But for the realm of Great Tang, it was akin to the firmament cracking open; the court and the populace were thrown into turmoil!

Who was Wu Ji? He was a monumental servant who helped establish the dynasty alongside the late Emperor, serving diligently and faithfully for decades, rendering unparalleled service to Great Tang.

Everyone knew of Wu Ji’s loyalty. It would have been easier for the world to accept the Crown Prince rebelling than for Wu Ji to do so.

“Why has Commander Wu rebelled?”

Luo Kedi’s eyes flushed crimson. He and Wu Ji shared a bond as close as father and son—they had even been on the verge of a sworn brotherhood. Their relationship was extraordinary, and such a sudden turn of events while he was away—how could he not be agitated?

“Brother Kedi, easy now,” a soft voice urged.

Man Jiao nearly choked under his grasp and struggled fiercely. Luo Kedi immediately released him, offering repeated apologies.

Man Jiao shook his head. “Brother Kedi, truthfully, I truly don't know why Commander Wu would rebel. I only heard that Commander Wu issued a decree, ordering the thirty-six Southern Barbarian Caves to join his campaign to overthrow Great Tang, and several caves have already responded and sent troops to follow him.”

Feng Zikang offered a bitter smile. Wu Ji was the commander of the army that had suppressed Wuduya; logically, the people of the Southern Barbarians should resent him. However, the old man possessed exceptional skill, employing both benevolence and might, and in just a few short years, several major chieftains were already obeying his command.

It seemed the nature of people was simply to submit to power.

If he were to govern the Southern Barbarians, with the advantages of terrain and popular support, he might have had a chance to resist the imperial army; at least, his territory wouldn't have been so easily wiped out like that of Rong Yan.

But why did Wu Ji rebel?

And what did this have to do with the so-called Great Calamity of Heaven and Earth?

Feng Zikang’s brow furrowed deeply. The state of the world seemed to be gradually clearing, yet countless new riddles had appeared.

He hadn't understood where the true power base in the South lay, but with Wu Ji’s rebellion, the so-called 'True Dragon' power—whether it emerged from Wu Ji’s own camp or not—had created an excellent opportunity for opportunists to stir the waters.

The Three Teachings and Nine Schools, the thousands of sects, which one wasn't scheming? Not to mention the various demons from across the seas, and the Demonic Path factions surely stirring restlessly. One could only wonder who would ultimately claim the prize.

“Martial Uncle, I must return immediately to see what is truly happening with the Commander.”

Luo Kedi shot up. His concern was deeply personal, placing him far above those who felt detached from the matter.

“Let me escort you,” Feng Zikang nodded. Firstly, this was a perfect opportunity to learn more about the cause of the Great Calamity of Heaven and Earth; understanding today's events would provide a necessary foundation for any future actions. Secondly, his demonic fetus had only just formed, so there was no urgent need to return to Mount Longhu; he could slowly consolidate his foundation for a few days before returning, lest any lapse in stability be discovered by a master.

Luo Kedi was overjoyed. Liyue Cave was far from Lizhou. If he had to travel alone, who knew how many days it would take? With his Martial Uncle’s help, he was naturally grateful to the point of tears, kowtowing his thanks repeatedly.

Mo Fenghuang, though reluctant to see them go, knew this was serious business and did not press them to stay. She bid farewell, and as she left, she stole a glance at Feng Zikang, her eyes holding a trace of yearning that even she hadn't consciously noticed.

Feng Zikang boarded the Cloud Chariot and, with his entourage, flew directly toward Lizhou.

Madam Wu’s eyes streamed with tears as she looked at her husband, who seemed to have aged several years in a short time. She pleaded earnestly, “Must you go this far? Let me return to the capital and try to persuade Imperial Brother again.”

“It’s not that I’ve gone too far—it’s your brother, Li Yuanjie, who is pressing me relentlessly!”

Wu Ji’s flowing beard bristled, his anger mounting as he slammed the table!

His face was haggard, his wrinkles etched with indignation and grim resolve.

Madam Wu sighed. After a long silence, she knew that matters had reached a point of no return. Even though she was the Emperor's direct cousin, now that Wu Ji had raised the banner of rebellion, it was treason, a crime that could never be pardoned.

She was merely venting her frustration. The Emperor’s demands were truly an outrageous violation of familial propriety, and Wu Ji would never agree. Moreover, the requests had escalated from consultation to command, and the final communication was a direct threat.

However, if it hadn't been for that Daoist priest, Wu Ji probably wouldn't have dared to raise the flag of revolt!

She sighed again. “The court has sent armies to attack in the last few days. What has Mr. Xuwang advised?”

Wu Ji nodded. “He instructed me to issue mobilization orders, urging the thirty-six Southern Barbarian Caves to serve me. It seems feasible now. Several caves have already mobilized over ten thousand elite soldiers and are marching toward Lizhou.”

He paused, then shook his head. “These barbarians are strange. The more ruthlessly I deal with them, the more obedient they become. If I show them the slightest kindness, they remember it tightly. I have been loyal to Great Tang my entire life, yet this is my reward. Comparing the two situations is truly laughable!”

“Husband!”

Madam Wu’s tone held a slight reprimand, but she didn't know what else to say. After a long pause, she asked, “Which general is leading the punitive expedition this time? Do you know if there is anyone with whom we have a connection that might be persuaded?”

“Connections?”

Wu Ji snorted coldly, brimming with fury. “People change when positions shift; what connections are there? The one leading the troops to attack this time is Geshu Luo, the General Commander of Huangguan. I have always treated him honorably, so I sent him a letter. Instead, he cut off my envoy's ears and declared he would present the captive to the Emperor!”

“This,”

Madam Wu shook her head mournfully and remained silent for a long time.

Geshu Luo had once been a junior officer under Wu Ji’s command; Wu Ji had promoted him significantly to achieve the rank of General Commander of a frontier post. Who knew he would show no regard for their past relationship, not sparing even a shred of old sentiment!

Madam Wu suddenly recalled something and exclaimed, “Geshu Luo received instruction from an extraordinary person and possesses unusual arts. Can you resist him, my lord?”

Wu Ji shook his head. “That is no concern. We only need to wait for Kedi, that boy, to return, and he will surely handle it…”

He spoke these words without much conviction. Although he was a regional commander, the Duke of Fengying, commanding a hundred thousand troops, and possessing a vast base in Lizhou and the Southern Barbarians, his accumulated power was far inferior to that of the imperial court.

Geshu Luo or Luo Kedi might be manageable, but the court was filled with countless talented individuals. What was to be done then?

Although Mr. Xuwang’s words sounded good, the future remained uncertain, and a deep anxiety lingered in his heart.

Now that things had come to this pass, he could only take things one step at a time!

Feng Zikang arrived above Lizhou City only to see that it was formidable, with soldiers drilling everywhere, mixed with the presence of barbarian troops. The city looked well-manned and strong.

In the distance, a large army was encamped, with two massive banners fluttering: "Tang" and "Geshu." Luo Kedi gasped in surprise. “A punitive army is here so early? Is it Geshu Luo?”

Worried, he urged his Martial Uncle to hurry into the city. Feng Zikang smiled slightly, lowering the Cloud Chariot until it landed directly in front of the Commander’s residence.

Luo Kedi jumped down from the chariot and, without waiting for an announcement, darted inside. The guards recognized him and cheered in unison, “General Luo is back! That’s excellent news!”

Feng Zikang slowly emerged, accompanied by Fairy Tianfu, Zhu Li’er, and the Ghost King Tu. These two had always been reluctant to stay inside the ‘Rouge Box,’ and Feng Zikang didn’t mind, keeping them by his side. Since their identities were unknown, it caused no issue, though Long Que needed to be somewhat concealed to avoid discovery.

He smiled as he watched Luo Kedi rush into the Commander’s residence, following slowly behind. The guards recognized him as an immortal who arrived with General Luo and dared not stop him.

From inside the main hall, Wu Ji’s voice rang out, a sound of great joy turning to relief. “Kedi, you have returned!”

Feng Zikang entered the hall just as Wu Ji’s worried frown smoothed out in happiness.

Wu Ji had been extremely stressed these past few days. Geshu Luo possessed strange arts and commanded many unorthodox practitioners. In a skirmish the day before, Wu Ji’s top general, Wang Zhu, engaged and routed Geshu Luo's vanguard, led by Chen Da, who fled in disarray. Wang Gui pursued him.

Who knew that Chen Da also employed demonic sorcery? He spat out four or five vengeful spirits that tightly bound Wang Gui’s limbs. Unable to break free, Wang Gui was instantly beheaded by Chen Da’s returning blade. Wu Ji’s army suffered a crushing defeat.

“Unorthodox arts, what is so strange about that? I will capture him tomorrow!”

Luo Kedi loudly requested to fight, seeking to ease the Commander’s distress.

However, he still didn't know why the Commander had rebelled. Harboring doubt, he turned to Wu Ji to ask, “Commander, what is the ultimate reason you...”

Wu Ji sighed, then greeted Feng Zikang with great joy. Once they were seated, he finally revealed the cause of his actions.

It turned out everything was for the sake of Miss Wu!

Years ago, the Empress had secretly sent a letter to Madam Wu, expressing a desire to make Wu Mei the Crown Princess Consort. After all, they were maternal cousins, and the Wu family held significant meritorious service; the marriage seemed plausible. However, at that time, Wu Ji was unwilling for his daughter to suffer in the palace, and Miss Wu herself was not keen either. The matter was dropped. Later, the Crown Prince died unexpectedly—slain by Feng Zikang, they presumed the issue was over.

Who would have thought that shortly after, the Emperor himself would write to him, stating his intention to take Wu Ji’s eldest daughter as a concubine!

“This is the greatest disgrace under heaven!”

How could anyone marry their paternal cousin’s daughter as a wife or concubine? Especially the dignified ruler of a nation! To take his own junior relative as a consort—what decorum was that!

When Wu Ji received the letter, he was utterly thunderstruck, unable to believe his eyes! Even with his unwavering loyalty, he could not tolerate such an insult. He immediately wrote back a refusal, admonishing the Emperor never to consider such an act against human propriety again!

Who knew the Emperor seemed determined, repeatedly sending envoys to press the matter, driving Wu Ji to a state of explosive fury!

The last time, the Emperor actually issued an edict, demanding Miss Wu be sent to the palace!

Wu Ji exploded in rage, tearing the imperial decree to shreds on the spot, driving away the imperial envoy, and angrily mobilizing his forces to rebel against the Tang!

Thus, the world shook, embroiled in chaos.

Feng Zikang frowned slightly. “Commander Wu, for what reason must the Emperor insist on taking Miss Wu as a concubine? While this man may be stubborn, he is not merely a lustful brute; why would he commit such an absurd act?”

Just as Wu Ji was about to answer, a clear, resounding laugh echoed from the side chamber, and a man walked out while still laughing.

“Martial Brother Feng is indeed an outstanding talent of this era! In the blink of an eye, you have pinpointed the critical juncture!”