"Minister Xu, the navy of Jinghai Guard is now fully equipped with Purple Thunder Cannons, with significantly enhanced combat power."

Xu Qing, this contemporary master of military strategy, has insight and application of firearms that are top-notch within the Great Yu Dynasty.

In terms of martial arts, he may not be as skilled as General Yu, but in the military domain, personal prowess is never the key to measuring achievement.

Of course, for an extraordinary talent like King Xiang, it's a different story. In the Battle of Julu, Xiang Yu smashed the cauldrons and sank the boats, winning with fewer troops and amazing the world; in the Battle of Peng City, he led thirty thousand cavalry to defeat the fifty-six thousand Han army with remarkable achievements that no other military strategist could replicate.

However, military matters are ultimately the continuation of politics, and though King Xiang was invincible in courage, his political strategy was far inferior to the seemingly fortuitous Liu Bang, which foretold his eventual failure.

In terms of political skills, Liu Bang stands at the pinnacle of history, with few able to compare.

When Xu Qing read history books in his early years, he initially felt that the "Records of the Grand Historian" belittled Liu Bang, its accounts containing many mythological elements, as if his success was entirely due to luck.

Yet, as he gained more experience, Xu Qing profoundly realized that Liu Bang's story is indeed an epic myth of personal achievement.

Think of Liu Bang when he rose to power, nearly fifty years old, a commoner wielding a three-foot sword, and in just eight years, he pacified the land.

Among many founders of later dynasties, only the Tang Gaozu could match his speed in pacifying the realm. But the worth of the Tang Gaozu as a founder, everyone is aware of its causes.

Even history books mostly acknowledge that the real founder of the Tang Dynasty was Emperor Taizong.

As noted in the "New Tang Book": "Great indeed is the glory of Emperor Taizong! His elimination of the Sui chaos matches the achievements of Tang and Wu."

Di Renjie, a significant minister of the time, also sighed: "Emperor Taizong braved wind and storm, personally faced arrows and stones, and only then did he pacify the realm and pass it to his descendants."

From this, Xu Qing perceived that whether founding a dynasty or a career, one must engage personally. If merely an idle manager, success is often difficult.

Though these words seem to hint at the old emperor, Xu Qing himself is a beneficiary of the old emperor's "hands-off" management style, leaving him to ponder that worldly principles are not absolute.

Nowadays, Xu Qing feels quite complex about the old emperor.

From the traditional ruler-subject relationship, he should repay the old emperor's favor, dedicating himself to the Court, even unto death. But he must also be responsible to himself and those around him.

Xu Qing's greatest insight from studying history books is that even common folk have sharp minds. If they are given the right opportunities and nurturing conditions, their achievements may not be less than many famous historical figures.

Many founding heroes, were it not for chance encounters, might have spent their lives as local butchers, gang leaders, or mere clerks in a government office.

Of course, those who shine brightly in the river of history do far exceed ordinary people, but they are rare. Most in high positions rely on their family status or exceptional appearance.

After all, whether male or female, outstanding appearance is indeed an advantage. Like Gao Shenwu of Northern Qi, had he not been handsome and admired by rich ladies, how could he have gained the capital to start his career?

Thus, opportunities are essential for personal development. The greatest opportunity for those around Xu Qing was following him, thereby becoming exceptional.

Once someone has experienced an extraordinary life, how could they willingly return to the ordinary?

Thus, if Xu Qing stagnates or encounters setbacks, those who once felt indebted to him may not remember his kindness and could become his fiercest adversaries.

Once Xu Qing's Heavenly Demon Body perishes, they might actively defame him.

After all, as his closest associates, their words are most likely to be believed.

If Xu Qing writes his memoirs in the future, and is asked about the happiest time in this life, he would answer without hesitation: it was the days when he was recovering from illness and digging earthworms with his aunt.

Then, his body was gradually recovering, and he was filled with anticipation for the future, with the care from his uncle and aunt being pure and warm.

But if someone tactlessly asks if he wishes to return to that time, Xu Qing would not hesitate to give them a slap.

Because Xu Liushou harbors the world in mind, even if sacrificing his own happiness, he must seek welfare for the people!

Thus, at the sea oath ceremony, Xu Qing shouted to everyone that this action would be the key battle to change the fate of the Great Yu Dynasty, and everyone must strive for a full recovery of Old Port. Old Port was once the location of the Old Port Pacification Office established at the founding of the Great Yu Dynasty and was a crucial hub in the Southern Ocean, where the Great Yu Dynasty wielded profound influence.

Unfortunately, the existence of the Old Port Pacification Office was extremely short-lived. But this precisely became the legal basis for the Great Yu Dynasty's deployment this time, quite justifiable.

After all, one cannot bluntly tell everyone that this sea expedition is for robbery; that statement would be distasteful.

People of the Great Yu Dynasty have always been reserved and courteous; even if taking resources from others' lands, they must find a proper reason, always maintaining a gracious image.

As the Great Yu Dynasty is the vast Huaxia, the nation of rites, actions must always be dignified.

After the oath-taking ceremony concluded successfully, the brilliant sunlight spilled over the wide sea, sparkling beautifully. The warships of the Great Yu Dynasty's navy sailed majestically out of the port, flags fluttering in the wind, rustling loudly, and soldiers all invigorated and enthusiastic.

After two hundred years, the navy of the Great Yu Dynasty once again revived its mighty power, like a massive cloud heading for the Southern Ocean.

Whether the overseas faction of Fang Immortal Dao, various pirate forces of the Western Ocean, or the indigenous residents of the Southern Ocean, all keenly sensed the tense atmosphere preceding the onset of rain.

The entire Southern Ocean Islands and peninsula were filled with the thick scent of impending war, as if the air was saturated with a solemn atmosphere, everyone surreptitiously speculating on what earth-shattering changes this approaching storm would bring to the Southern Ocean.

For two hundred years, the navy of the Great Yu Dynasty became a massive cloud that veiled the Southern Ocean once more.

Whether Fang Immortal Dao's overseas faction or various pirate forces of the Western Ocean, or the Southern Ocean's natives.

They all keenly perceived the scent of impending rain.

The entire Southern Ocean Islands or peninsula smelled of war.

…

…

Old Port, which is now the headquarters of Fang Immortal Dao.

After Daoist Gu and his colleagues from the homeland faction gradually returned to the Great Yu Dynasty, the overseas faction of Fang Immortal Dao gradually took over all its overseas strongholds, strengthening its power even more without the constraints of Daoist Gu.

Today is also the day when the ancestor of Fang Immortal Dao, Tianling Sage, emerges from seclusion.

At this moment, the sky was shrouded in dark clouds, with faint thunder rolling.

If there were a powerful Dao Skill expert from the Great Yu Dynasty nearby, they would certainly be shocked.

Heavenly Tribulation!

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