Everlasting Immortal Firmament

The emperor’s study, Borderless Heavenly Capital:

The key officials of the Han Nation stood before Gu Hai’s desk.

“Reporting to Your Reverence, according to the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Houqing has started attending Ji Dihong’s key meetings. It seems he has earned Ji Dihong’s initial trust,” Meng Tai said respectfully.

Gu Hai exchanged glances with Sima Changkong, and they both nodded.

Gu Hai had not informed everyone of Lady Houtu’s request, leaving the others in a state of depression.

Gu Hai turned to Sima Changkong. “Has information about Ji Dihong’s mind control been shared with the major factions?”

Sima Changkong’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Reporting to Your Reverence, we have sent emissaries to all the major factions to explain the situation. Most factions welcomed our delegates warmly, but some sects and an imperial dynasty have…”

“How did those go?” Gu Hai asked.

“Perhaps we were too late!” replied Sima Changkong with a complicated expression. “Two middle-tier sects and one imperial dynasty have already fallen under control!”

“Can we confirm this?” questioned Gu Hai, his brows furrowing.

“Yes, we can,” Sima Changkong responded. “Although they concealed it well, the investigative methods Your Reverence suggested worked. These two sects and the dynasty suddenly began to slander us, calling us alarmists. At the same time, they are contacting other factions and are planning an alliance.”

“Where are these three factions located?” inquired Gu Hai.

“They are all close to the Han Imperial Dynasty,” explained Sima Changkong.

“Since we have confirmation, there’s no need to wait. It’s time for the Nation Suppression Army to begin the war,” announced Gu Hai, smiling.

“Huh?” The officials were slightly startled.

“If there were no mind control, we would wait a little longer. But now, we can’t. Despite the covert operations, it’s clear that the Huang Heavenly Dynasty has mobilized its troops. There’s no need to hide anymore,” said Gu Hai.

“But, Imperial Father, although the two sects and the dynasty are under control, they have not declared war against the Han Nation. What pretext can we use to dispatch our troops?” Gu Qin asked worriedly.

“Don’t worry,” reassured Gu Hai. “Mister Mo and Mister Sima will certainly come up with something.”

------

The next day, a message from the Han Imperial Dynasty shocked the world.

“Three groups of emissaries from the Han Imperial Dynasty were brutally murdered within the territories of two sects and an imperial dynasty. This enraged our emperor, the Han Imperial Emperor, Gu Hai. The two sects and the imperial dynasty are colluding with the Huang Nation, killing our envoys, and provoking the Han Nation. They plan to invade the Han Imperial Dynasty soon, causing chaos and displacing the civilians. Hence, we form the Nation Suppression Army in response.

“Mo Yike is appointed the commander of the Nation Suppression Army, with Gao Xianzhi, Kong Xuan, the Mosquito Daoist, Sima Changkong, Chen Tianshan, and Long Shenying serving as deputy commanders. They are to set off immediately to conquer the three factions.”

The rapid mobilization of the troops sent shock waves throughout the world.

The two sects and the imperial dynasty immediately claimed the Han Nation’s emissaries had vanished during their departure and had not been murdered. Moreover, they had not conspired with the Huang Heavenly Dynasty, asserting that the Han Imperial Dynasty’s allegations were false.

Regrettably, the facts were undeniable. Although there was no evidence to outsiders, it was clear to the Han Imperial Dynasty that these three factions had aligned themselves with the Huang Heavenly Dynasty and were planning to invade the Han Imperial Dynasty.

With these facts, Gu Hai felt no need to search for additional evidence. If the truth was undeniable, even if he could not find convincing evidence, he could simply create evidence that everyone would believe.

The troops were deployed and attacked the two sects and the imperial dynasty with lightning speed.

------

The emperor’s study, Xuanyuan City:

A furious Emperor Kong thundered, “How is this reasonable? Gu Hai doesn’t play by the rules. He declares war without warning. My Huang Nation’s troops haven’t even had a chance to deploy to the three factions, and before the three factions could mobilize their troops, Gu Hai attacked. What evidence does Gu Hai have to justify his invasion?”

At the side, Cangjie said, “Emperor Kong, it appears that Gu Hai has discovered the anomalies within the three factions. He doesn’t need to present evidence to the world, does he? Sometimes, evidence is essential; sometimes, it’s laughable. The sooner he deploys his troops, the better he can deter other factions.”

Emperor Kong was exasperated. “Gu Hai has even informed all the factions about mind control. Now, controlling other factions will be incredibly difficult!”

“It appears the Han Imperial Dynasty isn’t as powerful as we imagined,” Cangjie chuckled.

“Huh?”

“Gu Hai informed the leaders of the factions because he doesn’t want to be enemies with them all,” explained Cangjie.

“And how does that change anything? The Nation Suppression Army is highly cunning. Instead of making a direct attack on the sect headquarters or the dynasty’s capital, they’ve been capturing cities one by one, obliterating the blessings of the three major factions first,” Emperor Kong said with a frown.

“The Nation Suppression Army? They are indeed cautious in their approach. Furthermore, they are forcing us to take action,” Cangjie declared in a deep voice.

“Why?”

“Invading the capital or the headquarters would not only incur substantial costs but also trigger an intense backlash from factions afraid that what happened to one sect or nation could happen to them next. The major factions would be in a state of panic, resisting and counterattacking the Han Imperial Dynasty. On the other hand, capturing cities one by one is slower, but it ensures the other factions remain calm. Simultaneously, it allows other factions to investigate the mind-control situation,” Cangjie explained.

“I’ll get the three faction leaders to send emissaries immediately to other factions to seek reinforcements and discredit the Han Imperial Dynasty. They will deny the existence of mind control. Gu Hai has no evidence at all; he is simply making up a wild excuse,” Emperor Kong said, scowling.

“Dispatch emissaries? Do you think Mo Yike won’t do the same? Mo Yike is smart and resourceful; he would have thought of this before you. As this power struggle continues, the three major factions will only lose more!” Cangjie responded, his voice resonating with gravity.

“But what if some factions believe us?” Emperor Kong suggested.

“You’re right; perhaps some factions will believe us. After all, Gu Hai merely stated that the three major factions allied with the Huang Heavenly Dynasty; he didn’t provide proof of mind control. Since Gu Hai has made his claim, let’s do as he wishes. Our Huang Heavenly Dynasty will directly dispatch troops to the three major factions, and Emperor Kong, you should also start spreading rumors about Gu Hai among the other factions.” Cangjie nodded.

Emperor Kong turned to Ji Dihong. “Right, now that the Nation Suppression Army has made its move, there’s no need for us to hide any longer, Your Holy Eminence.”

Ji Dihong lightly tapped on his desk, remaining silent for a moment before saying, “Let’s proceed as Mister Cangjie suggested.”

The following day, news came from the Huang Heavenly Dynasty that the Han Imperial Dynasty was slandering the Huang Heavenly Dynasty. It was seen as an act of provocation towards the Huang Heavenly Dynasty. The three major factions were wronged by the Han Imperial Dynasty’s defamation and invasion. The Huang Heavenly Dynasty was willing to stand up for the three major factions, sending valiant generals to suppress the outrage.

Large numbers of Huang Heavenly Dynasty soldiers took to the sky in flying ships, heading straight for the territories of the three major factions.

From this point on, the Huang Heavenly Dynasty and the Han Imperial Dynasty were officially at war.

Although it was just the beginning of the confrontation, it was enough to shake the world.

The Huang Heavenly Dynasty was one of the two most powerful heavenly dynasties in the world—no, not one of, but the most powerful; public opinion held that the Yan Heavenly Dynasty was weaker than the Huang Heavenly Dynasty.

The Han Imperial Dynasty was practically a heavenly dynasty, despite being an imperial dynasty in name. Even the Huang Heavenly Dynasty could not compare to its two thousand cities.

Previously, the struggle had only been rumor, dialogue, and conspiracy. Now, the true contest had begun with the three major factions as the battlefield.

------

The emperor’s study, Borderless Heavenly Capital:

“Ji Dihong really knows how to exploit openings, doesn’t he?” Gu Hai sneered.

“Your Reverence, the six faction leaders who offered their nations and sects last time have led their armies to the borders of the three factions. The shock they caused among the factions is enormous. Ji Dihong’s attempt to muddy the waters will be in vain. However, another sect master may have fallen under mind control,” Sima Changkong reported, frowning.

“If that’s the case, there’s nothing to discuss. Let’s strike with lightning speed. The Divine Demon Army is at your disposal. In personal battles, we rely on individual abilities. In national wars, while individual strength is important, large core forces are equally crucial. Even if they can defend one city or ten cities, can they do the same for hundreds of cities or thousands of cities?” Gu Hai chuckled.

“Your Reverence is wise! The Han Nation has already surpassed everyone else,” Mo Yike asserted seriously. “We needn’t fear facing these four major factions. Even if all the factions in the Divine Continent’s north declare war on the Han Nation simultaneously, our Nation Suppression Army can quell them all.”

“In that case, we should accelerate our progress. Attack with lightning speed!” Gu Hai commanded solemnly.

“Yes!” the duo responded in unison.

------

In the Divine Continent’s north, an imperial emperor sat in his study, looking at the officials standing before him.

“Two sects and one emperor? No, just this morning, the Han Imperial Dynasty reported that another sect has been mind-controlled by the Huang Heavenly Dynasty. Furthermore, the Han Nation’s diplomatic delegation met a tragic end at the hands of that sect, which is now seen as an enemy of the Han Nation. The Han Nation has mobilized its forces against this fourth faction,” an official reported.

“This Han Imperial Dynasty is intolerable. The Huang Heavenly Dynasty claims Gu Hai is lawless and acts recklessly. This seems to be true. The Han Imperial Dynasty accuses whoever they wish of falsehoods. Sooner or later, it will be our turn, Your Reverence!”

“No. What if there really is mind control?”

“Ridiculous! Have any of you ever heard of such a thing as mind control?”

“But isn’t it strange that the Huang Heavenly Dynasty’s army is aiding these four factions?”

“Regardless, we must protect the Han Imperial Dynasty’s delegation at all costs. We cannot afford any mishaps.”

…

The officials looked anxious, all their eyes on the emperor seated behind his desk.

However, the imperial emperor turned to an official at his side. “Our beloved Official Liu, who do you believe is telling the truth, Ji Dihong or Gu Hai?”

All eyes turned to Official Liu, the imperial emperor’s best strategist. The imperial emperor would often seek his advice on knotty matters.

“This official believes we cannot trust the words of either Gu Hai or Ji Dihong, given the war between the Huang Nation and the Han Nation,” Official Liu stated gravely.

“Oh?”

“Your Reverence, I believe you underestimate the Han Imperial Dynasty. Do you think they are placating us on purpose? This official thinks that even if the Han Nation were to battle all the factions in the north simultaneously, it would not balk at the prospect,” Official Liu stated solemnly.

“What?” the other officials exclaimed in surprise.

“Do you all remember the former Qian Heavenly Dynasty and Long Zhanguo?” Official Liu inquired.

“Huh?” Everyone’s expression changed.

“How do you think the Han Imperial Dynasty compares to the Qian Heavenly Dynasty?” Official Liu continued.

“The Han Imperial Dynasty? Although it is an imperial dynasty, it seems no weaker than the Qian Heavenly Dynasty, possibly stronger, except maybe Gu Hai’s cultivation is lacking,” an official commented with a frown.

“Gu Hai’s cultivation is lacking? It has been just a few years, and Gu Hai has already defeated Sect Master Heavenly Access and killed Jiang Gautama. Do you still think he is lacking? Moreover, why hasn’t Ji Dihong dared to kill him himself after all this time? You all know about the battle of the ten consummate Upper Heavenly Palace Realm cultivators in the Western Sea, right? Why do you think Ji Dihong didn’t appear? Gu Hai must have delayed him!” Official Liu said seriously.

“Alright, we admit it. The Han Imperial Dynasty is stronger than the Qian Heavenly Dynasty! There might be weaknesses in the sovereign, but overall, it is stronger!” another official conceded.

“Do you think the Qian Heavenly Dynasty feared factions like us?” Official Liu asked calmly.

“Uh…” Everyone was slightly startled.

Would the Qian Heavenly Dynasty have been afraid? In the past, the Qian Heavenly Dynasty looked down on everything, including the three holy lands and the other two heavenly dynasties. Long Zhanguo even dared to attempt to kill Heaven.

Would the current Han Imperial Dynasty, with an even more formidable presence than the Qian Heavenly Dynasty, be afraid of us?

The officials were shocked, realizing they had made a grave mistake.

“How should we proceed then?” the imperial emperor asked solemnly.

“Your Reverence, I believe this should not affect us for the meantime. We should observe the situation,” Official Liu advised.

“Why?”

“Since its establishment, the Han Imperial Dynasty has always stood on the side of justice. Even though we can’t prove it yet, this official believes this is still the case. Gu Hai is broad-minded. Consider who the Han Nation has dispatched to the borders of the three major factions.”

“It is the six faction leaders who pledged their loyalty to Gu Hai recently!”

“Indeed, Your Reverence, this is Gu Hai’s way of telling us that the Han Imperial Dynasty is not insatiable. He holds no grudge against the six faction leaders, which proves his open-mindedness. If you examine Gu Hai’s history, you’ll find that Meng Tai, Kong Xuan, Long Shenying, Sima Changkong, Mo Yike, Gao Xianzhi, the Mosquito Daoist, and Ao Sheng are all former enemies and rivals, yet Gu Hai accepted them all. His breadth of heart is as deep and wide as the sea; he is not a vicious or evil person! He wouldn’t resort to any means necessary to achieve his goals!” Official Liu stated with conviction.

“As for Ji Dihong, he may appear open-minded, but I always feel he harbors inner reservations, unlike Gu Hai. Since we haven’t allied with the Huang Heavenly Dynasty, we’re already aiding the Han Imperial Dynasty. Thus, as long as we remain observers, the Han Nation won’t trouble us. The Huang Heavenly Dynasty, being too far to reach us, won’t be able to deal with us, either. They already have Gu Hai, their biggest headache. Even if they wanted to confront us, we could seek Gu Hai’s assistance. I believe Gu Hai would help us due to his open-mindedness,” Official Liu concluded.

The officials looked surprised, then turned their gaze to the imperial emperor.

After a moment of silence, the imperial emperor finally nodded. “We will observe and wait!”