Undying Life

Chapter 921: Chapter 921: The Great Yin Marches South

Wang Ku entered the Land of Five Impurities, delving into the Miasma of Calamity. In this place, his recovery accelerated significantly. The four large skeletons who had pledged their allegiance to him were ignited with soul fire by Wang Ku before he secluded himself. This act enabled them to break through again, and it also marked them indelibly with Wang Ku's imprint.

For the time being, the Holy Land of Mang Bone remained isolated, not openly declaring its allegiance to the Great Yin Holy Court. This decision was part of a strategic arrangement, and Mang Bone was still under the control of the old Da Fan Ba Gu.

The command of the Great Yin Skeleton Legion was temporarily handed over to the original Fifth Elder, Fan Ba Dou Tian, who fully cooperated with Yi Yan's various operations.

Thus, fifty years passed.

In these fifty years, although the Great Yin had not expanded outward, internally it had undergone earth-shattering changes. The strength of its soldiers had quintupled, even though their numbers remained the same. Through numerous civil examinations, countless talents emerged, who were then dispatched to key locations. The central authority of Great Yin was immensely strong, ensuring that Zhong Shan's orders were executed with lightning speed.

As Xiao Wang and Yi Yan predicted, the four surrounding dynasties had indeed begun to wage war against each other due to the Great Yin's inactivity over the past fifty years. Old conflicts resurfaced.

In the north, the Great Yin occupied half of the territory. In the south, the Wuxiang Holy Court had been expanding relentlessly over these decades, never resting. Their terrifying expansion nearly unified the southern part of the Zhuanlun Domain. Within five years, they would undoubtedly achieve complete unification.

In the Tianzi Mansion.

Third Prince Nian Ben stared at a large map projection before him, surrounded by his subordinates.

"Congratulations, Third Prince. There are only four more celestial dynasties left. The unification of the southern Zhuanlun Domain is imminent!" one subordinate congratulated.

Nian Ben frowned at the map, sighing slightly, "This Wang Jingwen is truly a military genius. To unify the Zhuanlun Domain in just about sixty years is incredible, a world-shaking talent!"

"Our Wuxiang Holy Court has no shortage of talented people who can rival Wang Jingwen," one official said indignantly.

"The key is that none of them are you!" the Third Prince said sternly.

The officials looked ashamed.

"Nor me, for that matter," the Third Prince added with a wry smile.

"Third Prince, the southern Zhuanlun Domain is almost taken. What should we do about Wang Jingwen?" another official asked.

"No need to worry. I have replaced everyone in each city with my own people. Wang Jingwen's loyal followers can't infiltrate, so what is there to worry about?" the Third Prince said confidently.

"You can't say it like that, Third Prince. Have you visited the army lately? Every soldier admires Wang Jingwen. He is like a god to them, a miracle on the battlefield. I even believe that if Wang Jingwen gave the word, all the soldiers would storm the Tianzi Mansion!" an official said alarmingly.

"Enough!" the Third Prince snapped.

"Forgive me, Third Prince!" the official apologized immediately.

Taking a deep breath, the Third Prince sighed, "But Wang Jingwen is indeed a brilliant commander."

"Third Prince, we cannot keep Wang Jingwen any longer. If we do, even if we unify the southern Zhuanlun Domain, it will still belong to Wang Jingwen, not you. When the Holy King sends an envoy to inspect and sees this, he will be utterly disappointed in you. We..." the official said, feigning concern for the Third Prince.

The Third Prince fell silent.

"Third Prince, only four celestial dynasties remain. Our Tianzi Mansion's vast armies can conquer them even without Wang Jingwen. Why not..." the official trailed off suggestively.

"Why not what?"

"Why not request a commendation for Wang Jingwen?" the official said with a sly smile.

"Commendation?" The Third Prince raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, a commendation. The Zhuanlun Domain no longer needs Wang Jingwen. With you, Third Prince, it's enough. However, the Wuxiang Domain might still need him. You can request a commendation for Wang Jingwen and have him promoted and sent back to the Wuxiang Domain. As for the remaining four celestial dynasties here, we can handle them ourselves!" the official suggested.

"Indeed, Third Prince, this way, Wang Jingwen gets promoted. While the military leaders will miss him, they won't be too upset. Their admired leader is being promoted after all. Once Wang Jingwen leaves, the entire southern Zhuanlun Domain will be under your control!" another official added.

"And what about the north?" The Third Prince frowned.

"With the south unified, defending against the north becomes easier. The north is currently in chaos, and the Great Yin only occupies half of the land. When their full-scale war breaks out, they will be severely weakened. We can then march north and easily defeat the Great Yin. Even if our expansion is limited, defending our territory won't be difficult!" the official explained.

"Good, good, good!" The Third Prince exclaimed three times in succession.

Four years later, in the Tianzi Mansion.

"Wang Jingwen, the southern Zhuanlun Domain is all thanks to your efforts. I have requested a commendation for you, and the Holy King has approved it. You will be promoted and sent to the Wuxiang Domain. There, you must continue to excel!" Nian Ben said, feigning sincerity.

Wang Jingwen saw through it all but maintained a bitter expression.

"Thank you, Third Prince," Wang Jingwen said with a forced smile.

"After all these years together, it's only right," Nian Ben replied with a smile.

"I will head to the military to bid farewell to the commanders," Wang Jingwen said.

"No need. The Holy King's orders are for you to depart immediately. I will speak to the commanders myself," Nian Ben said promptly.

"Understood," Wang Jingwen replied.

"I will send two Grand Immortals to escort you. You must leave at once," Nian Ben ordered.

"Yes," Wang Jingwen responded.

Two Grand Immortals escorted Wang Jingwen and his entourage to the Wuxiang Domain with full force.

Leaving the Zhuanlun Domain, Wang Jingwen's lips curled into a cold smile. Nian Ben? Even more foolish than I thought. I haven't even made a move, and he's already cut off his own arm by sending me away.

"Sir, why are you smiling?" a subordinate asked, puzzled.

"It's nothing. Quick, let's head to the Wuxiang Domain. Hmm, let's take a quieter route," Wang Jingwen said with a smile.

"Yes, sir!"—

After sending Wang Jingwen off, Nian Ben felt elated and held a grand banquet for three days.

However, dissatisfaction soon spread through the army. The soldiers were unhappy about Wang Jingwen's departure, but Nian Ben paid it no mind. It was natural for the troops to feel unsettled when their commander left.

It took Nian Ben two months to appease all the military leaders. Feeling pleased, he returned to the Tianzi Mansion.

Seated on his throne, Nian Ben issued a command, "From now on, attack the remaining four celestial dynasties in the south and unify the southern Zhuanlun Domain!"

"Yes, sir!" several officials responded immediately.

Just as the officials were gearing up to make their mark, a scout suddenly rushed into the hall.

"Reporting to the commander!" The scout knelt on one knee.

"What's the matter?" The Third Prince asked, puzzled.

"The Great Yin in the north is on the move. A large number of troops are massing on our northern border, with signs of marching south!" the scout reported.

"The north is still not unified, yet they wish to march south? Third Prince, this Zhong Shan is truly audacious!" an official scoffed.

"Third Prince, I have a strategy to thwart Great Yin's southern invasion!" another official suggested.

"Oh?" The Third Prince looked intrigued.

"Send letters to the powers surrounding Great Yin. They all see Great Yin as a threat. Once Great Yin moves south, their territories will be left unprotected. We can incite them to launch a joint attack on Great Yin, overwhelming them. Meanwhile, we will march north, not only resolving this crisis but also seizing vast lands." the official proposed.

"Excellent plan!" The Third Prince said, extremely pleased.

Of course, this plan seemed excellent only to the Third Prince. To Zhong Shan, it would be mere nonsense, a foolish strategy assuming everyone else was an idiot. Nevertheless, the plan was set in motion.

The Great Yin Holy Court, with Zhao Suoxiang as the vanguard, formally began their campaign against the southern territories of the Zhuanlun Domain!

The war was imminent!—

Simultaneously, in another domain in the underworld, a land covered with endless skeletal remains, the skeleton clan roamed far and wide. This was a kingdom of skeletons, with their figures seen everywhere. In the distance lay an endless palace, heavily guarded by skeletons.

This was the headquarters of the skeleton clan.

At the foot of a mountain on the outskirts, a skeleton in a black robe stood facing a group of armored skeletons.

"Do you think you can see the king whenever you want?" one of the armored skeletons said sternly.

"I have urgent matters to report to the king. If you delay me and it impacts the king's affairs, can you bear the responsibility?" the black-robed skeleton said coldly.

"Urgent matters? What kind of urgent matters?" the armored skeleton asked sternly.

"If you don't want the king's wrath upon you, it's best not to ask!" the black-robed skeleton replied sternly.

"Such arrogance!"

"You'll know soon enough if I'm being arrogant. Report to the king immediately. I must see him. I stake my life on it." the black-robed skeleton said firmly.

Staking his life? This must be serious. If it were trivial, the king would be the first to take his life.

"The king is in seclusion!" the armored skeleton said solemnly.

"The king is in seclusion? Why now?" The black-robed skeleton was worried.

"Should I notify one of the elders or a royal descendant?" the armored skeleton suggested.

"No, this matter can only be reported to the king. I will wait here. As soon as the king comes out, notify me immediately. This matter cannot be delayed. The king must know." the black-robed skeleton insisted.

"Hmm, what could be so urgent?" the armored skeleton was puzzled.

"Something neither you nor I can bear. Best not to ask!" the black-robed skeleton said mysteriously.—

In the southern Zhuanlun Domain, at the Tianzi Mansion.

"What? Say that again?" The Third Prince stood up from his throne, glaring angrily.

"Great Yin's forces are marching south. In their first battle, four cities surrendered without a fight, completely falling to Great Yin!" an official reported with a bitter expression.