Chapter 160: The Convergence of the Constellations (Part Nine)

Zhang Qing’s surrender marked the nearing completion of the conquest of Dongchang Prefecture. After purging the corrupt officials and ruthless local tyrants, the fortune of Liangshan reached its zenith. The constellation of the One Hundred and Eight Stars lit up in unison as the heroes returned to Liangshan. Pixar swiftly recorded the shifts in the energy field throughout the mountain and realized that it was not merely the star projections forming a celestial formation in the sky; formations also gathered spiritual energy within the mountain and beneath the water. With this vertical connection, the entire Liangshan, resonating with the fate of the stars, had broken through the constraints of heaven and earth through the array.

Starlight cascaded like rain, spiritual energy surged, and to those who had reached the third tier of cultivation, Liangshan appeared like a fairyland, enveloped in mist and dotted with sparkling stars, a scene of profound mystery.

Simultaneously, deep within the rivers and mountains of the Central Plains, spiritual energy began to revive. The long-brewing energy, drawn forth by the starlight, nourished every blade of grass and every stone, while all creatures let out contented roars, as if welcoming a rebirth.

Those trapped at cultivation bottlenecks found themselves easily breaking through, sensing the path ahead.

At Liangshan, in the hall transformed into the Loyalty and Righteousness Pavilion, all One Hundred and Eight Stars converged. Regardless of past acquaintance or grudges, at this moment, their thoughts aligned and their faith intertwined, united solely by brotherly loyalty.

Song Jiang stood at the forefront, offering sacrifice to Heaven and Earth: “Liangshan assembles with loyalty and righteousness, upholding Heaven’s mandate, bringing peace to the people, acting as Heaven’s instrument of justice!”

“For Heaven’s justice—!”

Starlight showered down, and the Star Monument within Liangshan descended from the sky, landing upon the altar. Immediately, everyone found themselves surrounded by stars.

When their senses returned, the stars had fully bestowed their legacy upon them. The Star Monument took root, becoming simple and unadorned.

Gongsun Sheng gazed at the monument, where ancient Taoist script was inscribed, recording each person's stellar ranking. At this moment, the assembly at Liangshan was complete.

Sun Meng, Pixar, Mu Xingye, and Kokolaru all received system notifications that the first phase of their mission was accomplished.

Seeing the earned points, the four smiled. After three years in this world, their gains had been meager; fragmented tasks yielded little reward. Without the points from this main mission, they would have been forced to take matters into their own hands.

In the imperial palace of the Song dynasty, Zhao Ji observed the energy fluctuations from the jade seal, his aura rapidly rising until it reached the peak of the second tier. He knew this was the limit of the earthly emperor’s position. Looking northward, Zhao Ji sneered, “Mere barbarians, their imitation will never match the genuine. Your end is near!”

---

At the Liao imperial palace, the emperor and empress dowager grimly observed the energy feedback from their jade seal. Though aware that this alone could not secure full recognition from the will of Heaven and Earth, the results fell far short of their expectations.

The empress dowager said, “It seems only action from both sides remains. And the Fire Worship Sect—still intent on proselytizing in the Central Plains—will fight desperately!”

These schemers had numerous contingency plans, but activating them all at once signaled one thing—

The Song and Liao were on the brink of war!

With the first task completed, when would the second begin?

Mu Xingye looked to Sun Meng. After the submission of Erlong Mountain to Liangshan, Mu Xingye had journeyed south, obtaining sparse resources. Upon return, he found Sun Meng had already made extensive preparations for the second task. By his estimate, the Song-Liao conflict would erupt within a month.

“Aren’t your people going to make the first move? Honestly, if war breaks out, we could easily intervene!”

Sun Meng replied, “The lifting of the world-level restrictions doesn’t just enhance your civilization’s technology!”

He glanced at Pixar.

Pixar nodded. “Indeed. Lin Chong has reached the early third tier, and several generals formerly at the late second tier have broken through as well. Within six months, Liangshan could gain fifty more warriors spanning from late second tier to early third tier peak. Also, I’ve observed Song Jiang’s secret formations. They allow an army of ten thousand to unleash attacks at the peak mid-third tier level. However, such use would cost ninety percent casualties. Under normal operation, the strength can be maintained at early third tier peak.”

Mu Xingye frowned. What was this? He had hoped to roam freely in this world, but with this restriction lifted, he had immediately dropped from a top expert to merely a first-rate warrior. Without finding a way to improve soon, he’d be stuck at the bottom of the first-rate tier!

He had not expected the second phase of this mission world to be like this. Or perhaps it was because their foundation was too strong? If he had spent that time building a bionic army, he might have achieved more by now.

Unaware of Mu Xingye’s thoughts, Sun Meng continued, “The lifting of Heaven and Earth’s restrictions not only rapidly enhances those favored by fortune but also elevates previously mediocre systems to higher levels—elite troops, national fortune, and even official blessings. My people have confirmed these effects.”

Sun Meng rubbed his forehead. If not for the inept emperor of Western Xia, Kokolaru might have been defeated. Meanwhile, Liang Zhongshu, empowered by national fortune, had broken free from Li Qingmeng’s control and cunningly turned the tables, seizing control of that city.

Fortunately, the other side had no desire to sever ties with the Jianghu factions, merely demonstrating strength to curb their previous recklessness. As long as the two nations went to war, they were willing to support the Jianghu in harassing Liao.

Indeed—just harassment.

---

Whether it was the military formations, encampments, or city walls fortified by national fortune, all had risen in strength by a tier. With officials blessed by national fortune, Jianghu members could infiltrate but would find it impossible to seize government offices by surprise. The city’s fortune suppression was so strong that even Li Qingmeng could not escape.

Yet there was good news: the Sword Formation of the Lingjiu Palace had grown stronger. It seemed to have gained the recognition of the world’s will, now considered a special military formation.

“What should we do then?” Kokolaru asked Sun Meng. Unconsciously, Sun Meng had taken the lead among the four in this mission world.

“The mission is clear: the Liangshan heroes must confront Liao. But as mere bandits, that won’t do. There is only one way...”

At Liangshan, in the Loyalty and Righteousness Pavilion—

“What! Surrender and serve the government?” Many were shocked, some even perplexed, hearing these words from Song Jiang.

Most of them had come to Liangshan because of the government’s injustice, unable to endure the darkness and corruption. Song Jiang was no exception. This was why they found it hard to believe he would say such a thing.

Song Jiang looked toward Lu Junyi, who nodded and said, “Brothers, according to news from our northern trade routes, normal commerce between the two countries has ceased. Troops frequently raid the border, looting goods. War between the two nations is imminent!”

They exchanged glances. Many felt the war would not concern them unless the government collapsed. But who could say this aloud? They were heroes, not rebels, certainly not traitors. In times of national crisis, they would not add to the country’s troubles.

Yet, simply setting aside old grievances to serve the corrupt court left them uneasy...

Song Jiang stood and pointed to the banner outside. “Brothers, Liangshan acts as Heaven’s instrument of justice to protect the common people. I know many of you harbor resentment toward the court, as do I. But once this war begins, we fight not just for the court, but for the people, for ourselves!”

With that, Song Jiang decisively sent envoys to Kaifeng to gather intelligence.