World-Ending Demon Emperor
Chapter 833 - 398: Gui Qinshao pregnant! Choosing to betray?

Chapter 833: 398: Gui Qinshao pregnant! Choosing to betray?

Eight hundred thousand troops, that really is far too many!

In the history of the Rage Wave Kingdom, there had hardly been a war on such a massive scale before.

The most recent was twenty years ago, for the battle over Rouran City with the Night Orchid Duchy.

In that battle, Count Suo Long led the Dragon Guard Legion to support Rouran City, while Turing Tuo led the Southwestern Legion to attack the capital of Night Orchid.

Even that war of annihilation involved only a little over five hundred thousand troops!

Thus, Zhi Li marshaling the nation’s entire strength against Suo Lun was not merely a battle for the throne but also a grand alignment of forces.

All the powers under the heavens had to show their allegiance through their actions, which is why a full eight hundred thousand troops were assembled.

However, what Zhi Li could truly count on were just the three main legions, totaling a bit over five hundred thousand troops.

The rest, whether the nineteen noble allied armies or the ten provincial allied armies, could only play a supporting role, adding luster to the main force.

Still, amidst the boundless ranks of soldiers, Zhi Li felt a strange sense of security.

He took a deep breath and looked up at the sky!

In just two short years, three wars to extinguish Suo Long had taken place.

This time, there was no doubt—it was the final battle, a campaign led by the ruler himself!

Upon returning from this campaign against Suo Lun, perhaps he would no longer be Shaojun Zhi Li but King Zhi Li instead!

...

Looking down from the sky, the several hundred thousand troops stretched for tens of miles, mighty and endless, obscuring the sun.

They marched from morning until evening, establishing camp after five hours of travel, over a hundred miles away from the royal city.

It was fortunate that the six hundred thousand troops split into three routes; otherwise, it would have been difficult to find spots to camp. The advance troops could have already set up camp a hundred miles away, while the last of the army had yet to leave the royal city.

Within the splendid Central Military Camp!

Zhi Li and the various nobles and marquises were drinking and making merry!

Suddenly, Marquis Jianyong said, "I wonder how His Majesty the King fares; it truly worries one’s heart."

At those words, everyone present felt a sudden jolt in their hearts.

A provincial governor stepped forward and bowed, saying, "A nation cannot be without a ruler for a day. His Majesty the King has been bedridden and unable to govern for a full two years. Upon your return from this campaign against Suo Lun, Your Highness, you should make plans early!"

Zhi Li’s heart raced.

This was an invitation to ascend, for as long as the King lived, he couldn’t take the throne.

And now, having openly torn his face with the King in front of all under heaven, the nobility, marquises, civil officials, and military commanders were all on Zhi Li’s side.

Once Suo Lun was eradicated, indeed, he could ascend to the throne directly!

Zhi Li immediately smiled and said, "His Majesty, the good man, has heaven’s protection; perhaps he will recover sooner than expected."

Suddenly, a bizarre voice said, "Perhaps he’s already dead."

Instantly, everyone’s gaze shot towards the speaker like lightning—it was Fu Qi, the grandson of Marquis FuE.

"Fu Qi, kneel and slap your own face ten times," Marquis FuE said furiously.

Fu Qi sneered, "It’s the truth. The King hasn’t been seen for over a year. Whether he’s dead or alive, isn’t that for Gao Yin to say?"

Marquis FuE was furious and about to punish his grandson.

Zhi Li quickly intervened, "Marquis FuE, please calm your anger. Young Master Fu Qi is straightforward and young. He’s not cursing the King but expressing his dissatisfaction with Suo Lun deceiving the world."

"Right," Fu Qi said, "What’s Suo Lun but a lecherous scoundrel? How dare he use the King to command the world? I bet he raped Princess Zhi Yan and imprisoned His Majesty. Maybe the King is already dead by his hand."

"Enough!" Marquis FuE roared in rage. "Fu Qi, get out!"

Fu Qi sulkily left the camp, his face filled with smugness.

The banquet atmosphere grew heavy, the gaze towards Zhi Li became cautious, no longer as unrestrained as before.

Without a doubt, the dual act that Zhi Li and Fu Qi had performed was a reminder to the nobles and marquises present that, upon the return to the royal city after eliminating Suo Lun, they were to remember to entreat ascension.

Even if King Zhi Bian were not dead, they had to act as if he were, and fervently persuade Zhi Li His Highness to ascend the throne!

At once, the civil and military officials present became restless.

By now, the likelihood of Zhi Li His Highness’s ascension was all but assured, yet being the first to entreat ascension or doing so most gloriously and tragically could bring great rewards.

Entreaty to ascend was always a way to earn the greatest and easiest credit!

After the banquet dispersed, Turing Duo felt a little itch in her heart, tempted to sneak into Zhi Li’s camp for a tryst.

But this was an army camp, after all; if she gave away even a single clue, she would truly be ruined—a vast difference from the Shaojun mansion in the royal city, where she and Zhi Li could indulge without concerns.

After a moment’s hesitation, Turing Duo still entered her father’s tent.

"Father, what exactly did Fu Lingxi say to you that dispelled all your doubts? That made you stop wavering?" Turing Duo asked.

Turing Duo glanced at his daughter, shaking his head. "This is not something you need to know. You are far from qualified."

His words instantly upset Turing Duo, but they also made her even more curious.

"Then I’ll return," Turing Duo said.

Duke Turing Tuo said, "Turing Duo, this is an army camp. If you feel the urge, solve it yourself, don’t go to Zhi Li. Once Suo Lun is eliminated, you can let Zhi Li do whatever he wants with you."

Turing Duo’s face turned cold, disliking her father’s crude speech.

"I understand," Turing Duo said coldly, then turned and left.