Unstoppable Martial Arts: Starting with brother's wife and young sister Chapter 1029 - 521: Terms? Double Eight Limit!
Previously on Unstoppable Martial Arts: Starting with brother's wife and young sister...
Emperor Yu's pronouncement rendered the leaders of Qixuan Hall speechless. Simultaneously, a cold dread crept into Zhan Tian's heart, stemming from Emperor Yu's dismissive words regarding Liu Sheng: "Great Yu will not mistreat." He found it difficult to accept that the Qin Emperor Sacred Land would be without miraculous healing resources, especially considering the National Preceptor's own prior severe injuries which were swiftly overcome.
A cold, internal chuckle escaped him. Is this truly Emperor Yu?
After a brief pause, Duke Qin was the first to break the silence. "The Blood Cry Realm is exceptionally well-guarded by numerous experts. Moreover, with the Nine Heavens Star River Array in place, major issues should be averted. However, complacency is not an option; two of us must be dispatched."
No sooner had he spoken than Duke Liu added, "Furthermore, they will undoubtedly attempt to infiltrate the Blood Cry Realm. Despite the heavily fortified entrance, they likely possess alternative methods." He continued, "Additionally, effective immediately, a thorough inspection of all guards at the Blood Cry Realm is imperative to prevent any infiltration." Each of the Three Dukes voiced their concerns in turn.
Only the National Preceptor and Zhan Tian remained in silence. "Zhan Tian, what are your thoughts?" Emperor Yu inquired.
"Instead of fixating on the Blood Cry Realm," Zhan Tian declared, his spirit ablaze with combat fervor, "we should seize the opportunity to eradicate both tribes at the Abyss River. Even if the Blood Race retaliates, what can they truly accomplish?"
Great Yu had always been hampered by the Ten Great Dangerous Lands. In the past, cautious action was the norm; venturing into those territories meant the eventual suppression of the Human Race, with suppression intensifying for stronger individuals. Moreover, those races possessed their own formidable trump cards, leading to a strategy of mere containment until now. But with the two tribes now emerging, adherence to old protocols is unnecessary. Ruthless elimination is the only path forward! No matter the cost in lives, we must not hold back!
"Combining those two tribes, particularly their experts at the Peak of the Eighth Layer, makes them a match for Great Yu. And the potential casualty count is incalculable!" Duke Liu was the first to vocally oppose Zhan Tian's proposal.
"I would rather face death in battle than continue this way. Besides, Your Majesty has already activated the national destiny, which will suppress all foreign races within Great Yu. Annihilating the two tribes should not be exceedingly difficult!"
Instantly!
The atmosphere within Qixuan Hall shifted dramatically. Even the normally composed National Preceptor's eyes widened with a flicker of astonishment.
"The national destiny cannot be activated lightly. Do not speak of this matter again," Emperor Yu's tone grew significantly colder.
"I was merely voicing my honest thoughts. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!" Though Zhan Tian appeared to seek absolution, his underlying grievance was palpable to all. His close relationship with Liu Sheng was common knowledge, and with Liu Sheng's current grievous state, thoughts of vengeance were undoubtedly brewing within him.
Of course, this was merely the perception of others. Only the National Preceptor sensed a deeper, underlying current.
"Take action against the two tribes at the Abyss River! Furthermore, maintain vigilance concerning the Blood Cry Realm!" Emperor Yu commanded. "National Preceptor, you shall proceed to the Blood Cry Realm and personally oversee the Nine Heavens Star River Array. Zhan Tian and Duke Yuan, the two of you will head to the Abyss River! Duke Qin, you will manage the remaining affairs!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" came the unified reply.
Zhan Tian harbored no objections. As for the Hidden Kill situation, it no longer held his immediate concern. His focus was on the Abyss River; whatever fate had in store, he felt powerless to alter it now. This passive stance was a stark departure from his usual disposition. Liu Sheng's severe injury had profoundly shifted his perspective.
All present, save for the National Preceptor, gradually departed from Qixuan Hall. "Teacher, do you believe my actions were correct?" Emperor Yu asked, a weary expression clouding his face. As the Emperor of Great Yu, all his decisions were ostensibly for the realm's benefit, yet certain truths remained undisclosed, at least for the present.
"If Your Majesty deems it correct, then proceed as planned!" the National Preceptor responded. Having played a role in Emperor Yu's upbringing, he stood unwavering in his support, both as a subordinate and a mentor.
"Heh!" Emperor Yu chuckled softly. "Thank you, Master." The path of an Emperor was often solitary; a handful of understanding souls was sufficient!
Despite efforts to conceal the news of Liu Sheng's critical injury, it rapidly disseminated, permeating the upper echelons of Great Yu. The revelation that an individual at the Peak of the Eighth Layer could be incapacitated, barely clinging to life, was met with widespread disbelief. For the Liu Family, however, this news struck like a thunderclap from a clear sky.
"Impossible!"
"How could this be!"
Within the Liu Mansion, the current head of the Liu Family, Liu Siyuan, was thrown into disarray upon receiving the news. His elder uncle, Liu Sheng, was considered the bedrock of the Liu Family. With his current state, while immediate repercussions might not manifest, the long-term consequences were a cause for great concern.
"Father, what should we do?" Liu Qing, in a state of palpable panic, rushed back to the Liu Family premises the moment the information reached him.
"I will head to the Ritual Department myself," Liu Siyuan declared, unable to remain seated. He felt compelled to witness his elder uncle's condition with his own eyes, finding it incredulous that someone at the Peak of the Eighth Layer could sustain such severe injuries. It felt utterly impossible!
...
Upon arriving at the Ritual Department, Liu Siyuan found himself stunned, unable to even breach the entrance. Liu Sheng had issued a strict decree: no visitors, without exception!
"I wish to see my uncle. Are you certain about this information?" Liu Siyuan demanded, directing a sharp gaze at the guards, his disbelief mounting that Liu Sheng would refuse him.
"As I have already stated, the Chief Eunuch is truly not seeing anyone!" the guard responded in haste. He was no fool; he understood the importance of conveying the message clearly.
"Patriarch Liu." At this juncture, Kang Bai emerged.
"Lord Kang." Liu Siyuan immediately moved towards him, his plea urgent, "How is my uncle? Please, I must see him, or I cannot find peace!"
"You should return. The Chief Eunuch requires rest and will not be meeting with anyone."
"I..."
"Patriarch Liu, please do not make things difficult for the Chief Eunuch!" Kang Bai interjected directly, his gaze fixed intently on Liu Siyuan. After a moment of hesitation, Liu Siyuan's mouth opened slightly, as if to speak, but he ultimately could only manage a sigh. "I understand. Should my uncle have any requests, please have someone convey them to the Liu Family, Lord Kang."