Chapter 108: Moving with the Flow of Fate

“Commander Kui Mu Xing’s enlightenment is truly gratifying,” said Commander Wu, clad in golden armor, casting a half-smile at Kui Mu Lang.

Commander Wu held supreme command over all the forces of Tianzhu Mountain, with a total strength exceeding three thousand troops and rapidly growing—almost advancing a level each day.

“Yes, I’m sure young master appreciates Lord Kui Mu’s attitude toward matters and would commend him,” added Jia Cheng, seated to the right, nodding earnestly.

Jia Cheng was practically the steward here, his influence expanding alongside Tianzhu Mountain’s growing territory. Together with Commander Wu—one civil, one military—they wielded great power, far surpassing their former selves. The others, struggling to suppress smiles, felt uneasy.

Even Kui Mu Lang, thick-skinned as he was, felt a burning embarrassment, bracing himself for Taoist Ren’s words.

He knew well that his status and power were gifts from Wang Yuanfeng, for which he was deeply grateful and cautious—only a bit lazy, which invited the teasing from Wu and Jia. Despite their frequent jabs, the few shared a strong bond, united ever since Wang Yuanfeng bestowed upon them the divine omen of the Star Spirit’s fortune. Rather than causing rifts, it bonded them as comrades.

Seeing Kui Mu Lang ruffled enough, Taoist Ren spoke, “Enough. Kui Mu’s awakening is a positive sign.”

He paused, then continued, “I imagine everyone harbors some doubts after this council.”

The group exchanged glances and nodded. Their altered aura betrayed their inner thoughts. Even high-ranking officials like Jia Cheng and Commander Wu understood the principles of fortune and destiny. Knowing this, no matter what high office the Daliang Dynasty offered, they would not abandon their path with Wang Yuanfeng—such matters transcended fleeting gains and spanned lifetimes.

Taoist Ren sensed their confusion. Having overheard their private discussions, he decided to clarify, aligning with the immortal creed of valuing life and guiding others benevolently.

Looking upon them, he said, “This matter signifies that the Divine Lord has again received the omen of fortune. Surely, we have a new comrade among us.”

Heads nodded in agreement as Taoist Ren elaborated, “Fortune, luck, merit, blessings, and unseen virtues—all these concern oneself deeply. Having linked with the Divine Lord’s fortune, we are one body—what benefits one benefits all, what harms one harms all. The path of fortune is both innate and cultivated. As the saying goes, when fortune comes, heaven and earth work in harmony; when fortune departs, even heroes are constrained. If you all remain diligent and responsible, your fortune will rise, elevating your fate.”

The group suddenly understood, brimming with renewed vigor. Jia Cheng, aware of Wang Yuanfeng’s divine methods, had been consulting Taoist Ren since his arrival. Even the eccentric Kui Mu Lang earned respect in this circle. With their fortune greatly augmented, they needed to plan their next moves.

After a moment’s thought, Jia Cheng stood and asked, “Taoist, how shall we proceed?”

“Yes, Taoist, our strategy is incomplete. Please advise,” Commander Wu also rose.

Taoist Ren considered briefly. Jia Cheng and Wu had already drafted a plan encompassing both civil and military aspects, promptly presented to him.

It entailed three key points: first, intentions toward Beizhou, focusing on military strength and ideological dissemination; second, expanding influence around Tianzhu Mountain, having already seized much territory south of the mountain, soon to connect with Dongting Lake; third, establishing contact with Nanzhou and expediting outreach there.

Reviewing the plan, Taoist Ren found no faults. Tianzhu Mountain sat in southeastern Zhongzhou, bordering northwest Erzhou and near southeast Zhongzhou—half of Zhongzhou and Nanzhou were within reach. Only the eastern advance faced obstacles, blocked by demonic forces requiring investigation.

He then spoke, “Your strategy is sound; the general situation here is settled. Just accelerate the pace.”

His tone shifted, “However, the southern region remains unstable, and the eastern Black Mountain’s demonic presence blocks progress. These two issues pose serious challenges.”

Hearing this, the group nodded knowingly. The central government’s hold on the provinces was at its weakest, with imperial edicts seldom reaching beyond Shengjing. This presented a prime opportunity, yet failure to resolve these matters meant being stalled in southeastern Zhongzhou and Nanzhou. Success would link the southeast and enable northern support, forming a defensive encirclement around Shengjing.

At this, Lou Jingou rose and saluted Taoist Ren. “Taoist, with our fortune greatly increased, the situation in Nanzhou should be favorable. We need only dispatch aid to our master. I propose to explore the Black Mountain range in Dongzhou to gather intelligence and prepare for an offensive. Kui Mu can oversee Beizhou, while you remain stationed at Tianzhu Mountain to offer support as needed.”

The assembly nodded, impressed by Lou Jingou’s rare but impactful speech, silently comparing themselves and feeling inspired.

Kui Mu Lang, hearing Lou’s support, cast him a grateful glance—both sparing him embarrassment and offering a chance to prove himself. Lou Jingou acknowledged the gratitude with a nod.

Taoist Ren closed his eyes, contemplating deeply. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the chair’s armrest. He had pondered this long, though few capable allies stood by him, which delayed his decision. Yet, it was necessary.

The strategy to establish cosmic order, devised with Wang Yuanfeng, remained firm in his heart and had yielded results. His cultivation, stagnant for a century, had recently begun to shift and even show slight progress. The true extent of Taoist Ren’s power was known only to himself, but it was unquestionably formidable.

After a moment, he declared, “Lou Jingou shall investigate the Black Mountain range. Remember, safety comes first. Better to achieve no glory than to lose yourself.”

“Yes, Taoist,” Lou Jingou replied with a salute.

Then Taoist Ren turned to the visibly tense Kui Mu Lang, smiling gently. “Kui Mu.”

“At your service,” Kui Mu Lang straightened and stepped forward.

Taoist Ren regarded him kindly. “You shall rest for two more days.”

“Ah?” Kui Mu Lang blinked in surprise, but Taoist Ren averted his gaze. Kui Mu Lang’s posture slackened, head drooping like ripe wheat, his spirits sinking deeply.

Taoist Ren ignored him and addressed Jia Cheng and Commander Wu. “Organize your forces to advance simultaneously south and east, but remain vigilant regarding Zhongzhou.”

He then gestured toward Shengjing’s direction, signaling the next phase of their grand endeavor.