Mythical Three Kingdoms

Regarding Mi Zhu's actions of pursuing fame rather than hoarding wealth, Chen Xi had nothing much to comment on. The other party had already reached the stage where he could claim to have fully enjoyed mortal riches, now living purely for an uninhibited farewell journey.

"It's not impossible, but let's wait two more years. Only then will I focus on this matter. You understand; the further I schedule a task, the more significant it is." Chen Xi gave the matter some brief thought before replying.

"By that time, the situation across the land will be relatively clearer. We should also handle the fertile lands of the North, and then commence this project simultaneously," Li Youu added, slightly tilting his head. Developing the northern region was basically a predetermined step.

"Indeed. These are major plans that must be handled independently. They are no trifling matters, as their impact is extraordinarily large," Chen Xi shrugged and said. "In any case, we'll discuss this when the time comes. It's not suitable for now. Give Wang Yi two or three years; by then, she should be able to draft a complete plan."

"In that case, I'll start preparing the funds," Mi Zhu said with a smile. "I'll donate ten billion coins all at once when the time comes."

"Focus first on uniting the merchant guild into a single force before we discuss that," Chen Xi said, waving his hand dismissively. He had little opinion about Mi Zhu intending to donate the money to enhance his reputation. At Mi Zhu's current status, where he could use official rank and prestige to safeguard his wealth, one hundred million coins or ten billion coins made little difference to his quality of life.

"I'll do my best," Mi Zhu said awkwardly.

When it came to matters concerning Liu Bei, the members of the merchant guild would follow Mi Zhu's guidance. Even families like the Weii Family and Wu Family, who had differing opinions, would merely abstain rather than openly oppose. But during other times, there would still be disputes and defiance of orders.

"In these chaotic times, to amass so much manpower and resources, likely only you could achieve it," Xun Yue said, looking at Chen Xi with an expression full of admiration. The other party's display of talent in internal administration was indeed astounding—no, it was practically divine.

"Alright, let's not dwell on that. Quickly mobilize our troops and prepare for the northern campaign. If the Xuanyuan Cauldron is transported by Yuan Shao to Xindu, it will become much harder for us to retrieve. So, we must act swiftly," Chen Xi said with a hint of a smile, redirecting the topic initiated by Xun Yue.

Compared to the relative calm in Fenggao, the rest of the land was already in uproar. Only a few individuals could still maintain their composure, while most had already fallen into madness.

"Zheng Nan, Gongsun Bogui is yours. Give him a grand funeral. I will head to Yanzhou," Yuan Shao said, patting Sheni Pei's shoulder.

"Lord, leave this to me. I will ensure Gongsun Bogui receives a splendid funeral," Sheni Pei nodded, voicing no objections to Yuan Shao's sudden decision to change generals. After all, he too had witnessed the emergence of the Xuanyuan Cauldron earlier.

"Zhengli, come with me to Yanzhou. We shall reclaim what is rightfully mine," Yuan Shao said, turning his gaze to Juo Yi with a calm demeanor.

"I shall pave the way for you, My Lord!" Juo Yi made a deep bow and said, "The soldiers under my command now have sufficient willpower, as well as the strength to carry out that will. Regrettably, my mightiest opponent has already left the Central Plains. I truly wish to face him again."

"Gao Gongzheng, you mean?" Yuan Shao said with a chuckle. "He will also eventually serve me. Lyu Fengxian has already reclaimed Jiuyuan and is currently regrouping. Governing his domain will be my ministers' task, so Zhengli, he will not fight you again."

"What a pity," Juo Yi expressed, his face showing visible bitterness. He had suffered a crushing defeat previously. Now, having successfully forged the Military Spirit, it was unfortunate that his former foe would no longer engage him in combat.

"Hahahaha! To the horses! Follow me as we contend for supremacy in the Central Plains!" For the first time, Yuan Shao unreservedly displayed his ambition to establish dominion over the world.

"I will serve you, Lord, by clearing every obstacle in your path!" Juo Yi boasted arrogantly. Though the world was vast and filled with extraordinary individuals, Juo Yi believed himself to be one of the finest among them.

"What is that...?" At that moment, Zhang He, who was by Yuan Shao's side, squinted at the streak of azure light traversing the sky. "That is a person..."

Following the oppressive aura of the Xuanyuan Cauldron and the Jade Seal, the immortals hidden across the Four Directions could no longer restrain themselves. This was the best opportunity for them to seize fortune and blessings. A nation-stabilizing Divine Artifact in hand would grant fortune, and refining it could lead to Ascension in a blaze of glory!

"This path is blocked!" Tong Yuan stood atop the high heavens, amidst white clouds, wielding his spear axe, his gaze icy as he faced the Confucian Scholar clad in blue before him.

"Tong Yuan, you intend to obstruct me?" A voice, indistinguishable as either young or old and slightly raspy, lingered around Tong Yuan.

"Turn back, and I won't stop you," Tong Yuan replied calmly.

"Then there's nothing more to say!" The Blue-Clad Taoist chuckled lightly. With a faint motion of both hands, his body surged with dark blue lightning. In the next instant, he transformed into a deep blue streak interwoven with crimson light, shooting straight towards Tong Yuan like an arrow.

A chill of killing intent flickered across Tong Yuan's aged visage. The spear axe in his hand gleamed with an icy blue radiance as he charged headlong toward the Blue-Clad Taoist.

"Boom!" With a resounding explosion, a bolt of lightning pierced through the white clouds from the high heavens, striking the earth below. Moments later, the Blue-Clad Taoist slowly began to plummet to the ground.

"I told you, this path is blocked," Tong Yuan sneered coldly, watching as the Blue-Clad Taoist disintegrated into ash mid-fall.

"Carelessness can lead to death," a voice echoed as another figure, an elder clad in red, appeared in the sky. Subsequently, the Blue-Clad Taoist, who had just disintegrated into ash, seemed to reverse through time and was restored as if nothing had happened.

"Thank you, Nan Dou," the Blue-Clad Taoist said, giving a pale-faced bow to the newly arrived Nan Dou.

"Leave. That artifact is beyond your grasp, and Tong Yuan's strength is not something you can contend with," Nan Dou said, not even sparing the Blue-Clad Taoist a glance as he fixed his gaze on Tong Yuan. "I am headed to the Central Plains. Will you try to stop me?"

"You vowed not to interfere in the chaos of the Central Plains," Tong Yuan replied impassively.

"I need that fortune," Nan Dou stated evenly, his tone a mix of negotiation and an undeniable sense of authority that brooked no argument.

The Blue-Clad Taoist cupped his hands toward the Northern Abyss in farewell and promptly transformed into a streak of lightning, retreating to the Northern Frontier. Facing death once, he had now learned what mattered most.

"No," Tong Yuan shook his head. "The Central Plains Land is not for you to intrude upon. The matters of the people should be resolved by the people themselves. If you have chosen your path, then be prepared to pay the price."

"Then we fight!" Nan Dou said, his expression unchanging.

"Leave, Nan Dou, or today you will die here!" Nanhua suddenly appeared on the battlefield. "Return to the Northern Frontier. I have said it before: any immortal who enters the Central Plains without my permission, while I still live, will perish!"

"What terrifying words..." Another voice arose in the heavens. A golden-robed youth gazed at Nanhua, speaking in a mocking tone. "Do you think we would dare come if we were afraid?"

"Northern Abyss..." Nanhua narrowed his eyes, his tone cold. "Even you, the timid one, have shown up. Who else is here?" (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)