Reincarnated as a Ginkgo Tree: I Create an Eternal Divine Kingdom - Chapter 113

“What is your opinion, Grand Seer?” the Grand Chancellor asked, looking at the Grand Seer. “Should we go to war with the Misty Forbidden Zone at all costs? If we do, what will happen to Qingzhou?”

The Grand Seer found himself at a loss for words.

“The Misty Forbidden Zone has shown restraint,” the High Priest sighed. “But if we keep pushing them, their threats might come true, and Nanjing City may indeed be just the beginning. Moreover, this incident shows that the Misty Forbidden Zone operates by a certain code. They captured the Southern King, but they didn’t harm the towns along the way or the residents outside the Southern King’s estate.”

“You people are simply incomprehensible,” the Grand Seer scolded angrily. “The Misty Forbidden Zone is full of monsters, and yet you’re making excuses for them.”

The High Priest, displeased, retorted, “Grand Seer, if you’re so eager for war, why don’t you go lead the troops yourself?”

The Grand Seer was momentarily speechless.

He dared to criticize the Misty Forbidden Zone so brazenly in the court because he knew he wouldn’t have to face them personally. After all, if war broke out, it would be the frontline soldiers who would die, not him, so he had nothing to fear.

“This matter will be handled as it is for now. I’ll speak with His Majesty,” the Grand Chancellor said.

Although the Emperor was in seclusion, he was not completely unaware of the outside world. The decision to hand over Fang Zhaodong had come from the Emperor himself.

A quarter of an hour later, the Grand Chancellor arrived at a solemn palace. The doors were tightly shut, and the Grand Chancellor stood outside.

“I am already aware of the situation,” a calm voice came from within. “Fan Ying’s capture might not be a bad thing.”

“I would like to hear Your Majesty’s thoughts,” the Grand Chancellor said.

“The Southern King’s estate once did a favor for Mount Longhu,” the voice continued. “The Misty Forbidden Zone’s actions against Fan Ying might eventually lead to a confrontation with Mount Longhu.”

The Grand Chancellor’s eyes brightened, and he quickly bowed. “I understand, Your Majesty.”

“Did Grand Historian Zhou enter the Misty Forbidden Zone?” the voice asked.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the Grand Chancellor replied.

“Good. This will give us a chance to learn more about the Misty Forbidden Zone,” the voice said.

The palace fell silent once more, and the Grand Chancellor respectfully withdrew.

Meanwhile, in the Misty Forbidden Zone, the mighty demon army returned, carrying the captured Southern King. This once-mighty figure now trembled, his face pale, as he was carried into the Misty Forbidden Zone for the first time. He had never taken the Misty Forbidden Zone seriously before, believing that any conflict with it would only affect the soldiers on the frontlines, not him personally. But now, with his life in grave danger, fear overwhelmed him.

After some time, the Southern King was placed on a massive ship guarded by several giant apes. It was then that he noticed another ship nearby, one that was clearly an imperial vessel.

He became excited.

“Southern King?” a surprised voice called from the other ship.

“Grand Historian Zhou!” The Southern King was overjoyed. “Quick, save me! The Misty Forbidden Zone has captured me.”

Indeed, the other ship was an imperial vessel, led by none other than Prime Minister Liang, who had been tasked with delivering Fang Zhaodong to the Misty Forbidden Zone.

Seeing the Southern King, Grand Historian Zhou could only sigh. Entering the Misty Forbidden Zone was a risky move for him, one that none of the other high-ranking officials were willing to take on. Now, he was in no position to help the Southern King.

Humans had a tradition of not harming envoys during wartime, but the Misty Forbidden Zone, being a land of beasts, might not adhere to such customs. If they decided to break the rules, his life would be in danger as well.

The Southern King, unaware of Grand Historian Zhou’s thoughts, continued, “I am a noble of the empire. The Misty Forbidden Zone’s capture of me is a grave insult to the empire’s dignity. Grand Historian Zhou, you must save me and urge the empire to send troops to attack the Misty Forbidden Zone!”

Grand Historian Zhou could only shake his head at the Southern King’s naivety. The once-great Southern King’s estate wouldn’t have fallen into decline if its current lord wasn’t so blind to the situation.

“Southern King, I am here to deliver Fang Zhaodong to the Misty Forbidden Zone,” Grand Historian Zhou gently reminded him, explaining his own precarious position.

A wise person would understand that he could not save the Southern King, as he was struggling to protect himself. But the Southern King was not wise.

“What do you mean?” the Southern King roared in anger. “I am the Southern King! Are you saying you won’t help me? If something happens to me, how will you answer to His Majesty?”

“Enough!” At that moment, a giant ape beside them struck the Southern King, sending him sprawling to the deck. “If you dare to shout again, I’ll rip out all your teeth.”

The Southern King instantly shivered with fear. Seeing him cower before a mere ape, whose status and strength were far below his own, made Grand Historian Zhou shake his head in dismay.

The two ships continued along the Sui River, heading deeper into the Misty Forbidden Zone. The scenery along the way made both Grand Historian Zhou and the Southern King shudder. The riverbanks were teeming with beasts, and the waters were filled with fish demons that occasionally leaped into the air.

Finally, the ships stopped at a lake near the boundary between the outer and inner regions of the Misty Forbidden Zone. The lake was surrounded by countless beasts, and the water was teeming with fish demons far more powerful than those they had encountered earlier. The imperial envoys were visibly shaken.

Only Grand Historian Zhou remained composed, his expression unchanged. He was well-versed in etiquette and immediately cupped his hands in respect. “I am Grand Historian Zhou of the Great Xia Empire. I have come to deliver Fang Zhaodong to the Misty Forbidden Zone and to pay my respects to its ruler on behalf of the empire.”

‘Grand Historian?’

In the heart of the Misty Forbidden Zone, Su Mu was intrigued. He knew that the highest-ranking officials in the empire were the Six Ministers, and the Grand Historian was one of them. He hadn’t expected the empire to send another minister this time.

The fish demons in the lake parted, creating a path for the two ships to proceed. The ships sailed forward until they reached the center of a lake.

The people on board were stunned by the sight before them. The lake was filled with even more powerful fish demons, and the shores were lined with countless beasts. At that moment, the imperial envoys finally understood why Nanjing City had fallen so easily. Faced with such overwhelming forces, even Qingzhou wouldn’t stand a chance.

Grand Historian Zhou s eyes gleamed with determination. Despite the danger, he felt a growing sense of confidence in this mission. The strength of the Misty Forbidden Zone far exceeded his expectations, but that also meant its ruler was intelligent and could be reasoned with.

The Misty Forbidden Zone could have easily conquered Qingzhou as well, but it had chosen not to, showing restraint. This indicated that the ruler of the Misty Forbidden Zone was highly wise and did not harbor a deep hatred for humanity.

Just then, the water ahead began to churn violently, and a massive, terrifying aquatic ape emerged from the depths.