"Father, I've already sent someone to investigate the truth about Balak Kingdom," Xue Beng said, looking troubled.
Everyone was impressed by Xue Beng's quick action—he'd already found a counter for Spirit Hall and uncovered the truth behind Balak's betrayal. If only his character were better, he'd make a fine ruler.
His right arm had also fully recovered—though once severed by Chen Xin, Tang San had healed him with the Blue Silver Emperor's soul bone, and there were always a few spare soul bones in the royal treasury.
Xue Ye was pleased. "Son, what was the reason?"
Xue Beng explained, "It wasn't our cousin who betrayed us, but the two major families of Balak: the Ao and Luo families. Father, you know Balak has three-way power: the king is nominal, but military is controlled by Luo, and finance by Ao. Both families joined Spirit Hall and forced a palace coup—our cousin had no power to resist."
Xue Ye realized why Xue Beng looked so troubled—this was their own doing. Kundela, as royal blood, could not be trusted with full power. Xue Ye had secretly supported the two families to check him, keeping a three-way balance. Now, the two rival families had somehow united, leaving Kundela powerless—a mere figurehead. If not for their mutual distrust, Kundela would have been deposed already.
"Sect Master Ning, do you have any ideas for resisting Spirit Hall's future invasion?" Xue Ye asked Ning Fengzhi. Surely, with so many monsters in his family, he would have a plan.
But Ning Fengzhi acted indifferent, which annoyed Xue Ye.
"Your Majesty, I am not wise enough for strategies, nor did I foresee Balak's situation. I truly admire Crown Prince Xue Beng's insight. With such a wise heir, I dare not show off." Ning Fengzhi used the classic official tactic of deflection. He wasn't a court official, but this worked everywhere. He had no intention of interfering in the empire's struggle with Spirit Hall.
In fact, he needed Spirit Hall to attract attention, so the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect could develop in secret and buy time for Tianlin and Chen Xin. When they emerged, the sect would shock the entire continent.
"Your Majesty, I have a plan," Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang stepped forward, delighted. He loved showing off his talents before the powerful, proving that even if he wasn't strong, he wasn't useless.
"Oh? Speak, Grandmaster!" Xue Ye was excited—his handpicked Grandmaster was more reliable than Ning Fengzhi.
Seeing Yu Xiaogang's confidence, Ning Fengzhi secretly chuckled and whispered to Gu Rong, "Uncle Bone, he'll definitely suggest cooperating with Star Luo. Neither empire wants Spirit Hall to rise, and Star Luo hates them for stopping their unification. Star Luo's hatred is even deeper than ours."
"Your Majesty, let us cooperate with Star Luo Empire. They do not want Spirit Hall to grow, and Spirit Hall stopped their unification before. They are a perfect ally."
As expected, Yu Xiaogang's suggestion matched Ning Fengzhi's prediction. Ning Fengzhi continued whispering, "Next, he'll say Star Luo's military is stronger; when war breaks out, they'll be the main force, while we volunteer to handle Spirit Hall's soul master corps. With the Tang Army's hidden weapons, we can catch Spirit Hall off guard. After Spirit Hall and Star Luo are both exhausted, Your Majesty can unify the continent and become a legendary ruler."
"Your Majesty, Star Luo's military is stronger. Let them deal with Spirit Hall's army, while we take on the soul masters. With the Tang Army, we have a high chance of victory. Once Spirit Hall and Star Luo are both weakened, you can unify the continent and make history!" Grandmaster finished, and Emperor Xue Ye's eyes lit up.
That's right—while Spirit Hall's rebellion is a crisis, it's also a chance for unification!
"Excellent! Grandmaster, you are truly a pillar of the nation. We'll proceed as you suggest. But who should we send as envoy to Star Luo?"
"Uncle Bone, now Yu Xiaogang will volunteer," Ning Fengzhi whispered.
"Your Majesty, I volunteer. As a subject of Heaven Dou, I am duty-bound to serve our empire." Yu Xiaogang stepped forward.
Ning Fengzhi glanced at Gu Rong, silently asking: See? Was I right?
Gu Rong broke out in a cold sweat. Ning Fengzhi was too scary—thank goodness they were on the same side. Grandmaster thought himself clever, but was being played.
"Excellent! Once you succeed, I will reward you handsomely, and personally beg the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan to reinstate you." Emperor Xue Ye promised.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Yu Xiaogang was overjoyed. Returning to his clan in glory and shaming those who expelled him had been his dream since childhood.
After the meeting, on the way out, Gu Rong asked, "Fengzhi, since you'd already thought of the same plan as Yu Xiaogang, why let him take the credit? The emperor asked you first."
Ning Fengzhi smiled and shook his head. "I don't care for such attention. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect needs to keep a low profile these next three years. Besides, I haven't done nothing—Gu Ran and Lingling should already be taking action."