Chapter 885: Humanitarian Belief

Hong Shengtin sat in a daze for a long time before slowly regaining his composure. He didn't believe Ji Yuan was intentionally trying to scare him, as these were all facts. After Ji Yuan's words, he cast a hexagram as instructed and could easily deduce the truth.

Moreover, Hong Shengtin could even imagine that even if he had consistently disagreed with Da Zhen's intention to perform the Fengshan ceremony on Mount Tingqiu, the mountain itself was almost entirely located in the center of Da Zhen's territory, with only a small portion near the border of Tingliang State. As long as Da Zhen proceeded with the Fengshan ceremony, Mount Tingqiu would find it difficult to remain uninvolved.

Furthermore, even if Mount Tingqiu and Hong Shengtin could truly remain aloof from Da Zhen's affairs, at Hong Shengtin's level of cultivation, he could already vaguely sense the subtle changes in the grand scheme of heaven and could foresee that there would eventually be no retreat for him.

“I understand now!”

Ji Yuan said nothing more, simply gesturing towards the other cup.

“Mountain God Hong, please drink.”

Although it was just plain boiled water, Hong Shengtin picked up the teacup and slowly drank it as if it were tea.

Ji Yuan, for his part, had no desire to say more about the Fengshan ceremony or how Hong Shengtin should manage the situation. Since he understood, that was enough. It was not Ji Yuan's place to instruct him on the specifics; as the Great God of Mount Tingqiu, Hong Shengtin would naturally have his own insights.

Days passed, and the Da Zhen Emperor's entourage, including civil and military officials, drew closer to Mount Tingqiu.

Historically, the Fengshan ceremony, whether in Da Zhen's past or other nations, was an extravagant and costly undertaking. It involved lavish displays of power and wealth along the route, with local officials even building temporary palaces to curry favor with the emperor. Not to mention the countless laborers conscripted, it was an immense burden on the state.

However, this time, the officials handling Da Zhen's Fengshan ceremony were exceptionally capable. The current Jianchang Emperor, Yang Sheng, was known for his grand ambitions and would not tarnish his reputation for mere luxury. Furthermore, for safety reasons, celestial masters accompanied the procession. Thus, the imperial convoy rarely stopped within cities; they mostly passed through, allowing common folk to line the streets and gaze upon the imperial might. Camps were set up in open areas outside the cities, where immortal masters used their magic to erect small temporary palaces, heavily guarded by the imperial army.

The speed of the procession was also extraordinary. Except when passing through important prefectural cities, where the carriages would slow down to allow Da Zhen's citizens to gaze upon the "heavenly might," celestial masters continuously cast spells in shifts at other times. This made the Fengshan ceremony a true grand event in the hearts of Da Zhen's people, rather than a burden.

Liebang City was a large city primarily populated by Da Zhen's new citizens, with over a hundred thousand residents. Originally known as Jubang City during the demonic realm era, it was ruled by a clam demon. However, after the clam demon's demise and the city's incorporation into Da Zhen, scholars debated and decided to use this opportunity for renewal. They proposed renaming Jubang City to 'Liebang City' (裂蚌城, split clam city), but finding the character '裂' (split) inelegant, they officially settled on 'Liebang City' (烈蚌城, fiery clam city). The underlying meaning of the name was well understood by all its citizens and deeply resonated with them.

Now, the houses had been renovated by the city's residents themselves, guided by many skilled Da Zhen craftsmen. The streets were smooth, and the houses were no longer dilapidated. The city was well-planned, with all the essentials of a normal city: schools, libraries, shops, banks, and government offices. Moreover, not only had their material conditions improved, but the people's spirits had also been renewed; they truly regarded themselves as whole and healthy individuals.

On this particular day, the main street near the city gate was bustling when suddenly a farmer carrying goods into the city rushed over, shouting.

“Our Emperor's carriage is arriving! Our Emperor's carriage is arriving! All the civil and military officials are there—”

“What?” “Is that true?”

“Absolutely true! I saw a light in the distance when I was cutting firewood on the mountain, and officials are already posting notices on the outer city walls. Even soldiers on horseback have arrived ahead of time, so the Emperor's procession must be close!”

“The Emperor is coming?” “Will Prime Minister Yin, the Literary Star, be there?”

“Of course, he will!” “Yes, all the civil and military officials will be there!”

“That’s wonderful! Will they pass through our city?”

“I don't know, but if they don't pass through, we'll go outside the city to see!”

“Yes, yes, yes, let’s go out of the city to see!”

The news spread rapidly throughout the city, and soon, officials were hurrying through the streets. However, they weren't galloping on horseback; instead, they used Qinggong to run along the rooftops to deliver the message.

“The Emperor's Fengshan procession will soon pass through Liebang City. The central avenue in the city must clear its middle section. Citizens wishing to observe the Emperor's procession may do so, but they must not climb onto rooftops, obstruct the path, ride horses, or carry weapons... The Emperor's Fengshan procession will soon pass through Liebang City; the central avenue in the city must…”

Several officials continuously relayed the message throughout the city, just as they did in other cities. The people below also discussed it animatedly, but what was different was the more fervent excitement among the citizens of Liebang City.

Countless people spontaneously spread the news from street to street. Some even rushed home to bring their young children, and children in various schools also learned about it. Their teachers kindly offered to take them to see the procession.

All hundred thousand-plus residents of Liebang City were abuzz, eager to crowd onto the central avenue to behold the imperial presence. However, with so many people and only one main street, a large central area had to be kept clear for the Emperor's carriage and the civil and military officials to pass, making it impossible to accommodate everyone.

Consequently, it's unclear who started it, but gradually, citizens began to rush out of the city. The area outside was much more spacious, and since good spots within the city were limited, it was better to go outside early.

Soon, more and more people streamed out of the city. In the bitter winter of the first month, everyone's enthusiasm seemed to melt the severe cold as they surged out of the city in a mighty throng.

About half an hour later, a swift horse galloped towards the front of Da Zhen Emperor's procession. The guards along the way did not impede it. Only when it was within a hundred paces of the Emperor's carriage did it slow down, arriving beside the carriage with Yin Zhong.

“Report—”

The soldier was clearly skilled in martial arts, his voice loud and his breath long, drawing out the single word until he reached the Emperor's carriage.

“Reporting to Your Majesty, over a hundred thousand citizens of Jubang City, upon learning of your arrival, have already left the city and traveled over ten *li* to line the roads and respectfully welcome your imperial carriage. Everyone is eagerly awaiting your presence!”

“What?”

Yang Sheng, inside the grand carriage, was slightly surprised upon hearing this. He had a palace maid open the cotton curtain, leaning out to look at the messenger, while a civil official also approached.

“Could it be that the Prefect of Liebang City, being overly ambitious for credit, deliberately drove the common folk out of the city to create a show for the imperial procession?”

An official from the Censorate sternly questioned the soldier delivering the message. The top of his official hat was embroidered with the head of a gaping beast, seemingly ready to devour someone, giving him a formidable and awe-inspiring appearance.

“Indeed, given this bitter cold weather, did the local officials instruct the people to do this?”

The soldier cupped his hands and replied.

“When our advance team of dozens of brothers arrived in the city earlier, the citizens were not yet aware of the Emperor's carriage approaching. Officials then spread the news within the city, but they did not incite people to leave. They merely stated that those wishing to observe must not obstruct the path or carry weapons. We clearly saw that upon hearing of the Emperor's arrival, the people were greatly stirred, all expressing their desire to behold the imperial presence. However, the main streets in the city did not have enough space to accommodate so many people, and climbing onto rooftops was forbidden, so the citizens all rushed out of the city…”

As the soldier slowly recounted, the expressions of many officials softened. Yin Zhaoxian smiled and looked at Yang Sheng.

“It seems Your Majesty truly has the support of the people!”

Yang Sheng was equally moved and asked a follow-up question.

“How long have they been waiting?”

“To Your Majesty, by our estimate, the people have been waiting in the cold wind for at least half an hour. Many brought their families, and not a single person returned to the city!”

Yang Sheng, deeply stirred, stepped onto the front platform of the carriage. After looking around, he loudly gave an order.

“Relay my command: accelerate our pace! Do not make the people wait any longer!”

“As you command!”…

Several celestial masters and numerous officials promptly acknowledged the order. Yin Zhong, in particular, ordered a large contingent of imperial guards to hasten ahead and maintain order.

Under the celestial masters' spells, in less than half an hour, the Emperor's carriage appeared in the sight of the outermost citizens. The imperial guards had gone ahead, lining the path with their spears to maintain order.

These imperial guards observed that the citizens on both sides looked at them with immense excitement, especially the young people, whose eyes were full of longing. However, the guards maintained a solemn and dignified demeanor, and no one dared to speak to them. Yet, the more austere they appeared, the more excited the people became.

Soon, the Emperor's carriage drew near, its vast procession seemingly endless. People craned their necks to see, and it appeared as if a magnificent radiance enveloped the carriage, with purple clouds coalescing like an imperial canopy.

The rumbling of carriage axles and the rhythmic footsteps of the imperial guards continuously sounded. The Emperor's bright yellow carriage drew closer and closer, and the people's breathing quickened. As each carriage passed, officials could see the fervent excitement in the eyes of the common folk.

Inside the imperial carriage, Yang Sheng could also glimpse the people's state through the gaps in the window curtains. Although they tried their best to remain quiet, the hushed discussions among the citizens were incessant, creating a continuous murmur of voices.

“Is that our Emperor?” “That’s the imperial carriage!”

“The Emperor must be inside, right?” “What a majestic procession, our Da Zhen’s procession…”

“I really want to be an imperial guard!” “I’d be content just to join the army!”

As if by divine inspiration, Yang Sheng, seated in the carriage, seemed to hear the suppressed yet excited whispers of the people. Frankly speaking, this both surprised and thrilled him even more.

Yang Sheng secretly made a decision. He then rose directly from within the carriage, personally lifted the curtain, and stepped onto the platform outside the Emperor's carriage, standing just behind the driving soldier, holding his head high and looking in all directions.

Yin Zhong felt a slight tension in his heart, but he subtly shook his head in response to the glances of his subordinates, choosing not to interfere with the Emperor's actions. As for the citizens, seeing the Emperor appear, their excitement surged directly to its peak.

Yin Qing, riding his horse a little further back, whispered a few words into the ear of a tall guard beside him. The guard nodded, moved to the outer perimeter, and softly called out.

“Long live Da Zhen! Long live His Majesty!”

Some of the nearby citizens instinctively began to shout along.

“Long live Da Zhen… Long live His Majesty…” “Long live His Majesty…”

The shouts were initially quieter and more scattered, but they provided an outlet for the citizens’ pent-up excitement. Gradually, more and more people joined in, their voices growing louder and more unified.

“Long live Da Zhen—Long live His Majesty—Long live Da Zhen—Long live His Majesty—”

The shouts came in waves, each louder than the last, like a deafening mountain roar and a tsunami. Standing at the front of the carriage, Yang Sheng clenched his fists tightly within his sleeves, his face flushed.

Even Ji Yuan and the Mountain God of Mount Tingqiu in the sky were startled enough to fly over. A considerable number of sprites and ghost gods also observed from a distance. Waves of brilliant light emanated from the direction of the hundreds of thousands of people and the Emperor's carriage, each burst brighter than the last, and the tsunami-like roar seemed to spread in all directions.

“Long live Da Zhen—Long live His Majesty—”

Hong Shengtin stared blankly into the distance, feeling that terrifying, heartfelt conviction.

“These… these people in Liebang City are new citizens from overseas, aren’t they? How can they be so… so loyal to the emperor and the country?”

Ji Yuan's expression was calm, harboring a hidden guess. Perhaps it was akin to what is called 'convert's zeal'. Having once been treated like livestock, the more tragic their past, the starker the contrast with their present, leading them to cherish and appreciate their current state even more. They harbored deep hatred for demons and boundless loyalty to Da Zhen. To protect the happiness of their descendants and the dignity of being human, those who once lived like walking dead under demonic oppression would possess more courage than anyone else!

“Mountain God Hong, this is the belief of humanity, and it is the great trend of the human race. Without such popular support and the convergence of such immense power, this Fengshan ceremony would not be sustainable. This scene, I believe, should instill some firm confidence in you, Mountain God Hong.”

Seeing Ji Yuan look at him, Hong Shengtin simply bowed his hands deeply without saying anything. He then stroked his beard, his gaze fixed on the light beneath the imperial canopy of clouds in the distance.