Numerous Primordial Spirit Masters from the Daqian Kingdom gathered together, Emperor Jingwu had fused with the National Destiny Dragon Soul, emanating an indescribable majesty, his eyes were piercing, and he sat at the head of the assembly.
Within the hall, at the forefront were True Monarch Qianhai and, further back, Chao Mu, Tiangang Master, Xingji Master, Ying Huo Master, with Zhang Jian seated in the middle, his expression calm.
Behind them were several unfamiliar Primordial Spirit Masters, among whom Zhang Jian recognized only Wind and Thunder Master; the others were either loose cultivators seeking refuge with the Daqian Imperial Family or allies of the Dong Shen Temple lineage.
Numerous civil and military ministers, including the Three Ministers and Nine Ministers, were seated at the lower end along with a few Daoists of the Dong Generation from the Dong Shen Temple observing the proceedings.
At this juncture, True Monarch Qianhai cast his gaze upon the assembly and laid out the forthcoming plans.
"The Daqian Kingdom currently faces enemies on all fronts; to address this, we must first re-establish the Dragon Vein. With a strong Dragon Vein, Daqian can protect its borders from harassment!"
"However, the Daqian Dragon Vein is now broken. To rebuild it swiftly, the only option is to destroy Beichu, seize the Beichu Dragon Vein, unify the fertile lands of the Eastern Domain, re-establish the Dragon Vein, and the nation will naturally be stabilized without worry!"
True Monarch Qianhai's demeanor was solemn; his gaze swept over the assembly, his eyes carrying a strong authority.
Not only does the Daqian Dynasty need him, True Monarch Qianhai, he equally needs the protection of Daqian's Dragon Vein to avoid becoming a target.
In this vast land, there are countless masters; even one as powerful as he cannot afford to be careless.
Furthermore, he is connected to Daqian's destiny. If Daqian collapses, the backlash from the world's destiny will inevitably take its toll, and he may not be able to protect himself.
Sitting on the throne, Emperor Jingwu nodded privately, and upon hearing this said.
"Ladies and gentlemen, you are the pillars of Daqian. At this moment, we must unite and crush Beichu!"
"Once Daqian unifies the Divine Land, titles and ranks, as well as various exotic treasures and longevity, will be easily attainable for all of you!"
Emperor Jingwu was also full of vigor at this moment.
Having acquired the Dragon Soul, he learned from True Monarch Qianhai that he can now cultivate; if Daqian stabilizes and unifies the Divine Land, he might achieve the dream of Daqian's past monarchs, the Saint King's Ascension.
For an emperor desiring immortality, this is the greatest encouragement.
Zhang Jian sat among the Primordial Spirit Masters, his expression unchanged.
He could sense the Daqian Dragon Qi above Jingtai Hall expanding in reversal, the Dragon Soul behind Emperor Jingwu ready to strike.
This battle is destined to determine Daqian's national fate.
If won, Daqian might usher in a sliver of hope for rebirth.
If lost, the consequences are unspeakable.
The entire Daqian Kingdom will undoubtedly fall apart.
As True Monarch Zhanmo said, his opportunity has arrived.
But Zhang Jian didn't intend to hinder Daqian at this crucial time.
Emperor Jingwu had shown him favor; naturally, he wouldn't be ungrateful, but if Daqian were to truly collapse, it would show that fate requires him to reclaim the land.
Then he would reemerge to restore order, consolidating Daqian's foundation as his own without bearing any negative consequences.
If Emperor Jingwu survives this ordeal, he would continue to wait for the right opportunity.
As a cultivator, time is what he lacks the least.
In truth, Zhang Jian does not hold high hopes for Daqian.
Even if they pass the current challenge, they may not sustain it in the future, truly achieving the Saint King's Ascension.
Zhang Jian's thoughts are not without the idea of benefiting from the contest.
He still needs time to continue growing.
Only once he surpasses the Fifth Tribulation of the Yin Spirit and achieves the title of Sheji Emperor will it be time for him to truly stand out.
...
Then, True Monarch Qianhai commanded troops and arranged the battle strategy, with various Primordial Spirit Masters each assigned tasks.
Zhang Jian, who holds the title of Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and is working on improving grain seeds, and also possesses the East Emperor's Treasure Mirror, was requested by True Monarch Qianhai, along with Tiangang Master, to stay in Haojing City and assist Jingming Daoist in overseeing the central hub, while he himself prepared to lead the Primordial Spirit Masters to Dingyuan County to engage in a decisive battle with Beichu's million-strong army.
True Monarch Qianhai is also aware.
The longer the delay, the more disadvantageous it is for Daqian and him.
True Monarch Qianhai hopes to decide victory in one battle.
...
Before True Monarch Qianhai departed, unsurprisingly, Zhang Jian was once again 'promoted.'
Emperor Jingwu conferred upon him the position of Left Chamberlain of the Chamberlain's Mansion, overseeing internal and external affairs, probing violations, and presiding over government affairs, ranked as Senior Third Grade.
From Senior Fourth Grade, he was elevated to Senior Third Grade, a leap across one grade, sparking significant discussion in the Court.
And soon thereafter, the Emperor personally promoted Zhang Jian, removing the title of Minister of the Imperial Treasury Vice-Minister and directly bestowing the title of Minister of the Imperial Treasury, while the former Minister of the Imperial Treasury Huang Liangzhong 'retired gracefully,' returning to the Sports and Arts College to lead this prestigious office, and simultaneously took on the role of Chief Examiner for the upcoming imperial examinations.
The Minister of the Imperial Treasury is already one of the Nine Ministers, holding a position of high-ranking authority, overseeing a complete ministry.
The Imperial Treasury governs the taxation of mountains, seas, marshes, and lakes, as well as government office industries, wielding considerable power.
It oversees the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Revenue, two special departments.
This position is already extremely high; the next step is the rank of Three Ministers.
At not yet thirty, Zhang Jian has reached a high rank among the Nine Ministers, receiving unparalleled favor.
The Court's numerous civil and military ministers were at a loss, only believing Zhang Jian had meritorious innovations in the Ministry of Agriculture, thus favored by the Emperor.
They all envied Zhang Jian's circumstances immensely.
However, the major ministers among the Three Ministers and Nine Ministers were very clear: this Scholar Zhang, possessing Dao Practice and having saved the imperial consorts in the Battle of the East Mausoleum, was heavily relied upon by Emperor Jingwu.
Moreover, with chaos impending, Emperor Jingwu needed to win over this Grand Scholar, hence breaking convention; if not for this Scholar Zhang's merits being unsuitable for public declaration, the Emperor even intended to grant him a marquisate.
...
"Granting a marquisate is not my desire, I only wish for peace upon the seas!"
Within the Zhang Family Mansion, Zhang Jian accepted the imperial decree, and upon hearing this, Chao Mu's expression carried a hint of a smile.
"Scholar Zhang is indifferent to fame and fortune, his Dao Heart is lofty, a source of admiration!"
At this moment, he felt a sense of lament, as he was about to accompany True Monarch Qianhai to Dingyuan County to participate in this great decisive battle.
The outcome of this battle is unpredictable, and this Primordial Spirit Master couldn't help but feel some lament.
After contemplating for a moment, Chao Mu looked at Zhang Jian and said.
"Mr. Zhang, I specifically petitioned His Majesty to come and deliver the decree, but I personally have an unconventional request."
"As departure is imminent, I wish to ask Scholar Zhang for a piece of Treasured Ink as a token of good fortune! Would Scholar Zhang be willing to bestow a piece of Treasured Ink?"
After speaking, he retrieved an item from his sleeve and handed it to Zhang Jian with a smile.
"This is a fee for brush moisteners, I ask that Scholar Zhang kindly accept it!"
What he offered was a piece of Jade Marrow, but it was shaped like a flame, containing within a small Spirit Pearl filled with a rich Innate Spiritual Mechanism, also an exotic treasure.
This is Thousand-Year Fire Marrow, and the jade marrow that nurtured the Fire Marrow Pearl for a millennium is even rarer.
This item is mild and is excellent for formulating spirit medicine for Foundation Establishment and Bone Forging.
Upon seeing this, Zhang Jian's gaze shifted, as this item is excellent for the Foundation Establishment of both Zhang Zhao and Zhang Chang'an.
Especially given Zhang Chang'an's fire attribute physique, the effect is even better.
With such hospitality, Zhang Jian contemplated for a moment and said.
"Brother Chao, fine works are rare; my hand presently lacks them, but I have a piece of ancient poetry written by an ancient emperor, which I now pass on to a friend, hoping you will achieve a victorious start!"
After saying this, Zhang Jian casually picked up paper and pen, while Qi Yuhua smiled and stepped forward to grind the ink for him.
Zhang Jian's expression was calm, and once the ink was well-ground, he dipped the pen and casually wrote, a grand Vast Righteous Qi leaping across the paper, with a strong killing aura beneath it; after he finished writing, Chao Mu read it and his expression changed involuntarily.
Chao Mu gave Zhang Jian a deep glance, accepted the paper with both hands, and left directly with those from the Yellow Sect.
Outside the Zhang Family, Chao Mu couldn't help but take out the Xuan Paper, and what appeared before him was an epic piece that stirred his blood.
Chao Mu's gaze swept over the piece, still unable to contain a sense of admiration.
"Kill a million soldiers south of the river, the Treasure Sword at the waist still red with blood. A mountain monk does not recognize the heroic lord, only babbles about one's name!"
This poem exudes grandeur, making one's blood boil, it has the air of an emperor!
This is a war poem, also an emperor's poem.
Such fierce words are rarely seen.
If not for knowing that Zhang Jian possesses Vast Righteous Qi, he would almost think Zhang Jian authored it.
However, this poem has a good omen and fits Chao Mu's taste well!