Amidst the kowtowing and kneeling of the shamans in the Divine Hall, Zhao Changhe carried the unwilling San Niang, reaching out to touch the altar in the hall.

There was an unexpected change... Although the Golden Wolf Qi Veins of the grassland were dispersed, some remnants lingered in the corners.

During the past two or three decades of Tie Muer's rule, the grasslands reached the peak of strength, extending military might over the Western Regions' tribes, acknowledging one Khanate. Some reminisce the past, feeling dissatisfied with the current fragmentation, as Great Han troops station like the Supreme Emperor, the new Han King kneels and calls himself a son, future succession must be authorized by Great Han... It was utterly humiliating and spineless.

Just like the old Great Xia, even after many years there were still remnants of the previous dynasty, now serving as Chichi's personal entourage, even Vermilion Bird Tang Wan Zhuang couldn't intervene. The Golden Wolf Qi Veins were similar; no matter how they dissipate, they wouldn't vanish completely. Zhao Changhe could confirm that despite the current calm of the tribes, soon enough someone would claim to be the direct line of the Golden Wolf Tribe.

However, upon seeing the Golden Wolf Skeleton in the Hanhai Secret Realm days ago, he hadn't planned to harness it, but instead chose to inter it, leading to a subtle change in the Qi Veins. A strange respect and lament arose from all directions, possibly receiving some inexplicable "message" from above... or due to other factors. In any case, Zhao Changhe felt that the defiant concentration was dispersing, with the respect and remembrance for the Golden Wolf Tribe somewhat shifting towards him.

Ultimately, Tie Muer's greatest hatred was towards Vulture Hunting Teeth rather than Zhao Changhe himself, and he even granted Tie Muer a worthy death, eventually interred the Golden Wolf Totem... Beyond conquest, there was no personal vendetta between them, worthy of mutual respect on personal levels.

Victory belongs to the kings, there's nothing much to say... You respect me, I even admire you more.

Ba Tu's Battle Lion Tribe seemed to gain little benefit from the collapse of the Golden Horde, while more tribes appeared willing to submit to Great Han, with Ba Tu merely holding a nominal "grassland alliance leader" title, unable to restore the Khanate's glory.

In Southern Desert's Yellow Sand Market, a new city was being constructed, directly overseen by a Great Han administrator, gradually extending influence towards the Northern Desert.

San Niang shared Zhao Changhe's observation, showing little surprise towards the divine spectacle of overseeing the grassland Qi Veins, as she possessed similar abilities on the sea. Instead, she showed interest in the expansion of the Yellow Sand Market, where she had once served as Gathering Leader, into a city, and watched with amusement, saying: "What should that place be named?"

"Logically, it should be called Hohhot... but the location seems a bit off, meant to be Qingcheng, north of Daqing Mountain, whereas that place is north of Rocky Mountain... Well, maybe it'll align in the future, whatever, let's just call it that."

As they spoke, a girl arrived at the Divine Hall, dust-covered, from the direction of Yellow Sand Market. Seeing San Niang always lying motionless on the man's back, the newcomer twitched a corner of her mouth: "Greetings, Divine... Greetings, Venerable."

San Niang cheerily waved: "Swallow has arrived, huh?"

Zhao Changhe glanced at her, noting that this Swallow might have traveled by cart? Then he recognized her as someone familiar, having seen her multiple times at Yellow Sand Market.

San Niang turned to introduce to the surrounding shamans serving the hall: "This is Wei Yueyan under my command; henceforth, she will be responsible for the indoctrination of Longevity Heaven with my Four Symbols Sect."

The shamans anticipated this, all bowing: "Greetings, Bo'e..."

Bo'e, which originally meant shaman, now used as a respectful title. San Niang waved her hand: "This name was fixed in our mindset as the original Bo'e, no need to call it that. To respect both traditions, you can switch it to High Priest, the meaning is similar."

"Yes."

San Niang patted Wei Yueyan's shoulder: "The grassland's faith must be linked to us; it's a significant matter. I don't trust anyone else. You've followed me in Yellow Sand Market for years, acting as my most trusted right-hand; henceforth, have faith and dedication... It's not difficult; you'll realize that the Divine has laid a solid foundation for you."

"Yes." Wei Yueyan stole a glance at the "Divine," thinking that they looked like Zhu Bajie carrying his wife... Can't they exhibit some dignity? That demeanor could convince anyone it was Room Fire Pig... Oh wait, he truly is Room Fire Pig.

San Niang didn't bother with others' internal comments, merely stating: "The conditions here are good; serving as Divine Hall's High Priest is highly respected, far better than eating sand before."

Wei Yueyan understood it as San Niang's promotion, reverently bowing: "I won't betray the trust bestowed by the Venerable."

"That'll do." San Niang contentedly patted the mount, Room Fire Pig: "Shall we return?"

Zhao Changhe replied joyfully: "Let's go back."

"Giddy-up!" The majestic horse neighed, Wuzhui soared onto the hall. Zhao Changhe mounted Wuzhui with his wife, soared into the clouds, and vanished in an instant.

The shamans all raised their heads to watch their departing silhouettes, then looked at each other with puzzled expressions.

Who conquered such vast lands, not showing authority, not indulging, not plundering treasures, not flogging tribe servants, not toying with tribe beauties... Simply spent days secluded in the Secret Realm with their beloved, healed their wounds, left without a trace of nostalgia.

To be honest, even the various divisions of the Han army have committed some acts of plunder and rape, but since the higher-ups have this attitude, the lower divisions won't go too far, and overall, they're fairly well restrained. Many veterans reminiscing about half their life feel they've never seen such a disciplined army.

He says he must remember he's an ordinary person, but to people on the grassland, he seems more like a spirit... the guardian deity of Great Han, existing only to protect that nation.

Perhaps he will also be the guardian deity of the grassland in the future?

Perhaps as long as there's no betrayal, he will be.

...

Huangfu Qing and Yue Hongling, although they were the first to set off to return to the capital, the distance is so far that they're not even halfway there. Ultimately, Huangfu Qing couldn't stand the tedious time on the road and left a fragment of his consciousness to oversee the troops, while he and Yue Hongling flew back to the capital first.

Tang Wanju had just dismissed the court session and returned to the Prime Minister's Mansion somewhat fatigued.

During this period, she only engaged in one expedition, defending Yanmen and driving away Feng Yin, and was injured in that battle. Subsequently, she also led forces to reclaim Jinnan and Jinbei, systematically eliminating the lingering issues left by Vermilion Bird using so-called "worldly society methods" and establishing new standardized governance.

This required patient effort; when the grassland war ended, she still hadn't cleaned up all the aftermath here...

and was also concerned about logistics issues. Although the logistics approach changed, the military supplies the army carried remained limited, and continuous resupply to the front lines was essential, especially artillery, which was transported as soon as it was produced. Tang Wanju was so busy moving between the Three Jin areas and the capital, that she couldn't even take time to heal her wounds.

Seeing the Chaotic World Book glowing, Tang Wanju was almost exhausted, and she sighed inwardly. This time, with the return of the Vermilion Bird, her tail feathers would soar high, because it seemed that she didn't accomplish much, at least not as spectacularly as the Vermilion Bird.

But these things can't be rushed, especially the matters of the Three Jin areas and the Yanmen change, which were the unpleasant aftermath left by the Vermilion Bird.

Though it wasn't the Vermilion Bird's fault, at that time, it could only be done that way.

No matter what, it's good to win this battle. Today's court session, everyone was jubilant discussing how to generously reward the three armies, celebrate victories, and award honors. Tang Wanju was naturally happy; being mocked by a silly bird was nothing compared to achieving victory.

From now on, Great Han would face no external threats; issues like those in Longyou were no longer difficult for Great Han, having painstakingly labored for so many years, finally achieving a good result.

Tang Wanju's smile was radiant when attending court, but upon seeing Cui Wenjing appear in court for the first time, her heart skipped a beat, and her smile froze.

The battle report of Hangu Pass had been sent earlier, and the Chaotic World Book also discussed the outcomes. Yet Cui Wenjing attended court personally, and his demeanor wasn't celebratory. Instead, it was extremely serious, clearly indicating important matters. What had happened?

Cui Wenjing, not lacking in etiquette, solemnly saluted the assembly and said with emphasis, "My daughter suddenly underwent a surge in cultivation, instantly defeating Desolate Calamity, and participated in the battle between two likewise looking Demon Gods. Afterward, she left hand in hand with one, without any known destination."

The entire court was stunned.

Cui Yuanyang's disappearance?

Xia Chichi was asking, "The two Demon Gods with similar appearances, are referring to...?"

"Their battle took place in the extreme heights of the void, and the Qi Field was intensely obstructive; I could hardly hear or see clearly, but..." Cui Wenjing's face turned ashen as he uttered each word: "Before Desolate Calamity's death, the name he called out to Yangyang was... Piaomiao."

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PS: Happy Valentine's Day to everyone, wear your... uh, forget that, welcoming the God of Wealth doesn't require that!

There's been less frequent updates lately, please be understanding. There's truly been a lot of matters, almost daily spent in various social engagements, so exhausted I'm about to collapse. Tomorrow might be the last day, and hopefully, after I return to Fuzhou the day after, things will improve.

Sorry to make everyone wait with my derrière sticking out.or2

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