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Chapter 646: Chapter 646: The Astronomical Observatory

"That's it!" Nangong Sheng smiled at Zhong Shan, thinking who would be willing to part with such a treasure.

"This Mo Yu Talisman is crucial for the restoration of your soul, isn't it?" Zhong Shan suddenly smiled.

Hearing Zhong Shan's words, a flash of panic appeared in Nangong Sheng's eyes, quickly replaced by a faint, bitter smile. "You can't be fooled, can you? Yes, it can help me quickly repair my soul."

"Haha, having an immortal join my Da An Empire is worth more than any toy. Since you value it so much, consider this Mo Yu Talisman as an advance on your salary for the next thousand years!" Zhong Shan said, tossing the talisman to Nangong Sheng.

Zhong Shan's sudden shift left Nangong Sheng bewildered. Did Zhong Shan not recognize its value? No, he surely knew the value of the Mo Yu Talisman.

"You're really willing to give me this treasure? In the Great Thousand World, it could be traded even with an Earth Immortal. You're willing to use it just to have me join your court for a thousand years?" Nangong Sheng asked, staring at Zhong Shan with a puzzled expression.

"Earth Immortal? Haha, in my eyes, even a Celestial Immortal doesn't compare to you. You are a talent, and my Da An Empire needs all kinds of talents. You are worth the price. I, Zhong Shan, started my career in commerce, and I understand when an investment yields the greatest return," Zhong Shan said confidently.

Looking at Zhong Shan, Nangong Sheng's initial confusion turned into realization.

"You are the most bold person I've ever met!" Nangong Sheng took a deep breath.

"Really? So, does that mean you agree?" Zhong Shan smiled.

"Agree? Haha, aren't you afraid that I'll just take your treasure and leave?" Nangong Sheng asked solemnly.

"As I said, this treasure is merely a toy to me. I won't miss it much. I only value talents like you. If you really took it and ran, I'd just have to accept it. But I trust in your character and reputation. If you give me your word, what do I have to worry about?" Zhong Shan said with confidence.

Nangong Sheng looked deeply at Zhong Shan once more. "Your forceful persuasion has convinced me. I will stay in Da An for now."

"With Mr. Nangong joining us, Da An is honored. This is a time of turmoil, and I am pressed for time, so I had to use such a method. I hope you don't take it to heart," Zhong Shan said, his demeanor shifting from arrogance to sincerity. He then made a slight bow to Nangong Sheng.

Zhong Shan had no choice. He had forcibly recruited Nangong Sheng, who was bound to feel resistant. If he didn't pacify this future important official, it would be like having a ticking time bomb, posing a great threat.

To win over subordinates, one must also win their hearts. Even if their hearts weren't won yet, they shouldn't harbor resistance.

Zhong Shan's blend of benevolence and power was not weakness but the epitome of imperial strategy. Too much force would break, too much softness would corrupt. The right balance could yield miraculous results.

Sure enough, Nangong Sheng's eyes, which had initially shown resistance and unfamiliarity, now appeared complex. Although he knew Zhong Shan's intentions, he couldn't help but accept Zhong Shan's mixture of grace and power.

Nangong Sheng felt conflicted, fully aware of Zhong Shan's cunning. This level of scheming and imperial strategy was telling.

Looking at Zhong Shan, who was sincerely apologizing and even bowing, and recalling the earlier strong threats, Nangong Sheng knew his life and death were at Zhong Shan's mercy. With only a bitter smile left in his heart, he took a deep breath and looked at the precious treasure in his hand.

Nangong Sheng knew that the Mo Yu Talisman was far from being a mere 'toy' to Zhong Shan. It held significant meaning, yet Zhong Shan had resolutely handed it over to him.

When someone saves your life, gives you their most treasured possession, and is so sincere, what right do you have to act haughty?

"Alright, alright, I, Nangong Sheng, will join Da An for a thousand years!" Nangong Sheng sighed deeply.

"With you joining, it's a blessing for both Zhong Shan and Da An!" Zhong Shan said excitedly.

"Your Majesty, Nangong Sheng greets you!" Nangong Sheng said.

"Mr. Nangong, first focus on healing. Once you've recovered, we'll have a long talk!" Zhong Shan said excitedly.

Then Zhong Shan left the hall, carrying the Wu clan staff, leaving a contemplative Nangong Sheng to heal.

With another strong ally added to Da An, Zhong Shan was in high spirits.

"You really gave Nangong Sheng that talisman? What about you...?" Gu Qianyou asked Zhong Shan privately, slightly surprised by his actions.

"You don't need to say it. I know the value of that talisman, but I value Nangong Sheng more. Besides, now that Nangong Sheng is part of Da An, having the talisman in his hands is the same as having it in mine. I haven't lost anything!" Zhong Shan smiled.

"Do you really trust him? What if he leaves after a thousand years?" Gu Qianyou rolled her eyes at Zhong Shan.

"Use people without suspicion, and don't use people you suspect. A thousand years? Once someone has been in Da An for a thousand years, do you think they would leave?" Zhong Shan said confidently.

Winning the loyalty of subordinates is a basic skill of an emperor. With Zhong Shan's abilities, wouldn't a thousand years be enough to win over a subordinate's heart?

"Alright, you're the sneakiest!" Gu Qianyou said with a satisfied smile.

"Haha, and besides, the Mo Yu Talisman isn't actually mine!" Zhong Shan thought aloud.

"Huh?" Gu Qianyou was slightly puzzled.

"The talisman belongs to Emperor Ying of the Great Qin. It's his treasure. Regardless of why he gave it to me, this talisman is powerful, but it wasn't made by me, and there are aspects of it I don't fully understand. It might pose future risks. Instead of focusing on it and potentially facing problems later, I'd rather use it to win over talent and create my own best treasures in the future!" Zhong Shan said confidently.

"Understood," Gu Qianyou nodded.

When Zhong Shan and his entourage returned to Changjing, the Da An Empire in the underworld was embroiled in war.

The great battle was imminent, with two imperial dynasties attacking. Lin Xiao led the Da An military, with Yan Chongzhi facing one dynasty each, defending the empire and even pushing into enemy territory.

Zhong Shan returned to the capital! Civil officials welcomed him, and Lin Xiao quickly returned from the front lines after receiving the news.

In Zhong Shan's study.

"Your Majesty, you've returned. On the tenth day after you left, the two imperial dynasties declared war on us! We've been fighting nonstop," Lin Xiao reported immediately.

"Haha, you've worked hard. Now that I'm back, we'll reward the troops to boost morale!" Zhong Shan laughed.

"Yes!" Lin Xiao responded with a smile.

"We've studied these two dynasties before. I won't intervene. You and Yan Chongzhi can handle them!" Zhong Shan said confidently.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Rest assured, General Yan and I are more than capable of dealing with these two dynasties!" Lin Xiao said confidently.

"Good!" Zhong Shan nodded.

"Who is this?" Lin Xiao suddenly focused on Nangong Sheng.

Being summoned to this study indicated that a significant figure had joined Da An.

To know that even powerful figures like Sha Po and Jing Tianci, who are at the peak of the emperor level, do not have the privilege to enter this inner circle.

"Nangong Sheng!" Nangong Sheng nodded in greeting.

"The Immortal Nangong Sheng?" Lin Xiao said in surprise.

Lin Xiao's mind was in turmoil. Last time, His Majesty had returned with Yan Chongzhi and Jiu Laotou. This time, he had managed to bring back an immortal?

Nangong Sheng showed a slight smile, understanding Lin Xiao's surprise. He also knew of Lin Xiao's reputation. Though Lin Xiao's strength was not exceptionally high, his strategic prowess and ability to treat two imperial dynasties as mere playthings was nothing short of impressive.

"Nangong Sheng, now that you have joined Da An, what position should I give you?" Zhong Shan suddenly pondered aloud.

"Your Majesty, I am not suited for the constraints of the court. Please assign me a more relaxed position," Nangong Sheng requested.

Indeed, considering his personality, strength, status, and pride, it would be difficult for Nangong Sheng to bow daily to Zhong Shan. Zhong Shan seemed to understand this and nodded.

"Very well, in that case, I will establish a new department, the Astronomical Observatory. It will be responsible for the formation of defenses and the study of formations and strategy. Nangong Sheng, you will be the Director of the Astronomical Observatory!" Zhong Shan declared.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Nangong Sheng nodded.

This role was right up Nangong Sheng's alley, aligning with his expertise and interests. How could he refuse?

"Nangong Sheng, do you recognize these two items?" Zhong Shan produced the Wu clan staff and the immortal artifact Apricot Yellow Flag.

Nangong Sheng examined them briefly. "Both are from the Great Thousand World, and the materials required to make them must also come from there. The Wu clan staff can only be used by the Wu clan. As for this Apricot Yellow Flag, I understand its internal formations completely, but the materials needed to replicate it are scarce. Moreover, it shows its full potential only when used with the other four flags. Right now, it is just an ordinary replica of an immortal artifact."

"Oh? Just an ordinary replica?" Zhong Shan asked, puzzled.

"A set known as the 'Five Direction Flag Array' is common in many heavenly courts in the Great Thousand World. It is said to be modeled after the 'Heaven and Earth Five Direction Flags,' which is the ultimate flag array," Nangong Sheng explained.

"I see," Zhong Shan nodded.

In the underworld, the Da An Empire was progressing smoothly. While Nangong Sheng recovered and helped Da An with the arrangement of formations, Lin Xiao and Yan Chongzhi were on the front lines, capturing cities and expanding their territory.

Six months later, in Zhong Shan's study.

Beside Zhong Shan stood Gu Qianyou, who was examining a report with curiosity. "The Tian family and the Dayan Heavenly Court are fighting?"

"Hmm, it's likely that Xing Taidou violated their alliance and colluded with the Wu clan," Zhong Shan nodded.

"Should we get involved?"

"No, our foundation isn't strong enough yet. We need to proceed steadily and cautiously. A stable and solid development is the right strategy," Zhong Shan said firmly.

"Understood," Gu Qianyou nodded.

Apart from gathering intelligence, Zhong Shan chose not to involve Da An in the actions of the Tian family. He focused on strengthening his own empire and ensuring its stability and growth.