At the very moment that headless general appeared, over in Youdu, the esoteric ritual officer tasked with surveillance immediately noticed the disturbance. Leaving a ritualist behind to maintain watch, he hurried into the palace.
Arriving in Yunzhi Pavilion, where the five Grand Secretaries were waiting for news, he stepped forward to pay his respects and reported, "Traces of the inner demon have appeared. Flames leap toward the sky in the pretender army's camp; they are likely attempting to suppress it."
Upon hearing this report, Grand Secretary Fang asked, "Are there signs of chaos in the enemy ranks?"
The ritual officer dared not fabricate anything and replied only, "Your subordinate observed only a great swelling of foul energy from the inner demon. This is a sign that the suppressing seal has broken and its demonic fury is difficult to contain..."
Grand Secretary Fang looked toward the seat of honor. "Grand Secretary Hong, should we lead our forces to strike at this moment?"
According to the strategy they had formulated, once the inner demon stirred up chaos in Great Shun's camp, they were to immediately dispatch a formidable military force to press the attack. Even if they failed to secure significant battle gains, they could at least tie down the enemy's forces and leave them unable to attend to both front and rear.
Grand Secretary Hong sat holding his teacup, seemingly deep in thought, remaining silent for a long while.
After a moment, an army general walked in from outside and bowed with cupped hands toward the five seated Grand Secretaries.
Grand Secretary Hong set down his cup and asked in a low voice, "How is the situation?"
The general replied, "Reporting to the Senior Grand Secretary: fighting at the front is fierce, fields are clashing, and the enemy's defenses are tight. We have no way to approach, nor can we discern what is truly happening within their camp."
Grand Secretary Hong considered it briefly before saying in a grave voice, "The various armies... shall hold their ground for now!"
"Understood!"
The general did not hesitate in the slightest. Seeing that Grand Secretary Hong had no further instructions, he cupped his hands, took several steps backward, and turned to leave.
The other Grand Secretaries exchanged glances, but none voiced any objection.
Grand Secretary Hong was the Senior Grand Secretary and enjoyed the Emperor's deep trust, so now that he had made his decision, the others would not oppose it.
Moreover, truly little remained of the military force capable of propping up the imperial court—only the final armed contingent commanded by Grand General Yuchi Bin.
If this force ceased to exist, Youdu could not be held under any circumstances. Prudence was indeed paramount.
As the general was leaving, Grand Secretary Hong noticed a young official waiting in the outer hall and called out, "Zuoming, come in."
The young official entered and bowed to the Grand Secretaries.
Grand Secretary Hong asked, "Are there instructions from His Majesty?"
The young official replied, "Prince Yi has once again petitioned to enter the capital to aid the throne. His Majesty wishes the Grand Secretariat to decide."
Grand Secretary Hong said firmly, "Refused!"
The young official was not surprised in the least. He bowed and said, "Your humble servant will return to deliver the reply."
Grand Secretary Hong nodded. Once the official had left, he turned to the four Grand Secretaries. "The outcome of the battle should become clear tomorrow. Why do you not all retire for now?"
None of the four Grand Secretaries moved.
Seeing this, Grand Secretary Hong pressed the matter no further, picking up a memorial from his desk and beginning to read.
In Great Shun's camp, after the headless general emerged, its field had originally begun expanding outward at will. Yet those sheet-metal-like esoteric ritual implements remained firmly anchored in place, vibrating ever more intensely.
As the two collided, the headless general's body unexpectedly began to flicker between solid and insubstantial.
Seeing this, the esoteric ritual teams felt their spirits lift. It meant their setup was taking effect.
However, they promptly stabilized and suppressed their emotional fluctuations, for violent feelings could also disturb the coalesced field, which had to be avoided at all costs.
Chen Chuan was also on guard, the colossal phantom outline behind him looming faintly into view. If this thing broke free of its bindings, he would charge forward to confront it immediately.
Yet the surrounding Dongxuan View martial artists were all shaken to the core when they caught sight of the abnormally immense phantom behind him.
Although an external visage did not equate to absolute strength, it undeniably demonstrated a martial artist's foundation and depth of cultivation. This was particularly true for martial artists of the Visage of Man, whose external visages were expressed in an exceptionally direct manner—one could judge their combat capabilities entirely by it.
Possessing an external visage that towered well over a hundred meters tall made Chen Chuan's previous battle achievements seem entirely natural.
Wen Mingzhong gazed at that colossal anomaly. The preparations they needed to make were complete; now it came down to whether they would produce their intended effect.
The headless figure paused there without making any particular move. In the night sky, only the rumble of guns and cannon and the repeated impacts of martial artists clashing against one another drifted over in wave after wave.
The martial artists present all fixed their eyes on this anomaly. The moment it had emerged, that eerie sensation made everyone feel its threat; not a single one dared underestimate it.
After waiting roughly seven or eight minutes, this giant figure gradually dimmed, dispersing like light smoke until it vanished completely, and the metallic stench of blood that had drifted through the air disappeared along with it.
Wen Mingzhong stepped forward and closed the lid of the double-eared urn. Having done this, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Wiping the sweat from his brow, he walked over to Chen Chuan. "Commander Chen, the capture of 'Headless' was a success. Fortunately, I have fulfilled my duty."
Chen Chuan nodded. "Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Wen."
He had watched the entire process. The final capture of the anomaly might have appeared effortless, but in truth, all the arduous groundwork had been laid beforehand, where not the slightest mistake could be tolerated.
Wen Mingzhong said with earnest sincerity, "Commander Chen, thank you for your trust."
He knew very well that anyone else would never have granted him this opportunity. This successful capture not only altered the course of his personal fate and future, but also provided the country with another potent weapon for foreign affairs.
Chen Chuan said, "Mr. Wen, it is because your abilities were equal to the task."
Having spoken, he heard the roar of gunfire and artillery in the distant sky gradually waning. The other side had likely seen the anomaly vanish, realized the tide was turning against them, and retreated early.
However, tomorrow they would continue to press forward until they stood before the walls of Youdu, at which point those of the former imperial house would have nowhere left to retreat.
Meanwhile, in Yunzhi Pavilion, Grand Secretary Hong summoned the ritual officer after receiving word. Facing the five Grand Secretaries, the officer bent low, cold sweat beading on his forehead.
"The inner demon abruptly dispersed? For what reason?"
The ritual officer answered tremblingly, "Reporting to the Grand Secretary, perhaps the pretender court has sealed this inner demon."
Grand Secretary Hong asked, "Was information regarding the inner demon leaked beforehand?"
The ritual officer pondered for a moment before lowering his voice. "The original sealing ritual was laid down by the Fulong Faction, but His Majesty exterminated their sect and burned all their texts to ashes. It should have been impossible for anyone to know."
In truth, he personally suspected that information concerning the inner demon had indeed been leaked. Believing his own skill second to none, he refused to believe any peer in this world could reach such a level as to break an anomaly in a mere few minutes.
Yet he could not say so openly. The esoteric rituals safeguarding the imperial palace had likewise been constructed by the Fulong Faction; to claim those rituals had flaws was to imply the entire ritual defense protecting the palace was flawed. Such words could never be uttered under any circumstances.
Grand Secretary Hong made no further sound, merely flicking his sleeve. As if granted a general amnesty, the ritual officer bowed and backed out.
Grand Secretary Fang sighed, deeply worried. "The enemy is formidable, easily dispelling even the inner demon. The state is in dire peril."
Grand Secretary Shi said, "Fortunately, we still have the Senior Grand Secretary. His far-sighted wisdom and keen foresight kept our generals from advancing rashly."
Grand Secretary Hong said, "There is no need for such talk. Tomorrow the enemy is certain to reach the city gates. Gentlemen, let us first discuss strategies for self-preservation and maneuvering."
Grand Secretary Fang asked, "What of His Majesty...?"
Grand Secretary Hong shook his head. "Sharing the sovereign's burdens is our duty; there is no need to disturb His Majesty."
Ever since the defeat at Yaolan Pass, their Emperor had ceased inquiring into external matters. Whatever the grand secretaries agreed upon, he routinely approved. No one knew what he was contemplating.
In Changlun Pavilion within Yunmeng Garden, Emperor Wenguang, Yuan Xin, wore a grayish-white Xuanist robe with his hair flowing loose, reclining on a large couch.
He held a scroll of scripture, leafing through it leisurely, showing not the slightest hint of anxiety or distress on his face.
An old eunuch stepped forward and whispered, "Prince Yong has arrived."
"Send him in."
Before long, a valiant young man walked in from outside. It was none other than Prince Yong, Yuan Conghua.
His eyes were very peculiar, glowing softly like gemstones. Approaching the couch, he knelt in greeting. "Imperial Father."
Emperor Wenguang lowered the scroll in his hands and said, "Prince Yong is here. Mm, rise."
"Thank you, Imperial Father."
Emperor Wenguang asked in a casual tone, "If I send you to deal with that Grand General Xuanji of the pretender court, would you be willing?"
Prince Yong answered without hesitation, "If Imperial Father commands, your son shall go!"
"Oh?"
Emperor Wenguang seemed to have noticed something in the scroll. Picking up a brush, he jotted down several characters before putting it down.
Looking up, he said, "You are filial. I can see your sincerity. In that case..."
He studied the kneeling Prince Yong for a moment, then suddenly chuckled and waved his sleeve. "Never mind. That man is so formidable; how could I let you, Prince Yong, walk into danger?"
"Imperial Father!" Prince Yong said with solemn resolve, cupping his fist as his voice rang out firmly. "Though that man is formidable, if it comes to single combat, your son does not fear him!"
"Foolish!"
Emperor Wenguang shook his head. "Only by preserving a useful life can great deeds be accomplished."
Hearing him say this, Prince Yong felt a stir in his heart, yet he bowed his body even lower.
Emperor Wenguang said, "Yesterday, I ordered your elder brother to scout the path at Beidaokou. He has just returned."
Prince Yong's heart jumped. Beidaokou? Scouting the path? Realization instantly dawned upon him.
Emperor Wenguang said languidly, "Youdu cannot be defended."
Prince Yong shuddered. "Imperial Father..."
Emperor Wenguang added, "It is time to plan our retreat."
Prince Yong could not help taking half a step forward, saying urgently, "Imperial Father, do we not still have the gods and demons? If they exert their power at the Mystic Ring..."
A look of sneering mockery appeared on Emperor Wenguang's face.
"Those gods and demons cannot be trusted. Until the external catastrophe arrives, how much power would they actually deign to exert? Now that the pretender court is determined to destroy us, I have resolved to embark on a northern inspection tour."
"This..."
Emperor Wenguang's gaze fixed upon him. "What are you worried about?
"Worried that if we leave this place and hand this magnificent realm over to others, I will become the ruler of a fallen state, and you the subject of a fallen state?"
Prince Yong hastily fell to his knees and kowtowed to the ground. "Your son would never dare think such a thing!"
Emperor Wenguang looked at him for a moment and said slowly, "My retreat this time is merely a temporary expedient. In another half year, the external catastrophe will arrive. At that time, I can return and reclaim my realm.
"This retreat is for the sake of future advance."
He spread his wide sleeves, his eyes gleaming sharply. "When that time comes, our Ding Dynasty shall break from its cocoon like a butterfly, ushering in an era that endures for ten thousand generations!"
An impassioned expression appeared on Prince Yong's face, and he declared loudly, "Your son is willing to follow at Imperial Father's side, to quell all rebels on Imperial Father's behalf, and to expand our borders!"
Emperor Wenguang looked at his expression and smiled. "It is good that you have such loyalty." He beckoned with his hand. "Come up here."
Prince Yong hesitated slightly, but still shuffled forward on his knees. Once he reached the desk, Emperor Wenguang reached out and grabbed his wrist. Leaning forward, his face inches away as he stared intently at him, Emperor Wenguang picked up a tiger tally, pressed it slowly into his palm, and closed his fingers over it.
"The palace guard shall answer to your command. There is no time to lose. We depart tomorrow night."
...
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Chapter 1421