Chapitre 43: Chapter 43: Ambitions Revealed
"My beloved," Jiang HuanYu reassured Xiao Qingli with a confident smile. "You can rest easy. It won't be long before I have both of those items in hand."
His tone turned serious. "However, there's another matter weighing on my mind; it concerns Blood Shadow Tower."
"While we destroyed their headquarters and killed Guan Zhiyun, the deputy tower master, Nanmen Yu, was nowhere to be found. Despite the Godslayer Guards searching the area, they couldn't find a single clue."
Jiang HuanYu's principles were clear: leave no loose ends.
Nanmen Yu, known as the strategist of Bloodshadow Tower and a Heavenly Realm expert, wasn't a threat to him directly. However, if Nanmen Yu resorted to guerrilla tactics, targeting the Jiang Dynasty or the Qian family in revenge, it could become a nuisance.
"I've been mulling over ways to lure him out," Jiang HuanYu admitted, "but I haven't come up with a suitable plan yet."
Xiao Qingli, who had been listening intently, spoke up. "Nanmen Yu…"
"If he managed to escape, I doubt he'll stay in the Northern Domain for long."
"Why do you think that?" Jiang HuanYu asked, intrigued.
"Nanmen Yu may be Bloodshadow Tower's deputy master, but his true identity is far more complicated," Xiao Qingli began. "He is a warrior from the sea regions and a senior elder of Heaven Pavilion."
"If he survived, he likely fled back to the sea regions."
Jiang HuanYu's eyes narrowed. "The sea regions, huh… That complicates things."
After a moment of thought, he waved dismissively. "Fine. If he's fled to the sea, he's beyond my reach for now. Besides, there are more pressing matters to address here."
Xiao Qingli, sensing his focus shifting, nodded. "Go handle your affairs. I'll stay here with Xinyou and explain the Heavenly Wisdom Physique to her."
Jiang HuanYu chuckled. "Good. Xinyou, keep your Qingli sister company. You'll be spending plenty of time together in the future."
His teasing tone left Qian Xinyou blushing furiously, unsure of how to respond.
Xiao Qingli rolled her eyes at his brazenness. "Out!"
Laughing, Jiang HuanYu turned and left the room, leaving the two women to talk.
Jiang HuanYu entered the throne room, where Zuo Xuanqi, Tie Poyun, Jiang King, and several Godslayer and Gold-Armored Guards awaited him.
"Your Majesty," Zuo Xuanqi began. "The spies monitoring Tempest Sect have reported that Shadowblade has exited seclusion. He has left the sect in a fury, likely heading straight for the Jiang Dynasty."
Jiang HuanYu nodded calmly, his expression unperturbed. "As expected."
"Let him come," he continued with a smirk. "His arrival means I can acquire the Tianyou Nine-Leaf Grass."
Jiang HuanYu had already formulated his plan: once Shadowblade arrived, he would capture him and use him as leverage to trade with Tempest Sect for the Tianyou Nine-Leaf Grass. From there, he would obtain the Night Moon Crystal from the Ten Thousand Beasts Forest and prepare for the Empress Coronation Ceremony.
His thoughts wandered briefly to Xiao Qingli. He could hardly wait for the moment when the proud former empress would willingly submit to him. The image of her high-and-mighty demeanor melting into vulnerability was tantalizing.
"Your Majesty," Tie Poyun interjected. "Shadowblade was already a Sixth Stage Heavenly Realm expert. Now that he has broken through, he's likely at the Seventh Stage. Should I order our forces to prepare for a defensive engagement?"
Jiang HuanYu waved dismissively. "There's no need. When he arrives, invite him into the throne room. I'll 'entertain' him personally."
His confidence was absolute. Even if Shadowblade were an Eighth Stage or peak Heavenly Realm expert, stepping into the palace would be a death sentence. The semi-saint-level protective array of the Jiang Dynasty would ensure that.
Turning to Jiang King, Jiang HuanYu issued his next command.
"Jiang King, I am giving you 500,000 soldiers, along with three Godslayer Guards, three Shadow Guards, and three Gold-Armored Guards, all at the Third Stage of the Heaven Realm. You will lead them."
"Your task is to sweep through the top-tier forces around the Jiang Dynasty, spreading outward. Those who refuse to submit are to be executed on the spot. Do not bother reporting back."
Jiang HuanYu's eyes glinted with ambition. "I want the Jiang Empire's imperial might to dominate every corner of the Northern Domain. The hearts of all its people must hold reverence for the Jiang Dynasty!"
Jiang King, Tie Poyun, and Zuo Xuanqi were electrified by the declaration.
Their emperor was no longer content with growing their power, he sought to unite the Northern Domain under his rule.
"Can I trust you with this task, Jiang King?"
Jiang King straightened, his voice firm. "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will not fail."
"Good."
Jiang HuanYu turned to Tie Poyun. "Tie Marshal, I have another task for you. Begin recruiting soldiers across the Northern Domain."
"Currently, the Jiang Dynasty has just over two million troops. If we aim to unify the Northern Domain, we'll need at least ten million."
"Triple the resources allocated to our forces immediately to ensure the expansion."
He added, "Zuo Xuanqi, you'll oversee the logistics for this effort."
Both men saluted, their voices filled with enthusiasm. "Understood, Your Majesty!"
With the resources seized from Blood Shadow Tower and other defeated factions, the Jiang Dynasty was wealthier than ever. Combined with its growing prestige, recruiting and equipping a larger army would be a swift and achievable goal.
Swish!
The Archer God appeared in the throne room, holding a large, unconscious black bear by the scruff of its neck.
"Your Majesty, Man Gang has been captured," he reported.
Jiang HuanYu smiled. "Well done, Archer God. You've earned your rest."
He then addressed the room. "Jiang King, Tie Marshal, proceed with your assignments."
Both men saluted once more before leaving, followed by the Godslayer and Gold-Armored Guards.
Jiang HuanYu's eyes gleamed as he gazed at the unconscious Man Gang. "Let's see how the Bear King likes this game."
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone