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Chapter 1219: Chapter 1078: Dealing with_2
Not to mention the Dafeng Dynasty—even the Daqian Empire wouldn’t dare act recklessly here.
As for the western lands, the Liu Family originates from that direction. They have detailed knowledge of the local Immortal Dao influences and understand that these are forces they cannot provoke at the moment.
However, if they were to swallow up two thousand miles of territory and accumulate power for several decades, they could perhaps attempt to challenge them.
When the Dark Dragon Guards delivered their thorough briefing, none of the ministers—or rather, the Liu family members—voiced objections. This was a matter tied to their aspirations for advancement and, more critically, their hopes of achieving divinity after death.
The cultivation methods that tap into Human Dao fortune have one fatal flaw: they prohibit longevity!
While Human Dao fortune, when prosperous, allows cultivation advancements faster than the swift methods of the Demonic Tao—even enabling direct divine enthronement, transforming an ordinary mortal into a powerful scholar cultivator instantly—
Of course, this divine enthronement method works through appointing ordinary citizens as high-ranking officials via merit exams. By granting them official seals and titles, their power becomes tied to their office. Should their seal be lost or title revoked, they would revert to being mere mortals.
No matter how potent the bestowed power is, it does not extend one’s lifespan.
However, through enthroning a divine position via fortune, longevity becomes attainable. Yet, the drawbacks are significant: one’s life and fate are entirely dependent on the dynasty and inescapable!
Once the Dafeng Dynasty finalized their expansion plans, they began mobilizing their troops, forming armies to conquer the local Immortal Dao forces.
Initially, the cultivators dismissed them as a reckless bunch of dream-chasing mortals. But as the Dafeng Dynasty continued to encroach upon their territory and pressed their borders closer and closer, these cultivators suddenly realized something was amiss.
Unfortunately, by the time they awakened to the danger, it was already too late!
Those forces, whose highest cultivators were merely at the Void Refinement level, stood no chance against the Dafeng Dynasty and suffered miserable defeats.
Luckily for them, the rulers of the Dafeng Dynasty were cautious and did not annihilate them entirely. They only brought the lands under their control to avoid drawing attention from the northern Wanzhu State.
After all, the Dafeng Dynasty wasn’t yet a match for the numerous Integration-level influences there.
In pursuit of swift growth and expansion, the Dafeng military rested only a few months before launching a new campaign—this time heading westward!
Throughout these operations, Dafeng experienced both victories and losses. But as their territory grew larger and their population increased, the prosperity of Human Dao fortune flourished, and the Human Dao Law Net began extending across the entire dynasty. The scattered Integration and Void Refinement-level forces west of Slaying Jiao State were no longer adversaries.
Thus, over the next few decades, the Dafeng Dynasty continued to open up new frontiers and expand their territory.
Now, with the ascendance of Liu Bairui, the third-generation monarch, the entire four thousand miles of land had finally come under their rule.
As the third king, Liu Bairui was naturally ambitious and proud. He yearned to achieve feats surpassing his predecessors and aspired to elevate himself into greatness akin to Qian Kang, the figure who advanced their dynasty’s status!
Thus, in the third year of Liu Bairui’s reign, he launched an all-out war against Wanzhu State.
After decades of development and consolidation, the Dafeng Dynasty’s power had long since surpassed Integration-level forces. Though invading Wanzhu State presented significant challenges, abandoning the campaign wasn’t an option for anyone.
——
Now!
"How could a mortal dynasty possibly defeat an Integration-level influence?"
Upon receiving the news, Li Taichang’s first reaction was disbelief. The notion was too preposterous—something so improbable that even fictional tales wouldn’t dare to write such events.
"Clan Leader, all the information is accurate! I sent several Hidden Guards to confirm it, and they all reported the same findings." Although the tone of the Dark Department Elder was steeped in incredulity, the facts left no room for doubt.
Seeing the elder’s resolute guarantee, Li Taichang’s suspicion eased slightly. He asked, "Do you know anything about this mortal dynasty?"
The elder promptly handed over the intelligence gathered recently, then sat down on a chair, waiting for the clan leader to initiate further questioning.
"Are you certain all this information is correct?" While reading the jade slip detailing the Dafeng Liu family’s activities in recent years, Li Taichang still found it hard to believe.
In truth, had it not been for the Dafeng Dynasty’s recent defeat of an Integration-level influence—shocking the surrounding powers—the Li family wouldn’t have taken notice of them.
"The Dafeng Dynasty exhibits an intense obsession with land acquisition. If they manage to conquer Wanzhu State, then the Shanhai State where our family resides will undoubtedly become their next target."
Li Taichang said in a grave tone, "Moreover, once they swallow up vast tracts of land, their strength will elevate further; perhaps even Ancestor Rui won’t be able to stop them at that point."
The intelligence from the past decades corroborated his words. This sudden emergence and meteoric rise of the Dafeng Dynasty caused mounting unease. They could not be allowed to expand unchecked, or the scenario Li Taichang described could very well come true!
"Clan Leader, do you plan to engage them in battle? Yet without Ancestor Rui leaving seclusion, the other family elders likely cannot extinguish the Dafeng Dynasty." The Dark Department Elder was deeply concerned that rash action might cast the family into jeopardy.
"Therefore, I plan to request Ancestor Rui’s intervention—to nip them in the bud before they mature further." Li Taichang resolutely declared.
For any entity that threatened the family’s safety, even those posing potential risks, he would show no mercy!
Upon hearing this, the Dark Department Elder refrained from commenting further. Observing Li Taichang deeply preoccupied, he quietly departed.
Soon after, Li Taichang hurried to Li Zhirui’s secluded cave mansion, carrying two jade slips, gently striking the Knocking Bell at its entrance.
Li Zhirui, who was currently drawing in Spiritual Energy, frowned lightly, concluding his cultivation. After roughly a quarter-hour, he arose, withdrew the protective Formation, and admitted his visitor.
"What brings the clan leader here today?"
"Forgive me for disturbing Ancestor Rui’s cultivation, but the family faces imminent danger that other members cannot resolve, leaving no choice but to seek your aid."
Li Zhirui waved his hand dismissively and replied, "No need for such formalities. As a member of the family, how could I stand by idly in the face of peril? But tell me, what is the matter?"
"Ancestor Rui, you’ll understand after reviewing this." As he spoke, Li Taichang offered the two jade slips with both hands. 𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑝𝘶𝘣.𝑐𝘰𝘮
Li Zhirui browsed through them swiftly. A hint of surprise flickered across his gaze; he hadn’t expected to encounter the presence of a Human Dao dynasty near the family’s territory.
"This indeed poses a threat to the family." Li Zhirui nodded and added, "Leave this matter to me."
As the family’s foremost authority on Human Dao dynasties—and holding a complete Inheritance Method of one—Li Zhirui had numerous ways to dismantle a dynasty and make it collapse from within.
Li Taichang’s eyes lit up instantly upon hearing this. Believing in Li Zhirui’s unparalleled capabilities, he refrained from probing further.
"Wishing Ancestor Rui success and an early return."
Li Zhirui nodded before transforming into Spirit Light and departing Mount Wanxian.
Having spent years in seclusion, an urge for action surfaced, making him appear unusually enthusiastic.
Instead of heading directly to the battlefield, Li Zhirui infiltrated Dafeng Dynasty’s interior. In this realm, under the pervasive Human Dao Law Net, his power was suppressed to approximately the Nascent Soul level.
However, Li Zhirui remained unmoved, for his stratagem did not require overwhelming strength.
Through analyzing the intelligence gathered by the family, Li Zhirui quickly identified Dafeng’s greatest weakness: its rigidly fixed hierarchy!
It would be more accurate to describe Dafeng as a sprawling Liu family clan rather than as a kingdom comprising millions of mortals!
Beyond the scribes and low-ranking officials—who might be civilian scholars, wealthy individuals, or participants in merit examinations—every higher governmental position was occupied by Liu family members!
Inside the imperial court where the monarch held morning sessions, all ministers were of Liu bloodline. Apart from attendants, there wasn’t a single official of external descent.
And this was Dafeng Dynasty’s fatal flaw and weakness.
Li Zhirui intended to exploit this issue to achieve his objectives while gaining deeper insight into the operational mechanisms of Human Dao dynasties—knowledge that might prove useful in the future.
After all, as more aristocratic families and rebellious royals established dynasties, tensions with Immortal Dao influences would intensify, inevitably leading to conflict someday!
