Chapter 220: It's a Hong Sect Banquet, right

At the morning court the next day, Li Chen had eunuchs carry a pile of exquisite models into the court, which instantly caused a huge sensation.

It was a set of train models, with design blueprints for the tracks on the side, bringing unparalleled shock to the people of this civilization.

Chancellor Zhao Wenyuan looked at Li Chen explaining the design with a shocked face, and the ministers also gathered together, starting to discuss it one after another.

The Minister of Works even had his eyes fixed, unable to help but praise, "Your Majesty, these train tracks benefit the country and the people; this is truly a great invention!"

Even the usually stingy Minister of Revenue, Liu Minghan, couldn't help but nod in praise: "If developed vigorously, it will definitely bring huge profits to the May Tian Ce Dynasty."

"However, the May Tian Ce Dynasty and the Sassan Dynasty are currently at war, and fiscal expenditure is relatively high; if we want to cover it on a large scale, it might increase taxes, and the commoners might suffer."

As soon as Liu Minghan's words came out, the ministers nearby were all surprised.

You must know that Liu Minghan is famously stingy; even he said this, which is clearly a great affirmation of this project.

Li Chen smiled slightly, waved his hand, and said, "Actually, everyone is thinking too much. We don't need to cover it on a large scale from the beginning; we can choose a pilot project first, for example, building a track from the imperial capital to Cloud Sea City in the central part of the May Tian Ce Dynasty."

"Various family forces along the way, especially merchant clans and major sect forces, can all participate in the investment and construction. If they profit from it, they will naturally be willing to participate."

"In this way, it not only reduces the burden on the imperial court but also benefits the commoners. Moreover, building tracks will also create a large number of job positions; those cultivators who are usually idle can also participate."

"The May Tian Ce Dynasty has a large population; who knows, there might not even be enough positions by then."

These were all things Li Chen had thought about yesterday; he only had a general direction, and the specific details would definitely have to be pondered slowly by the ministers; this is their job.

The reason for choosing Cloud Sea City is that the economy in the central part of the May Tian Ce Dynasty is relatively developed, and Cloud Sea City is a very important economic city. Moreover, as long as the cultivators of the Nine Abyss Holy Domain see the benefits, coupled with the vigorous promotion of the Purple Cloud Immortal Palace, it will definitely have special effects.

By then, commoners and major forces in other places, seeing that the rail train is so convenient, will all beg the imperial court to build rail trains.

The ministers heard Li Chen's proposal and echoed it one after another, indicating that His Majesty has grand strategies and extraordinary wisdom.

Even Chancellor Zhao Wenyuan and Minister of Revenue Liu Minghan felt that letting major clans join the construction together and profit from it was a great feat in the May Tian Ce Dynasty; at the very least, no emperor had dared to do this before.

Li Chen wasn't too proud either; after all, this really wasn't a big deal to him, but to the people of this world, it was shocking.

Specific matters would definitely be handled by the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue, and Li Chen also had Zhao Wenyuan supervise it.

In Zhao Wenyuan's view, this was a great feat, and he indicated that he would definitely work hard.

He didn't expect that at his age, he would actually ignite fighting spirit and swear to build the rail train.

Then, his figure would definitely be left in the history of the May Tian Ce Dynasty!

His name would even be written in textbooks, to be sung by future generations.

Thinking of this, he became a bit excited!

The matter of the rail train was discussed for a long time before moving to the next stage.

The Minister of War stepped forward to report the combat situation between the May Tian Ce Dynasty's border army and the Sassan Dynasty during the time Li Chen went to the Tianwu Dynasty.

In general, the Sassan Dynasty's army could not capture the border cities of the May Tian Ce Dynasty, suffered heavy losses, and had already begun to retreat.

Li Chen nodded secretly in his heart; this was exactly the result he expected.

Defending the city is not difficult for the May Tian Ce Dynasty; with Guo Guo Po Yun there, the defense of the border cities is as solid as a rock.

However, Li Chen's goal is not just to defend the city; what he wants is to occupy the Sassan Dynasty and achieve the unification of the plane.

Thinking of this, Li Chen said, "Since the Sassan Dynasty dares to invade, let them pay the price. I will immediately go to the west of the May Tian Ce Dynasty to launch an attack on the Sassan Dynasty. This is something in my plan; you don't need to worry."

The ministers echoed one after another, indicating that His Majesty is wise and May Tian Ce is mighty.

According to the tradition of the May Tian Ce Dynasty, those who dare to invade must pay a heavy price; only then can the majesty of a great nation be manifested.

Can you retreat so easily? Dream on!

After the morning court, the Chief Eunuch Cui Gong hurried to report that the three Venerables of the Star Moon Cave in the Northern Snow Mountain were requesting an audience: Bi Luo Tianzun, Bi Chen Tianzun, and Bi You Tianzun.

Bi Chen Tianzun and Bi You Tianzun had already defected to Li Chen, and now Li Chen's goal was to make Bi Luo Tianzun also submit to him.

Li Chen had long learned from the two defectors that Bi Luo Tianzun was powerful but not interested in improving his cultivation, so military conquest definitely wouldn't work.

However, Bi Luo Tianzun liked to study strange and curious things, especially ancient secrets; that Unmelting Ice was something he studied.

This was exactly the point Li Chen could utilize.

Thus, Li Chen held a banquet in the palace to meet the three Venerables alone.

Bi Luo Tianzun was advanced in age but spirited, and his every move revealed the demeanor of a powerhouse.

He wore a grey robe, his beard and hair were all white, but his eyes flashed with a vigorous light.

When Bi Luo Tianzun came, he had heard that Li Chen, the emperor of the May Tian Ce Dynasty, was very fierce and should be like a barbaric guy; even if he was better than Tuoba Zhen, he wouldn't be much better.

But seeing him today, Li Chen's approachable yet imperial demeanor made Bi Luo Tianzun look at him with new eyes.

Especially Li Chen's conversation made Bi Luo Tianzun feel that this was what an emperor should look like.

After three rounds of drinks, Li Chen said mysteriously, "Bi Luo Tianzun, I wonder what you think of the Nine World-Suppressing Bronze Coffins?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Bi Luo Tianzun's eyes immediately lit up.

He was very interested in the World-Suppressing Bronze Coffins and immediately replied, "Your Majesty, the World-Suppressing Bronze Coffins are legendary objects from the ancient era. It is said that during the Great War of the Myriad Clans, the Immortal Clan powerhouses, in order to help the human race, sacrificed themselves to set up the Nine World-Suppressing Bronze Coffins, blocking the invasion of other races and allowing the human race to recuperate. That is the grace of the Immortal Clan."

Speaking of this, a trace of reverence for the Immortal Clan flashed in his eyes.

This was exactly the same as what Lady Youlan had said.

Li Chen smiled slightly and thought to himself: Sure enough, these are all lies fabricated by the Immortal Clan.

Thus, he said slowly, "Tianzun is not wrong, but I learned a secret from ancient classics: the Immortal Clan did not do it to help the human race, but to suppress the development of the human race."

"They set up the Nine World-Suppressing Bronze Coffins, making the cultivation limit of the human race stop at the Sage Realm; only by ascending to the Immortal Realm can one obtain improvement. Actually, the Immortal Clan just wanted to let human powerhouses go and work for them."

"What does the human race lack? That is naturally lifespan, and this happens to be something the Immortal Clan controls, so they perfectly grasp our lifeline."

As soon as these words were spoken, the three Venerables were shocked beyond description, as if they had heard some earth-shattering secret.

Bi Luo Tianzun asked urgently, "Your Majesty, how did you learn of these?"

Li Chen smiled indifferently and said, "I have already found one World-Suppressing Bronze Coffin; I have seen it with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears."

Bi Luo Tianzun's expression became complicated, clearly deeply attracted by Li Chen's words.

Li Chen was secretly happy, knowing that he had taken the bait.

Don't you like studying ancient things? Come, play the ascension plan with me.

Li Chen continued, "This matter is only known to the four of us for the time being; I haven't told anyone. If you trust me, we will study the World-Suppressing Bronze Coffins together, open the path of ascension, and seize the opportunity for longevity. I asked the three of you to come precisely to discuss this plan."

After a pause, Li Chen's tone suddenly became serious: "If you don't trust me, I cannot leave you alive, because there is an Immortal-Serving Clan in this world, and they will definitely stop my plan."

When the three Venerables heard this, their hearts tightened: Good fellow, this isn't discussing; this is simply dragging us onto a pirate ship!

Bi Chen Tianzun and Bi You Tianzun had already defected to Li Chen, so naturally, they stood on Li Chen's side at this moment.

The two of them immediately indicated that they would definitely support His Majesty Li Chen's plan.

Bi Luo Tianzun pondered for a moment and finally stated his position: "If it is really like this, then this old man will gamble this life with Your Majesty! What kind of achievement is it for one person to ascend? For one person to carry so many resources and leave this plane to work for the Immortal Clan? How is this any different from defecting from the human race! It would be better to let our human race become powerful and seize the resources of the myriad races of heaven and earth!"

Bi Luo Tianzun's awareness even shocked Li Chen a little.

Sure enough, those who can reach the Sage Realm probably don't have low insight.

Li Chen nodded with satisfaction and smiled, "Good, good, good, then from today on, we will work together!"

With this, all three Venerables had submitted to Li Chen.

Li Chen's most brilliant point is being good at developing some problems into everyone's problems.

In this way, everyone works together, and he doesn't have to be so tired.

The reason why Bi Luo Tianzun and the others believed Li Chen was also because they felt Li Chen had no need to lie to them.

What is the point of Li Chen lying to them? Is it fun?

Once they considered this point clearly, they could perceive that what Li Chen said was probably not false; after seeing the World-Suppressing Bronze Coffin and doing some research, they could confirm it.

After thinking for a moment, Bi Luo Tianzun added, "Your Majesty, then what should we do?"

Li Chen was waiting for this sentence; confused, right? If you're confused, you have to listen to me!

"If the plane ascends, our human race must unify the front and develop rapidly to lead the human race to the peak of the myriad races." Li Chen gave a slight 'hint'. Bi Chen Tianzun nearby reacted quickly and immediately added, "So Your Majesty has been fighting everywhere just to prepare for the ascension."

Li Chen was very satisfied that he could think of this; otherwise, what did you think I unified the plane for? Naturally, it was to do something big.

At this time, Li Chen's other supporter, Bi You, said, "Since that is the case, then we are willing to help Your Majesty!"

With his statement, the other two Tianzuns nodded one after another.

Plane ascension, improving to a higher realm, and obtaining more lifespan are incomparably huge temptations for every Sage Realm expert.

Anyway, the Northern Royal Court is already Li Chen's territory, and they have now submitted to Li Chen; everyone has a common goal, so they can be considered Li Chen's partners in the ascension plan.

And Li Chen said that only the three of them knew, so they were also very honored to obtain Li Chen's trust.

After finishing this meal, once Li Chen handles the government affairs, all the Sage Realm experts in the imperial capital will head to the west of the May Tian Ce Dynasty; their first target for assembly is not the Sassan Dynasty, but the Taihua Sword Sect!

At the same time, in Wuchao City on the western border of the May Tian Ce Dynasty.

Originally, Wuchao City was just an ordinary border city.

But once war breaks out, this is a military stronghold.

!

The entire border line is fighting, and this place is no exception.

Wuchao City's walls are sturdy, and there are many cultivators.

The Sassan Dynasty is a kingdom of 'beast-taming', and various powerful demonic beasts participated in the siege, making the defenders here suffer.

And at this time, Xu Zifeng led a large army to arrive and attacked the beast-taming troops, which solved the urgent need of Wuchao City.

Then Xu Zifeng served as the garrison commander here and began to command the city defense battle.

Xu Zifeng is crazy, but he grew up in the military camp since he was a child; his father taught him these things, and he has rich combat experience, so to him, it's just a small problem.

This made Liu Hao, who was in the same army, a bit depressed; wasn't it agreed that you would go out and act wildly, and I would complete your work to brush up military merit?

If you don't act wildly and work so earnestly, I have nothing to do!

Brother, did you take the wrong script?

Xu Zifeng didn't know Liu Hao was thinking this; Guo Guo Po Yun sent me here to defend the city, not to attack the city, so how do you want me to act wildly?

Could it be opening the city gates and letting the Sassan Dynasty's army in?

Don't forget, Xu Zifeng's own mother is still in the imperial capital, and he is also afraid of causing any trouble and implicating his mother, so he is defending the city normally and has no plans that are too radical.

Liu Hao thought to himself, if I had known, I would have changed to another army.

Hearing that Li Ling has been making contributions in the neighboring city, Liu Hao was envious and felt that he had no place to use his skills.

At this time, the Prince of Anxi, Li Ji, walked over and said, "General Liu, why are you sighing so much?"

Li Ji listened to Li Chen's advice and at this stage was purely following orders and learning experience, not being self-righteous.

He brought many of his own attendants, who were also relatively strong cultivators, to participate in this war in the Western Theater.

In this May Tian Ce Dynasty army, there are Xu Zifeng and Liu Hao, so Li Ji definitely came to mix in.

Seeing it was Li Ji, Liu Hao sighed and said, "Your Highness, have you heard about the Sassan Dynasty withdrawing their troops?"

"I heard, when I was patrolling the city walls today, I didn't see their people come over; is there anything to that?" Li Ji replied.

"This Sassan Dynasty is really not much; they ran away with just this little loss, and I haven't even killed many people."

Liu Hao felt it was meaningless; until now, he hadn't mixed up any military merit. The commander of this army is Xu Zifeng, so most of the credit would definitely be counted as his; didn't I come here for nothing?

Hearing this, Li Ji glanced around, leaned over, and whispered, "So you want to make contributions; there is a chance for that. It is estimated that it won't be long before His Majesty comes. When I left the palace, His Majesty told me that his goal is to occupy the Sassan Dynasty, not to repel the Sassan Dynasty."

Hearing this, Liu Hao's eyes lit up, because this was the first time he knew that the purpose of coming to the Western Theater this time was not defense, but offense.

Actually, very few people know about this; it is still in the defense stage, and Guo Guo Po Yun definitely wouldn't take the initiative to attack.

Guo Guo Po Yun's fighting style is to seek victory in stability; defense can utilize sturdy city walls, arrays, harmonic pulse arrays, etc., to consume a large amount of the enemy's army at a very low cost.

If the news were released in advance, then the Sassan Dynasty might go back and wait for the May Tian Ce Dynasty to attack, waiting at ease for the exhausted enemy.

And if you can't defend, how can you talk about attacking?

Now the situation is about the same, and Guo Guo Po Yun has already begun to prepare for the attack.

Li Ji came out of the palace, and Li Chen told him this personally, so he knew.

Generals at Liu Hao's level are not yet qualified to know these things; the orders he received were just to defend.

Once he heard that he could still attack, this kid immediately got energized; military merit from attacking is much more than from defending.

Taking this opportunity, Li Ji also began to ask how to fight flatland battles and siege battles.

They are all in the same team, and Liu Hao has certain experience in the Northern battlefield, so he can definitely tell him.

At this time, a very strange person entered Wuchao City at an inappropriate time, and that was the Ministry of Justice official, Xiao Ming.

Xiao Ming actually set off for the west together with Liu Hao and the others.

But when they arrived at Shanghe City, Xiao Ming's 'sycophant' illness flared up, and using the excuse of investigating the former dynasty's princess and the Prince of Jing'an's son, Li Yang, he began to contact the Shanghe City supervisor, Lin Yue'e.

After all, there was official business; Lin Yue'e was responsible for investigating the Wang family and the remnants of the former dynasty, and she held many clues.

Xiao Ming also followed Lin Yue'e to the prison to investigate those remnants of the former dynasty.

However, these guys had very stiff mouths, all saying they didn't know where the former dynasty's princess was.

Some were low-level and really didn't know; some knew but wouldn't say; and others indicated: it's been so long, you've been chasing the princess everywhere, she must have run away; I'm not a fortune teller, and I'm still staying here, how would I know where she is.

Xiao Ming also felt that what he said was not bad, and then he couldn't hold back his anger and beat him up.

This person also didn't expect that even telling the truth would lead to a beating.

Then for the next period of time, this kid Xiao Ming became Lin Yue'e's sycophant follower.

This time, even the Sage remnant soul couldn't stand it and scolded him before driving him away.

Coincidentally, when Xiao Ming arrived at Wuchao City, the city battle had just ended; otherwise, during the war, he really wouldn't have been able to get in.

Liu Hao and Li Ji in the City Lord's Mansion were both stunned when they saw Xiao Ming come in.

"Why did you come here?" Liu Hao asked suspiciously.

"Wuchao City is the place where I was born; I came back to look for my relatives. Why are you here too?" Xiao Ming also began to ask.

"The two of us came here to fight; go to the western city wall and take a look; there are corpses everywhere, and Xu Zifeng is also there, but he is currently in the military camp." Liu Hao mentioned it casually.

They were all relatively familiar, so a few people started chatting.

Xiao Ming came this time to investigate the enemy who destroyed his family; having finally become a high official, he definitely had to come for revenge.

Times have changed, and the prefect and city supervisor here have already been replaced, but the City Lord is still the original one.

After all, the City Lord is a local and a well-known local family, so he definitely knows something.

Xiao Ming naturally came to the City Lord to seek help.

He wasn't afraid the City Lord wouldn't help; you must know that Xiao Ming is now a Ministry of Justice official, a capital official, and his power is very great.

It's just that he didn't expect to meet acquaintances here.

Liu Hao and Li Ji heard that Xiao Ming came for revenge and immediately stood up, indicating that they were all brothers, and your enemy is my enemy!

Anyway, both of them have armies, and now it's a ceasefire time, so doing a favor is just a matter of convenience.

At this time, the Sage remnant soul in Xiao Ming's necklace felt that Xiao Ming's luck was ridiculously good; this could also happen?

Originally, seeking revenge was a troublesome matter; with the help of the army, it is estimated that it won't be a big problem.

Outside the western border of the May Tian Ce Dynasty, outside the magnificent Taihua Sword Sect palace, the Sect Master, Youhen Zunzhe, looked up at the sky; dark clouds were gathering, as if a major event was about to happen!

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 221 =====