Chapter 498: Towards the Glory of Dazhen

Shenzhou, Southeastern region.

This region was known as the Land of Chaos.

The Land of Chaos housed eight major royal dynasties and nearly a hundred smaller kingdoms. There were no imperial dynasties nearby to pose a threat, making it seem like an isolated area, yet it was vast in scope.

Anyone skilled in feng shui would recognize this place as a gathering spot for qi, a land of potential.

The ultimate principle of the world is that prolonged division leads to unity, and prolonged unity leads to division. Such a chaotic land would eventually give rise to an imperial dynasty to bring an end to the turmoil.

However, over the years, countless royal dynasties had risen and fallen, but none had ever ascended to become an imperial dynasty.

The eight major royal dynasties were established through endless bloodshed on the battlefield, each capable of intimidating nearly ten smaller kingdoms.

Although news from across Shenzhou reached the Land of Chaos, those tales of heavenly dynasties and sacred lands remained beyond the reach of its inhabitants.

Normally, after prolonged contention, a single imperial dynasty would eventually rise to unify the region. However, establishing an imperial dynasty was no easy feat. Each of the eight royal dynasties aspired to this goal, but it was exceedingly difficult.

Shenzhou had only three heavenly dynasties, and less than a hundred imperial dynasties. In such a vast land, the emergence of an imperial dynasty was no quick or easy matter.

The eight royal dynasties occupied the region's eight directions, forming a circle around the Land of Chaos. The central area remained unclaimed, held only by smaller kingdoms.

It wasn't that the eight royal dynasties were unwilling; none wanted to be the first to make a move. Whichever dynasty touched the central area would become the target of the other seven unless it had the strength to dominate the entire Land of Chaos.

A year ago, the central region was ruled by an ordinary kingdom, which was suddenly eliminated by an unknown force, replaced by a new rising power.

This new power was believed to be a dynasty, but the emperor had never appeared, and there was no sign of its fate energy. Thus, people assumed it was merely a kingdom.

This kingdom bore the banner of 'Zhen.'

The Dazhen Kingdom?

The eight royal dynasties' royal families paid little attention, as the Land of Chaos was full of kingdoms that frequently rose and fell. The emergence of the Dazhen Kingdom wasn't particularly noteworthy.

The appearance of the 'Dazhen Kingdom' was indeed subtle. After seizing the central area, it did not expand but continuously recruited and trained soldiers.

The capital of the 'Dazhen Kingdom' was named 'Guangling,' after the former kingdom's name. Within Guangling City, in the imperial palace.

Zhong Shan had arrived. This time, it was Zhong Shan's shadow body that had come.

The true Zhong Shan was stationed on Tianlang Island, while the shadow body commanded the military campaigns.

In the palace, Zhong Shan, dressed in black robes, exuded immense authority as he looked at Shui Wuhen, the Chief Commander of the Jinyiwei of the Dazhen Dynasty.

"Continue," Zhong Shan ordered.

"Yes, Your Majesty. The Great Luo Heavenly Dynasty has collapsed. Gu Shentong passed the throne to Gu Zhengyi. Nearly half of the Great Luo Heavenly Dynasty's strength is now under Gu Zhengyi's control. He has established a new dynasty called 'Yong,' the Great Yong Dynasty," Shui Wuhen reported.

"The Great Yong Dynasty? Ascending to an imperial dynasty should not be too difficult for them. It won't take more than a few decades," Zhong Shan nodded.

"Indeed, the current Great Yong Dynasty is likely the largest among the world's dynasties," Liu Wushuang nodded.

"Mm. And what about Gu Xuan, Gu Taizong, and Gu Zhantian?" Zhong Shan continued his inquiry.

"Gu Taizong, formerly known as Prince Taizong, has established the Tang Dynasty," Liu Wushuang reported. "Gu Zhantian, formerly Prince Zhantian, founded the Spring and Autumn Dynasty. Gu Xuan, formerly Prince Xuan, created the Yongle Dynasty."

"And Huan Tu Long?" Zhong Shan asked.

"Huan Tu Long, along with most of the former Great Luo Heavenly Dynasty's officials, have joined the Great Yong Dynasty," Liu Wushuang replied.

The Great Yong Dynasty led by Gu Zhengyi, the Tang Dynasty by Gu Taizong, the Spring and Autumn Dynasty by Gu Zhantian, and the Yongle Dynasty by Gu Xuan.

Zhong Shan nodded, understanding the power dynamics of the four princes. They all had military strength, resources, and established systems; what they lacked was the crucial element of fate. Starting from a kingdom, they were rapidly rising, accumulating boundless fate energy. However, achieving imperial status would require decades of effort. Ascending to a heavenly dynasty was a goal far beyond short-term reach.

Acknowledging Liu Wushuang's report with a nod, Zhong Shan gestured for her to step back. Before him stood the six commanders of the Dazhen Dynasty: Lin Xiao, Wei Yinglan, Yi Yan, Mr. Corpse, Shui Wuhen, and Shuijing.

Zhong Shan took a deep breath and said, "Yinglan, Yi Yan, Lin Xiao, you've all worked hard recently."

Lin Xiao and Yi Yan, unperturbed, smiled and replied, "Minor nations, easily conquered."

Wei Yinglan, however, was slightly excited—not about the military achievements but about Zhong Shan's praise, which she valued above all else.

"Uncle, why aren't we continuing the offensive?" Wei Yinglan asked.

"There's no need to rush. Right now, it's too early for constant expansion. What I want is to swallow the entire Land of Chaos in one fell swoop," Zhong Shan explained.

"Yes!" everyone responded promptly.

"The Land of Chaos is vast, at least ten times the size of Tianlang Island. This will be our first step into Shenzhou. Eight royal dynasties? Each one will be no match for even one of our legions. Your task is to gather strength continuously. In ten years, we will launch a full-scale war. You six will compete to see who is the strongest. Even as a kingdom, Dazhen will be the strongest kingdom, the first in Shenzhou," Zhong Shan declared confidently.

"Yes!" the commanders echoed, nodding.

They all knew the capabilities of their colleagues. With such a lineup, which royal dynasty could compare? Even an ordinary imperial dynasty couldn't match their combined wisdom. The greatest challenge was filling the ranks of mid-level and lower-level officials to support Dazhen's expansion and fortify its structure.

"Of course, if you get bored during these ten years, you can try infiltrating the other dynasties. Our Guangling City is surrounded by enemies. Each of you should choose a direction to target. When the time comes, attack with full force," Zhong Shan said with a smile.

The six commanders had no objections and began planning their future campaigns.

The outside world was oblivious that such a vast chaotic region was, at this moment, being divided by an external force. In ten years, they would take the world by storm.

After the meeting, everyone dispersed except Wei Yinglan, who stayed behind.

"Uncle, it's been a long time since you played chess with me," Wei Yinglan said, pouting.

Seeing her expression, Zhong Shan felt a warm surge of affection. "Alright, I'll play chess with you today. Let's see if my little Yinglan's chess skills have improved."

"What's so small about me?" Wei Yinglan muttered softly.

At the same time, on Tianlang Island, the true Zhong Shan sat in the Longevity Hall at Xuanjing.

Seated at the entrance of the Longevity Hall, surrounded by civil and military officials, today was an extremely important day for the Dazhen Dynasty: the day of the imperial examination.

Countless scholars and wise men gathered at the Dazhen Dynasty, preparing for the imperial exams. Zhong Shan's examination system was broad and inclusive, allowing even commoners with no martial skills to participate.

Starting from the county-level exams, candidates were selected step by step, gradually uncovering various talents.

This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In Tianlang Island, the Dazhen Dynasty was seen as the supreme authority, the ultimate power, fulfilling everyone's fantasies. The officials of the Dazhen Dynasty were seen as immortal beings, almost godlike.

To become an immortal? Could a mere mortal aspire to such a thing? Absolutely, as long as one passed the imperial exams and ascended through the ranks, the Dazhen Dynasty would provide the corresponding benefits. For those exceptionally talented, reaching the capital-level exams and then the palace exams would result in wealth, honor, and even longevity.

Thus, the opening of the Dazhen Dynasty's imperial exams stirred immense desire among scholars, who racked their brains to excel in the tests.

Now, it was time for the capital-level exams after several rounds of selections.

There were thirty-eight thousand candidates for the capital exams, but only a few would make it to the palace exams.

Zhong Shan looked at the scene with satisfaction. The strength of a dynasty didn't rely solely on discoveries and recommendations, which were too slow for development. The imperial exam was the quickest shortcut, capable of bringing countless talents, wise men, and strength to the Dazhen Dynasty in one go.

What about their low cultivation levels? They weren't needed for combat. With sufficient stipends, they could focus on their cultivation.

An imperial dynasty's strength wasn't built by one or a few people but by countless individuals.

In a certain mountain forest of Shenzhou, a grand palace stood.

Inside the palace sat an immensely imposing man, Han Jiguang, the former emperor of the Great Guang Dynasty, one of the two imperial dynasties destroyed by Zhong Shan.

Before Han Jiguang stood his two sons, both princes.

"Father, just as you predicted, the Great Luo Heavenly Dynasty fell within a few decades. The day of the Great Guang Dynasty's rise has come," the eldest prince said excitedly.

"Yes, Father. Over the years, we have also recruited many wise men into our dynasty, and with the 'Ice Army' as our foundation, restoring the glory of the Great Guang Dynasty isn't too difficult," the second prince said enthusiastically.

"Indeed," Han Jiguang nodded, setting aside his scroll.

"So, Father, when do we start? When do we establish the new dynasty?" the eldest prince asked again.

The second prince also seemed eager, clearly ready to get started.

"Ten years ago, the Great Guang Kingdom was already rebuilt, and it's about time it ascended to a royal dynasty," Han Jiguang said softly.

Upon hearing this, the two princes were stunned, their mouths agape in surprise.

They had been gearing up to establish a new dynasty, only to realize that their father had already begun rebuilding ten years ago. The two princes lowered their heads, realizing how short-sighted they had been compared to their father.