MTLNOVEL Chapter 20 - Preparations—The Thunder Array
Chapter 20: Preparations—The Thunder Array
Xianyang Palace
“Your Majesty,” Zhao Gao bowed deeply before Ying Zheng. “The Moon Goddess (Yuèshén, 月神) has been probing into the events at Shāqiū (沙丘). Should we apprehend her?”
Ying Zheng’s expression turned cold as he responded, his voice heavy with authority.
“No need,” he said, his tone dripping with disdain.
Though the Yin-Yang Clan had once been a vital part of his plans, their utility had long since waned. Xu Fu’s so-called elixirs had proven not only ineffective but also harmful.
Even so, Ying Zheng refrained from immediate action against the Yin-Yang Clan. His reasons were strategic. Donghuang Taiyi, the leader of the clan, posed a threat that required meticulous preparation.
“Have my orders been carried out?” Ying Zheng asked, his piercing gaze settling on Zhao Gao.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Zhao Gao replied. “Xianyang is now fortified with 108 Thunder Flags, each guarded by an Imperial Master of the Finger Pointing Realm (Zhǐxuán Zōngshī, 指玄宗师).”
[Thunder Flags (Tiānléi Qí, 天雷旗): Magical tools used to construct the Thunder Array, as described in the Book of Creation and Immortality.]
Though Zhao Gao didn’t fully understand the significance of the flags, he surmised they were related to the mystical knowledge Ying Zheng had gleaned from the Book of Creation and Immortality.
[Book of Creation and Immortality (Zàohuà Xiānjīng, 造化仙经): A mystical manual detailing cultivation techniques, artefact forging, and array formations.]
“Good,” Ying Zheng said, a faint smile playing on his lips.
“Leak some information to the Moon Goddess,” he instructed. “Do whatever it takes to lure Donghuang Taiyi to Xianyang. This time, I will eliminate the Yin-Yang Clan in one fell swoop.”
The Book of Creation and Immortality contained myriad secrets, among them the method to craft Thunder Flags—low-level magical artefacts for array formations.
While individually unimpressive, the flags became formidable when used to construct the Thunder Array. Once activated, the array could amplify Ying Zheng’s abilities to rival and even overpower mid-tier Land Immortals like Donghuang Taiyi.
[Thunder Array (Tiānléi Dàzhèn, 天雷大阵): A grand formation capable of amplifying its user’s power exponentially.]
“Understood, Your Majesty,” Zhao Gao said, bowing once more. Despite his outward composure, he couldn’t suppress the unease gnawing at his heart.
Donghuang Taiyi is no ordinary figure. Can the emperor truly defeat such a powerful foe?
Meanwhile, in Seven Heroes Town (Qī Xiá Zhèn, 七侠镇), Bai Chen lounged in his residence, a translucent screen floating before him.
Displayed on the screen were Ying Zheng and Zhao Gao, their voices and movements perfectly audible and visible.
“So, he plans to eradicate the Yin-Yang Clan entirely,” Bai Chen murmured, a knowing smile on his lips.
Bai Chen had anticipated Ying Zheng’s growing ambitions but hadn’t foreseen the emperor’s rapid mastery of the book’s knowledge. The creation of the Thunder Array was a testament to the emperor’s shrewdness.
When Bai Chen designed the Book of Creation and Immortality, limited by his resources, he had only included the first two cultivation levels: Refining Essence into Qi and Refining Qi into Spirit.
To enhance its appeal, Bai Chen added rudimentary spells, artefact forging techniques, and array methods. What he considered minor additions had now proven to be pivotal for Ying Zheng.
“Who would have thought the Thunder Array would turn out to be this useful?” Bai Chen chuckled.
“Donghuang Taiyi may be formidable, but the Thunder Array will seal his fate,” Bai Chen said, swirling his wine glass.
The gap between Immortal Dao and Martial Dao was insurmountable. Bai Chen’s carefully constructed cultivation system ensured that even a mid-tier martial artist like Donghuang Taiyi couldn’t withstand the array’s power.
“If Donghuang Taiyi falls, it will herald the dawn of the Immortal Dao in this world,” Bai Chen mused.
With that, Bai Chen turned his gaze eastward, eagerly awaiting the storm that was about to sweep across the Qin Empire.