Jingling, a city of considerable strategic importance, was controlled by the Solemn Fortress. Although not a major power, the Solemn Fortress commanded an army of nearly twenty thousand. Ren Shaoming of the Iron Cavalry Society had once attempted to seize Jingling but failed.
Fang Zetao, the leader of the Solemn Fortress, was a man with little ambition. He had managed to hold Jingling thanks to his former status as a Sui Dynasty general. His army was essentially a remnant of the Sui military.
Fang Zetao's original plan was to wait for a wise ruler to emerge and then pledge his allegiance, ensuring his wealth and status. This was a sound strategy, had it not been for his weakness for women.
In the original story, Fang Zetao, who was once loyal and righteous, was driven to the brink of fratricide by Sulia's manipulations and ultimately died at her hands, never fully realizing the truth.
This time, with Bai Qing'er from the Yin Kuai Sect involved, Fang Zetao met an even more tragic end. In terms of beauty, charm, and allure, Bai Qing'er was no less captivating than Sulia. Combined with her mastery of the Charming Maiden Heart Technique, her every move and word exuded an irresistible charm. Fang Zetao's downfall was even more pitiful than in the original story.
In the original tale, Fang Zetao at least discovered Sulia's true nature before his death. This time, he remained oblivious to Bai Qing'er's schemes until the end. Many of his generals also fell victim to infighting over Bai Qing'er, leading to the collapse of the Solemn Fortress even before Du Fuwei's forces attacked. Only Xu Xingzhi, who had foreseen the disaster, managed to escape in time.
When it came to beauty, Sulia and Bai Qing'er were on par. At their level, it was no longer about physical appearance but rather their unique auras. Sulia's mischievous and ethereal charm, combined with the seductive allure of the Yin Kuai Sect, created a distinctive presence that Bai Qing'er couldn't match.
Bai Qing'er, perhaps due to her Charming Maiden Heart Technique or her own nature, carried a hint of worldliness in her demeanor. While most people wouldn't notice, those with heightened spiritual senses, like Xu Ziling, could detect it. Xu Ziling had always been wary of Bai Qing'er, unlike his attitude toward Sulia, which highlighted the difference between the two.
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"Greetings, King of Tang."
In a modest courtyard on Luoyang's West Street, Xu Xingzhi was reading the first issue of the "Great Tang Daily" at a stone table when Bai Qing'er pushed open the gate and entered. Xu Xingzhi's expression changed, but as soon as he saw Daniel Davis following behind her, he quickly regained his composure.
"Mr. Xu, finding peace amidst chaos—what a delightful way to live." Daniel Davis walked over and sat down at the stone table. The courtyard resembled a traditional quadrangle.
Xu Xingzhi appeared to be in his thirties, but in this world, judging age by appearance was unreliable due to the effects of martial arts.
Even though Xu Xingzhi was a strategist and advisor, he possessed considerable martial skills. Without such abilities, traveling in this chaotic era would have been perilous.
Just like Li Si, who had formidable martial skills when he left the Little Sage Academy, despite Xunzi's claim that the academy's Confucianism was divided into literary and martial factions, only a fool would believe that Li Si lacked martial prowess.
"Enough small talk. I want you to help me unify the world." Pointing at the "Great Tang Daily" on the table, Daniel Davis got straight to the point.
"Your Highness honors me, but I'm curious—how do you know of me?"
Daniel Davis's direct approach took Xu Xingzhi by surprise. He hadn't encountered such straightforwardness before, especially from someone targeting a relatively unknown figure like himself.
Xu Xingzhi was highly talented, but in this era, talent alone wasn't enough. Many capable individuals went unrecognized, and Xu Xingzhi was no exception. After years of wandering, he had found no one willing to employ him.
Disheartened, he had eventually joined Fang Zetao, who was not yet the leader of the Solemn Fortress at the time, as the world had not yet descended into chaos.
In the original story, even after Kou Zhong recommended Xu Xingzhi to Wang Shichong, Wang Shichong still didn't value him. It wasn't until Xu Xingzhi joined Kou Zhong's Shao Shuai Army that his talents were fully utilized.
"Of course, I investigated. From what I know, the Solemn Fortress's success in holding Jingling was largely due to your efforts. If not for unforeseen circumstances, Du Fuwei would never have taken Jingling."
The Solemn Fortress and Fei Ma Ranch had always supported each other. However, Bai Qing'er's arrival caused Fang Zetao to become infatuated and neglect his duties, severing the alliance between the two.
For Fei Ma Ranch, losing the Solemn Fortress's support was a setback, but the elimination of the Four Bandits balanced things out. Even if Du Fuwei targeted Fei Ma Ranch, it wouldn't be easy.
Du Fuwei's Jianghuai Army had planned to besiege Jingling to lure Fei Ma Ranch into sending reinforcements, then ambush them. However, Shang Xiuxun had no intention of aiding the Solemn Fortress.
Daniel Davis's words made Xu Xingzhi glance at Bai Qing'er, who stood quietly behind him. The once-promising situation in Jingling had been ruined by Bai Qing'er.
However, Xu Xingzhi didn't hold a grudge. In this era of warlords, allegiances shifted constantly. Enemies one day could become allies the next.
"Since you've read this, you probably understand what I aim to achieve. Right now, I'm in desperate need of talent. I'm even considering issuing a call for capable individuals." Daniel Davis pointed at the "Great Tang Daily" on the table.
"Your Highness must also realize that the current situation is highly unfavorable for you. While I admire your ambitions, I must say, you're being too hasty."
What could have been achieved gradually was now being thrust into the open. Unless one was already aligned with Daniel Davis, few factions viewed him favorably.
"I admit, I may have been too hasty." After becoming the King of Tang and taking action, Daniel Davis realized why figures like Ying Zheng and Yang Guang had acted so urgently. He, too, had made the same mistake.
"However, I have the ability to correct my mistakes. Even if I must face the entire Buddhist sects and all the noble families, I am certain of my ultimate victory." The key difference between Daniel Davis and figures like Ying Zheng and Yang Guang was his absolute power to set things right.
"Your Highness means?" Xu Xingzhi asked curiously.
"It's simple. I possess unparalleled martial prowess. Even if Ning Daoqi, Bi Xuan, and Fu Cailin joined forces, I could defeat them with a single move." Daniel Davis smiled confidently. "Moreover, I am assembling an invincible army. Once it's ready, the Turkic cavalry will be nothing more than a minor nuisance."
"I can also control the weather."
As Daniel Davis spoke, he formed a hand seal. Moments later, the clear sky began to drizzle.
"And summon soldiers from thin air."
With a wave of his hand, Daniel Davis drew talismans in the air. As the talismans took shape, ten headless warriors wielding axes and shields appeared in the courtyard.
"No one in this world can stop me."
The drizzle ceased, and the ten headless warriors vanished into light.
"Xu Xingzhi pays his respects to the King of Tang."
After a long moment of stunned silence, Xu Xingzhi bowed deeply to Daniel Davis. Bai Qing'er, standing behind Daniel Davis, also looked at him with newfound reverence. What Daniel Davis had just demonstrated was nothing short of divine.
"Welcome aboard."
Once Xu Xingzhi agreed to join, Daniel Davis immediately took him away and assigned him a mountain of administrative tasks. These included organizing relief efforts for the poor and homeless who had fled to Luoyang due to the war.
Additionally, Xu Xingzhi was tasked with surveying the land and population around Luoyang—tedious but essential work that required time and patience.
This era was already plagued by a shortage of arable land and a declining population due to the three campaigns against Goguryeo and the subsequent civil war.
---
"First, let's create two hundred Wei Warriors, followed by Bai Yifei's White Armor Soldiers."
After delegating tasks to Xu Xingzhi, Daniel Davis brought out the Cultivation Furnace to create elite soldiers. Combined with the True Pill, he could produce a batch of super soldiers.
"Outrageous!"
In the rear garden of Chang'an's imperial palace, Li Yuan, who had been watching a dance performance by palace maids, slammed his hand on the stone table in anger upon receiving news from Luoyang. The table shattered into pieces.
The name "Li Tang" had long been reserved by the Li Clan. Now that someone else had claimed it, Li Yuan was furious. The maids, sensing his rage, stopped their performance and stood silently, not daring to breathe.
Although Li Yuan still held the self-proclaimed title of Grand General, his every move now resembled that of an emperor. He had taken up residence in the imperial palace.
"Brother, what should we do? Should we act now?" asked Li Shengtong, Li Yuan's younger brother. Daniel Davis's sudden declaration as the King of Tang had disrupted many plans. Upon hearing the news, various rebel forces began proclaiming themselves kings.
Yuwen Huaji was even considering declaring himself emperor.
In such a climate, the Li Clan had no choice but to follow suit. If others were proclaiming themselves kings or emperors, failing to do so might signal a lack of ambition, deterring potential allies.
For the majority of people, appearances mattered more than deeper implications.
"Summon Jiancheng. Also, bring Shimin." After some thought, Li Yuan ordered his brother. As Li Shengtong was about to leave, Li Yuan added, "And have Yuanji come as well."
"Father, this man is a great threat to the Li Clan. We must eliminate him immediately." In the imperial study, after hearing Li Yuan's report, Li Shimin was the first to speak, urging an attack on Luoyang.
In feudal times, emperors, including Wu Zetian, often traveled between Chang'an and Luoyang because the distance wasn't great—only a few hundred kilometers. Despite the difficult mountain roads, the journey by water, thanks to the Grand Canal, took only a few days.
"Hmph, is he a threat to the Li Clan or to the Buddhist sects?" Li Jiancheng sneered.
"Exactly. Didn't Jing Nian Chan Yuan claim to have found the Heirloom Seal and plan to select an emperor in Luoyang? This is the perfect opportunity to reap the benefits." Li Yuanji chimed in.
The Luoyang selection plan had been promoted by Ci Hang Jing Zhai for a long time. Even though the Buddhist sects' influence had waned due to Daniel Davis's actions, they couldn't easily abandon this plan to boost their prestige.
The Heirloom Seal held immense significance in the hearts of the Central Plains people. During the Three Kingdoms period, Sun Jian had died because of it.
For Ci Hang Jing Zhai and Jing Nian Chan Yuan, using the Heirloom Seal might help restore the Buddhist sects' reputation. In fact, after Yang Guang's death, the Buddhist sects had made significant efforts to improve their standing, as no one was actively opposing them now.
By not giving the Heirloom Seal to Li Shimin, Ci Hang Jing Zhai had plenty of ways to manipulate the narrative and reverse Yang Guang's earlier accusations.
Since Luoyang was now under Daniel Davis's control, it was certain that he would clash with Ci Hang Jing Zhai over the Heirloom Seal selection. Regardless of the outcome, it would benefit the Li Clan.
"Father, according to my intelligence, Song Que of the Song Clan has left his mountain stronghold and is heading to Luoyang. If he allies with Daniel Davis, it will be too late." Li Shimin glared at Li Yuanji before continuing.
"Such timely information. We haven't even received this news yet. Did the Buddhist sects provide it? But isn't this perfect? Song Que versus Ning Daoqi—what could be better?" Li Yuanji shot back.
"You—"
"Enough!"
Li Shimin was about to retort when Li Yuan sharply rebuked them, giving Li Shimin a meaningful look. The news of Song Que's departure was something even Li Yuan hadn't received.
Li Shimin sighed inwardly. He knew revealing Song Que's movements would raise suspicions, but he had no choice. If he didn't, Li Yuan wouldn't take the threat seriously. As Li Yuanji had pointed out, the information had indeed come from the Buddhist sects.
"Jiancheng, what do you think?" After silencing Li Shimin and Li Yuanji, Li Yuan turned to Li Jiancheng.
"Both Second Brother and Third Brother make valid points. However, at this stage, even if we wanted to take action against Luoyang, it would be difficult. Moreover, since Second Brother considers Daniel Davis a major threat to the Li Clan, it would be unwise to confront him directly. Instead, we should let him and the Buddhist sects fight it out."
Li Jiancheng glanced at Li Shimin before calmly offering his advice. Li Jiancheng was no fool and had capable advisors. He knew how to present himself in front of Li Yuan—as a harmonious elder brother. After all, he had Li Yuanji to counter Li Shimin.
"Then who do you think should be sent to Luoyang for the Heirloom Seal selection?" Li Yuan asked.
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(End of Chapter)
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