The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 732: Mainstay!

Mainstay! . . .

The words Zuo Wuji spoke left the five old men in a state of shock, their emotions surging like a fiery tempest within their chests. It was as if a dormant flame had been ignited, setting their blood abuzz with excitement.

Despite the seasoned calm that had long settled within their hearts, Wuji's words had the power to reignite their fervor. They had never anticipated that Zuo Wuji harbored such audacious ambitions—to conquer the entire world.

The vision he presented was so profound that even these experienced courtiers struggled to fathom it, despite their years of service within the court.

"Excellent!" The five men uttered in unison, their eyes fixed on Zuo Wuji, each harboring their unique sense of admiration.

In their hearts, he had transcended their previous perceptions. "We thought highly of him," they mused, "yet we had, in reality, underestimated him."

Zuo Wuji, in their eyes, was no longer just a promising courtier; he was a potential cornerstone of the court. The prospect of his future exploits loomed large in their minds, and it was not a stretch to imagine him becoming a legend, a name inscribed in the annals of history.

They marveled at his potential to become a myth—an individual who could singlehandedly unify the world. And in their estimation, he exceeded even that lofty expectation.

The five old men found themselves lost in introspection. "Why didn't we recognize his brilliance earlier?" They chided themselves for their previous misconceptions. "We had been entirely blind. How could we underestimate him in such a manner?"

They contemplated the trio they had often referred to as the "Three Lords in Town." Zuo Wuji, in their view, was actively working towards the unification of the world. Lan Langlang, the son of General Lan, was earning the respect and admiration of soldiers in the southern campaign and could become a figure of his father's caliber. As for Cha Eun Xiao, who had emerged as the head of the three, he had displayed exceptional prowess by leading a mere one hundred thousand troops to defeat Wenren Jianyin's one and a half million forces—a feat that astonished the world.

In reflection, the old men realized they had underestimated these young men. They had assumed that the trio squandered their potential in frivolous pursuits.

"We repeatedly deemed them as wastrels," they mused, "dismissed as idle lords. Yet, their worth was immeasurable. If they were deemed useless, what did that make our own sons and grandsons?"

Their self-reflection led to a heavy sigh. "Were we blinded by our arrogance and ignorance? We have lived many years, prided ourselves on our wisdom, and yet we were blind to their potential."

They conceded that their granddaughters would never measure up to the likes of Zuo Wuji.

With that realization, they reluctantly left for their duties. The grand purge within the Kingdom of Chen commenced promptly, sweeping away one obstruction after another in the city.

It was a lightning-fast and unrelenting effort, leaving no room for respite. This marked the day when Zuo Wuji showcased his aptitude for governance, foreshadowing his ascent to prominence as Prime Minister Zuo in the Kingdom of Chen. With a growing influence, he was now empowered to voice his opinions. What transpired next was the collaboration between the two most ambitious individuals, Zuo Wuji and Chen Xuantian, united by a shared aspiration—to conquer the world.

Their aspirations aligned seamlessly, forging a partnership that held the potential to change the course of history.

Following the extensive purge, the Kingdom of Chen transformed into a well-oiled machine, relentlessly ascending to new heights. Anyone daring to obstruct their progress faced swift and unforgiving eradication. The king remained unwavering in his determination to propel the kingdom to greater heights, while Zuo Wuji remained resolute in his ascent within the system.

The enduring legacy of the Kingdom of Chen had, in fact, begun with Zuo Wuji's pivotal report.

...

On the return journey from the northern campaign to the Kingdom of Chen, Cha Nantian rode at breakneck speed. His heart ached with anxiety, knowing that his son Cha Eun Xiao had led fewer than two hundred thousand troops against Wenren Jianyin's staggering force of one and a half million. His heart was tormented by concern.

Upon receiving the news, Cha Nantian had immediately issued the order to march westward. He was now halfway through the arduous journey, yet there was no respite for his racing thoughts. He pressed on without pause.

Cha Nantian couldn't fathom how his son, who had never experienced the rigors of battle, could possibly lead an army. The fact that he was now pitted against the formidable War God, Wenren Jianyin, only deepened Cha Nantian's anxiety.

He questioned the wisdom of the king's decision, yearning to return to the capital and confront him. He longed to demand answers, to ask if the king had lost all sense of conscience. Cha Nantian had risked his life in countless battles on the king's behalf, and now his own son was sent to the front lines. He wanted to implore the king, "What do you hope to achieve? Do you not feel a shred of conscience?"

As he continued his desperate rush, a vice-general approached with a pigeon in hand, but the pigeon was lifeless—a victim of the vice-general's fervent grip. Cha Nantian's heart pounded as he feared the worst.

"What could be happening in the west?" he wondered. "Could it be over already?"

He dared not entertain thoughts of victory; they seemed far beyond reach. Cha Eun Xiao, though intelligent and strong, lacked war experience and had never led troops into battle. Although Song Jue, his strategist, was there to assist, he was a warrior, not a seasoned commander. Their forces numbered no more than two hundred thousand, including numerous wounded soldiers in Iron Peak, while Wenren Jianyin commanded one and a half million troops. The odds were overwhelmingly stacked against Cha Eun Xiao.

Every aspect pointed to a probable defeat. Even more troubling, Cha Eun Xiao had made many enemies within the kingdom before departing for the campaign. As a result, he had no reinforcements or support from his homeland.

In the grand scheme of things, all signs indicated that Cha Eun Xiao was destined to lose.