Chapter 819

Snowy Paulownia Wonderland.

Snowy Paulownia Wonderland.

This is a secret realm operated by the Sima clan of the Great Jin Divine State's royal family.

This is a secret realm operated by the Sima clan of the Great Jin Divine State's royal family.

Situated in the far northern snowfields, yet totally cut off from the snowy plains barbarians' lands, it is a marvelous spot nestled among encircling mountains.

Translation: "Located in the extreme northern snow plains, yet completely isolated from the territory of the snow plains barbarians, it is a marvelous place surrounded by mountains." We'll translate: "Located in the extreme northern snow plains, yet completely isolated from the territory of the snow plains barbarians, it is a marvelous place surrounded by mountains."

Snow blankets this place all year, while the mountains and rivers glitter with radiant light, resembling a boundless white glass realm.

Translation: "Here, snow lies year‑on‑year, and the mountains, rivers, and hills shine with brilliant light, like a vast white glazed world." We'll translate: "Here, snow lies year‑on‑year, and the mountains, rivers, and hills shine with brilliant light, like a vast white glazed world."

Numerous kinds of snow paulownia trees rise from the snowfield, their whole bodies pure white and gleaming dazzlingly, astonishingly white, and they emit faint traces of exotic fragrance that draw countless phoenix‑like white spirit birds to nest in them.

Translation: "Countless varieties of snow paulownia trees stand in the snow plains, their whole bodies snow‑white, smooth and dazzling, with astonishing whiteness; they also emit strands of strange fragrance, attracting countless phoenix‑shaped white spirit sparrows to nest upon them." We'll translate: "Countless varieties of snow paulownia trees stand in the snow plains, their whole bodies snow‑white, smooth and dazzling, with astonishing whiteness; they also emit strands of strange fragrance, attracting countless phoenix‑shaped white spirit sparrows to nest upon them."

Exquisite little pavilions are scattered among the snow paulownia trees, connected by white‑jade‑paved paths where fur‑clad maidservants chuckle softly as they tread carefully.

Translation: "Exquisite, delicate pavilions dot the snow paulownia forest, connected by a small path paved with white jade plates; several maidservants in fur robes laugh softly as they walk carefully back and forth along the path." We'll translate: "Exquisite, delicate pavilions dot the snow paulownia forest, connected by a small path paved with white jade plates; several maidservants in fur robes laugh softly as they walk carefully back and forth along the path."

At the edge of a small lake glazed with thin ice, in the waterside pavilion, Sima Wuyou reclines on a soft couch, cradling a small wine flask in his left hand and gently patting his thigh with his right, while joining a songstress in the lakeside gazebo in humming a once‑popular tune from An'yang, the Jin capital, over ten years ago.

Translation: "Beside a small lake covered with thin ice, in the waterside pavilion, Sima Wuyou leans back on a soft couch, holding a small wine pot in his left hand and lightly patting his thigh with his right, following the songstress in the island pavilion as he softly sings the little tune that was all the rage in Anyang City of the Great Jin Divine State over a decade ago." We'll translate: "Beside a small lake covered with thin ice, in the waterside pavilion, Sima Wuyou leans back on a soft couch, holding a small wine pot in his left hand and lightly patting his thigh with his right, following the songstress in the island pavilion as he softly sings the little tune that was all the rage in Anyang City of the Great Jin Divine State over a decade ago."

A former senior officer of the Great Jin army, the man called the First General—who is rumored to be the Jin's greatest warrior—sits next to Sima Wuyou, his hands clenched together and rubbing hard. His big hands shine red like heated copper ingots, throwing off countless sparks with each rub.

Translation: "The former senior elder of the Great Jin Divine State's military, who faintly bore the title of the Great Jin's foremost fierce general, the First Army, sat beside Sima Wuyou, his hands clasped tightly together as he rubbed them vigorously; his pair of large hands were red‑hot like heated ingots, and friction constantly sent out countless sparks." We'll translate: "The former senior elder of the Great Jin Divine State's military, who faintly bore the title of the Great Jin's foremost fierce general, the First Army, sat beside Sima Wuyou, his hands clasped tightly together as he rubbed them vigorously; his pair of large hands were red‑hot like heated ingots, and friction constantly sent out countless sparks."

"Old General, did your old lady knock over the grape arbor again?" Sima Wuyou laughed, took a drink, pointed at the First General and said, "Tsk, as I see it, your shrewish wife isn't worth keeping—given your rank and riches, plenty of young women would flock to you."

Translation: "\"Old Army, how is it? Did your old wife knock over the grape trellis again? \" Sima Wuyou chuckled, took a sip of wine, pointed at the First Army and laughed: \"Tsk, in my view, your shrewish wife—you might as well divorce her. With your status and wealth, Old Army, how many young ladies are waiting to throw themselves into your arms? \" We'll translate: "\"Old Army, how is it? Did your old wife knock over the grape trellis again? \" Sima Wuyou chuckled, took a sip of wine, pointed at the First Army and laughed: \"Tsk, in my view, your shrewish wife—you might as well divorce her. With your status and wealth, Old Army, how many young ladies are waiting to throw themselves into your arms? \""

The First General's thin, wrinkled face turned bright red; he forced a laugh: "Your Majesty, please don't jest… there's nothing of the sort… uh."

Translation: "The First Army's gaunt old face instantly flushed crimson; he gave a dry laugh: \"Your Majesty, please don't joke… there's nothing of the sort… uh. \"" We'll translate: "The First Army's gaunt old face instantly flushed crimson; he gave a dry laugh: \"Your Majesty, please don't joke… there's nothing of the sort… uh. \""

Sima Wuyou sat up straight, set the wine flask on the nearby side table, smiled at the First General and asked, "So, what's on your mind?"

Translation: "Sima Wuyou sat upright, placed the wine pot on the small table beside him, smiled at the First Army, and said: \"Then, do you have something on your mind? \" We'll translate: "Sima Wuyou sat upright, placed the wine pot on the small table beside him, smiled at the First Army, and said: \"Then, do you have something on your mind? \""

The First General was silent for a while, then slowly nodded, gesturing at the endless white Snowy Paulownia Wonderland outside, and said in a low tone: "Your Majesty, this place is fine, but it's not my home… the troops feel homesick, and the nobles who followed you here also long for An'yang."

Translation: "The First Army fell silent for a moment, then slowly nodded, pointing at the endless white expanse of the Snowy Paulownia Wonderland outside, and said in a low voice: \"Your Majesty, this place is fine, but it is not my homeland… the soldiers in the army feel homesick; those many noble houses that followed Your Majesty here also miss Anyang City. \" We'll translate: "The First Army fell silent for a moment, then slowly nodded, pointing at the endless white expanse of the Snowy Paulownia Wonderland outside, and said in a low voice: \"Your Majesty, this place is fine, but it is not my homeland… the soldiers in the army feel homesick; those many noble houses that followed Your Majesty here also miss Anyang City. \""

Sima Wuyou lightly caressed the massive white bear hide beneath him.

Translation: "Sima Wuyou's fingers lightly stroked the huge white bear skin beneath him." We'll translate: "Sima Wuyou's fingers lightly stroked the huge white bear skin beneath him."

After a long pause, he sighed softly: "Yeah, one slip and so much time has gone by… do you recall, back then it was called 'Huo Xiong'… no, his real name was Wu Tie, and it was that Wu Tie kid who had a conscience and helped you fake your deaths to get away."

Translation: "After a long while, he let out a faint sigh: \"Yeah, one careless moment and so much time has passed… Do you remember, back then it was 'Huo Xiong'… oh, no, his real name is Wu Tie, and it was that Wu Tie kid who had a conscience and helped you fake your deaths to escape. \" We'll translate: "After a long while, he let out a faint sigh: \"Yeah, one careless moment and so much time has passed… Do you remember, back then it was 'Huo Xiong'… oh, no, his real name is Wu Tie, and it was that Wu Tie kid who had a conscience and helped you fake your deaths to escape. \""

The First General bowed his head, tinged with shame and anger, and muttered: "I, your humble servant, am inadequate."

Translation: "The First Army lowered his head, carrying a trace of shame and a trace of anger, and said in a low voice: \"I, your humble servant, am incapable. \" We'll translate: "The First Army lowered his head, carrying a trace of shame and a trace of anger, and said in a low voice: \"I, your humble servant, am incapable. \""

Sima Wuyou waved his hand, speaking calmly: "It's not that you're incapable; it's also me… I did it on purpose. Ling Qingqing held great sway then, and you straightforward folks couldn't outmaneuver him. Besides, that old fogey Gongyang Sanlü was stirring the pot from the sidelines."

Translation: "Sima Wuyou waved his hand, speaking calmly: \"It's not that you're incapable; it's also me… I did it on purpose. Linghu Qingqing held the advantage then, you lot of honest folk couldn't outplay him, let alone that old scoundrel Gongyang Sanlü fanning the flames from the sidelines. \" We'll translate: "Sima Wuyou waved his hand, speaking calmly: \"It's not that you're incapable; it's also me… I did it on purpose. Linghu Qingqing held the advantage then, you lot of honest folk couldn't outplay him, let alone that old scoundrel Gongyang Sanlü fanning the flames from the sidelines. \""

He let out a cold snort, Sima Wuyou closed his eyes and gave a slight nod.

Translation: "He gave a cold snort, Sima Wuyou closed his eyes and lightly nodded." We'll translate: "He gave a cold snort, Sima Wuyou closed his eyes and lightly nodded."

He exhaled, Sima Wuyou said calmly: "We receive news from there every day… you all know exactly what An'yang and the Great Jin Divine State are like now… can you still not put it behind you?"

Translation: "After a sigh, Sima Wuyou said calmly: \"Reports come from there every day… you all know full well what Anyang City and the Great Jin Divine State are like now… can you still not let go of it? \" We'll translate: "After a sigh, Sima Wuyou said calmly: \"Reports come from there every day… you all know full well what Anyang City and the Great Jin Divine State are like now… can you still not let go of it? \""

The First General snapped his head up and shouted: "Your Majesty, the Sui Dynasty may be strong, but… An'yang was built by our ancestors; the Great Jin Divine State was won by our forebears; those people are also those we once swore to protect."

Translation: "The First Army suddenly lifted his head and shouted sternly: \"Your Majesty, the Flame Dynasty may be powerful, but… that Anyang City was built by our predecessors; that Great Jin Divine State was conquered by our forebears; those people are also those we once swore to protect! \" We'll translate: "The First Army suddenly lifted his head and shouted sternly: \"Your Majesty, the Flame Dynasty may be powerful, but… that Anyang City was built by our predecessors; that Great Jin Divine State was conquered by our forebears; those people are also those we once swore to protect! \""

The First General stood up; a violent surge burst from his thin, small frame, and the snow drifting across the sky froze in an instant.

Translation: "The First Army rose to his feet; within his thin, small frame a violent aura burst forth, and the snow falling everywhere instantly froze." We'll translate: "The First Army rose to his feet; within his thin, small frame a violent aura burst forth, and the snow falling everywhere instantly froze."

The wind and snow across tens of thousands of miles were utterly frozen in place by the First General's sudden aura.

Translation: "The wind and snow for tens of thousands of li around, due to the First Army's sudden outbreak of aura, were completely solidified in the void." We'll translate: "The wind and snow for tens of thousands of li around, due to the First Army's sudden outbreak of aura, were completely solidified in the void."

Every mote of dust hung motionless in the void.

Translation: "Every speck of dust was frozen in the void, utterly still." We'll translate: "Every speck of dust was frozen in the void, utterly still."

In Snowy Paulownia Wonderland, countless maids, eunuchs, the soldiers who once followed Sima Wuyou and the First General

Translation: "In the Snowy Paulownia Wonderland, countless maidservants, eunuchs, countless who once followed Sima Wuyou and the First Army, the Great Jin soldiers who came here, and even the family members they secretly brought along, all stiffened in place, instinctively looking toward the pavilion." We'll translate: "In the Snowy Paulownia Wonderland, countless maidservants, eunuchs, countless who once followed Sima Wuyou and the First Army, the Great Jin soldiers who came here, and even the family members they secretly brought along, all stiffened in place, instinctively looking toward the pavilion."

Sima Wuyou lowered his head, squinting at the small red‑clay charcoal brazier at his feet.

Translation: "Sima Wuyou lowered his head, squinting at the little red‑clay charcoal brazier at his feet." We'll translate: "Sima Wuyou lowered his head, squinting at the little red‑clay charcoal brazier at his feet."

After a while, Sima Wuyou slowly said: "This 'Nine Refined Dragon Demon Body', old commander, you've made some progress… but do you think you can be a match for the 'heavenly gods' of the Sui Dynasty?"

Translation: "After a while, Sima Wuyou drawled: \"This 'Nine Refining Dragon Devil Body', Old Army, you've got a bit of skill… but do you think you can match those 'heavenly gods' of the Flame Dynasty? \" We'll translate: "After a while, Sima Wuyou drawled: \"This 'Nine Refining Dragon Devil Body', Old Army, you've got a bit of skill… but do you think you can match those 'heavenly gods' of the Flame Dynasty? \""

The First Army said in a deep voice: "Your servant will surely behead him!"

Translation: "The First Army said in a deep voice: \"Your servant will surely be able to slay them! \" We'll translate: "The First Army said in a deep voice: \"Your servant will surely be able to slay them! \""

Sima Wuyou lay back on the soft couch and slowly said: "Then what about their so‑called 'king gods'?"

Translation: "Sima Wuyou lay back on the soft couch again and drawled: \"Then what about their so‑called 'king gods'? \" We'll translate: "Sima Wuyou lay back on the soft couch again and drawled: \"Then what about their so‑called 'king gods'? \""

The First Army's whole body turned into an eerie ink‑gold hue, suffused with black, a layer of deep‑swirling golden light on the surface, giving the impression of brutal, mighty power, yet also ferocious and uncanny.

Translation: "The First Army's entire body turned an eerie dark‑gold, black all over with a layer of deep‑rotating golden light on the surface, making him feel incredibly violent and powerful, yet also ferocious and uncanny." We'll translate: "The First Army's entire body turned an eerie dark‑gold, black all over with a layer of deep‑rotating golden light on the surface, making him feel incredibly violent and powerful, yet also ferocious and uncanny."

"Your servant, I would not spare my life..." the First Army gritted his teeth and gave his answer.

Translation: "\"Your servant, I would not spare my life…\" the First Army gritted his teeth and spoke his answer." We'll translate: "\"Your servant, I would not spare my life…\" the First Army gritted his teeth and spoke his answer."

"Then what about your sons, grandsons, the youngsters of the other great commander houses, and the soldiers in the army… could they be a match for the Sui Dynasty's imperial guards?" Sima Wuyou sat up straight again, picked up the purple‑gold fire tongs beside the small brazier, and stirred the coals.

Translation: "\"Then what about your sons, grandsons, the youngsters of the other great military houses, and those soldiers… could they stand against the Flame Dynasty's imperial guards? \" Sima Wuyou sat up straight again, picked up the purple‑gold fire tongs beside the small brazier, and flipped the coals inside." We'll translate: "\"Then what about your sons, grandsons, the youngsters of the other great military houses, and those soldiers… could they stand against the Flame Dynasty's imperial guards? \" Sima Wuyou sat up straight again, picked up the purple‑gold fire tongs beside the small brazier, and flipped the coals inside."

Large sparks exploded from the brazier, raising the temperature in the waterside pavilion just a little.

Translation: "Large sparks exploded from the brazier, raising the temperature in the pavilion just a little." We'll translate: "Large sparks exploded from the brazier, raising the temperature in the pavilion just a little."

"The timing isn't right yet," Sima Wuyou said, eyeing the First Army coldly. "When will our troops have the combat strength of the Sui Dynasty's imperial guards, equipment that can match theirs, and a method to counter their Blaze Fire Grand Formation… only then should we talk about recovering our lost lands."

Translation: "\"The timing isn't right yet. \" Sima Wuyou gave the First Army a cold look: \"When will our troops have the combat strength of the Flame Dynasty's imperial guards, equipment equal to theirs, and a method to counter their great flame formation… only then should we speak of recovering our lost lands. \" We'll translate: "\"The timing isn't right yet. \" Sima Wuyou gave the First Army a cold look: \"When will our troops have the combat strength of the Flame Dynasty's imperial guards, equipment equal to theirs, and a method to counter their great flame formation… only then should we speak of recovering our lost lands. \""

Sima Wuyou lightly tapped the small brazier with his fire tongs, squinting at the coals, and murmured: "Old man, I absolutely cannot take a risk… you must know that this opportunity was bought with their lives by the Holy Child and his wife back then."

Translation: "Sima Wuyou lightly tapped the fire tongs against the small brazier, squinting at the coals, and murmured softly: \"I, old man, absolutely cannot take a risk… you must know, this opportunity was bought with their lives back then by Sheng'er and his wife. \" We'll translate: "Sima Wuyou lightly tapped the fire tongs against the small brazier, squinting at the coals, and murmured softly: \"I, old man, absolutely cannot take a risk… you must know, this opportunity was bought with their lives back then by Sheng'er and his wife. \""

The First Army fell silent at once.

Translation: "The First Army immediately fell silent." We'll translate: "The First Army immediately fell silent."

He knew this matter.

Translation: "He knew this matter." We'll translate: "He knew this matter."

More than six thousand years ago, the Eastern Palace of the Divine Jin State underwent a drastic upheaval; Crown Prince Sima Sheng led the Eastern Palace officials in rebellion, severely weakening the Divine Jin State, the imperial family's power plummeted, ultimate authority slipped away, and court affairs came almost entirely under the control of Linghu Qingqing and Gongsun Sanlü.

Translation: "Over six thousand years ago, the Eastern Palace of the Great Jin Divine State underwent a drastic change; the Eastern Crown Prince Sima Sheng led his retinue in fleeing, the Great Jin Divine State's vitality was severely wounded, the imperial clan's strength plummeted, ultimately power slipped from their hands, and court affairs came almost entirely under the control of Linghu Qingqing and Gongyang Sanlü." We'll translate: "Over six thousand years ago, the Eastern Palace of the Great Jin Divine State underwent a drastic change; the Eastern Crown Prince Sima Sheng led his retinue in fleeing, the Great Jin Divine State's vitality was severely wounded, the imperial clan's strength plummeted, ultimately power slipped from their hands, and court affairs came almost entirely under the control of Linghu Qingqing and Gongyang Sanlü."

Only such a steadfast confidant of Sima Wuyou as the First Army knew exactly what Sima Sheng and his wife Xiyou had done.

Translation: "Only the First Army, such a steadfast confidant of Sima Wuyou, knew exactly what Sima Sheng and his wife Xi Yao had done." We'll translate: "Only the First Army, such a steadfast confidant of Sima Wuyou, knew exactly what Sima Sheng and his wife Xi Yao had done."

Their sacrifice was undoubtedly heavy, yet it was worth it.

Translation: "Their sacrifice was undoubtedly heavy, yet worthwhile." We'll translate: "Their sacrifice was undoubtedly heavy, yet worthwhile."

Setting aside Sima Sheng, Xiyou could have lived, but she chose an extraordinarily tragic and resolute sacrifice—she gave up the innate spiritual energy of the unborn twin daughters in her womb, stealing heavenly secrets from the divine soul space of the Wa clan.

Translation: "Let's not mention Sima Sheng; Xi Yao could have lived, but she chose an incredibly tragic and resolute sacrifice… she sacrificed the innate spiritual energy of the twin daughters in her womb, stealing heavenly secrets from the divine soul space of the Nuwa clan." We'll translate: "Let's not mention Sima Sheng; Xi Yao could have lived, but she chose an incredibly tragic and resolute sacrifice… she sacrificed the innate spiritual energy of the twin daughters in her womb, stealing heavenly secrets from the divine soul space of the Nuwa clan."

Just as the First Army secretly cultivates the Nine Refined Dragon Demon Body, this is something that ought not to exist on the Three Kingdoms continent.

Translation: "Just as the First Army secretly cultivates the Nine Refining Dragon Devil Body, this is something that fundamentally should not appear on the Three Kingdoms Continent." We'll translate: "Just as the First Army secretly cultivates the Nine Refining Dragon Devil Body, this is something that fundamentally should not appear on the Three Kingdoms Continent."

Even the First Army knew what the "Heavenly Character Jia No. 1 Hunting Ground" was earlier than Wu Tie did; the Nine Refined Dragon Demon Body, a demonic art nearly comparable to the Nine Turns Mystic Technique, advances bravely with astonishing power, and simply should not appear in that hunting ground.

Translation: "Even more, the First Army knew earlier than Wu Tie what the 'Heavenly Jia Number One Hunting Ground' is… the Nine Refining Dragon Devil Body, a demonic path art almost comparable to the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Skill, fierce and rapidly advancing, with astonishing power, fundamentally ought not to appear in the 'Heavenly Jia Number One Hunting Ground'." We'll translate: "Even more, the First Army knew earlier than Wu Tie what the 'Heavenly Jia Number One Hunting Ground' is… the Nine Refining Dragon Devil Body, a demonic path art almost comparable to the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Skill, fierce and rapidly advancing, with astonishing power, fundamentally ought not to appear in the 'Heavenly Jia Number One Hunting Ground'."

For these things, the Baihe and Zhuque sisters delayed their emergence for six thousand years before finally appearing with difficulty.

Translation: "For these things, the Bai Ying and Zhu Juan sisters delayed six thousand years before barely coming into existence." We'll translate: "For these things, the Bai Ying and Zhu Juan sisters delayed six thousand years before barely coming into existence."

For these things, Sima Wuyou readily and decisively became, together with his son Sima Xian, a pair of utterly foolish rulers.

Translation: "For these things, Sima Wuyou readily and decisively acted as a pair of utterly foolish rulers together with Sima Xian and his father." We'll translate: "For these things, Sima Wuyou readily and decisively acted as a pair of utterly foolish rulers together with Sima Xian and his father."

For these things, when Linghu Qingqing showed his ambition to usurp the throne, Sima Wuyou and his son Sima Xian merely put on a show, causing him some trouble, giving him a slight disgust, then cleanly and decisively withdrew.

Translation: "For these things, when Linghu Qingqing showed signs of wanting to usurp the throne, Sima Wuyou, Sima Xian and his father merely pretended to cause him some trouble, gave him a little disgust, then cleanly withdrew." We'll translate: "For these things, when Linghu Qingqing showed signs of wanting to usurp the throne, Sima Wuyou, Sima Xian and his father merely pretended to cause him some trouble, gave him a little disgust, then cleanly withdrew."

Everyone under heaven thought the Divine Jin State was finished.

Translation: "Everyone under heaven thought the Great Jin Divine State was finished." We'll translate: "Everyone under heaven thought the Great Jin Divine State was finished."

Everyone thought the Sima clan had completely vanished.

Translation: "Everyone under heaven thought the Sima clan had completely vanished." We'll translate: "Everyone under heaven thought the Sima clan had completely vanished."

Even Wu Tie thought that Sima Wuyou and his ilk were merely clinging to life.

Translation: "Even Wu Tie thought that Sima Wuyou and the others were merely clinging to life." We'll translate: "Even Wu Tie thought that Sima Wuyou and the others were merely clinging to life."

Who could have imagined that, in this Snow Wu Miao Realm, within just a few years the Sima clan of the Divine Jin State would be recuperating and its strength continually swelling.

Translation: "Who would have thought that, in this Snowy Paulownia Wonderland, in just a few short years the Great Jin Divine State's Sima clan has been recuperating and its strength continually expanding." We'll translate: "Who would have thought that, in this Snowy Paulownia Wonderland, in just a few short years the Great Jin Divine State's Sima clan has been recuperating and its strength continually expanding."

Moreover, the Baihe Merchant Guild of Baihe, passing directly through Wu Tie, reaped enormous profits and countless cultivation resources, most of which went into the bellies of the First Army and his comrades, becoming the foundation for their meteoric rise in power.

Translation: "Moreover, Bai Ying's Bai Ying Merchant Association, directly through Wu Tie, reaped enormous profits and countless cultivation resources; most of those resources went into the bellies of the First Army and his comrades, becoming the foundation for their meteoric rise in cultivation." We'll translate: "Moreover, Bai Ying's Bai Ying Merchant Association, directly through Wu Tie, reaped enormous profits and countless cultivation resources; most of those resources went into the bellies of the First Army and his comrades, becoming the foundation for their meteoric rise in cultivation."

The First Army and the commander houses that followed Sima Wuyou were itching to move.

Translation: "The First Army and the military houses that followed Sima Wuyou were restless and eager to act." We'll translate: "The First Army and the military houses that followed Sima Wuyou were restless and eager to act."

But Sima Wuyou gently shook his head, firmly tapping the small brazier with his fire tongs, and said in a low voice: "Wait a little longer, wait a little longer… the Holy Child, and my daughter‑in‑law, they are all good children. For the sake of the Great Jin and the Sima clan, they have given too much."

Translation: "But Sima Wuyou lightly shook his head, firmly tapping the small fire tongs against the small brazier, and said in a low voice: \"Wait a bit longer, wait a bit longer… Sheng'er, and also my daughter‑in‑law, they are all good children. For the Great Jin, for the Sima clan, they have given too much. \" We'll translate: "But Sima Wuyou lightly shook his head, firmly tapping the small fire tongs against the small brazier, and said in a low voice: \"Wait a bit longer, wait a bit longer… Sheng'er, and also my daughter‑in‑law, they are all good children. For the Great Jin, for the Sima clan, they have given too much. \""

"Wait a little longer, wait a little longer… we cannot afford any loss."

Translation: "\"Wait a bit longer, wait a bit longer… we cannot afford any loss. \" We'll translate: "\"Wait a bit longer, wait a bit longer… we cannot afford any loss. \""

Sima Wuyou lifted his head, gazed at the sky, and murmured: "It's not just the Sui Dynasty we must face; it's not only the Sui Dynasty…"

Translation: "Sima Wuyou raised his head, gazed at the sky, and murmured: \"It's not just the Flame Dynasty we have to face; it's not just the Flame Dynasty…\" We'll translate: "Sima Wuyou raised his head, gazed at the sky, and murmured: \"It's not just the Flame Dynasty we have to face; it's not just the Flame Dynasty…\""

"Back then, the Holy Child said he wanted to see what exactly lies above this sky."

Translation: "\"Back then, Sheng'er said he wanted to see what exactly lies above this sky. \" We'll translate: "\"Back then, Sheng'er said he wanted to see what exactly lies above this sky. \""

"As for Zhuque, I won't say more—this lass, once she's eaten and drunk her fill, she's content, which is fine."

Translation: "\"As for Zhu Juan, I won't even mention her… this lass, once she's eaten and drunk her fill, she's content, which is fine. \" We'll translate: "\"As for Zhu Juan, I won't even mention her… this lass, once she's eaten and drunk her fill, she's content, which is fine. \""

"That Baihe girl, just like her parents, all hope to leap into the heavens… heh, what mysteries lie above the firmament? After feigning confusion for so many years, I too would like to live with some clarity."

Translation: "\"That Bai Ying lass, just like her parents, all hope to leap into the heavens… hehe, what mysteries lie above the firmament… after pretending to be clueless for so many years, I too would like to live with some understanding. \" We'll translate: "\"That Bai Ying lass, just like her parents, all hope to leap into the heavens… hehe, what mysteries lie above the firmament… after pretending to be clueless for so many years, I too would like to live with some understanding. \""

"Old commander, this world is like a chessboard; we once were merely pieces."

Translation: "\"Old Army, this world is like a chessboard. We once were merely pieces. \" We'll translate: "\"Old Army, this world is like a chessboard. We once were merely pieces. \""

"Our bodies are not our own; our lives hang in the hands of others."

Translation: "\"We have no control over our own bodies; our lives hang in the hands of others. \" We'll translate: "\"We have no control over our own bodies; our lives hang in the hands of others. \""

"Now, having finally managed to jump off the board, this is already a great fortune… yet we still lack the qualification to be players; we are far from having that qualification."

Translation: "\"Now we have finally managed to jump off the chessboard, which is already a great fortune… but we still lack the qualification to be players, we are far from having that qualification. \" We'll translate: "\"Now we have finally managed to jump off the chessboard, which is already a great fortune… but we still lack the qualification to be players, we are far from having that qualification. \""

We can't, the Divine Emperor of the Suichao can't…… He's also nothing more than a relatively stronger piece.

Even the so-called great matriarchs of the Nuwa Clan, they… perhaps they aren't chess players either; they merely follow the rules set by the chess player, moving back and forth across this chessboard, seeming glorious but actually having no choice.

How terrifying, Old Military… not wanting to know, the more I think, the more terrifying it becomes.

So, just endure a little, endure a little… we finally managed to jump out of the board, but we must absolutely not expend all this little power we hold at once.

Sima Wuyou forcefully swallowed a mouthful of saliva, picked up the small wine pot, and gulped down two mouthfuls with a 'gulgulgul' sound.

"Sima Wuyou… bring the Mountains and Rivers Seal." A gloomy voice sounded from far away, then faintly heard were cries, the sound of weapons tearing through the air, and a faint surge of magical power approaching.

With a 'swish', Xi Yao, whose whole body was shrouded in a faint black aura, appeared out of thin air at the entrance of the waterside pavilion.

Behind him, dozens of Great Jin generals in heavy armor, furious and disheveled, teleported over, each holding heavy weapons, glaring at Xi Yao with clenched teeth.

Xi Yao marched straight in, forcefully breaking into the waterside pavilion where Sima Wuyou was; the Great Jin soldiers along the way pursued and intercepted, but none could harm him in the slightest, only able to watch helplessly as he slipped in like a wisp of ghost.

"Forget it, they're our own." Sima Wuyou flicked his sleeve, and a group of indignant and furious Great Jin generals instantly retreated in anger.

"Give me the Mountains and Rivers Seal." Xi Yao didn't stand on ceremony, he sat directly in the chair opposite Sima Wuyou and reached out his hand.

"The Mountains and Rivers Seal is the true lifeline of our Great Jin state." Sima Wuyou narrowed his eyes at Xi Yao and softly said, "What gives you the right to have it?"

The First Army's bones cracked with a 'kakakaka' sound; beneath its ink‑gold skin, dragon scales intertwined with countless patterns surfaced, and a terrifying murderous aura enveloped Xi Yao: "Xi Yao, when speaking to His Majesty, be more respectful… you are merely a minor in‑law, how dare you be rude—I'll cut you down right now."

Xi Yao glanced sideways at the First Army: "How about being an in‑law? In‑laws are still relatives, better than an old dog."

The First Army's pupils instantly turned blood‑red.

Sima Wuyou waved his hand, calmly saying, "Old Military, to me you are a close brother… Xi Yao, your words have gone too far. As a junior, you should know and observe propriety; acting so recklessly absurd leads only to death."

Pointing at Xi Yao, whose body was suffused with black aura, Sima Wuyou said solemnly, "I see your body is permeated with evil aura; you may have fallen into demonhood… Beneath the Snowy Wu Mystic Realm lies a cavern of cool refuge formed by the condensation of a hundred‑million‑year‑old frost elite; you'd best go there to seclude yourself and purge your inner demons."

Xi Yao gave a cold chuckle and said in a low voice, "My own affairs, I understand them myself… you lot lack the insight, you don't understand."

Lifting his head, Xi Yao said coldly, "Heart demon? Heh, indeed there is an external demon invasion, but I have already used the supreme power of the Nuwa Clan to completely transform it into my cultivation. So you have all misjudged."

"I am now utterly clear‑minded."

"Give me the Mountains and Rivers Seal, and I will use the Great Jin Divine State's Mountains and Rivers Grand Formation to suppress the Fire Dynasty's troops, split my demonic thought into demon leaders, invade their divine souls, and turn them into my puppets."

"That way, the lost lands of the Great Jin Divine State can be reclaimed, and I can also make amends to Xi Yao and to my two nieces."

Xi Yao laughed with a 'kekeke', his whole body surging with black aura, his eyes blazing with Blood Light, truly like a supreme heavenly demon descending upon the world; the overwhelming malice and ill intent made Sima Wuyou and the First Army shudder with a chill.

Sima Wuyou stared blankly at Xi Yao and said, "You, do you have a way to counter the Fire Flame Grand Formation?"

Xi Yao raised his eyebrows and burst out laughing: "Old coot, you really are old in body but not in heart, still hanging around here waiting for an opportunity, huh?"

"But opportunities aren't waited for—they're made."

With hands on knees, elbows flared, body leaning slightly forward, Xi Yao resembled a poised old vulture about to strike, glaring fiercely at Sima Wuyou: "I am preparing, for my two nieces, to create an opportunity… old coot, I don't ask you to mobilize troops, just lend me the Mountains and Rivers Seal for one use."

"Will you do it, or not?"