[One: You went to settle accounts with the Witch God Sect so quickly? How is the Witch God’s condition, and are you injured?]

Concerning political matters, Huai Qing responded faster than others, replying first.

Moreover, she didn’t have a clear concept of how powerful a half-step Martial God was and felt Xu Qi An’s actions were too impulsive—going to provoke the Witch God Sect without calling for help from other transcendent experts or even Shen Shu.

[Seven: Well, a half-step Martial God is tough-skinned and thick-fleshed, and won’t die.]

Li Ling Su, who had arrived in the Southern Borderlands the day before yesterday but hadn’t returned to the capital with Ye Ji, planning to stay in the demon territory for a few days, answered first.

He was an honored guest of the Myriad Demon Kingdom. The demon tribe treated him to fine wine and meat, and beautiful fox ladies offered songs and dances. When the Holy Son got into high spirits, he would even join the fox ladies in singing and dancing.

Most importantly, despite having such fun, his kidneys wouldn’t bear any burden, because as an honored guest, he had sufficient initiative.

The fox ladies certainly wanted to serve in his bedchamber, but Li Ling Su firmly refused…

Playing was one thing, but don’t think about sleeping with me.

It would be different if he were at home, where his bosom friends coveting his beauty would have already gotten handsy.

In short, in the Southern Borderlands, he could live in debauchery without having to walk while holding the wall. How wonderful.

[Two: Best if he died!]

Li Miao Zhen angrily cursed.

She had returned from overseas after traveling thousands of miles, planning to seek out Xu Ning Yan’s trouble tomorrow morning, but he went to Jingshan City.

Miao Zhen has quite a temper, hmm, I’ll write a “friendship letter” to you later, Xu Qi An thought. He wrote using his finger:

[I’ve conquered the entire three northeastern kingdoms. Your Majesty, you can send people to take over the Witch God Sect’s territory in the coming days.]

In the distant capital, in her bedchamber, Huai Qing suddenly sat up, staring blankly at the surface of the jade mirror.

Conquered them?!

Just like that?

Since ancient times, the Witch God Sect had dominated the northeast, with a history predating Great Feng. With Transcendent backing and unmatched cavalry, they were a thorn in Great Feng’s side, just like the northern barbarian demons.

And in one night, the Witch God Sect ceased to exist?

[One: What happened? This shouldn’t be possible. Didn’t the Witch God protect the Witch God Sect?]

Xu Qi An then detailed the course of events in the Earth Book chat group.

He didn’t analyze how the Witch God’s protection of the shamans would affect the situation, or what benefits Great Feng would gain from it, because Xu Qi An believed that among the Earth Book members, except for Li Na, everyone’s intelligence was above the baseline.

No explanation was needed.

He only explained one point, which was about the Witch God’s protection of the shamans by taking them into its body.

[Three: It seems all Transcendents have methods to accommodate practitioners of their system. When rescuing Shen Shu’s head, the three Bodhisattvas merged into Buddha’s body.]

[Nine: The Witch God Sect was forced by you to abandon the chariot to save the king.]

Daoist Jin Lian jumped in with a comment.

[Eight: How is the Witch God’s seal?]

Asura sent a message asking.

The large eyeball on Xu Qi An’s wrist lit up, and he appeared on the altar, between the statues of the Confucian Saint and the Witch God.

The black mist slowly rose from the eyes of the statue wearing the crown of thorns, gazing at him without emotion.

What are you looking at, you can’t kill me anyway. Xu Qi An ignored the Witch God’s gaze and examined the Confucian Saint’s statue.

The statue of this shortest-lived but most contributive Transcendent of the human race was covered in web-like cracks as if it would crumble to powder with a breath of wind.

[Three: In at most three months, the Confucian Saint’s seal will dissipate.]

The time of the great calamity remained unchanged—the end of the year!

Three months… The Earth Book members’ hearts sank, and feelings of crisis and anxiety surged again.

Previously, they didn’t know the truth about the great calamity and still harbored some hope, thinking that even if they couldn’t change fate, with their transcendent abilities, they would have a way out.

If they couldn’t stay in the Nine Provinces, they could go overseas.

The world was vast; where couldn’t they go?

But now they knew the Transcendents’ goal was to replace the Heavenly Dao and become the will of the Nine Provinces world. This changed everything.

As remnants of Great Feng, they probably wouldn’t survive no matter where they fled.

No matter how vast the world, there would be nowhere to hide.

[Nine: If we can’t survive the great calamity, all life under heaven will turn to ash.]

[Six: Amitabha, all beings suffer.]

While merit-cultivating Daoist Jin Lian, Li Miao Zhen, and the compassionate Master Heng Yuan weren’t thinking about their safety, but rather the survival of all living beings.

Jin Lian, Heng Yuan, and Miao Zhen were the most dangerous—they might try to sacrifice themselves to face the calamity. No, I can’t raise death flags for them, that would be sinful, Xu Qi An hurriedly banished this thought from his mind.

Among other members, like the Holy Son, Chu Yuan Zhen, and Asura, they were either more rational or lacked the awareness to sacrifice themselves for all beings.

[Seven: When things truly reach the point of no return, Xu Ning Yan will die, right?]

At this moment, the Holy Son sighed in the group.

For a moment, no one spoke.

Ah, so they’ve been raising death flags for me too, Xu Qi An sent a message:

[I met an old acquaintance at the Witch God Sect, Holy Son—your beloved Dong Fang Wan Qing.]

[Four: Congratulations to the Holy Son.]

Chu Yuan Zhen quickly spoke up, relieving the oppressive atmosphere.

[Two: Congratulations, Senior Brother.]

[Eight: Congratulations!]

[Nine: Congratulations!]

Other members offered their congratulations.

In the distant Southern Borderlands, Li Ling Su’s expression slowly stiffened, and the dancing fox ladies in the hall instantly lost their appeal.

Let me rest a bit, I can barely keep up with the nutrition demands. Damn you, Xu Ning Yan, Li Ling Su grumbled internally, then sent a message asking:

[Did Sister Rong merge into the Witch God’s body with the other shamans?]

Though complaining, he still cared about his woman.

[Three: Yes!]

Xu Qi An replied concisely.

Ending the group chat, Xu Qi An space-transferred to Dong Fang Wan Qing’s side.

She tensed up as if facing a great enemy.

“Come back to the capital with me. Li Ling Su is waiting for you in the capital,” Xu Qi An looked at her and said flatly:

“Of course, you can also choose to return to East Sea Prefecture.”

His expression and tone were very calm, even cold, which made Dong Fang Wan Qing relax.

Because she realized that before this legendary figure, she was no different from an insect. If he wanted to kill her, she wouldn’t have lived until now, let alone have him speaking with her.

He’s not making things difficult for me because of Li Lang’s relationship, Dong Fang Wan Qing bowed and said:

“Thank you, Officer Xu.”

In the palace, the Imperial Study.

Wang Zhen Wen, wearing crimson official robes and an official’s hat, climbed the steps toward the Imperial Study with a grave expression.

Beside him was Wei Yuan, wearing an elegant dark blue robe, his temples frosted white but his features refined.

After yesterday’s meeting, Wang Zhen Wen had only rested for an hour at home before plunging into heavy official duties.

But Wang Zhen Wen’s spirit was still vigorous. At his rank, he had plenty of magical pills from the Astronomical Bureau stored at home. Unless it was a terminal illness, he didn’t need to worry about his health.

Wang Zhen Wen had already survived one life-and-death crisis. The Astronomical Bureau’s artificers said that having survived a great calamity, he needn’t worry about his health for at least ten years.

A summons in the deep night must mean another major event, Wang Zhen Wen thought grimly, only hoping the matter wasn’t too terrible.

He glanced at Wei Yuan beside him and found his expression equally grave.

In these troubled times, any slight disturbance made them tense.

Crossing the threshold of the Imperial Study, Wang Zhen Wen’s gaze swept around and saw Zhao Shou already seated in a chair.

He came quite early!

Well, for Confucians, upon receiving a summons they only needed to say:

I am in the Imperial Study.

And they could arrive immediately.

Wang Zhen Wen and Wei Yuan walked to the imperial throne and bowed to the Empress in the candlelight:

“Your Majesty!”

In the current court, the three ministers most trusted and relied upon by the Empress were Wei Yuan, Zhao Shou, and Wang Zhen Wen.

Court rumors said that the Cloud Deer Academy faction represented by Zhao Shou was deliberately supported by the Empress to check and balance the Wang and Wei factions.

Therefore, whenever major events occurred, these three would gather.

“Please be seated, beloved ministers.”

Huai Qing nodded and ordered the eunuchs to provide seats.

After sitting down, Wang Zhen Wen glanced at Zhao Shou and saw his expression was calm with unfurrowed brows, which made him relax as well.

It wasn’t that the old fox was shallow-minded and easy to read, but rather that when facing troubles not involving factional struggles, Zhao Shou wouldn’t deliberately hide his thoughts.

When Buddha attacked Lei Province, the situation was urgent, and the three had furrowed their brows all night.

At this moment, he saw Huai Qing reveal a slight smile and say:

“Officer Xu went to Jingshan City tonight to settle accounts.”

Wang Zhen Wen understood and stroked his beard, smiling:

“It was time to settle accounts. The Witch God Sect repeatedly plotted against the court and Officer Xu. Now that Officer Xu has reached great achievement in his cultivation, it’s time to make them pay the price.

“That old fellow Salun Agu must be suffering now. Hmm, does Your Majesty plan to send troops to attack the Witch God Sect?”

If so, it would be more steady to force the Witch God Sect to negotiate peace, gaining territory, population, and resources without expending any troops.

If the Witch God Sect was unwilling, then military action could follow.

Huai Qing shook her head:

“We are not going to attack the Witch God Sect. I summoned the three beloved ministers tonight to discuss taking over the Yan, Kang, and Jing kingdoms.”

Take over… Wang Zhen Wen suddenly raised his head, his slightly bloodshot eyes staring intently at Huai Qing.

“Before the great calamity arrives, there will be no more shamans in the Nine Provinces.

“No more Witch God Sect in the northeast.”

Huai Qing calmly delivered this astounding news.

“No more shamans in the Nine Provinces, no more shamans in the Nine Provinces…”

Wang Zhen Wen muttered to himself. This old man who had navigated court politics for decades showed expressions unsuited to his experience and position.

Since Great Feng’s establishment, the barbarian demons and Witch God Sect had been like thorns in Central Plains’ flesh, coming to raid and pillage the borders every few years, causing devastating casualties.

Generation after generation of scholars saw subduing the barbarian demons and conquering the Witch God Sect as an achievement for the ages.

And such an eternal achievement was accomplished in his generation.

Wang Zhen Wen suddenly remembered something and sharply turned his head to look at Wei Yuan.

Wei Yuan sat expressionlessly, slowly turning his head to gaze northeast, remaining motionless for a long time.

Forty years ago, the Witch God Sect’s army had conquered three northeastern prefectures, slaughtering hundreds of li until no trace of human life remained. The Yu Province governor’s entire family died under iron hooves, leaving only one child who had hidden in a rotting dry well for days.

That was Wei Yuan.

For decades, he rarely mentioned his family’s hatred, knowing that destroying the Witch God Sect was extremely difficult, almost impossible.

If even the Confucian Saint couldn’t do it in those years, who could?

But now, the Witch God Sect no longer existed, and the Yan, Kang, and Jing kingdoms would also vanish.

Xu Qi An had accomplished this.

And he was someone Wei Yuan had personally cultivated.

Karma comes full circle.

Taking a deep breath, Wei Yuan composed himself and smiled:

“Your Majesty summoned us three here to discuss how to take over the three kingdoms?”

Huai Qing nodded:

“The three kingdoms’ territory is vast, suitable for farming and hunting, rich in resources. After taking them over, Great Feng will thoroughly solve its financial problems, and arrangements for Mahayana Buddhist followers can also be put on the agenda.

“This matter cannot be accomplished overnight, but we still have three months.

“However, while many matters can be postponed, the subjugation of the three kingdoms must be announced to the world immediately, to gather destiny and strengthen Great Feng’s national power.”

Wang Zhen Wen immediately said:

“This matter need not trouble Officer Xu. Sending a few transcendent experts to lead the border armies of three prefectures will suffice.”

With Great Feng’s current abundance of transcendent experts, Old Wang spoke these words with full confidence.

Huai Qing nodded:

“The details still need to be discussed.”

Xu Qi An dropped off Dong Fang Wan Qing at the Holy Son’s residence, leaving a message for the concubines:

At Li Ling Su’s request, I helped him find his beloved. From now on, you are sisters with her, get along harmoniously, and don’t make things difficult for my brother Li Ling Su.

How could the concubines dare defy Officer Xu’s words? They were all very friendly.

They even asked him with smiling faces where Li Ling Su was, eager to share this moment of joy with their lord.

Such harmony! Xu Qi An was quite pleased seeing this.

He thought, Holy Son, oh Holy Son, this is all your Silver Badge can do for you.

Returning to the Xu residence, he saw Temporary Peace had fallen into deep sleep from overwork, so he didn’t disturb her. Sitting at his desk, he pondered what to do in these three months.

These three months were very important.

“The ancients said, preparedness averts peril; with preparation one succeeds, without it one fails.

“First, regarding the Western Regions, with me and Shen Shu here, Buddha probably won’t devour Lei Province before the great calamity. Even if He comes, we’re not afraid—two half-step Martial Gods are enough to drive back a Transcendent.

“As expected, He will wait for the Witch God and Insect God to break their seals. Then multiple Transcendents will devour the Central Plains, surely joining forces to kill me and Shen Shu, while He will wait until after devouring the Central Plains to compete with other Transcendents for the Heavenly Dao.

“Regarding the Witch God Sect, most shamans have merged into the Witch God’s body, essentially handing over their territory. I hope Huai Qing can incorporate the three kingdoms soon, adding to our destiny. The stronger the destiny, the greater the benefits.

“Unfortunately, I don’t know how to use destiny, and that unreliable Imperial Censor—who knows if we can contact him.

“The Insect Tribe in the Southern Borderlands should move to the Central Plains now. When the Insect God emerges, they will all transform into insects. Once these leaders transform, they’ll become ready-made transcendent insect beasts.

“The Wasteland God and Insect God are the same—we can’t give them a chance to develop their power. I hope the Nine-Tailed Fox can resolve the issue of the divine and demonic descendants soon, eliminating this hidden danger.”

After arranging everything, Xu Qi An returned to the core issue:

Advancing to Martial God!

Regarding this point, he had two methods:

First: Review the Astronomical Bureau’s classics to see if the Imperial Censor had left any clues.

Second: Gather all transcendent experts to pool wisdom and discuss how to advance to Martial God.

There was no need to shoulder everything alone—one must know how to properly utilize talent.

Whether Great Feng’s transcendents or the Insect Tribe’s transcendents, they were all exceptionally intelligent people. Well, except for Li Na’s father, Long Tu.

After figuring this out, he rubbed his temples, and instead of going to bed, he vanished from beside the desk.

The next moment, he appeared in Mu Nan Zhi’s chambers.