Chapter 497: Reorganizing the Court

After offering incense to Gu Shentong, Zi Xun stood silently before the censer for a moment, as if she had a thousand words to say but chose to remain silent. Taking a deep breath, she finally turned around. Throughout this, no one disturbed her.

Suddenly, a deafening thunderclap echoed through the clear sky, and a vast bolt of heavenly lightning struck down on the White Jade Mountain where Gu Shentong's spirit hall was located.

An explosion in the spirit hall?

Almost everyone was furious. Such audacity! To bomb Gu Shentong's spirit hall during his grand funeral, with eighty million mourners present? Who would dare such an outrageous act?

The four princes and Huan Tu Long simultaneously glared at the sky, searching for the powerful intruder.

The massive White Jade Mountain had lost a third of its structure, and the spirit hall's entrance was blown apart, revealing many items within.

Who was bold enough to do this? Seeking death?

Everyone looked towards the figure in the sky, and as they recognized her, the four princes' pupils constricted simultaneously. Zhong Shan also recognized her at once.

"Nü Qinghui!" Gu Qianyou clenched her fists and glared angrily at the woman in the sky.

The woman wore a veil, hiding her features, but her figure exuded an enchanting aura. It was she who had just bombed the spirit hall.

"Nü Qinghui, what are you doing?" Huan Tu Long glared, then rapidly ascended towards her.

Nü Qinghui lowered her head, casting a glance at Huan Tu Long.

With just one look, Huan Tu Long's ascent halted abruptly as if a powerful force had pushed him back. He crashed back to the ground, raising a cloud of dust. Though uninjured, he had clearly lost in that brief confrontation.

"Heavenly Extreme Realm? You've reached the Heavenly Extreme Realm? How is this possible?" Huan Tu Long exclaimed in shock.

Everyone knew that Nü Qinghui was an Imperial Extreme Realm cultivator. However, Huan Tu Long couldn't be mistaken—only someone at the Heavenly Extreme Realm could defeat him so effortlessly. Had she really ascended to the Heavenly Extreme Realm?

Moreover, most Heavenly Extreme Realm experts had taken a wisp of Primal Chaos Purple Qi and gone into seclusion. Why hadn't Nü Qinghui? Had she broken through in just the past few days since Gu Shentong's death?

The Heavenly Extreme Realm was the highest realm in Shenzhou. Nü Qinghui had actually reached it?

"Nü Qinghui Daojun, His Majesty has already passed. What is the meaning of this?" Gu Zhengyi suddenly spoke.

Daojun—there was only one Daojun in the world, the Crow Daojun, and now there was another.

"This is between me and him. You'd best not interfere," Nü Qinghui said coldly.

Hearing Nü Qinghui's blunt dismissal, a chill flashed in Gu Zhengyi's eyes.

"You still want to kill him? He's already dead, utterly annihilated. What more do you want?"

From below came an angry shout.

Everyone was slightly surprised, looking towards the censer where Zi Xun stood.

Zi Xun was reprimanding Nü Qinghui?

Those unaware of Zi Xun's identity couldn't help but worry for her.

Zi Xun's outburst indeed provoked a reaction from Nü Qinghui, who instantly appeared before her.

"Have you finally acknowledged him?" Nü Qinghui said softly.

"Hmph!" Zi Xun snorted coldly, ignoring Nü Qinghui.

Witnessing this scene, most people were dumbfounded. This felt awkward. Nü Qinghui, no matter her past, was now a Daojun, a Heavenly Extreme Realm expert. And Zi Xun, a few decades ago, was merely at the Imperial Extreme Realm.

Yet now, their conversation made it seem as if Nü Qinghui was trying to curry favor with Zi Xun. Everyone rubbed their eyes in disbelief.

"Sigh!" Nü Qinghui sighed slightly, clearly helpless against Zi Xun's attitude.

"Daojun Nü Qinghui, His Majesty had instructed that if he were to die and you came to create chaos, we should not stop you. However, as His Majesty's followers, we have a duty to protect his dignity. I hope that the heavenly thunder just now has exhausted all your hatred. Please do not take any excessive actions," Gu Zhengyi stepped forward and spoke.

Despite Nü Qinghui's formidable strength, as the future ruler, he needed to demonstrate invincible courage. Certain responsibilities had to be fulfilled.

Nü Qinghui glanced at Zi Xun. Hearing Gu Zhengyi's words, her eyes turned cold. Just as she was about to respond, her gaze shifted elsewhere, widening in surprise.

Nü Qinghui was now looking at Zhong Shan, who stood not far away.

Seeing Nü Qinghui suddenly ignore him and look at Zhong Shan instead, Gu Zhengyi felt a wave of displeasure. However, his years of self-control kept his expression unchanged as he observed the two.

Others, too, were puzzled. Why would Nü Qinghui focus on Zhong Shan?

Nü Qinghui was a Heavenly Extreme Realm expert. This peerless powerhouse was acting very strangely today. First, she justified her shocking act of bombing the spirit hall as if it were a matter of course. Then, upon Zi Xun's reprimand, she stopped her actions, her confidence seemingly deflated. Now, she ignored Gu Zhengyi and fixated on Zhong Shan.

What was happening today? Everything seemed so irrational.

"You're still alive?" Nü Qinghui suddenly spoke, her eyes flashing with disbelief and surprise.

Alive? She had personally witnessed Zhong Shan's fatal injury back then—an arrow to his vital organs that should have been lethal.

Hearing Nü Qinghui's words, everyone was puzzled. Zhong Shan was obviously alive. How could he not be?

Zhong Shan's pupils contracted slightly as if he recalled something. Gu Qianyou, sensing something amiss, was about to question Nü Qinghui but was stopped by Zhong Shan, who gestured for her to remain silent. Gu Qianyou could only glare angrily at Nü Qinghui.

Zi Xun, standing before Nü Qinghui, suddenly reacted to her words, her previous cold demeanor transforming into anger.

"Is it Zhong Shan? Did she really choose Zhong Shan?" Zi Xun glared angrily at Nü Qinghui.

Most people were completely bewildered by Zi Xun's sudden fury. What was going on? Were they playing some sort of riddle game?

Nü Qinghui, too, was momentarily baffled by Zi Xun's anger but quickly realized that the "she" Zi Xun referred to was Nian Youyou.

"Yes, it's Zhong Shan," Nü Qinghui nodded.

Upon Nü Qinghui's confirmation, Zi Xun bit her lip and fell into deep silence. Seeing Zi Xun's icy gaze, Nü Qinghui felt a tightening in her chest, as if she had realized something.

"If Zhong Shan dies because of you, I will never forgive you for eternity!" Zi Xun declared.

Then, she cast a deep look at Zhong Shan before stepping away and disappearing instantly.

Too sudden! Zi Xun had just dared to threaten a Heavenly Extreme Realm expert!

Apart from the four princes and Huan Tu Long, everyone else was utterly astonished and incredulous.

As Zi Xun left, Nü Qinghui's brow furrowed deeply. From Zi Xun's words, it was clear that she cared a great deal about Zhong Shan. But why Zhong Shan?

Nü Qinghui glanced deeply at Zhong Shan, her eyes filled with complexity, before disappearing in a flicker. The four princes finally breathed a sigh of relief but looked at Zhong Shan with strange expressions. Zhong Shan?

After the two women left, Zhong Shan wasted no time. He was well aware of the implications of their conversation and attitudes, but these matters had to remain unspoken, buried deep within him.

"Let's go!" Zhong Shan commanded.

The million-strong Zhong family army quickly assembled and followed Zhong Shan away. None of the surrounding generals dared to stop them and made way for their departure.

Once they were far enough, Gu Qianyou softly asked Zhong Shan, "What's the deal with Zi Xun?"

"You saw it all, didn't you?" Zhong Shan's eyes flashed with a hint of apology.

Seeing Zhong Shan's expression, Gu Qianyou immediately understood. Pouting, she said, "You philanderer, always leaving a trail of affection. I'll tell my two sisters when we get back so they can deal with you."

Gu Qianyou's words were harsh, implying that she would let Bao'er and Ling'er handle Zhong Shan. However, this also showed her deep affection for him. Even knowing this news, she couldn't bear to truly blame him.

Looking at Gu Qianyou, Zhong Shan felt a wave of emotion.

Zhong Shan left, departing from the ancient abyss.

At this time, the power structure of Shenzhou had changed drastically again.

The leading forces remaining were the Three Holy Lands and the Three Great Empires:

Longevity RealmNetherworld HeavenCreation God PalaceGreat Sage EmpireGreat Qin EmpireGreat Li Empire

One year later, Tianlang Island, Dazhen Dynasty, Xuanjing, Longevity Hall.

In the Longevity Hall, Zhong Shan sat on the Nine Dragon Heavenly Chair, looking at the assembled ministers.

"From today, I appoint Shuijing as the commander of the sixth legion of the Dazhen Dynasty," Zhong Shan announced.

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!" Shuijing stepped forward to receive his appointment.

The six commanders of the Dazhen Dynasty were:

First Legion Commander, Lin XiaoSecond Legion Commander, Wei YinglanThird Legion Commander, Yi YanFourth Legion Commander, Mr. CorpseFifth Legion Commander, Shui WuhenSixth Legion Commander, Shuijing

This grand assembly of commanders was impressive. Even an ordinary imperial court didn't have so many wise leaders.

Zhong Shan then looked at Liu Wushuang.

Zhong Shan knew Liu Wushuang well. From her past experience, sacrificing herself to the wolves and enduring years of torment to eventually tame the little wolf, her resolve and capability were evident. Although she wasn't as precise in handling military affairs as the six commanders, she understood her role deeply, never overstepping her bounds, and was self-disciplined. Most importantly, she was loyal to Zhong Shan.

Such a person was perfect for a position Zhong Shan had in mind.

"Liu Wushuang!" Zhong Shan called.

"Present," Liu Wushuang responded immediately.

"I appoint you as the Chief Commander of the Jinyiwei under the Imperial Guard of the Dazhen Dynasty, responsible for overseeing all matters and reporting directly to me," Zhong Shan decreed.

Overseeing the entire empire and reporting only to the emperor? Such immense power! Everyone turned to look at Liu Wushuang, who usually kept a low profile. They had anticipated that Zhong Shan would eventually utilize her, but they hadn't expected him to grant her such significant authority.

Chief Commander of the Jinyiwei? Imperial Guard?

Not everyone was aware that the Imperial Guard consisted of two departments: the Jinyiwei, operating openly, and the Shadow Guard, working in the shadows. The Shadow Guard was commanded by the Dark Emperor.

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!" Liu Wushuang accepted her appointment.