Chapter 66: Persuasion

Blue Phoenix’s attacks remained ferocious, but Chen Mu no longer held back. Instead, he launched into a fierce counteroffensive. After several intense clashes, Chen Mu realized that although Blue Phoenix’s steel tridents were crudely crafted, their material was excellent. His own sword was a treasured blade, but neither side’s weapon had the upper hand.

Thus, Chen Mu saw only two paths to victory: one was relying on physical strength, since a man’s stamina typically surpassed a woman’s; the other was through skillful technique.

This was exactly what Chen Mu set out to do. Blue Phoenix’s moves were fierce, and Chen Mu deliberately created situations where their weapons would collide. Unaware, Blue Phoenix exerted more and more force each time.

Suddenly, Chen Mu feinted. Blue Phoenix, using too much strength, lost her balance in an instant. Seizing the opportunity, Chen Mu swiftly kicked her arm at the joint. With a cry of pain, Blue Phoenix dropped the steel trident from her right hand.

Chen Mu then thrust his sword forward, aiming directly at the exposed opening on Blue Phoenix’s chest. She could only defend herself with her left-hand trident, retreating to absorb the force.

But Chen Mu pressed his advantage. He stepped forward, drove his sword against her trident, and pushed. Blue Phoenix, off-balance, staggered. Chen Mu let out a mighty shout, then flung his sword to the side with all his strength, sending both sword and trident spinning away, still entwined.

In the next moment, Chen Mu seized Blue Phoenix’s arm and, using a grappling technique, forced her to the ground.

The entire audience fell silent.

The Daxia soldiers were the first to react. They raised their arms and cheered in unison. The Fulun tribesmen, on the other hand, could scarcely believe their eyes—their invincible leader, Blue Phoenix, had been defeated.

Moreover, she had been pinned to the ground, utterly unable to resist.

Chen Mu held her down for a moment longer. Seeing Blue Phoenix cease her struggle, he released her.

Blue Phoenix got up, gazing at Chen Mu with admiration in her eyes. She pointed at him and exclaimed, “Strong!”

Chen Mu smiled faintly. He was about to call Li Su over to translate when Blue Phoenix picked up her two steel tridents, knelt on one knee, and presented them to Chen Mu.

He paused, thinking this must be some sort of surrender ritual, so he reached out and accepted them.

At that moment, the Fulun tribesmen erupted into joyous cheers, as if celebrating a festival.

Chen Mu felt something was off. Why were they so happy after losing? Then he noticed Blue Phoenix’s flushed, excited face and grew even more suspicious.

Just then, Li Su approached. “Congratulations, Your Highness, on forming a happy union here in Dongyue.”

It was only then that Chen Mu realized what had happened. “What? That was a marriage proposal?”

Li Su smiled. “Indeed. It’s a custom of Dongyue: if the loser of a duel offers their weapon, it is a proposal. If the winner accepts, they accept the other’s affection.”

Noticing Chen Mu’s reaction, Li Su frowned. “Didn’t you know, Your Highness? You accepted the weapons so naturally.”

Chen Mu could only offer a wry smile. He’d seen similar scenarios in his previous life and had reflexively taken the weapons, never imagining it would amount to a proposal.

“I thought it was a gesture of surrender.”

Li Su explained, “Ah, if it’s a duel between two men, yes, it means surrender. But if the loser is a woman, it also means a marriage proposal.”

“There’s a rule like that? Are there many female warriors in Dongyue?”

Li Su gestured toward the Fulun warriors. “See for yourself.”

Chen Mu turned and indeed saw many female warriors mixed among the men.

So the custom was genuine.

“Well then, I suppose I’ll just have to marry her.”

Blue Phoenix didn’t seem very old, and Chen Mu didn’t really feel he was being wronged.

Li Su smiled again. “That’s wonderful. The Fulun tribe’s dilemma is resolved perfectly. Please, Your Highness, lead your troops into the city.”

Chen Mu nodded and approached Blue Phoenix, helping her to her feet. The Fulun people cheered once more.

Chen Mu thought to himself, fortunately she couldn’t understand what had just been said, or she’d surely be furious.

Li Su went over to say a few words to Blue Phoenix, and Chen Mu led his troops into the city.

In Dongyue, weddings were simple affairs. The leaders and officials of both sides gathered in the main hall and shared a drink. With that, Chen Mu and Blue Phoenix were considered husband and wife.

Of course, Dongyue also observed the tradition of the wedding chamber.

Inside, Chen Mu and Blue Phoenix exchanged few words, nor were any necessary.

The next day, Chen Mu took care of Blue Phoenix.

On the third day, the two of them sat down with the assembled generals and officials. With Li Su translating, they began formal discussions.

There was no issue with the alliance, but Chen Mu asked, “Can Blue Phoenix continue as the tribal leader?”

Li Su nodded. “Yes. In Dongyue culture, married couples need not live together. It’s common for them to reside apart after having children.”

“When Your Highness returns to Daxia, Blue Phoenix can remain as the leader of the Fulun tribe.”

Chen Mu was delighted. “That’s perfect!”

He had no intention of removing Blue Phoenix from her position as tribal chief. He wanted her to stay and govern the Dongyue region.

Unlike Nanman, Persia, or the Grasslands, Dongyue’s landscape and climate closely resembled Daxia’s own. Chen Mu planned to incorporate it directly into the Daxia realm as the sixth region, in addition to the Central Plains, Eastern Plains, Western Mountains, Northern Hills, and Southern Frontier.

The Dongyue Region.

However, its administration would differ from that of Daxia proper. Chen Mu’s idea was to establish Dongyue as a special zone, gradually transitioning it to become just like the other five regions.

This required a “supervisor,” and Li Su was the ideal candidate.

Of course, Chen Mu had so far only subdued the seven mountain-worshipping tribes. In the southeast, there remained eight sea-worshipping tribes awaiting conquest.

Next, Chen Mu began organizing the campaign.

It was finally decided that the Invincible Flying Army would contribute 3,500 troops, the Unstoppable Flying Army 1,500, and the Daxia Reserve 10,000.

The Fulun tribe would contribute 5,000, and the other tribes combined would provide 10,000.

In total, a force of 30,000 would set out to subdue the Sea God faction.

Chen Mu would lead the Daxia contingent, Blue Phoenix would command the Dongyue forces, and Li Su would serve as their interpreter.

The army first reached Haikang, a coastal tribe to the east.

On the outskirts of Haikang, Chen Mu did not immediately launch an attack. Instead, he gathered with Blue Phoenix and the others to discuss their next move.

“Does anyone know the strength of the Sea God faction? How many troops do they have? What are their generals like?” Chen Mu asked.

The group began to speak all at once, but none were clear or precise. At last, Blue Phoenix said,

“I know. The eight Sea God tribes have at least 20,000 soldiers. They are led by General Golden Blade of the Hailan tribe.”

“This General Golden Blade has repeatedly led attacks against the Mountain God tribes, and has even suppressed other Sea God tribes.”