Infinite Professions

This is also the result of merit backlash.

In this Lanruo situation, not only is there the power of the Southern Lands, but the Northern Lands have also intervened.

If Shen Hex’s estimate is correct, then behind the Northern Emperor Sect Ancestor Master, there is definitely the instruction from the Northern Deities and the Hidden Dragon.

And as for the Confucian Sect, Shen Hex has no grievances with them, yet they still intervened, there must be a reason for this.

It is likely that the Northern Deities want to take this opportunity to incite a conflict between Jinyang and Xiao Chen’s Hidden Dragon, so that both sides suffer losses, while they take advantage and unify the world, becoming the True Dragon.

Unfortunately, they also did not succeed and suffered backlash. Although not as tragic as Xiao Chen’s Hidden Dragon, they sustained considerable damage, leading to a resurgence of forces in the Northern Lands that were previously suppressed. Even the puppet Xiao Chen Court has shown signs of action.

Under such constraints, it will be difficult for him to advance and capture the South.

Such a grand opportunity...

The sixty-first year of Yuanning, the 327th year of Chen.

Former Crown Prince Xiao Ye once again led troops to attack Jinyang. After three days of battle without success, they retreated back to the State Mansion.

In the same month, Li Mubai proclaimed to the world that Xiao Chen is ruthless, allowing the Royal Family to harm the people, and therefore he dismissed the Governor of Jinyang, declaring independence in Jinyang Land. He also published a manifesto with the slogan "Punish the ruthless, execute the tyrant Chen," formally starting his campaign.

In August, Li Mubai personally mobilized an army of 500,000, advancing from the north to Jinling via land. He also appointed Song Jian as the Supreme General, leading another 500,000 troops, proceeding from Qinghe, advancing along the Weishui River, capturing the lands of Jinhua and the prefectures of Jingzhou and Yangzhou.

In September, Li Mubai’s army approached the city, besieging the former capital of Yangzhou, while Song Jian’s army also captured Jinhua, splitting forces towards the State Mansion, with both armies converging below Jinling City, creating a trapped dragon situation for the State Mansion.

...

Within the Liang Royal Mansion in Jinling City.

Even though the lamps illuminated the grand and luxurious surroundings, the pall of gloom could not be dispelled.

In the bedroom, the crowd gathered around the bedside, all silent and solemn.

On the bed lay a person, hair disheveled and face haggard, exuding the aura of a dying man, completely exhausted.

"Your Highness!"

"Majesty!"

His wife and children wept by his side, while the civil and military officials remained silent.

No one expected that Prince Liang, who had always been robust and healthy, would suddenly fall ill during the attack on Jinyang and never recover, now standing at the brink of life and death.

Thinking about the million-strong army encircling the city...

Could it be that in this world, there truly is a Celestial Destiny determined to end the Xiao Chen dynasty?

No one spoke, and Xiao Ye on the sickbed could hardly make a sound, his vision blurry, with only the faint flickering of the candlelight.

He knew what it was.

Merit backlash, Dragon Qi immensely diminished.

The Restoration Ascension of the Celestial Destiny was nearing its end.

He lost, he was defeated.

He was willing to gamble but not willing to accept defeat.

Why, why did he lose?

With the combined strength of six Third Grade Ghost Gods and the support of his Dragon Qi, why couldn’t he defeat a Fourth Grade Jinyang City God?

Why, why, who can tell him why?

Who is the one stirring trouble behind all this!

Jinyang, Qinghe, Song Xiang...

"I——hate you!!!"

With a gritting scream, Xiao Ye struggled to rise, attempting to avert heavenly disaster, but with his very movement, he triggered an inexplicable injury, spat out blood, and the body that he had raised fell back heavily onto the bed.

"Your Highness!!!"

The crowd exclaimed and rushed forward, only to see his eyes wide open, face pale, lips crimson with blood, revealing a resentful hatred and unwillingness akin to a malevolent spirit, as if something sinister choked his throat, unable to be swallowed.

Simultaneously...

"Aung!!!"

Above Jinling, the Black Dragon wailed mournfully, a streak of Divine Light burst forth, merging with the Dragon Qi, transforming into a scarlet rainbow, rushing straight towards the Jinyang army camp outside the city.

"Song Xiang, come to meet your death by my command!!"