Chapter 674 - 478: Finally Able to Rebel (2)

As a result, on their side, the Imperial Court’s regular army was beaten to a pulp by bandits?

If this gets out, won’t the princes of the other states mock him to death?

Zhao Yuefeng immediately pledged sincerely: "Please don’t worry, Prince. Previously, I was merely careless and underestimated the enemy. This time, I absolutely won’t make the same mistake again. I’ll thoroughly wipe out these bandits, leaving not one alive."

"Hmph!" Zhao Kongqing snorted coldly: "There’s no need for that. This time, I will personally lead the troops into battle and will not allow any mistakes."

This news was quickly learned by Zhou Kunshan.

"My goodness, the Eastern King is personally coming; truly, he’s showing Old Zhou some face."

In the past, Zhou Kunshan would inevitably be anxious.

However, after several battles of training, Zhou Kunshan had matured completely.

No matter the outcome, he was confident he wouldn’t be easily defeated.

This confidence wasn’t sourced from himself.

Instead, it came from the newly organized combat units of Tianwang Mountain.

Although they hadn’t experienced real combat yet, lacking some battlefield Slaughter Qi.

Yet as long as one gazes upon these troops, one can feel their hearts brimming with battle spirit.

Zhao Kongqing personally leading the expedition is no small matter. To ensure Zhao Kongqing’s safety and ensure victory in this battle—

The entire Eastern State was mobilized.

Several elite units rushed back to the capital at the fastest speed.

Various combat material requirements were also raised much higher than before.

As a result, the initial plan for a three-day expedition was extended to more than a month.

Watching the endless military forces, Zhao Ying gritted his teeth: "Luu Dafei, I don’t believe this time you can win again."

At the mines, Zheng Yi felt things were completely out of his control.

"It’s merely wiping out a bandit group; is it really necessary to mobilize so much force?"

As a duke managing a region.

Zheng Yi really couldn’t understand what valid reason Zhao Kongqing had for mobilizing the nation’s power to eliminate a band of bandits.

A force of over 100,000, with just the expenses along the way, is already an astronomical figure.

Even if they finally manage to eliminate Zhou Kunshan’s group, the battle would hardly be a win financially.

"If that’s the case." Zheng Yi’s fingers tapped rhythmically on the table.

After a long while, an intimidating light flashed in Zheng Yi’s eyes: "Although the time isn’t perfect, we can’t wait any longer."

Zheng Yi summoned all his subordinates to announce: "We formalize our uprising now, opposing the Dog Court’s tyranny."

"As for the name..." Zheng Yi’s lips curved into a smile, "Let’s call it, the Xingmin Army!"

Fengg Haitao and others didn’t know how long they had waited for this day.

Initially thinking, given their lord’s cautious nature, perhaps they’d have to wait for several more years before truly raising the banner against the Imperial Court.

Unexpectedly, the surprise came so quickly.

"Long live the master; finally, we can justifiably fight against the Dog Court," Fengg Haitao cheered wildly.

"Have we finally reached this step?" Zhao Tianming’s expression was incomparably complex.

This day would come sooner or later, but he felt much calmer than anticipated.

Glancing at Zheng Ya, the opponent’s expression remained serene.

Zhao Tianming seemingly understood his thoughts through the other’s demeanor.

"Now that an uprising has been declared, we both can’t continue as before."

Zhao Tianming nodded slightly: "Exactly, if we continue like this, the outcome for both of us won’t be good."

After communication, both simultaneously knelt with one knee to Zheng Yi.

"Subordinate Zhao Tianming."

"Subordinate Zheng Ya."

Both spoke in unison: "Greetings, master."

"I am gratified that both of you could turn to the light; the Zhao Family has committed wrongs, and the people have long been resentful. Our actions are in line with heavenly principles..."

Regardless of whether the two believe or not, various noble ideals were directly thrown out.

Zheng Yi’s countless historical experiences before his traversal have proven, whether your actions are good or bad, crafting a proper reason for yourself is very important.

It doesn’t matter if the enemy believes or not, as long as your own people do.

"Damn, what’s going on now?" Already irritable due to ineffective bandit suppression, Zhao Kongqing became furious upon hearing of the Xingmin Army’s rebellion.

"Can someone explain to me who this Xingmin Army is?"

This time, even those of the Zhao Family were silent, not daring to speak.

For they genuinely knew nothing about the Xingmin Army.

Before receiving news of the Xingmin Army’s rebellion, there were no signs or information.

The Xingmin Army seemed to have appeared from the ground.

Adding to their fear, as the Xingmin Army rebelled, the Ten Thousand Immortals Sect issued a manifesto to the world.

The general content stated the Zhao Family’s rampant oppression of the people, unworthy of being the nation’s ruler.

The Ten Thousand Immortals Sect received revelation from the Immortals, deciding to overthrow the Zhao Dynasty, restoring a clear sky for ordinary civilians.

The Xingmin Army’s uprising and the Sect’s manifesto had seemingly toggled some switch.

In just two days, four more forces followed suit in rebellion.

Although Zhao Kongqing’s large army was less than ten miles from Tianwang Mountain, it was forcibly halted.

After all, compared to forces openly rebelling, dealing with bandits was insignificant.

Letting Tianwang Mountain go, Zhao Kongqing was naturally unwilling.

As a prince of the Zhao Family personally leading an expedition, no matter the reason, he couldn’t just leave in disgrace.

Racking his brain, he truly came up with a solution.

"Hmph, this time, I shall drive tigers and wolves, letting them fight among themselves."

Zhao Kongqing summoned Zhao Ying: "If I’m not mistaken, you have some relations with that Luu Dafei, correct?"

Zhao Ying turned pale, hurriedly explaining: "Uncle Wang, you’ve misunderstood; Luu Dafei and I are merely enemies." Good

"I wish to tear that traitor Luu Dafei into pieces to quench my hatred."

Zhao Kongqing calmly gestured: "No need to worry, the Court knows your loyalty. Hence, you must handle this matter."

"If you achieve this, I will surely report your merits to the Court."

"Uncle Wang, as long as my nephew can accomplish it, even at the risk of my life, I will." For Zhao Family members, credit is not just verbal praise but tangible benefits.

Zhao Ying couldn’t care less but tirelessly sought family rewards, the cultivation resources every cultivator covets.

Having made mental preparations.

But hearing Zhao Kongqing order him to recruit Luu Dafei, Zhao Ying was nonetheless perturbed.

If Luu Dafei agreed, dealing with him later would not be easy.

At least in the short term, touching him was out of the question.

Because the prince personally ordered the recruitment.

Directly attacking Luu Dafei’s group would be equivalent to publicly shaming Zhao Kongqing.

Despite all being of the Zhao Family, the peripheral branches are far inferior to Zhao Kongqing’s direct lineage.

"Rest assured, Prince." Before departing the encampment, Zhao Ying reassured sincerely.

Just approaching Tianwang Mountain, he was spotted by nearby patrolling soldiers.

"Halt, who are you?"

Seven or eight soldiers of Tianwang Mountain surrounded Zhao Ying with long spears.

Were it not for the assignment, anyone this rude would have long been dragged out by his subordinates for execution.

Yet he managed to suppress his anger, raising both hands: "Don’t be hasty; I am a friend of your leader, kindly inform him that Zhao Ying requests an audience."

"Surname Zhao?" The guards collectively frowned.

Being impoverished civilians who joined Tianwang Mountain, they naturally held no favor for the Zhao Family.

"Wait here then." One impatiently replied.