In his heart, these two were already the top two under heaven, having clearly distanced themselves from the other peak strong beings!
Beside him, Wenren Zheng and Tai Yu were also listening attentively, equally curious.
Li Fei had pondered over this question as well.
If Lin Tianyi's Taoism wasn't the "Leader of the Great Dao," he would have no hesitation in believing that his "Only I have the unique thod" could easily crush any peak.
But the "Leader of the Great Dao" gains strength as the number of great Taos increases.
With each additional peak strong person or when a peak raises their Taoism to a new height, Lin Tianyi's "Leader of the Great Dao" receives feedback.
Ming Qi proving Dao and becoming a saint, Li Fei having experienced five verifications at the peak, all contribute to broadening and even elevating the Great Dao!
Thus, Lin Tianyi naturally rises with the tide.
"I can't settle on a conclusion, only by fighting we will know."
Li Fei shared his conclusion.
If he had a chance to get within ten zhang of Lin Tianyi, it would definitely be his victory!
Otherwise, the outco would be uncertain.
So he said, a fight is necessary to know.
"Good!"
Qin Ziheng laughed heartily, "Under heaven, only you dare say a fight is needed to know against Lin Tianyi. At your age, Lin Tianyi was far inferior to you!"
At twenty-three, Lin Tianyi had just beco a Tao Foundation Stage Martial Artist, indeed far below Li Fei.
Qin Ziheng continued to ask many details about the battle outside Vajra City, questioning both Li Fei and Wenren Zheng, yet did not neglect Tai Yu.
The four rode together into the Imperial City, delivering laughter and conversation, and entered Zhenglan Hall together.
Next was a long-prepared grand court assembly—
When all the civil and military officials entered the hall, Qin Ziheng sat back on the Dragon Chair, and the Imperial Eunuch Feng Cheng took out an imperial decree to begin reading:
"I, having inherited the legacy of the late Emperor, have sworn to purge internal troubles and pacify all directions!
Since ascending the throne, I have been vigilant day and night, not relaxing for a mont.
The West Pole Buddha Country covets our territories, disturbing our common people. You soldiers, with fidelity and courage, brandished flags with thunderous might, wielded arms dispelling the evil influence across ten thousand miles. One battle to defeat the enemy, another to annihilate them, ensuring that the smoke and dust of the West Pole are permanently pacified and that the world is steady!
This truly is the fortune of the state and the blessing of the people. My heart is gratified and deeply moved, hence a special decree is issued to showcase your extraordinary rits.
You officers and soldiers, either strategizing within the camp or fighting on the battlefield, united in effort to achieve glorious deeds. Iron armor reflected cold light and broke the enemy's courage, banners obscured the sun and moon while sweeping through the western wind!
I consider your hardships endured through wind and frost, arrows and stones, bravery in bloody battles, contributions to the state, and benefits to the people. A special bestownt of one hundred thousand taels of gold and fifty thousand bolts of silk for the army..."
The first part of the imperial decree was the overall reward for the three armies, including money and various cultivation resources.
After reading the overall rewards, Feng Cheng's voice beca somber:
"Alas! From ancient tis, how many return from war?
Among you, those who sacrificed for the country and perished for the king's matters, even though your bodies are gone, your nas are honored, your spirits distant but your integrity resplendent!
Every ti I think of it, my heart aches sorrowfully. Hereby, the fallen soldiers are posthumously bestowed the title of 'Valiant and Loyal Guard,' their children allowed to enter universities, granted land and residences, relief of gold and silver, and perpetual exemption from household taxes and corvée.
Additionally, a Loyalty Shrine will be erected in the Western Extre Province for seasonal sacrifices, with offerings lasting for thousands of autumns. May your loyal souls find peace, your heroic spirits remain undimd, and eternally protect our Great Blue Mountains and Rivers!"
In the battle of the West Pole Country, the losses of the three Imperial Camp Armies were unprecedented—
The Sky Blue Cavalry suffered over two thousand casualties.
The Green Frost Army suffered over four thousand casualties, with more than two thousand seriously wounded.
The White Fla Army sustained over a thousand casualties.
Aside from the White Fla Army, the other two Imperial Camp Armies could no longer activate the ten thousand people-level army formations.
However, the Emperor's rewards were generous, with all fallen soldiers receiving posthumous honors, and their children having promising futures!
After reading the rewards for the sacrificed soldiers, the civil and military officials in the Great Hall focused, knowing the main event was coming—
"The Daluo Sect Master Tai Yu, possessing a benevolent heart for the world, adhering to the rightful Tao of the Celestial Sect. In the critical mont of fierce battle, he offered his assistance, swiftly breaking evil magic, averting the collapse.
Specially appointed as the Great Blue National Master, granted a golden seal and purple ribbon, exempt from bowing in court, and with unsummoned salutations!"
The reward for Tai Yu was expected by everyone, as this was a public promise the Emperor made in front of everyone that day, and even if there were future arrangents for the Daluo Sect, it must be fulfilled now.
"I humbly thank Your Majesty—"
In the Great Hall, Tai Yu stepped out from the ranks and bowed to Qin Ziheng.
Qin Ziheng nodded without speaking, and Feng Cheng continued to read the imperial decree:
"Grand Secretary Ye Ze'an, veteran of the council, possessing organizational talent.
Discerning Yin and Yang to judge great trends, acting prudently to stabilize Heaven and Earth. Acting with timing like a hawk about to strike, changing with circumstances like rivers and seas responding to the tide. Strategizing within the ninefold Red Steps, securing victory from a thousand miles beyond the battlefield!
Specially appointed as the Great Pillar Country, bestowed a Qilin Robe and White Jade Gui, eternally commorating his achievents!"
From the battle on the grassland, Ye Ze'an designed plans to force Qilian Guanshi to prematurely erge, ruining his plans.
Then he sched against the Two Desert Countries, causing internal strife, relieving the danger at the southern border.
In this battle of the West Pole Country, various arrangents ensured the tily arrival of the Sky Blue Cavalry, allied with Tai Yu, and plotted against the Upper Pure Sect...
It can be said that without Ye Ze'an, Li Fei could not have held out until his breakthrough!
Therefore, for this Grand Secretary, the Emperor must reward greatly!
However, Ye Ze'an has already reached the pinnacle of being a court official, holding a position as the head of civil servants and also the title of Duke. Truly, there is no further title to grant him, thus Qin Ziheng bestowed upon him the title of Great Pillar Country.
This is a title from before the 'reformation' of the Da Lan Dynasty; though it carries no real power, it is the highest honor for a minister, with all the most elite perks and privileges!
Even though Ye Ze'an himself does not cultivate, the cultivation resources that co with the title of Great Pillar Country can be given to the younger generation of his family for use.
The resources available annually with this title are enough to support a dium-sized sect!
In addition, civil servants seek fa and after being granted the title of Great Pillar Country, the posthumous title will surely be distinguished.
"Minister, thank Your Majesty for the gracious favor."
Ye Ze'an calmly stepped forward to receive his reward.
Feng Cheng continued to read:
"Military Affairs Grand Marshal Wenren Zheng, unparalleled in valor, commanding soldiers with overwhelming vigor.
Taking orders in tis of crisis, holding the rivers and mountains as steady as a middle stream pillar.
Enemy slain in battle, victory as sure as a candle lights the night.
Specially conferred the title of Great Pillar Country, bestowed with Golden Armor and the Emperor's personally inscribed plaque 'Military God'.
The rewards for Wenren Zheng are the sa as for Ye Ze'an; both are at the pinnacle of official rank, with no titles left to confer.
Thus, Wenren Zheng was also given the title of Great Pillar Country.
However, this title is mostly awarded to civil servants; Wenren Zheng receiving such an honor as a military general is even rarer.
After reading Wenren Zheng's rewards, Feng Cheng paused briefly, then announced the final rewards:
"Duke Jing'an Li Fei, the greatest hero in history, having him is the Emperor's blessing.
The slayer of the 'Demon Spear'!
The slayer of Buddha Eye Heavenly King!
The slayer of Profound Heart True Monarch!
The slayer of River Guardian Heavenly King!
The slayer of Qin Mingli!
Ascended in one day to peak, sword cutting down the five top experts.
Dominating the heroes, bringing peace to the land.
Magnificent!
Specially conferred Li Fei as Vice Marshal of Military Affairs, with Eighteen-level Military rit.
Promoted to Blue Patrol Pavilion Master, an Eighteen-level Civil Position.
Granted the title of Great Pillar Country!
As soon as the rewards were announced, the great hall erupted in astonishnt.
Li Fei being given the title of Great Pillar Country was anticipated by everyone.
Even his promotion by two grades in military officer rank was expected by all.
Yet none thought the Emperor would not only elevate Li Fei's position from level 16 directly to level 18, equal with Wenren Zheng and the four Governors.
Furthermore, the Emperor also appointed Li Fei as Vice Marshal of Military Affairs!
This ans that from now on, all military forces are under the joint command of him and Wenren Zheng, with him only beneath Wenren Zheng and above the four Governors!
Li Fei's position as Blue Patrol Pavilion Master was originally level 17, one level lower than the Pavilion Masters of the Six Ministries.
Now the Emperor has elevated it to the sa level as the Six Ministries.
From now on, the Cabinet will no longer be just the Six Ministries, but the Seven Ministries!
One Pavilion Master position, Eighteen-level civil servant.
Vice Marshal of Military Affairs, Eighteen-level military officer.
Ascending both civil and military peaks simultaneously, since the founding of the Da Lan Dynasty, no powerful minister has achieved this!
Combined with the honor of Great Pillar Country.
Today, in this Great Hall, Li Fei has truly beco the foremost amongst ministers, with a status above Ye Ze'an and Wenren Zheng!
Yet the Emperor seed unsatisfied.
He stood from the Dragon Chair and looked towards the crowd below the Red Steps:
"Gentlen, now the Northern Barbarians have been subdued, the grasslands are pacified, and both Desert Countries have surrendered.
Wherever the sun and moon shine, it becos our territory; where chariots and horses reach, it all belongs to our empire. The prosperity of the Da Lan Dynasty has never been this grand since its founding!
The Eastern Land is secure, the Western Continent is within grasp. I shall fulfill the ancestral legacy, and carry out the will of the late Emperor, expanding the grand vision for eternity!
Though ancestral teachings are crystal clear, forbidding the rise of kings outside the royal surna, exceptional achievents require exceptional individuals.
I shall overhaul traditions, break the shackles and open the world, not bound by established laws!
Today, I proclaim to the world——
Anyone capable of commanding great armies and securing the Western Continent shall be granted land and kingship, to eternally guard the Western Border!
This pledge shall be witnessed by mountains and rivers, testified by the sun and moon!"
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