"Scoundrel, you are going too far!"
Xiang Yu clenched his iron fist, a cyclone of energy swirling around him, the power of Ocean's Secret radiating outward, exuding an intimidating aura.
Fan Zeng looked up at the sky and sighed, "Perhaps it is fate. The long-absent Asura Hall has actually intervened in the affairs of the human realm. It seems that the Jiuzhou Continent is about to fall into chaos again. The people of Asura Hall are cruel and ruthless, killing without hesitation. Once they set their sights on something, they will surely achieve their goal. This time, it is actually Xuan Lian from Ascend to Godhood who has taken action personally. How unbelievable! What secrets do the Twelve Divine Artifacts hold?"
Ye Yang raised his sword, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, and said in a low voice, "Since Xuan Lian has already ascended to Godhood, why does he not go to the Divine Realm but remain in the human realm? What does this mean?"
"The Divine Realm?"
Zhang Liang smiled and said, "Zi Yu may not know this, but there are originally three realms between heaven and earth: the Divine Realm, the Human Realm, and the Underworld. These three realms cycle through life and death endlessly. However, thousands of years ago, the Divine Realm Gate was destroyed during the war between gods and demons. Now, although there are strong individuals in the human realm who have cultivated into divine bodies, they cannot ascend to the Divine Realm. This is one reason why Xuan Lian lingers in the human realm. I believe that the Twelve Divine Artifacts must be related to this."
Fan Zeng's gaze turned cold as he said, "Zhang Zifang, how do you know so much about the Divine Realm?"
Zhang Liang replied with a faint smile, "I once studied Tai Gong's Heavenly Book, which is why I know a thing or two."
"Tai Gong's Heavenly Book?"
Fan Zeng's expression darkened, and he said nothing further.
Ye Yang returned to his seat and sat down with Yun Xiaoxi's assistance, remaining silent.
...
Xiang Yu returned to his throne and quietly asked, "Father Yia, what should we do now? Liu Bang and Ye Yang—should we kill them or spare them? Killing Liu Bang would be as easy as reaching into a bag; it's just that Ye Yang is quite powerful himself and has Yun Xiaoxi protecting him. If I use Ocean's Secret's supreme Mind Method, I might have a seventy percent chance of success!"
Fan Zeng shook his head and said, "No need for that. With Xuan Lian emerging, chaos will inevitably ensue again in this world. Liu Bang and Ye Yang are insignificant. In my opinion, we should order Ye Yang to return to Qi Land for defense. As for Liu Bang's army, drive them out of Xianyang and command them to retreat to the remote Shu Region to fend for themselves! This central plain will naturally become your territory."
"Good!"
Xiang Yu stood up and cupped his fist towards Liu Bang from a distance, saying, "Brother Yi, I have something to say today; I hope you will remember it."
Liu Bang stood up and returned the gesture respectfully: "You may speak freely, my dear brother."
Xiang Yu said in a deep voice, "Today, my army will take control of Xianyang, leaving Liu's forces without support. The Central Plains are in chaos, with magical beasts rampant; it is indeed perilous. I have a good place prepared for you and your wife; it only depends on whether you are willing to accept it."
Liu Bang shuddered, and beside him, Zhang Liang whispered, "Pei Gong, whatever it is, just agree!"
"Alright!" Liu Bang nodded heavily while holding the Crimson Sky Sword.
Xiang Yu laughed heartily and said, "That’s wonderful. To the southwest of Xianyang lies the Shu Region. It is said that the dishes from the Shu Region are abundant, and the people of Shu are very hospitable. This land is rich and full of talented individuals. Today, I will take the liberty to grant Bashu and forty-one counties of Han to you, and I will confer Liu Bang the title of 'Han Wang'!"
"What? Bashu?!" Liu Bang stood there in shock and said softly, "This... this Bashu is located in the southern barbarian lands, filled with toxic air. The people are fierce and hard to tame. To send me to Bashu... isn't that putting me in danger?"
Xiang Yu noticed Liu Bang's astonishment and simply smiled, "What’s wrong, Han Wang? Now that Your Majesty King Huai has personally witnessed this and conferred you as Han Wang, Bashu Han Zhong will be your fief. Do you have any complaints?"
Zhang Liang quickly tugged at Liu Bang's sleeve and said, "Retreating to advance; marching into Bashu is a clever move. It may seem like a dead end, but there are hidden opportunities. Han Wang, shouldn't you express your gratitude?!"
Liu Bang complied readily and stepped forward quickly to kneel on the ground, saying, "Thank you for your grace, Xiang Yu! Thank you for your kindness, Chancellor Huai!"
As he spoke, Liu Bang and Zhang Liang nodded repeatedly and stood aside.
...
Xiang Yu then looked at Ye Yang and said, "Eastern General Ye Yang, heed my command."
Ye Yang stepped forward and clasped his fists together, saying, "Present!"
Xiang Yu glanced at Fan Zeng, who walked forward with a cane and said, "Convey Chancellor Huai's decree: Ye Yang is hereby conferred as Qi King and shall guard Qi Land!"
Ye Yang hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, Qi Land already has Qi Ling Wang; I dare not overstep!"
Fan Zeng frowned and said, "Then what do you intend to do? Are you going to defy the royal command? Ye Yang, this is the Sacred Edict for Qi King; immediately depose Qi Ling Wang and confer Eastern General Ye Yang as the New King of Qi. What’s wrong with that?"
Ye Yang had no choice but to respond solemnly, "I accept the decree!"
Stepping back cautiously, Wang Lie chuckled, "Congratulations, my lord, on being appointed as king!"
Ye Yang grinned, "This Qi King, hmph, giving others leverage; it's not worth it. Becoming the Qi King feels like sitting on pins and needles..."
Zhao Yun laughed, "Young Master need not be so humble. Our Hidden Dragon Hall is the Earth Guardian. What does it matter if Young Master becomes a king? Even if Young Master wishes to be an emperor, Silver Dragon Land can still help Young Master seize the world!"
Ye Yang was speechless and did not continue the conversation.
...
Next, Fan Zeng continued to read the Sacred Edict.
"Zhang Han, step forward to receive orders. Due to your outstanding military achievements and excellent command of troops, you are hereby appointed as Prince Yong, leading troops in Guanzhong to defend the region. No military force is allowed to step into Guanzhong!"
"Sima Xin, step forward to receive orders. Due to your outstanding military achievements and excellent command of troops, you are hereby appointed as the King of the Passes, leading troops in Guanzhong to defend the region. No military force is allowed to step into Guanzhong!"
"Dong Yi, step forward to receive orders. Due to your outstanding military achievements and excellent command of troops, you are hereby appointed as Zhai Wang, leading troops in Guanzhong to defend the region. No military force is allowed to step into Guanzhong!"
...
Liu Bang trembled with anger nearby, gritting his teeth and muttering in a low voice, "What a cunning and crafty Fan Zeng! One scheme fails and another arises. Letting Zhang Han, Sima Xin, and Dong Yi lead troops in Guanzhong clearly aims to choke my throat. Even if I, as Han Wang, enter Bashu, I won't be able to escape Han Zhong and will end up spending my days there without any chance to contend for the world!"
Zhang Liang stood aside and whispered, "Han Wang should remain calm. Let's first garrison Han Zhong; as long as we find capable generals, we need not worry about escaping Han Zhong."
"Mm!" Liu Bang nodded heavily.
...
At that moment, a rider suddenly arrived in haste: "Eastern General, urgent military intelligence!"
"What is it?"
Ye Yang stood up and approached, taking the cloth from Sky Rider. After looking at it, his expression changed dramatically.
"Qi King, what is the matter?" Xiang Yu asked.
Ye Yang replied, "The noble of Qi Land, Tian Rong, has actually gathered a crowd to rebel and poisoned Qi King Tian Fu. He has assembled seventy thousand people outside Linzi City and declared himself king..."
Xiang Yu couldn't help but chuckle, "So it's a fire in the backyard. It seems I won't need to persuade you to drink anymore. Qi King, go back and take care of your household matters!"
Ye Yang nodded, accepting the Qi King's seal handed over by the guard and hanging it at his waist, feeling somewhat speechless.
"Let's go back to Linzi City!"
Ye Yang was quite annoyed.
Wang Lie followed behind, riding his horse and laughing, "Congratulations, my lord! With Tian Rong killing Tian Fu and declaring himself king, once you return to Linzi and eliminate Tian Rong, you can naturally claim the title of Qi King with legitimacy!"
Ye Yang nodded, feeling a sense of relief in his heart, and said, "Then let's just be king for once!"
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