Chapter 179: Opportunity

The normal ascension of a world was like planting a tree. When fully grown, it would blossom and bear fruit whose seeds formed lower-tier worlds. These accumulated lower worlds would eventually push the Main World upward in pyramid-like fashion. But Zuo Meng rejected this method – too slow. At this rate, reaching the Celestial Realm might take over a hundred chaotic eras with no guarantee of success.

The alternative was plunder. Having obtained a clue about another world, Zuo Meng decided to investigate.

“Master Zuo Han Sheng, I hope your world isn’t too advanced.”

Zuo Meng recalled his Liuhe Sect days. Neither his master Zuo Han Sheng nor Junior Sister Zuo Qiu originated from this world. Though their departure method remained unknown, Zuo Meng believed he’d uncover traces after consolidating this era.

Meanwhile, Lord Boyang faced his own crisis. The crumbling Summer Dynasty showed fresh cracks when a frontier lord rebelled.

Such rebellions weren’t unprecedented. Previous capitals had crushed them swiftly. But this time, disaster struck – the Summer army lost half their hundred thousand troops against mere three thousand bandits, exposing systemic corruption. Nobles hoarded military funds while troops starved. The rotting dynasty’s weakness lay bare, stirring ambitions among watching lords.

Court officials had argued for three days about accountability without resolution.

The thousand-year dynasty’s roots had rotted through.

In the council chamber – originally a temporary structure built by first Summer Emperor Nuo, now gilded luxury – Lord Boyang stood among top nobles. Normally invisible in his low-ranking position, he suddenly became the focus when Summer Emperor spoke.

Power struggles had concluded. The court needed scapegoat, and Lord Boyang’s lack of connections made him perfect target. Their accusation? Faulty weapons he supervised caused the defeat.

“Lies!”

Even rabbits bite when cornered. Casting aside decorum, Lord Boyang pointed accusingly at his detractors. “I handle smelting. Don’t blame aging weapons on me!”

“All Northern Army equipment came through you,” countered Lord Jicang, descendant of an ancient noble house. His family’s glory faded through generations of ineptitude, reducing him to others’ pawn. “Will you wash hands of this so easily?”

“Ah, Lord Jicang! Did you leave your brothel girls in West Lane to come lecture me?”

The jab hit true. Lord Jicang’s face purpled, hands trembling.

“Enough!” Summer Emperor’s voice cut through. The current emperor hailed from newer nobility – though none dared claim hereditary rule yet. “Retire, Lord Jicang.”

The disgraced noble retreated, shooting venomous glances.

“Lord Boyang,” Summer Emperor drawled, “Take fifty thousand troops. Crush the rebels, and all’s forgiven. Fail…” He waved dismissively. “Go herd sheep in North Mountains.”

No interest in truth burned here – only desire to end tedious debates. Rebels meant less to the emperor than his latest concubine.

Bowing stiffly, Lord Boyang exited.

At his estate, shock awaited.

“Fifty thousand against rebels? But you’re just an armorer!”

Young Master Junyang, fresh from Zuo Meng’s teachings, gaped. The absurdity confirmed Summer Dynasty’s decay – entrusting armies to metallurgists!

“Focus!” Lord Boyang fretted. “How to win where hundred thousand failed?”

Like most nobles, he viewed war as simple crowd-herding. March soldiers, shout charge, await victory.

“Father, this is our chance.”

Junyang’s eyes shone differently. Educated by Zuo Meng in statecraft and war, he saw what decadent nobles missed – the crumbling world-order. Unchecked rebellion would bring chaos. Only military power would matter then.

“Chance?”

As Junyang explained, Lord Boyang’s eyes widened. Sending his son to Zuo Meng now seemed inspired.

“To Master Meng! Now!”

In Zuo Meng’s chamber, the sage observed father and son. His gaze settled on Junyang.

“You want command?”

Zuo Meng saw the twelve-year-old’s budding ambition – hunger for power absent in his father’s generation.

“I see opportunity.”

“Do it then.”

No approval. No disapproval. Just quiet acknowledgment of the path chosen.