonder if he had been too eager and lacked calmness in coming to Small Crescent Island overnight to return the Chen Du sword, and it wasn't very humane.

But this thought immediately dispersed.

If Qi Xiao were here, she fundamentally would not have had these thoughts.

No, she wouldn't even have let Diao Hai Lou exist this long.

Qi Xiao's sitting ship was named "Fu Ze," his sitting ship was named "Huo Yang."

They were said to be opposing, yet also inevitably connected by blood. Everyone knows "Fu Huo Xiang Yi."

Qi Xiao herself has a cold temperament. From a young age, he both respected and feared this elder sister.

He dared not get close, nor was he allowed to get close.

As he grew older, this emotion became increasingly complex.

On one hand, he was proud of this exceptionally excellent elder sister, and on the other hand, he also feared this elder sister more than ordinary people, having been suppressed and breathless for many years.

He of course also noticed the movement in the Ghost Face Fish sea domain. But concerning the heaven and human Jiang Wang, the Duke and Hou naturally have their own decisions. He has his own matters.

He, Qi Wen, is not like Qi Xiao, that kind of sharp and peerless fast knife.

Under that kind of sharpness, he often appeared ordinary.

He considers himself good at only two things: one is patient waiting, and the other is doing his duty well.

If he had been in charge of the Mirage Realm battlefield initially, he certainly would not have treated Jiang Wang as a pure chess piece. Instead, he would have given Jiang Wang choices, opened his heart and given trust to Jiang Wang, thereby winning the trust of this national heaven's pride.

Compared to a slight advantage in a war, "winning Jiang Wang" might be a bigger strategic victory.

He is different from Qi Xiao.

He will use a lifetime to prove that this kind of "difference" is not mediocrity.

The Star Tower that penetrated the near sea was hidden away.

Inside the Ghost Face Fish sea domain, Jiang Wang's matter is approaching its finale.

Qi Wen quietly looked for a while, then shifted his gaze away.

No matter how Jiang Wang is now...

It's already dawn.

Heavenly light is dim.

Linzi City wakes up from sleep.

The turbulent fluctuations of heaven and earth in various domains were not reflected in this Ba state capital—

Court Discussing Doctor Song Yao has been guarding in the Imperial Ancestral Temple during this period, personally grasping the entire Qi state's heavenly phenomena, making day and night orderly, and the heavenly times as usual, called "Zheng Tian Shi."

Such a contemporary Zhenren who controls the great power of the nation has put down everything during this period. He has been sitting idly in the Imperial Ancestral Temple until the forty-nine days of heaven and earth fluctuations pass.

This shows the emperor's love for the people.

Li Zhengshu then walked in the morning light.

Amidst the hawking voices of peddlers and the fragrance of breakfast being stirred, he walked through the extraordinarily spacious long street.

The noisy voices entered his ears, making him feel stuffy to the point of panic.

The three-hundred-li giant city of Linzi City often makes people bewildered. The roads in all directions, intricate and branching, always make people lose their way. Even after living here for many years, Li Zhengshu occasionally feels strange.

He has his own separate residence in Linzi, which is also his study place. During festivals, he goes back to Cui Cheng Marquis Mansion to live for a few days.

But his mother often sends letters, and he also goes back frequently.

Whenever Feng Yao or Longchuan return, he also makes time to go back to see them—he always has to recite books.

Even the former Wu'an Marquis had to recite books in the Donghua Pavilion, showing how effective this method is.

He is a "Donghua Scholar" deeply trusted by the emperor, yet also a court and wild idle person with no official position.

He does not ride a horse, nor does he ride a sedan chair.

Wearing a pair of cloth shoes, he steps on the street wet with morning dew.

This summer is really humid and hot.

He bought a bowl of his mother's favorite "Little Zhang Ji"'s bean flower, and conveniently brought a steamer of small steamed buns.

Cui Cheng Marquis Mansion always serves spiritual vegetables and spiritual food, they don't eat these street things.

But the old lady craves this bite, so he sometimes follows suit.

Everything seems unchanged, everything seems to be changing.

"Little Zhang" has already become "Old Zhang."

"Big sir, you're back," the doorkeeper softly saluted.

Li Zhengshu waved his hand and walked directly inside.

Soon he came to his mother's courtyard. His mother had also gotten up early and was wiping the bow hanging on the wall with a cotton cloth.

That was the last bow his father used in his life. The bow body was already cracked and could no longer be used, so it was hung in the room as a memorial.

This work she never let others do.

"Yu Lang is back?" the old lady asked without turning her head.

He is not the old lady's biological son, but he is loved as if he were. Because he was born good-looking, the old lady loved to take him out for walks from a young age, showing off "my home Yu Lang" to everyone she met.

The elegant title "Yu Lang Jun" can also be said to have originated from this.

"It's big sir," the maid beside her softly responded.

The old lady said again: "What wind is blowing today, bringing a rare guest?"

Li Zhengshu opened his mouth: "Mother—"

"Come and stay for two days, Longchuan is also about to come back," the old lady said. "The day after tomorrow is his birthday."

Li Zhengshu opened his mouth for a moment, but no sound came out.

"What's wrong?" the old lady turned back, somewhat amused and annoyed. "That little bastard is running wild outside, he's not even planning to come back on this day?"

Li Zhengshu did not speak.

The old lady turned back and continued to wipe that broken bow, muttering: "A son's birthday is a mother's difficult day. Whether he sees this old lady or not is irrelevant. He should always properly accompany his mother—why aren't you speaking?"

This bow had not been used for a long time, but it was shining with oil and never had a day when it was stained with dust. The old lady hung the bow well, looked at it carefully again, made sure it wasn't crooked, and then put the cotton cloth aside.

Turning back to look at Li Zhengshu: "Yu Lang, you tell me, should I or should I not scold you? What kind of child is Longchuan now? From a young age, you took him to that kind of smoky place, and now he's also learned nothing good. If he had three points of Jiang Wang's sensibility, this old body wouldn't inevitably always worry about him!"

Li Zhengshu's eyes were already teary, and he lowered his head: "It's son's fault."

The old lady waved her hand: "If there are military matters, then it should be understood. Our family serves as soldiers and eats grain, not because of private matters neglecting public affairs. Not coming back is not coming back, not looking is not looking. His mother can understand!"

"Mother," Li Zhengshu looked at her with teary eyes: "Longchuan is gone."

The old lady opened her mouth, but did not speak. She was silent for a while, finally slowly sitting down.

"Oh."