Yang Gong listened, and his heart stirred. Since childhood, he indeed had the habit of seeking divine intervention and asking ghosts.

The others around him saw the sacred and grand temple from afar and also grew slightly hopeful, waiting by the side for the Ming King's decree. Only a man with an expressionless face in the distance coldly observed without saying anything.

To ensure the survival of his subordinates, Yang Gong didn't mind going in to kneel and worship, yet for some reason, there was always some reluctance in his heart.

"Or perhaps, simply destroy this temple, and chop down the divine statue inside?"

At this moment, a clear voice sounded amidst the wind and snow. Turning his head, he saw a woman holding a white cat in her arms, wearing a white fox fur cloak.

Beside her were the Think Tank Iron Mouth and several No-eating Bull Disciples, along with a few men of uncommon demeanor and carts filled with supplies. However, she didn't rush to reveal her identity but instead coolly watched Ming King Yang Gong, saying:

"The whole world is now spreading the word that you, King of Mingzhou, are a natural-born killing demon, causing bloodshed in the human world."

"Upon hearing of your approach days in advance, an entire village evacuated to avoid bad luck. Countless people in the world rejoiced at your misfortune. Yet, I came to ask you one question..."

"Do you truly believe you are guilty?"

"..."

Yang Gong gritted his teeth and said grimly, "I just want more people to live, what is the crime in that?"

"Exactly."

The woman in the fox fur nodded, speaking earnestly, "Since you believe in what you've done, why fear those so-called gods and ghosts?"

Saying this, she looked up, her cold eyes gazing into the swirling snowflakes: "If the gods block your path, then overthrow them; if the heavens block your path, then defy them. Now the Food Protection Army brings disasters with each step, freezing people to death, which is already a heinous crime!"

"I'll bring that damned old heavens here and declare its sins. Would you dare to cut it down with one slash?"

"..."

Yang Gong listening felt bewildered, his blood rushing to his head.

Before he could respond, the old man squatting on a distant rock suddenly showed a rare expression of joy, looking up and grinning, "Someone who understands the way is here..."

...

...

In the Southwest, despite the rampant rat plague, a small town remains bustling. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Here, people perform theatrical shows, play large barrels, beat rattles, and walk on stilts. The vibrant gala seems to feature all the imaginable entertainments of the human world, all in this small town.

Yet the curious thing is that, despite all the performances, there were neither audiences nor reward money, leaving the shows lonely and desolate for three days until they finally welcomed their first spectator.

Everyone in town turned to watch him, eager to hear his first words, see his first actions.

But this person merely walked with his hands behind his back, slowly entering the town.

He approached a young girl twirling dozens of plates before her, smiled slightly, and took a copper coin from his sleeve, throwing it at her feet.

He smiled and said, "Good work, here's your reward!"

...

...

North of Quzhou, the world starts to bustle, yet Iron Threshold King Zhou Datong remains bewildered.

While in Quzhou, Ming King Yang Gong inexplicably delivered him a great achievement by taking Quzhou. The name Iron Threshold King rose swiftly to fame across the world. But Zhou Datong didn't know what to do with the following matters.

After taking Quzhou, he should head north to confront the Long-winning King.

Yet he lacked confidence in facing the Long-winning Army that once captured Shangjing City, unsure he will win and uninterested in warfare, his mind filled with thoughts on Yang Gong's actions, unable to comprehend why his subordinates wouldn't let him assist his brother.

Just then, the Long-winning King's army arrived at the border of Quzhou, advancing with great momentum.

Zhou Datong considered fleeing when two individuals unexpectedly entered his tent, and their words startled him.

"I am the Long-winning King."

The large and somewhat stout man said, "This gentleman beside me is Tao Yin, Mr. Tao from the Huai Bei Tao family, a noble family through five generations and three dukes, not even caring about the ten surnames."

"Oh, you might be more familiar with his title, called the Little Smart General with the White Horse and Silver Saddle who never fights face to face but whose cunning plots follow one after another."

"..."

"Ah..."

Zhou Datong was dumbfounded upon hearing these words.

What? The army threatens the border with great danger, yet the main general and strategist came alone into his tent?

Are they here for assassination or negotiation?

What should he do?

Directly have them captured, or invite them for a drink?

Soon, the two men spoke, "We know you are the fellow disciple of Mr. Hu from the Zhen Sui Hu Family, and we are friends standing on the same side."

"In the future, when you meet him, just say you were visited by Mengzhou's Dazed Donkey and Five Skin, and he will understand."

Saying this, they too showed a solemn demeanor, taking a short pause before speaking seriously, "This time we are here to discuss a major affair with you. Our troops were raised as good brothers, and starting today, they are yours."

"..."

Zhou Datong was even more bewildered, "What?"

The one who called himself Five Skin said, "Of course, we need to put on a show—pretend you defeated us, and then we will join you."

"But treat them well, it's not about the battles, just don't treat them as if they were raised by a stepmother."

"..."

That night, Zhou Datong felt as if he were dreaming. The Long-winning King is such a powerful figure, dominating the Northern Land across three roads and eleven counties, with mighty armies, undefeated in all encounters. Not to mention himself, even with Yang Gong and Shima Town, they might not be able to contend with him.