After Ren Xinshan and Vice Minister Guo entered the war operations conference room, their gazes swept the room. Seeing high-ranking heads of various departments steadily filing in, the two grew even more certain of their suspicion.
Over the past few days, although the command center had summoned them for meetings from time to time, the vast majority were consultations or coordination sessions with a single department. A gathering of senior leaders from multiple departments meant something monumental must have occurred.
They took their seats. Before long, most of the high-ranking officials from the relevant departments had arrived.
Deputy Chief Administrator Qiao Dingguo entered at this moment. His pace was slightly brisker than usual, yet firmer and more forceful.
Approaching the head seat, he looked forward, set aside his prepared speech without looking at it, and spoke in a booming, forceful voice:
"Everyone, a telegram just arrived from the front..."
He paused briefly, his voice rising slightly: "Led by Commander Chen, our Great Shun army captured Youdu at 3:15 yesterday afternoon!"
Upon hearing this, everyone was momentarily dazed, seemingly unable to process the news right away.
A moment later, one person in the room began clapping. Soon, others joined in one after another, and thunderous applause echoed through the conference room—the roar so deafening it nearly shook down the chandelier above.
Most of those present felt waves of excitement surging within, and even members of the Conservative Faction were filled with deep emotion.
In truth, ever since the war had been steadily advancing, they had anticipated this outcome, but none had expected it to arrive so swiftly.
Qiao Dingguo did not interrupt their celebration. Only after the applause gradually died down and everyone regained their composure did he speak again:
"Our comrades at the front have toiled relentlessly. It is through their dedication and sacrifice that we achieved victory in this war.
"Of course, none of this would have been possible without the efforts of everyone seated here.
"Upon receiving word from the front line, the immediate decision was made to share this news with you all. Everyone has worked hard, but starting today, you can finally sleep in peace."
Smiles broke out on many faces around the table.
"A detailed report on the capture of Youdu will be compiled and distributed to each of you. What we must still consider is how to eliminate the remnants of the former dynasty."
As Qiao Dingguo spoke, an operations staff officer stepped forward and tapped his boundary credential. A map of Youdu appeared on the field screens before them.
"This is a comprehensive map of the former imperial household sent from the front line, far more detailed than what we previously possessed.
"The areas outlined in red are currently under our control. As you can see, the only remaining force posing any threat to us is Prince Yi of the former imperial household.
"Prince Yi was a regional feudal lord of the old dynasty. Long before Emperor Wenguang ascended the throne, he secured semi-independent status with the backing of the Chan Sect, and he is presently entrenched on Huya Islet.
"Having long been isolated out at sea and deliberately ostracized and suppressed by the former imperial household, his prestige within the old dynasty's system is meager. Even with the support of imperial remnants, he cannot gather much strength in the short term.
"Our next objective is crystal clear: eliminate this regional separatist faction of the old dynasty, eradicate the regional feudal armed forces of the former imperial household, and thoroughly and completely wipe out the former imperial line!"
Enthusiastic applause erupted in the operations room once again.
After Qiao Dingguo outlined the strategic goals for the next phase, the meeting turned to discussing the topic, coordinating, and assigning tasks across various departments.
The meeting lasted well into the afternoon. When it finally concluded, members of the Progressive Faction walked out of the hall in high spirits, while those in the Conservative Faction harbored mixed feelings.
Although Qiao Dingguo had not specifically mentioned anything during the conference, repeatedly emphasizing only the role of the frontline army, everyone understood that the true focus lay on Chen Chuan. While it seemed his name was never spoken, in reality, every sentence pointed to him.
Counting from the official launch of the offensive against Youdu, only seven days had elapsed. In just seven days, the old imperial regime that had entangled Great Shun for nearly a century was brought to ruin.
Without Chen Chuan, the army could never have advanced so smoothly.
The rear departments of Great Shun had indeed cooperated on all fronts, but had another commander taken the helm, the war would undoubtedly have dragged on far longer, at a far greater cost.
With the former imperial household destroyed, Great Shun's internal and external environments would undergo massive shifts. If nothing else, once the forces garrisoning the convergence zone were liberated, they would have far more strength to commit to the Ring of Worlds, which was extraordinarily beneficial for securing that entire theater.
The Conservatives all felt it had happened too fast—so fast they had hardly reacted. Even now, the news carried a surreal quality.
With the front lines almost entirely manned by the Progressive Faction, the Conservatives could only exert their influence along peripheral margins in the aftermath.
Meanwhile, at the headquarters of the Convergence faction, upon receiving this news, high-ranking faction officials were forced to convene yet another meeting.
"We might be able to maneuver our people into the operation to eliminate Prince Yi. Can we find a way to recall that man?"
"Impossible. While the leadership might not deny us participation in the final phase of the war for the sake of balance, there is no chance that man will be recalled before all fighting ceases, if only to maintain army morale.
"Besides, the matter of the Supreme Advisory Council has yet to settle. Recalling him now without immediately acknowledging his achievements would spark political upheaval. Those people would definitely seize this momentum and find a way to propel him into position. I don't believe that price is worth paying."
These words prompted several Convergence faction leaders to abandon their original plan immediately.
At this point, one person said in a heavy voice, "After today's meeting, I'm somewhat worried things might go wrong with the Nature faction."
"Today is the twenty-second, three days before the final submission of recommended candidates. We only need to ensure nothing goes awry during these three days. Surely we can stall for a mere three days, can't we?"
The other replied, "Hard to say. Matters involving the Nature faction can never be judged by conventional logic."
Another chimed in, "How about this: we can find a way to incite an internal meeting within the Nature faction, choosing a topic they care deeply about. That will surely draw many followers. The Nature faction will inevitably have to address their internal affairs before considering anything else. Three days will pass in no time."
"Good, let's do that."
***
Outside Youdu, in the temporary fortress garrison.
Chen Chuan looked at the object in his hand. It was a pale, soft, fat-like substance, yet lined with fine textures.
If he had to make a comparison, it resembled a freshly steamed piece of tender white crabmeat.
At this moment, it emitted an intensely rich aroma, appearing exceptionally enticing. The aberrant tissue within his body stirred restlessly, reminding him of its hunger for this substance.
He was in no hurry to absorb it, taking time to observe it instead.
This was the first time he had found a precious material so exceptionally well-suited for his own use. Unfortunately, he had no idea what it actually was, nor where Emperor Wenguang had obtained it. Initially, it had been coated in that layer of black powder—had that been an intentional disguise?
He felt that given Emperor Wenguang's character, the man would hardly bother with such deceit. Especially when on the verge of ascending to immortality, why would he care about such trifles?
After some thought, Chen Chuan decided he could ask Ming Chengzi later; perhaps the Daoist knew something about it.
He carefully put the object away, then sorted through the rest of Emperor Wenguang's belongings.
Aside from two Grade 1 relics, there were also one Grade 2 and three Grade 3 relics here. None were meant for combat; all served as auxiliary aids for cultivation.
For example, the Grade 2 relic could enhance cultivation effectiveness during seated meditation.
It seemed somewhat ordinary at first glance, but in truth, its value was immense. Even a fighter at his level could enjoy the same benefits when using it.
That made it extraordinarily useful.
Besides the relics, there was an item whose purpose was unclear at first glance: a black jade talisman. Picking it up to examine it, he saw interlocking yin-yang teeth along its edges, suggesting it formed a pair with another piece.
After studying it for a while, he couldn't help thinking it might be a key to opening that rift.
If so, heading there wouldn't require deploying the Xuejun Saber.
During today's inventory of the spoils, he had noticed certain important items were missing.
Namely, Emperor Wenguang's personal treasury.
Medicines and alchemy recipes meant nothing to Emperor Wenguang, who was preparing to ascend to immortality. The truly most precious items had surely been secured beforehand—such as the Chart of the Heavenly Man, which had yet to be found.
Throughout past dynasties, imperial houses had always made a practice of leaving behind secret caches; perhaps these had already been placed in such a vault in advance.
Could they be located within that rift?
After all, when Emperor Wenguang traveled toward Haixi Dao, that journey represented his imperial title; every action he took had to correspond to a sovereign's identity. Thus, the probability was remarkably high.
After considering this, he decided to make a trip there first thing tomorrow morning.
At that moment, a voice sounded through the boundary credential: "Commander Chen, this is Fan Zhentong. I'd like to ask you about a few things. Do you have time?"
Chen Chuan said, "Mr. Fan, I have time."
"Then I'll come over."
A few minutes later, Fan Zhentong arrived at his temporary quarters. Chen Chuan invited him inside, and once they sat down, poured him a cup of tea.
"Fine tea from Emperor Wenguang's collection, though he probably rarely drank it himself. Have a taste, Mr. Fan."
Fan Zhentong accepted the cup and said, "The nominations for the Supreme Advisory Council will be submitted the day after tomorrow. Commander Chen, what are your thoughts?"
Chen Chuan replied, "The faction is currently fighting for me, and I've already done everything I can personally. If it succeeds, splendid; if not, it's no great loss."
Fan Zhentong looked at him, recognizing that he had set his sights on a higher goal, and asked, "Are you confident?"
Chen Chuan said, "I simply do my utmost."
Fan Zhentong said, "My report has already been submitted, essentially presenting an accurate account of the battle. Once the former dynasty is dealt with, we will have to face the trials that follow."
Chen Chuan nodded slightly, knowing he was referring to the Great Impact. Raising his head, he said, "I need to leave for a bit tomorrow."
"Haixi Dao?"
Chen Chuan nodded slowly.
Fan Zhentong said, "I will handle communications with headquarters. Will three days be enough?"
Chen Chuan said, "It will."
Chapter 1445