SECTION 6: ESTABLISHING A NATION
2013-02-09 Author: Gu Zhenren
“Establish a nation?” Chu Yun raised his eyebrows upon hearing this and immediately understood why everyone was so excited.
Since the fall of the Five Virtue Kings in ancient times, the Archipelago had disintegrated, falling into internal strife and chaos, with countless island forces carving out their own territories.
Now, the Shu Family, following the lineage of the Five Virtue Kings, had achieved the great feat of unifying the entire archipelago. However, they had not immediately established a nation.
The reason for not establishing a nation at that time was that the war had just ended, and various factions were unstable. After consolidating their gains and stabilizing their regime over this period, the time was deemed ripe.
This suggestion was publicly put forth by Yan Que not long ago.
However, at that time, many believed that the Shu Family lacked supreme experts to anchor the nation, and establishing it was premature.
The foundation of a nation lay in two aspects: a powerful elite force and a sufficient number of supreme experts.
The Shu Family did not lack elite soldiers. Far from it, due to years of incessant internal conflict, they possessed a more diverse range of elite troops than ordinary Island Nations.
The Flying Monkey Elite Soldiers, Whirlwind Shield Elite Soldiers, Black Raven Elite Soldiers, Stone Flame Elite Soldiers, Flower Arrow Elite Soldiers, and Night Rain Elite Soldiers were all specialized units with unique characteristics, suited for specific battlefield conditions.
The copper bell elite soldiers, created by Chu Yun, had garnered widespread attention in the military circles of Xingzhou due to their low production cost and ease of formation.
However, the Shu Family lacked true supreme experts.
Fortunately, this weakness was also resolved with Chu Yun’s return.
Chu Yun’s promotion to Marquis level already made him one of the most formidable experts in contemporary Xingzhou. Not only that, but he also had a Jun level follower, Xiao Xiaoxian.
Of course, this lineup was still rather weak compared to established Island Nations like the Jianghan Kingdom and the Mongol Yuan Nation.
More importantly, and excitingly, Chu Yun had secured the friendship of the Wine King and the Ten Thousand Poisons Queen on his journey.
Although these two Kings were not from the Archipelago, their connection was enough to deter many minor threats.
Chu Yun pondered for a moment and concluded that establishing a nation was a feasible undertaking with more benefits than drawbacks.
As the saying goes, “A name not in accordance with truth is not spoken.” Formally establishing a nation would undoubtedly facilitate governance of the archipelago and help transform the narrow regional mindset of the islanders.
Furthermore, it would be greatly beneficial in future vying for interests with various Island Nations.
“Good, since my son agrees, then we shall establish a nation!” Shu Tianhao declared on the spot.
A roar of cheers erupted from the banquet.
“I never thought I would live to see this day,” Old Red Spear said, tears streaming down his face.
“After its establishment, this will be the grandest stage in Xingzhou,” Hua Ying mused, savoring her wine.
“Establishing a nation…” Bai Mian’s eyes gleamed, “This will surely usher in a brand new era!”
…
“In the days to come, let us join forces to create a powerful nation!” Chu Yun finally stood up from his seat, raising his wine glass.
“Oh—” the crowd echoed in unison, their voices rising to the heavens and echoing throughout Heaven and Earth.
After the banquet, Chu Yun and Jin Bihan returned to the moonlit beach.
They had parted ways here before, and returning to this familiar place now evoked a mix of emotions.
“You did it,” Jin Bihan suddenly said. The night breeze gently stirred her hair.
“Did what?”
“Unified the Archipelago. I had faith in you from the start, and I never expected you to accomplish it in just a few years.” Her beautiful eyes sparkled like stars reflected in the water.
“Heh. This wasn’t the effort of just one person. Unifying the Archipelago was a collective endeavor. The Archipelago had been in turmoil for too long; in truth, everyone longed for this outcome.” Chu Yun sighed.
In his past life memories, the Archipelago had been locked in a stalemate between Tie Ao and King Ning Tian. He never imagined that in this life, it would be unified under his leadership.
Thinking about it now, Chu Yun felt a surge of pride and contentment. His pride stemmed not from achieving great deeds or accomplishments, but from altering the course of destiny.
“The Dao of Humans lies in struggle. A noble person is like a dragon, with an unyielding spirit. Even if Heaven and Earth collapse, the spirit of struggle cannot be extinguished. Destiny is not immutable.”
At this moment, a profound realization dawned upon Chu Yun.
His eyes were deep, like the sea under the night sky, twinkling with captivating starlight.
He shifted his gaze to Jin Bihan beside him and thought, “The reason I could change the outcome for the Archipelago is not solely due to my individual strength, but through alliances, uniting formidable generals and loyal officials, pooling everyone’s might, like accumulating water to form a sea or gathering firewood to kindle a fire, that we achieved this. This demonstrates that the Dao of Humans lies not only in individual achievement but also in the power of collective will.”
Savoring this understanding, Chu Yun suddenly felt a tremor within his spiritual light.
Although the volume of his spiritual light remained unchanged, its brightness surpassed all previous limits, becoming even more radiant.
A faint sense of joy flowed through his heart. Chu Yun knew that this realization had propelled him a step forward on the Dao of Humans.
He had become more wise.
The Jun level was about the quantity of spiritual light, accumulating to a point of qualitative change that could trigger spiritual pressure.
The Marquis level involved choosing one’s own path and diligently pursuing it, increasing the radiance of spiritual light.
The deeper, broader, and more unique the path, the higher the limit of spiritual light’s brightness. When spiritual light reached its brightest limit, it marked the beginning of the path to Kingship.
However, for Chu Yun, ascending to Kingship was still too early.
He had merely taken a single step into the Marquis level.
“At the Marquis level, increasing the volume of spiritual light is one aspect, and comprehending one’s own Dao of Humans is another. Only by progressing on both fronts can one steadily improve their cultivation,” Chu Yun mused, his gaze steady.
Jin Bihan blushed under his lingering gaze.
She took out a pendant from around her neck and presented it like a treasure: “Look, what is this?”
It was actually a gemstone ring, suspended on a crystal chain.
The large sapphire was as blue as the sky. The silver ring band was adorned with exquisite and luxurious runes, exuding an aura of opulence and elegance.
“You’re still wearing it?” Chu Yun chuckled.
This was a small spoil of war they had acquired from a sunken ship during their underwater exploration in the Serpent Algae Sea Region.
It was a replica of the Sky City key, bearing a beautiful symbolic meaning of blessing love.
Although not a Demonic Treasure itself, it held significant commemorative value for Jin Bihan as the product of her first adventure.
Staring at the ring pendant, Jin Bihan’s eyes shimmered with a captivating glow, making the stars in the night sky seem to dim.
“I wish we could go on adventures again…” she murmured softly, “With our current strength, would we be powerful enough to explore the Serpent Algae Sea Region again?”
“Yes, about that,” Chu Yun replied with a smile, a hint of caution flashing in his eyes. “Speaking of the Serpent Algae Sea Region, there are many treacherous places within the Archipelago that severely hinder travel and communication between islands. Among the preparations for establishing the nation, there are plans to clear out areas like the Serpent Algae Sea Region. However, I’m not entirely confident that we can complete it all.”
“I’ll help you,” Jin Bihan vowed.
“Thank you.”
“Hey, you’re still being polite with me?” Jin Bihan playfully punched Chu Yun with her small fist.
Chu Yun playfully chuckled and spread his arms, “Then I won’t be polite anymore.”
“Mmm.” Caught off guard, Jin Bihan was embraced by Chu Yun, leading to a deep kiss…
Ghost Vine Country, Nine Nether City.
Wailing phantoms drifted, and wisps of chilling wind darted through this underground secret chamber.
Marquis Wu Chang, the City Lord of Nine Nether City, knelt on the ground, his head bowed and his gaze lowered. His expression was one of extreme reverence, his eyes revealing a complex mixture of admiration, fear, respect, and apprehension.
Before him, where he knelt, was an abyss of profound, concentrated darkness.
After a long pause, a cold, ruthless voice emanated from the darkness: “So, Chu Yun had a fortuitous encounter in the seventh level of the Dragon Gate World and advanced to the Marquis level?”
“Yes, my lord. I must admit, that brat Chu Yun has immense Luck and boundless potential. He is undoubtedly a formidable enemy for our Nine Nether City. At his age, to be a Marquis level expert is a rare occurrence in Xingzhou’s history. If we allow him to continue growing, I fear…” Marquis Wu Chang replied.
“This brat is indeed troublesome. His greatest strength doesn’t lie in his Sky Fox, nor in his Innate Drunken Snow Saber. It lies in his possession of the Destiny Demonic Treasures of the Five Virtue Kings, the Destiny Demonic Treasure of the Sea Dragon King, and now the Destiny Demonic Treasure of the Passionate King. The accumulation of these Destinies is like a surging torrent; even Kings would be no match for it.”
The mysterious voice spoke slowly, giving the impression of someone in complete control, strategizing every move.
“This is also one of the primary reasons why Chu Yun has achieved so much at such a young age. However, it doesn’t matter. I have calculated that he has almost completely depleted his own Luck. Having acquired so many fortuitous encounters, power, beauty, and wealth, he has nearly exhausted his Luck. Striking now will be most advantageous and effective.”
“I am foolish, please, my lord, take action and make the arrangements.” Marquis Wu Chang kowtowed.
“Not yet. Although his Luck is currently at its lowest ebb, he has returned to the Archipelago. The Archipelago is supported by the Destiny Demonic Treasure of the Ten Thousand Beasts King, which sustains the entire island’s Luck. If Chu Yun leaves the Archipelago, you can launch a surprise attack; it will be twice as effective with half the effort. If he does not leave, I have also calculated that the Shu Family will establish their nation in about five to six months. During the founding ceremony, the entire island’s Luck will be severely depleted. At that moment, if we strike, we can not only eliminate Chu Yun but also shatter the Shu Family’s power, plunging the Archipelago back into chaos. Then, our Ghost Vine Country can reap the benefits.”
The owner of this cold voice, seemingly possessing wisdom that pierced through Heaven and Earth, effortlessly devised a poisonous scheme that could lead Chu Yun’s side to eternal damnation.
“Thank you for your guidance, Senior.” Marquis Wu Chang was overjoyed.
The Abacus Master world of Xingzhou had three major schools and four supreme experts, occupying the pinnacle of recognition.
One was the representative of the Oracle masters, Oracle Immortal; another was the representative of the star calculation school, Star Maiden; and the other two were the Sleeping Old Man and Zui Yisheng, representing the dream-speaking master school.
However, Marquis Wu Chang knew that the senior before him was an Abacus Master far more powerful than these four great experts, possessing wisdom that rivaled the heavens.
As long as he orchestrated things from behind the scenes, nothing was impossible.
(Phew… I had writer’s block this morning. At noon, my classmate was returning to Beijing, and we had a dinner to see him off, but I was dragged to karaoke. I sing terribly, and I really didn’t want to go. But… I ended up eating dinner outside before returning. This is the truth. As for rumors about seeing me with someone and doing something on a certain road, they are highly unreliable and pure slander. You all know I’m actually a very innocent shut-in. You all understand.)
