The Fall (8800 Bonus Words)

At the end of the sixth year of Great Ding.

Wu Zhi formally built an altar outside Dingzhou City to offer sacrifices to Heaven. She ascended the throne as emperor and changed the era name to "Ding Wu"!

The new emperor's ascension naturally sent shock waves across the world.

For instance, Ji Quan, King Ding and leader of the Thirty-Six Vassal Lords entrenched in the north, had clamored to march south and punish the disobedient, then crown himself emperor for good measure. In the end, he gave up because there were too many opponents.

In truth, with the northern frontier currently in disarray, it was more than capable of protecting itself, but far from ready to advance—especially with Wu Zhi's army holding the Tianhe River and occupying all the geographical advantages.

With the new dynasty established, the priority was naturally to maintain stability.

When Wu Zhi proclaimed herself emperor, the south did indeed seethe with unrest. Some diehard loyalists, along with Scholar Class landowners whose interests had been too deeply infringed upon, rose in rebellion. Unfortunately, their forces were nothing to speak of. Before the main army even moved, local garrison troops had already put them down.

"The new dynasty is established, and the whole world has indeed taken on a new aspect!"

Wu Ming was still dressed plainly. He stood alone atop Cloud Top, watching the colorful clouds rise over Dingzhou City below and the flow of its fortune.

Rumble!

At the center of the magical net that covered the entire south, a crimson true dragon coiled and soared in majestic splendor, answering the countless stars above and the mountains, rivers, plants, and trees below. This was the auspicious sign of a true dragon recognized by the Heavenly Emperor.

"The true dragon is settled!"

A flash of light appeared