System: "Yes, Host. By continuously absorbing the energy of heaven and earth, it will slowly grow and break through to the juvenile stage."
Understanding this, Bai Ze decided to leave it alone. Let it grow naturally. For now, there was no immediate need for the little creature in this cycle.
With that, Bai Ze issued his orders to Aurora, laying out the next steps of the plan one by one and instructing her to prepare to intervene in the Zhou Clan tribe.
Late Eighth Era:
The projection of a "god" descended upon the Zhou Clan tribe. Over ten thousand people knelt in reverence.
They had long heard of the god's name and naturally worshiped it, believing that deities truly existed in this world. Thus, when Aurora's image descended, the scene became a spectacle of awe and reverence.
Under the hopeful gazes of the Zhou Clan people, the "god" issued a divine decree, imparting new wisdom to the clan leader:
"Focus on long-term development and defensive strategies to build a nation capable of standing against the Shang Dynasty."
After delivering these words, the divine projection disappeared. However, the Zhou Clan leader suddenly understood the deeper meaning:
To "focus on long-term development" meant that their land was a treasure trove. They should develop agriculture extensively and build a nation grounded in farming.
"Fight a war of attrition, avoid rash actions, and eventually absorb other tribes. Only then can a dynasty capable of rivaling Shang be established!"
Before vanishing, the divine voice echoed with two other phrases:
"Reform the system" and "Slavery is unsustainable."
Hearing this, the Zhou Clan leader was shocked but overjoyed. With divine blessings and wisdom, they were certain that their clan would rise like a bird soaring into the sky, unstoppable by anyone.
"That should do it," Bai Ze mused.
"Building a nation on agriculture and fighting a long-term war of attrition. As long as they avoid overreaching, they'll be able to wear the enemy down."
From what Bai Ze knew, the Shang Dynasty, despite its growing military might, would undoubtedly drain its national strength through constant warfare. In time, its decline would make it vulnerable to collapse.
After all, Aurora, in her role as the "god," wouldn't personally descend to eliminate any particular region.
Early Ninth Era:
The Zhou Clan tribe began to focus heavily on agricultural development, abolishing all forms of slavery and stockpiling resources, minerals, and food supplies.
Their prosperity grew steadily. By avoiding warfare, they became stable and attractive, prompting other tribes threatened by the Shang Dynasty to voluntarily join the Zhou Clan, bringing their people and resources with them.
This trend continued, and the Zhou Clan's strength grew exponentially. Their population surged past 100,000, making them the strongest tribe in the region.
Mid-Ninth Era:
The Zhou Clan boasted over 5,000 well-equipped soldiers armed with bronze weapons.
With a solid foundation, the Zhou Clan leader finally took action. Leading a campaign bolstered by nearly limitless supplies, they conquered several nearby tribes, further consolidating their power.
This expansion turned the Zhou Clan into a formidable force with a population exceeding 300,000. They dominated the western region, prompting their leader to proclaim himself King Wu of Zhou, establishing the Western Zhou Dynasty.
System Notification:
"A second major civilization has emerged: the Western Zhou Dynasty!"
"A highly intelligent being, King Wu of Zhou, has been born!"
Meanwhile, the Shang Dynasty was in decline due to constant wars, leaving the nation increasingly impoverished.
The current ruler, King Zhou of Shang, was notoriously violent. Beyond relentless warfare, he focused on constructing lavish palaces, imposed heavy taxes on the populace, and resorted to cruel punishments, causing widespread discontent.
Instead of governing, he indulged in the pleasures of his palace, enchanted by the beauty of his consort, the infamous Su Daji. His reign was marked by debauchery, with wine pools and forests of meat skewers for feasts.
System Notification:
"Divine Eye activated. Scanning..."
"Scan complete."
Entity Name: Su Daji
Entity Rank: Servant-class (Low Tier)
Description: A fox spirit born in this world, adept at enchantment and manipulation. Those lacking great wisdom will fall under her spell, leading to ruin and obsession.
"Wow, even demons have shown up now?" Bai Ze was momentarily taken aback.
But considering that divine creatures like Kunpeng and Taotie had already appeared on his homeworld, a fox spirit wasn't all that surprising.
However, due to the world's meager energy levels, this fox spirit, which could have been a powerful physical entity, seemed to rely solely on its charm abilities.
Shrugging, Bai Ze turned his focus back to the Western Zhou Dynasty.
With a population of 300,000, they could easily field an army of 10,000 if needed. The inevitable clash between these two forces would be a defining moment.
Late Ninth Era:
The Shang Dynasty's ruler alienated his ministers and continued to expand aggressively. Meanwhile, his soldiers, weary from constant warfare and suffering under oppressive conditions, began to grumble. Many longed to return home and were unwilling to continue fighting for him.
In contrast, King Wu of Zhou adhered to his ancestors' teachings. He surrounded himself with talented advisors, abolished slavery, and ruled with compassion.
Under his leadership, the Western Zhou grew even stronger, surpassing a population of 500,000. This prosperity attracted many brilliant minds, including Lü Shang (Jiang Ziya) and the Duke of Zhou, who became indispensable in managing and expanding the dynasty.
Eventually, the Shang Dynasty, now in its twilight, turned its sights on the rising Western Zhou.
Furious at the Zhou's growing power, King Zhou of Shang refused to tolerate a rival force near his borders. Blinded by hubris, he declared war, ignoring his ministers' warnings about the Shang Dynasty's weakened state.
End of Ninth Era:
Undaunted, King Wu of Zhou rallied the surrounding tribes and commanded an allied force of 20,000 troops to confront Shang's tens of thousands of bronze-clad soldiers in the Battle of Muye.
Employing strategic maneuvers and leveraging their abundant resources, the Zhou army gradually wore down Shang's forces.
Disillusioned Shang soldiers, many harboring resentment, defected en masse, surrendering to the Zhou.
Seizing the opportunity, the Zhou army launched a decisive assault, shattering the Shang capital and toppling its long-standing rule.
With the Shang Dynasty's collapse, the Western Zhou Dynasty rose to prominence, its name echoing across the land.
System Notification:
"The Western Zhou Dynasty has achieved great renown. Its nationhood is officially established!"
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