The Sage Emperor’s dignified voice rang in their ears.
Wang Chong and Li Junxian remained bowed as they pondered and digested this news, silence reigning in front of Taiji Palace, with the only sound being the howling of the wind.
Heaven’s intent is hard to fathom! Wang Chong suddenly thought to himself. This sort of decision was one that he had never expected.
But from the point of view of a sovereign, this truly was the best way to handle it.
Chapter 1805 - The Hierophant, Khatabah! (I)
Chapter 1805: The Hierophant, Khatabah! (I)
Translated by: Hypersheep325
Edited by: Michyrr
It seems that the Sage Emperor’s mind is made up. There was never any other choice, Wang Chong quietly said to himself.
Wang Chong had never cared about titles or fame, and he would have not felt the slightest ripple of emotion if the Sage Emperor had taken away all that had been granted. But while Wang Chong didn’t care, he needed to think about his subordinates.
Crucially, even if Li Junxian were exiled, all the officials the Confucian Sect had placed in the court removed, and the treaties made with the other countries ended, this would only be treating the symptoms. This method could not completely uproot a faction as strong as the Confucian Sect.
Moreover, the Sage Emperor had not rejected the policies of the Confucian Sect.
The militarist-Confucian conflict had gone on for so long already that its effects were far-reaching. If an outcome were not decided, a conclusion reached, similar situations would arise in the future. The Confucian Sect would be able to stage a comeback, and this comeback might be faster than anyone could imagine.
The empire had just been through a rebellion and could not endure further internal strife. Not even Wang Chong could imagine what the empire would look like if there were another militarist-Confucian conflict.
With these thoughts in mind, Wang Chong quickly reached a decision.
“This lowly subject obeys the decree!”
“This lowly subject has no objections!”
Two voices rang out almost simultaneously in front of Taiji Palace.
The sound of Li Junxian’s voice momentarily startled Wang Chong, but he quickly composed himself. At this time, the Sage Emperor began to speak.
“Very good. In ten days, We will order Fifth Prince Li Heng, Prime Minister Li Linfu, and the Grand Preceptor and Grand Tutor to preside over this battle! Let the final period be placed upon this conflict!”
The majestic voice’s echoes continued to linger in the air as the Sage Emperor quickly withdrew.
Wang Chong also quickly took his leave. Li Junxian took one last glance in the direction Wang Chong had left before descending the steps and walking in another direction.
“What?”
In the Secretariat Advisor Residence, all the members of the Confucian Sect had gathered. Besides Elder Song, many other elders of the Confucian Sect had also come.
“Deciding the outcome through martial strength? Young Master, why did you agree?!”
“That Wang Chong is a martial arts genius! From the information we’ve gathered, he’s already reached the Subtle realm. Moreover, those in the army worship martial strength. We might not be able to overcome them in this aspect!”
All of them were shocked that Li Junxian had agreed to the Sage Emperor’s demand that the conflict be decided on the martial arts ground in the capital. It was an outcome that none of them had expected, and a somber air now hung over the hall.
“We no longer have a choice. The Sage Emperor gave no other option!” Li Junxian sternly said, his expression surprisingly calm.
“After several generations of effort, we’ve finally found a chance to realize the Harmonious World. The moment the Sage Emperor gives the order and ends all the peace treaties, all our work will have been for nothing. We can’t back down here!”
The hall fell silent at Li Junxian’s words. It was true. This was not a price that any of them could bear.
After a few moments of silence, Li Junxian added, “And everyone knows that the Sage Emperor learned from Taizong and worked to expand the borders and subjugate the surrounding countries, thus creating the current strength and prosperity of the Great Tang. For His Majesty to not interfere and allow me and Wang Chong to decide the final outcome of this conflict is the greatest concession we could achieve!”
“But, Young Master, if we lose, we won’t be able to bear the price,” Sword Ghost said, his brows fraught with concern. He had fought with Wang Chong before and knew just how formidable the man was. Although his young master held the position as leader of the Confucian Sect and had inherited the Noble Sage Sword, he was still not guaranteed to defeat Wang Chong.
“The King of Foreign Lands’ cultivation level truly is very high, but that does not mean that victory is out of reach!” Li Junxian declared, an astonishing light in his eyes.
“Young Master?”
Everyone in the hall was taken aback. This was an extremely important battle, and none of them could understand why Li Junxian was so confident.
“Senior Brother, are you thinking about…” the worried, white-robed girl said, apparently thinking of something.
“Mm! The rise or fall of the Confucian Sect is on the line in this battle. It’s time we used it.”
Li Junxian solemnly nodded, his eyes flashing.
……
On the other side, once Wang Chong returned to his residence, Xu Keyi, Su Shixuan, Zhang Que, Old Eagle, Guo Ziyi, Li Siye, and everyone else came over upon hearing the news. Even Xu Qiqin paid a visit.
“Wonderful!”
Unlike the crowd in the Secretariat Advisor Residence, everyone cheered in excitement after their initial shock.
“Your Highness, the Sage Emperor has spoken. Your Highness can’t let those bastards of the Confucian Sect go without teaching them a good lesson.”
“That’s right! These bastards have gone too far! Your Highness, when the time comes, you can’t be merciful!”
“It’s about time we cleaned up the Confucian Sect.”
They had waited for this moment for far too long. This was definitely the best news they had heard as of late.
“It’s not that simple!”
At this moment, a warm and crisp voice rang out in everyone’s ears. Xu Qiqin’s graceful figure was clothed in a silken white robe, making her seem like a fairy descended from the heavens, but her beautiful eyebrows were creased together, marring her face with deep concern.
Whoosh!
The hall fell silent as everyone turned to Xu Qiqin.
“Lady Xu, do you think that there are still some unknowns in this battle?” Zhang Que asked.
All of them had interacted with Xu Qiqin for quite some time, and they had gotten a full display of her tenacity, diligence, and intelligence in the Battle of Talas and the Rebellion of the Three Princes. Although Xu Qiqin didn’t possess that much martial strength, their respect for her was only second to the respect they paid Wang Chong.
“Wang Chong, I recall you saying before that when the Sage Emperor declared his intent, Li Junxian didn’t need very long to agree, even agreeing a little faster than you did. Don’t you find this strange?
“That battle ten days from now is critical for the both of you. The Confucian Sect spent nearly one thousand years planning and waiting, and everything they’ve done will be decided with this battle. The Confucian Sect has nowhere to retreat, nor does Li Junxian. He would never do anything that he wasn’t confident about,” Xu Qiqin said, her piercing eyes staring at Wang Chong.
Everyone fell silent and frowned.
“Correct. The resolve and decisiveness displayed by the Confucian Sect is not something they would have if they weren’t confident in their chances.
“This is also my concern,” Wang Chong said. He had not been as relaxed as his subordinates thought him to be.
“Qiqin, what are your thoughts?”
“It’s hard to say. The Con
fucian Sect has existed for nearly ten thousand years, burrowing its roots deeper and deeper as the dynasties went by. It must have some secret weapons. I sense that Li Junxian must have some power that we don’t know about for him to so quickly agree to this battle. Regardless, on the day of the battle, we must not be careless,” Xu Qiqin solemnly said.
“I will do my best to investigate the Confucian Sect with the resources of my clan in this period and get you an answer as quickly as possible.”
Wang Chong nodded and glanced at Zhang Que.
“Zhang Que, go to the King Song Residence and find Academic Lu Ting for me. Work with Qiqin to investigate the Confucian Sect.”
In the Rebellion of the Three Princes, Lu Ting had played a major role in the forging of Zhang Zheng’s letter, fooling the Eastern Palace and Hou Junji into starting their rebellion early. More importantly, Lu Ting was an expert in various kinds of ancient script, including Bird Seal Script. His help would make the investigation much easier.
“Yes!”
Zhang Que hurriedly bowed.
“Reporting!”
At that moment, a Golden Guard suddenly rushed inside the hall, interrupting the discussion.
“Your Highness, we’ve just received an urgent report from Talas! Please read it!”
“!!!”
Everyone in the hall paled. Talas was the gatehouse for the part of the empire west of the Cong Mountains, and it was an important stronghold from which the empire could watch the movements of Arabia. More importantly, before leaving Talas, Wang Chong and Gao Xianzhi had set down a rule.
There was normally no need for Talas to communicate with the interior and the court. All the taxes from Talas could be retained and used for its own purposes. In truth, if not for Wang Chong’s strenuous efforts, the Imperial Court would have already abandoned Talas. Even so, Wang Chong and Gao Xianzhi had given Talas an important mission. The moment Arabia started to make big moves, the Central Plains was to be informed immediately.
This was the first time Talas had sent an urgent report!
The mood in the hall instantly turned grave.
“Bring it over!”
Wang Chong quickly came back to his senses and beckoned the Golden Guard over.
Yang Hongchang had sent the letter, and it was very short.
‘Strange activity from Arabia. Soldiers moving abnormally. In addition, the Arabian Empire’s Hierophant, Khatabah, has emerged from seclusion! Your Highness, be careful!’
Although Yang Hongchang’s letter had been short, its contents exerted a massive pressure. For a long while, no one in the hall could speak.
“Your Highness, these Arabian scoundrels are stubborn to the end! They’re once more coveting our Great Tang!” The taciturn Li Siye suddenly spoke, his eyes bright with steely resolve. Li Siye had faced many powerful opponents while campaigning with Wang Chong. Arabia was undoubtedly the strongest, and the existence that posed the greatest threat to the Great Tang.
“It’s still too early to say that. At present, Arabia has yet to attack,” Wang Chong solemnly said, gripping the letter.
“Pass on my order. Make three copies of this letter, one each for the Sage Emperor, the Imperial Court, and the Bureau of Military Personnel. In addition, order Yang Hongchang to keep a close watch on Arabia’s movements!
“In addition, I need a full investigation on that Hierophant, Khatabah!”
“Yes!”
Chapter 1806 - Khatabah Emerges from Seclusion!
Chapter 1806: Khatabah Emerges from Seclusion!
Translated by: Hypersheep325
Edited by: Michyrr
The subordinates in the hall quickly departed, leaving Wang Chong behind with his thoughts.
Khatabah?
Wang Chong was far too familiar with this name, but this world was far too different from his memories. The name ‘Khatabah’ should not have appeared in this era, in this time… and the Hierophant?
Wang Chong had never recalled this kind of title being associated with Khatabah.
But regardless, Wang Chong could sense that a storm was coming.
……
In the distant Arabian Empire, several hundred li from the capital of Baghdad, was a sprawling city of white palaces, but only a few people lived within.
Hamuhad!
In the Arabic language, this meant ‘residence of the sagely hero’, and this was where the Hierophant, Khatabah, resided. In Arabia, Khatabah possessed a supreme status, a true legend. His influence was far greater than any War God.
As a legendary existence of Arabia, he had numerous disciples and students across the realm. Many Governors and Deputy Governors had originated from his doorstep, and the most famous disciple of all was the Arab War God who Wang Chong had killed in the Battle of Talas, Qutaybah.
But this was far from Khatabah’s only contribution. When he first entered the army as a priest, Mutasim III had yet to be born, and the Arabian Empire had been far from possessing the influence it had today. At that time, Arabia was at most a small country that was slightly stronger than its neighbors.
It was Khatabah who made this empire coalesce like never before, rapidly transforming into a frightening war machine that swept over the bordering countries and became the strongest and largest empire in the west.
It was only with the foundation that Khatabah had established that Mutasim III was able to expand the empire to its largest extent, a vast empire of more than ten million square kilometers.
One could say that without Khatabah, there would be no current Arabian Empire. It was for this reason that Khatabah was called the Hierophant and possessed a supreme status. Just like the High Priest of the Temple, he was one of the most powerful and most legendary figures of the empire!
But it was also because Khatabah’s vast influence posed a severe threat to imperial authority that both Mutasim III and his predecessor had feared him.
For a very long time now, both Caliphs had done their utmost to exclude Khatabah and keep his influence out of the military.
And Khatabah was far more arrogant than could be imagined. Many people might have been tempted by imperial authority, but Khatabah hardly cared.
Several decades ago, he had increased the size of Arabia to around eighty percent of its current size, upon which he resigned from the military and moved to this place several hundred li to the southwest of Baghdad, establishing the white holy city of Hamuhad. At the same time, he used his influence to make this place a forbidden zone.
Hamuhad covered an area of more than eight hundred square kilometers, but nobody lived there except the twenty-thousand-some elites and the servants and slaves Khatabah had initially brought to serve him. The city was closed to outsiders.
Anyone who tried to enter was executed!
Khatabah then announced that he was entering seclusion. No one knew what Khatabah was doing in there or why he had built Hamuhad. Everyone only knew that the innermost circle of houses in Hamuhad were pitch-black as if they had been burned by fire. Every day, when night fell, large plumes of smoke and countless sparks would rise from the center of Hamuhad.
Moreover, once, when an Arab caravan was passing by Hamuhad on the day when the moon was at its brightest, an inhuman roar like a peal of thunder came from the city. All the horses scattered in fright from the noise, and all the members of the caravan trembled, instinctively feeling immense fear.
More and more incidents like this continued to occur, and many sorts of rumors began to circulate in Arabia regarding Hamuhad.
No one knew what secret was hidden in Hamuhad, but the rumors continued to multiply. Even so, no one dared to risk the danger of infiltrating the Hierophant’s holy city.
But now, the gates of Hamuhad were open. An army numbering in the hundreds of thousands extended for several hundred li, serving as an honor guard that lined the road between Hamuhad and Baghdad. Banners flapped in the wind, and a red carpet extended across that entire road.
All of this was to welcome
that most revered Hierophant.
“It’s been eight hours. The Hierophant still hasn’t appeared?”
In the center of Hamuhad, surrounded by numerous nobles and officials, Caliph Mutasim III suddenly spoke. His brow was creased and his dark brown eyes looked into a massive well that was more than twenty meters in diameter.
The insides of the well had been scorched black. The surface was made of bricks that were covered in numerous mysterious characters, and all of the bricks showed signs of being burned.
And while it was called a well, the bottom of the well was completely dry. No one in Hamuhad had ever drawn water from this well, nor was there any means of drawing water from it.
The guards of Hamuhad had said that Khatabah was in this deep well and had not come out for a long time. This made Mutasim III feel an indescribable strangeness.
Even Mutasim III knew nothing about the secrets of this city. In truth, if not for his major defeat at Khorasan, he would not have wanted to hear one word about the Hierophant.
“Your Majesty, patience. Since Khatabah said that he would emerge from seclusion today, then it must be so!” the black-robed High Priest of the Temple soothed.
The Hierophant’s emergence was the empire’s most significant event as of late. If one looked down from the sky, one would see that behind Mutasim III and the High Priest stood the numerous Governors and Deputy Governors of the empire, all of them wearing full armor, their grandiose energies soaring to the heavens.
Not far in the back, one could even see the defeated Governor of the East, Abu Muslim.
Roooar!
Just when Mutasim III was slowly starting to lose his patience, the white city of Hamuhad fiercely shuddered. Hwoom! A massive plume of smoke accompanied by a wave of heat emerged from the scorched well, shooting straight into the air.
“Wh-what’s happening?”
Mutasim III’s eyes flew open in shock.
Neigh!
Before Mutasim III could understand what was going on, countless war horses outside the city began to neigh in fright. Amidst panicked cries and curses, numerous horses broke free of their reins and charged out of the honor guard outside Hamuhad.
The Human Emperor c1-2382 Page 1105
