The conditions were generally satisfactory to the Daoists of the Dong Generation.
The people of Dong Shen Temple exchanged their accumulated connections over the years for preferential treatment after the establishment of the New Dynasty.
Of course, what is most important now is to survive the earthly backlash from the collapse of the Daqian and strive to live until that time comes.
"I have two talismans here: one is the Small Celestial Fortune-Draining Talisman, and the other is the Golden Lotus Concealment Talisman. After refining, as long as you do not continue to use magical power, you can still sustain for a period of time. When the New Dynasty is established, and with the protection of the New Dynasty’s Dragon Qi, you will naturally be able to escape this calamity!"
Zhang Jian casually bestowed the two talismans to the four individuals.
These four had impressive Dao practices, especially Jingming Daoist and the leading Dongzhen Daoist, who were hopeful to attain the Primordial Spirit!
If they could achieve the Primordial Spirit, they would be able to stand on their own.
"Thank you, Grand Scholar!"
Jingming Daoist was the first to take them, slightly sensing the Primordial Spirit Technique structure contained within the two talismans, with a glint of joy in his eyes.
The Small Celestial Fortune-Draining Talisman seemed to reduce some of the malevolent backlash, while the Golden Lotus Concealment Talisman could hide one’s Qi, even the Celestial Secret, and without using magical power, would not be locked by the destiny of Daqian.
...
After comforting the people of Dong Shen Temple.
Wei Yuan’s coronation ceremony proceeded as scheduled.
After Wei Yuan’s ascent to the throne, Zhang Jian had Wei Yuan draft an edict, requiring the Vassal Kings from all over to immediately return to their fiefdoms, forbidden to leave without the imperial decree, violators would be deemed as treacherous and rebellious.
This edict was sent in several copies to the various Loyalist armies across the regions.
At the same time, through the Gold and Silver Platform in the Capital City, the news of the emperor’s succession was transmitted to the prefectures of each county, reassuring local officials and noble families.
This is the advantage of having the justification of legitimacy.
With the "name and symbol" in hand, to give or take, if one does not wish to comply with the decree, they are naturally treacherous rebels that can be called upon all county officers and soldiers to execute together.
Inside Haojing City, Zhang Jian also knew that the forces of the Vassal Kings who had come to aid the emperor might not retreat so easily. Thus, he secretly ordered the expedition army returning to Haojing to prepare to annihilate the guards of the vassal kings from all around.
...
In Lingwu County, where King Zheng’s Guard was stationed, within a simple tent, King Zheng, Wei Chi, looked at the imperial decree before him with an unpleasant expression, and suddenly slammed it to the ground.
"This is clearly treacherous rebels conspiring to seize the throne!"
"How can a mere youngling have the virtue and capability to ascend to the emperor’s position? This must be the treachery of ministers trying to steal my Daqian’s throne and Sheji. My King Zheng’s Guard will never agree!"
At this moment, this King Zheng was greatly enraged.
Several other generals nearby looked troubled. Now that the emperor has decreed them to return to Jiulian County’s fief, disobeying might earn them the stigma of rebellion.
However, with King Zheng’s insistence, they had no choice.
Now, their lives and fortunes were in the hands of King Zheng!
Wei Chi’s eyes turned dark, and he looked towards a tall and thin Daoist who carried a longsword, asking.
"Mr. Yao, where are King Han, King Jin Cheng, King An Nan, and Prince Shu’s forces now?"
The Daoist referred to as Mr. Yao furrowed his brow and said calmly.
"Prince Zheng, according to the messenger’s report, King Han, King Jin Cheng, and King An Nan have already reached Dongling County, just a few hundred li away. They are all with light cavalry and should arrive in two or three days at most!"
"As for Prince Shu, he reportedly ’caught a cold’ and decided to return to his fief to recuperate for the time being!"
Upon hearing this, Wei Chi scoffed: "A cold? Wei Lie is such a coward? Indeed, among our brothers, he is the one who changes sides most easily, always ’avoiding risks’!"
"But with other Brothers Wang and Uncles Wang coming for an alliance, we may have a chance to storm into Haojing City..."
As he spoke, there was a hint of a vicious smile in Wei Chi’s eyes.
"Once we stabilize the situation, we’ll settle accounts with that coward Wei Lie!"
Mr. Yao stood beside him, frowning all the while. Wei Chi noticed his strategist’s unusual state and spoke.
"Strategist, why do you remain silent, is there something of concern?"
After Wei Chi spoke, there was a hint of darkness in his eyes.
Then he asked again.
"And didn’t the princess consort say she would return to the sect for help? Why has she not returned after several months, could there be a problem within the Golden Maiden Sect?"
At this moment, Wei Chi calmed down!
Mr. Yao’s mouth twitched, for he couldn’t tell King Zheng that the Saintess had been confined by the Sect Ancestor.
The many Daoists of the Golden Maiden Sect had already begun withdrawing, so he coughed lightly and said.
"Your Highness, how could there be any issue within the sect? The Princess Consort encountered an opportunity and is currently in intense cultivation within the sect."
Wei Chi looked suspiciously at Yao Daoist and suddenly said: "Strategist, can you now contact the princess consort? Our loyal army badly needs the support of experts at this time, could you ask your sect to send more experts to assist us?"
Upon hearing this, Yao Daoist sighed inwardly, knowing that Wei Chi was already suspicious.
Just then, Yao Daoist’s expression suddenly changed. He abruptly stepped out of the military tent and saw a cyan stream of light fall into his hand from the sky.
It was a Cyan Falcon Spiritual Bird.
Yao Daoist quickly retrieved a secret message from the falcon’s claws, and with just a brief glance, his expression changed.
"Strategist, what is the matter?"
At this time, Wei Chi came out with several officials and generals from the prince’s mansion, seeing his expression with a hint of doubt.
Yao Daoist said solemnly: "Prince Zheng, the expedition army has recently returned and is rapidly approaching Lingwu County!"
Wei Chi’s expression instantly changed, and he grabbed Yao Daoist’s lapel, angrily questioning: "Didn’t your Golden Maiden Sect say the expedition army was trapped and almost annihilated, how could they suddenly return?"