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Chapter 323: Chapter 323: The Bet on the Snowy Peak

"Have you figured anything out?" Princess Qianyou asked with a smile.

Furrowing his brows, Zhong Shan pondered for a moment before replying, "Yi Yan wouldn\'t forgo capturing even a single city. Feigning incapacity while concealing ability, Yi Yan surely has grand plans."

"A grand plan? An alliance?" Princess Qianyou queried with a lighthearted smile.

"Princess, you see things so clearly," Zhong Shan replied, smiling.

"There\'s no need to flatter me. I assume you\'ve already guessed his intentions?" Princess Qianyou asked with a knowing look.

"Indeed. If my assumptions are correct, it won\'t be long before the Great Light Dynasty and the Great Yu Dynasty begin a desperate, frenzied attack," Zhong Shan mused.

"Desperate? What kind of analogy is that?" Princess Qianyou chuckled.

"The grand marshals of the two dynasties will convene, and their troops will scatter to besiege cities, leaving our commanders with no time to disrupt them," Zhong Shan stated with unwavering certainty.

"Are you so sure?" Princess Qianyou inquired.

"Absolutely. If I were Yi Yan, in such a situation, I would form an alliance with external reinforcements, and the only one likely to ally with the Great Yu Dynasty is the Great Light Dynasty!" Zhong Shan explained.

"But why do the grand marshals need to meet? They could just send letters," Princess Qianyou questioned.

"No, they must meet in person. On one hand, it\'s for making promises; on the other, I believe they will use this time to establish a \'war signal\'," Zhong Shan elaborated.

"A war signal?" Princess Qianyou was slightly puzzled. Although she was incredibly wise, she wasn\'t as adept at military strategy. It was similar to how a brilliant scientist might not excel in politics.

"The so-called war signal is a prearranged code that both parties understand. In the future, based on Yi Yan\'s troop movements along routes known to the world, Xiao Wang would receive implicit signals on how to coordinate. This requires both grand marshals to possess extraordinary intelligence to cooperate flawlessly. Through such signals, they could communicate strategically during battles, amplifying their combined military power exponentially," Zhong Shan explained.

"This sounds very challenging!" Princess Qianyou thought for a moment.

"Exactly. That\'s why I need to leave for a while, and I need you to do me a favor!" Zhong Shan said after some thought.

"You\'re leaving? What kind of favor?" Princess Qianyou asked, intrigued.

"I need you to take command of Glorious City!" Zhong Shan said with certainty.

"Me?" Princess Qianyou was puzzled.

"Yes, during this period, Xiao Wang will surely send troops to probe us, testing our defenses to determine if I am still in Glorious City. Shui Wuhen is wise but lacks the ability to oversee the entire situation and tends to make mistakes. But you are different; your capability reassures me. With you here, Xiao Wang will be unable to discern anything!" Zhong Shan asserted confidently.

Hearing Zhong Shan\'s praise, Princess Qianyou felt a warm surge of joy in her heart.

"So, you want me to impersonate you?" Princess Qianyou asked with a smile.

"Yes, you will pretend to be me!" Zhong Shan also smiled.

Two months later.

Within the territory of the Great Yu Dynasty, atop a snow-capped mountain peak, there stood a brand-new pavilion. Surrounding the pavilion, an array had been set up to create a warm environment, allowing abundant green grass and flowers to bloom within. The howling winds and biting cold of the mountain peak were effectively kept at bay by the array, making it extraordinarily comfortable.

Inside the pavilion, Zhong Shan sat at a stone table, sipping a fine wine.

Standing nearby were Ah Da and Zhi Huo, ever watchful.

"Sir, will it suffice to send the letter to Jing City? Will Yi Yan really pass through there?" Ah Da asked, puzzled.

"It will suffice. Once he sees the letter, he will surely come," Zhong Shan replied with a smile.

"But what if he brings troops with him? How should we respond?" Ah Da inquired with concern.

"Head to the northeast, about ten thousand miles away, to the Red Mountain. If he brings an army, he\'ll surely come from that direction. Although I doubt he will, it\'s wise to be cautious. Stay there, and if you see a large force, rush back to inform me immediately," Zhong Shan instructed.

"Understood!" Ah Da responded promptly and swiftly flew away.

Great Yu Dynasty, Jing City!

The Ironblood General of the Great Yu Dynasty flew ahead to clear the way, accompanied by a procession of cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage and above. They carried a palanquin as they entered Jing City.

Upon reaching the floating island of the City Lord\'s mansion:

"Ironblood General, you\'ve really come? Is it truly the Grand Marshal?" The City Lord of Jing City hurried over.

"Uh? How do you know it\'s the Grand Marshal?" The Ironblood General glared.

"Reporting to the General, a man in black delivered a letter earlier, stating that the Grand Marshal was coming and asked me to hand it over to him," the City Lord explained anxiously.

"Who was it?" The Ironblood General demanded, eyes wide.

"I\'m not sure, but the man\'s cultivation was very strong, likely at the Imperial Extreme level," the City Lord replied, quickly presenting a letter.

On the outside of the letter, it read \'For Yi Yan\'s Eyes Only.\'

"Fearing the matter was serious, I dared not open it. I leave it to you, General," the City Lord said, trembling.

The Ironblood General glanced at the letter and then at the palanquin nearby before approaching it.

"Grand Marshal!" he called out to the occupant of the palanquin.

"Have we arrived?" Yi Yan\'s voice came from within.

"Grand Marshal, someone delivered a letter earlier, saying it was for you," the Ironblood General reported.

"Oh?" Yi Yan\'s voice carried a hint of curiosity.

The Ironblood General handed the letter inside and waited by the palanquin.

"Hahaha, well done, Zhong Shan! You actually managed to deceive both Xiao Wang and me!" Yi Yan\'s voice betrayed a trace of a bitter smile.

"Grand Marshal!" The Ironblood General\'s eyes widened in surprise. Zhong Shan? Was this letter from him?

"All right, Ironblood, no need for me to get down. Carry the palanquin east, a hundred thousand miles. I have an appointment to keep!" Yi Yan commanded from within.

"Grand Marshal, should we bring troops?" The Ironblood General asked, frowning.

"No need. Since he is hosting a banquet, he must have considered everything. Let\'s go!" Yi Yan responded in a deep voice.

"Yes, sir!" The Ironblood General replied immediately.

On the Snowy Peak, Three Days Later

Zhong Shan sat at the peak of the snow-covered mountain, waiting for Yi Yan to arrive.

"Will Yi Yan come?" Zhi Huo asked anxiously.

"He will come!" Zhong Shan responded confidently.

"Look, he\'s really here!" Zhi Huo, with his keen eyesight, spotted a cluster of dark dots quickly approaching from the distance.

Zhong Shan stood up as Zhi Huo swiftly arranged a fresh banquet table.

As they drew closer, the Ironblood General led a ceremonial procession, escorting a palanquin as they flew in.

"Welcome, Mr. Yi Yan!" Zhong Shan called out in a loud voice.

The Ironblood General glared coldly at Zhong Shan, standing before the palanquin.

The curtains of the palanquin slowly opened, and Yi Yan gently poked his head out.

"Mr. Zhong Shan, it\'s been a while," Yi Yan replied in kind.

Ironblood carefully supported Yi Yan as he settled into the pavilion.

On the stone table, there were only two sets of chopsticks and bowls, a detail Yi Yan immediately understood.

"Withdraw," Yi Yan said softly.

"Zhi Huo, you too," Zhong Shan instructed.

Ironblood glanced at Zhong Shan, then at Zhi Huo, his brow furrowed in suspicion. Despite his reservations, he led the ceremonial guards to a distant peak. Zhi Huo, too, retreated to another far-off mountain.

Now, only Zhong Shan and Yi Yan remained atop the snowy peak.

"Mr. Yi Yan, you once extended your hospitality to me. It is only proper that I reciprocate with an invitation. I hope you won\'t take offense," Zhong Shan gestured courteously.

Following Zhong Shan\'s gesture, Yi Yan gracefully took a seat and replied, "Not at all. An invitation from Mr. Zhong Shan is an honor I dare not refuse."

Zhong Shan sat down, and the two men shared a drink.

"It was a shame that you didn\'t stay in the Sky City last time, Mr. Zhong Shan. I had to manage affairs myself and lead troops into battle," Yi Yan remarked with a chuckle.

"Mr. Yi Yan, you flatter me. In the Great Yu Dynasty, no one can replace you," Zhong Shan responded.

"Haha, I wonder what brings you to invite me here today, Mr. Zhong Shan?" Yi Yan asked.

"I\'ve come to discuss the fate of our three dynasties and the future paths for both of us," Zhong Shan said with certainty.

Setting his cup down gently, Yi Yan smiled slightly, "Does that mean you\'re willing to relinquish your position in the Great Luo Dynasty?"

"Haha, you jest, Mr. Yi Yan!" Zhong Shan shook his head.

"I once said that if you were willing to join the Great Yu Dynasty, I would give you the position of Grand Marshal and help you quickly win over the hearts of our rulers and ministers. But seeing your current achievements makes me feel ashamed," Yi Yan smiled.

"Since you\'re aware of that, let\'s dispense with the pleasantries and speak frankly. We both know the current situation clearly enough to not waste time with idle talk," Zhong Shan smiled.

"Oh? Mr. Zhong Shan, please proceed," Yi Yan said.

"How much longer do you think the Great Yu Dynasty can survive? Have you ever considered that, Mr. Yi Yan?" Zhong Shan asked.

"Of course, it will last for thousands of years!" Yi Yan responded immediately.

"Haha, but how much longer do you have left, Mr. Yi Yan?" Zhong Shan stared intently at Yi Yan.

Yi Yan\'s pupils contracted at Zhong Shan\'s words, "What does that have to do with me?"

"No need to conceal it, Mr. Yi Yan. The longevity of the Great Yu Dynasty is directly tied to yours. Am I wrong?" Zhong Shan asked with a smile.

"Not necessarily!" Yi Yan shook his head.

"Perhaps you still harbor some hope. True, the Great Luo Dynasty could disintegrate sooner. But you know the odds are slim. Furthermore, the southern army and the commanders of the Great Luo Dynasty are not easy to deal with. The Great Luo Dynasty is a land full of talent, with many influential figures from the Ancient Holy Capital yet to descend. The Great Yu Dynasty only started utilizing your talents recently. Before, King Ju Lu had the golden opportunity to accomplish many great things, to change the course of fate. But now, that time has passed, and it will not come again," Zhong Shan said.

"Cough, cough... cough... cough..." Yi Yan started coughing, clearly agitated by Zhong Shan\'s words.

After the coughing subsided, Yi Yan fixed his gaze on Zhong Shan.

"Mr. Zhong Shan, if you have something to say, just say it," Yi Yan said.

"Haha, I propose a bet, Mr. Yi Yan," Zhong Shan said.

"A bet?" Yi Yan looked at Zhong Shan warily.