Cultivation: Fortune by Lots

A vast number of white light dots covered the entire land of Yunzhou, causing the ground to tremble at that moment.

The restless earth veins seemed as if a group of dragons were turning over together.

The nation’s fate and the global spiritual qi intertwined at this moment.

Numerous light mirrors flashing with white faded amidst the brilliance.

A great amount of white light extended, all connecting together.

The brilliance enveloped the entire region of Yunzhou, with the spiritual qi pulsating, hinting at a different landscape.

It seemed like a greatly scaled-down but very complete territory of the Great Tang, now covered over the land of Yunzhou.

Everyone involved, be they foreign master experts or the Jiasheng Upper Master from the Vajra Division, were taken by surprise.

According to Jiasheng Upper Master’s knowledge, the phenomena of emperors mobilizing the nation’s fate dragon vein were unmatched in power, yet no anomalies like this were known.

The reigning Tang Emperor Zhang Ruotong indeed had a Confucian background.

Such an imposing spectacle surely meant she had reached the Perfection stage of the Ninth Heavenly Layer without doubt.

Yet the Nine Heavenly Layers Five Classics Perfection Great Scholar’s domain of home, country, and world could not possibly cover such a vast void.

Emperor Tang, Zhang Wantong... Jiasheng Upper Master suddenly felt a sense of unease.

The Vajra Division had estimated Empress Zhang Wantong’s capabilities many times.

After meeting the Lone Eagle khan Harigel, Jiasheng Upper Master was initially relieved.

But now, his mind began to waver suddenly.

This Buddhist Sect monk, who reached the Ninth Heavenly Layer Dharma Body Realm, steadied his mind and attempted an external assault on the white light enveloping Yunzhou.

Yet he couldn’t break through.

Standing motionless for a moment, he decisively turned and headed back to find Lone Eagle khan Harigel.

Facing Empress Zhang Wantong directly was unavoidable, but dividing forces at this moment meant weakness.

The situation had come to this, and this battle must be fought for victory with full force!

Bomo Ge, heading east, also led his troops to turn back.

From an external view at this time, the white light composed like a picturesque landscape, enveloping Yunzhou, vaguely showing the majestic presence, with thousands of True Dragon light images spiraling above.

The True Dragon soared in the sky, completely overshadowing the firmament it was visiting.

Huhe Chagai, despite the name Azure Sky Divine Eagle, couldn’t ascend beyond it at this moment.

Outside of Yunzhou, some Great Tang cultivators who withdrew timely looked back, equally dumbstruck.

"The enemy leaders and main force of foreign tribes are all caught within His Majesty’s ambush."

Chu Yu appeared at this point, his expression resolute, calming the anxious hearts of the people: "Do not be alarmed, everyone, aid His Highness Prince Zhao and others, and clear out the remnants of bandit forces outside Yunzhou."

The great teacher of the Jingxiang Fang Clan, Fang Huansheng, calmed down and concentrated on perceiving the white landscape in front.

It seemed as a void, existing in another world, another realm inaccessible in the mortal world, isolated from the world.

Those inside couldn’t get out, and those outside couldn’t go in.

"His Majesty personally leads the expedition, the enemy leaders must surrender; we just follow the saintly mandate," Fang Huansheng withdrew his gaze and spoke calmly.

Others present gradually calmed their spirits: "We obey the saintly mandate."

Though spoken as such, when observing the vast and seemingly real white landscape depicted, people still felt awe-stricken.

...

Imperial Capital, Luoyang.

The Empress left the capital personally for the expedition, leaving the court empty, instructing the Crown Prince to oversee the affairs.

Divine Strategy Army’s Great General Shangguan Yunbo returned to Luoyang to strengthen the central control.

However, Shangguan Yunbo’s majority of efforts were devoted to patrolling Luoyang.

Court affairs were all reported to the Eastern Palace.

Recently, the entire Great Tang empire experienced turbulence in lands; Luoyang was especially sensitive to it.

There’s no need for reports to know it’s Her Majesty opening battle on the front lines with the enemy.

The current Crown Prince Zhang Hui commanded to quickly report details of the battle from the north.

Later, he received officials.

After sending off those officials, Zhang Hui moved to the back hall.

Several individuals were already waiting here, and they all rose and saluted upon Zhang Hui’s arrival.

"Great Uncle, Aunt, please forego the salute." Zhang Hui returned the salute to an elderly man in fine attire and a woman in palace dress, then nodded to a few youthful officials of the Eastern Palace: "All of you, sit."

The elderly man in fine attire was named Zhang Yang, titled as King of Chen Mountain, and was currently the most senior both in age and rank within the Zhang Tang Imperial Family.

The woman in palace dress was named Zhang Qiongrong, a peer of former Emperor Zhang Qilong and current Emperor Zhang Wantong; former Commandery Princess, later titled as Princess Chang of Dongping.

Shangguan Zhengqing was her direct nephew, now standing by Zhang Qiongrong’s side, only sitting next to Chu Pu and Ye Song after being instructed by the Crown Prince.

Additionally, there was a young Confucian scholar, refined and serene in temperament, who was now the young leading figure within the Jingxiang Fang Clan’s core leadership - Fang Zhu.

"Yin Mountain has fallen, the whole region of Hedong faces threats."

King Zhang Yang of Chen Mountain spoke slowly, "Although Her Majesty personally leads the campaign, foreign tribes are cunning, coming and going like the wind and lightning; if they scatter and assault, then the kingdom could be endangered, precautions must be taken."

Crown Prince Zhang Hui said, "Great Uncle is decidedly right."

Princess Chang of Dongping Zhang Qiongrong’s tone was gentle but the words were far sharper: "The Vajra Division from the west rebelled, and on the east, there’s trouble from Penglai beneath the waves; the court is struggling to respond."

Crown Prince Zhang Hui spoke: "On both east and west directions, the Celestial Master Mansion’s real people and the elders of Ye and Chu clans ensure thoroughness, hopefully avoiding major drawbacks."

Princess Chang of Dongping Zhang Qiongrong spoke softly: "Nonetheless, the crises of Sumi and Penglai are originally stirred by the tandem of Tang and Xu from the Celestial Master Mansion. If not for this, our Great Tang could concentrate forces northwards; how could there be a defeat at Yin Mountain? The late King Dongyuan wouldn’t have met an unfortunate end in this battle."

Zhang Hui said, "The passing of Elder Zhang from the Mount Shu Sect truly saddens the heart."

Shangguan Zhengqing sighed: "Not counting Qingzhou, Suzhou, and the Pure Yang Palace of Taoist Sect, and the Celestial Master Mansion, but even within the court itself, had there not been such a squandering waste of time over the years, the current situation would be entirely different."