Chapter 370: Awaiting and Displaying the Head

Star River Marshal's Mansion Realm.

All the power giants of this world were seated; the top leadership of the present world and the Star River battlefield were holding the highest-level meeting.

The Three Star Juniors—Tianyang, Cangming, Zhen'e—the Grand Master of Chen Guo, the new arrivals to the present world—the Sumeru Palace Master and the Wood Spirit Palace Master—the two Emperor Lords of Da Chu and Da Hong, the Star River battlefield's Grand Commander Wei Xu, and the four theater commanders—Summerhou Shen of Da Hong Theater, Jin Huichen of Da Chu Theater, Mao Yue of Chen Guo Theater, and Ahema of the Barbarian Theater.

The most dreamlike power lineup in this world had gathered in the Star River Marshal's Realm, with only one agenda: to counterattack the ancestral cave-tian of the Eight Wilderness barbarians.

The driving force behind this discussion was Star Junior Tianyang and Star Junior Cangming.

"Palace Master Luo, can this breakthrough requirement be fulfilled?" asked Star Junior Tianyang.

"Yes, but I need some time to prepare."

"Time is no issue—within half a year, is that acceptable?"

"Agreed."

Upon receiving a confirmed answer, Star Junior Tianyang turned to the Wood Spirit Palace Master: "Palace Master Chi, all sides require the Wood Spirit Palace to significantly increase sales of mid- and even high-grade Star Healing Seals, and to grant more low-grade Star Healing training authorizations."

The Wood Spirit Palace Master glanced at the assembled power giants and nodded slightly. "Agreed."

The more they demand, the better.

The more they demand, the more the Wood Spirit Palace profits.

"But we hope the Wood Spirit Palace will lower prices by twenty percent," said Star Junior Tianyang.

"That's no problem—even a deeper discount is possible, but it depends on how much return you can offer the Wood Spirit Palace. We've just integrated into the present world, and this is the critical moment to spread our doctrine far and wide."

We lack land. We lack people!

Grant us one province, and we reduce prices by one percent; two provinces, two percent.

How much we reduce depends entirely on your goodwill," smiled Palace Master Chi Lei coolly. "As for the exact discount ratio, you may discuss it privately with me."

Seeing this, Star Junior Tianyang said no more—this was purely an exchange of interests.

What followed was the real focus.

"Within half a year, each side must assemble an elite force with sixth-rank as the core and seventh-rank as the backbone to counterattack the ancestral cave-tian of the Eight Wilderness barbarians. Please fulfill your preparations as agreed in the earlier meeting."

The specific operational plan will be determined by the three Star Juniors and the Grand Master of Chen Guo, and announced later.

At that time, those who do not participate or are unprepared will be abandoned by humanity and jointly attacked by all sides!"

"Any objections?" asked Star Junior Tianyang.

Naturally, no one objected.

This was the consensus reached after two hours of prior discussion.

"Very well. Before we adjourn, we must impose a Divine Soul Seal on all present to prevent leaks."

"Star Spirit."

Star Junior Tianyang gave a soft command.

A cluster of light and shadow instantly materialized within the Star River Realm. Star Junior Tianyang continued: "I will activate the highest-level permissions of the Star Spirit. Please, all commanders, grant me authorization."

Instantly, starlight flickered before the eyes of the three Star Juniors, the Grand Master of Chen Guo, the two Palace Masters, and all others present.

"Authorization exceeding sixty percent will activate the Star Spirit's highest-level permissions."

"Star Spirit, using the Star-Picking Tower as the core, impose a Divine Soul Seal on all attendees: prohibit the disclosure of today's meeting content or any related information in any form."

"Understood."

The next instant, a towering celestial star-tower phantom appeared in the meeting realm; the moment it materialized, a beam of light struck each attendee's Divine Soul.

"Adjourned."

The meeting ended. The figures of the power giants dispersed. Suddenly, Palace Master Luo Xian spoke: "Grand Master Cheng, please stay a moment."

"Oh?"

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao, who had just risen to leave, turned back with a smile. "Palace Master Luo, what is it?"

"Grand Master Cheng, it seems the internal situation in Chen Guo has been unsettled lately."

"Palace Master Luo, you jest! Chen Guo has always been peaceful. Though we don't have night-watchers who don't pick up lost items, we have no bandits. The people live in prosperity and growing stability. Where did you hear such a thing?" asked Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao.

"How coincidental."

Palace Master Luo Xian smiled. "I've had frequent exchanges with your emperor, and we've even exchanged envoys. But recently, these envoys have ceased to arrive—two of my own envoys from the Sumeru Palace have vanished."

Earlier, one of my disciples journeyed to Chen Guo's Wan Yi and was brutally beaten and injured by a seventh-rank peak strongman on the way."

Traveling to Chen Guo's Wan Yi is truly difficult."

"That's just bad luck for your disciple!"

"The people of Chen Guo are always hospitable. But as dragons have nine offspring and phoenixes produce a hundred varieties, an occasional hot-tempered individual is normal," said Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao.

"Oh."

Palace Master Luo Xian nodded with a smile. "Then it seems my disciple truly had bad luck."

"But then I'm curious."

"Why?"

"I, as Palace Master, would like to personally visit Wan Yi in Chen Guo and see how my luck fares," said Palace Master Luo Xian.

Hearing this, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao sized up Palace Master Luo Xian from head to toe. "The Sumeru Palace has just integrated into the present world—it's already a divine favor. I assume most of your good fortune has been used up."

"Then your luck probably won't be good."

"My advice: don't come. You might encounter misfortune."

"Hahaha!"

Palace Master Luo Xian burst into loud laughter. "Grand Master Cheng, the Sumeru Palace has endured countless misfortunes—but each time, I've shattered them with sheer force!"

"With one punch, all misfortune turns to smooth road. So I still intend to try."

"Then I, Cheng, shall await you in Wan Yi, Palace Master Luo."

"I, too, look forward to stepping into Chen Guo's Wan Yi," said Palace Master Luo Xian, bowing slightly before vanishing.

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao also bowed slightly to those still in the hall and departed.

The remaining high-ranking officials in the hall—the Star Juniors—smiled faintly.

Only Star Junior Tianyang's expression was slightly grim.

Marshal Mao Yue, who had just left the meeting, received several urgent starlight messages.

The most critical one: the Fifth Division's Second Subunit of the Chen Guo Xuanhu Army, under Commander Chui Hong, was demanding battle merit. The news had spread rapidly through the army—not just within the Xuanhu Army, but across all Chen Guo forces—because battle merit directly affected the livelihoods of mid- and lower-ranking officers and soldiers. Relations between armies were tangled, morale was shaken, and the entire military's stability was compromised.

The second urgent starlight message came from Xuanhu Army Commander Yangdu Marquis Cai Ce: he promised to resolve everything within one day.

"If you fail to handle this properly in one day, I will personally go to the Xuanhu Army and cut off heads until they roll!"

"On the Star River battlefield, titles and noble ranks are granted by battle merit. Battle merit is the foundation of military morale. How did you, Cai Ce, earn your Yangdu Marquis title? I need not remind you!"

"This matter has one demand: if Ning Yuchan truly earned such vast battle merit and it was suppressed—"

"If you dare resolve this by eliminating the person responsible, I will personally lead troops to eliminate you, to stabilize morale and restore discipline!"

Inside the Chen Guo Theater Command, Marshal Mao Yue had just finished handling several urgent military messages when a report came from outside: the newly appointed Right Assistant Military Secretary requested an audience.

"Assistant Secretary Kou, what is it?"

"Marshal, have you heard of the matter concerning the Fifth Division of the Xuanhu Army?"

"I've heard. Commander Cai Ce assured me he will resolve it within a day."

"Marshal, what exactly does 'resolved' mean?"

Hearing this, Marshal Mao Yue looked at the new Right Assistant Secretary. "Assistant Secretary, speak plainly."

"Marshal, our Command should intervene early—even if not directly, we must monitor closely to prevent unforeseen consequences. Many army commanders act lawlessly; otherwise, such Exing events as subordinates demanding battle merit would not occur."

"I suggest dispatching an inspection team."

Assistant Secretary Kou Jing said.

Marshal Mao Yue pondered for a few breaths, then looked at Kou Jing. "That's sound reasoning—but who to send?"

Having finished speaking, Mao Yue immediately threw down a command arrow: "Chief Clerk Kou, take my Second Elite Guard directly to the Fifth Battalion of the Xuantiger Army to investigate and oversee the handling of this matter."

"I believe you are most suitable. You're new—you won't be swayed by the tangled relationships among the Star River battlefield commanders. You're perfect for oversight."

Saying this, Marshal Mao Yue tossed down a command arrow. "Assistant Secretary Kou, take my Second Personal Guard and proceed directly to the Fifth Division of the Xuanhu Army to investigate and supervise the handling of this matter."

Inside the Xuantiger Army headquarters in Yangdu War City, Marquis Chai Ce was discussing the matter with Right Chief Clerk Sun Wang and Left Marshal Che Rong.

"My Lord, each individual military merit assignment for Ning Yuchan falls within the regulations; but when accumulated, the pressure from the Right Chief Clerk's side against him becomes obvious. Nevertheless, this trend must not be allowed to grow!" said Right Chief Clerk Sun Wang.

Inside the Xuanhu Army headquarters in Yangdu War City, Marquis Cai Ce was discussing the matter with Right Assistant Secretary Sun Wang and Left Military Secretary Che Rong.

"Marquis, each individual item of Ning Yuchan's battle merit falls within regulations. But collectively, the suppression by the Right Assistant Secretary is obvious. Still, this trend must not be allowed to grow!" said Right Assistant Secretary Sun Wang.

"Then what's your suggestion?"

"Grant her the battle merit—but punish Commander Chui Hong for insubordination severely."

"What about morale?"

Marquis Cai Ce stared coldly at Right Assistant Secretary Sun Wang. "You preserve the commander's authority—but what of the Xuanhu Army's morale?"

"The foundation! My foundation is the Xuanhu Army. The Xuanhu Army's foundation is morale!"

"This matter must be resolved quickly."

Here, Marquis Cai Ce suddenly asked: "Has Zhao Weizhen's death been kept secret?"

"Marquis, it's still being suppressed."

"Decapitate him."

"Decapitate his several literati who knew the truth."

"Decapitate the battle merit secretary of the Fifth Division."

"Then take Zhao Weizhen's head and those of the others, and display them first to the Fifth Division."

"Say Zhao Weizhen suppressed Ning Yuchan due to personal grudges over his hometown. Once the Fifth Division is stabilized, carry Zhao Weizhen's head to each division to display and restore morale," roared Marquis Cai Ce.

"Your servant accepts the order."

Right Counselor Sun Wang rose and said, "Marquis, what about Ning Yuchan, that troublesome element?"

"You don't need to worry about that," said Yangdu Marquis. "After you deliver the head, investigate Ning Yuchan's military merits thoroughly and report back to me—I will handle the disposition personally."

"Your servant understands."

Not long after, the severed head of Zhao Weizhen, long dead, was carried swiftly by Right Counselor Sun Wang toward the Fifth Guard.

Shortly after Sun Wang departed, Yangdu Marquis Chai Ce received word.

The Chen War Zone Command Headquarters had dispatched a inspection team led by its Right Counselor Kou Jing, already en route to the Fifth Guard.

This news made Chai Ce wipe away a cold sweat—he was glad his actions had likely been correct!

Yet these developments stirred even more thoughts in Yangdu Marquis Chai Ce.

"Sun Wang was right about one thing: Ning Yuchan, that troublesome element, must be dealt with—but not now."

Xu Jin was stunned when he received the starlight message from Ning Yuchan.

He was utterly shocked by her boldness.

Ning Yuchan's move was even more astonishing than he'd imagined—she had directly smashed the Central Command Camp. That was truly Ning Yuchan!

This reminded Xu Jin of the time when, merely upon hearing his plea, she had taken him in a small boat straight through the Thousand Leaves Island.

Sister Yuchan was still the same Yuchan!

Suddenly, Xu Jin smiled.

During the Jichuan Star Region journey, Xu Jin had once felt as if they couldn't manage without him.

But in truth, without him, they could do even better.

It seemed that the current Ning Yuchan was the very Ning Yuchan he had originally loved!

Still, despite the smile, Xu Jin mentioned the matter to the Grand Master.

Better safe than sorry.

If Ning Yuchan loved charging ahead, then Xu Jin would be her most solid rear support.

Xu Jin, Ning Yuchan's most solid rear support, upon entering the Chen War City, immediately plunged into the Star-Picking Tower's branch hall.

The four-hour star-dome mystery cultivation time for February had not yet been used.

It was best suited for star-pattern deduction.

As for the direction of cultivation, Xu Jin had already decided on the way.

First, deduce the star-patterns for speed and stacking armor.

After entering the Star-Dome Mystery, Xu Jin sank his mind into the Star-Picking Mystery.

He glanced: fourteen silver stars, eight gold stars, five radiant stars.

This accumulation was quite substantial.

Though he had already decided to enhance speed and stack armor,

the first star-pattern Xu Jin deduced was the Thunder Elephant Star-Pattern.

The Thunder Elephant Star-Pattern, deduced from the alien star-pattern inheritance bloodline, was only fifth-rank lower, its power decent—but it could be greatly increased.

Since he already had fourteen silver stars, Xu Jin immediately spent ten to initiate a standard Dao Evolution.

He began a standard Dao Evolution.

Simultaneously, he activated the Star-Dome Mystery's cultivation time.

As he began the deduction, Xu Jin directly summoned the third-rank Thunder Law Star on the Can-Dou Altar.

Xu Jin found that with the third-rank Thunder Law Star's intervention, the Thunder Dao revealed during the standard Dao Evolution appeared clearer, sometimes even responding directly to his will.

This made the effect of this standard Dao Evolution exceptionally strong.

After two quarters of an hour, the ten-silver-star standard Dao Evolution pushed the Thunder Elephant Star-Pattern directly from fifth-rank lower to sixth-rank middle.

Without hesitation, Xu Jin spent one gold star to initiate a high-rank Dao Evolution and continued refining the Thunder Elephant Star-Pattern.

Two quarters of an hour later, the Thunder Elephant Star-Pattern was refined to seventh-rank middle.

After the deduction ended, Xu Jin pondered for only an instant before activating one radiant star to initiate another high-rank Dao Evolution.

Xu Jin wanted to see how much the Thunder Elephant Star-Pattern's Thunder Art power would increase when pushed to eighth-rank!

(End of Chapter)