Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao

"I knew there was a reason why he let Lu Yu off so easily; it turns out this was his plan all along." As soon as Ksitigarbha heard this, he understood the ins and outs of the situation, realizing that the old ancestor was not content to sit quietly by.

"The monk speaks without consideration. If you hadn't kept an eye on him, the old ancestor probably wouldn't have thought of this method. Now, who in the three realms doesn't know that a great change is imminent? Naturally, he also needs to make good plans for himself." Di Ting did not spare Ksitigarbha any face.

However, Ksitigarbha just laughed and chanted a Buddha's name, saying, "If that is the case, I shall go and let the old ancestor know, lest his anger harm his body." Having said this, he flew towards the Sea of Blood, and soon enough, the winds and clouds over the Sea of Blood transformed, and Buddha Light shone forth.

Di Ting glanced at the battlefield and yawned, bored. He had seen such scenes countless times over the years and was tired of them. Regardless of the two people turning the world upside down outside, Di Ting closed his eyes and slowly drifted into a dream.

As time gradually passed, Lu Yu finally managed to suppress the blood qi seed in his mind after a period of refinement, and he silently let out a sigh of relief. Even with the suppression of the Spirit Root, the stubbornness of this blood qi seed was astonishing to Lu Yu. However, it also allowed him to make up for the insufficiencies in his character caused by the recent improvements in his realm.

"The rest is a matter of perseverance and gradual improvement," Lu Yu told himself.

At the same time, his gaze turned to Zhongzhou. Under Lu Zhang's diligent governance, Zhongzhou had finally regained some vitality. Human potential is boundless, and once away from the ravages of war, the surviving people burst forth with indescribable enthusiasm, appreciating peace all the more after facing war.

Those who had suffered grieved silently, choosing to bury their sorrows deep within their hearts as they stepped back onto their paths in life. However, unlike before, they now saw a glimmer of hope.

Under Lu Zhang's directive, Zhongzhou began a massive movement to allocate farmland. After the massacre by the White Lotus Sect and the ravages of the Black Armored Army, the influence of Zhongzhou's noble families had been swept away, leaving a vast amount of idle land, which provided Lu Zhang the opportunity to implement such policies.

Land is life, and nothing could bring more comfort to the refugees than land. When those who had withstood hardships finally reclaimed land of their own, tears slid down their cheeks. They didn't know how to express their gratitude, so they kowtowed in the most simple and sincere way to thank the officials of Yuzhou.

"Alas! Everyone praises the kings, generals, and nobles, unaware of how many innocent people's blood and white skeletons lie behind them," Xiao Ke lamented as he watched the people cry tears of joy.

"Yes, one man's achievement comes at the price of countless bones. Who will remember these nameless souls? They're probably nothing more than a brief mention in the annals of history," Hu Shengliang also couldn't help feeling moved.

"But the hardships have finally passed, these people will have new lives, their lives will get better and better, we will establish a new order," Lu Zhang looked at the scene before him, suddenly filled with an indomitable spirit. He was determined to end this chaotic era and bring peace back to the world. With the strength he possessed and the ambition in his heart, he was ready.

At this moment, Lu Zhang possessed a special charm, the kind that could command the mountains and rivers, and the will to remake heaven and earth impressed those around him. This was also a unique aura formed under the continuous nurturing of the Human Path Dragon Qi.

"Now that the situation in Zhongzhou is settled, my lord should follow the mandate of heaven and ascend to the throne as Emperor!" Hu Shengliang suddenly knelt down and said loudly.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

The people around him, hearing these words, their eyes lit up, as this was a meritorious deed of enthronement. No one wanted to miss out, and they all knelt down, imploring Lu Zhang to follow the mandate of heaven and claim kingship.

"Mr. Hu, it's absolutely not advisable. I, Lu Zhang, am of low status; how dare I aspire to gaze upon a Divine Artifact," Lu Zhang repeatedly waved his hands, although he did not really take it to heart, but he still had to maintain the necessary façade. As a political figure, he could not appear too shameless. The ritual of declining thrice was still essential to uphold.

"My lord is the descendant of an Immortal, and there is no one of such noble birth in the whole of Great Chen. Besides, Mr. Lu has slain demons and saved the people of Yuzhou from calamity, who in Yuzhou would not be grateful? It is only right for my lord to ascend to the throne early in accordance with heaven's mandate and the people's will," Hu Shengliang spoke passionately.

Hu Shengliang deliberately pointed out that Lu Zhang was the descendant of an Immortal to elevate his status and then to spread the name of Lu Yu far and wide, since many had witnessed Lu Yu slay the Wolf Demon and awaken the controlled masses of Yuzhou. This would further Lu Zhang's rule over Yuzhou.

"How could I, Lu Zhang, possess such virtue or capability? Let us speak no more of this!" Lu Zhang refused adamantly.

However, once this matter came to light, the clever ones knew what to do. Reports requesting Lu Zhang to ascend the throne surged forth, and finally, after having declined thrice, Lu Zhang reluctantly accepted the people's plea and decided to follow the celestial mandate and declare himself Emperor.

The Heng River is the mother river of Great Chen, and it was here that Lu Zhang performed a ritual to heaven and earth, proclaiming his ascension to the throne.

The river roared, and the riverbank was already abuzz with noise, with soldiers clad in iron armor scattered along the bank. On a high platform by the river, an altar had been set up, with a wooden table covered in red silk and offerings placed atop it.

Your journey continues with empire

Following the announcement by the Ritual Officer, Lu Zhang, dressed in the Imperial Robe, approached the altar with solid steps, followed by the civil and military officials of Yuzhou, as well as his own family.

In this moment, Lu Zhang felt a surge of emotions. He had never imagined he would have such a day. Born into poverty, he had known peace as well as hardship and had tumbled through life and death situations. Fate had pushed him here and he had seized the opportunity. Now he was about to ascend the throne and become the celestial sovereign in the mouths of the people.

A profound aura emanated from his body, and those around felt that the soon-to-be Emperor possessed an extraordinary presence that compelled them to submit at a single glance.

This was a manifestation of the Dragon Qi rising within Lu Zhang. Before this moment, his Dragon Qi was merely that of a Serpent, but with his successful ascension, he was to ascend to the next level and fully transform into a True Dragon.

Following the instructions of the Ritual Officer, Lu Zhang ascended the altar, burned incense, and knelt to proclaim his presence to heaven and earth.

Just then, an unexpected twist occurred. The previously turbulent Heng River suddenly formed a vortex, and a gigantic white Serpent raised its head from the river. Water gently flowed down its body, its silvery scales shining brightly under the sun, and its eyes, as large as lanterns, filled with a crazed expression.

"Could this be the Heng River Dragon King enfeoffed by Great Chen? Judging by the scene, it looks as though it has gone mad," Chang Chunzi watched the chaos-causing Serpent and speculated in his heart.

While thinking so, he deftly prepared the Talismans; after all, it was his lord's coronation ceremony, and it wouldn't do for it to be disrupted by the Serpent.

THIS CHAPTER UPLOAD FIRST AT NOVELBIN.COM