books44 Chapter 343 - 66: So It Turns Out, They Got Their Start by Selling Ass
Chapter 343 - 66: So It Turns Out, They Got Their Start by Selling Ass
The Thousand Laws Ceremony was, in essence, an extremely sophisticated device for converting Chaos Energy.
It drew in Chaos Energy, continuously filtering it through the medium of "Melody" to ultimately produce pure Order Energy.
As long as the ensemble never ceased, this conversion would continue indefinitely.
An Eternal Energy Machine, perfected!
The Thousand Laws Royal Court required no Divine Ancestor to arbitrate disputes; the Ceremony itself would render fair judgment. The Royal Court was perfectly orderly, its social strata clearly defined, and it enjoyed eternal peace and tranquility.
Westheid deeply coveted this Technique. While an Eternal Energy Machine was nothing special to a Celestial God—many divine miracles and Sacred Artifacts could produce a similar effect—all of them depended on a constant supply of Divine Power. Without a Celestial God to fuel them, the miracles would fade.
’Besides, is Divine Power so easy to master? If I become tainted by the traces of too many other Celestial Gods, my own path will become difficult to walk.’ Westheid had always been careful to avoid such corruption.
But the Thousand Laws Ceremony was different. It was a creation of pure technique, a Great Enterprise that Emperor Qianlu had completed while still a mortal. Most importantly, it was a tangible creation. The circuits of Melody, much like the Imperial’s Little Holy Tree, were miracles that one could see and touch.
’How could I not try to poach something like this? I’d have to be a fool to pass it up.’
As Reiya listened to Westheid, she said thoughtfully, "Then it does seem necessary... So we’re to march on the Thousand Laws Royal Court next? But it’s highly unlikely we could even incite internal strife there."
Westheid’s plan was grand, but conquering the Thousand Laws Royal Court would be far more difficult than his campaign against the Country of Yonglan.
Duke Qinghui had been able to launch a powerful assault and conquer the Land of Knights, the Country of Yonglan, primarily because he had a just cause. Even in this chaotic era where tradition and order had collapsed, there was one bottom line that all still adhered to: faith in the Divine Ancestors.
After all, every Realm of Order had a failsafe left behind by a Divine Ancestor. The Yonglan Riding God had infused his own Divine Blood and Steel Will into the Gale Heart. If Mephit and the others had been determined to fight to the bitter end, Westheid would not have been able to win as the Durability King.
’How could I possibly have the resources to outlast a Celestial Blessing?’
But the Steel Will Guardian’s purpose was merely to test the qualifications of a King Claimant, so it would only empower itself once to complete a single battle.
Once Westheid proved he possessed the magnanimity and strength of a true king, the Guardian would gladly submit and welcome him. The Blood of the Divine Ancestor was only meant to be a final resort.
But he could only take advantage of such a special situation once. Westheid had already boldly claimed to cultivate the Knight Path; he couldn’t possibly claim to have also achieved mastery on the Path of Resonance, could he?
That was a lie he truly couldn’t fabricate. Even if he could somehow share the Talent of a Transcendent on the Path of Resonance, the Elves of the Royal Court would never fall for it.
To march in rashly and seize it by force would have only one outcome: being swarmed and attacked with lethal intent by a mob of Royal Court masters who had achieved resonance with the circuits of Melody. Such was the hidden strength of a Realm of Order!
The Half-Elf with long, jade-green hair hesitated for a long moment before finally taking a step forward.
"Duke Qinghui, allow me to offer a reminder. The Thousand Laws Royal Court is very exclusive. They are extremely resistant to the introduction of any ’discordant notes.’ Internally, the Royal Court is rife with factions, but they become exceptionally united when facing an external enemy. They will not tolerate any foe disrupting the harmony of the Land of Rhythm."
Westheid’s eyes flickered. He nodded. "I know."
While all the Realms of Order were xenophobic by nature, the Thousand Laws Royal Court was undoubtedly the most extreme example.
If the Celestial Vault Kingdom was merely unbelievably arrogant and the Yonglan Kingdom was only prejudiced against non-humans, then the Thousand Laws Royal Court discriminated against all Foreigners who had not joined their grand ensemble, without exception.
No matter how intense the court intrigues and power struggles became within the Royal Court, the various Cities in the Lake would never wage war on their own people. They limited themselves to political maneuvering, and that was as far as it went.
However, when it came to foreign affairs, the entire Land of Rhythm would display extraordinary unity. In fact, for the last several thousand years, the Royal Court had maintained a policy of total isolation.
To this day, avenues for foreign contact were few and far between. The Yuanshi Territory, thanks to its connection with the Void Law Holy Spirit, was already considered the largest gateway. It was even harder to enter than the Celestial Vault Kingdom—the Celestial Vault People didn’t actually forbid entry, provided one had the skill to climb to the Floating City while under the oppressive weight of the Ascension Ceremony.
Westheid shifted his posture, leaning back until the back of his head rested on Reiya’s shoulder. He reached up with one finger, idly toying with a lock of the Pure Holy Spirit’s hair near her forehead as he spoke slowly.
"...So, to deal with the Thousand Laws Royal Court, we need a pretext. Ideally, one that makes the Royal Court itself invite us into the Land of Rhythm."
As a Half-Elf who had grown up in the Royal Court, Rozana knew the disposition of the Royal Court Elves well. Seeing Westheid’s confidence, she couldn’t help but press on.
"Is that even possible? Duke Qinghui, I don’t mean to question you, but..."
"Then don’t! Rest assured, the Thousand Laws Royal Court will absolutely have a need!"
Westheid stated unequivocally, "How long has it been since you’ve received news from the Royal Court? I can prophesize that very soon, the entire Royal Court will face the risk of being torn apart by a massive crisis. When that time comes, they will naturally consider seeking outside aid."
’When Duke Qinghui used his own prestige to end the discussion, there was naturally nothing more to say. Such is the astonishing wisdom of our brilliant, valiant, sagacious, and courageous beacon, our Great Lord! His authority is unparalleled; he must have his reasons!’
’And Westheid had his reasons. The Demon’s Frenzy Banquet isn’t something to be taken lightly.’
Even if the Celestial God’s Shadows weren’t great enemies like Chaos, bent on destroying all order and life, they were still destroyers of the existing order. They did as they pleased, utterly and completely following their own whims.
The loyal followers of the Divine Ancestors would never tolerate the "dark side" of Emperor Qianlu running rampant through their country. In the timeline of the Poem of Destiny, the Royal Court was torn asunder by rampaging Demons. War returned to this nation that had known peace for millennia. The conflict between the Royal Court and the Demons would drag on for a very long time, ending only when one side had utterly annihilated the other.
And that was highly unlikely. Even if it were possible, the entire Land of Rhythm would be reduced to a wasteland.
Westheid’s gaze lowered as he stroked his chin.
"But their having a need is one thing; whether or not the Royal Court will actually seek our aid is another entirely... That’s why we need a good reputation. A reputation that will make the Thousand Laws Royal Court lower its guard and invite us in willingly."
"Next, I will rest and regroup in Su Yue for a time, then continue to lead the army in liberating the Chaos Fallen Areas. And not just the Imperial Provinces—anywhere that has fallen into turmoil, we will help unconditionally. The Knight Expeditionary Army, the forces of Qinghui Territory, everyone must implement this policy. We are an army of righteousness! We are a king’s army!"
"As long as this idea takes root in the hearts of the people and spreads far and wide, the Thousand Laws Royal Court, tormented and at its wits’ end, will inevitably try to make contact. If not, no matter. We’ll seek out Yuanxi Palace. She should have connections, and besides, I still owe Luyetan a hefty reward I have yet to pay."
As he spoke, Westheid looked toward Rozana. The stunningly beautiful Half-Elf Maid with her scandalously curvaceous figure gave a slight nod.
"Yuanxi Palace has been waiting for you to fulfill your promise."
Mivana tilted her not-so-clever head and summarized, "Isn’t this just a scam..."
Westheid shot to his feet, retorting with a sharp glare.
"What do you mean, a scam! I am saving the mortals of the Royal Court from an abyss of suffering! This is an act of pure compassion and great righteousness!"
"Of course, I seek no reward. But if the common folk insist on having me stay and take charge, well... my hands would be tied."
’If you’re going to be picky about it, Emperor Zhao Lie of Han did the same thing!’