Shuzhou City, Yan King Mansion.

Inside the great hall.

Chen Yuan sat high at the forefront, overlooking everyone, the entire hall filled with an extremely heavy atmosphere.

Below, everyone was seated together.

Daoist Tianxu, Jiang He, Zhao Danqing, Daoist Lingxu were all present.

After the battle of Zhen Nan Pass ended, to prevent Xiang Qianqiu and others from launching a sneak attack, Chen Yuan issued a royal decree to recall most forces back to Shuzhou, wary of other powers.

At Zhen Nan Pass, only Chu Changfeng, Yang Huatian, and Daoist Chong Xu were left to guard.

Matters have priorities. Previously, the urgency was the demon tribe from Southern Border, so he mobilized all forces to Zhen Nan Pass. Now that the demon soldiers have been greatly defeated, the focus naturally needs to return.

"How have you all recovered?"

Chen Yuan raised his teacup and took a gentle sip.

"No major issues...."

Daoist Tianxu smiled and said.

It is now almost the most critical moment; if Chen Yuan loses in the great battle for world domination, his supporters will hardly meet a good end.

Thus, they can only win, not lose!

Only with victory can they achieve their goals, obtaining Chen Yuan's promise; otherwise, it is just empty words.

Under such circumstances, Taixu Palace, Biyou Palace, Shushan all brought out the millennium heritage of their sects to help the powerful regain their strength under Chen Yuan's banner.

"Thanks to several benefactors...." Xu Yan Monk, though still weak in breath, was steadily recovering; it's only a matter of time.

"What about the military?"

Chen Yuan asked again.

Jiang He glanced around, saying solemnly:

"During the time the king was in seclusion, all relief and rewards have been fully issued. Although the military's strength is diminished, morale has not decreased but instead increased, training is being intensified.

Among those Jianghu Martial Artists, more than half are willing to temporarily serve under the Yan King Mansion, the rest, after the demon tribe withdrew, dispersed back to Jianghu."

In any era, heroes with spirit and courage are never lacking. In the battle of Zhen Nan Pass, Jianghu from Shuzhou, South State, and even Central Plains came to aid.

These people fearlessly faced death, only wishing to prevent the demon tribe's army from entering Central Plains.

After the battle, as these people were mostly scattered warriors, the casualties were severe. Facing them, Chen Yuan generously treated them like the Yan Army in terms of relief.

Some didn't want it, but most accepted.

By paying a small price, he could win more hearts.

The Zhen Nan Pass was entrusted to Chu Changfeng, while in Shuzhou, most military and political affairs were managed by Jiang He.

"Not bad...."

Chen Yuan nodded.

"Currently, the world situation has drastically changed. What should the next step be, does the prince have a plan?" Daoist Lingxu asked with a calm expression.

"Indeed, while the prince was in seclusion, Japanese invaders have violated the borders, sending a coalition of small nations for a covert attack in the East Sea. Right now, Ye Xiangnan is held back.

Previously, the Northern Barbarian army had begun attacking Liangzhou, Wudang Mountain and Wei Jinfeng can't spare attention to Central Plains' affairs, Western Regions' thirty-six states currently occupy Lanzhou, eyeing Central Plains aggressively. Xiang Qianqiu has dispatched the Heavenly Demon Hall army westward, confronting the Western Regions army, the demon soldiers of Southern Border were battered.

The Demon God has fallen, the Demon Saint gravely injured. It's said they are currently electing a Demon Emperor and are busy, unable to oversee Central Plains. Other rebellious forces, such as the Gu Family, Goddess Palace, are not worth fearing.

The Sima Family of Great Jin is now just remnants. Though the Yan Army suffered greatly in the battle of Zhen Nan Pass, they still can fight, and I believe this is an excellent opportunity.

While all powers react slowly, we should march north to capture Qing, Yang, Yun, and Central states, so the fertile lands of the Central Plains Thirteen States are within our grasp.

Then we can go north to seize Liangyou's two states, east to advance to the East Sea to destroy Martial Emperor City, west to counter the Buddhists, achieving the title of Human Emperor, thus accomplishing great works!"

Daoist Tianxu expressed his thoughts.

Zhao Danqing stroked his beard and nodded, thinking it made sense.

But Jiang He shook his head, saying solemnly:

Daoist Tianxu's thoughts are somewhat too optimistic.

"Oh.... What does Great Governor Jiang propose then?"

"Regarding what to do next, the prince already has a plan. While heading north to the Central Plains indeed allows for gains to be picked up, the crisis will also be greater.

Once Qing, Yun, Yang, Central, and Bing states are occupied, the Yan Army will surely face encirclement from all sides, east, south, west, north. By then, it's not about accomplishing great works, but being trapped."

"This...."

Daoist Tianxu showed a thoughtful look, the corner of his mouth curled into a smile.

"Yes, Northern Expedition to Central Plains must first annex Blood State, capture Xiang Qianqiu, otherwise, under encirclement, our odds are small, otherwise, Ye Xiangnan and others would have already seized the opportunity during the demon tribe invasion to annex Yun and Central states."

Daoist Lingxu agreed.

Do they really think Chen Yuan's mere words could stop those people from acting?

In fact, the first to make the most advantageous move is the one who faces attack, just like now, Chen Yuan is powerful, hence so many forces target him.

Chen Yuan never assumes others with utmost goodwill, he believes, once he truly occupies Central, Bing, Qing, Yang states, what awaits him is.... an attack!

"What does the prince think?"

Daoist Tianxu asked again.

Does he really not see the situation clearly?

Just going along with the words, reminding Chen Yuan not to miss the current opportunity, once Ye Xiangnan recovers, the Northern Barbarians withdraw, and Xiang Qianqiu and the Buddhists reach an agreement, all the pressure will fall upon them.