Chapter 173 - 140 Jiang Jiang’s Worries, the Aged Monk Kurong, the Stable Da Jing Dynasty_3
Under this towering sky-reaching tree, a old monk sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, wearing only a coarse monk’s robe, his face full and round, with a broad square forehead and an expansive jaw, his kindly eyes exuding the aura of a high monk who had attained the Dao.
“Kurong elder brother, has your Kurong True Intent improved further?”
At that moment, another monk appeared beneath the sky-reaching tree, his back slightly hunched as if carrying a divine mountain.
“Still a bit lacking.”
Without opening his eyes, the Kurong old monk spoke in a calm tone, seemingly seeing through everything in the world.
“Congratulations, elder brother, on your soon-to-be advancement to the fourth level of the True Martial Realm,” joy appeared on Tuoshan Kong’s face.
“Younger brother, your congratulations have come too early,” the Kurong old monk sighed.
“It’s just a matter of time.”
“It seems that even if I didn’t come, with elder brother’s strength, securing the Jiaolong Dragon Ball would be almost certain,” Tuoshan Kong said with a smile.
Kurong old monk shook his head and said, “The Dragon Maiden is too powerful, even if you and I join forces, we might not be her match.”
Tuoshan Kong’s pupils shrunk slightly, then he said, “No matter, there are more than just us making a move this time.”
To the north of the Daqian Empire is the Da Jing Empire.
For centuries, the two great empires had constant friction and fought many large wars, with victories and defeats on both sides.
The Da Jing Empire always stationed troops in the south to threaten the Daqian Empire, but in the last several decades there had been no major movements, even though Prince Wu’an was called back to Capital City, they did not seize the opportunity to invade and conquer.
Da Jing Empire’s territories also operated under a system of states, prefectures, and counties, with the Capital City located in Wen Province.
At this moment, an urgent meeting was being convened within the imperial palace of the Da Jing Empire.
The meeting didn’t last long, but all those involved knew it was of great importance; they appeared somewhat excited and left to prepare right after it concluded.
Emperor Jing sat upon the Dragon Chair, his gaze deep as he mulled over the upcoming plan to ensure there were no oversights.
The Da Jing Empire had always been waiting for the right opportunity, unwilling to invade Daqian first, because going to war with Daqian would only benefit the Yinyang Sect and the Kurong Sect.
The Yinyang Sect and Kurong Sect thought the same, thus leading to a stalemate, which instead allowed the Daqian Empire a chance to breathe.
Fortunately, the stalemate didn’t last many years, as a Mysterious Forces emerged within Da Qian, stirring up trouble: White Lotus Cult attacked prefectures, there were assassinations of the military governors of Sanzhou, and now they were plotting something big.
The Da Jing Empire, Yinyang Sect, and Kurong Sect were pleased to see this development, preferring other forces to act as the vanguard; if they could whittle down the essence of the Daqian Empire, they could then swoop in for the profits.
Now the timing was almost right; with the emergence of the Leizhou Secret Territory, Emperor Jing knew that the Mysterious Forces would make a major move and would not miss this opportunity. Da Jing Empire thought the same.
Emperor Jing believed that Kurong Sect and Yinyang Sect would also not miss this chance to take advantage of the situation, delivering a fatal blow to the Daqian Empire, and then they would divide the spoils of victory together.
With the emergence of the Leizhou Secret Territory, Da Qian’s True Martial Realm Combat Ability would be drawn there, making it an excellent opportunity to annihilate them in one fell swoop.
Thus, many Grandmasters of the Myriad Phenomena Realm from the Da Jing Empire moved to the southern border, ready to strike at the opportune moment.
A True Martial Realm elder from the Da Jing Empire also moved out secretly, speeding towards the location to find a chance to strike.
Da Jing Empire had no intention of competing for the Jiaolong Dragon Ball; their primary goal was to eliminate the True Martial Realm Combat Ability of the Daqian Empire, to mitigate the threat. Once Daqian lacked the True Martial Realm Combat Ability, it could only be carved up at their mercy.
Though the Jiaolong Dragon Ball was valuable, it was also a live target that could bring Da Jing a lot of trouble.
Emperor Jing and the two elders had discussed it and decided to develop steadily. They would not vie for the Jiaolong Dragon Ball—instead prioritize swallowing up the Daqian Empire first, agreeing that steady development was more important.
PS: Third update, asking for monthly votes, and also a question.
The big plotline has started, do you think the main character should reveal his True Martial Realm strength?
There are three options now: first, the main character could join the battle under his real name, which doesn’t quite fit with being cautious, but since he levels up quickly, it wouldn’t have much impact. This could lead to plotlines like Da Qian offering a princess…
Second, the main character could enter the battle undercover, not affecting his cautious identity.
Third, the main character doesn’t actively join the battle but waits at home until he can take the opportunity to capture the Dragon Maiden or the female Demon King undercover