Astral Apostle

Beside a main road, in the open-air teahouse.

Many passersby stopped here to drink tea and chat.

The topic he was talking about naturally could not escape the recent changes in the situation. It was the Imperial Court's failure to conquer Huyang.

"Chen Feng raised a rebel flag and gathered a million people in Huyang. He's really a huge bandit that hasn't been seen in a hundred years. Now that he has repelled the soldiers, I wonder what other actions he will take."

"Since they're rebels, they'll most likely sweep through the world. At that time, there will be wars everywhere, and the world will be in chaos."

"Sigh, the Imperial Court's expedition was fruitless and they even lost Huyang. Now that Chen Feng's wings are full, I think the Imperial Court will find it difficult to restrain him."

"Hmph, even if the soldiers flood Huyang, they're not good people."

"Be careful with your words!"

Everyone chatted with each other casually.

This area was located in the north of the Central Plains, and the chaos in Huyang had yet to spread here. Although everyone's tone was solemn and they were worried about the future, they were not terrified.

Now, Chen Feng's name was already related to the word "rebel". The people outside Huyang did not dare to support Chen Feng clearly. Most of them restrained their words and stood carefully on the Imperial Court's side.

Towards Chen Feng, the people everywhere had complicated feelings. While they admired this person's actions of getting rid of evil and killing the nobles, they also felt that this person was too chaotic, rebelling and wreaking havoc in the chaotic world.

The rich hated it, and the people who could still feed themselves were in awe. Occasionally, there would be complaints, but only those at the bottom were hardcore supporters. The opinions of different people were biased, but other than the people of Huyang, most people wanted to keep a respectful distance.

In the corner of the teahouse sat two young men. Their clothes were black and white, and they were both heroic figures, but the aura between their eyebrows was different.

The white-clothed young man's name was Wei Zhong, and he had a gentle temperament. As for the black-clothed young man, his name was Jiang Di, and he had sharp eyebrows.

The two of them came from the same sect and had been down the mountain for many days.

Hearing the chatter of the others, Jiang Di's eyes flashed as he smiled.

"This Chen Feng is well known for getting rid of evil and enforcing justice on behalf of the heavens. Senior Brother, what do you think of this person?"

Wei Zhong took a sip of tea and said softly, "Junior Brother, do you want to ask if this person is worth submitting to?"

Jiang Di chuckled, "That's right. This person claims to have caused trouble on behalf of the people. It's probably to Senior Brother's liking. Moreover, he's the number one expert in the world now. He might be able to achieve something."

Hearing this, Wei Zhong pondered for a while before shaking his head,

"When this person rebelled, his declaration was to be the heavens to mete justice on behalf of the bullied and consider himself a king. Everyone should be equal, and the nobles should be killed. Although he's quite heroic, it's more like he rose up with the resentment of the people. It's not a long-term plan to improve the lives of the people.

The hatred of the people can be utilized for a while, but not forever. For the time being, it might allow him sweep through the world. However, if it were to finish using it in one go, it would be difficult to continue. The foundation of the people was still to survive on food and clothing, their anger can only be a driving force for a short period of time.

Moreover, everyone has their own interests. After Chen Feng becomes powerful, there will definitely be people under him who will corrupt and covet utilitarianism for their own benefit. At that time, they will feel like they are above the common people. At that time, how can we talk about equality? Therefore, in my opinion, this Chen Feng is brave, but in fact, he can only cause chaos and a temporary disaster. In the end, I'm afraid it will be difficult for him to succeed."

When Jiang Di heard this, he chuckled, "What Senior Brother sees is quite compatible with me. It can only hold the hearts of the people for a while, but it won't last long."

Wei Zhong raised his eyebrows, "Junior Brother, you don't think highly of Chen Feng either?"

The corners of Jiang Di's mouth curled up as he casually commented, "This Chen Feng is rash and overly violent. He relied on his own martial strength to end those noble families, leaving no way out. He's not a hero and is not worth submitting to. Only the poor are willing to seek refuge with him, and there won't be any scholars from the noble families who will be willing to follow him. How can he fight for supremacy in the world like this?

Even if he takes advantage of a temporary situation and is lucky enough to overthrow the Imperial Court, he won't be able to sit firmly in such a place. In the end, he will only benefit others."

Wei Zhong pursed his lips and shook his head in silence.

Although they did not think highly of Chen Feng's uprising, the two of them had different intentions. Compared to him, his junior brother placed value on a person's chances for supremacy more.

Wei Zhong was not surprised by this. They had learned together since they were young, so he knew very well that his junior brother's ambition to show off was far greater than his own.

At this moment, Jiang Di spoke again and changed the topic, "Chaotic times are approaching. Master wants us to make contributions. Have you made a plan? Do you want to help the Imperial Court pacify the chaotic times, or support a lord to vy for supremacy in the world?"

Wei Zhong composed himself and sighed, "I haven't thought about it yet. I plan to go to the capital first to see the Imperial Court and see if Great Xia can still be saved."

Jiang Di nodded and said slowly, "In that case, we'll part ways here."

Wei Zhong was stunned, "Junior Brother?"

Jiang Di's eyes flickered, "In troubled times, heroes will rise together. A hero will definitely appear. I plan to travel around and move when the time comes. I'll choose a hero to assist, so my paths lie in a different direction."

Wei Zhong was silent, but he was not too surprised.

Although the two of them were from the same sect, their pursuits were different. His junior brother had always been arrogant. Compared to joining forces with him, he was more inclined to walk alone and establish his own achievements.

"Sigh, looks like we have to part ways eventually. Let's do it today."

Wei Zhong sighed. He knew that his junior brother had made up his mind and did not persuade him to stay.

"Alright, see you in the martial world… Perhaps one day, you and I will have a chance to compete."

After Jiang Di finished speaking, he stood up and left the teahouse.

After taking a few steps, he paused and looked at Wei Zhong through the railing. He casually spoke out,

"Also… don't die easily."

With that, Jiang Di no longer lingered and strode towards the west.

Wei Zhong shook his head, paid the bill, and left the teahouse, walking in another direction.

On the main road where the sun was gradually setting, the two of them walked further and further away, going their separate ways.

...

As the military intelligence of Huyang's defeat spread back to the capital, the court and the public were shaken.

Another day of the court assembly.

Capital Palace, Extreme Purple Hall.

"The 400,000-strong army sought out the bandits, but in the end, they returned in defeat. The commander-in-chief of the three armies is actually so incompetent. It's all in vain!"

The Emperor flew into a rage, and the ministers did not dare to speak.

When the Emperor was tired of cursing, Qin Song stepped out of the crowd and carefully spoke,

"Your Majesty is right. Although the two generals, Ma Zhen and Huang Ping, have sacrificed their lives for the country, it's difficult to absolve themselves of the blame for not being able to lead the troops. They spent the money of the national treasury without any achievements… The commander-in-chief of the three armies is protected by Privy Pang. I wonder what Privy Pang has to say?"

The Emperor's gaze immediately turned to Pang Hong in an unfriendly manner.

Pang Hong swallowed a mouthful of saliva and hurriedly knelt on the ground to apologize, "This subject doesn't know how to judge people. This subject is guilty!"

The Emperor said coldly, "Privy Pang has worked hard to facilitate the dispatch of troops. I originally had high hopes, but you've disappointed me."

"This subject is guilty!"

Pang Hong was sweating profusely as he cursed Ma Zhen countless times in his heart.

He had instructed Ma Zhen to delay the battle for a long time, but in the end, the guy did not even last half a year.

Now, not only would he not earn much money, but he would also be a burden.

At this moment, Minister Lu Wenzong took a few steps forward as if he wanted to defend Pang Hong. He said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, although Ma Zhen was defeated, he also protected most of his military strength. Moreover, he adopted the strategy of attempting to drown the bandits, but in the end, his efforts were in vain."

It would have been fine if this matter had not been mentioned. Now that it was mentioned, the ministers got agitated and began to criticize Ma Zhen.

On the surface, the ministers objected to the vicious plan of flooding Huyang. After all, they had to consider their reputation.

There were some things that could be done but could not be said. If they had publicly stood by his side, he would probably be criticized as well and would never be able to clear the stain on their name… especially since this plan had failed.

If he failed, the other party had to be in the wrong.

Moreover, if they were defeated, someone had to take the blame. No one wanted to take the reins for such a runaway horse at this point.

However, regardless of whether the ministers secretly supported the flood plan, they felt that Ling Fengzi's disaster relief actions were very inappropriate.

Soon, someone from the clean officials faction with a furious expression impeached him.

"Your Majesty, although Ma Zhen's actions are wrong, Perfected Master Windwalker's actions are even more erroneous. As a Heavenly Master of the court, he actually helped the rebels to provide disaster relief. This matter has already spread among the people and greatly damaged the face of the Imperial Court. We can't continue to indulge Perfected Master Windwalker. Your Majesty, please investigate!"

The ministers echoed with similar attitudes.

An expert representing the Imperial Court actually helped the rebels. How improper was this? Even disaster relief was not allowed!

This impact to their reputation was too bad, making people not dare to think too deeply about it!

According to the officials, the extermination plan was wrong, but this was the predicament of the rebels. The officials should sit back and do nothing, or they would be helping the rebels indirectly.

This clearly exposed their true thoughts… Although they shouted their objections, if the flood plan could really severely injure the rebels, they would most likely be happy to see it happen. Even though they criticized the plan strictly, they were secretly happy. As for the ten thousand people of Huyang being affected, naturally no one took it seriously.

Hearing the impeachment of the ministers, the Emperor's eyes flickered. Finally, he slowly spoke,

"Perfected Master Windwalker must have a reason for doing this. When he returns, we'll let him explain clearly. There's no need to mention it again."

It was inevitable that he would suspect Perfected Master Windwalker, but he still suppressed it.

With the example of Ma Zhen being captured in the midst of ten thousand troops, the importance of Ling Fengzi rose in the Emperor's heart again.

...

On the other side, Huyang, Hongzhou Prefecture.

Zhou Jing stood on the city tower and looked down at the stronghold troops entering the city.

Now that the Dragon King Stronghold had officially occupied the state and taken over the city, the various prefectures in Huyang were basically taken over by the stronghold and became a faction that ruled over a territory.

He looked at it for a while before retracting his gaze. He opened the interface and looked at the message.

[Triggered achievement: Overlord]

[Obtained 10,000 Astral Points, 20 Information State Particles, x1 [Aptitude Enhancement - Charm (Medium)], x1 [Aptitude Enhancement - Command (Small)]

[Life Objective [Aristocrats Are Not Born, They Are Bred] has been completed.]

[Obtained 80 Information State Particles]

[Current Apostle Permanence Progress: 947/240]

"As expected, once I secede Huyang, I've completed this life objective. There's only one last objective left now… In addition, I've repelled the soldiers and severely injured the prestige of the Imperial Court, creating a future world situation to capitalize on. In the future, there will be continuous collection and placement benefits. It's very easy for my permanence progress to increase to more than 1,000."

Zhou Jing nodded to himself.

The first step of the strategy had been achieved. The Dragon King Stronghold would develop their base here as outlaws and rebels.

The next step should be to personally lead the troops to attack the nearby area and use his unstoppable personal martial strength to break through city after city, acting as though they were nomadic bandits.

Overthrowing the Imperial Court was not his direct goal. Killing the noble families was his last life objective. If he did not kill enough noble families, changing dynasties would not satisfy his life requirements.

However, the aristocratic families were scattered everywhere. Time and effort was needed to uproot them one by one.

The moment he killed more nobles in the south, the aristocratic families would naturally be frightened and be forced to migrate to a safe area, such as going north to the capital to take refuge.

After all… with Ling Fengzi guarding the capital, at least in the eyes of the aristocratic families, it would not fall.

At that time, he could harvest them!

"As for the next target…"

Zhou Jing touched his chin, his eyes flickering.

He might as well choose his neighbor, Jiangchun. After all, he was too familiar with Ning Tian Prefecture.

In this auxiliary capital of Great Xia, there was a nest of nobles. There were aristocratic families with hundreds of years of history, country founding nobles, and relatives of the royal family. They had everything and could allow him to kill to his heart's content.

Zhou Jing narrowed his eyes, "It just so happens that the Ning Tian Prefecture's aristocratic families invited a bunch of experts to kill me last time. It's time to settle the score with this group of people behind the scenes, lest they really think that the matter is over."

(TL Note: Well, the author last wrote this in July 2022. Let's see when he'll pick it up again. I'll be back b*tches! - Chuchutrain, Nov 2022)