In the resplendent palace, the Temple Master of Chaotian slightly bowed, his hands hidden within the wide sleeves of his robe, his expression respectful yet with an enigmatic hint.

He slightly raised his head, his gaze towards Emperor Wanshou lying on the dragon bed, slowly parting his lips, his voice deep yet clearly echoing within the hall: "Your Majesty, the 'Heavenly Palace Project' devised by Xu Qing is indeed a world-shaking endeavor unparalleled in its ambition and magnitude. In my humble opinion, he is relying on the abundant resources of the Southern Ocean, using ingenious mechanical techniques and powerful firearms, attempting to construct an unprecedented aerial tower. Once completed, this tower will transcend earthly confines, akin to those mythological heavenly palaces, majestic and sacred. It will surely disseminate Your Majesty's holy virtue across the lands and lift Your Majesty above heaven and earth, alike the Jade Emperor in the storied tales of the Journey to the West."

Emperor Wanshou, originally lazily half-reclining on the dragon bed, upon hearing this, couldn't help but smile: "If indeed the 'Heavenly Palace' can be crafted, allowing my power and virtue to reign supreme across the heavens, I would gladly bestow Xu Qing the title of the Great Sage Equalling Heaven."

"Wise indeed, Your Majesty." The Temple Master of Chaotian bowed slightly, then continued to elaborate on the matter and mentioned the challenges Xu Qing currently faces.

The old Emperor, upon hearing, fell into deep contemplation. His fingers unconsciously tapped lightly on the warm white jade of the bed, the crisp sound of jade gently reverberating in the quiet hall.

After a moment, he slowly spoke: "Although the 'Heavenly Palace Project' sounds wonderfully promising with endless prospects, as the State Preceptor mentioned, Xu Qing is currently missing crucial materials for mechanical creation, and continuing this 'Heavenly Palace Project' may face numerous obstacles..."

The Temple Master of Chaotian: "I believe Xu Qing is exceptionally wise and meticulous in thought; for him to dare plan such a grand project, he surely has a strategy in place. Furthermore, our Great Yu Dynasty is rich in talent, with capable individuals throughout the realm. If we could unite the nation's efforts to seek alternatives to Merfolk Tears, surely we can resolve the current challenges Xu Qing faces."

The old Emperor nodded slightly, after pondering a moment, lifted his finger and slowly said: "It is permissible to command the Embroidered Guard and the Inner Factory to assist fully in this matter. Ensure the smooth flow of resources and intelligence, to relieve Xu Qing of any concerns."

The Temple Master of Chaotian, upon hearing this, secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

He understood that the actual role the Embroidered Guard and the Inner Factory could play was yet uncertain, but this action of the old Emperor undoubtedly clearly demonstrated his determined stance.

Currently, under Xu Qing's strategic oversight in the Southern Ocean, he opened an unprecedented new situation amidst the difficult plight of internal and external dangers facing the Great Yu Dynasty; this marks a critical beginning for the nation's revitalization, and cannot afford the turmoil of mutual suspicion between ruler and minister.

Otherwise, I fear the Huaxia Land might again be plunged into a calamity, which would be a great misfortune for the people of the world.

Now, influenced by Xu Qing, even the Temple Master of Chaotian felt a heightened concern for the nation, aligning with Xu Qing's concept of "the rise and fall of the world, every person bears responsibility."

…

…

Meanwhile, in the distant Southern Ocean, the blazing sun indiscriminately showered this land filled with mystery and challenges. The team dispatched by Xu Qing to investigate the truth behind the sea demons faced hardships but finally returned. The news they brought back was like a bombshell, shocking everyone: the sea demons attacking the fleet carrying Merfolk Tears were not naturally ferocious sea beasts, but were secretly manipulated by Heshan Tao.

Heshan Tao had long secretly infiltrated the East Sea Gang. Although the East Sea Princess had previously conducted a major internal purge, attempting to cleanse the internal troubles of the gang, she was still unable to completely eradicate the influence of Heshan Tao, leaving hidden issues buried deep within.

The scope of Xu Qing's "Heavenly Palace Project" was vast, involving complex and extensive mechanical creation work, making it naturally difficult to fully keep secret.

Heshan Tao precisely seized upon this rare opportunity, plotting to disrupt the entire Southern Ocean situation through sabotaging the "Heavenly Palace Project," thus alleviating the immense pressure they faced from the Great Yu Dynasty at their old stronghold in the Southern Border.

Upon learning this astonishing news, Xu Qing was not overwhelmed by anger; his countenance was calm, his gaze profound and resolute, merely saying lightly: "Does Heshan Tao think they can block my 'Heavenly Palace Project'? They are far from qualified."

Previously, during the battle of Heavenly Tribulation in Old Port, Heshan Tao's Sect Hierarch fled at the first sight, in Xu Qing's eyes, truly a character of the rodent ilk.

Unexpectedly, this fellow dared once more to secretly contend against him.

Following these words, he immediately called for King Lin. King Lin hurried to come, not yet stepping into the camp before Xu Qing came to meet him barefoot, giving much face to his elder brother.

After all, needing the assistance of his dear brother. If it was of lesser importance, Xu Qing would have directly proceeded to dream!

He grasped King Lin's hands, his expression solemn, and said: "Brother, the Governor of Qian Nan Province, Lord Zhou, is my brother-in-law. With me personally overseeing the Southern Ocean, the situation remains under control, unable to stir much trouble. However, Heshan Tao truly doesn't know their limits, daring to offend us; they must be taught a harsh lesson. I would like to ask you, brother, to bring the elite students of the Martial Arts Academy to Qian Nan Province, under Lord Zhou's coordination, to attack the headquarters of Heshan Tao. Additionally, I have a few private letters for the three Tusi clan leaders in Qian Nan Province; once they see these letters, they will undoubtedly assist us wholeheartedly."

Xu Qing outlined the general plan framework in detail, and then, together with King Lin, delved into further discussion, constantly refining the details, providing patient explanations for each of King Lin's doubts and areas of confusion.

The key to persuading the three Tusi clans to assist in this operation lies in Xu Qing's private letters. In the letters, he earnestly promised that if during this campaign against Heshan Tao, any Tusi clan could achieve outstanding merit, he would select a noblewoman from that clan to bear his bloodline. Moreover, he made it clear that he would choose only two clans.

This seemingly simple "Two peaches kill three warriors" strategy, although not extremely sophisticated, is certain to achieve Xu Qing's desired effect due to Xu Qing's powerful capabilities and prestige.

The Tusi clearly understood, should Xu Qing support two Tusi clans while neglecting the other, in such a situation of one rising and another falling, the clan left behind had no choice but rebellion leading to brutal suppression by the court or trying to wait patiently for their demise.

As for the three Tusi clans uniting to revolt together, after witnessing Xu Qing's terrifying prowess, they didn't have the courage deep down.

If they completely sided with Heshan Tao, it would undoubtedly be like negotiating with a tiger, with unimaginable consequences.

Xu Qing's triumph in the Southern Ocean had long shocked the realm, severing the Tusi's usual chain of smuggling benefits through Heshan Tao.

Now they could only rely on the tea and horse trade with the court for survival.

Unless they were willing to return to the primitive and savage lifestyle of the past, if they made a wrong choice, the small leaders under the Tusi, would definitely be the first to stand against it.

In fact, even if Heshan Tao had not actively caused trouble, Xu Qing had long put resolving their matters on his agenda.

Now that Heshan Tao has voluntarily walked into the line of fire, Xu Qing is even less inclined to have any reservations.

Once the arrangements on King Lin's side are settled, Xu Qing immediately enters the dream of Su Lianqing. Su Lianqing is currently responsible for overseeing the complex situation at the major Southern Ocean ports for Xu Qing. Her daily affairs are numerous and she is exceedingly busy.

Entering the dream counts as a form of rest.

In the dream, Su Lianqing sees Xu Qing and is very excited.

She now increasingly believes that the Young Master will ultimately accomplish great deeds, and that she will be able to rise alongside him, achieving unimaginable accomplishments and status.

Xu Qing's instructions are simple: they involve Su Lianqing contacting the Sect Hierarch of Luo Sect, to have the Red Flower Society and Luo Sect, after the great battle, mercilessly beat the fallen foe and replace Heshan Tao's original southern border status.

Regardless of whether this can be achieved or not, it will cause serious trouble for Heshan Tao, deeply letting them know what heavy cost offending Xu Qing will bring.

…

…

The sea breeze of Old Port blew gently with a salty moisture, making the banners on the shore rustle and flutter. Around, people came and went, bustling and busy.

And at this moment, in the secret chamber within the Old Port Pacification Office's golden box, in the Yin God's dreamscape of Heavenly Spirit Elder,

Xu Qing and Heavenly Spirit Elder sat facing each other, the surrounding atmosphere infused with an air of calm concentration.

"Xu Qing, this tidal resonance method can substantially increase the range of the port's mechanical turrets." Heavenly Spirit Elder's eyes sparkled with excitement and pride, as he now devotedly engages in research, with a trend towards transforming into the era's greatest inventor.

Since concentrating on mechanism research, he was no longer burdened by the complex affairs of power development, and his divine soul's burden substantially lightened.

In the depths of his heart, he harbored a secret thought.

He mused privately, Xu Qing is still young, yet he ambitiously tries to master intrigue, power expansion, and various affairs, such greed only spreads his focus thin, ultimately harming himself.

He could not help but recall the Daoist Scripture saying, "Misfortune is where fortune relies, fortune is where misfortune lurks," thinking that although he appears limited, he is in fact "Old Man loses horse, who knows this is not a blessing."

He firmly believed that as long as he silently enhanced his spiritual cultivation, one day he will break through the blockade of Xu Qing's demon technique and regain freedom.

The struggles between immortals are inherently long, and he absolutely does not believe he will always be at a disadvantage, good days are surely ahead.

Actually, all his complex emotions had been seen through by Xu Qing through the Asura Demon King.

Xu Qing, although perceiving this clearly, did not expose it. After all, Heavenly Spirit Elder's earnest cultivation was like open source code, being a Heavenly Demon himself, he could also benefit.

It could be said, seeing Heavenly Spirit Elder so active and enterprising, Xu Qing felt quite comforted internally and naturally did not wish to dampen his enthusiasm.

In his view, people with dreams deserve praise and are extraordinary.

As the two were deeply communicating in the dream, Xu Qing suddenly felt a jolt, as if struck by an invisible force.

The Divine Soul Hidden Vein that had been opened long ago suddenly emerged.

Among them, the star map of the Purple Emperor Vein was unusually clear.

At this moment, there unexpectedly appeared a bizarre red star on the star map. This red star emitted eerie light, akin to a greedy giant beast, wildly devouring the starlight of Xu Qing's Lifebound Star—Ziwei Star.

At the same time, the originally turbulent waves outside the Old Port suddenly became rhythmic like a heartbeat, heavy and oppressive.

The entire Old Port was instantly enveloped by a strange atmosphere, everyone was alerted by the sudden celestial phenomenon in the sky.

In the night sky, beside the originally surrounded Beichen Star, that bizarre red star became increasingly blatant.

It flickered wantonly, like a celestial dog devouring the sun, ruthlessly consuming Ziwei's radiance.

In an instant, the entire Old Port fell into dead silence, people looked up at the sky, faces full of fear and confusion. Children cuddled in their parents' arms, trembling; sailors stopped their tasks, mouths agape, staring dumbfounded at this unbelievable scene; elderly people were worried, chanting prayers as if begging for heavenly protection.

A wild man suddenly grinded his knife at night, the Emperor Star swayed while Ying Huo rose high!

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