Half of the Human Dao Destiny is located southeast of the Great Shang, which is the area of Linhuan Pass.

This part of the Human Dao Destiny has transformed into a Water Dragon, hiding in the Great Abyss, focusing only on its own development, indifferent to the changes around it.

Now, Linhuan Pass is focused on its own development.

Wen Zhong aims to make Linhuan Pass a prosperous and happy refuge for the Human Race.

However, even though as the City Lord, Wen Zhong has no intention of declaring himself king or overthrowing the Great Shang, there comes a time when Linhuan Pass becomes powerful enough that the general trend will no longer allow him to decide.

Therefore, taking action to claim the fruits of victory before Linhuan Pass fully grows is undoubtedly the most correct choice.

At this time, Great Shang dispatching an army of three hundred thousand directly at Linhuan Pass clearly demonstrates its rulers' extraordinary strategic vision and decisive determination.

Even a lion must use all its strength to catch a rabbit.

Launching an army of three hundred thousand clearly aims for a decisive strike, leaving no chance for resistance.

If not so, Wen Zhong would not be seeking his help at this time.

The City Lord Mansion is located at the center of the new city, not very tall, but covers a wide area.

Apart from Wen Zhong, his officials also reside here.

This place is the center of Linhuan Pass in many senses.

Yu Yuan took a tour around the city, and finally approached the City Lord Mansion, lightly releasing a breath of air, immediately alerting the busy Wen Zhong inside.

"Senior brother!"

"You've finally arrived!"

After starting to manage Linhuan Pass, Wen Zhong became much more mature.

Not only mentally, but even his appearance had matured, making him look slightly older than Yu Yuan.

There is a common knowledge in Primordial about external appearances reflecting the inner self.

The appearance of Immortal Gods depends on their hearts.

Yu Yuan is over a thousand years old, yet still retains his youthful and valiant look, unchanging, showing his unaltered initial resolve.

But Wen Zhong, after managing Linhuan Pass, underwent significant changes, clearly having matured a lot inside.

The reunion of brothers surely carried many conversations.

That evening, Wen Zhong hosted a lavish banquet at the City Lord Mansion to entertain Yu Yuan.

His parents and family also appeared at the banquet, expressing their gratitude to Yu Yuan.

This time King of Shang planned to act against Linhuan Pass, initially sending people to capture Wen Zhong's family to use as leverage against him.

Fortunately, Yu Yuan had previously arranged for Bai Ling to secretly protect the family in Chaoge, who at the critical moment, rescued and escorted them to Linhuan Pass after much hardship.

All this was to prevent Wen Zhong from having any distractions, allowing him to fully utilize his talents for the benefit of the people.

"Senior brother, you are truly far-sighted," Wen Zhong respectfully bowed, sincerely adding, "If not for your early precautions, I would have had regrets for a lifetime."

After the banquet, Wen Zhong held a lengthy night talk with Yu Yuan by candlelight.

"What do you think about the future of Linhuan Pass, junior brother?"

This question was significant, concerning Yu Yuan's future plans in the Human World.

Wen Zhong did not avoid discussing this issue, stating earnestly, "I won't lie to you, senior brother. Today, I gathered the city's officials to discuss this matter.

Great Shang sends its troops because some neighboring city gates have falsely accused us, Linhuan Pass, of raiding the local people and planning a rebellion!

In my opinion, we should proactively write to the King of Shang, clarifying this matter and promptly declaring Linhuan Pass's stance..."

"What stance?"

Yu Yuan shook his head, interrupting Wen Zhong.

"Now that Great Shang's new King has recently ascended the throne and the situation within Shang Territory remains unstable, he desperately needs a major victory to consolidate his position.

Furthermore, given the development pace of Linhuan Pass, if the King of Shang is sensible, he definitely won't let go of this 'fat meat.'

If Great Shang had ignored you in the past years, it now considers Linhuan Pass already in its grasp!

With Great Shang deploying three hundred thousand troops now, it's clear they want to resolve Linhuan Pass once and for all. If you still want Linhuan Pass to survive, there's only one path left."

Hearing this, Wen Zhong fell silent.

His mind was delicate and he had matured a lot, naturally understanding the path Yu Yuan was referring to.

Claiming kingship, that is, establishing an independent nation.

From now on, Linhuan Pass is no longer a territory of Great Shang, but a hostile nation equal to Shang Country.

"Senior Brother, I..."

Wen Zhong opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something, but had difficulty articulating it.

"For the sake of the people of Linhuan Pass, this matter ultimately cannot be avoided."

Yu Yuan patted Wen Zhong's shoulder, encouraging him not to worry too much.

"Besides, it was Great Shang who made the first move—you were forced into this situation."

Wen Zhong fell silent upon hearing this.

He naturally understood what Yu Yuan meant.

Now that Great Shang had decided to eliminate him, even though he had no intention of rebellion, Great Shang would never tolerate Linhuan Pass continuing to develop rapidly.

As Linhuan Pass's development was ahead of its time, attracting a large number of people to migrate here in a short period.

To put it another way, even if Great Shang did not care about these things, with the Water Dragon vein forming downstream of Huai River and having developed a certain climate, for the purpose of completely rooting out the threat, they would probably not hesitate to take action.

"It seems my previous thoughts were somewhat naive..."

Wen Zhong sighed, remaining silent for a long time.

"But if we truly start a war with Great Shang, the fires of war will inevitably affect the people of Linhuan Pass. I can't put everyone's lives at risk for my own selfish reasons."

Yu Yuan replied irritably, "Your current thoughts are the real selfishness."

"Ah?"

Wen Zhong looked at Yu Yuan in surprise, "Senior Brother, why would you say that?"

Yu Yuan looked at him and questioned, "Do you think Linhuan Pass belongs only to you, Wen Zhong?"

Wen Zhong felt a chill in his heart and quickly shook his head, "No! How could Linhuan Pass be mine alone? If it weren't for you, Senior Brother, there wouldn't be a Linhuan Pass now!

And the people in the City!

It's their hard work and efforts that have built Linhuan Pass!"

"If that is the case, why not share the current situation with everyone, then ask for the opinions of the people?" Yu Yuan suggested, "See if these people want to return to Great Shang, or are willing to rise and resist!"

"This..." Wen Zhong hesitated, "If fighting really breaks out, won't many people die?"

Yu Yuan nodded and then said solemnly, "What war doesn't involve death? But if you want to prevent the people from suffering the ravages of war, you must have a sufficiently strong military!

Without strong military power, there is no such thing as a peaceful and prosperous world.

Otherwise, today it's Great Shang, tomorrow it will be Great Dongyi, and following that, Great Zhou, Southern Barbarians, even Western Rong and Northern Di might appear.

Would you surrender every time one comes?

Even if they accept your surrender, can you ensure these forces won't bring harm to the people of Linhuan Pass?

Moreover, isn't your wish to protect all the Human Race? Do you not plan to care for the Human Race outside Linhuan Pass?"

Wen Zhong had no words to answer.

"Is there really no other way?"

Yu Yuan shook his head.

This world is much crueler than imagined.

Weak are prey to the strong; only the stronger survive.

"He who wears the crown, must bear its weight!"

"The principles are the same."

"If you want to protect the Human Race, then make all the Human Race your subjects!"

...

Listening to Yu Yuan's persuasive words, the confusion in Wen Zhong's eyes gradually cleared, and his gaze became increasingly resolute.

He took a deep breath, looked at Yu Yuan earnestly, and said, "Senior Brother's lesson is right; I was being narrow-minded before. What I need to protect is not just the Human Race of Linhuan Pass, but of all Primordial—all Human Race!

I want to apply the successful experience of Linhuan Pass to the entire Primordial!

I want the people to live in peace and contentment, well-clothed and well-fed!

I want to establish a nation, leading the Human Race to grow and prosper like the Three Emperors and Five Emperors!"

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