Chapter 560: Zhu Wushi Urges Surrender!

Seeing this, Zhu Ying immediately stabilized his breathing. At the same time, the two giant dragons instantly transformed into two currents of Astral Qi, rushing into Zhu Ying's body.

Simultaneously, the sky immediately returned to normal.

Beside him, Zhu Yuanzhang remarked with considerable excitement, "Xiong Ying, this Astral Qi Realm is indeed powerful! It seems that our Great Ming Empire unifying this Comprehensive Martial Arts World is merely a matter of time."

"I believe that under the heavens, there is absolutely no one who can be a match for Xiong Ying."

Zhu Ying replied with a smile, "That is natural. Even if I had not broken through to the Astral Qi Realm and remained merely at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm, I would still be sufficient to eliminate the top experts of this Comprehensive Martial Arts World."

………

Meanwhile, not far from the capital of Song Province.

A monk wearing a bamboo hat was also affected by this Astral Qi.

This person was the Sweeping Monk of the Shaolin Temple.

When he saw this intense surge of Astral Qi approaching, he hurriedly swung his broom lightly. Instantly, a fierce current of True Qi formed, blocking the impact of the Astral Qi.

However, a trace of terror appeared on the Sweeping Monk's face.

Especially when he saw the sky above the Song Province Imperial City suddenly covered in dense dark clouds, his gaze grew visibly more tense.

The Sweeping Monk muttered to himself, "Astral Qi Realm? How is this possible? To think someone in this world has actually entered the Astral Qi Realm."

One must know that as a top-tier expert of the Comprehensive Martial Arts World, the Sweeping Monk's own realm was only at the Half-Step Astral Qi Realm.

But now, upon learning that someone had successfully ascended to the Astral Qi Realm, the Sweeping Monk was naturally greatly shocked.

He even showed a hint of fear and dread.

Because he had already guessed that this intense Astral Qi had erupted from within the capital of Song Province. And within that capital, the only person capable of breaking through to the Astral Qi Realm was the Imperial Grandson of the Great Ming.

The Sweeping Monk's purpose in coming to the Song Province capital was to seek revenge against this Great Ming Imperial Grandson. But now that Zhu Ying had broken through to the Astral Qi Realm, it actually made the Sweeping Monk somewhat afraid.

However, the Sweeping Monk did not hesitate for long.

Especially when he thought of how the entire Shaolin Temple had been plundered by the armies of the Great Ming Empire, and when he remembered the Shaolin disciples being brutally killed by the Great Ming soldiers, the rage in his heart drove him toward the Great Ming capital.

Clearly, the Sweeping Monk had made his decision.

Even if he were to be killed by Zhu Ying, he would avenge Shaolin.

……

Inside the Library Pavilion of the Shaolin Temple.

After a set of withered bones was touched by the massive amount of Astral Qi released by Zhu Ying, the bones instantly transformed into a human figure.

This person was the founder of the Shaolin Temple, Bodhidharma.

Bodhidharma was one of the strongest combatants in this [Comprehensive Martial Arts World], and his realm had reached the Half-Step Astral Qi Realm.

He was incredibly powerful.

"How can this be..."

Upon awakening, Bodhidharma's first reaction was one of disbelief.

In his view, no one under the heavens should have a realm capable of breaking through to the Astral Qi Realm, yet now, Bodhidharma could clearly feel a powerful surge of Astral Qi approaching.

"Could it be... is the world truly about to change?"

Bodhidharma muttered to himself.

One must know.

Bodhidharma had practiced for over a hundred years, yet his realm was only at the Half-Step Astral Qi Realm. It could be said that his greatest wish was to break through to the Astral Qi Realm.

But during these hundred-plus years, no matter how meticulously he practiced, he had always struggled to break through the constraints of the Divine Ability Realm. Over time, Bodhidharma had even ceased to hold any hope of reaching the Astral Qi Realm.

But now, with the appearance of this violent Astral Qi, Bodhidharma saw hope once again.

"It seems this poor monk must descend from the mountain."

For Bodhidharma, he knew very well that as long as he could kill this Astral Qi Realm expert, he could absorb the Astral Qi within their body, thereby allowing him to fully break through to the Astral Qi Realm.

Thus, Bodhidharma also set out on the journey toward the Song Province capital.

At the same time, within the Kingdom of Ming in this martial arts world, the Iron-Fisted Marquis, Zhu Wushi of the Dragon Protection Villa, also sensed the existence of this intense Astral Qi.

Although he did not know exactly who had broken through to the Astral Qi Realm, Zhu Wushi understood that if he wanted to survive in this world, his only option was to seek refuge with the Great Ming Imperial Grandson. Consequently, Zhu Wushi hurriedly rushed toward the Imperial Palace.

At this moment, within the Imperial Palace of the Kingdom of Ming, Zhu Houzhao's mood was quite low.

Especially after learning that the Great Ming Empire was about to invade his country. To be fair, Zhu Houzhao had held numerous court sessions to deal with the impending invasion of the Ming Kingdom, yet he still did not know how to respond.

Ultimately, this Emperor of the Ming Kingdom simply chose to "lie flat."

At this time, the Grand Eunuch of the court, Cao Zhengchun, walked softly to Zhu Houzhao and said, "Reporting to Your Majesty, the Marquis seeks an audience."

"The Marquis? What is the reason for his palace visit this time?" Zhu Houzhao inquired in a low tone.

Cao Zhengchun shook his head and replied quickly, "Reporting to Your Majesty, this servant is not entirely sure, but judging by the Marquis's tone, it seems to be a matter of great importance."

Hearing this, Zhu Houzhao said with an impatient expression, "Then let him in."

"As you command," Cao Zhengchun replied, then signaled the eunuchs to invite the Iron-Fisted Marquis, Zhu Wushi, inside.

Soon, Zhu Wushi arrived before the Emperor of the Ming Kingdom.

"This lowly official, Zhu Wushi, pays respects to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor, long live, long live!"

"Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Zhu Houzhao glanced at the newly risen Zhu Wushi and then asked, "Imperial Uncle, what is this urgent matter that required you to report to me today?"

Faced with Zhu Houzhao's inquiry, Zhu Wushi did not answer immediately, but instead glanced at Cao Zhengchun beside him. It was obvious that this gesture was intended to tell Zhu Houzhao that he did not want this matter to be known by another person.

But Zhu Houzhao spoke directly to Zhu Wushi, "Imperial Uncle, this Cao Zhengchun is a person I trust; let him stay here."

Seeing this, Zhu Wushi said nothing more. He spoke slowly, "Reporting to Your Majesty, the matter I am about to discuss with you concerns the very fate of our Ming Kingdom. Therefore, I only wish to inform Your Majesty alone."

Upon hearing Zhu Wushi say this, a hint of doubt appeared in Zhu Houzhao's eyes. He looked sharply at Zhu Wushi and continued, "Imperial Uncle, stop playing riddles. If there is something, speak plainly. Could it be that you have already devised a strategy to deal with the Great Ming Empire?"

Faced with Zhu Houzhao's questioning, Zhu Wushi did not speak immediately, but glanced at Cao Zhengchun once more before saying, "Reporting to Your Majesty, this lowly official indeed has a method to prevent the Great Ming Empire from attacking our Ming Kingdom."

Undoubtedly, once Zhu Wushi finished this sentence, it piqued Zhu Houzhao's interest. He said hurriedly, "Imperial Uncle, please speak quickly. I wish to see what method this is."

This time, Zhu Wushi did not continue to stall and spoke directly, "Reporting to Your Majesty, there is only one method: that is to seek refuge with the Great Ming Empire."

When Zhu Wushi informed Zhu Houzhao of his idea, the Emperor's face was instantly filled with displeasure. He said coldly to Zhu Wushi, "What did you say? Have me seek refuge with the Great Ming Empire? How is that possible? Zhu Wushi, what exactly are you trying to do?" Hearing these words, the Grand Eunuch Cao Zhengchun was also instantly enraged!

Hmph. At this moment, Zhu Wushi explained unhurriedly, "Your Majesty, Eunuch Cao, there is no need for you two to be so anxious. The reason I suggest seeking refuge with the Great Ming Empire is, naturally, for a reason."

Before Zhu Houzhao could speak, Cao Zhengchun was the first to lash out, "Zhu Wushi, what exactly are you trying to do? Have you been bribed by the Imperial Grandson of the Great Ming Empire? Do not forget that your surname is Zhu; the blood of the Zhu family flows in your veins!"

Although Cao Zhengchun and Zhu Wushi did not get along well in daily life, when it came to matters concerning the Ming dynasty's sovereignty, Cao Zhengchun was extremely protective. He naturally could not agree to the Ming Kingdom seeking refuge with the Great Ming Empire.

As Cao Zhengchun's voice fell, a hint of killing intent appeared in Zhu Wushi's eyes.

He looked coldly at Cao Zhengchun and said, "There is no place for you to speak here. This Marquis is discussing matters of our own Zhu family with the Emperor. How can a eunuch like you interfere?"

Clearly, after Zhu Wushi launched a personal attack on Cao Zhengchun, the latter became even angrier, even wanting to fight Zhu Wushi directly. Fortunately, at the critical moment, Zhu Houzhao spoke up.

"All of you, shut up!"

After saying this, Zhu Houzhao slowly walked down from the dragon throne. He stood before Zhu Wushi and asked very seriously, "Imperial Uncle, tell me then, why should I seek refuge with the Great Ming Empire?"

Seeing that Zhu Houzhao's emotions had softened, Zhu Wushi stated his reason. "Reporting to Your Majesty, the reason is simple. It is because our Ming Kingdom and the Great Ming Empire are one family."

"What? One family? How so?" Zhu Houzhao pressed with confusion.

After all, Zhu Houzhao did not know that the Great Ming Empire was the Ming Dynasty from another world. Simultaneously, he did not know that the current Emperor of the Great Ming Empire was Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, this lowly official has actually met the Great Ming Imperial Grandson once, and has also met the Emperor of the Great Ming Empire."

Undoubtedly, as Zhu Wushi revealed this information, both Zhu Houzhao and Cao Zhengchun were greatly shocked; their eyes were filled with astonishment and doubt. Especially Zhu Houzhao. He immediately pressed Zhu Wushi, "You have met the Great Ming Imperial Grandson, and even the Emperor of the Great Ming Empire? Zhu Wushi, what else have you done?"

Clearly, at this moment, the Emperor of the Ming Kingdom had already developed murderous intent toward Zhu Wushi, because he felt that the Iron-Fisted Marquis he trusted was betraying him.

Seeing how anxious Zhu Houzhao was, Zhu Wushi remained calm. He said unhurriedly, "Reporting to Your Majesty, do you know who the Emperor of the Great Ming Empire is?"

"Who?"

"You know this person, and you are very familiar with him."

As Zhu Wushi's voice fell, a hint of confusion appeared on Zhu Houzhao's face, because he had no idea what Zhu Wushi was talking about. "I know him, and I am very familiar. Could it be the founding Emperor of my Ming Kingdom, Zhu Yuanzhang?"

In fact, this was just a random guess from Zhu Houzhao. As soon as he finished the sentence, Zhu Wushi nodded and said, "Reporting to Your Majesty, that is exactly right. The Emperor of the Great Ming Empire is the Hongwu Emperor."

"What? How can this be? Zhu Wushi, are you joking with me? The Hongwu Emperor passed away over a hundred years ago; how could he still be alive in this world?"

Clearly, upon hearing Zhu Wushi's explanation, Zhu Houzhao did not believe it at all.

Zhu Wushi did not continue to explain to Zhu Houzhao, but instead spoke directly, "Reporting to Your Majesty, whether you believe it or not, this person is indeed the Hongwu Emperor. Currently, the Great Ming Empire led by the Hongwu Emperor has already defeated the Jin Kingdom and the Song Kingdom. If our Ming Kingdom can seek refuge with the Great Ming Empire, then it is very likely we will unify the world. Although Your Majesty will lose the status of the supreme ruler, for the sake of our Ming dynasty, this is a good thing!"

"Shut your mouth!"

Anger and killing intent flashed in Zhu Houzhao's eyes. To be honest, for Zhu Houzhao, even if the Emperor of the Great Ming Empire truly was Zhu Yuanzhang, he would absolutely never seek refuge.

After all, Zhu Houzhao would never allow his throne to be stripped away. "Zhu Wushi, do not say another word. I have made myself very clear to you: the Ming Kingdom will absolutely never seek refuge with any country, including the Great Ming Empire."

At this time, Cao Zhengchun, who had remained silent, felt somewhat conflicted in his heart.

In Cao Zhengchun's view, if what Zhu Wushi said was true, then seeking refuge with the Great Ming Empire was not necessarily a bad idea.

However, once he saw Zhu Houzhao's attitude, he immediately changed his mind. After all, although Cao Zhengchun held immense power in the current Ming Kingdom, he was still just a eunuch; he had only one master, and that was Zhu Houzhao. If Zhu Houzhao did not agree, then Cao Zhengchun naturally could not agree either.

Thus, Cao Zhengchun spoke directly to Zhu Wushi, "Marquis, the Emperor has made himself very clear. The Ming Kingdom will absolutely never seek refuge with the Great Ming Empire. I ask the Marquis not to force His Majesty any further."

After speaking, Cao Zhengchun directly mobilized the True Qi within his body. Clearly, at this moment, Cao Zhengchun had decided to have a major confrontation with Zhu Wushi.

Seeing this, Zhu Wushi did not wish to fight Cao Zhengchun.

On one hand, Cao Zhengchun's realm was the Grandmaster Realm, making him a top-tier expert in the Ming Kingdom; fighting him carried some risk. On the other hand, Zhu Wushi had already formulated a more appropriate response in his mind.

That was to secretly collaborate with the Great Ming Empire to directly annihilate the Ming Kingdom.

In Zhu Wushi's view, since the Emperor of the Ming Kingdom refused to seek refuge with the Great Ming Empire, then war was the only option. After all, once war broke out, the Ming Kingdom would naturally have no power to fight back.

At that time, as the Iron-Fisted Marquis, Zhu Wushi would simply open the city gates to welcome the Royal Army, and he would naturally be able to earn great merit for the Great Ming Empire.