Confucian and Taoist scholar

Chapter 655 can be described as divine.

Chapter 655 can be described as divine.

"Dead? They're all dead? So easily defeated?"

Upon hearing the news relayed by his subordinates, Di Lie was completely stunned.

Lu Zheng went to the Bone Abyss alone and wiped out all the powerful forces that opposed him!

Oh, there's still one Bone Lady left.

Lady Bone… Di Lie stroked his chin, feeling that something was amiss. Was this a scheme orchestrated to kill those powerful figures?

But to really kill so many Transcendent Realm experts, one must be very capable!

He had anticipated the consequences of targeting Lu Zheng, but he never imagined that so many powerful figures combined would be so incompetent.

There must be at least ten experts at the Transcendent Realm, right? Together they would be enough to flatten their Di Kingdom.

As a result, those powerful figures threatened Lu Zheng, and this is how he ended up; he died too quickly.

Di Lie couldn't help but swallow hard. Those forces that initially stood up to oppose him had all been wiped out in an instant. What would happen next…?

Wouldn't it be the turn of other forces that are watching and waiting?

To be honest, although the Di Kingdom had secretly expressed its attitude, Lu Zheng's attitude remained unclear after he found out.

Thinking of this, Di Lie couldn't sit still any longer. He immediately gave some instructions to his subordinates and rushed to the capital to inform their king of the news as soon as possible.

Without daring to stop for a moment, Di Lie entered the palace panting and met Di Ming, where he told him what had happened.

Upon learning of the situation, Di Ming remained silent for a moment.

Soon, more information came in to confirm Di Lie's news.

After confirming that the matter was true, Di Ming couldn't help but sigh.

"Too fast, they lost too quickly..."

Di Ming originally thought that those forces, when united, could hold off Lu Zheng for a while, but they were defeated so quickly.

They had set up a trap to lure the enemy in, but instead, Lu Zheng captured them all in one fell swoop.

Young people shouldn't be underestimated either... Di Ming sighed inwardly.

He also thought that the longer those forces dragged things out, the more bargaining chips the Di Kingdom would have.

So many powerful figures were wiped out without even causing a ripple.

In that case, where would their Di Kingdom get the confidence to negotiate any terms with Lu Zheng?

After pondering for a moment, Di Ming ordered his men to summon the high-ranking officials who were still in the capital to discuss the matter.

Given Lu Zheng's methods, once he has taken over the territories of those forces, it will soon be their turn, and he won't give them much time to prepare.

Some high-ranking officials from the Di Kingdom rushed to the palace, and after learning what had happened, they couldn't believe it.

When did those Transcendent Realm cultivators nearby become so weak?

Di Ming asked bluntly, "What do you all think: to fight or to surrender?"

This time, Di Ming didn't even mention peace talks or negotiations; he directly used the word "surrender."

This was extremely jarring to everyone, but they couldn't refute it.

They're not stupid; they understand that there's no possibility of negotiation given the current situation.

War? Most of them are members of royalty, some of whom are quite skilled, but they rarely have the experience of fighting to the death.

They're good at enjoying comfort and pleasure, but asking them to risk their lives for their country is a bit too much to ask...

Even some of those who had previously vowed not to accept Lu Zheng's demands remained silent, no longer sticking to their previous statements.

After all, if I were to stand up and oppose him now, I might just be chosen by others to fight Lu Zheng. There's no need to create trouble for myself like this...

Talk is talk, and make a fuss is fuss, but your own life is the most important thing.

Seeing that no one spoke, Di Ming slowly said, "We don't have that much time to think about it now. Let's all make up our minds!"

Someone couldn't help but say, "What does Your Majesty think? As the ruler of the country, we should listen to Your Majesty's opinion."

At this moment, no one wanted to speak easily, so they simply passed the question back to Di Ming. Di Ming sighed inwardly, then his face became solemn and sorrowful.

"The legacy of our ancestors must not be lost lightly. How can we become such sinners? I, the king, wish to lead my people to defend the borders to the death. Even if we die for our country, we will not be ashamed before our ancestors!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's expression changed. They were even willing to die for their country; not everyone was willing to do this, so why bring their own clansmen along...?

"Your Majesty, there may be something wrong with this matter!"

Someone quickly offered advice.

Others also spoke up, trying to dissuade Di Ming from having such an idea.

The enemy is too strong, and the Di Kingdom is too weak. Heaven intends to destroy their country. How can they defy the will of Heaven?

If our ancestors knew the situation, they wouldn't blame their descendants.

Leading one's people to die for one's country is a disgrace to one's ancestors...

As long as the green hills remain, there will always be firewood to burn.

With everyone contributing their ideas, Di Ming finally reconsidered his plan to lead his people to their deaths.

With things said to this point, naturally no one wanted to fight to the end.

Then comes the topic of how to reduce it.

Some suggested that they should simply abandon the country and flee, since there was no shame in running away from such a formidable opponent.

However, deciding who to flee and who to stay, and where to flee to for safety and comfort, are all difficult questions.

Moreover, if they really flee as a whole clan and take a large amount of wealth with them, they will inevitably be wanted by someone...

If you get caught, you really will lose your life.

Seeing this, Di Ming calmly took out Lu Zheng's letter again, "After careful consideration, I think that according to this boy's request, it might not be a bad thing for us to stay. Perhaps everything will start over, but it's still better than what happened to Huai Jun."

"Of course, if some of you really want to leave, I won't stop you. As for what will happen to you then, only heaven knows..."

"If you want to leave, do it as soon as possible, otherwise it might be too late. Everyone, let's disperse!"

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent and took their leave.

Di Ming knew in his heart that some people, once they left, he might never see them again.

Di Lie stayed until the very end, waiting for Di Ming's instructions.

Di Ming looked at Di Lie and said, "If you want to leave, you are welcome to do so."

Di Lie shook his head heavily. "Leave? Where can we go? There's no safe place in the Northern Region. If we go somewhere else, we'll be taken advantage of without any backing."

“I’ve also heard about Lu Zheng’s situation. I’m not likely to be killed by him. At worst, I’ll have to do manual labor for a few years. Even if it’s hard work, I can still protect my family. It’s better than living in fear and hiding.”

Upon hearing this, Di Ming smiled and said softly, "It's best if you can think things through. Some people just can't, and they'll go astray, harming others without benefiting themselves. After hearing about Lu Zheng's deeds these past few days, I think that after enjoying so much happiness over the years, it's time for it to come to an end."

As the sage said, "The way of Heaven is to take from those who have more than enough and give to those who have less than enough; the way of man is to take from those who have less than enough and give to those who have more than enough."

"This young man is so accomplished and powerful; he is no ordinary person, but a celestial being."

Di Ming's eyes flickered slightly, and he was suddenly filled with emotion. "Go find him and ask him to come to the capital when he has time. Don't be impolite."

Upon hearing this, Di Lie quickly replied, "This junior will set off immediately."

(End of this chapter)