Bab 480: Chapter 480: The Astronomical Directorate
"How does Mr. Corpse know all this?" Lin Xiao asked.
Zhong Shan and Shui Wuhen also looked at Mr. Corpse with curiosity.
Mr. Corpse smiled bitterly and replied, "Because I originally come from the Great Thousand World."
From the Great Thousand World? The others were slightly surprised, except for Zhong Shan, who had already suspected that Mr. Corpse might not be from this world, so he wasn't too shocked.
"I can't divulge all the details now, but I promise to tell you when the time is right. However, I've noticed that apart from me, there are others from the Great Thousand World here," Mr. Corpse said.
Intrigued by Mr. Corpse's words, the group followed his line of thought.
"Oh?"
Mr. Corpse frowned and continued, "Commander, do you remember the Mingyuan Pill? The bat bag and the Soul Searching Stone?"
"What about them?" Zhong Shan asked.
"These items shouldn't exist in a small thousand world. Also, that bat bag, although a crude artifact, can store living creatures. Isn't that strange?" Mr. Corpse explained.
"Indeed, it was quite amazing how it could hold subdued bats despite its limited power."
"That's because the bat bag was crafted by an immortal. Although it was made casually and not refined with care, it still contains traces of immortal energy," Mr. Corpse explained.
"Yes," Zhong Shan nodded deeply, raising his regard for the leader of the Demon Nightmare Corps.
Seeing Zhong Shan's serious attention, Mr. Corpse didn't elaborate further.
"Shui Wuhen, since I brought you along, there are some secrets you need to know. Be prepared," Zhong Shan said.
"Please go ahead, Commander," Shui Wuhen responded immediately.
"Alright, Lin Xiao, explain to him," Zhong Shan instructed.
"Yes," Lin Xiao agreed without hesitation.
As they traveled, Lin Xiao began explaining the matters of the Great Zheng Dynasty to Shui Wuhen. Shui Wuhen listened intently, clenching his fists in surprise as he learned about the other identity of his revered commander.
After a lengthy explanation, Shui Wuhen finally understood everything.
As Zhong Shan had anticipated.
"Shui Wuhen greets Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor!" Shui Wuhen immediately knelt and paid his respects.
Shui Wuhen's loyalty was expected. After all, he had been groomed by Zhong Shan himself and held him in the highest esteem. Lin Xiao's explanation made everything clear to him.
"Good. From now on, I appoint you as the commander of the Fifth Corps of the Great Zheng Dynasty," Zhong Shan announced with satisfaction.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Shui Wuhen accepted the appointment promptly.
With everything out in the open, Lin Xiao, Mr. Corpse, and Shui Wuhen felt more relaxed around each other.
"I assume Mr. Lin is also a corps commander?" Shui Wuhen asked curiously.
"I've been with His Majesty the longest, so I had the fortune of becoming the commander of the First Corps. Mr. Corpse is the commander of the Fourth Corps," Lin Xiao replied with a smile.
"Last time you mentioned Mr. Yi Yan being like you, does that mean he is also a corps commander of the Great Zheng Dynasty?" Shui Wuhen inquired.
"That's correct. Yi Yan is the commander of the Third Corps. The Second Corps is led by Wei Yinglan. Each one is as strong as I am. Once you reach Tianlang Island, you'll hear their stories," Lin Xiao explained.
"Understood!" Shui Wuhen took a deep breath and nodded.
Shui Wuhen felt immense gratitude and relief. Being named the commander of the Fifth Corps of the Great Zheng Dynasty was significant. He knew how powerful the other four corps commanders were. He had seen Lin Xiao's strength firsthand, experienced Yi Yan's formidable abilities as the Grand Commander of the Great Yu Dynasty's three armies, and knew Mr. Corpse's mysterious and powerful nature. The Second Corps Commander, Wei Yinglan, was surely no less capable.
This dynasty's military leaders were as strong as those of any major empire. Shui Wuhen felt honored and recognized by Zhong Shan.
Several months later, the four arrived at Tianlang Island without attracting much attention.
Zhong Shan's main body and his hidden form merged once again. The next day at court, Shui Wuhen's appointment was officially announced.
In Zhong Shan's study:
"Your Majesty, I will now lead the First Corps of the Great Zheng Dynasty to Shenzhou," Lin Xiao said respectfully.
"Yes, Yi Yan and Yinglan have already established a foothold in the southern regions of Shenzhou. Your presence will greatly enhance our efforts. I will assign four wolf generals to ensure your safety. Depart with your troops tomorrow," Zhong Shan instructed.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Lin Xiao replied immediately.
"Tai Zhong!" Zhong Shan called.
"At your service!" Wei Taizhong responded promptly.
"This is Shui Wuhen, commander of the Fifth Corps of the Great Zheng Dynasty. Show him around and help him get acquainted," Zhong Shan ordered.
"Yes!" Wei Taizhong said.
"Chief Wei, thank you for your assistance," Shui Wuhen said quickly.
"I have no other duties at the moment. It's my pleasure to accompany General Shui," Wei Taizhong replied with a smile.
"Mr. Corpse, for now, you may stay and focus on your tasks," Zhong Shan said.
"Yes, I have some corpses that need refining," Mr. Corpse nodded.
"Alright, you all may leave now," Zhong Shan concluded the meeting.
"Yes!" The group exchanged glances and promptly exited.
Once everyone had left, Zhong Shan spoke, "Elder Clay Bodhisattva, please reveal yourself."
A figure in a black robe slowly appeared in front of Zhong Shan.
"Your subordinates are quite remarkable, able to detect my presence," the Clay Bodhisattva remarked with a hint of admiration.
"Each has their expertise. Detecting you wasn't difficult, especially since you didn't try to conceal yourself. Naturally, they could find you," Zhong Shan replied with a smile.
"You've won!" The Clay Bodhisattva sighed slightly.
"I have indeed, twice now. I found you during the Yufu Wheel Palace incident," Zhong Shan said with a smile.
"Alright, as you say. In just a few decades, we've had three encounters in Shenzhou. It seems my lineage and the Great Zheng Dynasty are indeed intertwined," the Clay Bodhisattva mused.
"Three times?" Zhong Shan was slightly surprised.
"The Eight Extremes Heavenly Tail was sealed by my master," the Clay Bodhisattva explained.
Hearing this, Zhong Shan's eyes lit up. To seal the Eight Extremes Heavenly Tail required incredible power.
Clearly, the Clay Bodhisattva had noticed Zhong Shan during the incident in Fengling City but had chosen not to reveal himself.
"A bet is a bet. I am not one to back out. I will assist you from now on," the Clay Bodhisattva declared.
"Thank you. From now on, the Great Zheng Dynasty will establish a new department, the Astronomical Directorate, and you will be its director," Zhong Shan said directly.
"I prefer not to expose myself too much," the Clay Bodhisattva said hesitantly.
"No problem. You won't need to attend court. Just consider the Great Zheng Dynasty your home," Zhong Shan assured him.
"Long live, long live, long live," the Clay Bodhisattva said stiffly.
Receiving the Clay Bodhisattva's acknowledgment, Zhong Shan felt immensely satisfied. With the Clay Bodhisattva on their side, the Great Zheng Dynasty now had the foundation to make significant inroads into Shenzhou.
Zhong Shan understood that the strength of a dynasty relied not just on raw power but also on its depth and resources. A Feng Shui master represented a deep, foundational resource that could elevate the dynasty's status significantly.
Moreover, the Feng Shui master of the Great Zheng Dynasty was exceptionally formidable, capable of standing against the Feng Shui masters of the three great heavenly dynasties.
The Great Zheng Dynasty continued to operate smoothly and efficiently.
Back in his true body, Zhong Shan cherished his rare time at home, spending affectionate moments with his two empresses.
Lying in bed, holding his two beauties, Zhong Shan felt unparalleled comfort and joy.
"Zhong Shan, please don't take such risks anymore. Sister Bao'er and I were so worried," Tian Ling'er said, caressing Zhong Shan's chest.
"Yes," Bao'er nodded, rubbing her face against Zhong Shan's chest.
"I understand, I'll be more careful. Don't worry. This time, I returned to Tianlang Island to focus on improving my cultivation. Once my cultivation level is higher, there will be fewer dangers," Zhong Shan reassured them.
"I heard from Sister Bao'er that our activities can increase your cultivation. So from now on, Sister Bao'er and I will help you every day," Tian Ling'er whispered shyly, her face turning red.
Bao'er also blushed, feeling embarrassed that the conversation had turned to her.
"Hahaha, good!" Zhong Shan laughed heartily.
Two months later.
After traveling extensively and finally getting some relaxation, Zhong Shan entered seclusion once again.
Zhong Shan's hidden form had extraordinary potential, far surpassing that of his true body. If his true body achieved a breakthrough, the hidden form would immediately follow suit without any obstacles. Zhong Shan even considered that if his true body ascended to immortality, his hidden form might also ascend effortlessly. Such an idea would undoubtedly astonish anyone who heard it.
He gently took out five emperor essences, the primordial spirits of Emperor Realm experts, sealed within fist-sized transparent beads.
Zhong Shan felt no pity for these Emperor Realm primordial spirits. The energy they contained was incredibly potent, and even he couldn't absorb any one of them directly. They had to be given to the Eight Extremes Heavenly Tail.
For the Eight Extremes Heavenly Tail, no amount of energy was too much.
With a flick of his hand, Zhong Shan fed all five emperor essences to the Eight Extremes Heavenly Tail, which quickly absorbed and refined them, transferring the needed energy into Zhong Shan's body.
Outside the hall where Zhong Shan was in seclusion, the sky was soon filled with endless thunderclouds.
The clouds expanded from ten thousand acres to a hundred thousand acres.
Everyone in Xuanjing was astonished, looking up at the sky where the massive thunderclouds covered the sun, appearing as if the heavens were collapsing. The citizens knelt in prayer, terrified.
The clouds continued to grow, reaching a million acres.
In an eastern hall on Tianlang Island, Di Xuansha opened his eyes, which gleamed with a sharp light. He knew that Zhong Shan was undergoing a breakthrough, but the speed was astonishing.
A million acres! Seventh level of the Integration stage!
"Freak!" Di Xuansha cursed before returning to his cultivation.
A freak indeed. Di Xuansha was well aware of Zhong Shan's extraordinary potential. In just a few decades, Zhong Shan had reached the Integration stage. Now, he had quickly advanced from the fifth to the seventh level of the Integration stage, almost as if he had taken some miraculous drug.
Di Xuansha didn't like meddling in others' affairs, but Zhong Shan's rapid progress was undeniably impressive and perplexing.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone