Chapter 234: Da Xia Declares War, Nations Apply Pressure, Gu Jinian Enters the World, Mountain Revival

King Ning proclaimed himself emperor.

For the Eastern Wilderness, this is explosive news.

Although many know that King Ning has long desired to rebel, during Da Xia's heavenly disaster he did not choose to rebel.

Now, at this critical juncture, with Da Xia possessing two saints, King Ning actually chose to rebel.

This is somewhat unbelievable.

In everyone's eyes, this is a very foolish act, and the Da Xia Dynasty is currently in its prime.

They have troops, they have grain, they have money, plus two saints; the people live in peace and prosperity.

Choosing to rebel at this critical moment—doesn't that indicate a diseased mind? The Da Xia court.

After learning this news, the entire court's civil and military officials were somewhat incredulous; they thought it was false information, but when the Minister of War reported that the northwestern frontier camps had been fully seized, the court could no longer deny it.

The northwestern frontier army was blockaded by King Ning and King Qi Lin together, and the Xiongnu Nation immediately dispatched a half‑million troops; although no war was declared, the army already stood at the city gates.

One dispatch after another of military intelligence reached the Ministry of War, and the entire court was instantly thrown into turmoil.

"Damn it!"

Emperor Yongsheng's face turned ashen as he stared at the memorial in his hand, his eyes blazing with endless fury.

If King Ning were present, he would wish to tear his corpse to pieces.

It is not because King Ning rebelled.

But because King Ning rebelled under the name of the Jiande Emperor.

King Ning proclaimed a new emperor, not taking the throne himself, but invoking the Jiande name to list his ten crimes, several of which are the ones he most despises and that stand out most glaringly.

Raising troops to rebel, plotting against the emperor, seizing his nephew's throne—Heaven's Mandate cannot tolerate this.

This matter is Emperor Yongsheng's greatest sore spot.

Touch it and you die.

"Understood."

"Gather the army; I will lead a personal campaign. Within three months, we will annihilate King Ning."

On the dragon throne, Emperor Yongsheng practically roared; his earlier personal campaign was to ride his horse and trample the royal court, hoping to achieve his own dream.

Now, his hatred is genuine, seeping into his very marrow.

Yet as soon as those words were spoken, some voices rose in the court.

"Your Majesty."

"We must not dispatch troops."

"King Ning and King Qi Lin suddenly joined forces, blockading the two northwestern frontiers; the border army has become a pawn. If we send troops now, many soldiers may be sacrificed in vain."

"Moreover, scouts report that the Xiongnu Nation has also sent a half‑million army, now at the city gates. If we declare war now, the people of the two northwestern frontiers and the border populace will likely become innocent victims."

"If King Ning becomes ruthless, it is not a good thing for Da Xia."

Minister of Rites Yang Kai spoke up, immediately refusing to go to war; his reason was none other than fearing that King Ning would be hesitant to act.

The two northwestern frontiers are now fully controlled by King Ning and King Qi Lin; together they openly command five hundred thousand soldiers, and secretly likely have another million, enough to enforce a blockade.

Now they also cooperate with the Xiongnu Nation, coordinating inside and out.

To be frank, given the current situation, King Ning is not yet insane, but if Da Xia dispatches troops and the two sides clash, a severe battle would not be a trivial matter.

The tragedy of the twelve border cities may repeat.

To put it bluntly, even if we capture King Ning, so what? Even if we kill King Ning, so what?

Even after endless torture, the Da Xia Dynasty would still be the unlucky one.

Now Heaven's Mandate has descended, a golden age flourishes, and the Da Xia Dynasty enjoys boundless benefits; even doing nothing, the Da Xia Dynasty can soar.

If war is truly declared, any major incident would damage the nation's fortune and harm people's harmony.

Of course, Yang Kai's stance also stems from an unspoken point: King Ning rebels under the Jiande Emperor's name, so in a sense his rebellion is formally justified.

But for the Da Xia court, it is a grave rebellion.

Yet for the entire Eastern Wilderness, the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty will inevitably become involved, and then the Xiongnu Nation, the Fuyu Dynasty, and the Great Jin Dynasty can formally assist King Ning.

Their three kingdoms share a simple goal: to wear down Da Xia, to exhaust the Da Xia Dynasty.

If they advance, King Ning proclaims himself emperor, splits Da Xia, and loses the two northwestern frontiers, amounting to a quarter of Da Xia's territory.

If they retreat, Da Xia's people die, and Da Xia's people are wounded.

Thus, for each nation, this is a guaranteed profit with no loss.

Even saints are useless; King Ning's scheme is superb, using the Jiande Emperor as a shield, and they have abundant information—the Jiande Emperor is still alive, residing within the northwestern region.

If the Jiande Emperor truly lives and steps forward to support King Ning, what can the court say? Even saints would have nothing to say.

That is the biggest trouble.

If it comes to fighting, we lose no matter what.

If the opponent truly dares to be hesitant, Da Xia's destiny will inevitably suffer.

"So, according to your meaning, does that mean letting King Ning split Da Xia and proclaim himself emperor?"

Emperor Yongsheng's gaze seemed ready to spew fire; at this point, someone still dares to stop his campaign, and he is truly enraged.

"Your Majesty."

"Minister Yang does not mean that; I also hope Your Majesty will not declare war."

"Matters of Da Xia are for Da Xia to decide; let the Ministry of Rites negotiate, there is still room for indirect tactics."

The Minister of War also spoke up.

"Your Majesty, I believe negotiation should take precedence."

"I also think negotiation should be primary."

One voice after another rose; the civil officials of the entire court all hoped to achieve indirect action through negotiation, for a direct declaration of war would ultimately be undesirable.

Presumptuous.

The lands have already been divided, and you still dare to imagine the enemy's mercy?

My mind is set; no one can thwart my decision.

Send my decree: execute Prince Ning, then warn the Xiongnu, giving them three days to withdraw their troops.

Otherwise, first eliminate Prince Ning, then slaughter the Xiongnu.

Also, summon Lord Zhen Guo to the Yang Xin Hall.

Dismiss the court.

Emperor Yong Sheng, too lazy for idle chatter, having already acted, would still be lenient?

Not put up with his damn leg.

Having said that, Emperor Yong Sheng left immediately, his anger blazing.

All civil and military officials understood that the emperor's mind was already made up.

"Stop the chatter, go find Lord Zhen Guo and inform him of the stakes."

"This war cannot be fought."

"Jiande lies in the northwestern border; declaring war would be disadvantageous to Da Xia."

When the officials departed, Yang Kai immediately notified the Minister of War, sending him to see Lord Zhen Guo.

In truth, the biggest issue isn't whether to fight.

It's the Emperor of Jiande.

With him involved, the various states of the Eastern Wilderness can legitimately intervene, which is tantamount to Da Xia Dynasty declaring war on every Eastern Wilderness dynasty at once.

Isn't that courting trouble? Whether we can win or not is another matter.

Even if we win, what then? Prince Ning, fearing the trap, lets Xiongnu soldiers massacre civilians, and all that bloodshed can be blamed on Da Xia.

Moreover, the devastation of the two northwestern borders leaves the people destitute, and that cost also falls on Da Xia Dynasty.

Thus, indirect negotiation is the proper way of rulership.

After all, Prince Ning's rebellion was sudden; to truly claim the throne requires a period of consolidation, and that period is the negotiation process.

"Understood."

The Minister of War nodded, then without further words hurried to find Lord Zhen Guo.

About half an hour later.

In the Yang Xin Hall.

Emperor Yong Sheng's complexion remained ashen; Prince Ning's rebellion was, to him, sheer disgrace.

It was as if he had slapped himself in front of the world.

And at that moment.

Wei Xian's voice rang out.

"Your Majesty, Lord Zhen Guo has arrived."

As Wei Xian's voice sounded, Emperor Yong Sheng rose instantly and walked into the Great Hall.

"Old servant, I have seen Your Majesty."

Upon seeing Emperor Yong Sheng again, Lord Zhen Guo no longer bore his earlier mood; previously, the issue of who would lead the expedition had them at loggerheads.

But now it's different; with such events in Da Xia Dynasty, continued infighting is impossible. Yet over the past three months, despite wrestling with the expedition issue, Da Xia Dynasty has accomplished much; the army expansion is complete.

They gathered 1.5 million troops, established three major barracks, all exactly as Gu Jin Nian envisioned.

It's not as if nothing was done.

Gu Jin Nian even provided a training manual; the soldiers have begun rigorous training, and additionally thirty thousand elite troops were selected from other camps.

They are the crème de la crème, forming the elite corps, undergoing the harshest training.

It is precisely for this reason that Emperor Yong Sheng and Lord Zhen Guo are sparring; it's impossible that they truly do nothing.

Now, seeing Lord Zhen Guo again, Emperor Yong Sheng's voice rose involuntarily.

"This time I will lead the campaign personally; Lord Zhen Guo need not say more."

"Moreover, I have changed my mind; on this expedition, Lord Zhen Guo shall accompany me to pacify the chaos; I remain the Supreme Commander of the Three Armies."

"Lord Zhen Guo, what is your opinion?"

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke; having changed his mind, he no longer intends for Lord Zhen Guo to stay in the capital to guard.

He will take Lord Zhen Guo with him to quell Prince Ning and then annihilate the Xiongnu.

Hearing this, Lord Zhen Guo sighed.

"Your Majesty."

"I am, of course, willing to campaign, but I also understand the current situation; Prince Ning rebels in the name of Jiande, and the Xiongnu, Fuyu Dynasty, Great Jin Dynasty, even the Alliance may intervene."

"If Da Xia truly declares war, that would not be a good thing."

Lord Zhen Guo spoke openly; as the chief of the generals, if war were to break out, he would wholeheartedly support it.

But he did not agree.

The reason is simple: we cannot fight, nor can we.

Many forces are watching, and this time the opponent has prepared a flawless plan; even the Emperor of Jiande has been involved, and neither Gu Jin Nian nor Su Wenjing, the two sages, can intervene.

Whoever interferes will be unlucky.

It goes against the way of the sages.

Hearing Lord Zhen Guo's words, Emperor Yong Sheng frowned.

"If we let Prince Ning continue, I am certain he will proclaim himself emperor."

"A great Da Xia Dynasty split like this— isn't that a colossal joke?"

Emperor Yongsheng did not lose his temper, but questioned the Duke of Zhen Guo.

"If we go to war, the two northwestern border regions are already easy to defend and hard to attack, and if a civil war breaks out, then the living will be scorched, Your Majesty."

"The Da Xia Dynasty has finally managed to stabilize; starting a war at this critical moment would be unwise. Perhaps we should wait until Gu Jin Nian emerges, and then negotiate with him?"

The Duke of Zhen Guo spoke openly.

When Gu Jin Nian was mentioned, Emperor Yongsheng shook his head outright.

"No."

"It must not be Gu Jin Nian who steps forward; this matter is my family affair, and if Gu Jin Nian gets involved, it will affect his saintly path."

Emperor Yongsheng outright refused.

Indeed, Gu Jin Nian not taking part is actually a good thing; after all, for Gu Jin Nian, he is now a saint and should follow the principles of Confucianism and Daoism.

King Ning grasped this point; otherwise, with two saints in Da Xia, on what grounds could King Ning rebel?

Who gave him the audacity to rebel?

"Your Majesty, let the Ministry of Rites handle the negotiations."

"If we truly must fight, we must first expose the opponent's injustice; otherwise, the great righteousness pressing down is not a good thing."

The Duke of Zhen Guo spoke openly.

He said as follows.

Hearing this, Emperor Yongsheng let out a long sigh, then clenched his fist and said.

"Let the Ministry of Rites handle it."

"I want to see what King Ning truly intends."

Emperor Yongsheng had nothing to say; even the Duke of Zhen Guo advised him not to start a war—how could he declare war?

Thus.

Following Emperor Yongsheng's decree.

The Ministry of Rites, at top speed, drafted an imperial edict and immediately dispatched dragon boats toward the northwestern territories.

At this very moment.

King Ning and King Qi Lin have already sealed off all entry and exit points of the two northwestern border regions; it can be said they are as solid as a golden soup. The two kings have not proclaimed themselves emperor, but have installed Emperor Jiande.

Previously they acted under the name of Emperor Jiande to draw a clear line from the Da Xia Dynasty; they said little of the unpleasant words, but their attitude was unmistakable.

Nevertheless, up to now no state has been established.

There is still some room for maneuver.

Three days later.

The Ministry of Rites returned with news; no matter how earnestly they urged, King Ning ultimately gave two answers.

First, Emperor Yongsheng would abdicate, follow Heaven's Mandate, and first execute all rebellious officials, in other words, the entire court would die, after which Emperor Jiande would ascend the throne, but Emperor Jiande would only be reinstated in the northwest.

Second, the two northwestern territories would separate from Da Xia; Heaven's Mandate is already decided, and since neither side is at fault, from then on one country would have two regions, ceding the two northwestern territories.

Both proposals: the first is rather harsh; any sane mind would not agree, and it would be a blatant slap in the face.

The second is comparatively gentle, without so much idle talk, offering each other a stepping stone; after all, Emperor Jiande is a former emperor, now found, and does not wish to entangle with Emperor Yongsheng any further, using the northwest as a base to split the two kingdoms.

One would be the Da Xia Dynasty, the other the New Xia Dynasty.

Each would have its own laws and administration, the well water not encroaching the river water, yet still remaining one family.

Of course, this sounds nicer on the surface, but in reality either way is rebellion.

It is merely a stepping stone, as opposed to giving none.

When these two proposals returned to the Da Xia Dynasty.

Everyone, from top to bottom, was dissatisfied.

The Ministry of Rites had previously pursued peace talks; honestly, they were prepared for the other side's delays, but unexpectedly, the other side didn't even pretend, and went straight for this move.

It was sheer impudence.

Nevertheless, the court sent envoys again for a second peace negotiation; this time the Minister of Rites and the Minister of War went together, both ministers holding very high positions.

Representing the court's will, they could make certain decisions.

Thus.

Another three days.

This time the two ministers arrived in person, but the answer they received was even more absolute.

King Ning's attitude was clear: he did not abandon the ancestral order, but helped Emperor Jiande re‑ascend the throne, and uttered some extremely harsh words.

In essence, he told Emperor Yongsheng that this Da Xia Dynasty was obtained through his rebellion; now he is not rebelling directly but restoring Jiande, which already gives Emperor Yongsheng much face. If not, he would proclaim to the world, raise arms and rebel, making Emperor Yongsheng's reputation even worse.

This was the second report brought back, still refusing peace talks.

The court had already promised many benefits, but unexpectedly, King Ning intended to act unilaterally.

Yet even so.

When the Minister of Rites and the Minister of War brought news of the failed peace talks, the court fell silent at once.

Emperor Yongsheng said nothing, but sent King Qin together with the Minister of Rites and the Minister of War on a third mission to the northwestern lands.

Everyone knew this was Emperor Yongsheng's final chance for the other side.

King Ning's two consecutive refusals have already dealt a harsh slap to the Da Xia Dynasty; although the court's civil officials advocated for no war, at this point, not fighting would be indefensible.

However.

On the third dispatch, some military intelligence also arrived.

The Xiongnu Nation completed mobilization, adding three hundred thousand troops; on the Xiongnu–Da Xia border, although they have not crossed the thunder barrier, this is still a form of preparation. Moreover, not only Xiongnu, but also the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty showed activity, each stationing large armies at the border.

Everyone understood the implication: it is to defend against the Da Xia Dynasty truly declaring war; once war is declared, the three states can seize the opportunity to launch troops.

Facing one military intelligence report after another.

It was almost outright provocation.

But likewise, it also confirmed something: King Ning this time proclaimed himself emperor, evidently having gained massive support; no one knows who is behind it, yet it is a force that can instantly secure the assent of the Xiongnu Nation, the Fuyu Dynasty, and the Great Jin Dynasty.

They are certainly not ordinary folk.

Finally, the result of the third peace talks has emerged.

King Ning made Prince Qin, Yang Kai, and Zhao Yiyang wait in vain for seven days.

They didn't even get a glimpse.

He just let the three of them wait idly.

After seven days, King Ning gave his answer in another way.

In the Northwest Two Frontiers, a New Xia Dynasty will be established; it is expected that in three months a capital will be set up, the former emperor restored, the coronation ceremony completed, a banquet held for the nations of the Eastern Wilderness, and even prominent figures from the Central Continent Dynasties will gather.

At the same time, King Ning signed the Alliance Covenant, choosing to join the Alliance; this is his answer.

Not only does he refuse peace, he also seeks to join the Alliance.

Who in the world doesn't know that the Alliance is an organization that excludes the Da Xia Dynasty? The Alliance's willingness to accept King Ning, including his joining, is a disgrace.

Within the Northwest Two Frontiers.

At King Ning's manor.

The place has long been festooned with lanterns and ribbons; at the banquet, envoys of the Xiongnu Nation, the Fuyu Dynasty, and the Great Jin Dynasty have gathered here.

King Ning raised his cup, appearing especially delighted as he said.

"If the Da Xia Dynasty truly dares to raise troops to invade, we will need your great assistance."

King Ning lifted his cup, smiling broadly, and said.

"Your Highness, as for the words, as long as Da Xia dares to send troops to offend, the Xiongnu Nation will dispatch a great army to resist; although Da Xia soldiers are valiant, compared with our Xiongnu iron cavalry they are still far inferior."

The Xiongnu envoy spoke, exuberantly saying.

"Indeed, the Fuyu Dynasty will also inevitably provide abundant armor resources, ensuring we can successfully resist Da Xia."

"The Great Jin Dynasty can secure the Prince's supplies; even if we fight for ten years we are unafraid, and at critical moments the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty will surely lend their full support to aid Your Highness." The Great Jin envoy nodded, equally bold.

"Very well, with such promises from you all, I am fully satisfied."

"Now I have also ordered the walls reinforced, adding another twenty zhang; the Northwest Two Frontiers are inherently easy to defend and hard to attack. In a conventional war, a single city can hold one hundred thousand men against five hundred thousand troops."

"In the Northwest Two Frontiers, the frontline consists of nine cities; with nine hundred thousand men they become as solid as golden broth."

"When the New Xia Dynasty is established, we can directly strip the Da Xia Dynasty of its national fortune, at least sharing thirty percent. At that point, we will discuss further with you all, and the future changes will be settled."

King Ning spoke.

His rebellion also has a main reason: the Northwest Two Frontiers. Because of the lessons from the twelve border cities long ago, the walls have been continually raised over the years, so the walls in the Northwest Two Frontiers are much higher than ordinary walls.

Ancient warfare boiled down to three patterns.

The first: two armies clash on an open field, each dispatching a certain number of troops; when the war drums sound, they engage each other.

The second: siege warfare, one defending, one attacking; the defenders are on high alert, the attackers risk their lives. This type of battle is extremely arduous, often taking months without success, even half a year or a year is not uncommon.

As long as the city has food and people, generally ten thousand defenders can hold against three to five hundred thousand armies; any attempt to shake it is futile.

The third is a raid, employing all sorts of underhanded tactics: setting fire to supplies, night ambushes, or even inciting defection.

The walls of the Northwest Two Frontiers are extremely exaggerated; in other words, this northwestern region, unless the topmost forces are deployed,

for example, the Sixth Realm, the Seventh Realm—such existences— even Fifth Realm elites cannot hope to breach the city.

However, if Sixth or Seventh Realm forces are truly sent, King Ning is unafraid; regarding the Seventh Realm, Da Xia has only two saints, and those two are not in a position to act. Da Xia's Sixth Realm is few, but now in the northwestern region there are quite a few Sixth Realm elites.

The Fuyu Dynasty, the Great Jin Dynasty, the Xiongnu Nation, the Immortal Sect, and the Buddhist Sect have each brought a Sixth Realm elite, waiting here; should the Da Xia Dynasty deploy a Sixth Realm elite, they would not just stare in disbelief.

"Nevertheless, regardless, we must still rely on the Immortal Sect and the Buddhist Sect. The Da Xia Dynasty may have different foundations; if they wield the saints' power, everything may be in vain."

King Ning spoke again, mentioning something crucial.

Upon hearing this, the representative sent by the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect immediately spoke.

"If Gu Jin Nian dares to act, the Immortal Sect will certainly intervene at once; he cannot stand his ground this time."

This is an elder of the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect named Wang Xuan, now a Sixth Realm cultivator, and when Gu Jin Nian was mentioned, Wang Yue's eyes showed a distinct emotion.

Indeed, it is the person whose spiritual vein was removed by the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect back then, punished for not borrowing a rain talisman.

With the arrival of the Great Era, the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect obtained many treasures, not only repairing his spiritual vein but also ushering him into the Sixth Realm.

It can be said that misfortune turned into blessing.

"Amitabha."

"The Buddhist Sect does not wish to meddle in mortal affairs, but the Da Xia Dynasty's intent to reignite war brings turmoil to the world's people, forcing the Buddhist Sect to intervene."

A malevolent Divine Monk's voice rang out; he had also been invited, and a Divine Monk himself came personally, giving King Ning full respect.

But the words sounded rather disgusting.

"Thank you, everyone."

"I, the King, thank you here."

King Ning, overjoyed, lifted his cup and toasted the crowd.

"Your Highness, you are being modest."

"In a few days, you shall be called His Majesty."

Everyone laughed heartily, appearing joyous and harmonious, yet each harbored their own plans.

"Your Highness."

"You only need to remember one thing: if the Da Xia Dynasty fights by conventional means, we will find it hard to intervene."

"But as long as the Da Xia Dynasty dares to employ Sixth Realm forces or Immortal artifacts, we will certainly act at once to solve your trouble."

"Of course, we will not strike directly to harm Da Xia soldiers; at most we will deter, for Gu Jin Nian and Su Wenjing are today's saints, and our intervention is already problematic. Further interference would provoke heavenly wrath, and then we fear Gu Jin Nian would exploit the situation."

"Gu Jin Nian's greatest skill is to seize the opportunity; everything must still stay within the rules."

"So the Prince still needs to be a bit careful; don't get outmatched."

Wang Xuan spoke up, deliberately offering a reminder.

In conventional warfare, they cannot intervene; only by employing the Six Realms can they act.

"Wang Daoren, rest assured, without mentioning other matters: with my three kingdoms' support, in conventional warfare, the Da Xia Dynasty faces the Xiongnu Nation, the Fuyu Dynasty, the Great Jin Dynasty; Da Xia now merely has Jiangzhong dragon rice, ensuring ample food."

"Soldiers are still just soldiers; what does that amount to?"

The Xiongnu envoy spoke, extremely self‑assertive.

With those words, Prince Ning also nodded and said.

"Exactly."

"The Northwest's Two Realms are also easy to defend but hard to attack. To put it bluntly, doing nothing—just considering the cities—Da Xia Dynasty's million soldiers would likely fail to capture a single city within three months."

Prince Ning was exceedingly self‑assertive.

"Indeed, this time Da Xia Dynasty has almost no choice but to watch helplessly as the Prince establishes a state."

"Currently, with the Jiande Emperor stepping forward, Gu Jin Nian and Su Wenjing cannot act. The only thing Da Xia Dynasty can do is dispatch troops to declare war, but with my three kingdoms' support and the towering walls of the Northwest's Two Realms…"

"To prevent the founding, Da Xia would have to capture the nine Northwest cities within a single day."

"But without the power of the Six Realms or even the Seven Realms, attempting to take the nine Northwest cities in a day…"

"Undoubtedly a pipe dream."

The Great Jin envoy spoke, noting they had studied and understood how tall the cities of the Northwest's Two Realms are.

They aren't afraid at all.

Everyone nodded in succession.

Indeed.

For Da Xia Dynasty, there are only two ways to stop the founding.

A saint intervenes.

But a saint doesn't act just because they wish to; the Jiande Emperor is Da Xia's legitimate ruler. If they intend to found a state, what can Gu Jin Nian and Su Wenjing say? It's rightful and proper.

On the contrary, if those two get involved, trouble will inevitably follow.

Now the Immortal Sect and the Buddhist Sect also have many Seventh Realm masters, quite a few, truly not fearing Gu Jin Nian at all.

The second method is the simplest and most direct: seize it, forcefully seize it.

But can it be seized?

Moreover, it must be taken within a few days; otherwise, continuous defense will see the Xiongnu Nation providing manpower, the Fuyu Dynasty supplying equipment, and the Great Jin Dynasty providing food.

If it drags on half a year or a year, New Xia would have already been established, directly consolidating national fortune; then, after stabilizing for half a year, it would daily siphon off a portion of Da Xia's national fortune. After half a year, they'd be on equal footing—what can Da Xia do? At that thought, everyone rejoiced, the banquet becoming truly jubilant.

Soon.

The next day.

Finally, after three failed negotiations, the Da Xia court heard no more calls for peace.

The Yongsheng Emperor did not blame anyone, but directly issued an edict to mobilize for war.

The Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of War had already drafted the imperial decree; after the second peace attempt failed, the two ministries were prepared.

Now, with the court officials unanimously agreeing…

The declaration of war was announced to the world within a day.

Moreover, this decree targeted not only Prince Ning but also the Xiongnu Nation, settling scores with them.

When the decree was issued, Da Xia Dynasty instantly boiled with excitement.

The people of Da Xia gave unprecedented and unparalleled support to this great war.

But soon.

Messages arrived from the Xiongnu Nation, the Fuyu Dynasty, the Great Jin Dynasty, the Immortal Sect, and the Buddhist Sect.

The Xiongnu Nation was the most straightforward: they recognized the Jiande Emperor, believing the Da Xia emperor should be Jiande; now the Jiande Emperor has established New Xia in the Northwest, which they say fully follows Heaven's will.

At the same time, the Xiongnu Nation demanded a thousand‑word essay denouncing Da Xia, also explaining why the border's twelve‑city tragedy occurred: because the Xiongnu learned that the Jiande Emperor had been schemed against by the Yongsheng Emperor, which enraged them.

But they clarified that no Da Xia civilians were slaughtered; everything was the Da Xia court's attempt to smear the Xiongnu, while they still considered the Xiongnu long‑time neighbor with excellent relations.

They listed many pieces of evidence, but the most disgusting was not the Xiongnu but Prince Ning, who openly admitted that the border twelve‑city tragedy was largely the Yongsheng Emperor's ploy to attract hatred and smear the Xiongnu.

For the throne, Prince Ning truly showed no shame, provoking massive controversy and infamy.

The Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty also immediately applied pressure.

"The Jiande Emperor is the legitimate ruler of Da Xia; in the past he faced turmoil and treacherous ministers, Yongsheng cleared the throne's side, without fault. Today Jiande again claims the throne, also without fault. We hope the Da Xia court can cease hostilities and sit down for talks."

That is the Fuyu Dynasty's stance, at least giving a bit of face.

The Great Jin Dynasty was blunt, commissioning articles denouncing the Yongsheng Emperor for usurping power, calling his methods vile; now New Xia is established, following Heaven's will, and they urge Da Xia to act wisely, otherwise the Great Jin Dynasty will take appropriate measures.

These remarks were almost tyrannical, plainly indicating support for Prince Ning.

The Immortal Sect and the Buddhist Sect offered lofty, pompous statements.

"The Immortal Sect does not involve itself in worldly affairs, yet under the great world one should follow Heaven's will; the Jiande Emperor's star remains, a new emperor may be established. Moreover, the Jiande Emperor and Prince Ning have entered an alliance, becoming one. We hope Da Xia follows Heaven's will."

That is the Immortal Sect's stance, essentially the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect's stance; the other Immortal Sects said nothing, and followed whatever Tai Xuan Immortal Sect declared.

The Buddhist Sect was the most pompous.

Citing a desire to prevent further wars and needless slaughter, they urged Da Xia to voluntarily lay down its hatred.

Targeting from many forces.

It did not affect Da Xia's campaign; all major camps began mobilizing, dragon boats set off, heading toward Jiangzhong County.

Seeing these statements ineffective, the major dynasties finally voiced their true thoughts.

They warned Da Xia not to act unilaterally.

Yet after such warnings, Da Xia had already completed its deployment, clearly ignoring them.

Then the Xiongnu Nation was the first to step forward, giving support to King Ning and dispatching an additional three hundred thousand troops into the Northwest Second Border, openly declaring war on Da Xia.

The Fuyu Dynasty then transported massive equipment into the Northwest Second Border and publicly declared its full support for King Ning, seeking only peace.

The Great Jin Dynasty sent a steady stream of grain and fodder, while demanding that the Da Xia Dynasty withdraw its troops immediately; otherwise the Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty might consider sending reinforcements.

It can be said that terrifying pressure swept in; the Da Xia populace initially supported the war, but they did not expect the Xiongnu Nation, the Fuyu Dynasty, and the Great Jin Dynasty to all rally behind King Ning.

Until then, the people thought it was merely dealing with an internal rebellion.

But now it appears not to be a simple internal rebellion; it is a fight against all the dynasties of the Eastern Wilderness.

The populace is indeed confident, yet not to this extreme degree.

And the greatest pressure still comes from the court.

The civil and military officials had actually anticipated this outcome, but still harbored a certain lucky hope that the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty would stay hidden behind the scenes, directing from the rear.

Assisting King Ning and going to war with the Xiongnu Nation, they did not expect them to be so ruthless.

In an instant, the Da Xia Dynasty truly found itself on a tiger it could not dismount.

After all, once war is declared, there is no turning back, and if war breaks out, they must simultaneously confront the three great nations as well as King Ning and King Qilin, which indeed creates enormous pressure.

Even the Duke of the State does not dare guarantee victory.

As for invoking the Sixth Realm or the Seventh Realm, don't even think about it; whatever they have, the others have too.

Suppressed.

Stifled.

It pervades the entire Da Xia Dynasty.

It must be said that, as the Xiongnu Nation's orders were conveyed, the Da Xia Dynasty indeed has no further battle plans.

The situation is delicate; no one knows what will happen next.

Meanwhile.

Inside the Grand Temple.

Gu Jin Nian's face was full of excitement.

In these three months, he has once again transformed his Saint Path, thoroughly solidifying his Saint Realm.

Moreover, he fully comprehended the Saint King Seal bestowed by Confucius, causing his Martial Path to surge to a higher realm.

Combined with the previous boost from the Golden Dragon's fortune.

Now Gu Jin Nian has reached the Seventh Realm in Confucian Dao, the Sixth Realm in Martial Path, the Sixth Realm in Immortal Path, and the Sixth Realm in Buddhist Law.

Saint, Martial Emperor, Void Emptiness, Arhat.

1736.

And in his mind, on the ladder to heaven, the golden little figure had already stood up, ready to step onto the second rung.

Gu Jin Nian knew what this meant.

From the Seventh to the Eighth Realm there are nine steps; once those nine steps are climbed, one ascends in a single bound, like a fish leaping the Dragon Gate, gaining a Heaven's Mandate bonus.

At present, having solidified the Saint Realm is the first step forward; with Martial Path support, he is about to take the second step.

Moreover, the Tree of All Beings has rooted and sprouted within his body, its branches turning into sinews, and each time blood passes the heart it contains boundless vitality.

During these three months, not only has the Saint Path yielded great harvests, but his physique has also transformed, and the Martial, Immortal, and Buddhist paths have all received tremendous benefits.

It is many times stronger than struggling to the death outside.

At the same time, Gu Jin Nian discovered that his own constitution is being continuously refined by the Tree of All Beings, which absorbs all laws.

It seems to be nurturing something.

"If the Martial, Immortal, and Buddhist paths all reach the Seventh Realm, one could transform into an immortal constitution,"

Gu Jin Nian had a slight enlightenment; he sensed that once his Martial, Immortal, and Buddhist paths all entered the Seventh Realm, the Tree of All Beings would erupt, cleansing his physique and forging an immortal constitution.

But what exact constitution that would be, Gu Jin Nian truly did not know.

At this very moment.

Within the Microcosm, Gu Jin Nian's treasured body radiated, his pores emitting a rosy glow, accompanied by thunder, and every movement was terrifying.

For other cultivators, reaching the Sixth Realm is just the Sixth Realm, but for Gu Jin Nian, attaining the Sixth Realm catapults him to the pinnacle, granting power comparable to the Seventh Realm.

Thus, at this moment Gu Jin Nian is many times stronger than he was three months ago.

He did not waste time.

On the contrary, his cultivation speed surpassed others.

Now, Gu Jin Nian has completed his latent enlightenment; for the coming period he need not further comprehend the Dao nor forge, because his foundation is solidified to a terrifying degree, even describable as horrific.

Consider this: in the great world conflict, Gu Jin Nian, as a Saint, did not vie for these heavenly treasures, but chose to devote himself to inner enlightenment; how many in the whole world possess such spirit?

Now, facts prove that these three months of secluded cultivation were worthwhile.

A Saint Seal materialized, surrounded by three other seals—the Martial Path Seal, the Immortal Path Seal, and the Buddhist Law Seal.

In total there are four seals, within the Primordial Spirit.

Boom! In an instant, Gu Jin Nian rose, and the Yang Cauldron at that moment erupted with an intensely fierce flame, bringing forth ten million jin of Heavenly Fallen Gold.

Every three days he forged a Heavenly Dome Fighter.

And in recent days, after receiving the Buddhist fortune boost, the Immortal Path broke through to the Sixth Realm, the Buddhist Law also reached the Sixth Realm, and with a thorough insight into the Saint King Way, these combined bonuses…

The forging speed accelerated by dozens, even hundreds of times.

One Heavenly Dome No. 1 weighed twenty thousand jin.

Gu Jin Nian produced two hundred of them.

One Heavenly Dome No. 2 weighed forty thousand jin.

Gu Jin Nian produced fifty of them.

One Heavenly Dome No. 3 weighed two hundred thousand jin.

Gu Jin Nian forged twenty units.

Number One is a fighter, Number Two is an escort interceptor, and Number Three is a bomber.

All of these are within Gu Jin Nian's budget.

As for the Oceanic model.

Gu Jin Nian did not forge it; given the current situation, it is not needed for now.

Having these fighters is sufficient.

At the same time, Gu Jin Nian used the Innate Five Elements Banner to inscribe the Spirit‑Gathering Array on the Sky Dome aircraft; under the banner's blessing the array became more stable. Not only the Spirit‑Gathering Array, Gu Jin Nian also inscribed four great arrays: the Clear Breeze Array, the Vajra Array, the Heavenly Hidden Array, and the Ten‑Thousand‑Mile Tracking Array.

The Clear Breeze Array handles acceleration, the Vajra Array adds extra self‑protection, the Heavenly Hidden Array conceals its aura, and the Ten‑Thousand‑Mile Tracking Array can precisely locate Sky Dome No. 1.

So it will not get lost.

The fighter business was finished long ago; for the remaining time, Gu Jin Nian devoted himself entirely to making gunpowder.

He engraved the Da Xia Dragon Cannon with the Spirit‑Gathering Array and continuously refined it inside the Li Yang Cauldron.

Fortunately, the refinement only requires national fortune.

Gu Jin Nian was rather carefree: Sky Dome No. 1 was equipped with two cannons, Sky Dome No. 2 with four, and Sky Dome No. 3 did not use Dragon Gate cannons but directly refined ammunition.

The Ministry of Works has already secured the latest ammunition.

Gu Jin Nian didn't care about the national‑fortune cost; in just half a day he forged six thousand pieces of ammunition made from Heavenly Fallen Gold.

Twenty Sky Dome No. 3 bombers, each standard‑equipped with three hundred pieces.

With everything completed, Gu Jin Nian used his Saintly Great Divine Power to take all the items away directly.

The only thing needed now is to train a batch of soldiers; basic simulated drills will suffice for real combat.

However, this is a cultivation world; there are cultivators and martial artists, and no complicated methods are required.

No major issues will arise, training included; not even a Martial King, even those in the Divine Power Realm or the Human‑Dragon Realm, can endure intense high‑altitude training.

Gu Jin Nian had already written the training method, and before the forging he had the Eternal Prosperous Emperor recruit trainers.

Therefore, barring any mishap, a little ten‑day practice will allow deployment into battle.

Of course, all this is rather superficial.

To truly perfect it, a full year is still required.

"Wait until I reach the Seventh Realm."

"Refining these things takes but a single thought."

"The Sixth Realm was already this fast; the Path of Immortals' Seventh Realm can be done in a day."

"Then I can truly showcase my abilities."

"Maybe I could even produce a nuclear bomb."

"Now that the three‑month seclusion ends, the Great World Conflict begins, and I will enter the fray; I need all kinds of treasures to enhance myself—Path of Immortals, Buddhist Dharma, Martial Path—all must improve, especially the Martial Path, which must reach the Seventh Realm early."

Gu Jin Nian thought to himself.

The next moment.

He stepped out of the micro world.

And just as Gu Jin Nian left the micro world,

Suddenly,

a startling thunderbolt cracked across the Divine Continent.

Pan Mountain.

It revived. —Last day, please give monthly tickets!!!!! The next exhilarating moments! Full‑speed push, never abusing the protagonist.

According to the outline, the 2.2‑million‑word foundation is finished; once the foundation ends, there will be endless slaughters, never abusing the protagonist.

(End of chapter)