Xia Feng indeed showed some interest, glancing down at the Two-headed Heaven-Swallowing Python.

"Since Heaven-Swallowing Grass shares the words 'Heaven-Swallowing', does it have an effect on you?"

Jiu Xie looked a bit excited, "Master, it's useful. After I eat it, my cultivation will increase, and there's a chance I might grow a new head."

"Huh?"

Xia Feng clicked his tongue lightly, covering his face with his hand, a three-headed Heaven-Swallowing Python...

Never heard of that.

But since it's beneficial for Jiu Xie, it doesn't matter how many heads it has, better to get it first.

With this thought, he nodded at the Centipede, "Alright, take me to see."

The Centipede, looking aggrieved, burrowed down again, causing a tremor.

Xia Feng's eyes hardened, "Keep it down! If you keep this up, I'll just slaughter you and go down myself."

The Centipede stiffened, quickly shrinking its body, and cautiously burrowed back in through the created hole.

Xia Feng moved his body, following into the tunnel, with Chu Yue behind him expressing concerns, "Emperor's Son, be cautious of any tricks."

He waved his hand, "No worries, in the face of absolute strength, all schemes are just petty tricks."

He followed the Centipede, twisting and turning deep into the passage, and could vaguely see a platform.

At the deepest point, there was a small earth-yellow grass. The Centipede pointed at it, "This is the Heaven-Swallowing Grass."

Xia Feng looked at the grass, its yellow color seeming malnourished, showing some doubt, "This?"

The Centipede also knew its appearance wasn't appealing, speaking in a lower voice, "The Heaven-Swallowing Grass looks like this before it matures; you can ask your beast pet."

Xia Feng looked down, Jiu Xie nodded, "Indeed, the Heaven-Swallowing Grass's growth phase looks extremely withered because it absorbs nutrients from the earth, mainly the power of the earth attribute."

"Once matured, it has two forms, one is the normal sky-blue Heaven-Swallowing Grass."

"The other is the mutated Seven-Colored Heaven-Swallowing Grass."

"Both types look identical during growth, only differing at the point of maturity."

Xia Feng paused, knowing the Seven-Colored Heaven-Swallowing Grass would be more beneficial to Jiu Xie, he turned to glance at the Centipede.

"Take good care of this grass, I'll come to take it in six months."

The Centipede nodded repeatedly; Xia Feng looked at it again, "If you take good care of it, in six months, I'll bring you a fortune."

Upon hearing this from Xia Feng, the Centipede's previous reluctance and discontent vanished instantly.

It forced a grin and chuckled, "No trouble at all for you, sire; it's what I should do, what I should do."

Xia Feng ignored it, advising, "If Great Li is controlled by my city, avoid causing trouble and manage the other exotic beasts in the mountains."

The Centipede nodded repeatedly, fearing the previous Celestial Tier Ninth Layer Martial Sovereign, let alone a demigod like Xia Feng.

When Xia Feng returned to the Great Li Imperial Capital, the citizens had already accepted the change of dynasty.

Surrounding cities expected to receive the news in a couple of days and publicly reveal their stances.

If any stubborn head does want to start anew, Xia Feng wouldn't mind making another trip there too.

Though Great Li was a large empire, it was flamboyant and extravagant in its operations, with civilians burdened by heavy labor levies, struggling to breathe.

Now under Great Xia's control, the labor levies were collected as per Great Xia's system. This year, nearing the year-end, they deliberately didn't levy this year's labor, collecting only symbolic food supplies instead.

Citizens expressed that Xia Feng was truly worthy as a demigod of the Celestial Essence Continent, showing care for them.

Xia Feng was also delighted, watching as the endless Power of Faith merged into his body, feeling a faint sense of Divine Fire forming.

Though just a light sense, Xia Feng knew in his heart it wasn't the right time for formation.

Early the next morning, Xia Feng got ready and was about to head to the Celestial Wind Province to support Gu Sha Grand General and Chen Hongyu.

However, before setting off, a scout joyfully entered, "Emperor's Son, report from Beiman—a happy event! A great happy event!"

Xia Feng's heart moved, instantly guessing something, and he couldn't help but show some joy on his face.

He took the report of defeat, swiftly scanning a few lines, barely hiding his smile.

Chu Yue leaned in and saw that indeed, the Beiman Empire, seeing their ally Great Li Empire so powerful yet overthrown, got anxious and sent envoys for peace negotiations.

Xia Feng laughed heartily; he was already prepared to fight Beiman to the end.

Knowing Beiman lies on the grassland, they are truly a horse-bound people.

If they resisted stubbornly, Great Xia would've likely suffered setbacks.

Now it's good, their willingness to submit would save Great Xia much effort.

Thinking thus, Xia Feng summoned a trusted aide, "Call some proficient negotiators over; let's see what surrender terms Beiman offers."

Though labeled as negotiation terms, both Xia Feng and Beiman knew, these were their terms of surrender.

Xia Feng, with a hint of a smile, headed to the main hall.

Beiman's envoy appeared firm, speaking in less fluent official Great Xia dialect, "Respected Emperor's Son, I'm an envoy of the Beiman Empire."

"My Emperor sends you warmest blessings."

Finishing, he held a sky-blue scarf, intending to place it around Xia Feng's neck.

Xia Feng frowned slightly; familiar with this Beiman custom, he stepped forward to allow him to put it on.

Then, he took the peace treaty from the envoy's hands.

Beiman's sincerity was evident: a complete ceasefire and agreeing to turn Beiman into Beiman Province while hoping for some autonomous rights.

Instead of an Emperor, Beiman's ruler was titled Khan.

The current Khan, post-surrender ceremony, would send all preceding Khans to the Great Xia Imperial Capital.

Only wishing for the current Khan to continue leading Beiman, while sending his offspring too to the Great Xia Imperial Capital, swapping back when succession is due.

Xia Feng frowned, granting slightly some autonomy, but this way of letting the current Khan lead Beiman, he wasn't too agreeable.

However, contemplating, he refrained from saying anything outright.

He'd wait until the Beiman Empire's surrender ceremony concluded to decide.

The rest detailed densely many war reparations—quite sincere.

Wary Xia Feng might disagree, they added a final line: "If the Emperor's Son is unsatisfied, during the surrender ceremony, he may personally select treasures from the Beiman National Treasury."

Xia Feng examined it carefully and realized Beiman was genuinely fearful, desiring surrender; he set down the treaty, looking at the envoy.

"I've received your nation's sincerity; three months hence, I will personally lead a delegation to Beiman for the handover."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.