Chapter 1542: East Han Chu Song

Yun Che’s words instantly silenced the hall. Everyone’s expression changed dramatically, showing either surprise or fear.

Fang Zhou had been the Guardian God King of the Eastfrost Nation for nearly a millennium, enjoying immense prestige comparable to that of the Eastfrost Nation Lord. He was also exceptionally arrogant, and few among the various sects and noble families of Eastfrost had not experienced his haughty demeanor.

However, as Eastfrost's only Guardian God King, he certainly possessed the right and capital for his arrogance. No one dared to offend him. Even the Eastfrost Nation Lord, in public settings, would show respect and even deference, let alone the princes and princesses.

This time, when the Eastfrost Royal City faced annihilation, Fang Zhou returned at the last moment, saving the city from despair. This achievement could justifiably be called "saving the nation." After the Skyreach Nation’s forces retreated, the Eastfrost Nation Lord bowed to Fang Zhou, his waist almost bending at a right angle.

It was easy to imagine that his prestige in Eastfrost would become even greater after this day.

At this very moment, the Nineteenth Princess had brought back another God King! This God King not only accepted the Nineteenth Princess's invitation but also did not refuse the Eastfrost Nation Lord’s invitation to the banquet, subtly indicating an intention to join Eastfrost.

This was undoubtedly a tremendous boon for the Eastfrost Nation. And for Fang Zhou, the Guardian God King who had just accomplished such a monumental feat and served as Eastfrost's national advisor... given his temperament and conduct, it was not surprising to anyone present that he would try to assert dominance over this new God King, who was clearly much weaker than himself.

However, what they absolutely did not expect was the earth-shattering statement uttered by this “Level One God King,” as Fang Zhou had called him.

As a powerful God King, one naturally possessed the pride—or arrogance—befitting such a status. No one would mock the arrogance of a strong individual, for they had the qualification. However, this applied only to the strong. When the strong faced someone even stronger, arrogance became foolishness.

Yun Che’s origin was mysterious, his aura exuded an uncomfortable chill, and he had remained silent throughout. No one dared to comment on these aspects. But facing Fang Zhou’s challenge, he not only refused to yield—even continued silence would have been acceptable—but actually dared to retaliate with an insult?!

Fang Zhou’s expression didn’t change much, but his eyes narrowed slightly. The cold glint reflected from his narrowed gaze made everyone feel as if a cold blade had grazed their throats.

Princess Han Wei, beside Yun Che, suddenly stood up, her face paling. She hastily exclaimed, “Senior Yun has a quiet nature and generally dislikes social interaction. He merely declined the National Advisor’s offer just now, with no other intention. Please, National Advisor, do not take offense.”

The Eastfrost Crown Prince, seated at the head table, abruptly rose and glared angrily at Yun Che. Fang Zhou was Eastfrost's Guardian God King; to secure his position as Crown Prince and, in the future, inherit the throne, he needed Fang Zhou’s support. How could he sit by while someone dared to insult him? This was also an excellent opportunity to curry favor with Fang Zhou.

“Impudent—”

Just as he uttered two words, a thunderous roar, many times louder than his own, erupted: “Impudent! You have no right to speak here, get out!”

It was the Eastfrost Nation Lord who had roared. The Crown Prince’s voice caught in his throat. He looked at his father’s cold eyes, suddenly realized his mistake, and broke out in a cold sweat.

He had been so focused on currying favor with Fang Zhou that he almost forgot Yun Che was also a God King!

Even if a God King was not as powerful as Fang Zhou, how could he, the Crown Prince, dare to offend one?!

He quickly lowered his head, his voice immediately softening by more than half: “Nin… Nineteenth Sister’s words just now were indeed impolite. Your subject believes… Fa… Father is right to reprimand.”

After rambling incoherently, the Eastfrost Crown Prince sat down, not daring to speak further.

The Eastfrost Nation Lord’s gaze shifted, his stern face instantly softening with peace. He laughed heartily, “The realm of God Kings is one that we dare not aspire to in our lifetimes; we can only look upon it with admiration and reverence. Yet, we also understand that those at the level of God Kings possess an innate pride that towers over the heavens and earth. Today, though the two esteemed God Kings spoke but a few words, they allowed us to so closely witness the might and pride of God Kings. It has truly opened our eyes and filled us with astonishment.”

“How fortunate we are to share a table with two esteemed God Kings!” The Eastfrost Nation Lord turned, raising his golden goblet high: “Let us raise this cup to the two esteemed God Kings!”

The Eastfrost Nation Lord’s words immediately eased the atmosphere. Everyone raised their cups and stood in respect.

“Heh heh,” Fang Zhou’s grim expression lightened slightly. He picked up his wine cup, facing everyone—including the Eastfrost Nation Lord, who had risen in respect. Yet, he remained seated in his distinctly casual posture. “Very well. I have encountered countless arrogant and rude individuals in my life; why would I bother to contend with them?”

He tilted his gaze, shaking his wine cup towards Yun Che: “Please.”

This time, Yun Che was not unresponsive. His lips moved slightly—as if revealing a faint smile, yet no trace of amusement could be discerned. He picked up his wine cup and drained it in one gulp.

“Hahahahaha!” Both Fang Zhou and Yun Che showed respect to him as the Nation Lord, and the Eastfrost Nation Lord’s laughter became much heartier. “Today, the National Advisor displayed his divine might, forcing Skyreach to retreat, and we gained such a distinguished guest as esteemed Yun. It is truly a double blessing.”

“As the saying goes, ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,’ and surviving a great disaster brings future blessings. Today’s calamity, though it shook our foundations slightly, has greatly invigorated our spirits. With the National Advisor safeguarding us, our Eastfrost is unshakeable. From this day forward, I, this king, shall strive for good governance. With the National Advisor’s assistance, recreating the golden age of Eastfrost is no mere fantasy!”

In this battle with the Skyreach Nation, the Eastfrost Nation Lord became even more acutely aware of how terrifying the difference in power levels could be. They had fought many times before, with victories and defeats on both sides. But this time, with Fang Zhou absent from the Royal City and Skyreach aided by a God King from the Lunar Divine Palace, Eastfrost’s forces collapsed instantly.

Indeed, powerful God Kings, even just one or two, could easily sway a vast battlefield.

This level of disparity could certainly not be easily overcome by numbers.

The celebratory banquet revolved around Fang Zhou. The Eastfrost Nation Lord’s gaze kept subtly flicking towards Yun Che, considering how he might persuade him to stay.

Additionally, he also thought of Mount Mingpeng.

It was widely known that Young Master Mingpeng had long coveted the Nineteenth Princess, Dongfang Hanwei.

Dongfang Hanwei was his most beloved daughter, not only possessing breathtaking beauty and widely recognized as Eastfrost’s foremost beauty but also having unparalleled profound talent among all his children. Therefore, if Dongfang Hanwei was unwilling, even for Young Master Mingpeng, he would politely refuse.

However, this time, facing the Skyreach Nation, which had the support of the Lunar Divine Palace, his thoughts inevitably changed.

While the smoke of war still lingered in the Royal City, the celebratory banquet in the main hall grew increasingly lively. Various nobles and sect masters eagerly rushed towards Fang Zhou. These individuals, who were dominant in their own regions, adopted postures of such humility and flattery before Fang Zhou that they practically wished they could kneel in respect.

Because of the earlier “clash” between Fang Zhou and Yun Che, no one dared to approach Yun Che... doing so would surely offend Fang Zhou.

Both were God Kings: one a national advisor and protector of the nation, the other of unknown origin. And Fang Zhou was clearly stronger than Yun Che. The choice was obvious.

“Senior Yun,” Dongfang Hanwei approached Yun Che’s table, bowing respectfully, “Your great act of saving my life is beyond repayment. I humbly ask that you stay in the Royal City for a while longer. Although Eastfrost is not a wealthy nation, if you have any request, both my father and I will certainly do our utmost.”

Yun Che slightly closed his eyes, not picking up his wine cup, and suddenly said coldly, “Mind your words.”

Dongfang Hanwei’s heart jolted. She hastily stammered, “I… I understand my mistake. Please, senior, instruct me.”

“I’m not much older than you,” Yun Che said, crossing his arms over his chest, lost in thought.

“…” Dongfang Hanwei’s lips parted. Not much older than her, meaning around thirty years old?

Forget thirty, a God King aged sixty was unheard of, and certainly impossible even in the Upper Star Realm. Dongfang Hanwei thought he was joking and could only manage a somewhat stiff smile in response: “Senior… you jest. How could Hanwei dare to disrespect you?”

Yun Che offered no response, merely glancing subtly towards the hall entrance.

“Report!”

A frantic shout echoed from outside the hall. Immediately afterward, a light-armored soldier rushed in and knelt before the hall.

The Eastfrost Nation Lord frowned deeply: “What is the meaning of this alarm?”

“Reporting to the Nation Lord, Skyreach… Skyreach Nation has returned! Their forces are now within fifty li!”

“What?!” Everyone in the hall sprang to their feet in shock.

The Eastfrost Nation Lord’s brows darkened. He said in a deep voice, “How many troops have they brought?”

“Approximately five thousand.”

“…Five thousand?” This number caused both the Eastfrost Nation Lord and the assembled officials to show surprise.

“Heh heh,” Fang Zhou stood up, hands clasped behind his back, and slowly descended. “A mere five thousand troops are clearly not for battle, but for peace. With this National Advisor guarding the city, they wouldn’t dare launch another full assault… Is this army led by the Skyreach Nation Lord himself?”

“Yes.”

“Just as expected.” Fang Zhou smiled. “Let’s go. This National Advisor will meet them personally.”

Fang Zhou’s words immediately eased the tension of those present. Smiles appeared on their faces, and for a time, a flurry of flattery erupted, ceaseless.

“Indeed! With the National Advisor safeguarding the Royal City, how could the Skyreach Nation possibly shake us?”

“The claim that the Lunar Divine Palace has become Skyreach’s guardian sect is utterly baseless.”

“The National Advisor is not only the pillar supporting Eastfrost, but his achievements and contributions should be forever recorded in Eastfrost’s history…”

Fang Zhou was long accustomed to such adulation. He walked out of the great hall with his hands clasped behind his back and a smile on his face. Whether intentional or not, his position upon exiting was noticeably ahead of the Eastfrost Nation Lord, and he did not spare a glance towards Yun Che.

Dongfang Hanwei said to Yun Che, “Senior, would you like to rest for a while? If you don’t mind…”

Yun Che, however, rose at that moment and said indifferently, “Let’s go, to watch a play.”

Outside Eastfrost Royal City, the Skyreach Nation’s army had arrived.

There were indeed only five thousand troops, but at the front of the formation stood the Skyreach Nation Lord himself. Beside him was the Skyreach Guardian God King, Bai Pengzhou, also a figure of immense prestige in Skyreach.

Before the Royal City, Eastfrost’s military formation was spread out, vast and imposing. All the powerful figures from Eastfrost’s various regions were present, and in terms of aura, they far surpassed the Skyreach Nation.

Bai Pengzhou was a Level Two God King, weaker than Fang Zhou. Yet, as he watched Fang Zhou emerge, a strange, faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips.

“Skyreach Nation Lord, Fellow Daoist Bai, returning so hastily, it seems you have something to say.” Fang Zhou spoke grandly, his eyes raised high.

With the Eastfrost Nation Lord standing beside him, Fang Zhou surprisingly spoke first… Although the Eastfrost Nation Lord was long accustomed to Fang Zhou’s arrogance, this was a confrontation between two armies. His expression still momentarily soured, but he quickly regained his composure, stepping forward. “Skyreach Nation Lord, if you wish to fight, our Eastfrost will see it through to the end. If you wish for peace, then it will depend on Skyreach’s sincerity.”

Upon hearing the Eastfrost Nation Lord’s words, both the Skyreach Nation Lord and Bai Pengzhou laughed simultaneously. The Skyreach Nation Lord chuckled, “The reason I have returned is neither for war nor for peace, but rather… to grant you Eastfrost a chance, your final chance.”

“What do you mean?” The Eastfrost Nation Lord’s face darkened. Observing the Skyreach Nation Lord’s expression, his previous certainty quickly turned into unease.

“It’s simple,” the Skyreach Nation Lord said with a chuckle. “From today onwards, let the Eastfrost Nation become Eastfrost Commandery of my Skyreach Nation. This way, I can avoid a great slaughter, and all of you can keep your lives and fortunes. I, this king, can even grant you the title of Eastfrost Commandery King… Dongfang Zhuo, will you choose to kneel and express gratitude, or will you foolishly resist?”

Dongfang Zhuo was the name of the Eastfrost Nation Lord.

The Skyreach Nation Lord’s words made everyone’s face darken. Fang Zhou, however, burst out laughing. He slowly stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the Skyreach Nation Lord with the oppressive aura of a God King. “Skyreach Nation Lord, I am very curious: who gave you such immense confidence to utter such arrogant words?”

He extended his palm, facing it towards the Skyreach Nation Lord. “At this distance, it would be as easy as turning my hand to take your life. Bai Pengzhou wouldn’t even be able to protect you… At that point, you won’t even be able to dream, let alone have nightmares.”

“Is that so?” The Skyreach Nation Lord showed no apprehension on his face. He did not retreat behind Bai Pengzhou; instead, he revealed a strange, faint smile.

“Fang Zhou, what grandiosity you display.”

From the rear of the military formation, a low, cold voice suddenly spoke.

It was a woman’s voice. Hearing it, Fang Zhou’s expression stiffened abruptly. When he clearly saw the figure slowly floating towards them, his pupils violently contracted, and he blurted out, “Zi… Fairy Zixuan!”