Undying Life

Chapter 727: Chapter 727: Strategizing in the Underworld

In the southern Underworld.

Initially, only six imperial dynasties surrounding the Great Yan Heavenly Dynasty were vying for territory, but the conflict triggered a chain reaction. The southeastern, southern, and southwestern regions became embroiled in the battle, involving a total of thirty imperial dynasties.

Accumulated grievances over countless years erupted in these decades of warfare. Some dynasties perished, new ones emerged, yet no heavenly dynasty was born.

Amidst the continuous wars and struggles for supremacy, three powers stood out, invincible in their advance.

The Great Zhen Imperial Dynasty, a previously obscure and mysterious dynasty. From the eastern Underworld, every battle they engaged in was a decisive victory, demonstrating overwhelming strength.

The Tianmai Imperial Dynasty, originating from the central Underworld near the Hell's Yellow Springs, a dynasty under the Tian family of the Underworld. Commanding the three armies was Xiao Wang. Xiao Wang, overseeing the three armies, led them southward with unmatched prowess.

The Five Colors Imperial Dynasty, situated in the western Underworld, marched eastward undefeated.

These three imperial dynasties, undefeated in their campaigns, stood out conspicuously. Meanwhile, the other twenty-seven imperial dynasties experienced both victories and defeats, with some falling and others rising.

In the Tianmai Imperial Dynasty's frontline camp, within the central military hall.

Generals lined both sides of the hall, while Xiao Wang sat behind the command table, which was covered with various intelligence reports.

Xiao Wang read and pondered.

As Xiao Wang was contemplating, the generals on both sides suddenly shouted in unison, "Greetings to the head of the Tian family!"

Xiao Wang looked up to see Tian Xiaozi stepping in.

Xiao Wang immediately stood up.

"Greetings, Master!" Xiao Wang said.

"Mm, you may all leave," Tian Xiaozi instructed the others.

"Yes!" The generals complied and exited, leaving only Tian Xiaozi and Xiao Wang in the hall.

"How are you adapting to the frontlines?" Tian Xiaozi asked.

"I was responsible for waging wars in the mortal realm. Adaptation isn't an issue," Xiao Wang replied humbly.

"Good, you are my most capable subordinate. The southern Underworld relies on you," Tian Xiaozi said.

Xiao Wang frowned slightly and asked, "May I ask what your ultimate goal is, Master?"

With a gentle smile, Tian Xiaozi said, "First, we will take control of the entire south."

Understanding Tian Xiaozi's ambition, Xiao Wang immediately responded, "Yes!"

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Pleased with Xiao Wang's attitude, Tian Xiaozi asked, "Anything unusual in the south?"

"There are some anomalies," Xiao Wang replied.

"Oh?"

"The Great Zhen Imperial Dynasty," Xiao Wang affirmed.

"The Great Zhen Imperial Dynasty? Zhong Shan again?" Tian Xiaozi's pupils contracted.

"Yes, the Great Zhen Imperial Dynasty has suddenly gained several formidable generals and strategists," Xiao Wang said seriously.

"Who exactly?"

"Zhao Suoxiang, Shui Wuhen, Mr. Shui Jing, and even..."

"And even what?"

"I even sense the strategic influence of Mr. Yi Yan from the mortal realm in these arrangements. I can't be certain, but it's a strong feeling," Xiao Wang said with a frown.

"Who are these people exactly?" Tian Xiaozi asked.

"Zhao Suoxiang and Shui Wuhen were not very famous in the past, but Mr. Shui Jing's name is extremely well-known in the mortal realm. His wisdom is extraordinary, not inferior to mine," Xiao Wang replied solemnly.

"And what about Yi Yan?"

"Yi Yan possesses an uncanny ability to strategize. He was the Grand Commander of the Great Yu Imperial Dynasty. Before Zhong Shan rose to prominence, I always wanted to compete with him, but I never had the chance," Xiao Wang said gravely.

"The Great Zhen Imperial Dynasty?" Tian Xiaozi frowned slightly.

"Rest assured, Master. I will investigate this matter thoroughly and report back with any new information," Xiao Wang assured.

"Mm, I trust your capabilities," Tian Xiaozi said, smiling at Xiao Wang.

"Thank you for your trust, Master!"

In the Underworld, within the Great Zhen Imperial Dynasty, in the capital city of Changjing, Zhong Shan's study.

Many of the mortal realm's brilliant strategists and powerful generals had been brought down.

Yi Yan, Mr. Shui Jing, Zhao Suoxiang, Shui Wuhen—these were all exceptional leaders, each one worth more than a million soldiers.

For the first time, all nine of Great Zhen's corps commanders, except for the second corps commander Wei Yinglan, were gathered together.

Lin Xiao, Yi Yan, Mr. Corpse, Shui Wuhen, Mr. Shui Jing, Yan Chongzhi, Zhao Suoxiang, Wang Ku!

Zhong Shan's goal for the southern Underworld was not to gain a little territory but to take it all. Therefore, while the mortal realm remained stable, these powerful individuals were sent here to prepare for the southern campaign.

"Yi Yan, you speak," Zhong Shan said.

"Yes, Your Majesty. After extensive research, it seems that the war in the southern Underworld has just begun. Ultimately, only two imperial dynasties can truly contend with ours. The first is the Five Colors Imperial Dynasty, backed by the Immortal Realm Unaging World, similar to the Eternal Life World in the mortal realm. They aim to establish a puppet heavenly dynasty in the Underworld," Yi Yan explained.

"Mm," Zhong Shan nodded.

"The Five Colors Imperial Dynasty is far from us, one in the east and the other in the west. To engage them formally will take some time. For now, our strategy is to gather comprehensive information on the Five Colors Imperial Dynasty to prepare for the final showdown," Yi Yan continued.

"You will be responsible for this. Collect intelligence from all over and provide the most accurate information to our commanders," Zhong Shan said.

"Yes," Yi Yan nodded.

"Continue."

"The second is the Tianmai Imperial Dynasty, backed by the Tian family of the Underworld. Their commander, Xiao Wang, is an old acquaintance. We don't need to clash with them for now. After subduing other imperial dynasties, we will face them in the final battle. However, I haven't gathered enough information on the head of the Tian family," Yi Yan said.

"Tian Xiaozi?" Zhong Shan asked.

"Yes," Yi Yan nodded.

"Tian Xiaozi is not someone to be overly concerned about. He is a genius in cultivation and has wisdom, but lacks a grand vision," Zhong Shan stated confidently.

"Oh?"

"He is exceptionally intelligent, not inferior to any of you, but he lacks strategic foresight. In the past, he suspected I would target the Tian family but grew complacent due to his confidence in the Tian family. Xiao Wang is much stronger in this regard. As long as we focus on Xiao Wang, there's no need to worry too much about Tian Xiaozi," Zhong Shan said after some thought.

"Understood," Yi Yan nodded.

"Continue."

"Yes, our next step is to swiftly conquer the surrounding imperial dynasties and secure all advantageous positions as quickly as possible," Yi Yan said.

Zhong Shan nodded in agreement, preparing his empire for the next stage of their campaign in the Underworld.

Zhong Shan nodded.

"Organize the army into four main divisions. Appoint Lin Xiao as the First Division Marshal, Shui Wuhen as the Second Division Marshal, Mr. Shui Jing as the Third Division Marshal, and Zhao Suoxiang as the Fourth Division Marshal. Follow Yi Yan's grand strategy to secure the four corners," Zhong Shan ordered.

"Understood!" the five corps commanders responded immediately.

"Mr. Corpse will lead the Fifth Division, supporting the other four divisions as per Yi Yan's arrangements," Zhong Shan continued.

"Understood!" Mr. Corpse replied promptly.

"You all may go now. Yan Chongzhi and Wang Ku, stay behind," Zhong Shan said.

"Yes!"

The others left, leaving Yan Chongzhi and Wang Ku.

At this moment, a woman entered the study. It was Empress Gu Qianyou.

"Greetings, Empress!" Yan Chongzhi and Wang Ku bowed.

Gu Qianyou nodded and walked over to Zhong Shan's side.

"Qianyou, this time I need you to undertake a significant task," Zhong Shan said.

"I can't stay idle. After all these years, my mind is getting rusty!" Gu Qianyou wrinkled her nose.

"Now there's something important for you to do. Unfortunately, I can't go with you," Zhong Shan sighed.

"You are the emperor, and with war breaking out, you need to command the central army. I'm just one of your soldiers now. Tell me, which side do you want me to strike?" Gu Qianyou said with a smile.

"Securing the south is critical, and your task is the most crucial part. It will take a long time, but I'll have Yan Chongzhi, Wang Ku, and Old Man Jiu assist you fully," Zhong Shan said.

Yan Chongzhi frowned slightly, recognizing the importance of this mission. What exactly was it?

"Oh?" Gu Qianyou was puzzled. Why were two corps commanders involved?

"This time, you will venture deep into ghost territory. Yan Chongzhi, as the Ghost King, and Wang Ku, as the Skeleton King, are very familiar with the area. Old Man Jiu will be there to warn you of any dangers. Be careful," Zhong Shan said.

"Understood," Gu Qianyou nodded.

Three days later, the marshals embarked on their campaigns. Gu Qianyou, accompanied by Yan Chongzhi, Wang Ku, Old Man Jiu, and a dozen ghost cultivator subordinates, left the capital Changjing.

A year passed, and the battles continued. Zhong Shan remained in Changjing, overseeing the campaign.

One day, in Zhong Shan's study, a guard entered.

"Your Majesty, a woman in red seeks an audience with the 'Nine Dragon Token,'" the guard reported respectfully.

The Nine Dragon Token? A woman?

The Nine Dragon Token was a symbol of imperial authority, allowing its bearer to be treated as if the emperor himself were present. Zhong Shan had issued a few of these tokens. Who could be bringing it now?

"Let her in," Zhong Shan said.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Soon, a woman in red, escorted by the guard, entered. After she was brought in, the guard withdrew.

The woman, dressed in red, had a red sword strapped to her back, looking valiant and extraordinary.

"Jian Hong?" Zhong Shan exclaimed in surprise.

Zhong Shan immediately stood up, astonished to see Jian Hong.

"Jian Hong pays respects to her benefactor!"

Jian Hong, the former master of the Sword God Palace in the mortal realm, was the daughter of Sword Master Jian Ao and the wife of Xiao Wang. After Xiao Wang was killed by Shen Qi Tian, Jian Hong had pursued Shen Qi Tian across the Divine Province. Unfortunately, she was ultimately killed by Shen Qi Tian. Zhong Shan had later helped her condense her soul.

"Please, rise. Jian Hong, how do you have the Nine Dragon Token?" Zhong Shan asked, puzzled.

He had never given Jian Hong a Nine Dragon Token. How did she come to possess one?

"I encountered an old acquaintance of yours in the Underworld. He asked me to deliver a message to you and gave me the Nine Dragon Token to ensure you would believe me," Jian Hong explained.

Taking the Nine Dragon Token, Zhong Shan examined it and said, "This is Wei Taizhong's Nine Dragon Token!"