Published: March 4, 2025
CHAPTER 42: The World Shakes
The world suddenly darkened, and he stood motionless by the window, hands behind his back. It wasn't until someone stealthily entered to light the candles, illuminating the room, that he gently furrowed his brows and returned to sit at his desk. His gaze was fixed on the void, as if pondering something.
"Lord Xiang, Lord Dong requests an audience," an old man in green appeared silently and reported respectfully.
"Dong Wufa? Let him in," this person was none other than the prime minister of supreme authority in the Great Zhao Empire, Diwu Qingrou!
Moments later, a tall and thin figure walked in.
"Greetings, Lord Xiang."
"Have a seat." Diwu Qingrou waved his hand lightly, watching the flickering candlelight on the table, and calmly said, "Lord Dong, what brings you here?"
"I have come regarding the heaven and earth phenomenon." Dong Wufa's stature was tall, with large hands resembling fans. His face was somewhat gaunt, with high cheekbones protruding, and his eyes were sharp like those of a hawk!
Anyone who met his eyes would instantly think of the vicious vultures of the desert.
This man was the foremost warrior general of the Great Zhao Empire!
Dong Wufa's arrival here represented the convergence of military and political minds within the Great Zhao Empire!
Typically, the leaders of military and politics could not coexist, but here it was quite the opposite. Although Dong Wufa was older than Diwu Qingrou, he regarded Diwu Qingrou as the person he admired most throughout his life!
"Heaven and earth phenomenon? Indeed, it truly is a phenomenon!" A hint of worry appeared on Diwu Qingrou's gaunt face as he spoke softly.
After saying this, his gaze lowered slightly, seemingly deep in thought, his fingers lightly tapping the table, producing a soft drumming sound.
The study fell into silence. Dong Wufa sat upright opposite Diwu Qingrou, not daring to disturb his train of thought.
After a while, the dark clouds in the sky gradually dispersed, and the sky returned to clarity.
Diwu Qingrou stood with his hands clasped behind his back and slowly walked to the window, looking up and murmuring, "Half an hour! From the dark clouds appearing, obscuring heaven and earth, to now when the clouds have cleared, it has indeed been half an hour. This strange occurrence is truly unprecedented."
"Lord Xiang, is there some major event about to occur?" Dong Wufa's expression changed.
Diwu Qingrou gazed up at the sky, a flash of shock crossing his eyes, which Dong Wufa did not see from behind him. But in a brief moment, he returned to his calm demeanor.
He slowly turned around and smiled, saying, "Nothing to worry about; for some unknown reason, the world suddenly became chaotic, and heaven's secrets are in disarray, making it impossible to predict. The entire future is beyond our foresight!"
"Is it true that even with your profound star observation, Lord Xiang cannot foresee anything?" Dong Wufa stood up abruptly, his eyes revealing urgency.
"Regardless of anything, the prospect of our Great Zhao unifying the world is already quite clear!" Diwu Qingrou's voice, though soft, was decisive and carried immense confidence. He added, "Everything will proceed according to the original plan." He paused slightly before adding, "Accelerate the pace!"
"Understood!" Diwu Qingrou's words were ordinary, but his resolute tone immediately put Dong Wufa's mind at ease. It seemed that as long as Diwu Qingrou's words were here, even if the heavens came crashing down, it wouldn't matter!
"Go!" Diwu Qingrou smiled warmly.
"Yes, I shall take my leave." Dong Wufa stood, turned, and strode out confidently.
As he watched Dong Wufa's figure disappear, Diwu Qingrou's smiling eyes suddenly turned doubtful, perplexed, murmuring, "How could this be? The momentum of the sun at its zenith has already formed; why, at this moment, does the world seem to reverse and the opponent show signs of vitality?"
He began to pace slowly, and after a moment, his left hand clenched into a fist, resting on his chest, his gaze gradually becoming sharp: "It's merely a flickering candle in the wind; with a breath, it can be extinguished! How could I, Diwu Qingrou, allow you to form a sweeping blaze?!"