Chapter 1021

Chapter 1021: Envoy of the Heavenly Army

In Hanhai County, at an unnamed mountain.

“Open the mountain!”

A robust shout prompted the laborers to swiftly retreat to safety from their toil under the scorching sun.

Boom!

Accompanied by a deafening explosion sound, a massive cloud of smoke instantly billowed from the pit ahead, with countless stones scattering in all directions as the mountainside collapsed extensively, mimicking a catastrophic earthquake.

The wildlife within a ten-mile radius fled their habitats as if facing an apocalypse.

The spectators of this explosion were left in awe, and after a prolonged silence, they burst into cheers in unison.

“Get to work!”

At the supervisor’s command, the quarry workers, who had been refugees just two months prior, rushed into the still-smoking pit to begin moving the freshly collapsed stones.

The green stones they mined were durable and resistant to weathering, ideal for crafting floor tiles and wall bricks.

Traditionally, quarry workers would have to painstakingly chip away at the mountainside with iron tools, a laborious and time-consuming process.

Now, with the use of explosives, a single blast yielded enough stones to keep hundreds of workers busy!

These premium green stones were to be polished into various sizes of blocks and transported by horse-drawn carts to a site ten miles away.

There, the foundation for a tower designed to exceed twenty zhang in height had just been laid.

Wang Chen named it the “Column of Mountains and Rivers.”

Moreover, seventy-two such Columns of Mountains and Rivers were to be erected across Hanhai County, strategically positioned at sites rich in spiritual energy, collectively forming the Great River and Mountain Formation.

This expansive formation not only harnessed spiritual energy but also concentrated the fortune of humanity, offering unparalleled support for Wang Chen’s quest to dominate the world!

To construct these seventy-two Columns of Mountains and Rivers, Wang Chen enlisted one hundred thousand robust refugees.

To date, West Sea County had absorbed over five hundred thousand refugees.

Despite prior preparations and substantial support from Fortune Celebration Commerce, the massive influx of refugees still imposed significant pressure on the two counties.

Wang Chen’s strategy involved recruiting the elderly, weak, women, and children among the refugees to cultivate and settle in West Sea County, while the able-bodied were tasked with mining and logging, ultimately selecting ten thousand to build the Columns of Mountains and Rivers.

This ensured that everyone was employed, using labor to prevent idleness.

Upon the completion of all seventy-two Columns of Mountains and Rivers, the ten thousand refugees would be integrated into the new Hanhai army.

Screech~

A falcon descended from the sky and perched on Wang Chen’s shoulder.

He retrieved the message tube and read the silk paper concealed within.

In the next instant, Wang Chen leapt into the air, a formidable surge of energy manifesting invisible wings behind him, propelling him skyward toward the county capital of West Sea County.

Many refugees laboring at the construction site of the Columns of Mountains and Rivers witnessed this spectacle and knelt in reverence, worshipping.

To them, Taibao Wang Chen was akin to a deity!

Utilizing the high-altitude winds, Wang Chen swiftly flew out of Hanhai County and landed in the royal palace of West Sea County.

After Princess Qingyun assumed control of West Sea County, she occupied the governor’s residence and a vast surrounding area, governing both counties and millions of citizens.

This royal palace, though not comparable to a true royal palace, was garrisoned by thirty thousand elite soldiers of the new Hanhai army, its defenses as impenetrable as a fortress.

“Master!”

As soon as Wang Chen landed, Princess Qingyun approached with her guards.

Wang Chen smiled and said, “Let’s go meet these fellows.”

Earlier, Princess Qingyun had sent him a flying eagle message, informing him that a delegation from the traitors occupying the south of Daliang had just arrived in the county capital of West Sea County, intending to establish an alliance.

Given the gravity of the situation, Princess Qingyun had urgently summoned Wang Chen back for discussions.

Wang Chen had little affection for the traitors, who, under the guise of overthrowing oppressive rule and serving the nation and its people, had colluded with restorationist factions like the Qianlong Society and heretics, stirring up countless rebellions both within and outside the court.

The once-mighty Daliang had fallen into its current state largely due to the traitors’ influence!

It was said that the traitors now controlled three southern counties and were expanding their reach into the eastern counties, their power growing ever stronger.

Wang Chen knew well that the forces he represented, under Princess Qingyun, would inevitably clash with the traitors.

However, for now, Hanhai County and West Sea County did not directly border the territories held by the traitors, so they maintained a peaceful coexistence.

He had not expected the traitors to send a delegation seeking an alliance.

This piqued Wang Chen’s curiosity, and he was eager to uncover their true intentions!

Thus, in the main hall of the governor’s residence, Wang Chen and Princess Qingyun jointly received the delegation that had traveled so far.

“I am Murong Huaide, envoy of the Heavenly Army, paying my respects to Your Highness, Princess, and to you, Taibao!”

A dignified and handsome young man in blue robes stood tall and composed, offering a respectful deep bow to Princess Qingyun and Wang Chen.

The Heavenly Army was the banner under which the traitors rallied, claiming to restore peace to the people. Their leader, Zhang Anliang, had proclaimed himself the “Holy Heavenly King” and had attained the cultivation level of sixth-level martial honor.

Zhang Anliang was also the most recently declared martial honor, with only four such honors publicly recognized by Daliang before him.

He was the fifth.

“Murong Huaide?”

Princess Qingyun paused. “Are you from the Murong family?”

The Murong family was one of Daliang’s most renowned noble houses, with influence and holdings spanning the north and south.

Yet, there had been no prior evidence linking the Murong family to the traitors.

“Yes,” Murong Huaide admitted calmly. “I am of the Murong family and currently serve the Holy Heavenly King.”

He gazed boldly at Princess Qingyun, his eyes radiating confidence.

Princess Qingyun frowned.

Murong Huaide exuded an aura like a drawn sword—sharp and gleaming—both in appearance and demeanor; he was undeniably an exceptional figure.

For a young girl in her early teens, a man like him would undoubtedly be captivating.

However, Princess Qingyun’s heart was already wholly occupied by another; even if Murong Huaide were ten times more remarkable, he could never hope to win even a sliver of her affection.

She found this envoy of the Heavenly Army somewhat lacking in courtesy and respect.

“Holy Heavenly King?”

Wang Chen smiled lightly. “What kind of man dares to call himself a king and add ‘holy’ to it?”

As an observer, he could clearly discern Murong Huaide’s intentions.

Trying to use charm? How laughable!

Murong Huaide’s expression shifted instantly.

Though he was a man of considerable composure, Wang Chen’s tone when mentioning Zhang Anliang carried an unmistakable disdain, striking a nerve with this scion of the Murong family!