Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan

Chapter 1402: Chapter 1170: Tough (Not finished yet)

Fortunately, the Great Zhou Dynasty did not show its aggression, simply prohibiting cultivators from entering the realms of the dynasty, seemingly intent on internal development.

Yet this stance did not ease the vigilance of those Immortal Dao influences, for all Human Dao dynasties possess strong external expansion factors; after all, it is the simplest and most straightforward method of growth.

In fact, within the Great Zhou Dynasty, there was indeed a debate over territorial expansion versus civil rejuvenation, with the latter narrowly winning.

But with a little research into the personnel of the conservatives, one could understand why those Immortal Dao influences were so worried.

The leaders of both civil and military factions, Wei Changming and Zhang Yi, chose civil rejuvenation, emphasizing not rushing into action but rather continuing to build up inner strength, develop the land, and only when the country’s power further improved should they expand externally.

After all, now the foundation of the Great Zhou Dynasty is shallow, entirely raised up by Li Zhirui in a short time, making the first external war particularly important; if lost, it would be a heavy blow to morale and national power in all aspects.

Hence, both were extremely cautious, not daring to start a war lightly.

As the heads of civil officials and military generals, both supported the conservatives, yet only with a slight advantage, indicating how strong the others’ desire for expansion was.

However, Wei Changming and Zhang Yi knew well that those officials were merely pawns; the one truly wanting expansion is this young and ambitious king!

”State Preceptor! You left a bit too early. Without you here to hold the fort, I cannot suppress this king’s burgeoning ambition at all.” Wei Changming looked at the empty throne in the hall, sighing inwardly.

Within the Great Zhou Dynasty, Li Zhirui was a transcendent presence, truly the master, even though he had not appeared for many years, no one dared to ignore him; the dynasty always ran under his will.

Perhaps soon, he should actively resign and retire.

”General Zhang, in a few days, please go and humble yourself before the king; today’s Great Zhou can do without me, but not without you.”

Upon hearing this aging voice, Zhang Yi’s complexion slightly changed, as if understanding something, a trace of sadness showing on his face.

Wei Changming bowed to the empty throne, slowly exiting the hall.

For the next month, discussions about waging war never ceased in the court, gaining momentum, even citizens in the capital were discussing it, and it began spreading to other places through intentional dissemination.

”Minister, advanced in age and declining in strength, eyes failing... I earnestly beg the king to allow me to return home.” This was Wei Changming’s third request to retire, playing through the role of entreaty and denial three times with the young king.

”I am still young, hoping the teacher will stay to assist.”

Wei Changming bowed to the hall floor, silent.

Zhu Hong’s expression became somewhat unsightly, his voice also firm, saying: ”Since the teacher insists, I cannot force you to stay. Please take care of your health; the Great Zhou still needs you.”

”Thank you for the king’s grace!”

Wei Changming bowed deeply, slowly standing up, returning to the position he held for over ten years; after today, he would not appear again.

With such a minister resigning and going home, there was little left to discuss in the subsequent court meetings, which ended hastily.

At noon that day, all civil and military officials gathered by Zhou River to send off this founding elder minister home.

”General Zhang, the days ahead will be hard on you!” Wei Changming did not speak to his disciples or students, only saying this to Zhang Yi.

Then, taking his family and scant property, he left this most magnificent city of the Great Zhou.

Within just ten days of his departure, the court once again discussed the matter of expedition and expansion.

This time, Zhu Hong’s wishes were fulfilled, with over eighty percent of civil and military choosing to support!

...

Meanwhile, Li Zhirui had already returned to Mount Wanxian.

After not seeing him for many years, Jiang Fengwu, Da Qing, and others were very curious about his experiences, wanting to know what he had done.

But Li Zhirui remained tight-lipped, knowing that some matters, once spoken, meant revealing secrets, instructing them to await news, and they would understand in due time.

He also requested them not to discuss the matter, just knowing it internally was enough.

”How has the family situation been these years?”

”With the Cave Abyss Sect’s attention shifting southward, the pressure the family faced has lessened, allowing us to recover quite a bit of territory.”

Clan Leader Li Xinde immediately spoke, saying: ”Simultaneously, we are preparing to reclaim the Ten Thousand Spirit Sea Area within a few years.”

”However, as the territory decreases, the interests are not as abundant as before, thus family development has slowed slightly.”

He was long prepared for this, so he did not react much, considering the family was able to maintain without retreat under the Cave Abyss Sect’s suppression, it was a good thing.

”If all goes smoothly, for quite some time ahead, the Cave Abyss Sect should not be able to concern themselves with us, so we can boldly develop, but wait for news to come before acting, prepare well in advance.”

”Understood!”

Xiaoqing, Li Xinde, and others showed the most excitement; they had long wanted to reclaim lost lands, the former because he could not bear the loss, the latter as the clan leader naturally hoped for the family’s growing strength.

It was just that Li Zhirui had not returned, and they worried their actions might disrupt his plans, so they delayed acting, now he personally spoke, and so their concerns naturally evaporated.

Time flew by, and three months after Li Zhirui returned to the family, everyone received an important intelligence, roughly stating that suddenly, the newly appeared Great Zhou Dynasty had launched external warfare.