Arc 18The Southern Campaign

Zeng Anmin exposed Master Xu’s attempt to seize power, helped the Crown Prince ascend as Emperor Lide, and led the allied forces to defeat the southern threats. The army returned to Qinghai City with its authority secured, but Master Xu continued plotting with the Dao Head as Zeng Anmin and Zeng Shilin prepared to march north.

  • Zeng Anmin uncovered Emperor Jianhong’s pursuit of the Xi Huang Diagram and joined Master Xu’s plan to kill him, but Master Xu later revealed his own scheme to reverse Heaven and Earth and use powerful figures as formation sacrifices.
  • Zeng Anmin used his Space ability to rescue the people on South Mountain from Master Xu’s formation, then confirmed Emperor Jianhong’s death and backed the Crown Prince’s claim to the throne.
  • Zeng Anmin stopped the blizzard by destroying the Ice Crystal Core beneath the Han River, while Zeng Shilin prepared the accession ceremony and rallied support for Emperor Lide.
  • Master Xu issued a rival proclamation enthroning Wang Qi and cutting off supplies, but Zeng Shilin proclaimed Xu Huai a traitor and Wang Yuanzhen ascended as Emperor Lide in Qinghai.
  • Lou Yingqi and An Jiuyuan pledged Fengqi Road and Xiliu Road to Emperor Lide, and Zeng Shilin led the allied armies south with Zeng Anmin and the Princess.
  • The allied forces captured Lingyun Mountain and defeated the Red Eagle Demon King, then Zeng Anmin and Liu Shishi destroyed the Profound Water Suppressing Jade and calmed the Han River.
  • The victorious army returned to Qinghai City, where Emperor Lide granted Zeng Shilin and Zeng Anmin new titles and commands as they vowed to march north against Xu Huai.
  • The Dao Head offered Master Xu the Sword Sect Grand Elder’s corpse and secured his agreement to cooperate in his continuing plan.
Chapters 427–451 Vol. 5 Read

Ch. 427Long Have I Heard That You and the Crown Prince Are Quite Close—Could You Two Be, Ahem Ahem!!

Zeng Anmin reunited with Zeng Rongyu and Huzi, then awkwardly managed Qin Wanyue and Sai Chuxue’s encounter after Huzi called Sai his “Auntie-in-law.” As Zeng Rongyu helped Qin Wanyue leave in better spirits, she teased Zeng Anmin about his many romantic ties, and he hinted that another woman would join the household in two months.

  • Zeng Anmin greeted Huzi and Zeng Rongyu, who explained that she had been correcting Huzi’s unruly behavior.
  • Zeng Rongyu tried to take Qin Wanyue away, but Sai Chuxue arrived with Huzi’s Formation Engraving Tool, and Huzi called her “Auntie-in-law.”
  • Sai Chuxue blushed and fled after noticing Qin Wanyue, while Zeng Rongyu took Qin Wanyue aside to smooth over the awkward encounter.
  • Zeng Rongyu prompted Huzi to call Qin Wanyue “Big Auntie-in-law,” and Qin Wanyue cheerfully promised to bring him treats before leaving.
  • Zeng Rongyu warned Zeng Anmin not to let Qin Wanyue and Sai Chuxue down, then teased him about Princess and the rumored women in his life.
  • Zeng Anmin revealed that a fourth woman would arrive in two months, and Zeng Rongyu guessed several possibilities before asking if it was the Crown Prince.

Ch. 428Zeng Anmin: No Regrets After the Move!!

Zeng Anmin replenished the Southern Commander's Department’s ranks and recruited Lou Tong, then devised a public academic convention as cover for Master Xu’s plans against Emperor Jianhong and Wang Dong. The Formation-Confucian Convention rumors spread, leaving Zeng Anmin satisfied that he had placed his second move.

  • Zeng Anmin caught Dachun returning with Wu Jia, warned him not to be used, and learned Dachun intended to ask Wu Jia about his identity.
  • Zeng Anmin visited the reserve academy and selected about seventy Eighth-rank agents for the depleted Southern Commander's Department.
  • Zeng Anmin summoned Lou Tong from Qilin Academy to serve as chief clerk, then reflected that he had placed the first piece on the board.
  • Zeng Anmin met Master Xu, learned he needed to wait twenty-six days while Emperor Jianhong and Wang Dong prepared, and proposed an academic exchange at South Mountain as cover for traveling to Shouyang Mountain.
  • Master Xu agreed to Zeng Anmin's plan, and rumors about the Formation-Confucian Convention spread until Zeng Anmin declared that he had placed his second move.

Ch. 429Dachun Was Actually a Genius??!

Zeng Anmin learned that Huang believed Dachun had a rare talent suited to the Barbaric Mystery Realm, then visited the Imperial City Department to address its new recruits. A scarred youth’s account of the Tooth Gang Organization’s kidnappings left Zeng Anmin suspecting they had targeted children born on Ten Spiritual Day.

  • Zeng Anmin struggled to finish a game of Go with Huzi, then swept the board away when Dachun announced Lou Tong’s arrival.
  • Lou Tong reported vacancies in the Southern Commander's Department and said the Formation-Confucian Convention would be held at Nanshan in ten days, likely attended by the Crown Prince.
  • Huang told the Ancestral Dragon Diagram group that Dachun had the Prophet Sage Body and asked Dachun himself to decide whether to join the barbarians and enter the Barbaric Mystery Realm.
  • Zeng Anmin went to the Imperial City Department, welcomed eighty new Eighth-rank Martial Artists, and urged them to work hard despite their injuries.
  • A recruit told Zeng Anmin that the Tooth Gang Organization had abducted seven children and that the other six disappeared; Zeng Anmin asked whether the gang had sought children born on Ten Spiritual Day.

Ch. 430Crimson Flame Spirit Fruit??!

Zeng Anmin learned that the Tooth Gang Organization abducted children born on Ten Spiritual Day and connected the case to Xiang Wangxian, Ji Qing, and the Xi Huang Diagram. Back at the Duke's Mansion, Zeng Rongyu mentioned the Crimson Flame Spirit Fruit, prompting Zeng Anmin to remember finding one on Stone Mountain and rush to the Profound Formation Division to find Master Xu.

  • Zeng Anmin questioned Chang Fenggou and learned that the Tooth Gang Organization had abducted him six years earlier and targeted children born on Ten Spiritual Day.
  • Chang Fenggou told Zeng Anmin and Bai Ziqing that Xiang Wangxian had rescued him after destroying a Tooth Gang Organization branch, leading Zeng Anmin to suspect someone had known Xiang Wangxian's movements and link the case to the Xi Huang Diagram.
  • Bai Ziqing suggested Si Zhongxiao might be involved, but Zeng Anmin rejected the idea and asked Bai Ziqing for help with another part of the investigation.
  • At the Duke's Mansion, Zeng Rongyu told Zeng Anmin that the Crimson Flame Spirit Fruit could greatly speed up comprehension of the Dao Heart Chess Manual.
  • Zeng Anmin remembered finding a Crimson Flame Spirit Fruit on Stone Mountain near Two Rivers Prefecture and hurried to the Profound Formation Division to find Master Xu.

Ch. 431Master Xu Was Stunned Numb!!

Zeng Anmin revealed to Master Xu that he had mastered the third seal of the Ancestral Dragon Diagram and warned that Emperor Jianhong was pursuing the Xi Huang Diagram. He concluded that Emperor Jianhong had kept Princess Anning close because she might be the Heaven-Aversion Person needed to refine an Enlightenment Pill.

  • Zeng Anmin sought a private meeting with Master Xu and asked what he knew about the Heavenly Dao Diagram.
  • Zeng Anmin transformed into a Primordial Dragon, shocking Master Xu, then explained that he had mastered the third seal of the Ancestral Dragon Diagram.
  • Zeng Anmin explained that the Heavenly Dao Diagrams had three seals and said Loyal Far Count's exceptional abilities came from breaking through the second seal of the Xi Huang Diagram.
  • Zeng Anmin connected the prematurely picked Crimson Flame Spirit Fruit to Emperor Jianhong's trip to Jiangnan with Princess Ning'an and Bai Ziqing, and suspected the emperor possessed the Xi Huang Diagram.
  • Zeng Anmin warned that Emperor Jianhong had gathered children born on Ten Spiritual Days under Ji Qing's name to pursue an Enlightenment Pill.
  • Zeng Anmin proposed that Princess Anning was the Heaven-Aversion Person and that Emperor Jianhong had kept her for that purpose.

Ch. 432Little Fatty Crown Prince: Zeng Anmin Is This Palace's Humble Wife, Uh

Zeng Anmin learned that Master Xu planned to kill Emperor Jianhong at the Formation-Confucian Convention, while privately suspecting the emperor was even stronger than Master Xu believed. At Nan Mountain, the convention’s participants and the Little Fatty Crown Prince gathered, and Zeng Anmin was entrusted with maintaining order.

  • Master Xu decided to treat Emperor Jianhong as an opponent and planned to kill him at the convention, while assigning Zeng Anmin to hold off Wang Dong.
  • After leaving the Profound Formation Division, Zeng Anmin suspected Emperor Jianhong was at least a Third Rank martial artist and had secretly killed Xiang Wangxian.
  • Zeng Anmin brought his family to Nan Mountain and arranged for Zeng Rongyu to protect the household and Qin family during the convention.
  • The Little Fatty Crown Prince arrived with the hundred officials and wondered why Emperor Jianhong had summoned only Ning An over the past two days.
  • Liu Shishi boasted that she could defeat Qilin Academy in debate, while Sai Chuxue admitted she only wanted to see Zeng Anmin.
  • Zeng Anmin reported to the Little Fatty Crown Prince, who rebuked Si Zhongxiao for criticizing their familiarity and ordered Zeng Anmin to maintain order at Nan Mountain.

Ch. 433Action! Let's Get Started!! Wang Dong, Die!

During the Formation-Confucian Convention, Zeng Anmin prepared for Master Xu’s plan to stop Wang Dong from breaking through, while Dachun decided to leave with Wu Jia to seek greater strength. The chapter ended with Zeng Anmin meeting the masked accomplice who was to help carry out the plan and recognizing him.

  • Duan Hu, whom Huzi called himself, agreed to compete against Liu Jin in chess after Liu Jin refused to fight him.
  • Zeng Anmin confirmed that Sima Nan had positioned agents around the convention and capital for an operation triggered by a signal.
  • Dachun told Zeng Anmin he would leave with Wu Jia to improve his strength, then knelt and vowed to succeed despite his pregnant wife.
  • Master Xu told Zeng Anmin that Wang Dong was close to breaking through and gave him a Martial Locking Stone to weaken Wang Dong before the attack.
  • At the convention the next day, Zeng Anmin followed a signal into a bamboo grove and handed the stone to a black-clad accomplice, whose face he recognized.

Ch. 434Master Xu!! Me, You!!

Zeng Anmin and Si Zhongxiao infiltrated Shouyang Mountain to use a Martial Locking Stone against Wang Dong, but Wang Dong killed Si Zhongxiao after the device activated. Wang Dong then turned his blade on Zeng Anmin, leaving him to face the weakened Second Rank martial artist alone.

  • Si Zhongxiao told Zeng Anmin to meet him at Shouyang Mountain, and Zeng Anmin realized Master Xu had planted him beside Emperor Jianhong.
  • At the Mystic Confucian Assembly, Crown Prince Wang Yuanzhen learned Si Zhongxiao was preparing supplies and appointed the young eunuch Wei Zhongquan to serve the Eastern Palace.
  • Si Zhongxiao and Zeng Anmin disguised themselves as palace attendants and approached Wang Dong with supplies, intending to detonate the Martial Locking Stone within seven steps.
  • When Wang Dong stopped Si Zhongxiao short, Si Zhongxiao pretended his Martial Arts Aura was malfunctioning and persuaded Wang Dong to let him approach.
  • Zeng Anmin activated the Martial Locking Stone when Si Zhongxiao was four steps away, restricting Wang Dong's Martial Arts Aura and immobilizing Si Zhongxiao.
  • Wang Dong killed Si Zhongxiao with a short blade, then turned toward Zeng Anmin and raised the blade.

Ch. 435Battle Wang Dong!!

Wang Dong attacked Zeng Anmin with a Divine Artifact and unleashed a massive lightning strike, but Zeng Anmin survived by activating his own axe’s Blood Robe Physique. Zeng Anmin then fought back, and after Wang Dong stabbed him in the shoulder, he seized Wang Dong’s arm and prepared a counterstrike.

  • Wang Dong recognized Zeng Anmin, threatened to kill him, and hurled his short blade at his throat.
  • Xu’s Array Imprinting and Zeng Anmin’s Martial Arts Aura protected him from Wang Dong’s blade.
  • Wang Dong used his short blade as a Divine Artifact to transform into lightning and trap Zeng Anmin beneath a huge thunder ring.
  • Zeng Anmin summoned his giant axe, gained the Blood Robe Physique, and endured Wang Dong’s lightning attack.
  • Zeng Anmin attacked with three axe strikes, but Wang Dong dodged them, criticized his technique, and stabbed him between the shoulder blades.
  • Zeng Anmin shrank his axe, grabbed Wang Dong’s arm, and raised the axe to strike with “Slay the Three, Be Called Ugly!!”

Ch. 436Body Transformation into Ancestral Dragon!!!

Zeng Anmin unleashed his full strength against Wang Dong, but Wang Dong regained Second Rank power and began to overpower him. Zeng Anmin transformed into a Primordial Dragon and killed Wang Dong, while Emperor Jianhong broke through to Second Rank and drew the Xi Huang Diagram into his Sea of Consciousness Space; Zeng Anmin was left wondering whether he had controlled the dragon’s actions.

  • Zeng Anmin and Wang Dong’s attacks collided, devastating everything within a dozen kilometers and leaving both men gravely injured.
  • Wang Dong revealed that he could use some Second Rank abilities and used his overwhelming pressure to force Zeng Anmin toward his knees.
  • Zeng Anmin resisted Wang Dong’s pressure as his body transformed into a Primordial Dragon, which tore off Wang Dong’s limbs and killed him with a pillar of white light.
  • Emperor Jianhong broke through to Second Rank, entered the cottage where Ning An’s remains lay, and used a pill to draw the Xi Huang Diagram into his Sea of Consciousness Space.
  • Zeng Anmin returned to human form and questioned whether he had been responsible for the dragon’s actions.

Ch. 437The Heavenly Dao Alliance's New Member, Emperor Jianhong!

After defeating Wang Dong, Zeng Anmin discovered Emperor Jianhong had entered the Heavenly Dao Alliance and was preparing to break through to the First Rank. Emperor Jianhong used the Shouyang Dragon Vein to withstand the heavenly lightning and completed his breakthrough, only for Master Xu to appear with a Martial Locking Stone.

  • Zeng Anmin recovered from his battle with Wang Dong and realized Master Xu had arranged for them to fight, but his dragon transformation had let him survive.
  • Emperor Jianhong appeared in the Heavenly Dao Alliance chat, and Zeng Anmin and the others concealed their surprise while explaining the alliance to him.
  • Emperor Jianhong concluded that Bei possessed a powerful treasure and resolved to uncover Bei's identity and claim it.
  • Emperor Jianhong drew heavenly lightning at Shouyang Mountain, while Zeng Anmin recognized his breakthrough and fled down the mountain, intending to take the others with him.
  • Emperor Jianhong summoned the Shouyang Dragon Vein to conceal the mountain from the Heavenly Dao, repel the lightning, and reach the First Rank.
  • Master Xu confronted Emperor Jianhong with a Martial Locking Stone he had prepared to restrain him.

Ch. 438Facing Master Xu Head-On!!

Master Xu used the Martial Locking Stone to suppress Emperor Jianhong and seize him, but found Wang Dong missing and turned toward Nan Mountain. There, Zeng Anmin stopped Master Xu from dragging Dean Shi into a beam of light and challenged him over his identity and schemes.

  • Emperor Jianhong transformed with the Xi Huang Diagram and attacked Master Xu, but Master Xu shattered the Martial Locking Stone and locked away his martial power.
  • Master Xu explained that he planned to use Emperor Jianhong as material for a formation, then captured him and vanished from Shouyang Mountain.
  • Master Xu found the forest reduced to ashes and Wang Dong missing, while Emperor Jianhong stalled as the stone’s suppression began to fade.
  • Zeng Anmin reflected that he had anticipated Master Xu’s plans, then saw Master Xu’s colossal Dharma Aspect appear over the capital and accuse Si Zhongxiao and Wang Dong of plotting rebellion.
  • Master Xu accused Dean Shi of aiding the rebels and pulled him toward a beam of light, but Zeng Anmin intervened and challenged Master Xu’s identity.

Ch. 439Zeng Anmin: Now Comes the Moment to Witness a Miracle

Zeng Anmin exposed Master Xu’s plan to use the Reverse Heavenly Dao formation and the dynasty’s national fortune to restore the ancient rules, then challenged him. Master Xu revealed his true youthful form and overwhelming power, but Zeng Anmin announced a countermeasure as the confrontation continued.

  • Zeng Anmin explained that the Dao Star linked Master Xu to the Daoist Qi Sect and accused him of plotting to reverse the Heaven and Earth Rules using the lives of First, Second, and Third Rank experts.
  • Zeng Anmin claimed Emperor Jianhong had achieved First Rank only to become fuel for Master Xu’s formation, while Dean Shi realized Master Xu had tried to lure him into the formation as its Second Rank sacrifice.
  • Master Xu activated the countless formations he had prepared throughout the capital and used the Holy Dynasty’s thousand-year national fortune to reverse Heavenly Dao and transform into a youthful figure.
  • Master Xu admitted he had schemed against Demon Emperor Xiangliu and declared that Emperor Jianhong and Dean Shi would die as the Qi Sect rose to power.
  • Master Xu drew Liu Shishi from the void, sent her to protect Sai Chuxue, and named Zeng Anmin as the formation’s Third Rank material.
  • Zeng Anmin said he would make himself, Dean Shi, and Liu Shishi disappear, then announced a trick called Great Transformation of Living People.

Ch. 440Reunion with His Father, the Princess, and Empress Gu Xiangnan

Zeng Anmin used his newly strengthened Space ability to whisk the Crown Prince and others from South Mountain to Qinghai Bay, escaping Master Xu but collapsing afterward. As the southern army struggled against heavy snow and dwindling provisions, the Crown Prince arrived at its camp with Zeng Anmin and the others.

  • Master Xu overwhelmed Zeng Anmin and the people on South Mountain, but Zeng Anmin unleashed his Space ability and transported them away before Master Xu could seize them.
  • Bai Ziqing found Emperor Jianhong in a pillar of light at the Master Xu's Estate, but the emperor fell to the ground cold and unresponsive when the pillar vanished.
  • The Crown Prince and the others appeared at Qinghai Bay, where they found Zeng Anmin unconscious; after waking, Zeng Anmin confirmed that he had brought them there and believed Emperor Jianhong was dead.
  • At Yutou Mountain, Zeng Shilin, Princess, and Duke Wei Tian Ji discussed the impassable snowfall, the threat to their provisions, and their hopes for Zeng Anmin's resourcefulness.
  • A messenger announced that the Crown Prince had arrived seeking an audience with Shi Ze, Zeng Anmin, and the others.

Ch. 441The Princess and the Empress Came to Blows??

Zeng Anmin brought the Crown Prince, Dean Shi, and others from the capital to Qinghai Bay, where they revealed that Master Xu had murdered Emperor Jianhong and planned to support the Crown Prince as the new emperor. As Zeng Anmin and Zeng Shilin discussed claiming Fengqi Road, news arrived that the Princess and Empress Gu Xiangnan had begun fighting.

  • The Crown Prince and Zeng Anmin entered Zeng Shilin's tent with Dean Shi and the others, stunning Zeng Shilin, Tian Ji, and the Princess.
  • Dean Shi revealed that Master Xu had murdered Emperor Jianhong and activated a formation to defy the heavens, and Zeng Anmin confirmed the emperor's death.
  • Zeng Anmin told Zeng Shilin that he intended to support the Crown Prince as the new emperor and use Lou Yingqi's ties to claim Fengqi Road.
  • Zeng Shilin warned Zeng Anmin that Empress Gu Xiangnan could threaten their plans.
  • A messenger reported that the Princess and Empress Gu Xiangnan had started fighting.

Ch. 442The Empress's Shock at the Princess's Figure

Zeng Anmin stopped Empress Gu Xiangnan and the Princess from killing each other in Qinghai City, then confronted them over their reckless fight. The Princess and Empress explained their reasons for being there, and Zeng Anmin led them to the City Lord's Mansion to discuss the urgent situation.

  • Zeng Anmin and Zeng Shilin heard the fight erupt and hurried out to find Empress Gu Xiangnan battling the Princess.
  • Gu Xiangnan and the Princess unleashed lethal attacks against each other, and Zeng Shilin's Vast Righteous Qi failed to stop them.
  • Zeng Anmin activated his Time Domain, froze the scene, disarmed both women, and slapped each of them on the backside before time resumed.
  • The Princess said Yuan Zhen's arrival made Qinghai City too important to admit visitors casually, while Gu Xiangnan defended her visit as a Jiang Kingdom ally.
  • Zeng Anmin scolded both women and led them, Zeng Shilin, and the others toward the City Lord's Mansion for a discussion.

Ch. 443A Reunion with the Empress

Empress Gu Xiangnan reunited with Zeng Anmin in Qinghai City, where they privately met while the Princess and Zeng Shilin waited outside. Afterward, Zeng Anmin revealed that he knew who was responsible for the strange snowfall, leaving the others demanding an answer.

  • Gu Xiangnan claimed she had come to learn about the Mandarin Duck Army, but said she also needed to consult Zeng Anmin privately.
  • The Princess left with Zeng Shilin after crushing her teacup, and Gu Xiangnan and Zeng Anmin reunited and discussed the heavy snow and the armies' dwindling supplies.
  • The chapter's mock historical record described the pair's lengthy private meeting in suggestive terms, while Zeng Anmin and Gu Xiangnan departed looking satisfied.
  • Zeng Anmin returned to his father, the Princess, and Xu Mingxin, who was troubled that he could neither identify nor stop the snowfall.
  • Zeng Anmin announced that he knew who had caused the snowfall, and the others demanded to know who it was.

Ch. 444The Little Fatty Crown Prince's Accession Edict Shook the World

Zeng Anmin identified Shen Nian as the likely source of the blizzard and planned to end the snow while preparing for the New Emperor’s accession. Zeng Shilin’s accession edict reached the realm, publicly denouncing Rebel Xu and declaring the new Emperor’s rule, leaving Lou Yingqi stunned by the news.

  • Xu Mingxin told Zeng Anmin that the blizzard had lasted two months and that his deductions could not reveal its source.
  • Zeng Anmin reasoned that Shen Nian had interfered with Xu Mingxin’s formation and was helping summon the snow, while warning that Rebel Xu in the capital might act against them.
  • Zeng Anmin set three priorities: ending the blizzard, preparing for the accession ceremony, and delaying the war; he promised to stop the snow within three days.
  • Zeng Shilin showed Zeng Anmin an accession edict that declared the New Emperor’s reign, condemned Rebel Xu as a regicide and enemy of humanity, and ordered the realm to recognize Qinghai’s authority.
  • The edict spread throughout the Great Sage Dynasty within a day, and Lou Yingqi learned that Emperor Jianhong had died and Master Xu had become a rebel.

Ch. 445The Snow Finally Stopped, Fengqi Road Pledged Allegiance

Lou Yingqi pledged Fengqi Road’s support for Emperor Lide, while Zeng Anmin traced the blizzard to a fusion of Daoist arts and formations using Illusory Power. He set out with Zeng Shilin and Dean Shi to find the enemy, as Shen Nian learned that Zeng Anmin possessed the Illusory Power he needed.

  • Lou Yingqi ordered Fengqi Road to proclaim its support for Emperor Lide and threatened to kill anyone who refused.
  • Liu Shishi reported that snowfall grew lighter farther south, while Zeng Rongyu and Guanglingzi explained that only Illusory Power could fuse Daoist arts with formations.
  • Zeng Anmin revealed his Illusory Power to Guanglingzi, who confirmed it could be used to locate the source of the blizzard.
  • Zeng Anmin told Zeng Shilin he had found a lead, and Zeng Shilin agreed to bring Dean Shi with them to confront the Illusory Demon Lord and Shen Nian.
  • At Lingyun Mountain, the Illusory Demon Lord told Shen Nian that Zeng Anmin had Illusory Power and had arrived in Qinghai City, sharpening Shen Nian’s intent to act.

Ch. 446Taking Father and Dean Shi to Fight a Second Rank Formation Master and a Second Rank Demon Lord

Zeng Anmin and his allies broke the snow formation on the Han River, forcing Shen Nian and the Illusory Demon Lord to retreat. The snowfall ended, and Zeng Shilin ordered the armies to prepare for the Southern Mountains campaign while he and Zeng Anmin turned to the New Ruler’s Ascension Ceremony.

  • Zeng Anmin arrived with Zeng Shilin, Shi Ze, and Liu Shishi to confront Shen Nian and the Illusory Demon Lord above the Han River.
  • Shi Ze fought Shen Nian while Zeng Shilin countered the Illusory Demon Lord’s illusions, and Liu Shishi located the snow formation’s moving ice node beneath the river.
  • Zeng Anmin dove into the Han River and shattered the Ice Crystal Core with his Short Axe, briefly glimpsing a colossal patterned object beneath it.
  • The snowfall stopped and Shen Nian and the Illusory Demon Lord retreated as the formation collapsed.
  • Zeng Shilin ordered the armies to reinforce their camps and investigate the Han River and Southern Mountains, then assigned the allied armies to seize the Southern Mountains while he and Zeng Anmin prepared to preside over the New Ruler’s Ascension Ceremony.

Ch. 447A Sudden Proclamation Against Zeng

Master Xu forced Prime Minister Li Zhen to endorse Prince Wang Qi as emperor and cut off supplies to Qinghai City, then issued a proclamation branding Zeng Shilin and his allies as rebels. In response, Zeng Shilin prepared to enthrone the Crown Prince as Emperor Lide, counter Xu Huai’s accusations, and secure supplies for the army.

  • Master Xu tortured Li Zhen and threatened his family until Li signed an edict enthroning Prince of Linchuan Commandery Wang Qi and condemning Zeng Shilin and Zeng Anmin as rebels.
  • Master Xu ordered Li Zhen to cut off all provisions, weapons, and military pay to the Southern Campaign Army in Qinghai City.
  • Zeng Anmin and Zeng Shilin read the proclamation accusing them of treason, collusion with demons, and rebellion, which carried Li Zhen’s seal and the seals of capital officials.
  • Zeng Shilin ordered the Crown Prince’s ascension ceremony in Qinghai City and directed Qin Shouchang and Shi Ze to issue counter-proclamations condemning Xu Huai.
  • Zeng Shilin sent Lou Tong to Fengqi Road to ask Lou Yingqi to bring provisions to Qinghai City, then declared that the Crown Prince would become Emperor Lide and that they would march against Xu Huai.

Ch. 448Support for Father and Son Zeng, Naturally!!

Wang Yuanzhen ascended as Emperor Lide in Qinghai, where Jiang State publicly backed his claim and Zeng Anmin’s forces prepared to campaign south against Xu Huai. Fengqi and Xiliu Roads pledged support, while other governors waited to see how the expedition fared; Zeng Anmin and the Princess set out together.

  • Zeng Shilin proclaimed Xu Huai a traitor, and Wang Yuanzhen completed his ascension ceremony as Emperor Lide in Qinghai.
  • Empress Gu Xiangnan sent lavish gifts and public support for Emperor Lide, and Zeng Anmin thanked her through her envoy.
  • The Princess watched Zeng Anmin’s warm exchange with the envoy and crushed her Jade Thumb Ring in jealousy.
  • Lou Tong returned safely to Lou Yingqi, who learned that Zeng Anmin had rescued the Lou family and tore up Xu Huai’s proclamation before pledging Fengqi Road’s support.
  • An Jiuyuan declared Xiliu Road’s allegiance to Emperor Lide and ordered its forces and supplies to support the southern expedition.
  • Zeng Shilin led the army’s departure toward the southern mountains, and Zeng Anmin and the Princess prepared to fight side by side.

Ch. 449Breaking Through Eight Mountains in a Row!! Let the Mandarin Duck Army's Might Shine!!

Zeng Anmin and the allied armies fought for days to capture Lingyun Mountain, where the Red Eagle Demon King sacrificed himself to delay them. After discovering the demon’s real purpose, Zeng Anmin realized Shen Nian planned to unleash the Han River on nearly two hundred thousand troops, with the disaster less than half an hour away.

  • The Princess’s Mandarin Duck Army captured four mountains in four days while Gu Xiangnan’s Jiang Kingdom army took only two.
  • The allied armies repeatedly assaulted Lingyun Mountain, where the Red Eagle Demon King resisted with strength boosted by a formation that consumed eight Demon Kings.
  • Shi Ze helped kill the Red Eagle Demon King, and the allied army occupied Lingyun Mountain the next day.
  • Zeng Anmin found the drained corpses of eight Demon Kings and learned from Liu Shishi about the ten-day Water Urging Formation and its Profound Water Suppressing Jade.
  • Zeng Anmin recognized that the jade beneath the Han River had been charging since the Snow-Breaking Formation was destroyed and that the Red Eagle Demon King had delayed the army to keep it in the valley.
  • A scout reported that the Han River had receded and formed enormous whirlpools, and Liu Shishi warned that the stored water essence was about to be released.

Ch. 450Power of Space, Revealing Its Divine Might Once More!

Zeng Anmin used the Power of Space to locate the Profound Water Suppressing Jade beneath the Han River and destroyed it, stopping the Water-Urging Formation and averting a flood. The jade’s fragments released streaks of Shen Nian’s spiritual power that flew into different mountains, leaving Zeng Anmin wondering what they would do.

  • Zeng Anmin decided he could locate the Profound Water Suppressing Jade and told the Princess and Gu Xiangnan to move the soldiers to higher ground.
  • Gu Xiangnan insisted that Liu Shishi accompany Zeng Anmin, and he used the Power of Space to take her underwater.
  • Liu Shishi used the Origin Formation Art to reveal the hidden Profound Water Suppressing Jade, and Zeng Anmin recognized it.
  • Illusory Demon Lord discussed Shen Nian’s plans to use the Dragon Vein to establish a demon kingdom, but Shen Nian suddenly sensed that someone had broken his formation.
  • Zeng Anmin shattered the Profound Water Suppressing Jade with his Short Axe, causing the whirlpool to vanish and the Han River to calm.
  • Glowing fragments scattered from the broken jade and flew into separate mountains, and Liu Shishi identified them as Shen Nian’s spiritual power.

Ch. 451Southern Mountains Conquered, Triumphant Return, Rewards for the Three Armies!

Master Xu agreed to work with the Dao Head after the latter offered the Grand Elder of the Sword Sect’s corpse for his plan to alter the Heavenly Dao. Father and Son Zeng returned victorious to Qinghai City, where Emperor Lide rewarded them with powerful titles, lands, and armies as they prepared to confront Xu Huai.

  • Emperor Fengqian told Master Xu that he still could not sense the Dragon Vein, and Master Xu sent him back to the palace.
  • The Dao Head appeared before Master Xu, offered the Sword Sect Grand Elder’s corpse for his plan, and secured Master Xu’s agreement to cooperate.
  • Father and Son Zeng returned to Qinghai City with the victorious army and received a celebratory welcome from the people.
  • Emperor Lide named Zeng Shilin Duke of the State and Grand Preceptor, granting him Fengqi Road, Xiliu Road, the Southern Mountains, and authority to form the Lide Three Guards.
  • Emperor Lide promoted Zeng Anmin to Earl of Lide and Pioneer Great General, placed him in command of the Po Lu Guard, and rewarded the other victorious officials.
  • Xiliu Road pledged its soldiers and supplies to Emperor Lide and Father and Son Zeng, who vowed to march north and defeat Xu Huai.
Arc 18 of 19