Chapter Nine concludes

Taking advantage of the situation, Chen Jun advanced directly and captured the three villages of Shuang, Chong, and Changwan, while also surrounding the eastern military stronghold of Mengcheng in the State of Su. Several favored disciples of Su Yan were dispatched to cast spells, but they were easily defeated by a mysterious figure. Within less than seven days of the siege, the State of Su sent envoys to seek peace.

Lord Chen achieved satisfactory military results and soon obtained favorable diplomatic outcomes—diplomacy is always strongly backed by military strength or victories. Lord Su agreed to relinquish the territories that had been plundered and to reduce Meng City from a military stronghold to an ordinary border city. At the same time, he promised to participate in the alliance meeting convened and presided over by Lord Chen after the autumn harvest. Lord Chen likely intends to use this alliance meeting to completely seize the title of "Eastern Duke" from the Su state. If the Su people cannot find an opportunity for counterattack during the ensuing half year, Lord Chen will undoubtedly achieve his goal.

I clearly heard a long sigh from Ignorance beside me. I knew he was unwilling to be among the many fools, and even less willing to directly intervene in their disputes and chaos. However, as events had developed to this point, he had no choice but to make an appearance. Soon, an image that seemed almost illusory trembled and appeared before me. I saw him slightly lower his head and whisper something in the ear of the mysterious figure

Chen Jun received the report I wanted regarding that mysterious person. He suspects that I am a spy from Su Country, intending to steal "Leichong." This became clear to me when he and a large number of armored soldiers suddenly appeared behind the mysterious person's bed. I hurriedly knelt down and, in a clear but unhurried tone, quickly made my defense.

This is a battle that shakes the world. During the fight, I drove for Lord Chen. Because Lord Chen promised me that as long as we defeat the Su Kingdom and obtain the "Yun Jue," he would allow me to admire the "Lei Chong".

It turns out that Chen Jun has always harbored suspicions towards me. In such a chaotic era, even fathers and sons, brothers cannot be trusted, let alone a foreigner who was once considered a spy. I can fully understand his mindset, but what I did not expect was that he would actually tempt Wan to monitor me. The conditions were simple and indeed enticing: if Wan and I had a son, Chen Jun would issue a special decree ordering me to designate this child as the heir.

My thoughts align with his. However, we both miscalculated; Su Jun and Su Yan seem to willingly relinquish the title of "Dong Bo," and until June, there were no signs of military action from the Su Kingdom. The autumn harvest and the subsequent conference are approaching, and the Su Kingdom will no longer have the opportunity to counterattack. "The Su people will not come to battle," the mysterious figure explained this illogical phenomenon, "because Su Wu Shi already knows who I am..."

The battle erupted on the plains at the foot of Mount Lei. Mount Lei, located within the borders of Chen, is approximately 20 miles from the border with Su. Upon hearing of Chen's sudden attack, the Su people were somewhat taken aback and hurriedly took the initiative, mobilizing an army of 21,000 to be the first to invade Chen's territory

This is why, although he did not explain, I am very clear about it myself. I am like a small blade of grass on a cliff, seemingly capable of toppling a boulder at any moment, falling onto the heads of passersby. Yet I understand my own abilities; I am merely a small blade of grass, one that no one would pay attention to, an innocuous little grass. I will not cause harm to anyone; I do not possess that capability, and even if I were to cause harm to others—I seem to have harmed the ethereal realm—that would not be due to my own power. Such is the nature of Juye, a person who delights in observing the growth and development of things he cannot grasp, unlike some who, even if it is just a small blade of grass, will not hesitate to uproot it at the slightest hint of danger—perhaps Chen Jun is such a person.

Of course, I will not report everything to Lord Chen; not only would the other party not believe it, but there is also no time. I must make him clearly understand my defense before he orders me to be tied up or even killed on the spot with a flurry of swords. I only told Lord Chen that I was entrusted by an immortal to request to view "Leichong"—"If you do not believe me, I can immediately request the immortal to appear here!"

However, as time passes, the burning shadow in my heart gradually fades away. She is merely one among the countless companions on my peculiar journey through life, and she is not of my kind. Her life and experiences are entirely different from mine, and even beyond the realm of our connection, we are unable to communicate with each other through language. Do I truly care about her life and death? Do I genuinely wish to see her again? Perhaps what I long for is simply that carefree life we shared in the past. She is merely one among the countless companions on my peculiar journey through life, and she is not of my kind. Her life and experiences are entirely different from mine, and even beyond the realm of our connection, we are unable to communicate with each other through language. Do I truly care about her life and death? Do I genuinely wish to see her again? Perhaps what I long for is simply that carefree life we shared in the past. Perhaps it is only due to the helplessness of reality that I often think of this winged woman—especially after she betrayed me.

Of course, at that time I did not understand the true identity and background of the mysterious person. I was unaware of Chen Jun, which led to my overconfidence. It was not that he had not considered the hardships to come, but rather that he was not afraid of the "nearly half of the Yuan Wuzong's Qi Refiners" at all.

We all find it puzzling that one of the Four Divine Artifacts, possessing such terrifying power, was only used as a talisman to pacify the capital when it was recorded in history that the Hong King originally obtained all four. Why, during the struggle for independence, did they have to endure so many arduous battles? Why did the Hong King choose to separate them and bestow them upon the feudal lords in all directions?

I have conceived and practiced this set of arguments many times. Perhaps I sensed that such a situation would arise, or perhaps, having endured many hardships, I no longer harbor any illusions about my own fortune. I always prepare for the worst possible outcome in any situation.

This is a placeholder text.

To openly acknowledge the mixed blood of a human and a slave as the heir of the gentry, thereby gaining the status of the gentry, is indeed a bold defiance of universal norms. However, in chaotic times, it is precisely such individuals who completely disregard tradition, remain submissive like dogs before power, yet constantly seek to overthrow that power and replace it, showing no loyalty and disregarding laws and rites, who are likely to survive in the long run

Who exactly is this mysterious person? I still do not know, as Chen Jun has remained tight-lipped and refuses to disclose anything to anyone

In the region of Chen, nearly 20,000 troops have been mobilized, making the comparison of troop numbers quite balanced. However, due to my assistance in mining iron and forging advanced iron weapons, the overall combat effectiveness has changed drastically compared to six months ago. Moreover, Su Yan is still ill and unable to participate in the campaign, while that mysterious individual, having been enlightened by the immortal, has basically restored their magical powers.

At this point, we learned that Su Jun had sustained serious injuries in the battle of Leishan and had passed away before he could escape back to the capital, posthumously titled "Dang." The new ruler had not yet ascended to the throne, and in order to free up resources to deal with the contenders for the public position and suppress domestic rebellions, he hastily requested peace talks

According to historical records: In the seventeenth year of the reign of King Tan, in the spring of the first month, the people of Chen attacked Su at Leishan, and Duke Su Dang passed away

Before the battle broke out, the immortal came to inform me that he had already found the * map * book and it was burning: "She is not dead yet, but the current situation is very peculiar, difficult to explain. I must take you to see it. Therefore, wait until the war is over, until you see 'Leichong' or 'Yun Jue.'" I do not know if he is threatening me; I only dared to curse silently in my heart after confirming he had left: "Immortals are not good beings either!" Therefore, wait until the war is over, until you see 'Leichong' or 'Yun Jue.' I do not know if he is threatening me; I only dared to curse silently in my heart after confirming he had left: "Immortals are not good beings either!"

This world is born from nothingness and will also end in nothingness. Whether it is the foolish or the wise, or even the immortals, all wish to continue existing, to continue having. The sage, however, wanders between existence and non-existence, indifferent to both. Perhaps it is precisely this attitude of the sage that strengthens the power of nothingness, leading to the calamities of the other three realms. On one occasion, the immortal lamented in this manner, speaking a passage that I found difficult to comprehend. Perhaps it is precisely this attitude of the sage that strengthens the power of nothingness, leading to the calamities of the other three realms. On one occasion, the immortal lamented in this manner, speaking a passage that I found difficult to comprehend

After I became aware of my ability to communicate with the immortals, Lord Chen increasingly trusted me. My land holdings quickly expanded to 200 acres, with nearly a thousand slaves and dozens of retainers. I renovated my residence, which now featured three courtyards and intricately painted corridors. Moreover, several lower-ranking nobles voluntarily offered their daughters to me, seeking to form a marital alliance—I politely declined, although I found myself increasingly reluctant to see Wan.

The mysterious figure seemed to suddenly be full of energy, turning over and jumping down from the bed, kneeling on the ground, and bowing deeply: "Thank you, immortal, for guiding me through the fog!" At that moment, the apparition suddenly vanished again. I knew that Hu Luo had already left; I only needed him to confirm that my discernment was indeed correct, and he had done just that for me. If I had known earlier, I would have asked him for more, requesting him to stay a little longer; the subsequent matters would have been much simpler. I knew that Hu Luo had already left; I only needed him to confirm that my discernment was indeed correct, and he had done just that for me. If I had known earlier, I would have asked him for more, requesting him to stay a little longer; the subsequent matters would have been much simpler

I never expected that the once sorrowful and pitiful gaze would change so drastically for a child that has just begun to take shape in her womb, one whose gender is still unknown. She has betrayed me, yet I do not harbor hatred towards her, for I still feel that I owe her a debt. Especially, for reasons unknown, every time I see her, I am reminded of another enslaved woman—one whom Kun entrusted to me on his deathbed, now lying somewhere beneath a ridge with his daughter, ... his wife, who forever burdens my conscience ... Especially, for reasons unknown, every time I see her, I am reminded of another enslaved woman—one whom Kun entrusted to me on his deathbed, now lying somewhere beneath a ridge with his daughter, ... his wife, who forever burdens my conscience ...

Therefore, Lord Chen believed my explanation and agreed to let me observe "Leichong," but on the condition that I first help him defeat the Su Kingdom. Knowing that there were immortals secretly assisting him, his confidence and ambition suddenly swelled. The original plan was to take three years to recuperate and develop national strength, but by the spring of the second year, he could no longer restrain himself. "Defeat the Su people, and we will return just in time for the spring planting!" he called upon his ministers and the populace. The original plan was to take three years to recuperate and develop national strength, but by the spring of the second year, he could no longer restrain himself. "Defeat the Su people, and we will return just in time for the spring planting!" he called upon his ministers and the populace

It is again words I cannot understand; it seems that only these incomprehensible words allow him to speak freely and at length, while for what I can understand, he has always dismissed me with just a few simple words. In short, before encountering "Lei Chong" or "Yun Jue," I am unable to glean any information about Ran's whereabouts from him, nor can I capture the direction in which my future life journey will extend.

"So, does this mean that the origin of the world is indeed nothingness, and that the belief in the non-existence of sects is correct?" I asked him, but the immortal scoffed with a smile: "Because there is nothing, there is something; because there is something, there is nothing. Between existence and non-existence, how can there be anything? Before existence and non-existence, how can there be anything? To speak of existence while discarding non-existence is to see the sky without recognizing what it supports; to speak of non-existence while discarding existence is to see the earth without recognizing what it covers."

In April, the new Su Jun finally defeated all opponents and officially ascended the throne. Upon receiving the news, Ju Ye let out a long sigh: "A great war is about to break out, and the Su Kingdom will surely return for revenge. Moreover, according to the intelligence I have received, Su Wushi has already recovered."

If it were possible to reverse time, if one could return to 1,200 years ago, perhaps the mystery could be unraveled. However, according to Hu Lu, even immortals do not possess the power to reverse time—"The foolish groan and lament in the universe, while the wise are born in accordance with the natural order; immortals can turn their universe, but only the truly exceptional can reverse their cosmos"

The battle showed a one-sided trend; the mysterious figure did not use "Leichong" at all, but simply transformed the westerly winds that were blowing towards our army into unfavorable easterly winds for the enemy. Lord Chen beat the war drums resoundingly, and our left flank was the first to break through the enemy lines. Subsequently, the central and left divisions of the commoners also wavered. This battle ended in less than three hours, resulting in the death and capture of over four thousand commoners.

"This is the war of the foolish," the immortal suddenly appeared in my dream again, letting out a long sigh. "A single person can possess the strength of tens of thousands, capable of taking the lives of tens of thousands in an instant. This power is not only unrestrained but may also be amplified by divine artifacts and books... How terrifying, the calamity of the foolish comes with the great disaster."

Juye often comes to my home, drinks with me, and laments the state of affairs. Perhaps due to changes in status, I no longer dislike him as I once did—no, it seems that even when I was a slave, I did not truly dislike him; I merely found him somewhat intimidating. If I were still a slave and could choose my master, I would still choose to follow Juye. He is cold, cruel, and capricious, yet he can engage in heartfelt conversation with a slave, although that slave must be exceptionally special, special enough to become an equal noble in a few months. Perhaps he could kindly converse with this slave and then immediately draw his sword to slay him—"I have genuinely wanted to kill you several times," he candidly told me, "but there is something about you that prevents me from raising my sword..." Perhaps he could kindly converse with this slave and then immediately draw his sword to slay him—"I have genuinely wanted to kill you several times," he candidly told me, "but there is something about you that prevents me from raising my sword..."

The sage seems to be omnipotent, drifting between the cosmos and possessing the great power to change the universe. However, they do not seek to change it. Just as a noble's son, born with provisions for clothing and food, has no need to toil for a morsel of bread. Why should they labor like farmers or slaves, fretting over life and death? What influences their wealth and status are only power and circumstance, but what if power and circumstance were also theirs? Would they still engage in scheming and intrigue? Would they still wage wars and commit acts of violence? They would merely lead a mundane existence, fully enjoying the comfortable life bestowed upon them by heaven, no longer willing to exert even a bit of labor or effort. What influences their wealth and status are only power and circumstance, but what if power and circumstance were also theirs? Would they still engage in scheming and intrigue? Would they still wage wars and commit acts of violence? They would merely lead a mundane existence, fully enjoying the comfortable life bestowed upon them by heaven, no longer willing to exert even a bit of labor or effort

However, perhaps as he said, during my search for the artifact, the less he intervenes, the better; otherwise, the connection among him, the artifact, and the great calamity that he is seeking may become distorted, or even lead to fundamental errors

I drove the war chariot, carrying the self-satisfied Chen Jun back to the capital. Without needing to look back, I could already envision the contemptible arrogance on Chen Jun's face. Has he truly achieved victory? Yet, I feel as though he is seated beneath a roof on the verge of collapse. In terms of the overall national strength, the Su Kingdom still surpasses the Chen Kingdom; in terms of military power, the Su army has not suffered a devastating blow; in terms of Daoist power, Su Yan will one day rise from his sickbed, and as the foremost adept of the Yuan Wu sect, with disciples spread across the world, a single call from him would gather nearly half of the Qi Refiners of the Yuan Wu sect in Su capital. In terms of the overall national strength, the Su Kingdom still surpasses the Chen Kingdom; in terms of military power, the Su army has not suffered a devastating blow; in terms of Daoist power, Su Yan will one day rise from his sickbed, and as the foremost adept of the Yuan Wu sect, with disciples spread across the world, a single call from him would gather nearly half of the Qi Refiners of the Yuan Wu sect in Su capital.