Above the Great Dao

After the destruction of the Li, Yang, Xu, Zhang, and Xia families, the Gu, Ma, Gao, Jiang, Fei, and Zhai families were also gradually destroyed, though at a much slower pace than before.

This was due to the counterattack from the underworld forces of these families, which was indeed powerful, with countless ghost soldiers and ghosts everywhere. Yang Bi had to adopt a steady and strategic approach to reduce casualties, using superior forces to encircle the opponent's weak points, and slowly consuming them.

However, as of now, only the Cui Family remains of the Thirteen Families.

The Cui Family has gathered the remnants of other families, with experts abound, but their downfall is only a matter of time.

At this moment, Yang Bi is deploying troops, forming a pincer movement in both the mortal and underworld realms against the Cui Family.

He adopted a tactic of surrounding three and leaving one corner weak, allowing the experts of the Cui Family an opportunity to break out.

Yet, up to now, not a single ghost or family scion from the Cui Family has fled. This family's disposition is extremely tenacious, causing Yang Bi some headache; he feared that without some sacrifices, it would be difficult to eliminate the Cui Family.

Skull Chen Shi arrived in the Little Heavenly Realms, found Yang Bi, and said, "The Cui Family does not flee because they know that even if they escape, they have nowhere to go and will inevitably be hunted down by us. Therefore, they are resisting desperately. If only given a glimmer of hope for escape, they will flee."

Yang Bi asked, "Where is this hope?"

Skull Chen Shi said, "My uncle Chen Wu once disguised himself as a Heavenly Dao Practitioner of Despair Slope. He can lead the Supreme Emperor, Du Yiran, Granny Sha, and others, disguising themselves as Heavenly Dao Practitioners, claiming to come by the decree of the Heavenly Venerate to mediate between the two families. Zhuang Wujiu often walks in the mortal world; many know him and know he's from Despair Slope. We can have Chen Wu impersonate Zhuang Wujiu."

Upon hearing this, Yang Bi laughed and said, "To eliminate the last Great Family, why not let Your Majesty personally go to the battlefield? Your Majesty's complete destruction of the Thirteen Families is a great achievement."

Skull Chen Shi shook his head and said, "The Eleven Great Families were all defeated by you, and the Cui Family will also be defeated by you. I will not steal your glory."

Yang Bi bowed his head and said, "I fear that the achievements might startle the lord."

Chen Shi laughed and said, "If my dear official does not trust the lonely king, the lonely king can grant you an ironclad elixir, a Death Exemption Token."

Yang Bi couldn't help but laugh and said, "I've read enough history to know that those with ironclad elixirs and Death Exemption Tokens always end up very tragically!"

Chen Shi couldn't help but laugh and said, "Brother Yang, we are nominally sovereign and subject for the common people, but in reality, we are fellow seekers of the Dao. Once this world is pacified, the Heavenly Venerate eliminated, and order established, I will learn from the sages and abdicate the position of True King to focus on pursuing the Dao and Ascension."

Yang Bi, moved by his words, said, "Indeed. I originally sought the Dao, but ended up in the muddy stream. Once the world is at peace, I shall hang up my seal and retire. If there truly comes a day of peace, I too will resign, hanging up my seal."

The two exchanged knowing smiles.

Yang Bi laughed and said, "Then, as fellow Daoists, I hope Your Majesty will grant me the honor to compete once more and determine a winner to see who is superior."

Chen Shi laughed heartily and said, "Of course, I am male!"

Yang Bi laughed and said, "Not necessarily. By the way, what has Your Majesty been doing in the Imperial Capital these days? If there's nothing, perhaps you could lead the expedition personally."

He still worries that his accomplishments might startle the lord, attempting to pass on the merit of pacifying the Thirteen Families.

"Robbing, stealing, burning, killing, and sowing." Chen Shi sighed.

Yang Bi was puzzled.

Chen Shi withdrew his consciousness, leaving a thought in the skull body. Hu Feifei hurriedly came over, requesting him to review the memorials.

These days, he had been rushing all over overseas, overwhelmed with work, and had accumulated many memorials, most of which were sent up from various places, congratulating the True King's enthronement. Others were reports about local Demon Transformations, floods, and food shortages.

Chen Shi reviewed them, while Hu Feifei stood by explaining the general meaning of each memorial, leaving the decisions to Chen Shi. The two worked tirelessly from morning till night and from night till morning, finally finishing the mountain of memorials.

Chen Shi stretched comfortably, intending to rest when suddenly Can'er ran over in a panic, calling from afar, "Brother, brother! The...the...someone has emerged!"

Chen Shi was slightly taken aback, then immediately realized, "Wu Qi! Wu Qi has emerged!"