Chaotic World Book

Originally, these powerhouses had strong opinions about Tang Buqi forcibly dismissing them and seizing their military power, as did other officials from Jiangnan.

Those who did not support Tang Buqi's separatism felt that the guy was really going to make a move, and they wondered how to sabotage him.

Those who supported Tang Buqi's separatism thought, "Are you fucking stupid? I support you and you still strip away my authority?"

Some of those summoned to report to Zhao Changhe didn't even recognize him, full of grievances, secretly cursed that just because the Chaotic World Book praised him a few sentences, did he really think he was some kind of king?

But after Zhao Changhe made his sweeping leap across the vast sky, all those thoughts vanished, leaving only the sentiment that whatever this great lord said was law. Throughout Jiangnan, regardless of their stance or ulterior motives, there was no sound to be heard.

People have a deep, inherent dread for a potency completely beyond their comprehension. There had only been one individual with such an unreasonable deterrent before, and his name was Xia Longyuan.

However, Xia Longyuan's intimidating presence had now almost entirely faded, especially after the Chaotic World Book broadcasted the "severely wounded on all sides," causing an undercurrent of widespread unrest, while Zhao Changhe had risen opportunely, shining bright like the midday sun.

Only Zhao Changhe himself knew that even if he mustered all his strength, he couldn't reach old Xia's heels... but he could still create momentum.

When he left Gusu to cross the river and head north, Zhao Changhe did not continue to make his presence known; he honestly led his black steed, Wuzhui, onto a boat to cross the river, since he couldn't abandon his wife to show off alone. Glancing back southward, across the river, he noticed the aura of Wang family in Jinling waning, its previously dense presence several hours before significantly diminished.

This showed that qi, this force... could indeed be changed. If one delved deep enough into its study, it could be manipulated.

"Your Highness," Wu Weiyang spoke carefully at his side, "Marquis Wu never actually reached the point of rebelling... Although he harbored intentions of secession, the chairperson was unwilling, which made it very difficult for him to act. The current situation is that others desire to ascend further, not only his own matter, so Marquis Wu also finds it hard to decide. Should he listen to his aunt and be the obedient child? What would that look like to the other heroes from Jiangbiao, and could he still lead his troops in the future?"

Zhao Changhe nodded, "That's quite normal... Do you also think so?"

Wu Weiyang revealed his true feelings with hesitation, "I dare not conceal from Your Highness, I am torn. On one hand, I deeply respect the chairperson's stance and am willing to die for her, but on the other... I really wonder what is left in this dynasty worth protecting." Wu Weiyang spoke candidly, "Personally, the prospect of becoming a founding general, possibly a hereditary marquis, holds great allure. What are we truly after in life? The key point is, under the current circumstances, I might not even be branded a rebel in the annals of history; even the concern for my posthumous reputation fades away. Your Highness, I consider myself loyal, yet even I am swayed. Others can only be imagined."

Zhao Changhe sighed. Indeed, take the Three Kingdoms for instance – would the generals of Dong Wu, such as Zhou Yu and Lu Su, the twelve Tiger Ministers, be labeled rebels in history? Not at all; instead, they were hailed as legendary figures through the ages. Without even worrying about reputation, any lingering doubts are mere inertia from a mindset of loyalty to the sovereign.

Wu Weiyang added, "Now, Your Highness has descended like a god from the heavens, leaving those from Jiangbiao in awe, momentarily daring not to harbor any thoughts. Marquis Wu has 'expelled' us under these circumstances, effectively providing his pledge. But when certain times come, I fear even Your Highness might struggle to control the situation. Both the chairperson and Your Highness could be overwhelmed by the swarming masses, a great trend that cannot be reversed by merely taking a few generals along."

Zhao Changhe asked, "Do you think I am bringing you along for this?"

"Uh..." Wu Weiyang cautiously said, "I really can't figure out how we could be of assistance to Your Highness..."

"Whether you're colleagues from the Demon Suppression Department or so-called experts recruited from Jiangnan, you were originally handling affairs of the Worldly Society; special combat is your true expertise. Have you forgotten after leading troops for so long? Four warriors from the Human List can have a terrifying impact in a special combat scenario."

"What special task does Your Highness have in mind for us?"

Zhao Changhe pulled out the Jade Token of the Demon Suppression Department engraved with his name, "With my token, infiltrate Langya and seek out Daoist Gui Chen of the Taiyi Sect. As for how to create turmoil in Langya's rear, follow Daoist Gui Chen's instructions; he knows what to do."

A thought struck Wu Weiyang.

Just as Tang Buqi could recruit "experts from Jiangnan," the Langya Wang was, of course, adept at enlisting powerful figures, with the Taiyi Sect being a prominent example.

Taiyi Sect's Gui Chen, once ranked twenty-ninth on the Earth List, may seem like he's at the bottom of the list, but among those Zhao Changhe had come into contact with, he was quite ordinary. In reality, he was one of the top experts in the entire world, respected by everyone. Since the dramatic changes of the past year or two, many on the Earth List had fallen, and even the Heavenly List had seen changes in ranks. Gui Chen's own rank had risen significantly, thereby enhancing his status. Within the entire Langya territory, apart from Wang Daoning, Gui Chen was second in strength, even surpassing Wang Daozhong.

The Taiyi Sect became increasingly prosperous, and everyone said that its direct disciple, Xuan Chong, although not on any list, was surely at the Human List level.

Since the Taiyi Sect was located within Langya, when the Wang Family raised their flag, Gui Chen immediately pledged his allegiance, becoming a highly esteemed guest elder of the Wang Family, assuming a somewhat detached status. Hence, Gui Chen adopted a tone of reservation, claiming that as a reclusive cultivator he would not participate in battles, taking no part in the siege of Puyang, but only aiding in the defense of Langya.

The more he held back, the more normal and reasonable it seemed to the Wang Family, and over the past few months, Gui Chen indeed supported the Wang Family considerably; he managed to drive away the capable fighters of the Demon Suppression Department buried within Langya, rendering the Imperial forces blind in the region. When Wang Daoning was injured and returned, Gui Chen protected the surroundings so effectively that even assassins sent by the Cui Family failed to succeed in their attempts.

He was akin to a stabilizing sea anchor, further earning the Wang Family's trust.

Who would have thought that Gui Chen, seen by the Imperial and Cui Family as a thorn in their side, was actually a sleeper agent planted by Zhao Changhe a long time ago?

If Gui Chen really did betray them, leading the entire Taiyi Sect's disciples, coupled with the sudden emergence of four Human List-level fighters... Taking advantage of Wang Daoning's injury, there really might be an opportunity for a decapitation strike. Or, they could also wait for Wang Daoning to journey out once more and throw Langya into chaos—given the current stalemate on the battlefield, Wang Daoning could not possibly avoid leaving the region.

Wu Weiyang felt somewhat incredulous, cautiously confirming, "Gui Chen Daoist now holds a revered position in Langya, promised by the Wang Family to be the National Religion's State Preceptor after their victory. Your Highness is certain that Daoist Gui Chen still obeys Your Highness?"

Zhao Changhe wasn't entirely sure himself; Gui Chen indeed had looked down upon the Wang Family in the past and had made a pledge with him, but if there was a possibility of achieving more than expected, that was another story...

However, Gui Chen was a Taoist who could manipulate talismans, for whom divining qi should be a compulsory skill. Even Zhao Changhe could see there was no Dragon Energy in Langya, not even as much as in Jiangnan. Could Gui Chen be unaware?

Smart people always follow the general trend.

An evidence to consider was that those so-called Demon Suppression Department officers and the Cui Family assassins in Langya were "driven away" or "ineffective;" not one of them died.

"I cannot be completely certain; as a seasoned warrior of the Demon Suppression Department, you have your own judgment. Take your men and act as you see fit, and if something seems off, withdraw. There is danger, are you afraid?" Zhao Changhe asked.

With risk ahead, Wu Weiyang felt a long-lost fervor surge within him, and he laughed heartily, "Isn't this exactly what the Demon Suppression Department does? If Your Highness trusts me, I'll dive back into this Worldly Society."

Zhao Changhe patted his shoulder, whispering, "The hereditary marquisate you want, may not necessarily only be achieved through Jiangnan."

Wu Weiyang's eyes brightened, as did those of the other few seated quietly nearby.

Jiangnan, stripped bare, was only suitable for local domination; since ancient times, unifying the north from the south had always been more difficult than reaching the heavens. No one believed that the Tang family had a chance to unify the world.

But if this one were to make a promise... then there truly might be a chance.

While they spoke, the ferry docked, arriving at Jiangbei.

Wu Weiyang and his four companions stepped onto the bank, using their Qinggong to swiftly move away. Zhao Changhe and his family of three stood at the bow watching their silhouettes head north, their movements like dragons and tigers, emanating an aura different from before.

Xia Chichi squinted at Zhao Changhe, and after a long pause, she finally managed to squeeze out, "Boss Zhao, with such schemes and promises to entice people in the stockade, you might have established a nation in Beimang by now."

Zhao Changhe rubbed her head, speaking softly, "But they are for you."

Xia Chichi turned to look at him, her eyes filled with an indiscernible hue.