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Chapter 575: Chapter 575: Reclaiming Zhao Suoxiang

Zhong Shan felt a tinge of cold amusement. This emperor was truly disappointing.

"How many do you need?" Emperor Lan Yan asked, somewhat unwillingly.

After all, an ally in trouble must be helped, but Emperor Lan Yan didn't want to deplete his own army.

"Emperor Lan Yan, I believe that no matter how many soldiers are taken, there will inevitably be losses when contending with the Sky-Splitting Crown Prince. At least ten thousand, if not more," Zhong Shan stated.

Lan Yanwei frowned, thinking it over. He knew Zhong Shan was understating it; fighting the Sky-Splitting Crown Prince would likely cost at least a hundred thousand lives, if not more.

"I'll budget for five thousand soldiers lost," Zhong Shan said.

"Five thousand?" Lan Yanwei was taken aback, finding it hard to believe.

"Five thousand won't be enough, but I think five thousand will surely die. I only need a battalion of five thousand soldiers," Zhong Shan explained.

"Really?" Lan Yanwei's eyes brightened.

Five thousand? Just five thousand? That was a drop in the ocean for the Blue Flame Empire, hardly worth mentioning. Even if they all died, it wouldn't matter much. But was it really just five thousand?

"A ruler's words are not to be taken lightly. My words are as weighty as Mount Tai. However, these five thousand soldiers are to be given, not lent. If they all die, don't feel sorry, and if they survive, I won't return them to you," Zhong Shan said firmly.

Lan Yanwei found Zhong Shan's request peculiar, but it was too good an offer to refuse.

"Agreed!" Lan Yanwei readily accepted.

Only five thousand soldiers lost would fulfill the ally's agreement without significant loss.

"Thank you, Emperor Lan Yan. I specifically request the Iron Spear Battalion under your Third Legion," Zhong Shan said.

"The Iron Spear Battalion?" Lan Yanwei looked at Zhong Shan with suspicion.

He had only heard a little about the Iron Spear Battalion. Why did Zhong Shan specifically ask for them? Lan Yanwei eyed Zhong Shan with a hint of doubt.

"Iron Spear Battalion's Zhao Suoxiang is an old friend of mine," Zhong Shan explained.

With Zhong Shan's explanation, Lan Yanwei understood and nodded in agreement.

"Very well, I will transfer the Iron Spear Battalion to you," Lan Yanwei said, satisfied.

"Thank you," Zhong Shan nodded.

"Chancellor, please take this gentleman to the Iron Spear Battalion and relay Emperor Lan Yan's orders. I will be there shortly," Zhong Shan instructed the chancellor.

"Go ahead, as I have said," Lan Yanwei added sternly.

"Yes!" The chancellor nodded.

"Thank you, Emperor Zhong, thank you, Emperor Lan Yan!" The old envoy bowed gratefully, following the chancellor out.

Zhong Shan needed to inform Qian You and the others.

"Are you really going?" Qian You asked, a hint of worry in her voice.

"Yes, I need to meet this Sky-Splitting Crown Prince," Zhong Shan said resolutely.

"I'll go with you!" Gu Qian You said.

"No, all of you stay here. I'll be back soon," Zhong Shan said firmly.

"But—" Qian You started to protest.

"My decision is final!" Zhong Shan said firmly.

The others knew better than to argue and could only await his orders.

"Alright then, I know I can't persuade you, but you must restrain yourself, you must!" Gu Qian You said worriedly.

"Mm!"

"Think about me, Bao'er, and Ling'er. Think about us. You mustn't let anything happen to you!" Gu Qian You urged again.

"I know. I will stay calm. I have you all, people I cherish, and I must return. Besides, you know my strength. I will return safely. I'll be back before Bao'er finishes refining her pill," Zhong Shan assured her with confidence.

"Mm," Qian You nodded.

After reassuring Qian You, Zhong Shan looked at the others.

"Remember, after I leave, everyone follows Gu Qian You's orders. Her words are my commands!" Zhong Shan ordered sternly.

"Yes!" everyone responded immediately.

After giving his instructions, Zhong Shan followed a servant, quickly heading to the Iron Spear Battalion.

At the Grand Pill Assembly, with Qian You's wisdom and the presence of numerous Imperial-level subordinates, Zhong Shan was confident that no harm would come to them.

Zhong Shan soon arrived at the military camp west of Blue Flame City.

The old envoy, the chancellor of the Blue Flame Empire, and Zhao Suoxiang of the Iron Spear Battalion were already waiting.

The old envoy looked hopeful, the chancellor smiled, but Zhao Suoxiang had a stern expression.

"Then I'll leave it to Emperor Zhong!" the chancellor said cheerfully.

Indeed, for an empire, five thousand soldiers were a drop in the ocean. Besides, the chancellor had investigated and found nothing extraordinary about this battalion—they were just armed with spears and had somewhat stronger combat abilities. As for the battalion leader, Zhao Suoxiang, he was only at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage. Such people were common in the Blue Flame Empire.

"Thank you!" Zhong Shan replied with a smile.

"No need for thanks, Emperor Zhong. Since I've handed over the troops, I've fulfilled my mission. I must return to report to His Majesty. Farewell!" the chancellor said quickly, fearing Zhong Shan might make further requests.

"Mm," Zhong Shan nodded, sending the chancellor off.

"Are you worried that following me will mean certain death?" Zhong Shan asked Zhao Suoxiang.

"My Iron Spear Battalion consists of men unafraid of death. Why would we fear it?" Zhao Suoxiang replied solemnly, though his face remained tense.

"Then are you upset that I took the Iron Spear Battalion from Lan Yanwei?" Zhong Shan asked with a wry smile.

Zhao Suoxiang remained silent, clearly harboring some resentment.

"We share a bond of brotherhood that I, Zhong Shan, will never forget. As a mortal, you were the first to speak on my behalf to the sects, pleading for them to accept me as a disciple. When the Zhong family faced difficulties at the beginning of my cultivation journey, you stood by me without hesitation. I value this brotherhood deeply. But given my current circumstances, my future will be fraught with endless challenges. Someday, you and I might face each other on the battlefield, and I don't want that to happen," Zhong Shan said sincerely.

Hearing Zhong Shan's heartfelt words, Zhao Suoxiang's stern expression gradually softened, replaced by a look of deep emotion.

"Though my actions today in requesting the Iron Spear Battalion from Lan Yanwei may seem opportunistic, even exploiting a friend in need, my intentions are genuine. Rather than facing off on the battlefield someday, I would rather endure some humiliation now. If I've offended you, brother, I apologize sincerely," Zhong Shan said, bowing deeply to Zhao Suoxiang.

As Zhong Shan bowed deeply, Zhao Suoxiang's previous discomfort vanished. He quickly moved to stop Zhong Shan's gesture.

"Zhong Shan, what are you doing? My life was saved by you, and my Iron Spear Battalion was also saved by you. If anyone has wronged the other, it's me who has wronged you! Now that the Blue Flame Empire's debt of gratitude is repaid, I won't stay here any longer. From now on, I'll follow you and fight for you, even if it's just as a humble soldier!" Zhao Suoxiang said earnestly.

Zhao Suoxiang was sincere. Under Zhong Shan's heartfelt appeal, he resolved his inner conflict and was wholeheartedly willing to repay Zhong Shan's great kindness.

"Hahaha, good! With those words, Zhao, even if it means doing the most disgraceful tasks, I, Zhong Shan, would willingly do them. As for you joining the Great Zheng Empire, how could you only be a humble soldier? Just the name Zhao Suoxiang is enough to make you one of my empire's pillars. From today, I appoint you, Zhao Suoxiang, as the commander of the Eighth Corps of the Great Zheng Empire!" Zhong Shan said joyfully.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Zhao Suoxiang immediately saluted with respect.

"You and I don't need such formalities," Zhong Shan said, trying to stop Zhao Suoxiang.

But Zhao Suoxiang respectfully completed his salute.

"Etiquette must be maintained, especially in public. You are the emperor and must have the dignity of one. If I am lax, it will not benefit your rule in the future," Zhao Suoxiang shook his head, explaining.

"Alright, as you wish. Gather the troops; we will set off immediately!" Zhong Shan instructed.

"Understood!" Zhao Suoxiang nodded and left.

Zhong Shan then turned to the old envoy from the Yan Hong Empire.

"Tell me about the current situation of the Yan Hong Empire. I need to understand the circumstances," Zhong Shan asked.

"Yes! Twenty days ago, before I came to the Blue Flame Empire, the Sky-Splitting Crown Prince's army was attacking our border city, Ruyan City. With his capabilities, he likely has taken it by now. The Sky-Splitting Crown Prince has split his forces into five directions, undoubtedly advancing towards the capital, Yan Hong City. With our emperor in seclusion and unable to make decisions, the old ministers are likely moving troops from the eastern cities to the west," the old envoy reported.

"Alright. Use any means to send a message back, stating that the Blue Flame Empire is sending troops and fully supporting the Yan Hong Empire," Zhong Shan ordered after some thought.

"Yes!" the old envoy replied immediately.

The old envoy understood Zhong Shan's intention. Although the Blue Flame Empire only sent a negligible five thousand soldiers, the news should be exaggerated to stabilize morale and reassure both the populace and the military of the Yan Hong Empire.

"As for us, we'll head straight to Yan Hong City. With Xiao Zhongxing absent from the capital, it is the most critical stronghold. If the capital falls, the nation falls. If it stands, the enemy can be repelled," Zhong Shan said gravely.

"The emperor is in the city, he is—" the old envoy started to argue but stopped when he saw Zhong Shan's displeased look.

Before long, Zhao Suoxiang had the Iron Spear Battalion ready. He explained their destination to the soldiers, who showed no fear, even against the Taishui Empire. They would follow Zhao Suoxiang anywhere, demonstrating the spirit of their army and their commander.

The army advanced westward towards the Yan Hong Empire.

Fifteen days later, they entered the Yan Hong Empire's territory. The old envoy went to relay the message, while Zhong Shan and Zhao Suoxiang stood on a cloud, leading the army forward.

"Old Zhao, I need to ask you a favor," Zhong Shan said seriously.

"Your Majesty, please speak!" Zhao Suoxiang was surprised to see Zhong Shan so solemn.

"I'm worried I might lose control when the time comes, so I need you to wake me up," Zhong Shan said seriously.

"Lose control?" Zhao Suoxiang was taken aback.

To Zhao Suoxiang, Zhong Shan was the epitome of calmness. Of all the people he knew, no one was as composed as Zhong Shan. No matter the situation, Zhong Shan was always steady and unshakeable. How could anything cause Zhong Shan to lose control?

"Just in case," Zhong Shan said, looking into the distance. The Sky-Splitting Crown Prince was a formidable enemy, and the potential for personal turmoil loomed large.