Peace Order
Chapter 595 - 45 When You Are an Enemy of the World

Chapter 595: Chapter 45 When You Are an Enemy of the World

Marquis, even if it’s just a title, even if Central State, at this moment, can no longer provide the immense support it did during the era of the Red Emperor, it is still enough. This is the epitome of imperial rewards that an Emperor of this era can bestow.

As for the rank of "Duke," which is above Marquis, it is almost impossible to attain.

Like the Taiping Duke, one must have made unmatched contributions, bypassing the number one military general and nearly trampling down Jiangzhou City in a war of annihilation to save the Chen dynasty, to be awarded the rank of "Duke."

Five hundred years ago, Duke Xue, Duke Chen, all had made their formidable reputations.

Marquis is the pinnacle status under normal circumstances for military generals.

Not to mention, it is a title personally conferred by a lineal descendant of the Red Emperor.

In terms of status and significance, it is entirely different from the ranks granted by Chen and Ying Countries. Strictly speaking, in this vast world, the rulers of Chen and Ying Countries are kings bestowed by Central State, only one level above Li Guanyi’s Marquis.

At banquets, Li Guanyi would take his seat while the Crown Princes of Chen and Ying would need to rise and pour wine for him.

Although Central State has lost its former majesty at this point, its eminence still exists in name. Without resolving their disputes, overpowering states like Chen and Ying would not dare to send troops against the territories under Marquis Qin Wu, defying the great taboo of the world at large.

Such an attack wouldn’t be against Jiangnan and Li Guan; it would be a direct challenge to the profound influence and authority left by the Red Emperor over eight hundred years and a confrontation against the enduring order.

Chen and Ying would not attack Jiangnan under these circumstances.

However, they would very much hope for the opposition to make a move, so they can occupy the moral high ground.

Precisely because both parties have a basic assessment and a broad perspective, they inadvertently form a deterrent relationship that stabilizes the crisis faced by the Qilin Army, thus resolving it.

My lord, be at ease!

Even Pang Shuiyun breathed a sigh of relief, his previously tensed spirit gradually relaxing.

Due to the mental tension, the elder didn’t even realize that his subconscious address for the young general had quietly changed.

With this momentum.

If Chen and Ying still plan to continue attacking Jiangnan now, they would find it disadvantageous on the battlefield, prone to their forces being divided which could strain their other fronts, and they would be denounced by people all over the world. From then on, the Jiangnan region could enjoy a relatively long period of recuperation.

This period of stability would last until a major upheaval occurs in the world, with Chen and Ying distinguishing superiority.

During this interim, the Jiangnan region will be safe.

However, if Jiangnan remains complacent and maintains its previous standards during this time, it will ultimately face destruction. Once either of the two great states prevails, they would free up their forces and, with fury, directly annihilate and swallow Jiangnan, leading to the unification of the realm.

Pang Shuiyun suddenly thought of another strategy, which was not to seek the vast world.

But to keep the balance among the states, ensuring that Chen and Ying remain in perpetual conflict. Whoever weakens, help them; thus, the world remains forever chaotic, and Jiangnan will always be safe, with Li Guanyi ruling Jiangnan and overlooking the world.

However, the old strategist quickly discarded this strategy.

Such a conservative strategy, maintaining oneself through the chaos of the world without ambition, is shortsighted and cannot earn the title of Heroic Ruler. Based on his understanding of the Young Master, Li Guan would not do such a thing.

Pang Shuiyun looked at the young Emperor before him, the Emperor of Central State, the young man deemed no more than a puppet in the hands of overlords, yet his bosom still surged with the hot blood of the Red Emperor. The Emperor of Central State gazed at Pang Shuiyun, saying softly:

"You may return and inform Marquis Qin Wu that I, hope to meet with him."

"There is a tradition of the Emperor’s hunt from the era of the Red Emperor, you may invite Marquis Qin Wu to come."

Pang Shuiyun guessed the Emperor of Central State’s thoughts. He granted a great advantage to Li Guanyi, affording the Qilin Army precious time to breathe and recuperate, yet he also hoped to leverage Li Guanyi’s military might to regain prestige, freeing himself from the control of the Imperial Family’s elders and clans.

Not a foolish man...

Pang Shuiyun thought to himself, smiling and bowing smoothly as he replied:

"Your servant obeys the order and will inform Marquis Qin Wu."

The matter thus concluded, Ji Zichang returned to his Imperial Palace, holding the Phoenix Dance Sword in his hand, silent for a long time. The sword was not a Divine Weapon, merely a weapon-level treasure sword. His palm slid over the sword’s length, contemplating the current situation.

The elders of the Central State Imperial Family exerted their influence over him, the Great Emperor.

The six Palace Masters of the Academy were only responsible for protecting his life, not for serving him.

The most powerful among them, Si Wei, acted wantonly, while the generous elder Ji Yanzhong had even taken the Chi Xiao Sword beyond this place. Ji Zichang sighed for a long while, gripping the sword, grinding his teeth in silent fury, his heart filled with hatred:

"All traitors and rebels!"

He also perceived that Li Guan’s current move aimed to leverage the formidable renown of the Red Emperor’s lineage, securing a chance for Jiangnan to recuperate and upgrading the so-called chaotic army to a regular force.

But whether it was about upholding the Emperor and expelling the barbarians or if it was another ambitious usurper, Ji Zichang didn’t know. Walking through the dark night, even if there was only a glimmer of hope, he had to cast aside everything else and fiercely grasp it.

"Li Guan, don’t disappoint me..."

......

Willow branches clashed with the Battle Halberd.

What should have been a straightforward splitting of the soft willow branch by the heavy Battle Halberd instead got entangled as if caught in a spider’s web. The absolute and fierce Jin Qi was dissipated layer by layer, and the strike of the Battle Halberd was deflected, eventually crashing heavily to the ground.