Chapter 329: The War of National Destruction, Purple Light Divine Ruins (Fifteen Thousand)

“A great nation, if bellicose, will perish!”

“The twenty-one prefectures of Xiji Province are free from conflict. War is only happening far away, in the Weishan Glacier region of the Xiji Ice Continent. Under Lord Junyi's leadership, the four vassal states have already expelled the Xisi Kingdom, demonstrating the might of our Great Zhou. Why must we continue to dispatch heavy troops for further conquest?”

“The Xiji Ice Continent is a barren and desolate land, nothing but ice. Even if we conquer it, it will be impossible to govern.” “The Right Prime Minister is absolutely right! Why do we need to mobilize forces from various provinces and feudal states just to fight a small Xisi Kingdom?”

“Xiji Province, with its seven Heavenly Caves and two Blessed Lands, should be enough to support a major war!”

“Now we are even mobilizing artifacts from various departments and establishing a new administration in Xiji Province... Is Lord Junyi planning to declare himself king in Xiji Province, repeating the old story of Prince Liang?!”

“Feng Qian, shut your filthy mouth! You're spouting nonsense and utter lies! How dare you slander Lord Junyi like that!”

“Damn you, Feng Qian, I've had enough of you!”

“Hey, General Ye, don't get violent...”

“Pull them apart!”

“The use of rites values harmony... *muffled sounds*”

*Slap!*

As Ye Yukong climbed onto the table and then leaped onto Inspector Feng Qian's head, unleashing a beating, the previously orderly meeting of the Six Ministries quickly devolved into chaos.

Right Prime Minister Fan Ailin was presiding over the meeting, only to find someone grabbing his hands and covering his mouth. The entire meeting hall was a scene of pandemonium: people pulling others apart, brawling, cups shattering, and bodies sprawling everywhere.

Fortunately, the deliberation hall was equipped with a magic formation that suppressed everyone's powers, so even a fight involved only regular punches, like ordinary people. Besides the commotion, there was no substantial harm. The chaos finally subsided when the Jinwu Guard arrived to restore order.

Yang Xiong’ing, Commander of the Jinwu Guard and Duke of the State, looked at Ye Yukong, who was still straddling Feng Qian's head, and the group of military generals lying on the ground. He waved his hand expressionlessly and commanded, "Arrest them all."

"On what grounds?!"

Neither group was pleased.

Feng Qian protested, "Ye Yukong, Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, disrupted the meeting and brutally assaulted a colleague! He started it! Duke Yang, you must see clearly... *muffled sounds*!!"

Ye Yukong slapped Feng Qian, silencing him, then gasped slightly and said, "His words may lack substance, but they are as sharp as knives! General Yang, this man is backstabbing an overseas minister and even drawing analogies between Zhao Xing and a rebellious prince. He's utterly evil... utterly rotten!"

"Exactly! Utterly rotten! He must be an infiltrator sent by an external faction. Feng Qian must be thoroughly investigated!"

"Ye Yukong, you arrogant military officers, assaulting a minister in public! You have no regard for the law!"

"Listen to him, as if he didn't do anything!"

"Get off me!"

Yang Xiong’ing got a headache from their bickering and shouted, "Please escort all the esteemed ministers out of the main hall and to the side hall to cool down."

"Yes, sir!"

The Jinwu Guard, unaffected by the magic formation in the hall, immediately separated the dozens of brawling civil and military officials.

The meeting hall finally quieted down. Yang Xiong’ing walked up to Fan Ailin and softly asked, "Prime Minister Fan, are you alright?"

Fan Ailin straightened his robes, shook his head, and said, "I am ashamed. I cannot even properly preside over a small auxiliary meeting of the Six Ministries. Please inform His Majesty, Duke Yang, and ask him to select someone more capable." With that, Fan Ailin removed his ceremonial hat and sash and placed them on the table.

Yang Xiong’ing quickly interjected, "Right Prime Minister, what are you saying? It's been dry and everyone's tempers are high. A little time in the side hall to calm down will be fine. His Majesty has entrusted you with a heavy responsibility; you absolutely cannot just walk away."

Yang Xiong’ing's words were indeed sincere. In the hall, everyone's powers were suppressed to just slightly above an ordinary person, and after several hours of meeting, it was normal for tempers to flare.

"This is a new deliberation system established by His Majesty. If you leave, wouldn't that embarrass His Majesty?" Yang Xiong’ing whispered. "Don't worry, once everyone cools down, such incidents won't happen again."

After much persuasion, Fan Ailin finally put on his hat and sat back down. The attendees of the Six Ministries left the main hall and went to the side hall to rest. Everyone eventually calmed down.

In the inner court, Ji Che looked at the scenes unfolding in the Earth Realm mirror and couldn't help but chuckle.

“Elder Brother, look, without their mystical powers, these civil and military officials are like a disorganized amateur troupe. I've heard that during the reign of the Grand Ancestor, ministers would sometimes fight during deliberations. I never expected to actually witness such a scene today.”

Zhao Xing pointed at the Earth Realm mirror: "This person shouldn't be a Rites Cultivator. He just knocked down two Martial Marquises, and he's completely unharmed."

“Oh? So he did. What was that person's name again?”

“Zheng Shigong,” Zhao Xing replied.

“Right, Zheng Shigong.” Ji Che took a brush and highlighted a name on a roster. Zheng Shigong's name then materialized in three dimensions and transformed into streams of information that flowed into Ji Che's mind.

“Hahaha, it's true. Based on his life's record, he is indeed more proficient in the martial arts of the Qi Sect.”

Ji Che burst into laughter: "Elder Brother, this method of deliberation in the Hall of Law you suggested is truly interesting. I never thought I could observe these civil and military officials from such a perspective. And it allows us to discover new talents."

Zhao Xing chuckled, "I merely offered some ideas; the actual implementation relies on your power, Fifth Brother."

Ji Che was now a true master of the Rule Realm. By the end of the second year of Yuanwu, he had almost fully absorbed Emperor Jing's Human Emperor Dao, much faster than anticipated. The Deliberation Hall of Law was proof of this. Though Ji Che was in the inner court, his rule power could project and form a Deliberation Hall of Law in the outer court. The ability for rules to remain effective for a long time even after the individual leaves the rule domain—this is the Rule Realm!

Zhao Xing had another reason for offering this suggestion. The last of the Ten Plagues of the Southern Barbarian Sky Witches, 'Severing Heaven and Earth,' was already within the scope of divine abilities. Its effect was similar to the rules of the current Hall of Law. If they were to fight the Southern Barbarians in the future, this challenge would be unavoidable. It was precisely this challenge that had thwarted the conquests of countless Dynasties of Destiny. Therefore, the civil and military officials of Great Zhou needed to adapt in advance, transitioning from powerful individuals to ordinary mortals. The Southern Barbarians had such training. If Great Zhou waited until the last minute to adapt, many problems would arise.

“Elder Brother, when will your true body return?” Ji Che then brought up the reason for this meeting. “Currently, if we are to dispatch strong forces and generals to conquer the Xisi Kingdom, there will be great resistance. Without seeing tangible proof, everyone would be unaware of what they were fighting for. Morale and fighting spirit are crucial for a war. Tyrants and incompetent rulers emerge from blindly implementing policies that people don't understand. If ministers become disaffected, the nation's destiny will decline, and then the demise of the state will not be far off.”

Zhao Xing said, "This matter is of great importance. I am already returning via the underworld path. It will take about seven days to bring the item back to Fengjing."

The soul artifact fragment, containing primeval rules, was used with a method called the "Heavenly Qi Soul Diagram." Zhao Xing had to personally instruct on its use. Summoning the Ancient Yin Battleship with the Shang Tang Order was the fastest travel method, bar none. The Ancient Yin Battleship itself was a divine artifact imbued with the power of rules. He could travel to any place in Zhongzhou in just seven days. Of course, he could only stay for seven days; remaining on the ship after seven days would incur a terrifying cost. This method was not suitable for widespread use; the Ancient Yin Battleship could only carry a limited amount of items and people. Outside of Zhongzhou, its speed would also decrease.

“Good, I'm also quite impatient now.” Ji Che's eyes gleamed.

Underworld, Celestial Officials' Bureau.

Zhao Xing's true body traveled through the turbulent currents of the Underworld on the Ancient Yin Battleship, arriving at the Celestial Officials' Bureau. He took this detour to find Li Boqian's nether-soul and inquire about the situation. The information obtained from Wu Yuan's mind concerned the Storm Eye of the Glacier Sea, the Pillars of Death in the Xiji Glacier, and the three statues in the ancient temple. Zhao Xing wanted to ask Li Boqian, hoping his narration might help him recall some details.

“Oh? Lord Junyi, what brings you to the Underworld?” Li Boqian teased.

“Teacher...”

“Hey, don't call me teacher. I'm not your teacher,” Li Boqian scoffed. “How dare I be your teacher?”

Zhao Xing: "..."

He didn't understand why Li Boqian had suddenly become so sarcastic. Could it be that a person's temperament drastically changes after death, upon becoming a nether-god? There's no reason for that. He had never heard of such a thing. Moreover, Li Boqian had only recently gained authority as the Grand Celestial Official of the Underworld; his emotions from life couldn't have vanished so quickly. With a flicker of his eyes, Zhao Xing glanced at a particular statue in the Celestial Official's Temple and immediately understood. The incense smoke around True Monarch Tianyang was thick, but it was all locked down, not a wisp escaping. The incense Li Boqian was receiving was far less than True Monarch Tianyang's. Well, so that was the problem.

“Teacher, I specifically came to bring you something good.” Zhao Xing took half a ton of ancient ambergris from his Pure Essence Space.

Li Boqian's eyes lit up upon seeing it, but he still feigned modesty: "Look, you just came, why bring anything... Don't do this next time, lest the old ghosts gossip."

"Who dares to gossip about Teacher? I'll beat them!" Zhao Xing declared righteously. "It's none of anyone else's business if a student shows respect by offering something."

Li Boqian chuckled, "True Monarch Tianyang."

Zhao Xing was speechless and could only pretend not to have heard. Li Boqian didn't make things difficult for Zhao Xing and let him enter.

*Inhale*

Li Boqian took a small puff and comfortably reclined on the offering table. "Alright, tell me what you need from me."

Zhao Xing flicked his fingers to extinguish the fire, then grinned and said, "It's nothing major. Your disciple saw some things in Xiji Province, and you know I'm not very knowledgeable, so I specifically came to ask Teacher."

Li Boqian immediately became wary: "You've been beating around the bush for so long, it must be something significant! I can't smoke this incense; take it back!"

Zhao Xing: "..."

When did Old Li become so shrewd? He's not as easy to fool as True Monarch Tianyang.

“Hey, don't do that!” Zhao Xing quickly pushed the thick incense back. “Do you still remember your trip to the Xiji Glacier? Teacher once said that 'Primal Seal' was comprehended in an ancient temple.”

“I said my memory is very vague,” Li Boqian said. “I'm no longer sure if it truly happened or if it was just my imagination.”

“Teacher, that place truly exists,” Zhao Xing said.

“What?” Li Boqian was startled. “You found it?”

“Yes, your disciple has been able to roughly determine the area.” Zhao Xing, based on Wu Yuan's memories, had identified the approximate location. Because the ruins were located very deep, there couldn't be many such deep places throughout the Xiji Glacier. Additionally, the direction and timing that Wu Yuan perceived could serve as supporting evidence for deductions. Of course, determining the location was one thing; whether they could enter was another. The Purple Light Divine Token held by the Grand Venerable of the Xisi tribe should have played some kind of unsealing role. However, Li Boqian's situation was different. He had entered before but couldn't do so again, and he barely remembered the truth of the matter. This matter seemed strange, so Zhao Xing took the opportunity to inquire.

“Teacher, please possess me and experience the scenes I witnessed,” Zhao Xing said.

“Alright.” Li Boqian became serious. The "Primal Seal" was the most proud magical technique of his life. If the ancient temple truly existed, he was also very curious about which immortal had left it behind.

*Hum*

Li Boqian flew into Zhao Xing's body, his soul merging with the physical form, and the possession was instantly complete. Zhao Xing transmitted the images to Li Boqian. A moment later, Li Boqian flew out.

“Teacher, did you remember anything?”

Li Boqian said, somewhat bewildered, "I didn't remember anything."

Zhao Xing was surprised: "You didn't see the two scenes?"

Li Boqian frowned and said, "I can't recall it. I do remember seeing something just now, but when I try to think about it again, I can't... This place is too terrifying."

Li Boqian was a Grand Minister of Agriculture in life, and after death, he became a nether-god. Even if he had been affected by a spell, it should have been purged. Yet, he still couldn't recall. What kind of power could have such a profound and lasting effect? Even a Rule Realm master would find it difficult, wouldn't they? Could it be a technique from the Dao Establishment Realm?

“How did you obtain information about this place?” Li Boqian asked.

Zhao Xing then recounted how he had cooperated with True Monarch Rebirth, used the Rebirth Pool of the Heavenly Soul Hall and the Heavenly Soul Fruit, and then employed the "Star Shattering" ultimate move of the Divine Derivation Art to break through the rule-based protective restriction. After hearing it, Li Boqian gave a wry smile.

“Your methods, young man, are certainly not easy to deal with.”

Since Zhao Xing's method was effective, could Li Boqian also use a similar approach to resolve that influence? If such a place truly existed and offered a great treasure, it would definitely be worth a try.

“Teacher, you misunderstand. You are one of us; how could I use such methods on you?” Zhao Xing shook his head. “I estimate your situation is different from Wu Yuan's. Your restrictions are greater and cannot be so easily removed.”

Li Boqian chuckled, "If I didn't know, it would be fine, but now that I do, I must try it. I'd rather die knowing! However, this matter is significant and requires careful long-term planning. You should go up and inform His Majesty about the situation first."

“Understood.” Zhao Xing nodded.

Fengjing, Imperial Palace Inner Court, Qianqing Palace.

As Zhao Xing's return was secret, Ji Che had summoned only a few key ministers for this inner court meeting: Liu Tianning, King Rahu, Lu Ying, Wei Hong, and Tong Wensheng—these five were the most powerful individuals in Great Zhou. As Zhao Xing entered, all eyes turned to him. Three high-level meetings had already been held, and there were significant disagreements. Even many within the military did not support an expedition to Xiji Province, unless Zhao Xing truly had a major discovery.

“Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty and greets all esteemed sirs.”

Upon entering, Zhao Xing bowed to Ji Che and the five first-rank high officials.

“You may dispense with the formalities. Be seated.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

After sitting down, Zhao Xing cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, this urgent return of your subject is to report on an important matter."

Ji Che said, "Granted."

Zhao Xing then stood up again and took out the black, diamond-shaped soul artifact.

“Your Majesty, esteemed sirs, please observe. This is a