Chapter 1150: Change of Dynasty

"Don't overthink it. This information is useful and effective, and that's all that matters." He Lingchuan patted his shoulder, pointing to the page detailing Xuncheng's four gates. "The information on this page matches what I've recently learned, so we can confirm it's accurate."

If Consort Mei is indeed the mastermind, then based on her demonstrated meticulousness, the information she provided should be largely accurate.

Jin Bai nodded.

He then took out a note. "A message from Grand Tutor Wang, also for you."

He Lingchuan took the note and unfolded it. As expected, it was in Wang Xingyi's handwriting, with just a few words. The gist was a thank you for locating the Bright Lamp and for his diplomatic mission to the State of Bo, which had greatly pleased the Emperor.

Clearly, Mount Ling was very satisfied with his work. Because he had been ambushed by Nangong Yan while temporarily serving as Mu's envoy, the State of Mu would pay him double compensation.

Typically, clients only provide feedback once a mission is concluded.

Therefore, Grand Tutor Wang was subtly indicating that the case was closed—

This was the implicit meaning He Lingchuan gathered.

He sighed faintly to himself.

By this time, over seven hundred individuals from various factions had gathered at the Carefree Sect, all of them Taoist practitioners summoned by Mount Ling.

Once the operation began, they would depart from the Carefree Sect.

The remaining seven hundred-plus people would arrive by sea, landing on the deserted beach near Julu Port, and then proceed directly to Xuncheng.

The State of Bo was small, with little strategic depth. A large force could travel from Julu Port to Xuncheng in just a day if they moved quickly.

The troops would split into two groups, attacking Xuncheng from both sides.

He Lingchuan also learned that although the Carefree Sect was providing its premises and supplies for this operation, they would not send any personnel to participate in the actual assault.

Indeed, the Carefree Sect adhered to its century-old stance of not interfering in the disputes of other nations.

However, in He Lingchuan's opinion, Abbot Li's decision was somewhat rigid. The plan to attack the State of Bo had been discussed and formulated by various parties within the Carefree Sect, and one of the main attacking forces for Bo would even depart from there.

After this battle, would others still truly consider the Carefree Sect neutral?

Sometimes, it's wise to stay out of trouble.

Other times, knowing when to join the fray is true wisdom.

Wang Gesheng, the founder of the Carefree Sect, must have seized opportunities swiftly and decisively back then to establish a foundation that has lasted for a century.

Three days later, Xuncheng was in distress.

The allied forces summoned by the State of Mu fought their way near Xuncheng without encountering much significant resistance.

As soon as local officials and troops heard that Mu's army had reached the city walls, they either abandoned their cities and fled, or surrendered them. Only two cities resisted stubbornly, but they were quickly conquered.

After approaching Xuncheng, the allied forces split into several groups, dismantling several garrison camps on the outskirts of Xuncheng to first eliminate King Bo's reinforcements before finally attacking Xuncheng.

These armies were originally led by Nangong Yan. With his death, their combat effectiveness and morale plummeted.

Without the control of the evil spirits, even the most elite vanguard troops were no longer fearless.

Thanks to the rebel agents within Xuncheng who coordinated from inside, Xuncheng quickly fell.

The Old King of Bo personally donned his armor and entered the fray.

He came from humble beginnings, fighting his way up to achieve success and become a high-ranking official in the previous dynasty. This time, despite his age, he proved vigorous, repelling two allied detachments in a row and boosting the morale of the Bo army.

However, Jin Bai had intelligence about the royal palace, knowing that a section of the northern palace wall was built on unstable, floating soil. Though it looked normal from the outside, its foundation had been eroded by groundwater for years and was not stable.

So, the allied forces broke through here, storming into the palace city, and then setting fire to the tallest and most magnificent pillar inside the palace!

Jin Bai also took the opportunity to retrieve the Heart Lamp from the Second Prince of Bo's palace, finally completing his mission.

Flames shot into the sky, reaching towards the clouds.

The Bo army, fighting outside the city, looked back during the battle to see their stronghold taken. Immediately, their morale shattered, and they became disorganized.

The Old King of Bo was powerless to turn the tide and could only retreat with his elite troops.

But the allied forces pursued closely and finally intercepted and killed him at Wanshan!

The throne the Old King of Bo had seized a decade or so ago was now taken from him.

His death was the declaration issued by the State of Mu, thousands of miles away, to all surrounding powers:

The majesty of a great nation cannot be provoked!

In just three days, the State of Bo had been completely transformed!

Jin Bai then produced an imperial decree from the Mu Emperor, supporting the former rebel leader You Enguang's ascension to the throne to become the new ruler of this land, establishing the new state name as 'Peng'.

A new nation was born.

Though the speed might seem like child's play, this was commonplace on the Shanjin Plain.

For the local populace, this was a turmoil they personally experienced.

Fortunately, this overthrow took a very short time, so daily life, the economy, and buildings were not severely damaged; even Xuncheng remained largely intact.

The foreign allied forces dispersed after their success, handing over the territory to the new king.

Jin Bai also left this troubled land with the Heart Lamp, boarding a ship back to the State of Mu.

In just a few days, events unfolded rapidly.

The world watched in stunned silence, unable to fully grasp what had happened, and then, just as quickly, it all seemed to be over.

Before leaving the Carefree Sect, besides bidding farewell to Abbot Li, He Lingchuan specifically sought out Elder Wu.

He wanted to verify something.

Elder Wu had just returned from two days of herb gathering with his disciples on Baimao Mountain, his leg guards still covered in burrs.

While clearing weeds from his clothes, he conversed with them, looking very relaxed.

He Lingchuan exchanged some pleasantries, and Elder Wu was laughing heartily, when a wanted poster suddenly appeared before him.

The face in the portrait seemed to stare directly back at him.

Elder Wu's smile froze.

He Lingchuan asked simultaneously, "Elder, do you know her?"

Elder Wu took the poster and glanced at it. "A wanted imperial criminal? Who, who is this?"

He added, "I haven't been to the State of Bo in a long time, how would I know her?"

He Lingchuan uttered an "oh" and casually put away the poster. "I was just asking."

Even after they had walked over a hundred zhang away, Elder Wu was still staring intently at their retreating figures.

As they left the Carefree Sect's mountain gate, Dong Rui said, "That Wu fellow's face turned white the moment he saw the portrait. He definitely has something to hide."

Elder Wu knew Consort Mei.

Dong Rui asked him, "You still want to find the mastermind, don't you?"

He knew this young man wouldn't give up so easily on a case.

"Yes."

"Hey, the State of Mu doesn't even want to investigate anymore. Why are you still pursuing her? There's no reward to be had."

"I have something important I need to ask her."

He Lingchuan only said that much, and Dong Rui received no further explanation.

But he was smart; if He Lingchuan didn't elaborate, he wouldn't press further.

Ever since they met, he had known He Lingchuan was a man full of secrets.

He Lingchuan also had his own plans.

He absolutely had to find this "Consort Mei," because for him, the most important task was not yet complete—

Whether in the Panlong World or reality, he still hadn't figured out the secret of the Bright Lamp, because there were simply too few people who knew about it.

Why exactly did General Hong and the State of Mu need it?

Consort Mei knew the Bright Lamp could cure the Second Prince of Bo's illness. Did she know anything else?

She was the last clue, and He Lingchuan had to get answers from her.