Uchiha Kawa stood tall and proud behind Shimotsuki Kongming, recording the gains of each Ninja team.
Tanaka Ken's gaze swept over Uchiha Kawa, his heart full of confusion.
He had personally carried the man back, and after a rough check, only half of him remained. His injuries, which he had also personally examined, showed that his internal organs were all leaking.
How was it that after half a night, he reappeared whole, alive, and vigorous, his complexion even better than before his injury?
Shimotsuki Kongming crossed his hands and propped up his chin, "Everyone performed well. Rewards will be given for merit, and you will not lack money. I hope you will continue to work hard and Cultivate."
"Return to your respective Feudal Lords' territories as soon as possible to suppress the lawless elements who are taking advantage of the situation."
He raised his head, slowly stood up, and his eyes lingered on Uchiha Kawa for a moment.
"Uncle He, you will temporarily serve as Finance Minister. Later, I will find someone who is rich and loves money to replace you. Tanaka Ken will temporarily serve as Minister of Justice, primarily responsible for public order in various places."
"Yes, sir."
He turned his gaze to Uchiha Guo, "Guo Er, I'm entrusting the affairs of the Manor to you. From today on, you are the housekeeper of the Daimyo Manor. If you don't understand anything, just ask your father."
"Okay, young master, I'll listen to you."
Shimotsuki Kongming arranged the work for several people and called in the staff from the finance department to tally the amount of money, land, and shops acquired.
He summoned the System again, "I'm back. How many points did I get this time?"
"Congratulations, Host, you have received 3.0265 billion points, for a total of 4.5051 billion points."
Shimotsuki Kongming wanted to show off in front of Guo Er. He dramatically touched a scroll, put his hands behind his back, and looked up at the sky at a forty-five-degree angle.
"3.02 billion taels, is that a bit little?" he asked Uchiha Kawa, turning his head.
"Young master is amazing! You should sit down and have some tea, don't mess around and delay everyone's work."
He was pressed into a chair, and a cup of tea was placed in front of him with a thud.
Twenty minutes later, the number Shimotsuki Kongming reported differed from the tallied result by only tens of thousands of taels. Uchiha Kawa had a look as if he had seen a ghost, while Uchiha Guo looked at him with admiration.
"Young master, you're truly amazing! Could you touch these few scrolls again and tell me how much land all these land deeds add up to?"
You unlucky child, where did you get such strong curiosity? Shimotsuki Kongming, whose points had been reduced by tens of thousands of zeros by the System and who was currently heartbroken, gently patted Uchiha Guo's perky little bottom.
"Uncle He, record all the acquisitions in a ledger. We will need it in a few days."
The incident continued to escalate. News of the Daimyo Manor's armed conquest of the Seikawa Territory, the annihilation of eleven large and small Feudal Lords, and the confiscation of dozens of minor nobles' homes spread widely.
The Common People cheered, and the continuous sound of firecrackers throughout the night dispelled all past misfortunes. The dark clouds overhead dispersed, the unforgettable grudges were avenged, the deep-seated hatred dissipated, and their hearts were filled with gratitude for the Daimyo.
The Feudal Lords and Nobles were terrified, fearing that the same thing would happen to them. Mitsuki Kōmei successfully organized a gathering of Feudal Lords, and the remaining twenty-six Feudal Lords of the Land of Water, along with hundreds of nobles, gathered in Gongyō Territory.
"Only five days have passed, and Lord Shimotsuki has forced us to sit together again."
Mitsuki Kōmei sat in the main seat, full of vigor.
"A few days ago, we had some unpleasant disagreements. This time, our lives and fortunes are at stake, and I hope everyone can temporarily set aside their grievances and overcome this difficulty together."
Mitsuki Kōmei, who was getting into the swing of things, began to issue orders.
A group of people chattered, participating in the discussion, "Yes, yes, the Daimyo Manor's army occupies the Seikawa Territory and has not withdrawn, eyeing the surrounding territories greedily."
"Everyone, quiet down. No one knows what the Daimyo wants to do. We cannot sit idly by. I have two suggestions."
Mitsuki Kōmei interrupted the Feudal Lords' debate and told everyone his thoughts and suggestions.
"First, concentrate all our strength to guard against the Daimyo's next move. Also, let's pool our money to hire Ninja to protect our safety."
He raised his hand and extended his second finger.
"Second, select an envoy to go to the Daimyo Manor to sound out his intentions."
Mitsuki Kōmei's suggestions were unanimously approved, "Good, Lord Gongyō is still the most astute. We will go back and prepare immediately."
The Feudal Lords did not mention the envoy at all, clearly wanting the Gongyō Family to step forward. Mitsuki Kōmei had no choice but to send his son, Gongyō Boji.
Hidden Mist Village Mizukage Building, Mizukage's office.
"The young Daimyo is quite bold. He dared to act on his own without consulting me, and he didn't send anyone to explain afterward. Shinsuke, go ask him what he intends to do."
Shimotsuki Kongming, whom both groups were talking about, was currently lying comfortably in bed, silently communicating with the System.
"System, do you have any products for Physique development for sale?"
"Yes, Host. The System recommends you purchase the Gravity Cultivation Room, valued at 3 billion points. It can reach up to a hundred times gravity, making it the best choice for Physique development."
"Okay, I'll buy it. Fill my Chakra to 100 cards."
"Chakra increase complete. The miniaturized Gravity Cultivation Room has been sent to the Host's hand. The Host can place it as he wishes."
Shimotsuki Kongming's Chakra surged significantly. A mini-building appeared out of thin air in his palm. He flipped out of bed and entered Penglai Island.
He toured Penglai Island and chose to place the Gravity Cultivation Room next to a waterfall in the center of the island.
Currently, he hadn't developed even a trace of the Xuanwu Immortal Physique's potential. Next, he would focus on developing the Immortal Physique.
Yukino Shinsuke, the Mizukage's envoy, arrived at Daimyo City. Shimotsuki Kongming arranged for him to stay. The next day, Gongyō Boji, who had traveled day and night for two consecutive days, arrived, covered in dust.
Shimotsuki Kongming received the two in the Deliberation Hall. Uchiha Guo, wearing colored contact lenses, insisted on accompanying him.
"Lord Kongming..."
"Lord Shimotsuki..."
"I know you're in a hurry, but don't be. Let him speak first." Shimotsuki Kongming interrupted Yukino Shinsuke.
"Lord Shimotsuki, I represent the Feudal Lords and Nobles. May I ask why you initiated war against Seikawa and other Feudal Lords?"
Shimotsuki Kongming turned his head to Yukino Shinsuke.
"The Mizukage wants to know why you rebelled."
Shimotsuki Kongming nodded, cleared his throat, and said,
"As the Water Country Daimyo, I am essentially still a thirteen-year-old child. I am afraid of violence, afraid that Seikawa will attack me."
Shimotsuki Kongming stood up, slapped the table with his hand, and pointed to his heart.
"Terrified, unable to eat or sleep, you know that feeling, right!" Shimotsuki Kongming asked as if it were obvious.
"Fortunately, someone suggested striking first, and I thought it was very right."
Yukino Shinsuke watched Shimotsuki Kongming's performance, "Your explanation is excellent, I believe it completely. I will return immediately to report."
"Don't rush to leave. I'm hosting a banquet at noon to welcome you both. It won't take much more time, will it?"
"Thank you for your kindness, my lord, but I have a mission and cannot stay long."
Shimotsuki Kongming showed a look of regret, "What a pity. Yukino Shinsuke, please stay a moment. I have some local specialties I'd like you to take to the Mizukage for me."
"Guo Er, see Mr. Gongyō off. Also, bring me that small booklet on my desk."
A few minutes later, Shimotsuki Kongming took the small booklet Guo Er brought back and handed it to Yukino Shinsuke.
"Give this to the Mizukage, and also tell him that if he sends people to help me, the Hidden Mist Village can have half of the monetary gains, and their annual budget will increase by 200 million."
"Rest assured, my lord, I will deliver the message."
The poisoned bait has been cast, now we just wait for the fish to bite.