Chapter 256 - 250: Nine Provinces and Eighteen Lands, the World of Three Thousand Spirit Mountains! (Two-in-One)
"I must reach the Innate stage in this sect!"
This was a thought shared by both of them.
...
Months later, more and more foreigners infiltrated Da Han, stirring up trouble.
The major hidden sects united against a common enemy, sending disciples down the mountains to enter the world and eradicate evil, resisting those Outer Realm Evil Cult Members causing chaos.
That same year, Prince Gu led his army to pacify Yuchuan Prefecture, and with great momentum, invaded Yunling Imperial Capital!
In the Imperial Palace, the current emperor, the once Third Prince Chu Yan, sat forlornly slumped on the Dragon Throne of the court hall.
The Dragon Robe, symbolizing supreme power, hung loosely on him, while the crown was askew, as if neglected.
In fact, when Prince Gu stormed into Yunling City, the palace was already in disarray, with everyone from civil and military officials to concubines and palace maids having disappeared without a trace.
All had either fled or surrendered; no one cared about His Majesty, who was doomed to die that very day.
At this moment, Emperor Chu’s eyes were cloudy and listless, his temples graying and receding.
He had reigned for sixteen years, enduring humiliation for sixteen years!
Since his ascension, from the chaos by the Fifth Kings and the internal strife within the Chu Family, to the subsequent nationwide turmoil and the fragmented dominions, then to Prince Gu’s rise, sweeping through thirty-six prefectures, and now at the gates of the city!
From beginning to end, one could say he had never fully controlled Da Han!
Once, he had been full of ambition, believing that this world belonged to him, that he was destined by fate!
But who would have thought, in the end, it was all for naught; this world had never belonged to him.
Moreover, he would become the last emperor of the Chu Family, ending the thousand-year rule of the Chu Family by his own hands!
He was not the final glory of the Chu Family; he was its greatest sinner!
The immense weight of this guilt made him even afraid to face the ancestors of the Chu Family after death!
"When future generations write history, how will they evaluate me..." Chu Yan reflected on his past, feeling increasingly pained.
The pain made his whole body convulse and tremble, cold sweat constantly pouring out, soaking his Dragon Robe.
Unbeknownst to him, after some time, the hall door was kicked open, and dozens of powerful generals, surrounding the golden-armored Gu Wenhui, entered.
Gu Wenhui stepped onto the court steps, walking to the Dragon Throne, symbolizing the pinnacle of power in Da Han.
He looked silently at Emperor Chu, who had already breathed his last.
"The turmoil in the world for over twenty years should finally come to a stop..." Gu Wenhui took a deep breath and muttered to himself.
Now he was no longer young, having gained a few signs of wear and wrinkles on his face.
But his eyes remained deep and bright, unchanged from those years before.
Another month later.
With thunderous means, Gu Wenhui swept away all obstacles within the Imperial Capital and, with layers of preparation, officially declared himself emperor!
He changed the dynasty, establishing the nation under the name Lai!
Rejoicing throughout the land!
People celebrated the downfall of the decaying Da Han and the emergence of a new dynasty, like the rising morning sun, bringing beautiful imagination and hope to the suffering people.
Everyone hoped for a quick arrival of peace and prosperity!
In a tea house in Yunling City.
Song Changming put down his tea bowl and stood up, calling out, "Let’s go, heading back now."
"Yes, young master." Su Qingqing, holding a candied hawthorn in one hand and a sword in the other, closely followed Song Changming.
Her small mouth still holding a piece of the candied hawthorn, making her cheeks puff up like a squirrel, causing her speech to be muffled.
The girl had a sweet tooth and loved sweets very much.
This candied hawthorn too, knowing her fondness, was bought for her by Song Changming.
The bustling Yunling City, with its various delicious snacks, was renowned throughout the world, with even the candied hawthorn tasting better here than in other cities.
"Brother Song, are we returning already?" Li Jinyu, who had come along, showed a rare look of confusion.
"Yes, witnessing the fall of the Chu Family’s Da Han, the ascension of the New Emperor, and the birth of the Dalai Kingdom, that’s enough." Song Changming chuckled.
Li Jinyu still seemed somewhat puzzled.
"Brother Song has always given me the impression of preferring tranquility over movement, and not liking crowds. Why have you come such a long way now, only to leave after just a glance..."
Song Changming, looking relaxed, said, "In the past, lacking strength, bustling scenes were, of course, not to my liking. But now, the world is mine to come and go as I please, following my heart."
What he meant was clear. In the past, when his cultivation and strength were still shallow, he was cautious and avoided many things.
Now, with his strength, he no longer needed to worry excessively and could do what his heart desired.
"Besides, don’t you want to witness this changing of dynasties with your own eyes, Brother Li?"
As Song Changming spoke, he noticed Su Qingqing staring intently at a candy figurine vendor nearby, so he handed her a few Copper Coins.
Su Qingqing joyfully rushed over.
Beside the vendor were many children like Su Qingqing, or even younger.
"I want this one." Su Qingqing seemed to have already set her eyes on a delicate candy figurine in the collection and spoke directly.
"The young lady really has good taste; this is the renowned Hero Song from the Celestial List. He is known for his handsome appearance, masterful use of the unrivaled Dragon Saber, and bravery and wisdom, once saving an entire city of people..."
The vendor, eloquent as always, introduced as he handed over the candy figurine to Su Qingqing.
Su Qingqing sweetly smiled, "Thank you, how much for such an impressive Hero Song?"
"Young lady, two Copper Coins."
"Alrighty."
"..." Song Changming’s mouth twitched slightly.
Even though it was just a candy figurine, and the price of two Copper Coins was fair, for some reason, he felt a touch of inexplicable dissatisfaction in his heart.
Lately, as many disciples of the hidden sects entered the world to fight against the Outer Realm Evil Cult Members, those hidden sects have also entered the public eye.
As a result, not only did the names of various hidden sects spread quickly,
but even the Celestial and Earth Lists of Zhuji Pavilion became widely known and discussed.
Especially the Celestial List; even the street-side candy figurine vendor knew of it and could recount Song Changming’s past exploits, indicating just how much exposure the list has received.
The fame and popularity of the strong ones on the Celestial List were probably only slightly less than the matter of Gu Wenhui ascending the throne as emperor.
...