"Go into seclusion?"
Put plainly, that just meant hiding.
Chen Sanshi had done nothing wrong—why would he need to hide?
"Live a peaceful life?"
Same old question.
If hiding could bring peace, then back in Poyang County, he would never have joined Xiang Tingchun's command in the first place.
He didn't hesitate. "Of course, this disciple will stay."
At this point, Liangzhou had long since become his real home in this world.
"Good, good," Sun Xiangzong said, pulling another fish from the water. "Tomorrow—come to the martial training grounds."
"Yes, Master. I'll remember."
"Also," Sun Xiangzong continued naturally, "these next few days, settle your marriage with Sun Li. A joyous affair should come before a sorrowful one."
"Master, you mean…"
Chen Sanshi's expression shifted slightly.
Truth was, ever since he'd arrived, he'd seen it clearly through the Qi Observation Technique—his master's body was being slowly corroded by threads of murderous qi.
"Same old thing," Sun Xiangzong said calmly. "I've lived long enough. You can grieve when you reach a hundred years old. Now get lost."
He waved his hand impatiently. "Don't disturb my fishing."
"Then take your time, Master."
Chen Sanshi smiled and left.
He hadn't gone far before hearing another splash.
"Heh—good, good! Today's been satisfying indeed!"
Instead of heading straight out of the Grand Commander's residence, Chen Sanshi leapt twice, scaled a wall, and landed quietly in the courtyard where his senior sister usually lived.
"Junior Brother, you're back?"
Before he even reached the window, a cool, clear voice came from inside the room.
"I'm back."
He walked to the window. "Open it—I brought you a gift."
"You just got back from the desert. What could you possibly give me?"
"Just reach out your hand and you'll see."
From his storage bag, Chen Sanshi took out a golden hairpin shaped like deer antlers, with small golden leaves hanging from it. In the sunlight, it gleamed beautifully.
"What's this?"
"A golden hair ornament. The barbarian princesses love wearing them."
"A war trophy?"
"I had a local craftsman make it new. For our wedding day—you can wear it."
"Mm. Thank you."
"Master Chen—my lord, my ancestor!"
The steward's voice shouted from the courtyard gate. "That's enough! You can't break the rules!"
"Alright, alright, I know!"
Seeing that the steward looked ready to burst in, Chen Sanshi had no choice but to jump the wall again and leave.
By the time he got home, dusk had already settled.
"Master!"
Siqin and Mo Hua bowed to greet him.
"General."
Ningxiang also came out to welcome him.
Meanwhile, Zhao Zhao was leading Chen Yunxi up to the rooftop, doing who knows what.
"Home at last," he murmured.
Chen Sanshi entered his study. "Ningxiang, prepare the ink."
He dipped his brush and began writing a letter.
Now that the Foul Vein crisis had been resolved, it was finally time to ask his sister-in-law to bring his wife and child back from the Qing Kingdom.
Once finished, he sealed the letter and handed it to the bluebird messenger.
Finally idle again, Chen Sanshi instinctively wanted to practice spearwork—only to realize he didn't even have a spear on him.
The Liquan Spear had been wrecked when it clashed against a high-grade magical weapon—he'd simply thrown it to the sealed ancient demon cultivator who wouldn't stop howling.
The Tiger-Headed Golden Spear had been lost too—after clashing with several Martial Saints, it had soared like a rainbow through the sun and tumbled off a cliff.
In short, that last battle had cost him plenty.
Two spears gone.
And one bow as well.
During his fight with Yu Wen Jingwen, the Iron-Bellied Bow's string had snapped.
He planned to return to the mountains soon to look for that giant serpent again. With a body that size, its tendons would make a fine bowstring.
As for cultivation—he had reached the limit.
There was no known method for training beyond the Martial Saint Realm. He'd have to wait until his master passed it down.
At least there was still the Five Elemental Formula he could continue refining.
During the march, whenever he had time, he'd cultivate it and practice spells as well.
Technique: Five Elemental Formula · Qi Refining (Early Stage – Level 1)
Progress: 285 / 500
Compared to the immortal cultivation methods that extended life, spell advancement was much faster.
Spell: Thick Earth Art (Beginner)
Progress: 395 / 500
Spell: Ten Thousand Swords Descend · Tier 1
Progress: 788 / 1000
He also had Qianxun and the bluebird, which improved his Beast-Taming skill.
Skill: Beast-Taming (Uninitiated)
Progress: 25 / 100
None of these things could be rushed—they had to be cultivated slowly.
The Five Elemental Formula advanced too slowly.
If he could find a single-element technique to focus on, he could improve the quality of his spiritual root and cultivate much faster. Otherwise, who knew how many years it would take just to reach mid-stage Qi Refining.
There was also alchemy.
He still had quite a few pills that could enhance his cultivation.
If he refined those properly, he could raise his strength even faster.
It seemed he'd need to make another trip to the Daze Market soon.
That place was basically his personal marketplace—whenever he needed something, he went there to buy it.
Then again…
His master had told him to come to the martial grounds tomorrow. What could it be for? He'd mentioned meeting some people—but who exactly?
After two months of endless travel, even with Fasting Pills keeping his body strong, his mind still needed rest.
With those scattered thoughts, Chen Sanshi slowly drifted into sleep.
By the next morning—
At mao hour—just after dawn—the morning mist hung thin over the fields.
Chen Sanshi rode Qianxun to the military camp.
All the soldiers stationed in Liangzhou, including those from the Hongze Battalion, had already completed roll call. Every formation stood neatly aligned across the martial training ground, ranks straight and blades gleaming.
Sun Xiangzong walked slowly onto the high platform, his steps steady, his robe fluttering lightly in the wind.
"Grand Commander," an old general called out. "You suddenly ordered everyone to assemble—what important matter brings us here?"
Sun Xiangzong said calmly, "Today's drills, I'll oversee personally. Begin."
"For real?" The old general's voice rose with excitement. "You heard him! Start the drills! Whether you're a soldier or a general, if the Grand Commander gives you even a few words of guidance, it'll benefit you for life!"
It had been many years since the Grand Commander had personally attended a training session. Normally, he left such matters to his disciples.
Today was a rare exception.
"Yes, sir!"
"Dong! Dong! Dong!"
The war drums thundered.
The five battalions of Liangzhou City began their exercises.
The drills were divided into formation maneuvers and individual training.
Hands clasped behind his back, Sun Xiangzong moved slowly across the martial field, observing from one end to the other. Whether veteran soldiers from the Eight Great Battalions or new recruits sent by the imperial court, he would stop and offer a few words of correction wherever he saw a flaw.
Only by noon did the training end.
He climbed the platform again. Though his voice wasn't loud, the more than 70,000 gathered soldiers heard every word clearly.
"Eighty years," he said quietly. "If I remember correctly—it was the thirty-sixth year of the Jiayuan Era."
"At that time, His Majesty was still the Hidden Dragon Prince. He and I came north to Liangzhou under imperial command to organize a small army to assist the garrisons here in resisting the northern barbarians."
"In the beginning, I had only 800 men under my command."
"Later, it became 3,000, then 5,000, then 10,000. That was when the Tiance Battalion was founded."
"After that came the Black Turtle Battalion, the White Tiger Battalion…"
"Gradually, there were eight great battalions."
"Unknowingly, nearly a hundred years have passed."
"The Eight Great Battalions have become the Fourteen Battalions of the Northern Liang Army."
"One generation replaced another."
"I've grown old. My memory's failing. There are many faces here I no longer recognize."
"It seems… it's about time for me to rest."
Rest?
For years, rumors had circulated among the people that Sun Xiangzong's life was nearing its end.
Back then, he rarely appeared in public, and many soldiers from the Eight Great Battalions believed it true. That was when the internal divisions began—factions forming, Ning Changqun's rise to power, and countless other disputes.
Until that day at the Selection Trials, when the old Grand Commander speared Ning Changqun through in a single strike, leaving not even a corpse. His authority instantly returned. Everyone realized the Grand Commander had not weakened—he had simply chosen to stay out of sight.
But during this recent northern campaign into the desert, Sun Xiangzong, though nominally the supreme commander, hadn't personally taken the field.
In the end, it had been his final disciple, the General of the Hongze Battalion—Chen Sanshi—who had turned the tide and saved them all.
Only yesterday did the rest finally learn what had happened after the Hongze Battalion marched north.
Sealing the Wolves at Juxu!
The four barbarian tribes had bowed before the White Robe General!
Not since the founding of the Great Sheng Dynasty—indeed, not even in the past 1,000 years—had any dynasty from the Central Plains produced such a general.
A single campaign had brought at least 50 years of peace to the frontier.
It could be said—he was already the foremost figure in all of Northern Liang.
In the past, every soldier and officer revered only one man—the founder of the Eight Great Battalions, the legendary Sun Grand Commander who had fought south and north, shaking the world.
But from now on, in the hearts of the younger generation, their model would be none other than the White-Robed Chen Sanshi.
Still, that was only the view of the young.
Among the older and middle-aged generals, Sun Xiangzong's prestige and standing remained irreplaceable.
"Grand Commander…"
Several old generals clasped their fists, unsure what to say.
"Hongze Battalion," Sun Xiangzong said, stepping toward their ranks. "You've barely formed, yet you've already achieved such merit. By tradition, I should personally commend you and select a few disciples from among you."
"But since I've decided to retire, I'll no longer be taking disciples."
"So instead, I'll give your commander a weapon—as a personal reward."
"From this day forth, Northern Liang belongs to you young men."
"Buzz—"
As his voice fell, tens of thousands of eyes widened.
A flash of divine light burst forth.
When it faded, everyone saw it clearly—
In Sun Xiangzong's hands was a silver spear coiled by a dragon-shaped pattern.
That was…
The Dragon Gall Silver Spear!
No one in the army failed to recognize it.
For sixty years, Sun Xiangzong had ridden across the world with that very spear!
Many years ago, when the Great Sheng fought the Western Qi Kingdom, Sun Xiangzong was unable to personally command the army due to special circumstances.
Even the imperial gold decree and tiger tally from the capital couldn't move the Eight Great Battalions. Only when someone brought forth the Dragon Gall Silver Spear did the troops obey orders.
It had long reached the point where they recognized the spear more than the man.
Whoever held this spear was the true commander of the Eight Great Battalions.
And now—before the eyes of tens of thousands of soldiers—Grand Commander Sun handed that spear to Chen Sanshi.
The meaning was clear.
This was succession.
A passing of the torch.
He was telling everyone—
From this day on, the man in the white robe would be the very sky of Northern Liang.
Even if he was not yet the Grand Commander in title—
As long as that spear remained in his hands, every general, young or old, would bow in acknowledgment.
"Thank you, Grand Commander Sun, for bestowing the spear!"
Chen Sanshi held the silver spear with both hands, and it felt as if he were gripping a living silver dragon. The weapon hummed continuously, vibrating with such power that for a moment, he almost couldn't control it.
Only then did he truly understand why his master had summoned him to the camp.
A new generation replaces the old.
The young take up the burdens of their predecessors.
His master—
was handing over everything he had built in his lifetime—
his honor, his authority, his legacy—
publicly,
into his disciple's hands.
"Glory to the Grand Commander!"
"Glory to General Chen!"
Among the Hongze Battalion, Zhao Kang and Zhu Tong exchanged glances and shouted together.
"Glory to the Grand Commander!"
"Glory to General Chen!"
The cry spread like wildfire.
Wave after wave, louder and louder, until the sound shook the heavens.
Thus ended the day's drill—
with thunderous cheers that seemed to make even the clouds tremble.
As the chants still echoed across the field, Chen Sanshi sheathed the silver spear and followed his master out of the camp. They made their way through the city to the Immortal Crane Pavilion and entered a private room on the top floor.
"Ah, Grand Commander Sun! You've arrived."
The attendant greeted them cheerfully, leading the way. "All your guests are here."
"Good."
Sun Xiangzong nodded, pushed the door open, and stepped inside.
Within the private room sat more than ten people around a banquet table. Their clothing was fine, their bearing dignified. Though none wore official robes, Chen Sanshi instantly recognized many of them—officials from the nineteen prefectures under Liangzhou's jurisdiction.
It was clearly only a portion, not all of them. Some even came from noble families, descendants of titled lords—one or two were hereditary marquises whose rank could not be stripped.
'Master called all these people here?' Chen Sanshi wondered silently.
"Grand Commander Sun!" one man greeted warmly. "It's been years! You look as strong as ever."
"And the man behind you must be General Chen Sanshi, yes?" another said with a smile. "I've heard much of your name. Seeing you in person—truly impressive!"
"Remarkable, truly remarkable!"
"To think—Sealing Wolf Juxu! What a feat!"
"I once served in the army myself," an older man laughed. "Later tonight, General Chen, you must drink a few cups with me!"
"Sanshi," Sun Xiangzong said mildly, turning his head, "aren't you going to greet the lords?"
Chen Sanshi bowed. "Greetings, my lords."
Once seated, the wine began to flow.
After three rounds of toasts, the officials began speaking in earnest.
"Grand Commander Sun, please be at ease!"
"When we return, we'll submit a memorial to the capital, petitioning His Majesty to appoint Lord Chen as the new Grand Commander of Northern Liang."
"Although we're not cabinet members," another added, "we still represent the local administration. The court must listen to our recommendation."
"It's for the good of Northern Liang."
"Once, we had Grand Commander Sun."
"Now, with General Chen here, Liangzhou will know peace for generations!"
The banquet lasted until nearly zi hour—midnight—before finally ending.
Sun Xiangzong had servants arrange quarters for the guests at the Grand Commander's residence so they could stay and attend the wedding that was soon to come.
Before long, only master and disciple remained in the room.
"Boy," Sun Xiangzong said, gently rubbing his teacup, "do you know why I did all this today?"
Chen Sanshi paused slightly. "I beg my master's instruction."
"Since you chose to stay," Sun Xiangzong said slowly, "you must continue climbing upward. Only by rising higher can you stand firm within the imperial court—only then will you have the power not to be controlled by others."
He continued, "The title of Grand Commander isn't something I insist you take—but you must take it. Especially now, when your merit is so great. Without it, your position will be unstable."
"Before this, you saw what the Northern Liang Army went through, and you know the situation inside your Hongze Battalion. Until you hold that office, whatever you do will lack legitimacy."
"Master is right," Chen Sanshi said, fully understanding his meaning.
After the army's expansion, he was, in name, the commander of the Hongze Battalion. But nearly every vice general and lieutenant under him came from the capital. They followed his orders on the battlefield—but they would never disobey imperial command.
In other words, if he ever angered the court, a single transfer order could strip away everything he had fought and bled to build.
That was something he could never accept.
A man's fate—his life and death—must remain in his own hands.
"Master has thought of everything," Chen Sanshi said. "But… will the capital agree?"
Sun Xiangzong chuckled. "You think I can just declare you a Grand Commander and make it so? First, your own merit must be worthy of it."
He smiled faintly. "Sealing Wolf Juxu—that achievement alone surpasses anything I ever did. Forget just the title of Grand Commander—if you dared submit a memorial asking to be made a Duke of the Realm, the court might actually grant it."
"The Grand Commander's post is, in truth, nothing more than an empty title. That's all I can give you—this name. Whether you make it real or not will depend entirely on you."
"I understand," Chen Sanshi said earnestly.
"Take this."
A faint shimmer of light appeared in Sun Xiangzong's hand. A jade slip materialized out of thin air.
Chen Sanshi accepted it, holding it carefully and studying the inscriptions upon its surface.
"It's a cultivation manual for the True Force Realm," Sun Xiangzong explained. "What the cultivators call—beyond the Martial Saint."
"In the cultivation world," he continued, "they say that true cultivation is to absorb the essence of Heaven and Earth, to master the roots of all laws, to transform one's being and ascend into the Dao—that this is the true path of immortality."
"But in truth," his voice deepened, "they're wrong."
"They don't realize that the human body itself is the greatest treasure of all."
"In the primordial chaos of the ancient era, divine beasts roamed, demons ruled, and the heavens were in turmoil. Yet it was humankind that seized the fortune of Heaven and Earth, born from spiritual essence, surviving through endless calamities to this very day. Do you think such a body could ever be weak?"
"Some people are born without spiritual roots and cannot cultivate the dantian method. They grow despondent, believing that this life will forever remain mundane—that they'll never again touch the extraordinary, never stand equal to so-called immortals."
Sun Xiangzong's gaze turned sharp. "But they don't know—the human body itself hides divine secrets!"
"The difference between a True Force cultivator and one who merely sheds the mortal shell lies in this: transforming true qi into true force."
"To reach that step, one must borrow the aid of spiritual energy to refine the body once more."
"In the cultivation of the True Force Realm, the human body is divided into—three sections, eight vistas, and twenty-four truths."
"Before this refinement, you'll need a rare heaven-and-earth treasure to awaken the body's hidden potential. Only then can you begin the true process of tempering the flesh."
"The upper, middle, and lower sections each contain eight divine vistas, corresponding to the twenty-four truths. Once all are fully tempered, you will reach the Great Perfection of the True Force Realm."
"Three sections, eight vistas, twenty-four truths…" Chen Sanshi repeated softly. "Then, Master, what lies beyond the True Force Realm?"
"In the cultivation world," Sun Xiangzong said, setting down his teacup, "the realm above True Force is considered forbidden. Except for a few special sects or individuals, it cannot be practiced privately. And I, alas, do not possess the method. You'll have to explore it yourself."
He exhaled slowly. "There's another reason why the path of martial cultivation—the path of refining the body—has declined. The road ahead… has been cut off."
"The road ahead cut off?" Chen Sanshi asked. "Master means there are no further methods of cultivation?"
"Yes."
"When one reaches a certain level," Sun Xiangzong explained, "the martial path simply disappears—its records gone. Whether it was deliberately destroyed or simply lost to time, no one knows."
"In short, those who cultivate the Dao may ascend, but the way of the martial body can no longer ascend. Without a way to transcend mortality, there's no path to true longevity."
"Moreover, body refinement consumes far more resources than the methods of qi cultivation. Thus, martial cultivators are few within the immortal world."
He paused, his eyes dimming, then said, "Still, I believe—as long as you keep walking, the road will appear beneath your feet!"
"Cough… cough…" His body trembled as a fit of coughing seized him.
"But you're different," he continued, forcing a weak smile. "You have a spiritual root, and your talent in martial arts is strong. You can walk both paths at once. Sometimes… cultivating both roads together is easier than walking one alone. Cough… cough cough cough…"
"Crack—"
The teacup slipped from his trembling hand and shattered on the floor. His face turned deathly pale.
"Master?!"
Chen Sanshi quickly caught him by the arm. "It's late already—let me take you back to rest."
"Mm…" Sun Xiangzong nodded faintly as they walked. "Martial cultivators also need spiritual energy."
"For Dao cultivators, they absorb spiritual qi through their roots, circulate it through the meridians, refine it into spiritual power, and store it in the dantian."
"But martial cultivators—" he coughed again—"draw in the qi of heaven and earth through breathing methods, then refine it through stances and techniques. It's similar to the process of shedding the mortal shell."
"As for spiritual energy…" He coughed harder, his voice weakening. "I've already prepared for you a spiritual pearl… your master…"
"Master, we can talk about that later," Chen Sanshi said gently, guilt rising in his chest. "You need to rest first."
"You ungrateful brat! Don't interrupt me!"
Sun Xiangzong snapped, his eyes sharp again for a moment. "That spiritual pearl isn't just for you alone. Once activated, it will form a small spiritual vein—like a miniature cultivation cavern. If you wish, you can let others use it too."
"A first-grade, high-quality spiritual vein will be enough to sustain you through the True Force Realm in martial cultivation and through the Foundation Establishment Realm in the immortal path."
"After that, if you still wish to continue climbing upward, you'll have to find your own way."
He paused to catch his breath.
"Also… the seal over the Eastern Divine Continent has begun to loosen. Soon, cultivators from other continents will enter this land, seeking new spiritual veins. Trouble will only increase, not lessen. If you can manage it, handle it; if it's too dangerous, retreat when you must."
"These matters should have been mine to handle—but I no longer have the strength."
"One more thing. Cao Kai—the emperor in the capital."
"The man behind him is also a cultivator. I don't know much more than that. But His Majesty himself has reached the Perfection Stage of Qi Refining. If I'm right, he'll soon enter Foundation Establishment. Add the Nation-Stabilizing Imperial Seal and the Dragon Abyss Sword, and after I'm gone, he'll be the most powerful mortal alive. Keep that in mind."
"And another thing."
"If I fall asleep one day and never wake again, take the ring from my finger. Inside, there are things—if you want them, keep them; if not, destroy them."
"In two days, it'll be your wedding with Sun Li. She's my only daughter—you'd better take good care of her."
"And…"
"Master, please, stop talking."
"Ungrateful brat! Don't help me."
"Even if you scold me, I won't let you tire yourself out today," Chen Sanshi said firmly. "Save your strength for the wedding feast. I heard from Fourth Senior Brother that you buried a jar of daughter's red wine behind the Grand Commander's residence—the ingredients came from the cultivation world, didn't they?"
"You rascal," Sun Xiangzong muttered with a hint of laughter. "You really plan to drink me dry, huh?"
By the time Chen Sanshi helped his master back to the Grand Commander's mansion, he saw the place already bustling with wedding preparations.
When he returned home, Siqin and Mo Hua were also busy arranging decorations.
Red lanterns, red silk banners, red double-happiness symbols, red carpets—every corner of the residence shone with festive brightness.
"Master!"
Siqin hurried over. "Thank goodness you're back! The tailor brought your wedding robes. Please, try them on quickly—if they don't fit, there's still time to alter them."
With the help of two maids, Chen Sanshi tried on three sets of wedding robes. It was nearly midnight before he finally had a moment to rest.
But instead of sleeping, he went straight to Ningxiang's room.
"The general is back?"
Her voice drifted softly from the bed, half-drowsy, half-teasing. "Coming into my room at midnight—have you finally decided to cultivate the Yin-Yang Dual Harmony technique with me?"
"In a cup of tea's time," Chen Sanshi said flatly, "bring that silly disciple of yours to my room."
"Who are you calling an idiot?!"
Zhao Zhao had already heard him from the hallway, storming in with an angry glare.
Inside the room, Chen Sanshi took out the spiritual pearl.
With a thought, he activated it. Waves of spiritual energy spread out like thick mist, filling the room in moments.
Fortunately, the spiritual vein it created wouldn't weaken just because more people were using it. Letting both Ningxiang and Zhao Zhao cultivate alongside him made no difference. In fact, if their strength improved, they would be able to assist him even more in the future.
[Divine Ability: Commanding Immortals (Uninitiated)]
Progress: 25/100
During his last mission at The Edge of the World, he had improved this ability slightly through practice. The proficiency had increased, though he still didn't know what its effect would be once it advanced.
The wedding was set to take place in five days.
Over those few days, Chen Sanshi alternated between cultivating The Five Elemental Formula and studying the martial technique that surpassed the Martial Saint Realm.
He poured a thread of spiritual energy into the jade slip. At once, words and images appeared vividly in his mind, depicting the complete method.
The alchemy formulas he'd bought earlier from Daze Market had been recorded in the same way.
The cultivation manual his master had passed down for the True Force Realm was titled simply—The Dragon Scripture.
Its stances and movements were intricate and ever-changing, but the most complex part wasn't the techniques—it was the breathing method.
The Dragon Scripture's breathing technique was based on the Five Elemental Breathing Method. One could choose any of the five elements to begin with and refine it later.
His master cultivated the Metal Breathing Method. Based on Chen Sanshi's constitution and martial habits, his master had recommended the Fire Breathing Method instead.
There was no hierarchy among the five, so Chen Sanshi began training in Fire Breathing.
Though the stances and forms required great precision and spiritual energy, he mastered them within two days. The breathing, however, was a different story. It tested not just the body but also perception and comprehension.
The physical stances and strikes were primarily for refining qi and strengthening the body. The breathing method, however, directly determined the speed of cultivation.
Even with his Seven Orifices of Wisdom, it still took him four full days to completely master the Fire Breathing Method. Once done, he combined it with the stances, skillfully performing the entire Dragon Scripture sequence.
Three Sections, Eight Vistas, Twenty-Four Truths!
In the upper section's eight divine vistas, which corresponded to the body's upper regions, there were eight guardian spirits: Jue Yuanzhi, Xuan Fuhua, Tong Zhongzhong, Ling Jiansheng, Ling Moge, Yi Lifu, Zhong Longyu, and Shi Liangzhi.
They corresponded to eight aspects of the human body: the spirit of the brain, the spirit of the hair, the spirit of the skin, the spirit of the eyes, the spirit of the neck marrow, the spirit of the spine, the spirit of the nose, and the spirit of the tongue.
In truth, these represented vital parts of the body itself.
In the martial path's theory, the human body contained countless gods within.
Or rather—man was a god.
Cultivation was the process of awakening these hidden deities step by step, tempering the divine body until one's flesh itself became divine—capable of shaking heaven and earth.
The upper section's eight vistas broadly covered everything above the neck. But "awakening the vistas" didn't mean tempering only those areas; the refinement flowed through the entire body. In battle, however, the number of awakened vistas determined one's strength.
[Technique: Dragon Scripture (Uninitiated)]
Progress: 0/100
Effect: None yet.
But as he cultivated, he quickly realized—without a rare heaven-and-earth treasure to awaken the "vista gods," he couldn't break through the true threshold.
His master hadn't provided such a treasure, likely because he hadn't been able to prepare it in time.
Of course, Chen Sanshi wasn't some helpless child.
If he relied on elders for everything, what right would he have to pursue the title of Martial Saint—or beyond?
Forget it. This wasn't something that had to be rushed.
After the wedding, he could make another trip to Daze Market and find what he needed. There was always a way.
Still, the thought of the emperor nearing Foundation Establishment Realm surprised him.
That meant Cao Kai had cultivated for years—and his talent was likely not ordinary.
Setting aside his thoughts, Chen Sanshi calmed his breathing and began cultivating The Five Elemental Formula again.
When he opened his eyes, the sound of drums and gongs filled his ears—along with Siqin's hurried voice.
"Master, hurry up!"
"Everyone's waiting outside! You can't be late for the ceremony!"
At the Grand Commander's Mansion, Chen Sanshi, dressed in a bright red wedding robe, rode a white Swan Horse adorned with a red flower. Behind him trailed eight sedan chairs, followed by an endless procession of attendants and excited onlookers crowding both sides of the street.
They followed every traditional rite until reaching the main hall of the mansion.
The bride, veiled in a scarlet bridal hood, wore a phoenix crown and a long crimson gown embroidered with golden clouds. Supported by several bridesmaids, she stepped forward gracefully, holding the other end of a red silk ribbon that connected her to the groom.
They bowed as husband and wife, then served tea to their elder—his master.
Senior brothers and sisters like Lü Ji and Rong Yanqiu had returned early for the wedding, cheering and laughing from the sidelines.
After all the formalities came the banquet.
Chen Sanshi noticed not only Liangzhou officials in attendance but also many from other provinces.
He toasted each table personally, memorizing faces and names.
'Master even handed me his last remaining network of connections,' he thought quietly.
He kept drinking with the guests until late into the night.
When it finally ended, Chen Sanshi mounted Qianxun and, amid teasing shouts from his senior brothers and sisters, rode home.
In the second courtyard, a side chamber had been prepared as the bridal room.
He pushed open the door.
Candlelight flickered.
Behind the silk curtains, the bride sat gracefully on the bed.
"You're back?"
"Yes, Senior Sister."
"Still calling me that?"
"Wife, then? I think 'Senior Sister' sounds better—it's kind of charming."
"Fine, call me whatever you like, little junior brother."
"Senior Sister, according to Great Sheng tradition, shouldn't we drink the nuptial wine now?"
"It's on the table."
Chen Sanshi picked up the jar of Daughter's Red Wine that had been prepared in advance, poured two cups, and sat beside her. Their arms crossed as they drank together.
"Senior Sister, this wine tastes… off."
"Oh? Does it?"
"Try another sip if you don't believe me."
"Mmm…"
Meanwhile—
In the capital city's Wanshou Palace, the entire Imperial Cabinet had assembled.
Behind the gauze curtain came the calm, steady voice of the old emperor.
"Speak. Regarding Chen Sanshi—how should his merits be rewarded?"
"Your Majesty," Minister Ming Qingfeng said respectfully, "for such great military achievement, ennoblement is the least he deserves. However… recently, Sun Xiangzong has repeatedly submitted memorials, recommending that Chen Sanshi be appointed Grand Commander of Northern Liang."
"I've read those memorials," the emperor replied slowly. "Many of the Liangzhou officials have written the same—urging that Chen Sanshi succeed as Grand Commander."
Yan Maoxing spoke first. "But we already agreed before—once Sun Xiangzong passes away, we'll abolish the position of Grand Commander entirely and never reinstate it. After all, the authority attached to that title is far too great. In peacetime, it controls the troops. In wartime, it holds supreme command over the military and civil affairs of three provinces. Such a regional power is nearly impossible to restrain. Sun Xiangzong was already a clear example of that."
"That's right," said Minister of Personnel Yin Mingchun—father of Yin Hanwen. "For Sun Xiangzong to pull something like this just before his death… no one knows what he was thinking. In my humble opinion, granting Chen Sanshi a noble title is fine. But to restore the position of Grand Commander—absolutely not."
"I agree."
"Yes, indeed."
"In the past, we only established the Grand Commander position in Northern Liang because of the constant warfare. Someone needed to be able to make emergency decisions. But now that the northern front is settled, there's no justification for keeping a post that powerful."
"That's correct."
The voice of Emperor Longqing echoed through the hall. "Yan Liang, Ming Qingfeng, stay. The rest of you may withdraw."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The ministers bowed and quietly filed out.
Inside the hall, only three men remained: Yan Liang, Ming Qingfeng, and the Commander of the Embroidered Guards, Zhangsun Xusheng.
Zhangsun Xusheng stepped forward and saluted. "Your Majesty, Sun Xiangzong hasn't only been submitting memorials recently. Not long ago, in front of tens of thousands of soldiers on the training field, he handed his Dragon Gall Silver Spear to Chen Sanshi.
"At the same time, during Chen Sanshi's wedding banquet, he invited numerous officials. The meaning behind all this… is obvious."
"Indeed, Your Majesty," Ming Qingfeng added. "Now that Sun Xiangzong is finally gone, we cannot allow another unrestrained frontier warlord to emerge. Otherwise, what difference would there be between us and the feudal princes of the Great Xia dynasty two thousand years ago?
"Looking through the histories, every great rebellion across dynasties began with a regional military uprising.
"Although, for now, Chen Sanshi has shown no sign of disloyalty to the court, who can say whether that will remain true?
"Every great traitor in history once started as a loyal general. It's power—too much power—that turns loyalty into ambition. With so many past lessons, we must not repeat their mistakes."
Ming Qingfeng's words were firm.
Zhangsun Xusheng clasped his hands. "Ming Daren is right, Your Majesty. And this so-called loyal general, Chen Sanshi—his loyalty might not be what it seems.
"The Northern Frontier War was filled with irregularities.
"According to post-war investigations led by Chu Shixiong, their Snow Dragon Cavalry Formation was completely different from what is drilled in the capital.
"That formation could actually harness celestial phenomena. This was the third time such a thing occurred.
"The first time was at Silver Pine Cliff in Lingzhou, when heavenly thunder struck Southern Xu.
"The second time was during the Battle of Hulou, when the fog rolled in unnaturally.
"And the Heavenly Scripture—that artifact was found by Chen Sanshi during the Mingzhou campaign. What if he's still hiding something?"
He continued, his tone growing heavier. "Furthermore, this time he slaughtered over ten thousand enemies and, counting the battle at Agate River, killed six Martial Saints. Even if he himself were a Martial Saint, that's something no one else could accomplish.
"In my judgment, Sun Xiangzong must have passed his entire inheritance to Chen Sanshi beforehand.
"The inheritance itself may not be the issue.
"But the fact that Chen Sanshi never reported any of this to the court—not even to the Liangzhou Military Supervisor, Eunuch Hou—is a serious matter."
The Embroidered Guards' primary duty was surveillance—of officials, nobles, and the army alike.
In the capital, if they wished to investigate, they could uncover everything: what a certain official ate for dinner, which dishes were meat or vegetable, what wine he drank, with whom he drank it, and even how many cups he downed. Nothing escaped their grasp.
"Yan Liang," the emperor's voice came again, calm but unreadable. "What say you?"
The only man seated in the hall—the aging Grand Secretariat Minister Yan Liang—spoke slowly. "This minister believes… it can be approved."
"Grand Minister Yan?" Ming Qingfeng turned sharply. "Approve it? You would willingly create another Sun Xiangzong?"
"Please, Minister Ming, don't be so hasty," Yan Liang said, his tone unhurried. "Hear me out.
"You all claim the position of Grand Commander is too powerful. But that power exists only because the court allows it. The strength of any office depends entirely on imperial control.
"Take the current state of the Northern Liang Army, for example. After the expansion, over half its troops and officers were replaced. It's no longer the same army that once 'recognized the spear, not the man.'
"Now, whatever else one might say, Chen Sanshi has rendered monumental service. If we deny even this small recognition, it will chill the hearts of every military man across the realm."
He continued, "And let's be honest—the title of Grand Commander is largely ceremonial.
"We can grant Chen Sanshi the title, then immediately appoint General Lü Ji as the new Provincial Governor of Liangzhou. That way, the two can check and balance each other."
Yan Liang paused briefly before adding, "Furthermore, I have another suggestion."
"Speak," said Emperor Longqing evenly.
"When our Great Sheng Dynasty was first founded, control over military power was extremely well-structured. Regional generals commanded troops but could not redeploy them at will. During wartime, the capital would send a Commander to take supreme command in the field.
"But after a hundred years of constant war, that system became unsustainable.
"Now, with the borders temporarily pacified after so many major campaigns, I believe it's time to restore the founding system."
He straightened his robe and continued, "Therefore, not only can we approve Sun Xiangzong's request to honor Chen Sanshi, we should elevate him even further—then summon him to the capital to take an official post.
"Once he's in the capital, within a few years, his connection to the frontier army will naturally fade. There'll be no fear of him building his own power base.
"And when future wars arise, the court can assign him wherever he's needed—making full use of his talents without risk."
He concluded with a faint smile. "In this way, we satisfy Sun Xiangzong's dying wish, set a good example for the realm, and prevent any conflict of interest. Chen Sanshi is a rare general. We will surely need him again in the future."
The emperor's low voice carried through the hall. "You hear that? Yan Liang always handles matters with balance and foresight. Very well, it shall be done. Grant Chen Sanshi a noble title. Now—what title do you all deem appropriate?"
"During the Northern Campaign, he rode across ten thousand li, slew over ten thousand enemies, and achieved the feat of Sealing Wolf Juxu. His valor surpasses all three armies."
"Then," said the emperor decisively, "he shall be ennobled as—Marquis of the Champion (Guànjūn Hóu)."