Chapter 1807: Lost Civilization! (2/2)
”Lost civilization?”
Mutasim III and the others looked back and forth between Khatabah and the High Priest in confusion.
What sort of secret was Hamuhad hiding?
A lost civilization? And there was also that terrifying creature that could spit fire. What in the world was it?
Everyone had believed that the Hierophant was in seclusion to practice his martial arts, but it now seemed that this was not the case at all. He had spent several decades away from the political power center of the empire for an apparently greater goal.
”Heheh, I've already succeeded.”
Khatabah chuckled. His left hand that had been hidden in his sleeve this entire time slowly emerged.
At this time, a hazy light began to shine from his sleeve.
In Khatabah's left hand was a strange ball made of metal and flesh. The azure light was radiating from this ball.
The strangest thing was that this ball of metal and flesh seemed to be alive. It contracted in Khatabah's palm like a heart, exuding mystery and allure with each beat. If one looked carefully, one would notice strange and ancient characters flowing across the surface, completely different from the characters of ancient Arabic.
”Your Majesty, be at ease. You have my promise. This time, I will help you pacify the eastern world!”
Ignoring the gazes of the crowd, Khatabah put the strange ball away and turned his eyes to Mutasim III.
”In addition, starting from now, I will have full authority over the entire army. They will begin retraining according to my orders. In order to subjugate the eastern world, I require an even greater army, one that can truly fight!”
”As you desire!”
Mutasim III bowed, his head dropping down low in respect.
”Right, Hierophant, there are many foreign Confucians in the empire. Should we drive them out and kill them?” Mutasim III suddenly asked.
”There's no need. Letting them stay… is even better!”
Khatabah waved his hand, a profound smile on his lips.
……
Putting aside the events in the Arabian Empire, in the capital of the Great Tang…
Everyone in the capital and the realm was waiting for that appointed day, the attention focused entirely on the militarist-Confucian conflict. Everyone knew about the previous clashes between the King of Foreign Lands and the Secretariat Advisor, and everyone was waiting for the decisive battle between the two in the next few days.
Everyone was surprised to see the conflict end like this, but on second thought, they found that it made sense.
In this empire, the Sage Emperor wielded absolute authority. Whenever he made his decision, all members of society would piously obey.
Moreover, just as the Imperial Court's announcement had explained, this method would limit the damage to only Wang Chong and Li Junxian, minimizing the harm to the empire.
The days went by, and countless people were brimming with anticipation.
At this time, in the plum forest in the northwestern region of the Imperial Palace…
”You've made up your mind?”
Two simple incense burners filled the spacious and bright confines of the classroom with a fragrant and hallowed aroma. Master Zhu stood tall in his robes, and in front of him sat the white-robed and kneeling Li Junxian, his hair unbound.
These two had already met many times, but the mood was grave like never before.
”This disciple has made up his mind. So that future generations may enjoy eternal peace, Junxian must win the match in four days no matter what. Master, please fulfill my wish,” Li Junxian solemnly said, his back straight.
The Confucian school and Confucian Sect were two sides of the same coin, originating from the same source. While Li Junxian and Master Zhu were separated by many years, they were peers and often addressed each other as fellow brothers. But now, Li Junxian was treating their relationship as disciple and master, and the tone with which he spoke had also changed.
”Junior Brother, while there is still time, I ask that you reconsider. Many formidable characters have appeared in the history of our Confucian school, and quite a few of them were great teachers who were hailed as 'Master' by the people. But none of them dared to touch that item belonging to the First Sage.
”Many brilliant leaders have also appeared in the history of your Confucian Sect. All of them wanted to wear this crown, but not a single one succeeded.
”Even as the times have changed, not a single person has been able to stand on the same level as the First Sage. Even if I help you put on the crown, in your current situation, your lifespan will be greatly reduced. Do you still persist?” Master Zhu grimly said.