20demayo Chapter 1003 Since we can't negotiate, let's fight!
Chapter 1003 Since we can't negotiate, let's fight!
The early appearance of potatoes and sweet potatoes was more than just filling the granaries of Nanhai County. It was like forcibly breaching a massive dam in a parched river of history. Grain was the most fundamental cornerstone of ancient society; population, taxes, military manpower, and social stability all depended on it. Although these high-yield crops promoted in Gaoyao, under the mysterious influence of Yi Xiaochuan and his intentional or unintentional promotion, did not achieve complete widespread adoption, their impact had already spread like ripples.
More people survived, the population base quietly increased, and the social structure began to undergo subtle but profound changes. This directly shook the historical process based on the original level of productivity, and Yi Xiaochuan, a mysterious figure deeply bound to the "correct course of history," naturally suffered the most direct backlash.
Navigation technology, the rudiments of light industry, road repair standards, high-proof liquor brewing techniques, especially the practical application of gunpowder, and advanced iron and even low-carbon steel smelting technology that was nearly a thousand years ahead of its time... These achievements, which should have taken a long time to accumulate slowly, were brought to this era by Gaoyao in a crude way.
This is not merely a matter of "ingenious tricks and gimmicks"; it represents a revolutionary leap forward in the understanding and production relations of an entire era. Technological evolution throughout history has been a slow process, conforming to the social acceptance of the time. Gaoyao's approach, however, is akin to forcibly installing a rocket booster behind a slowly moving oxcart.
This drastic historical shift, defying the laws of celestial bodies, generates terrifying causal forces. The mysterious Yi Xiaochuan had secretly calculated that even if he were to defeat or even kill Gao Yao now, the price and time required to bring history back to its so-called right track would be astronomical. He would need to erase the memories of countless people, destroy vast amounts of technical data, and suppress nascent technological advancements… This is virtually an impossible task, requiring at least decades, even centuries, and inevitably accompanied by bloodshed and turmoil, which will generate new and more complex causal relationships. He may possess superhuman strength, but he is far from being able to arbitrarily alter the collective understanding of hundreds of millions of people.
Therefore, his physical weakness and declining strength are a direct manifestation of the grand historical corrective force acting upon him. His true strength now is probably comparable to that of the "young" Yi Xiaochuan in this timeline who hasn't yet experienced so many hardships. His previous display of power was more of a strategic disguise and a final, solid foundation.
“Gao Yao,” Yi Xiaochuan’s mysterious voice pulled Gao Yao back to reality from his racing thoughts. He was still trying to persuade him, his tone gentle and persuasive, “My suggestion won’t do you any harm, will it? Even if I’m hiding some schemes or tricks, I’ll be under your close surveillance for the next hundred years, imprisoned in a cage. What waves can I possibly make?”
Gao Yao's eyes instantly regained their clarity, all surprise, hesitation, and memories were suppressed, replaced by an icy calmness and decisiveness. A barely perceptible smile curved at the corner of his lips, a mocking expression born of seeing through everything.
“Alright.” Gao Yao’s voice was calm and even. “Put down your weapons. Have your men put down their weapons too. I can… consider your opinion.”
These words sounded like a concession, but the coldness and unwavering authority they carried shattered the last shred of hope in the mysterious Yi Xiaochuan's heart. He knew Gao Yao all too well—his caution, his suspicion, his ruthlessness. Such a hollow verbal promise was utterly unconvincing. Gao Yao's words had only one purpose—to eliminate him and his men with overwhelming force the moment they laid down their weapons!
"Gao Yao, you..." For the first time, a clear anger and a sense of defeat at the complete failure of his plan appeared on the mysterious Yi Xiaochuan's face, but the anger was only fleeting, and then it turned into a near-mad determination, "Fine! Since you really intend to do this, leaving no room for maneuver... then fine! Let's die together!"
He practically roared out the last few words. At the same time, he made a subtle yet resolute gesture to his silent, statue-like subordinates behind him!
Gao Yao, who had been closely observing every subtle movement of his opponent, narrowed his eyes like a hawk the instant the mysterious Yi Xiaochuan's lips curled into a smirk, a cold glint flashing in them! Almost at the same moment the other's hand gesture fell, he swung his hand back, and with a clang, drew the Crimson Sky Sword from his waist! The sword was crimson, and in this dark underground space, it was like a blood-red lightning bolt tearing through the darkness, radiating supreme imperial pressure and chilling killing intent!
Without the slightest hesitation, Gao Yao's figure, like a cheetah that had been poised for a long time, unleashed speed and power far beyond what ordinary people could comprehend. The stone slabs beneath his feet cracked inch by inch from the force of his stomping! He transformed into an arrow released from a bow, becoming one with his sword, and thrust straight at the mysterious Yi Xiaochuan on the boulder ten meters away! To catch the thief, first catch the king!
"kill--!"
At the same time, Gao Yao's earth-shattering command, imbued with boundless killing intent, resounded like thunder throughout the vast underground palace! The sound echoed repeatedly between the strange dome and stone walls, stirring the hearts of all!
The elite guards, who had already received the coded signal and were poised for action, awoke like sleeping tigers. Well-trained, silent yet efficient, they instantly formed small battle formations, swords drawn, crossbows nocked, and like a black torrent of steel, launched a fierce and overwhelming charge towards the location of the mysterious Yi Xiaochuan and his men!
In an instant, the seemingly peaceful negotiation was completely shattered! Sword flashes, crossbow bolts, shouts of battle, and the clash of weapons... intertwined with the eternal and indifferent light of the core of the celestial star, forming a picture of the ultimate showdown that would determine the fate of the two time travelers and even the course of history!
The roar of the Crimson Sky Sword as it was drawn shattered the millennia-long tranquility of the underground palace, like a boulder thrown into a still lake. Gao Yao moved with the sword, transforming into a streak of crimson lightning, hurtling towards the mysterious Yi Xiaochuan atop the boulder ten meters away! This sword strike embodied his peak martial prowess, pent-up rage, and unwavering determination to obtain the eternal secret; it was faster than sight could perceive, and more ruthless than piercing metal and stone!
The mysterious Yi Xiaochuan seemed to have anticipated this thunderous attack. He did not choose to directly confront Gao Yao's sharp sword. Just as Gao Yao moved, he lightly touched the floating boulder with his toes. The boulder seemed to be pulled by an invisible force and tilted slightly. At the same time, he flicked his sleeve, seemingly casually, but precisely brushing past an inconspicuous bronze lamppost beside him.