Zhang Yu led the three Progenitor, Li Tian, Li Di, and Li Ren, back to their Ancestral Land to plan their next steps.
Without exchanging pleasantries, he went straight to the head seat and sat down.
Now, no one objects to this position.
Zhang Yu stated bluntly:
"Now that things have come to this, there are some things I should tell you frankly."
Zhang Yu's voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached the man's ears:
"I am not simply a descendant of the Dao Ancestor from the Li Family who has been separated from the clan; Li Yu Non-Self real name either."
The atmosphere in the hall tensed slightly, and Li Tian and the other two focused their attention on him, holding their breath.
My real name is Zhang Yu.
He slowly spoke:
"The Soul Refining Sect is where I started, and it is now being led by its Sect Master Zhou Wentao and Grand Elder Xia Hongjue on my behalf."
Li Tian was not surprised by what he heard.
Given Zhang Yu's demonstrated strength, it's not surprising that he possesses considerable influence and a solid foundation.
Zhang Yu continued:
"Besides the Soul Refining Sect, the Crimson Flame Sect Cold Soul Gate, the Heavenly Saber Gate, the Ten Thousand Poisons Cult Sect, the Ghost Spirit Gate, and their dozen or so subordinate sects, large and small, were also subdued by me not long ago."
I have placed restrictions on all of their high-ranking members, and now they all obey my commands.
At this, Li Tian was slightly moved.
The Crimson Flame Sect and the other five sects, along with their vassals, constitute a force nearly as powerful as the Li Family had been.
Had Zhang Yu completely taken control of it without anyone noticing?
However, this did not alarm the three; instead, it excited them.
"Very good!"
Li Tian slammed his hand on the armrest, his face flushed with excitement:
"With the Soul Refining Sect and the Crimson Flame Sect, plus my Li Family's main force, and the newly surrendered Holy Dragon Soldiers, we have the support of the powerful forces."
These forces, united, would be enough to seize a large piece of the spoils when the Sacred Dragon Divine Dynasty collapses.
Li Di chimed in, his eyes gleaming:
"In this way, the territory, population, resources, and army under our control will expand several times in an instant."
This far surpasses ordinary dynasties; this is the very foundation of the Divine Dynasty.
Li Ren stroked his beard and pondered for a moment before slowly adding:
"Most importantly, Li Yu, you wield the Exterminating Immortal Sword Formation, Supreme Combat Power that intimidates all sides."
Although the internal forces are diverse, they are all under absolute control and can be quickly integrated.
Externally, the Holy Dragon has collapsed, and Confucianism is preoccupied with its own problems... This is truly a godsend.
"That's right, now is the perfect time to establish Divine Dynasty and consolidate Supreme National Destiny!"
Li Tian stood up excitedly, his voice booming.
Zhang Yu shook his head slightly, his gaze falling on the map, his fingertips tracing the areas where the Li Family, the Soul Refining Sect, and the Crimson Flame Sect were located:
"The most crucial task at present is to open up a passage between the Li Family, the Soul Refining Sect, and the Crimson Flame Sect."
"When territories are separated, it is difficult to connect and unite Fortune, and thus one's strength cannot be united, making one vulnerable to being defeated one by one."
Upon hearing this, Li Tian glanced at the several territories of power separated by a central point on the map. His face showed no difficulty; instead, it revealed a hint of arrogance and a murderous aura.
"It's nothing serious. These people blocking the road are just mid-level forces with a Mid Heavenly Immortal in charge. In the past, we might have had to be cautious, but now..."
He paused, exchanged a glance with Li Di and Li Ren beside him, and a cold glint flashed in the eyes of all three.
"Now, it's just the three of us old guys here,"
Li Tian's voice turned cold:
"It won't take long to clear these obstacles."
"Perfect timing! Let the people of the Earth Province see the might of the Li Family."
Li Di and Li Ren nodded slowly, their bodies radiating a subtle pressure reminiscent of Late Heavenly Immortal.
The frustration of being tormented by the Exterminating Immortal Sword Intent for tens of thousands of years, the Killing Intent from the recent bloody battle, and the fervor for the establishment of the new dynasty all made them yearn for a cathartic conquest to vent their frustrations.
"Good!"
Zhang Yu was decisive and straightforward:
"This matter will be entrusted to the three of you."
A swift and decisive victory was achieved, clearing the passage with swift and decisive action.
But remember, try to minimize innocent killings. Those who surrender should be incorporated into your ranks, while those who remain stubborn should be exterminated along with their entire families.
Once the passage is open, immediately establish a secure teleportation array and fortress to ensure unimpeded communication and the rapid mobilization of troops and supplies.
"Don't worry, we understand."
Li Tian and his two companions clasped their hands in acceptance of the order.
"As for conquering the unclaimed lands left behind after the collapse of the Sacred Dragon Divine Dynasty."
Zhang Yu pointed to the map of the Sacred Dragon Territory: "I will take charge personally."
The Divine Dragon Divine Dynasty, after all, possessed the foundation of the Divine Dynasty, with hidden talents and powerful figures within its borders. Zhang Yu was not at ease entrusting the matter to others, so he prepared to take action personally.
Just as the group was talking, Li Yuansheng rushed back.
Li Yuansheng bowed first, then quickly reported to Zhang Yu:
"I have sent people to contact the defeated soldiers of the Sacred Dragon Divine Dynasty, and about 60% of them are willing to surrender."
I plan to break them up and incorporate them into my own army, with my Li Family Disciples and reliable generals in command.
The remaining 40% were mostly ordinary soldiers and wounded soldiers who wanted to retire and return to their hometowns.
I intend to disperse them on the spot and strictly order them not to be enemies with us again.
Zhang Yu nodded slightly:
"Well done.
Those who wish to leave need not be forced to stay; it's a way to create a positive connection.
The surrendered troops need to be rigorously trained and put into Combat Power as soon as possible.
"Yes!"
Li Yuansheng agreed, then took a deep breath and took out a Jade Slip that shimmered with a dark red light from his robes.
He presented it with both hands, his voice low and filled with disbelief:
"There is one more matter, which is of great importance."
My Li Family's highest-ranking spies, who were infiltrated into the Sacred Dragon Divine Dynasty, have just used the highest-level communication Secret Method to send back this top-secret message.
I have verified the password; it is correct.
Zhang Yu took the Jade Slip, and the divine being went deep inside.
The information in the Jade Slip was extremely brief, yet every word was like a thunderclap:
Today, Xiang Yu, the Hegemon -Hegemon-King of Western Chu, rode alone, breaking through the triple Imperial City Grand Formation and entering the Nine Dragons Hall.
Zhou Xuanqing, carrying the National Destiny's most precious treasure, the "Sacred Dragon Heaven-Flipping Seal," and aided by the wishes of the people, faced the challenge.
Xiang Yu struck with a single spear, piercing his brow and shattering his Divine Soul; the National Destiny's most precious treasure shattered with a mournful cry.
Quiet.
A deathly silence enveloped the cave.
Zhang Yu slowly put down the Jade Slip, his face showing little expression, but deep within his eyes surged intense emotions.
Xiang Yu?
It was him!
It seems his strength has recovered somewhat.
Seeing Zhang Yu's strange expression and Li Yuansheng's still-shaken look, Li Tian couldn't help but ask:
"Yuansheng, what exactly is the news?"
Li Yuansheng's voice was hoarse, tinged with lingering fear, as he replied:
It's... it's Xiang Yu.
"According to the spy, Zhou Xuanqing... was killed by Xiang Yu Hegemon-King of Western Chu, with a single spear thrust in the Nine Dragons Hall in Sacred Dragon City."
"What? Xiang Yu?"
Li Tian, Li Di, Li Ren fell silent almost simultaneously, their faces filled with horror and disbelief.
"This... how is this possible?"
Li Di's voice trembled:
Xiang Yu?
That 'Hegemon-King of Western Chu' who suddenly appeared in the Earth Province a few months ago, leading a group of fierce War Souls to attack everywhere?
He... he actually possesses such power?
"Could he kill Zhou Xuanqing, who was blessed with the National Destiny and the will of the people, with a single spear thrust?"
Li Yuansheng nodded, his face pale.
"The intelligence is accurate and reliable."
Moreover, according to the spy's description, Xiang Yu broke through the enemy lines single-handedly, entered the Imperial City, and faced Zhou Xuanqing, who was at his peak and carrying the National Destiny's most precious treasures, with just one spear thrust... and the battle was over.
Its power and might were simply... simply inhuman!
"One shot..."
Li Ren gasped, feeling a chill run from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head.
As a fellow Late Heavenly Immortal, he understood better than Li Yuansheng and the others how terrifying a Half- Half-step Supreme was, especially one blessed by the National Destiny.
That's practically the strongest Combat Power under the current limits.
Yet Xiang Yu was able to kill him with a single spear thrust!
Just how terrifying was Xiang Yu's strength?
Li Tian's expression was extremely solemn as he looked at Zhang Yu:
"This Xiang Yu's strength is unfathomable."
Now that he has killed Zhou Xuanqing with a single spear thrust, his power has shaken the world. With his military might, his next step will likely be to devour the entire legacy of the Sacred Dragon Divine Dynasty.
If we are to conquer the sacred land of the Holy Dragon, we will inevitably clash with Xiang Yu's forces!
He paused, his tone filled with deep concern and admonition:
"Given the strength Xiang Yu has demonstrated so far, we... must not confront him head-on."
The most urgent task is to open up channels and consolidate the foundation. Expansion in the former territory of the Holy Dragon must be approached with utmost caution.
We might even consider temporarily avoiding their sharp edge and turning to other directions.
Alternatively, one could try to make contact with Xiang Yu, express goodwill, and avoid direct conflict.
Li Di and Li Ren nodded slowly, their faces filled with worry.
The sheer power with which Xiang Yu killed Zhou Xuanqing with a single spear thrust was truly terrifying.
This put immense pressure on even the Old Ancestor had just gained confidence from the Exterminating Immortal Sword Formation.
Zhang Yu remained silent, his fingers unconsciously stroking the Formation Disk in his sleeve once more. The cold touch kept him awake.