The Battle of Great Jade Mountain!
Emperor Li Anlan had originally suppressed the news to prevent the people of Great Ning from developing a sense of worship for Xiliang.
But to everyone's surprise, overnight a large number of insiders emerged from all over the country, and they spread the story of the battle vividly as if they were on the battlefield themselves.
"In the Battle of Dayu Mountain, King Lin Yi of Xiliang annihilated 500,000 Northern Barbarian troops. What a magnificent victory!"
"Really? The 500,000- Northern Barbarians army was wiped out just like that?"
"This matter is probably true. Although the Emperor has suppressed the news, many people witnessed it firsthand!"
"Holy crap, even the Northern Barbarians have been wiped out by the Prince of Xiliang. No wonder he made those two Western Regions countries look down on him back then. He's just too powerful."
"With him looking after us, our lives are so much easier!"
"Wait a minute! Wouldn't that mean the North would be unified, making it just like our Emperor?"
Within just a few days, the entire population of Great Ning knew the news. Even the chieftains of Northern Liang and the Southern Tusi were shaken, and everyone was stunned by this sudden surprise.
Everyone had only one thought in their minds: the King of Xiliang, Lin Yi, was terrifyingly powerful.
What no emperor of any of the previous dynasties in the Central Plains had accomplished, and which some dynasties had even been bullied by the northern barbarians, Lin Yi had now done. This made everyone feel the strength of Xiliang.
This kind of formidable strength is different from that of Great Ning; it is a strength forged in battle, built up from the blood and flesh of 500,000 Northern Barbarians soldiers.
Everyone knows one thing: the Northern Barbarians are probably finished this time.
Although the news indicated that Xiliang had only reached Great Jade Mountain for the time being, everyone knew that after the annihilation of their 500,000-strong army, the Northern Barbarians were in grave danger.
Once the Prince of Xiliang completely conquers the Northern Barbarians, he will unify the North and become the undisputed King of the North.
If we were to confront Great Ning and south, the All Under Heaven would likely be in turmoil.
Southern mountains!
This area was ruled by the Tusi ( All Under Heaven ) of the south, led by the four Tusi appointed by the imperial court. The largest of these tribes was Jiang Li, which commanded nearly 100,000 troops.
They were always domineering and reckless, and this time they were also shocked by this earth-shattering news.
" The Northern Barbarians have dominated the All Under Heaven for hundreds of years. How could they be defeated by Lin Yi, a mere vassal lord, and lose an army of 500,000? Could this be a false rumor?"
"The whole of Da Ning is buzzing with this news; it's probably true. The Western Liang King, Lin Yi, is likely far more powerful than we imagined!"
"The annihilation of an army of 500,000— Lin Yi is truly terrifying!"
"This is hard to believe. Great Ning has been unable to subdue the Northern Barbarians for so many years, and Lin Yi is simply defying the heavens!"
Although the Northern Barbarians have only been a nation for a little over a hundred years, they have existed for centuries and have always been adept at stirring up trouble. Even the Great Ning couldn't destroy the Northern Barbarians; could Lin Yi's strength already surpass that of the Great Ning?
So how should we, the southern tribes, conduct ourselves?
All eyes fell on Jiang Li. He was the leader of the southern Dashan and the chieftain recognized by the imperial court. This matter still needed to be decided by him.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Li frowned slightly but did not refuse. He looked at the person beside him and said in a deep voice, "Son-in-law, you have had dealings with Lin Yi. Tell me about this Lin Yi."
Everyone's eyes lit up. Jiang Li's son-in-law was the Prince of Shu, and it was said that he had been to Xiliang. He should know the news.
"Lin Yi, the King of Xiliang?"
Upon hearing his words, a hint of joy flashed in Li Siyuan's eyes, but at the same time, he couldn't help but feel a little fear, for he had actually heard that name again.
These days, he finally managed to infiltrate the territory of the Southern Tusi (chieftain), and with the help of his father's resources, he successfully gained Jiang Li's approval and became Jiang Li's son-in-law.
They had originally planned to develop quietly and then take revenge with the help of the southern chieftains, but they never expected Lin Yi to be so powerful, annihilating the Northern Barbarians in one fell swoop.
This is bad news for others, but for him it's definitely good news.
The antagonism between Lin Yi and the emperor is almost natural. I will probably have to rely on Lin Yi's power to settle this score. It is obviously impossible to destroy Great Ning by relying on these chieftains.
Thinking of this, he said in a deep voice, "If it were someone else, perhaps this wouldn't be possible, but Lin Yi is a man who keeps his true strength hidden. His strength is definitely several times greater than what is on the surface. This news should be true, or perhaps he even released it himself."
"The message released by Lin Yi?" Everyone frowned slightly, pondering.
Li Siyuan took a deep breath, recalling the scene in Xiliang in the past, and couldn't help but sigh, "When I first entered Xiliang, Xiliang was in good order. The people there only recognized the Prince of Xiliang. The Emperor of Great Ning was just a pile of shit there."
Those arrogant northern families, however, dared not act recklessly in Xiliang, each behaving like a wronged little girl.
Even the Western Regions countries are willing to submit to him and regard Lin Yi as a god, so Lin Yi's strength is definitely not simple!
Grunt!
Everyone was shocked. They had long been familiar with the arrogance of the powerful families. Even though they had more than 100,000 soldiers, those families still looked down on them.
The fact that the powerful families in the north are now behaving like little girls in front of Lin Yi shows that Lin Yi possesses strength that makes them fearful.
Furthermore, the various kingdoms of the Western Regions, relying on the support of the Frostwest Empire —a powerful and domineering force—actually regard Lin Yi as a god. The reason for this is quite obvious.
This proves that Lin Yi truly possesses this ability!
Jiang Li's expression turned serious, and he said in a deep voice, "So, this news is probably true. It seems Lin Yi really intends to annihilate the Northern Barbarians!"
Everyone's pupils contracted; the destruction of the Northern Barbarians would not be good news for the Southern chieftains.
The existence of the Northern Barbarians can help the Southern Tusi (chieftains) divert the attention of Great Ning. If the Northern Barbarians are completely wiped out, it would be a catastrophic disaster for the Southern Tusi!
It's a matter of mutual dependence!
Once the Northern Barbarians are wiped out, then Great Ning can focus all its efforts on dealing with us, and things will become very difficult.
"Commander Jiang, you are now the most capable among us. What do you suggest we do now?"
"That's right, the destruction of the Northern Barbarians is very detrimental to the South. The Northern Barbarians are our good friends!"
Jiang Li shook his head slightly and said in a deep voice, " Lin Yi's strength has indeed been underestimated, but even if he destroys the Northern Barbarians, it won't have much impact on us in the short term! However, once they decide the victor, I'm afraid it will be very difficult for us..."
Grunt!
Everyone's pupils contracted. The impact might not be significant in the short term, but the long-term effects could be substantial.
Once a victor emerges from both sides, and the Northern Barbarians are no longer a check on them, the attitude towards the southern chieftains will likely be one of annihilation, which would be a huge problem.